Electronic Waste: More Than A Green Living Problem
Did you know that electronic waste is quickly becoming the biggest global ecological problem? Most of us don’t realize the devastation that electronic waste is posing to the environment.
Electronic waste, e-waste or e-scrap describes loosely discarded, surplus, obsolete, broken, electrical or electronic devices. Electronic equipment some very serious contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium and brominated flame retardants.
Rapid technology change, low initial cost, and planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of electronic waste around the globe.
If you are an advocate for green living than the recycling of electronic waste should be a top priority. Here are some facts about electronic waste:
- Nearly 2 millon tons of electronics wind up in landfills in the United States alone every year
- Approximately 50 million tons of electronic waste ends up in landfills worldwide
- Less than 20% of electronic waste is recycled
- Many recyclers sell electronic waste to brokers who ship it to developing countries where it is picked through by cheap labor and then melted down for salable products.
Electronic Waste has a serious impact on both human health and the environment due to the heavy metals and substances commonly contained in electronics. These materials include:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Brominated and chlorinated fire retardants
It seems that the ecological problem that electronic waste cause aren’t being taken seriously. Whether or not you’re an advocate of green living, t’s time to spread the word about the harmful effects of electronic waste.
source: green.wikia.com