Why is it important to reduce our electronic waste?

Consumer electronics have made many things in life easier for almost everyone. Our smartphones are like having supercomputers in our pockets, and there is always an updated version available with even more developments that promise convenience, especially for those living in modern cities.

However, between smartphones, computers, televisions, printers, and more, we seem to be stuck in a cycle of buying and replacing that is creating a global e-waste emergency. Also known as e-wastethis world phenomenon is constantly increasing over the past ten years – but why is it important to reduce our electronic waste and what positive effects can it have?

Creating a smaller landfill from e-waste

There has been a lot of discussion lately creating a circular economy when it comes to our electronic waste. This would result in a reduction in the amount of e-waste produced, as more and more people would keep devices longer, pass them on to others and eventually recycle them. This process creates smaller landfills, which is especially important in urban locations with less space for general household waste.

Reduction of toxins in the environment

E-waste is non-biodegradable, which means that when it goes to landfill, it stays there instead of breaking down. This is not only a problem for the land used for waste, but also for the quality of the soil, water and air around these sites. Most electronic waste (usually thought of as just smartphones, computers and the like, but can be anything with a plug or battery) can release toxic chemicals like mercury and lead. They can be extremely harmful to both humans and animals, creating potential health consequences for generations.

Degradation of raw materials is a serious concern, and e-waste that is not properly recycled can be a huge contributor. Materials used to create modern devices include precious metals such as cobalt, gold and silver, leading to more invasive mining. By reducing the amount of e-waste we produce and reducing what we consume, we can combat these losses.

Another positive step is to ensure that your electronic goods are properly recycled, as the precious metals collected from recycled goods produce fewer emissions than those mined from the ground.

With mining these raw materials using so much energy, having a secondary source of these metals through recycling could be vital to reducing energy losses as well as reducing the depletion of natural resources. Using the right tools and strategies, much of e-waste is fully recyclable, so responsible disposal is a powerful tool.

Contribution to climate change initiatives

Climate change is now one of the leading topics in the media, and for good reason – it’s imperative that we take action to reduce our impact. While we all know about making more conscious choices with the cars we drive and the type of energy we use, it’s also worth considering how electronic waste can affect our climate.

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As we buy more and more electronic products, the manufacturing behind these goods can lead to an increase in CO2 emissions, with carbon dioxide released during production. All this happens before the product even reaches the consumer. Reducing the frequency with which we replace our electronic goods can be difficult, especially in competitive urban environments where you are surrounded by advertisements, but by waiting to replace items, less demand can create fewer of these harmful emissions.

Providing electronics for those who need them

If you live in an urban environment, you may know of some local initiatives aimed at supporting those who may not have easy access to electronic devices and other modern day essentials. Even if you need to replace your electronics before the end of their useful life, you can still contribute to the circular economy and create more opportunities for others by donating your electronic waste. This not only reduces the amount you send to the landfill, but will extend the life of “obsolete” items.

With so much electronic waste goes to landfill, the negative impact on the planet cannot be denied. However, by choosing more consciously both consumers and the companies that produce these products, it is possible to significantly reduce our electronic waste.

[Read more: What exactly is e-waste?]