_ OMG... Amazing Bird’s Eye View Of Texas Fracking- POPE FRANCIS- WATER IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD Fracking-Texas-aerial-view- thousands and thousands of fracking sites in Texas alone.... California is near ruined.... USA ... what happened 2 u. Texas over 16,000 Fracking sites alone....
---------------------
EWASTE- breaking our hearts.... imagine 10 million slightly used phones dumped...
Apple sells more than 10 million new iPhones in first three days ...
www.news-daily.com/news/.../22/apple-sells-more-10-million-new-iphones-18 hours ago ... Apple said it sold more than 10 million iPhones in the first weekend after its newfirst-thre/ - Cached
... went on sale in New York in this file photo taken September 19, 2014. ... First-
day pre-orders for the new phones, which went on sale in 10 countries, far
surpassed the 2 million recorded for the iPhone 5 model two years ago.
--------------
Poland's carbon emissions billions to be spent on coal, cutting budget deficit
Greenpeace campaigners protesting against coal in Ptnów,
Poland. The sign says, "Coal - don't burn out our future". Dec 2008.
[Greenpeace Switzerland/Flickr]
Billions of euros from the sale of EU carbon credits and free emissions
allowances, given in exchange for commitments to diversify Poland’s energy mix,
will instead be spent on coal and cutting the country’s budget deficit, climate
campaigners have said.The allegations, by Greenpeace, the WWF and the Climate Action Network, were made in a report ahead of October’s summit of EU leaders in Brussels and put the spotlight on Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s patchy record on climate change.
The summit could be the last time that Tusk represents Poland in international energy negotiations before he takes over as President of the European Council in December, a role in which he must broker consensus among member states.
EU leaders will aim to reach agreement on carbon emissions targets for 2030 and inform the EU’s position at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
In January, Tusk opposed the weakened EU proposal for a binding 40% CO2 cut, a 27% share of renewables in Europe’s energy mix, and 30% improvement in energy wastage.
System not working
The report said existing EU mechanisms did not contribute to decarbonisation and energy diversification, despite political commitments to ensure they did.
Emissions allowances can be sold on the financial markets. A 2009 review of the Emissions Trading System’ (ETS) Directive decided that 10% of all auctioned emissions allowances would be distributed to poorer member states, including Poland – the “solidarity mechanism”.
The Kyoto bonus mechanism rewarded member states cutting their emissions with another 2% of auctioned allowances.
Assuming an average €10 carbon price between 2013 and 2020, Poland stands to receive €3 billion in solidarity and Kyoto payments.
The report said it plans to use the money to cut its budget deficit. That is against the ETS Directives recommendations, which call for half of revenues to go to fighting climate change.
It is also contrary to the political agreement by member states on the 2020 climate and energy package.
Free emissions allowances
As part of that package, free emissions allowances for electricity producers were offered to Poland, under the little known 10c derogation in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
By allowing Poland to grant free allowances, the European Commission hoped to boost low carbon investment. Article 10c investments should be aimed at ensuring the derogation is not needed in the future.
The offer was made in return for promises to invest in the modernisation and diversification of the energy mix. Crucially the agreement was not legally binding,
A transfer of about €7.5billion worth of free emissions allowances for electricity producers over the 2013 to 2019 period will be spent mostly on Poland’s dominant coal industry, the report found.
82% of planned projects in Poland support fossil fuels, i.e. coal, capacity modernisation and investments. 7% support biomass co-firing, which is linked to coal-firing.
10% of planned projects would support investments in the electrical grid and just 1% , three projects, would support renewable energy investments.
A worrying precedent?
A 2012 EurActiv investigation exposed that at least one of the coal plants for which Poland was requesting €7 billion of free carbon allowances under the 10c derogation did not exist.
Poland had applied for €33-million worth of free allowances for the Łęczna coal plant, near the Ukrainian border, but there was no visible evidence that any construction work has begun at the sleepy greenfield site.
Spotlight on Tusk
Earlier this month, a senior European Commission official told EurActiv.fr that Tusk’s selection as European Council President was a “challenge for climate change negotiations” because Poland has systematically tried to hold back EU climate policy.
The European Commission today (18 September) said it had taken note of the report.
The decision to bolster Poland’s dominant coal industry at the expense of other energy sources and to cut the country’s deficit budget rather than invest in cleaner energy was made under Tusk's watch.
Tusk will take over as council president at a time when the EU’s dependence on Russian energy is high on the political agenda.
"If the billions in free carbon allowances and other exemptions had been used as they were intended, Poland could by now have kick-started a viable clean energysector,” said Joris den Blanken, EU climate policy director at Greenpeace Europe.
“Instead, the allowances have supported the use of coal and done almost nothing to reduce Poland’s dependence on Russian energy imports.”
Energy union
Tusk has called for an energy union to reduce the EU’s addiction to Russian gas.
Last April, Tusk said the EU should pay up to 75% of the bill for the gas infrastructure needed to be able to create an efficient network, including pipelines and interconnectors between member states.
He also advocated more effective mechanisms of “gas solidarity” in the event of crisis in deliveries and common purchasing of gas from outside suppliers.
Tusk hosted the 19th UN Climate Change Conference in 2013, amid widespread criticism of his country’s record on climate change.
He changed his minister for the environment in the middle of the conference, appointing Maciej Grabowski, an economist and backer of shale gas extraction.
Grabowski announced in June that around 60 exploratory shale gas wells had been dug in Poland, which is in the forefront of European exploration for shale.
Timeline:
- 23-24 Oct.: Member states decide on the energy efficiency targets in the EU Council
- Oct. 2014: European Council expected to agree 2030 climate and energy targets
- Dec. 2014: UNFCCC Climate Summit in Lima, Peru
- Dec. 2015: UNFCCC Climate Summit in Paris expected to agree outline of global legally-binding climate treaty
- 2017: Next review of the measures on energy efficiency planned by the Commission
- 2020: Deadline for EU to meet target of 20% greenhouse gas reduction as measured against 1990 levels, a 20% share for renewable energy in the bloc's energy mix, and a non-binding goal of a 20% energy efficiency improvement, measured against 2005 levels
External
links:
Greenpeace
- Report: Stronger Together
Press articles
- EurActiv.com: Poland demands free carbon allowances for ghost coal plants
- EurActiv.com: Election of Donald Tusk puts EU climate position in doubt
- EurActiv.com: Poland hopes Tusk will create an EU Energy Union
- EurActiv.com: Lawmakers to vote on EU's €5bn carbon permit giveaway
- EurActiv.com: Fighting climate change needn’t cost growth and jobs, EU leaders told
- EurActiv Germany: Polen investiert Milliarden aus Emissionshandel in Kohle
---------------
70,882,657 CHINA POPULATION 1,366,900,000
66,570,664 USA POPULATION 318,787,000
20,119, 305 RUSSIA POPULATION 146,149,200
15,258,821 INDIA POPULATION 1,249,620,000
14, 850,157 JAPAN POPULATION 127,040,000
9,289, 390 GERMANY POPULATION 80,781,000
9,202,154 CANADA POPULATION 35,427,524
7,337, 851 FRANCE POPULATION 65,991,000
HIGHEST GLOBAL ENERGY CONSUMERS....
- Global Energy Rankings September 23 2014
-----------------
The 2011 Durban Climate Change Conference is a case in point – we’re three years later and no agreements have been reached. All these meetings are mere rhetoric aimed at duping the public into thinking that our leaders are taking action.
-----------------------
Recycling helps us avoid
tackling climate change
By Amit Singh |
epsos.de
under a Creative Commons
Licence
Climate
change and environmental destruction are contentious and disputed topics.
In the
US, for instance, there is a powerful faction of Republican politicians who
flat-out deny that climate change even exists. In Britain, the Environment
Secretary, Owen
Patterson, is also a climate change sceptic, oddly enough.
