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THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUCING ELECTRONIC WASTE IN THE PUBLIC ENVIRONMENT

23 Dec 2023

Source:https://www.greeners.co/aksi/53-juta-ton-sampah-elektronik-kotori-dunia-kumpul-dan-daur-ulang/

Electronic waste or e-waste are an equipment that is no longer in use or has been discarded and thrown away. Therefore, it’s gonna be dangerous if e-waste is stored at home for such a long time. There’s so much common electronics good that people use then became an electronic waste, such as household equipment (fridges, freezers, washing machine, air conditioner or any other cooling equipment), entertainment equipment (computers, TV’s, monitor, screens or any telecommunications equipment and consumer electronic devices), toys equipment (electric cars, video game, or any toys electrical equipment), LED bulbs/fluorescent lamps or even just light bulbs and many more. There’s over 347.18 Mt (Million Metric Tonnes) of un-recycled e-waste on earth in 2023, as a result, China (produced 10129 KiloTons e-waste), USA (produced 6918 KiloTons e-waste) and India (produced 3230 KiloTons e-waste) are the most countries that produce e-waste based on the latest research (Ruiz, 2023).

If the handling of electronic waste is not done properly, it will have a negative impact on the environment. Electronic waste or waste containing hazardous and toxic substances (B3), when released into the environment, can cause a decrease in soil acidity that damages the soil and makes it infertile. Moreover, it can render the soil unsuitable for cultivation or habitation due to its hazardous content. Additionally, this waste can pollute groundwater sources and create air pollution by emitting harmful substances. When this waste contaminates the environment, its chemical components can pose a serious threat to human health. The effects involve the risk of cancer (carcinogenic), damage to organs such as the heart, liver, and spleen, chronic brain disorders, bronchitis, and even potential damage to DNA (mutagenic and teratogenic effects). Besides indirectly affecting health, this type of waste also has the potential to directly harm humans through incidents of explosions, fires, and corrosive reactions.

It’s important to educate the public about electronic waste, given the circumstances and how harmful it is to the environment.

There’s a lot of ways to raise awareness in society. Here are some examples:

  • Public Talks: Schedule talks on electronic waste at universities or community centres, led by experts.
  • Media Coverage: Seek coverage from local media outlets to amplify the message about e-waste reduction.
  • Workshops and Webinars: Plan activities to educate the public on the harm that electronic waste causes to the environment.

Here are some steps that the public can do to reduce electronic waste:

  • Educate yourself and others

Learning about the raw materials used to manufacture your mobile phone or laptop helps you understand how harmful those materials are.

  • Teach kids about e-waste

Children are our future and and it helps if we can instill a determination to recycle e-waste from a young age 

  • Buy Sustainable Products

Choose electronics from companies committed to sustainability and durability.

Reducing e-waste has several positive benefits for the environment and society. By reducing electronic waste, we can reduce negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution of natural resources and the spread of toxic substances. Apart from that, reducing electronic waste can also protect human health from various risks, such as radiation and pollutants. Therefore, adopting best practices in managing e-waste is essential to safeguard the welfare of the environment and society. Some ways to reduce e-waste include: 

  • Maintain the durability and durability of electronic goods. 
  • Maintain wise and optimal use of technology. 
  • Recycle and dispose of e-waste properly. 
  • Sell or donate old electronic devices. 
  • Think twice before buying or upgrading electronic devices. 

By implementing these practices, we can have a positive impact on the environment and society, and reduce the risks associated with e-waste.

In conclusion, the issue of electronic waste poses a significant threat to both the environment and human health. The staggering amount of unrecycled e-waste worldwide, as highlighted by the 347.18 million metric tonnes in 2023, necessitates urgent attention and responsible management. If not handled properly, e-waste can release hazardous and toxic substances into the environment, leading to soil degradation, water pollution, air contamination, and severe health risks for humans. The potential threats range from carcinogenic effects to damage to vital organs and chronic disorders.

Reducing the amount of electronic waste protects human health from potential risks while also protecting the environment and preventing the spread of dangerous chemicals. For the benefit of current and future generations, it is the duty of individuals as well as society as a whole to put these principles into action and promote a green way of managing electronic waste. 

From e-waste awareness drives to advocating for stronger legislation, each action you take contributes to a greener, healthier planet. Be the catalyst for change, because a better future starts with how we handle our electronic waste. 

References

Gabriella Cindy Kurniawan, RA Bernadette Aika Putri P, Ludovika, Hikmah Nadhilah Dinovic, Matthew Owen