Poison on My Phone

When I was around three years old, I remember telling my mom I couldn’t wait to get older so that I can afford to buy myself a flip phone. But at the present, my dream phone is none other than the iPhone 13 in the color pink (but still subject to change if iPhone 14 releases a pink version).

Photos from: https://pin.it/108BRAa and https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-13/6.1-inch-display-128gb-pink-unlocked

Putting the photos side by side, I can’t help but be amazed at how far technology progressed in the past decade. 

However, other than awe, another thing I realized is since we stepped into the 2000s, computers, smartphones, and other gadgets popped up every now and then. When I go to the mall or browse on social media, I can only see people using the latest released versions. So where do all the outdated gadgets go?

They either end up in landfills, thrift stores, or even scrap yards, but the common denominator of these is that they become E-waste. Now the question is, what is e-waste?

According to Natural History Museum, everything that has plugs, cords, and electronic components is considered "e-waste" ( or electronic garbage). Televisions, laptops, mobile phones, and any form of home device, from air conditioners to children's toys, are the common contributors of e-waste. 

Photo from: https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/the-growing-environmental-risks-of-e-waste/

Sadly, e-waste severely damages our planet as they contain lead and mercury, two hazardous chemicals that can contaminate soil and water. According to statistics, for the year 2022, there will be about 347 Mt (Million Metric Tonnes) of electronic garbage that cannot be recycled. Think about how unhealthy that is for our environment! 


Photo from: https://www.wired.com/2014/12/product-design-and-recycling/

Here are things from The Roundup website you should remember about E-waste:

  1. It is NOT biodegradable.
  2. It releases dangerous substances into the environment.
  3. It plays a big part in climate change.
Another question to raise is, are manufacturing companies of these devices and gadgets doing something to aid the e-waste problem? The answer is yes. 

According to the Forbes website, Apple currently has trade-in and recycling programs in dozens of nations. You may turn in your old smartphone for credit toward a future purchase or an Apple gift card instead of throwing it away, and Apple will recycle it for free. The same thing is adopted by Microsoft; they started partnering with recycling organizations. 

Now, how about you? What's your part in E-waste management? The good news is you don't have to be Greta Thunberg to make a difference! 

Here's a list of things you SHOULD do or at least consider for the sake of our beloved planet: 

1) Upgrades should be put off as long as possible.
- That new phone on sale might be tempting but if you think your phone still works just fine, I think you're good! 

2) Give them to a relative.
- Badly needed an upgrade? Don't discard your phone or laptop right away, your younger cousin may still use it. That way, no e-waste is produced.

3) Bring your used gadgets to a facility that recycles e-waste.
-  In the Philippines, we actually have e-waste recycling facilities, go check them out using this link: https://www.8list.ph/e-waste-philippines/#read-more

If you've done any of the three, go pat yourself on the back because you deserve it! 

In conclusion, the technological age gave birth to phones, laptops, and many more devices which helped the human race transcend into the future. However, once these gadgets reach the end of their lifespans, they become poison to our planet. 


References: 

Bonnington, C. (2014, December 8). Our e-waste problem is ridiculous, and gadget makers aren't helping. Wired. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://www.wired.com/2014/12/product-design-and-recycling/

Gibbons, S. (2021, October 21). How companies are addressing the e-waste problem. Forbes. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/serenitygibbons/2021/10/21/how-companies-are-addressing-the-e-waste-problem/?sh=3eb2fcc67c21

Lotzof, K. (n.d.). What is e-waste and what can we do about it? Natural History Museum. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-ewaste-and-what-can-we-do-about-it.html

Maramara, K. (2021, June 10). E-waste Philippines: How to dispose of Your Electronic Waste Properly. 8List.ph. https://www.8list.ph/e-waste-philippines/

Ruiz, A. (2022, July 18). 17 shocking e-waste statistics in 2022. The Roundup. https://theroundup.org/global-e-waste-statistics/ 

The growing environmental risks of e-waste. Geneva Environment Network. (n.d.).  https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/the-growing-environmental-risks-of-e-waste/


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