These
denials go against science: carbon emissions have increased by 35 per cent
since 1990, and climate change is responsible for
over 300,000 deaths a year, a figure that could rise to half a million people
by 2030. It is blindingly obvious that we are heading towards environmental
destruction and any failure to admit this is negligent and dangerous.
The
international system has set numerous targets to resolve the crisis, such as
the UN Millennium Development Goals on the environment, but they are rarely
met. The many environment summits which regularly take place also fail to
produce tangible results, with the big powers failing to agree on terms.
The 2011 Durban Climate Change Conference is a case in point – we’re three years later and no agreements have been reached. All these meetings are mere rhetoric aimed at duping the public into thinking that our leaders are taking action.
On the
micro level, people tend to make quite an effort. We’re often told to monitor
our carbon footprint and in many countries, recycling has become normalized, a
part of citizens’ daily routine. These micro-level changes are theoretically
somewhat reducing our environmental crisis. Or so we are led to believe.
A greener
approach is encouraged by the governments, for both businesses and ordinary
citizens. Despite this, the environment isn’t improving. When we take our small
green steps, we tend to assume that we are solving the problem, and that we
don’t need to worry about it anymore. This veneer of ‘action’ misleads us and
essentially pulls the wool over our eyes, stopping us from asking deeper
questions about the environment and what truly contributes to climate change
and wider environmental degradation.
We
recycle our waste, but do not link it to the consumer society we live in. The
media and advertising industries are constantly telling us to buy things we
don’t need, yet we rarely, if ever, link this to climate change. Our efforts to
recycle nullify us and prevent deeper thought.
Over-consumption
ties into a critical point, as raised by David Cromwell, co-founder of Media Lens and author of Why Are We The
Good Guys. Debates surrounding the environment seldom link the problem to
capitalism, and they are too often seen as separate issues. Capitalism is the
elephant in the room.
Our
capitalist world encourages and engrains a consumerist mentality that is driving
us to environmental ruin. The
World Watch Institute estimated that if everyone consumed at the same rate
as your average American, then the world would only be able to support 1.4
billion people.
However,
capitalism needs that mentality to exist in order for corporations to thrive,
and doing the recycling won’t change our consumerist habits. It’s
precisely this ideology that’s behind the extraction of resources meant to
facilitate our lifestyles. The environmental damage done by extractive
industries far outweighs what we can achieve as individuals on a micro-level.
The
United Nations Environment Programme recently released a
report
highlighting how environmental damage caused by Shell in Ogoniland,
Nigeria, could take more than 30 years to be reversed. Still, we don’t make the
link between what happens in places like Ogoniland and our consumer lifestyles
at home. There is a huge disconnect there and environmental NGOs are often
closely linked
to big business, so they can’t act as whistleblowers anymore.
Extractive
industries have a huge influence in the policy making sphere, particularly in
the US. Climate change organization 350.org estimates
that 94 per cent of US Chamber of Commerce contributions went to climate denier
candidates, with the oil and gas industries’ lobby worth
almost $1.5 billion per year.
Thus,
it’s not difficult to see who is shaping policy and why our environmental crisis
has only worsened in recent decades. As long as there are powerful interest
groups influencing the EU and the US governments, it is unrealistic to expect
international conventions to ever make a difference.
‘Big
business’ has more say than local groups, such as indigenous people, who often
have a powerful environmental message to share, but who are persistently
ignored. Noam Chomsky aptly described
this in a recent interview with Salon: ‘It’s beyond irony that the richest
most powerful countries in the world are racing towards disaster while the
so-called primitive societies are the ones at the forefront of trying to avert
it.’
There is
definitely merit in reducing our individual carbon foot prints, but in the
grand scheme of things, it is unlikely to make any difference to the planet’s
environmental outlook; at least, not as long as capitalism reigns supreme.
Encouraging
micro-level changes and giving money to green NGOs merely serves as a
smokescreen to prevent real in-depth analysis. It almost facilitates a system
whereby corporate-made environmental degradation can continue, while we keep on
recycling and forget about the problem.
In order
to truly make a change we must begin to ask deeper questions about the society
in which we live in and start trying to operate outside of the status quo
capitalist framework.
-----------------------
THEY TAKE PARADISE AND PUT UP A PARKING LOT- from the 60s- nothing's changed
We said this in the 60s.... and here we are 2014- and now E-Waste (all your internet toys and phones and ipads blah, blah, blah) is worse than all the digging up our lands, rivers, oceans and destroying Indigenous peoples - O Canada... O World... what happened?
Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell - Cartoon - Sonny and Cher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqFCoPtCX44
Big Yellow Taxi
by Joni Mitchell
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel *, a boutique
And a swinging hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
They took all the trees
Put 'em in a tree museum *
And they charged the people
A dollar and a half just to see 'em
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
Hey farmer farmer
Put away that DDT * now
Give me spots on my apples
But leave me the birds and the bees
Please!
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
Late last night
I heard the screen door slam
And a big yellow taxi
Took away my old man
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
-UN CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT- SEPTEMBER 2014 Germany, Australia, Japan and Canada among those who will not be attending
Not Going to be There
Indian media has for weeks published that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the world's third-largest greenhouse gas-emitting nation, will not join his U.S. counterparts at the United Nations climate summit this month in New York. Chinese president Xi Jinping has now officially decided to skip this meeting of leaders to discuss climate change in New York. Possibly the supreme insult for Barack Obama and his all-new, all-fervent ally on defeating the menace of Global Warming, France's Francois Hollande who will host the downsized 2015 summit, the German daily TAZ reports that Chancellor Angela Merkel is not going to bother to attend the Ban Ki-Moon conference in New York. TAZ adds that Merkel’s decision to snub the event is probably a clear sign that efforts to forge a global and binding climate agreement are already dead in water.
Other national leaders who will certainly not be there include the prime ministers of Japan, Canada and Australia who have already formally abandoned any idea of Kyoto Treaty carbon taxes and obligatory emissions trading in their own countries
comment:
A GREAT DEAL OF $$$$ IS BEING SPENT- As recovering folks and war babies of WWII have learned.... each of us is responsible and can change our environment in our communities and our areas.... if we all do this... we have accomplished climate change
.... $$$ trillions and $$$ billions are spent on these big huge UN climate get-2gethers... why doesn't each country SKYPE??? 2 save $$$ and spend that UN (our $$$) money on our nations at home actually educating and renewing our responsibilities 2 our planet...and helping our countries poor get decent lives...imho
--------------------
CANADA: Canada's Environment- interesting Liberals over do it wit goals that can never be reached with only 36 million folks - NDP pretend 2 give a sheet and Tories are honest about 'caring' but not when jobs and prosperity are affected- Greenies can't even organize a real party and Bloc is a mess -however 36 million Canadians give a sheet - and from the ground up we will change the world- just like we love our troops, our kids and our hockey- Atlantic Canada has been threatened $$$ (which by the way- oil gas mining so much digging $$$ never gets 2 us taxpayers) and we don't give a sheeet- our environment matters. imho
CLIMATE
CHANGE HELL IS HERE FOLKS....
.jpg)
.jpg)
Obama
White House offering 30-year eagle-killing permits in plan to boost windmill
industry
GET
THE POINT- NO OWNERS OF FRACKING WILL CLEAN UP THEIR WASTE MESS... ASK NOVA
SCOTIA...
400 march in Halifax to show environmental conscience
DAN ARSENAULT STAFF REPORTER
Published September 21, 2014
Event
part of a worldwide rally to promote climate friendly practices 
Supporters
of the The People`s Climate March gather at the base of Citadel Hill on Sunday
advocating for more environmentally friendly practices. (TED PRITCHARD)
Newly
disclosed documents reveal that open air tailings ponds from hydraulic
fracturing—such as this one in Hants County, NS—contain high levels of ...
