E-waste and why it is such a big problem!

It was almost a decade ago where smartphones and tablets didn’t exist, at least not in the way we think of them today. Nowadays, nearly 70% of Canadians constantly have their eyes on the next new upgrade. This alone has created a larger problem than we ever anticipated. Why?  Because if more individuals are buying the latest upgrade, where do you propose they dispose of their old, outdated devices? The trash! That’s right, the majority of our population aren’t knowledgeable enough when it comes to the Waste Hierarchy or simply knowing the benefits of a sustainable life. This is due to either their negligence or never being taught as a child.

The significance of educating the children of today is vital to determine where our planet will be in 50 years from now. E-waste plays a major part in the current waste crisis, according to Stephan Sicars, Director, Department of Environment, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, “E-waste is a growing global challenge that poses a serious threat to the environment and human health worldwide.” The world harvests close to 50 million tonnes of e-waste annually as consumers and industries dispose of their old smartphones, laptops, desktops and household appliances—material worth an estimated $62.5 billion. Only a minute amount of the waste, which holds valuable and reusable material is ever recycled.

So, our question today is – Is it worth it? Is it actually worth effecting our environment? Wouldn’t the reuse method seem more appropriate and more sustainable? Reduce and reuse come before recycle for a reason, no? To have a truly sustainable influence on the global e-waste crisis, one must produce less to pollute less. Let’s intensify our efforts to pro long the lives of devices, keeping them out of landfills, and giving them second lives, seems to be the most concrete and intelligent tactic.

The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to address the growing problem of e-waste and the increasing ‘digital divide’. For over fifteen years, ERA has offered simple solutions to help individuals and organizations prevent operational equipment from premature destruction. With a focus on recovery, refurbishment and reuse, ERA continuously supplies charitable groups with donated IT equipment while securely managing the retiring IT assets of organizations and individuals across Canada.

As you can see from the chart below, ERA is doing their part for the environment. Analyzing this chart one can clearly see that Canadians are wanting to do more when it comes to sustainability. From 2016 to now, we have seen a massive flux in the amount of pickups ERA has complete across Canada. It is evident that more individuals are becoming aware of the problem lately this is obvious from the amount of electronics we have recycled over the past 4 years.

Contact ERA today and become a sustainable influencer.

References:

• https://unu.edu/media-relations/releases/un-world-economic-forum-and-partners-come-together-to-address-e-waste-challenges.html#info
• https://phys.org/news/2019-01-war-declared-world-e-waste-crisis.html