E-fasting can minimise e-waste

Context: Electronic (e-waste) is emerging as a serious public health and environmental issue globally in this century.  
Why is e- waste generated and how different countries fare on the e-waste generation metric? 

• When obsolete devices are replaced by new devices due to the advent of new technologies, this, in turn, results in electronic waste. 
• United States and China are the first and second most electronic waste generating nations in the world. 
• India is the ‘fifth-largest electronic waste producer in the world’. Approximately 1.2 million tonnes of e-waste is generated annually in India, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  
• Majority of the e-waste ,about 70 percent comes from computer devices and then comes the telecom sector which has 12 percent share.
• Government, public sector companies and private sector companies, generate nearly 75% of electronic waste, with the contribution of individual households being only 16%. 

What are harmful effects of e-waste? 

• E-waste can pose several health hazards which include damage of kidney, immune system, reproductive system and central nervous system. 
• They can add heavy metals in landfills. 
• E-waste largely undergoes unorganised processing and recycling, which is not safe from the environmental point of view. 
• Children and adults who often live work and play in or near e-waste recycling centres are especially vulnerable to the effects of e-waste  

Road Ahead

• Electronics waste contains hazardous but also simultaneously valuable and scarce materials which should be extracted. 
• Segregation of e-waste from normal waste and estimation of the amount of e-waste generated are the first few steps which will help in proper processing and disposal of e-waste. 
• There is need for enhanced awareness among every individual about the cause and effects of e-waste and request cooperation in the disposal of the same. Users may be encouraged to practice digital fasting or e-fasting. 
• This involves reducing technology use — such as turning off notifications, turning phone off while working and setting limits for the amount of time spent on technology.  Manufacturers should be encouraged to produce greener electronics.