Published September 21, 2014
Sloughs of Despond
Fracking wastewater ponds languish in Hants County
Newly
disclosed documents reveal that open air tailings ponds from hydraulic
fracturing—such as this one in Hants County, NS—contain high levels of
radioactive contaminants and most likely other known carcinogens. The Nova
Scotian provincial government is currently reviewing its regulations around
hydraulic fracturing.PHOTO: STEVEN WENDLAND
HALIFAX—Hydraulic fracturing
wastewater shown to contain high levels of radioactive contaminants has been
sitting in two open containment pits in Hants County, Nova Scotia, since 2007,
the Media Co-op has learned.
Families of chemicals that Triangle used in its fracking slurry
for the Kennetcook wells (among others):
Diethylene glycols: An endocrine disruptor known to adversely affect development, the
reproductive, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory and nervous
systems, and to impair function of the kidneys, liver, skin, and eyes.
WTF
Nova Scotia
Fracking
waste water leak in Kennetcook investigated
There are an estimated 27
million litres of fracking waste water in Nova Scotia
AND..
WTF IS
UP WITH ONTARIO???
U.S.
senator urges Obama to oppose Ontario’s plan to bury nuclear waste near Lake
Huron
$40M Buddhist temple project in jeopardy after Ontario government
approves windfarm next to it
‘Guinea
pigs in the name of green energy': Ontario families call on court to stop
construction of huge wind farm
Arctic
Cod fishery recovery aided by Norway and Russia
Russian Trawlers Flout Cod Quotas in Arctic
The
prime cod fishing grounds of North America have been depleted or wiped out by
overfishing and poor management. But in Arctic waters, Norway and Russia are
working cooperatively to sustain a highly productive — and profitable -
northern cod fishery.
What
years of dwelling in the cold Atlantic had amassed, an army of knife-wielding,
white-suited Norwegian factory workers were taking apart in just minutes. In a
consummate display of optimization, streams of fish parts were whisked along on
conveyor belts around and above me, with various cuts destined for their most
appropriate markets. Nothing was wasted, not skin, fins, bones, offal, or roe.
Fresh tongues went straight to Oslo. Whole heads were bound for Nigeria.
At
Georges Bank and other historical cod fishing grounds of New England, stocks of
the once plentiful groundfish are at near record lows. In the fisheries of the
Canadian Maritimes, the cod population long ago succumbed to overfishing and
collapsed. And yet in the Arctic Circle village of Melbu, at one of nine Norway
Seafoods cod processing plants, a productive fishing industry is thriving.
--------------
Norway
has biggest whaling season in over 20 years
As of
late August, Norway has killed 729 northern minke whales (Balaenoptera
acutorostrata) during its annual whaling season, the highest number taken since
1993. Norway continues whaling by having filed an "objection" under
the International Whaling Commission (IWC), which has banned whaling worldwide
aside from a few exceptions for indigenous peoples
Only
three countries continue to practice whaling: Iceland, Norway, and Japan. In
contrast to Norway, both Iceland and Japan conduct whaling under a research
banner. However, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently ruled that
Japan could not continue its hunt as it had conducted little science despite
the slaughter of 3,600 whales. Japan is now trying to circumvent the ruling by
abiding by research regulations.
These
three countries have also lobbied to overturn the IWC ban on whaling.
Svein
Ove Haugland, deputy director of the Norwegian Fishermen's Sales Organization,
admitted to the Agence France-Presse that demand for whale meat is dropping
even while the 2014 season was "very good."
"There's
a bottleneck in the market and the distribution. We must rebuild demand for
whale meat, subject to tough competition from meat and fish," he said.
Norway
has a quota of 1,286 whales for the total season.
The
northern minke whale is the smallest rorqual whale—a cetacean family consisting
of nine species—and the second smallest of the world's baleen baleen whale. The
northern minke is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, which
estimates that there are around 180,000 northern minkes currently. Just over
100,000 are in the Atlantic where Norway fishes.
Continue
reading at ENN affiliate MONGABAY.COM
-----------------
.jpg)
CANADA: Canada's Environment- interesting Liberals over do it wit goals that can never be reached with only 36 million folks - NDP pretend 2 give a sheet and Tories are honest about 'caring' but not when jobs and prosperity are affected- Greenies can't even organize a real party and Bloc is a mess -however 36 million Canadians give a sheet - and from the ground up we will change the world- just like we love our troops, our kids and our hockey- Atlantic Canada has been threatened $$$ (which by the way- oil gas mining so much digging $$$ never gets 2 us taxpayers) and we don't give a sheeet- our environment matters. imho
TRILLIONS AND TRILLIONS OF E-WASTE- killing our planet- those hundred phones each/ ipads/games/tv/laptops have created the worst environment disaster of all time- UNITED NATIONS AND IT'S CONGLOMERATES HAVE RUINED OUR WORLD- we must fix this look at the horror and the poorest of the poor dumped with this filth shame on electronic conglomerates/UN greed and nations politicians - schools etc. this is wrong
TRILLIONS OF E-WASTE - destroying our planet more than any mining/fracking or humanity's wars=-UNITED NATIONS BETRAYS AGAIN- $$$$ conglomerates UN embraces have created global Environmental Nightmare- ewwww why not one phone 4 life- 1 ipad/computer/tv /game 4 life- talk about oil and fracking, mining coal and poisoned additives 2 food- come on- everyday people should NOT get stuck with this bill folks
Estimate: 90 Million U.S. Tablet Users By 2014; iPads Drop ...
techcrunch.com/.../estimate-90-million-u-s-tablet-users-by-2014-ipads-dr...
Nov 21, 2011 - By 2014, there will be an estimated 61 million iPad users in the U.S. But the ... I think over time we will see more households with multiple tablets, just ... work at MS (or ASUS for that matter) but I do think the comment is valid.
God Bless the USA
God Bless Canada
Illegal diversion of e-waste is commonplace - Canadian ...
www.canadianbusiness.com/companies-and.../where-computers-go-to-di...
May 28, 2013 - Charges have been laid against B.C. e-waste company Electronics Recycling ... March 26, 2008 in Guiyu, China (Photo: Chien-min Chung/Corbis) ...“China now appears to be the largest e-waste dumping site in the world,” ...
Your Love for Electronics
Is Killing the Planet, and You Don’t Even Know It
The global
electronics industry uses loads of resources, causes a lot of pollution
By Laura Sinpetru
on September 6th, 2014 23:37 GMT
Earlier
this week, environmental group Greenpeace released a report saying that as many as 2.5
billion mobiles, computers and tablets would find loving homes by the end of
this year.
“That’s
terrific news! They all look so sad, sitting around in stores, waiting for
somebody to pick them up and take them home,” some might want to say.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but Greenpeace’s estimate concerning electronics sales this year are not exactly good news. Not for public health and natural ecosystems worldwide, that is.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but Greenpeace’s estimate concerning electronics sales this year are not exactly good news. Not for public health and natural ecosystems worldwide, that is.
Let Me Break It Down for
You
To keep afloat, the electronics industry needs
to continuously use raw materials and energy to make new products, which it
then sells to people.
Some companies, i.e. Nokia, Sony, Ericsson, and Apple, have taken steps towards improving on their ecological footprint by including more environmentally friendly materials in their supply chain, but many are yet to do so.
More precisely, clean electronics are estimated to account for about 50% of the gadgets and gizmos currently available on the global market. The remaining 50%, on the other hand, contain traces of dangerous compounds such as PVC and harmful flame retardants.
Apart from the fact that it still uses hazardous materials to make its products, the electronics industry is guilty of relying on dirty energy to keep up and running. This is especially true for suppliers in East Asia, where manufacturing processes are chiefly powered by fossil fuels.
Add to this the fact that most gadgets and gizmos are thrown away and replaced with brand new ones shortly after being bought, which leads to the creation of tons of e-waste, and it’s not all that difficult to figure out why greenheads don’t exactly like the electronics industry.
It is estimated that, under a business-as-usual scenario, the world will end up creating about 65.4 million metric tons of toxic e-waste in the year 2017 alone. One does not have to go around hugging trees day in, day out to figure out that this does not spell good news for the planet.
So, What Does This Have to Do with Us, Ordinary Folks?
