Everyone at home has that one appliance that is never used or too old. Maybe an old DVD player, an old computer, an old printer and then what happens? They get shipped off and everything is okay right? If only it were true like we all believe. Those old appliances that you just threw away, maybe an old cell phone because it is ruined by the water, or your old iPod, all those devices do not end up in a local dump or get recycled, but rather they get shipped off in developing countries, where they shall lay for years and poison the environment. See, those devices that are amazing to us are not so amazing to the environment in the country, as the device has toxic chemicals within, that ruin the vegetation and pollute the surrounding. These appliances take, literally, a trip around the world, as most of them end up in China, India or Africa. Where workers must retrieve valuable materials by soaking the circuit boards in hot acid that melts the circuit boards away. Now i don't know about you, but hot acid? And that is not the worst part yet, the boiling acid has these toxic fumes that can lead to serious health problems. Due to little or no air ventilation, the workers inhale all those toxic fumes, poisoning their lungs which in years leads to cancer or major health problems. Oh did i forget to mention they do not have any sort of health regulations or support? That is right, the governments of these developing countries are not strong enough to create these regulation therefore the workers suffer the onslaught of inhaling venom everyday. The chemicals soon reach the surroundings and destroy any living ecosystems and any bodies of water. The city has now been taken over by electronic waste or e-waste as it is more known as. So those old appliances are not magically gone, but shipped across the globe to some other country where it is slowly being taken over by e-waste. Through the years e-waste creates a poisoned environment, creates major health problems and creates a dangerous black market. Next time you think about throwing your old device, think, you know where it will end up, you know the consequences. Instead throw it in a correct recycling center or tech stores. Best Buy recycles for free many appliances, old cellphones, music players and any other electronics. As well as cell phone companies have stands that accept your old cell phones. There is no magical dump out there, but instead a growing mountain side is being created by our old electronics waiting to tumble.
That is nasty, we should collect old cell phones and actually made sure they get to the stores and not on the streets. I see to many cell phones in my neighborhood
ReplyDeleteThis is something that people should seriously consider whenever they are throwing something away. A little thought can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, I understand why my dad makes a big deal about disposing electronics and batteries properly. I feel like everyone else should too, because we only have one world to live on; might as well make it last as long as we can.
ReplyDeleteThat's insane, I had no idea that this is what happens to all my old junk. That's just awful, I'm really glad that you're educating others on what really happens to our old technology. e-Waste definitely deserves awareness.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I really did not know any of this! This is really informative and important. I will definitely make an effort to dispose my electronics properly. I bought them so it should be my responsibility to take care of the waste in the appropriate manner.
ReplyDeleteThis is why I don't throw my cell phones away. I remember seeing a documentary about this on channel one. We need to stop being too luxurious and help the countries that need the help.
ReplyDeleteI understand that we cant just throw our cellphones away because of the hazard to the environment. However i think the real problem starts at the source, the manufacturers. They are to vlame for procing indettioable(sp?) plactics and toxic waste, and were responsilbe for our continued use of these cellphones.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see that E-waste plays such a huge role in pollution.. And i definitely think it's a good idea to spread the word that e waste needs to be recycled, so that it's not such a huge problem. I didn't even know that it had gotten to such a bad point!! I'm glad someone's getting the word out about this, because it's obviously gotten to the point where it can no longer be ignored.
ReplyDeleteThis was a true eye opener. I definitely think it is wrong to throw away these devices if they are such high polluters. It is also very rude and arrogant of America to dump such toxic waste on other people's homes ruining their land.
ReplyDeleteI was aware of this before, but didn't recall it when I traded off my broken phone to Verizon 2x for a replacement. I'll try my best to maintain my crappy Motorola, or put up with it. One less phone does something, right? I wonder if our Green Club's recycling bins also accepts cell phones too.
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