Consumer Electronics Solar Power Energy Generation Guide
Consumer Electronics And Waste Management Practices
By Genevieve Thomson
When you think about consumer electronics, you may
think of equipment you use every day. Like televisions,
mobile phones and personal computers.
What you may not even consider is that each year, the
United States alone generates almost 3 million tons
of commodity and electronic waste (or e-waste) through
the disposal of damaged, defective and obsolete devices,
such as that cordless phone that quit working for you
or those mobile phones you threw away because you wanted
the latest models.
Let’s review our options and look at where that
e-waste ends up after it’s tossed away and the
effects it has on you and the environment. Because of
the difficulty and cost of recycling electronics, as
well as spotty enforcement of legislation regarding
e-waste exports, vast amounts of used electronics have
been sent to countries such as China, Kenya and India.
E-Waste Disposal Is A Big Concern
Lower environmental standards and working conditions
make processing e-waste more profitable yet dangerously
hazardous in those countries. Being mindful of e-waste
disposal is a big concern. There are facilities out
there that specifically deal with this hazardous material
correctly.
When electronics are handled and sorted properly, e-waste
is a valuable source of secondary raw materials. However,
they are a major contributor of toxins and carcinogens
when clumsily treated.
Environmental And Health Problems
Fast paced technology changes, low initial cost and
actual planned obsolescence have given way to a growing
problem around the globe. Uncontrolled burning, disassembly
without safety measures in place, and haphazard disposal
practices are causing environmental and health problems.
Toxic and carcinogenic substances in waste from consumer
electronics include lead, cadmium, mercury and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). When not handled properly, these substances
can seep into soil where food is grown. They can be
eaten or absorbed by animals in our food chain.
Toxic Fumes Inhaled By Humans And Animals
Illegal burning of these electronics causes toxic fumes
to be emitted, which are inhaled by animals and humans
and depletes the ozone. There are many ways in which
these substance cause serious health risks. Lead, cadmium
and mercury levels can build up in the body over time
causing damage to the central nervous system, renal
failure and cell damage. PCBs are known carcinogens.
How many reasons do we need to recycle – or perhaps
more practically, reuse – consumer electronics waste?
These four reasons may convince you to begin: mercury,
lead, cadmium and PCBs. They leech into soil and spill
into groundwater, contaminating our food and water supply.
They are known carcinogens.
By considering proper disposal, use and reuse of this
type of waste, you will not only be helping the environment,
you will be setting a good example for others to follow.
About the Author:
Genevieve Thomson has written a number of articles on
Recycling, Solar Power, Renewable Energy and Ecosystems
including
Car Recycling,
Recycling Programs,
Curbside Recycling,
Reduce Reuse Recycle,
Wind And Solar Power,
Solar Thermal,
Alternative Power Systems,
Alternative Fuel Vehicles,
Ecosystem Conservation.
Look out for new articles as they become available on this site.
Little Known Recycling Facts.....
Can everything be recycled?
Unfortunately not everything can
be recycled but a huge majority can be. Too bad, many
people are electing not to recycle anything at
all.
Batteries can be given new life,
plastics can be made into other products and even those
old newspapers and magazines can be made into new reading
materials. You cannot recycle old diapers but there
are ways that even that can be cut down by using reusable
cloth diapers.
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