OK, so the global electronics industry uses a lot of resources, causes environmental pollution, and fuels climate change and global warming. "What does this have to do with me?" some might be tempted to ask right about now.
Well, the thing about supply and demand is that they go hand in hand. Otherwise put, the reason the global electronics industry keeps creating and marketing products is that you are ready and willing to buy them.
Now, if you are one of those people who buy one gadget or another because you actually need it and not just because the company manufacturing it makes it sound oh so amazing – by the way, for those unaware, advertising campaigns are a form of manipulation – my apologies.
In fact, here’s a picture of a baby seal looking all cute and cuddly to make up for having taken up your time:
Some companies, i.e. Nokia, Sony, Ericsson, and Apple, have taken steps towards improving on their ecological footprint by including more environmentally friendly materials in their supply chain, but many are yet to do so.
More precisely, clean electronics are estimated to account for about 50% of the gadgets and gizmos currently available on the global market. The remaining 50%, on the other hand, contain traces of dangerous compounds such as PVC and harmful flame retardants.
Apart from the fact that it still uses hazardous materials to make its products, the electronics industry is guilty of relying on dirty energy to keep up and running. This is especially true for suppliers in East Asia, where manufacturing processes are chiefly powered by fossil fuels.
Add to this the fact that most gadgets and gizmos are thrown away and replaced with brand new ones shortly after being bought, which leads to the creation of tons of e-waste, and it’s not all that difficult to figure out why greenheads don’t exactly like the electronics industry.
It is estimated that, under a business-as-usual scenario, the world will end up creating about 65.4 million metric tons of toxic e-waste in the year 2017 alone. One does not have to go around hugging trees day in, day out to figure out that this does not spell good news for the planet.
So, What Does This Have to Do with Us, Ordinary Folks?
OK, so the global electronics industry uses a lot of resources, causes environmental pollution, and fuels climate change and global warming. "What does this have to do with me?" some might be tempted to ask right about now.
Well, the thing about supply and demand is that they go hand in hand. Otherwise put, the reason the global electronics industry keeps creating and marketing products is that you are ready and willing to buy them.
Now, if you are one of those people who buy one gadget or another because you actually need it and not just because the company manufacturing it makes it sound oh so amazing – by the way, for those unaware, advertising campaigns are a form of manipulation – my apologies.
In fact, here’s a picture of a baby seal looking all cute and cuddly to make up for having taken up your time:
Cute baby
seal is cute
I don’t want to sound all preachy, so I’m not going to lash out at some people’s habit to get a new phone every other couple of months and replace their TV as soon as a new model comes out. Still, there are some things that I would very much like to point out.
Sustainability is not something high officials alone should bother themselves with. Sustainability starts with each and every one of us. Otherwise put, it’s our duty (to our planet, if you will) to keep our ecological footprint at a minimum, and we don’t even have to cover our home in solar panels to do so.
On the contrary, it’s simple things like holding on to a phone for more than just a few months and not buying a gadgets or a gizmo simply because we think that we would look really cool walking around with it that can make a huge difference.
Mind you, I’m not making a case for a glorious return to the Stone Age. I’m just saying that, simply by choosing to replace our mobiles, computers, tablets, and whatnot later rather than sooner (when we absolutely have to do so, to be more precise), we too can help limit climate change and global warming.
But hey, this is just my take on things. We can always agree to disagree. Just use the trustworthy comments section below to let me know what you think.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Your-Love-for-Electronics-Is-Killing-the-Planet-and-You-Don-t-Even-Know-It-457915.shtml
---
Big Yellow Taxi - Joni
Mitchell - Cartoon - Sonny and Cher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqFCoPtCX44
--------------
The Environmental Cost of E-Waste
: Killing Our Planet Slowly
Posted by iphoneproj2011
on April 19, 2011 · Leave
a Comment The United Nations Environment Programme points out rightly in its report on e-waste (UNEP:2009) that China does not have the proper technology and skills to take part in proper e-waste recycling. Instead, it is “dominated by the informal sector. Low technologies are applied by low skilled workers, resulting in high health and environmental risk, including open-sky incineration and wet chemical leaching of metals”.
However, the environmental damage produced by every single chemical is not well known yet, but studies suppose that if these chemicals harm human beings, they will consequently harm the environment. As electronic waste is burnt or dissembled with acid, the toxic chemicals flow into the air, the water, and the soil. However, each of these brings the contamination further, as for instance the soil will contaminate the food that is grown, and the person eating the fruit will be exposed to health hazards. Thus, the issue of environmental cost and human cost cannot be separated.
As Robinson claims in his study on e-waste (Robinson:2009), “although illegal under the Basel Convention, rich countries export an unknown quantity of E-waste to poor countries, where recycling techniques include burning and dissolution in strong acids with few measures to protect human health and the environment. Such reprocessing initially results in extreme localised contamination followed by migration of the contaminants into receiving waters and food chains. E-waste workers suffer negative health effects through skin contact and inhalation, while the wider community are exposed to the contaminants through smoke, dust, drinking water and food. There is evidence that E-waste associated contaminants may be present in some agricultural or manufactured products for export. »”
Of course, the contamination of the environment is closely linked with the health hazards human beings are affected from in the context of e-waste. Indeed, looking at the table below where scientific studies show the difference in metal amount extracted from the Liangjiang River outside Guiyu and the amount recommended by health organizations, one can see an enormous discrepancy. Indeed, the example of lead is straightforward: whereas the World Health Guidelines recommend 0.01 mg/L, the second sample from the river contains 24 mg/L. The consequence of this is not only the pollution of water but the inevitable contamination of people living around the river too. Indeed, even if it is not drunk, vegetation or food will grow from that water’s support and plates will be washed in that water for instance.
http://amath.colorado.edu/computing/Recycling/EWaste.pdf
That is for the general issue. When considering Apple, Greenpeace sent the 1st generation of iphone to the University of Exeter and the results tested positive for bromine and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The lead and the chromium were found in legal amounts under the European Union Restriction on Hazardous Substances. However, the presence of polyvinyl chloride became a strong problem since, when burnt it “can contribute to the formation of highly toxic and persistent chlorinated dioxins. In landfills, some of the chemical additives contained in PVC may leach out, adding to the overall contaminant burden of landfill leachate”(Greenpeace:2010). Similarly, the use of bromine was attacked by Greenpeace due to the “chemical structures of BFRs [that] can be partially or completely destroyed, creating free reactive forms of bromine which can recombine with other elements in the waste gases to form other highly toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative by-products, including brominated dioxins” (Greenpeace:2010) when burnt as in recycling. Apple eliminated these in its other generations of iphones.
Bibliography:
-Greenpeace (2010), Why BFRs and PVC Should be Phased out of Electronic Devices, 26 February 2010, found at http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/toxics/electronics/the-e-waste-problem/what-s-in-electronic-devices/bfr-pvc-toxic/ ,accessed 07/04/2011
-Greenpeace (2007), Missed Call: Iphone’s Hazardous Chemicals, October 2007, found athttp://www.greenpeace.org/international/PageFiles/25275/iPhones-hazardous-chemicals.pdf, accessed on 07/04/2011
-Robinson (2009), “E-waste: an assessment of global production and environmental impacts” in The Science of the Total Environment, 20 December 2009, found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title%20Word&term=Robinson%5Bauthor%5D%20AND%20E-waste%3A%20an%20assessment%20of%20global%20production%20and%20environmental%20impacts.%20AND%20Sci%20Total%20Environ%5BJournal%5D%20AND%202009%5BPublication%20Date%5D%20AND%20183%5BPagination%5D, accessed on 05/04/2011
-The Basel Action Network and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (February 2002),”Annex III-Guiyu Sample Results and Water Quality Comparison” in Exporting Harm, the High tech Trashing of Asia found athttp://amath.colorado.edu/computing/Recycling/EWaste.pdf , p.47, accessed on 05/04/2011
- UNEP (July 2009), Recycling – from E-Waste to Resources, found athttp://www.unep.org/PDF/PressReleases/E-Waste_publication_screen_FINALVERSION-sml.pdf, accessed on 05/04/2011, p.92
Perhaps a new
App is not the answer…
·
Categories
A
vist to the Li Tong Group
The International Industrial
Centre houses the Hong Kong office of the Li Tong Group, Apple’s official
recycler for the region. We paid Li Tong a vist to find out about their
involvement with Apple. Unfortunately the staff were reluctant to talk to us
and seemed in a rush to close the door on us We have … Continue
reading Filed under 03. Disposal
Content
page for production category
1. New product has come, but on
where should the spotlight be? 2. A brief review of SACOM’s seminar on
Foxconn’s Incidents 3. Book review: The Serial Jumps behind Foxconn’s Success
4. External Structural Cause of Foxconn Tragedy 5. Foxconn Labour Exploitation
Deadlock 6. Apple’s social responsibility? 7. NGOs’ claims against Apple’s
labour issue 8. … Continue
reading Filed under 02. Production
Child
Labour Issues on Apple’s Chinese Suppliers
In Apple’s Supplier
Responsibility Report 2011, Apple discovered that 91 children under the age of
16 working illegally at 10 Chinese factories making Apple products. Also, Apple
also finally admits its supplier was responsible for this. International
Standards The main international and legal instruments related to child labour
are the Conventions of the International Labour … Continue
reading Filed under 02. Production
The
Environmental Cost of E-Waste : Killing Our Planet Slowly
The United Nations Environment
Programme points out rightly in its report on e-waste (UNEP:2009) that
China does not have the proper technology and skills to take part in
proper e-waste recycling. Instead, it is “dominated by the informal sector. Low
technologies are applied by low skilled workers, resulting in high health and
environmental risk, including … Continue
reading Filed under 03. Disposal
The
Theory of Corporate Social responsibility and the Challenges it faced
under Globalization
‘Corporate Social Responsibility’
(CSR) refers to a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business
model, which usually involves active compliance with the law, ethical
standards, and international norms. This theory aims to achieve positive
impacts on the environment, consumers, employees, and the communities. Under
the force of globalization, this theory has been challenged by … Continue
reading Filed under 02. Production
The Human Cost of
E-Waste: Is that new phone really worth the damage?
Elizabeth Grossman starts her
book High Tech Trash: The First Global Investigation of Technology’s Toxic
Underside by quoting Lyndon B.Johnson : “If future generations are to
remember us with gratitude rather than with sorrow, we must achieve more than
just the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as
God really made … Continue reading Filed under 03. Disposal
Perhaps a new
App is not the answer…
By Rhona Murray Hi Steve, I’d
planned to buy a new iPhone tomorrow – my first upgrade since buying the very
first version on the first day of its release – but I’m hesitant without
knowing Apple’s position on sourcing the minerals in its products. Are you
currently making any effort to source conflict-free minerals? … Continue
reading Filed under 01. Conflict Materials
Certification:
A Core Issue
By Rhona Murray The mineral
journey between mine and mobile phone may be traceable in succinct steps but
can include up to fifteen companies along the way. Implementing a certification
mechanism, as was attempted by the Kimberly Process for diamonds, requires high
levels of collaboration between companies, industries, regional governments,
international partner governments, civil society, … Continue
reading Filed under 01. Conflict Materials
The
Law and Conflict Minerals: The precedent
By Funmi Ogunlusi The precedent
for regulations of some sort guiding the extraction and sale of so-called
“conflict minerals” can be seen to be the Kimberly Process. Fully known as the
Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), this is an international
agreement enacted by the UN General Assembly in 2003. It’s purpose was to
tackle the … Continue
reading Filed under 01. Conflict Materials
The
Law and Conflict Minerals: Today
By Funmi Ogunlusi Having
discussed the background against which the regulation of conflict minerals can be
set, this article will now look at the situation as it is today. Recent laws
enacted to this effect include the US Financial Reform Act and the UK Bribery
Act. These pieces of legislation were put forward by their … Continue
reading Filed under 01. Conflict Materials
http://iphoneproj2011.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/the-environmental-cost-of-e-waste-killing-our-planet-slowly/
-----------------
Agbogbloshie: the world's
largest e-waste dump – in pictures
Discarders of electronic
goods expect them to be recycled properly. But almost all such devices contain
toxic chemicals which, even if they are recyclable, make it expensive to do so.
As a result, illegal dumping has become a lucrative business.Photographer Kevin McElvaney documents Agbogbloshie, a former wetland in Accra, Ghana, which is home to the world’s largest e-waste dumping site. Boys and young men smash devices to get to the metals, especially copper. Injuries, such as burns, untreated wounds, eye damage, lung and back problems, go hand in hand with chronic nausea, anorexia, debilitating headaches and respiratory problems. Most workers die from cancer in their 20s
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/feb/27/agbogbloshie-worlds-largest-e-waste-dump-in-pictures
----------------
California’s E-Waste Ending Up In Toxic Mountain Of Junk In Arizona
June 12, 2014 9:28 PM
(CBS SF) — California has the strictest
e-waste laws in the nation, but a KPIX5 investigation discovered the strict
laws have led to dumping our electronic junk in someone else’s back yard,
causing serious damage.
A mountain in the Arizona desert that’s
not on any map was discovered five years ago. A closer look reveals the
mountain is made of glass from old TVs and monitors, full of lead and other
toxic heavy metals. Most of it, some 41 million pounds, from California.
We pay an extra fee when we buy a new
TV or computer to get the old stuff properly recycled. In most cases it is
shipped out of state. The owner of the Yuma property, called Dlubak Glass,
received millions of dollars from those California fees to recycle the glass,
but never finished the job.
After we alerted California officials
back in 2009, they cracked down, ordering recyclers to stop shipping old TVs
and monitors to Yuma. Arizona filed suit. But the fine, $120,000 dollars, was a
mere slap on the wrist.
The company agreed to clean the mess up
but a man who was there 2 months ago says he found the mess had not been
cleaned up.
Jim Puckett runs the Basel Action
Network, the same group that exposed the dumping of toxic e-waste in China and
Africa.
He recently went to Yuma to take soil
samples around the site, which is still piled high with toxic glass, exposed to
desert winds. “We found levels of lead 100 times the background levels.These
are well known toxins, they affect the nervous system,” said Puckett.
Samples from the leaves of a commercial
lemon orchard next door contained ten times the level of lead found in a
control sample a quarter of a mile away. “It indicates that even the food
source there could be threatened,” said Puckett.
We showed the data to Rita Hypnarowski,
a senior scientist with California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control,
which oversees e-waste disposal. She says if that was in California they would
have to cut down the trees and do some testing and possibly dispose of that
whole area as hazardous waste.
But California has much stricter laws
than Arizona. Hypnarowski says her department is doing the best it can to make
sure the glass is recycled properly. “In the past 5-6 years DTSC has spent an
enormous amount of resources ensuring that illegal e-waste export doesn’t take
place,” she said.
But just last year we discovered
another 9 million pounds of the glass in Yuma.
Most of it once again is from
California, abandoned by another company called Dow Management.
“A massive flow is moving out of the
state, of waste, which is toxic waste, which California citizens thought was
going to be recycled properly,” said Puckett.
We contacted Dlubak Glass for response,
but they did not get back to us.
The State of Arizona meanwhile says
since the samples collected by the Basel Action Network were not certified by a
lab in the state, so they are not legally defensible.
-------------------
bdnews24.com/environment/2014/08/08/delhi-becoming-world... Cached
The Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) is fast turning into the world’s
e-waste dumping yard with the capital alone getting 86
percent of waste generated in the ...
The Delhi-National
Capital Region (NCR) is fast turning into the world’s e-waste dumping yard with
the capital alone getting 86 percent of waste generated in the developed world,
a report said.
"Delhi-NCR is
emerging as the world's dumping yard for e-waste and is likely to generate to
an extent of 95,000 metric tonnes (MT) per annum by 2017 from the current level
of 55,000 metric tonnes per annum growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of about 25 percent," The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of
India (Assocham) said here Thursday citing their latest study.The study further indicates that the US accounts for the bulk of the e-waste imports into the country, followed by China and the European Union.
Over 250,000 workers are employed in the various organized and unorganized recycling units in the state, the report noted.
Alarmingly, only a small fraction of the total e-waste generated in the country is getting recycled.
"Less than 2 percent of India's total electronic waste gets recycled due to absence of proper infrastructure, legislation and framework," said D.S. Rawat, secretary general, Assocham.
The country produces approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes of e-waste per annum. Mumbai generates the highest quantity of e-waste, followed by Delhi-NCR and Bangalore.
In addition to the huge e-waste it generates, Delhi-NCR also imports e-waste from other metros like Mumbai. Also, the bulk of e-waste imports from the developed world end up here.
Computer equipment accounts for almost 68 percent of e-waste followed by telecommunication equipment (12 percent), electrical equipment (8 percent) and medical equipment (7 percent). Other equipment, including household e-scrap, accounts for the remaining 5 percent, the study said.
-------------
114,000 Tons Of Nuclear Waste Dumped In The Worlds Oceans – VIDEO (deutsch, english subs) - FUKUSHIMA
for english subtitles press the cc
button bottom right
This is a report about the nuclear waste that was dumped into the sea around Europe between 1967 and 1982.
This is a report about the nuclear waste that was dumped into the sea around Europe between 1967 and 1982.
--------------
Toxic 'e-waste' dumped in poor
nations, says United Nations
Millions of
tonnes of old electronic goods illegally exported to developing countries, as
people dump luxury items
- John Vidal
- The Observer, Saturday 14
December 2013 21.30 GMT
Tablets and other
electronic goods bought this Christmas are destined to create a flood of
'e-waste'. Photograph: Anthony Upton/Rex Features
Millions of mobile phones, laptops,
tablets, toys, digital cameras and other electronic devices bought this
Christmas are destined to create a flood of dangerous "e-waste" that is being dumped
illegally in developing countries, the UN has warned.The global volume of electronic waste is expected to grow by 33% in the next four years, when it will weigh the equivalent of eight of the great Egyptian pyramids, according to the UN's Step initiative, which was set up to tackle the world's growing e-waste crisis. Last year nearly 50m tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide – or about 7kg for every person on the planet. These are electronic goods made up of hundreds of different materials and containing toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and flame retardants. An old-style CRT computer screen can contain up to 3kg of lead, for example.
Once in landfill, these toxic materials seep out into the environment, contaminating land, water and the air. In addition, devices are often dismantled in primitive conditions. Those who work at these sites suffer frequent bouts of illness.
An indication of the level of e-waste being shipped to the developing world was revealed by Interpol last week. It said almost one in three containers leaving the EU that were checked by its agents contained illegal e-waste. Criminal investigations were launched against 40 companies. "Christmas will see a surge in sales and waste around the world," says Ruediger Kuehr, executive secretary of Step. "The explosion is happening because there's so much technical innovation. TVs, mobile phones and computers are all being replaced more and more quickly. The lifetime of products is also shortening."
According to the Step report, e-waste – which extends from old fridges to toys and even motorised toothbrushes – is now the world's fastest growing waste stream. China generated 11.1m tonnes last year, followed by the US with 10m tonnes, though there was significant difference per capita. For example, on average each American generated 29.5kg, compared to less than 5kg per person in China.
By 2017, Kuehr expects the volume of end-of-life TVs, phones, computers, monitors, e-toys and other products to be enough to fill a 15,000-mile line of 40-tonne lorries. In Europe, Germany discards the most e-waste in total, but Norway and Liechtenstein throw away more per person. Britain is now the world's seventh most prolific producer, discarding 1.37m tonnes, or about 21kg per person. No figures are available from government or industry on how much is exported.
Although it is legal to export discarded goods to poor countries if they can be reused or refurbished, much is being sent to Africa or Asia under false pretences, says Interpol. "Much is falsely classified as 'used goods' although in reality it is non-functional. It is often diverted to the black market and disguised as used goods to avoid the costs associated with legitimate recycling," said a spokesman. "A substantial proportion of e-waste exports go to countries outside Europe, including west African countries. Treatment in these countries usually occurs in the informal sector, causing significant environmental pollution and health risks for local populations," he said.
Few countries understand the scale of the problem, because no track is kept of all e-waste, says the European Environment Agency, which estimates between 250,000 tonnes and 1.3m tonnes of used electrical products are shipped out of the EU every year, mostly to west Africa and Asia. "These goods may subsequently be processed in dangerous and inefficient conditions, harming the health of local people and damaging the environment," said a spokesman.
A new study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that the US discarded 258.2m computers, monitors, TVs and mobile phones in 2010, of which only 66% was recycled. Nearly 120m mobile phones were collected, most of which were shipped to Hong Kong, Latin America and the Caribbean. The shelf life of a mobile phone is now less than two years, but the EU, US and Japanese governments say many hundreds of millions are thrown away each year or are left in drawers. In the US, only 12m mobile phones were collected for recycling in 2011 even though 120m were bought. Meanwhile, newer phone models are racing on to the market leaving old ones likely to end up in landfills. Most phones contain precious metals. The circuit board can contain copper, gold, zinc, beryllium, and tantalum, the coatings are typically made of lead and phone makers are now increasingly using lithium batteries. Yet fewer than 10% of mobile phones are dismantled and reused. Part of the problem is that computers, phones and other devices are becoming increasingly complex and made of smaller and smaller components.
The failure to recycle is also leading to shortages of rare-earth minerals to make future generations of electronic equipment
----------------
Responsible Recycling vs Global Dumping
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/wp-content/uploads/Ghana-09-.jpg
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/wp-content/uploads/Ghana-09-.jpg
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/wp-content/uploads/Ghana-09-.jpg
E-waste
dumping in Ghana. Photo by Basel Action Network. Copyright BAN 2009
Responsible recycling
When
we drop off our old computers at an e-waste collection event, or have a
recycler come and get them from our offices, we want to believe that the
recycler is going to do the right thing: to reuse them if possible, and handle
them in ways that are safe for workers and the environment. Electronics contain
many toxic chemicals, and so a responsible recycler is one that is making sure
that he – and the other vendors he may sell parts or materials to – is managing
all aspects of the business as safely as possible.
Global e-Waste Dumping
The
problem is that many electronics recyclers don’t actually recycle the
electronics they collect from us. They can make more money by selling old
electronic products to exporting waste traders than by processing it here in
the U.S. Traders send it to developing countries where workers earn extremely
low wages (often a few dollars per day) and where health and safety and
environmental laws, enforcement, infrastructure and citizens’ rights are very
weak.
Simply
stated, we are solving our e-waste problem by exporting it to poor countries
around the globe.
Primitive
Processing Contaminates Workers, Residents
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/img_0244/
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/img_0244/
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/img_0244/
Former
farmers cooking circuit boards. “We can make 10 times more money doing this
than we can from farming because the local government taxes farmers to
much.”Taizhou, China April 2004. ©2006 Basel Action Network (BAN)
In
these countries, the e-waste ends up in backyard recycling operations, often
literally behind peoples’ homes. One example is Guiyu, China, an area where a
lot of our e-waste goes. They use crude and unsafe methods of taking apart our
old computers and TVs to get to and remove the metals, which they can sell,
causing great harm in the process. These dangerous practices include:
·
Bashing
open cathode ray tubes with hammers, exposing the toxic phosphor dust inside.
·
Cooking
circuit boards in woks over open fires to melt the lead solder, breathing in
toxic lead fumes.
·
Burning
wires in open piles to melt away the plastics (to get at the copper inside).
·
Burning
the plastic casings, creating dioxins and furans – some of the most poisonous
fumes you can breathe.
·
Throwing
the unwanted (but very hazardous) leaded glass into former irrigation ditches
·
Dumping
pure acids and dissolved heavy metals directly into their rivers.
These
horrific working conditions plus weak labor standards in China and many of the
other developing countries where e-waste is sent, mean that women and children
are often directly exposed to lead and other hazardous materials.
Exporting
Harm: The High Tech Trashing of Asia
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/dump_sampling_pic/
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/dump_sampling_pic/
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/dump_sampling_pic/
This
is a pile of circuit boards next to a river where circuit boards were first
treated with acid to remove metals (the acids flowing into the river) and
burned openly. Massive amounts of dumping of imported computer waste takes
place along the riverways. Guiyu, China. December 2001. ©2006 Basel Action
Network (BAN)
In
2001, the Basel Action Network (BAN) led several groups in an investigation of
e-waste processing in China, India, and Pakistan. The investigation uncovered
an entire area known as Guiyu in Guangdong Province, surrounding the Lianjiang
River just 4 hours drive northeast of Hong Kong where about 100,000 poor
migrant workers are employed breaking apart and processing obsolete computers
imported primarily from North America. The workers were found to be using 19th
century technologies to clean up the wastes from the 21st century.
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/problem_400_img_4346_lagos/
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/problem_400_img_4346_lagos/
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/global-e-waste-dumping/problem_400_img_4346_lagos/
Electronic
waste dumped in residential area just outside of Alaba market in Lagos. This
e-waste is routinely burned here.©2006 Basel Action Network (BAN)
Digital
Dump: Exporting Reuse and Abuse to AfricaIn 2005, BAN produced a film and
report on e-waste export to Africa, for the reuse market, called “Digital Dump:
Exporting Reuse and Abuse to Africa.” This shocking film shows how a large
quantity of the computers exported to Lagos, Nigeria supposedly for reuse are
really mostly non-working, non-repairable trash. With no real electronics
recycling infrastructure, Lagos ends up burning these toxics-laden products in
open pits, very close to residential areas.
How
much e-waste do we export each year?
There
have been no rigorous studies of exactly how much e-waste we export to
developing nations. Industry experts estimate that of the e-waste that
recyclers collect, roughly 50-80 % of that ends up getting exported to
developing nations. That would mean that we export enough e-waste each year to
fill 5126 shipping containers (40 ft x 8.5 ft). If you stacked them up, they’d
reach 8 miles high – higher than Mt Everest, or commercial flights.
Photos
on this page © Basel Action Network, 2009
Federal
GAO Report Finds E-Waste Exports Handled Unsafely
In
August 2008, the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a
scathing report on e-waste exports from the us, finding that “a substantial
amount ends up in countries such as China and India, where they are often
handled and disposed of unsafely. These countries often lack the capacity to
safely handle and dispose of used electronics if the units are not in reusable
condition when received, and the countries’ extremely low labor costs and the
reported lack of effective environmental controls make unsafe recycling
commonplace.”
---------------
U.S.
Dumping on Ghana - E-Waste Disaster (RT)
Dumping
electronic waste onto the developing world is a hazardous but profitable
business. What is being done to regulate the problem and improve recycling e...
published: 03 Apr 2014 author: gmshadowtraders
---------------
Bargain
Bytes Insights - Episode 2: E-Waste on Earth Day
Electronics
recycling should be on your mind this Earth Day. Find out why e-Waste is a growing
problem. Contact us at info@bargainbytes.net with ideas for our next
episode, or questions on electronics recycling or refurbished devices.
- VIDEO
published: 21 Apr 2014
views: 45
--------------
BLOGGED:
IDLE
NO MORE CANADA- WHAT THE F**K FIRST NATIONS? u sell out 4 $$$$ deal with China
4 Oil?AND DISS OILSANDS?? sigh...u break Canadians heart-we believed in u- say
it ain't so- so many tribes suffering in isolation- and now this???- CANADA'S
GREEN PARTY PRESIDENT SIDES AGAINST HAMAS, Hezbollah, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Qatar,
Saudis and African monsters/Fracking/Oil/One Billion Rising... what a world of
horrors and tears.. along with cheers..One Billion Rising- FACE IT U CAN'T
EMBRACE GAY LOVED ONES IF U LOVE HAMAS- Paul Estrin’s essay — “Why Gaza makes
me sad
-------------
The
United States is the big winner when it comes to e-waste: 3 million tons a year
all told, followed by China's 2.3 million. But, "despite having banned
e-waste imports, China remains a major e-waste dumping ground for developed
countries," the report notes.
The Story of E-Waste: What Happens to Tech
Once It's Trash
Gord
Gable - Maximum PC
· 
The
brand new tablet/smartphone/GPU you grabbed last week is the cat's meow. But
what happens to it - or to any of the devices you once treasured- when you
don't want or need them anymore? Where do they go? Is there a reliable,
"green" way to dispose of them? And hey, does one extra electronic
gadget in a landfill really put the big hurt on the environment?
As
you'll see in the pages ahead, there's a whole bunch of stuff not to like about
the way we deal with our old and unloved electronics. We toss way too much of
it. We recycle some of it, but even then the machinery behind that recycling is
flawed and we're only beginning to understand the dangers that come from the
hazardous materials that lay inside. Changes are afoot, but the evidence of an
apathetic past and present, like the e-waste itself, is piling up.
The
Break Down: What's Inside Your Tech
Let's
start simple by looking at one of today's most ubiquitous electronic gadgets,
the cellphone or smart phone. While there's no validated evidence to suggest
the persistent use of cell phones will trigger brain tumors – despite lots of
hype to the contrary – the cell phone is far from green. Indeed, it houses a
lot of stuff you certainly wouldn't want to sprinkle on your cereal. Stuff like
copper, gold, lead, nickel, antimony, zinc, beryllium, tantalum, mercury,
arsenic, and coltan (more on coltan in a moment), among others.
While
most of these materials are part of the finished item, others play a critical
role in the production process and remain onboard afterward. Some are found on
the circuit board, others in the display. Or in the battery. Or in the wiring
or the solder that flows between all of the above. And let's not forget the
glue that holds so much of the innards together. Or the packaging, which in
many instances is the very definition of excessive. Or the plastic shell, which
contains crude oil, natural gas, and chemicals.
Image
courtesy Chris Jordan
Also
generally less than green are the methods in which some of the
"ingredients" are acquired. Coltan, for example, a vital element in
the production of cell phone-level capacitors, is currently the subject of much
controversy. The majority of coltan is mined in the Democratic Republic of
Congo, where human rights organizations claim the people who mine it live and
work in deplorable conditions, surviving on less than $1000 a year and digging
underground without safety equipment or supplemental air supplies. Animal
rights organizations claim the regional gorilla population is impacted in two
ways – by dwindling food supplies in the mining zones and because some are used
as meat to feed the miners. Add to that the UN, which says that most of the
parties involved in the mining and sale of coltan are also involved in the
local civil war. Not exactly a glowing summary of earth friendliness.
The
Numbers: How Much E-Waste Are We Talking About?
But
here's the thing – this whole cell phone business wouldn't be quite so
overwhelming to fix if so damn many of them didn't end up in the garbage. Once
trashed, a cell phone travels to the local landfill, where it's compacted,
smashed, crunched, and/or burned until everything that was once safely
ensconced inside spews out and over the course of months, years, and decades,
leaches into the air, ground, and water.
And
in large doses, the stuff inside a cell phone – as is the case with most
electronics – has been linked to critical health concerns such as cancer, birth
defects, brain afflictions, and damage to the nervous, reproductive, digestive,
lymphatic, and immune systems. Even the brominated flame retardants that coat
the plastic case of many cell phones, guarding against the accidental ignition
of the materials inside, become potentially toxic once said case is
compromised.
Granted,
a single cell phone lying in a single landfill isn't of tremendous concern. But
we're not talking a single cell phone. How many are we talking? Well…the United
Nations says sixty percent of the world's total population owns at least one.
Think about that for a moment. Perhaps even more telling are recent reports
claiming a whopping five billion mobile phone subscriptions are currently in
place worldwide.
Now,
consider how many of these users are already on their second, third, or fourth
cell, and you begin to get the picture. But the truly scary part? Most reliable
estimates say that no more than ten to fifteen percent of all cell phones are
recycled. And that figure applies only here in the good old USA. One can only
imagine how that figure varies in countries where recycling is a virtual
unknown.
Ultimately,
one can say with some confidence that literally billions of cell phones have
been discarded over the course of the last three decades, all of which are now
in the process of breakdown.
The
Tech Stockpile
Of
course, cell phones play but a minor role in a very big story – the story of
electronics at the end of their life cycle. The story of e-waste.
Let's
check out some numbers. There are, right this very moment, more than a billion
computers worldwide. Two hundred million televisions were sold is 2009 alone.
Eight million dashtop GPS units were purchased in 2008. One hundred and ten
million digital cameras were sold in 2009. Apple blew out 20 million iPods in
just the first quarter of that same year.
Indeed,
according to a November 2010 report published by think-tank Demos and penned by
author Elizabeth Grossman (a journalist specializing in environmental and
science issues and the author of "High
Tech Trash"), there are three billion electronics products currently
in use in America alone. That's a fifty percent increase since 2007 – and a
turnover rate of 400 million per annum.
Clearly,
these are staggering figures, and certainly more proof – as if we needed it –
that we live in a disposable society. Back in the day, an electronic item such
as a table top radio might very well have held its place inside a home for
decades. Not necessarily because it was better built than today's radios –
though many would say it was – but because there weren't a ton of home and
personal entertainment options apart from radios. Moreover, evolution moved at
a much slower pace. It took some time to build a radio, and even then there
were only a precious few options to enhance. Ultimately, there simply weren't
many truly compelling reasons for a consumer to move to a newer model.
Contrast
old school radios to, say, the television marketplace of the last decade.
First, we dumped our bulky, energy-sucking CRT TVs. (CRT technology, by the
way, is widely considered to have the foulest environmental footprint in the
entire electronic world – each display housing several pounds of lead and copious
quantities of toxic goodies such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.) We then
jumped on the flat-panel bandwagon, but soon thereafter we discovered the joys
of true 1080p high-definition. And many of us changed over yet again. Now, for
better or worse, there's 3DTV. All in the span of ten years.
Now
think about the length of time you keep any of your modern electronics before
you give them up, either because they're broken or more likely because they've
been supplanted by something faster/better. Five years? Two? Look at the iPad
as an example. Between the release of the original and the release of the
follow-up, complete with its slimmer build, upgraded CPU, superior cameras, and
other incremental improvements that Apple maniacs worship, there was just a
single year. Apple sold fifteen million original iPads. But now, for many,
they're passé.
And
let's not forget – not all unused products are immediately given the heave-ho.
Consumers tend to stockpile stuff they don't use any longer. Admit it – how many
old game consoles or cell phones or laptops or TVs or cameras or cd players,
Walkmans, record players, spare monitors are sitting around your house right
now because you'll either use them again one day (fat chance), or because you
just don't know what to do about it?
There
are a lot of people like you. In a 2005 study commissioned for HP by market
research firm Penn Schoen Berland, it was said that sixty-eight percent of
consumers stockpile used or unwanted computer equipment in their homes. In a
2008 EPA study of select electronics sold between 1980 and 2007 –specifically
items like televisions, computers and peripherals, hard copy imaging devices
such as printers and scanners, and cell phones – it was found that more than
235 million units had accumulated in storage by 2007. We're willing to bet
dollars to donuts that figure has increased substantially since then, given the
onslaught of portable, personal devices in the past few years.
The
Alternative Option: What Happens When Tech is Recycled?
The
answer, of course, is recycling. And reusing. And renewing. And that's where
things get interesting.
For
starters, there's no doubt the process, when carried out in a responsible,
forward-thinking manner, works. We asked the folks at Illinois-based Intercon Solutions,
a progressive recycler that specializes in electronics and recycles everything
it receives – no reselling, remarketing, land filling, incineration, or
exportation – to give us the lowdown on what happens to our friend the cell
phone when it hits the Intercon facility. And they told us. But not without
first advising us that Intercon, like many of today's top-rung facilities,
prefers the term "de-manufacture" to "recycle," - and for
good reason, as you'll soon see.
When
Itercon first receives a cell phone (or a smart phone or an MP3 player – the
process is similar), it places the item with others of its own type and weight.
This continues until 25 pallet-sized boxes are filled, at which point item
teardown begins.
Intercon
cautions that although teardown may look similar to a standard assembly line,
it's actually a "de-assembly" line where individual items are
de-manufactured or disassembled – by hand. In any case, plastics, glass and all
the different metals found in smart phones and MP3 players are separated. Then
each metal – gold, silver, lead, aluminum, iron, copper, brass, palladium,
rhodium, and more – is further sorted into individual lots.
Once
separated, each component is passed on to one of Intercon's domestic smelting
partners, all of which must meet the requirements of the company's ISO 9001 and
14001, OHSAS 18001, RIOS, R2, and NAID AAA certifications. There are no
offshore handoffs.
The
plastics, glass, and metals are smelted into bars, ingots, or sows, while the
glass, lead, and precious metal items are recycled back into new electronic
circuitry. The plastics are, interestingly, remanufactured into parking
bumpers. You see, recycled plastic from items such as cell phones have
traditionally been used in the fabrication of asphalt roads and composite
decking. But parking bumpers, we're told, aren't nearly so prone to leaching.
One
more thing: Intercon has recently developed a "reverse engineering"
method for recycling and reusing what was once considered a wholly unrecyclable
product – Styrofoam.
Though Styrofoam (also known as polystyrene) isn't exactly electronic in
nature, it inevitably goes hand-in-hand with the packaging of said electronics
and takes hundreds of years to degrade once trashed. In our minds, the less
Styrofoam in the trash, the better.
Irresponsible
"Recycling"
Ultimately,
the big problem with responsible recycling is not that it can't be done, but
that it often isn't. For all the Intercons, there are seemingly oodles more
non-Intercons. Is there any guarantee that the item you dutifully send for
recycling will be recycled properly? Apparently, in many cases, the answer is
no.
The
people of Ghana know this all too well. You see, Ghana, along with regions of
India, Nigeria, China, and several other locations, have become the world's
electronic dumping ground. There, old, unused, unloved, and outmoded
electronics arrive by the boatload, often under the guise of recycling. Sadly,
the word "recycle" means something very different there than it does
here.
An
August 2008 Greenpeace report chronicles the process, and its findings are far
from uplifting. In this unregulated and often unmonitored environment where the
average annual wage is expressed in the hundreds of dollars, tech products are
burned over open flames to separate the plastic from the more valuable metals.
Products with little or no value are dumped in nearby pits. Needless to say,
the threat of escaping toxins is not a threat at all – it's a reality. Eighty
percent of the children in Guiyu, China, another region that receives
recyclable electronics, are known to have elevated levels of lead in their
blood due to the toxins found in these electronics.
Image
courtesy Greenpeace
Worse
still, the Greenpeace study (a study that has since been corroborated by other
organizations) determined much of the hard labor is performed by teenage boys,
some as young as eleven. Most toil through each long day bereft of protective
equipment and with little or no knowledge of safe handling procedures.
Arguably
of equal concern is the widespread abuse of the otherwise wonderfully
humanitarian "Bridge the Digital Divide" program, wherein nations of
wealth pass along older yet fully functioning tech to impoverished peoples. The
theory being, of course, that a circa-2000 computer means a hell of a lot more
to a Ghanaian schoolhouse than the busy New York executive who parted ways with
it. Yet, according to Greenpeace and its sources, anywhere from twenty-five to
seventy five percent of second-hand "reusable" goods that land in
developing nations are in fact broken beyond repair and of use to no one. That
these devices then end up in the tech killing fields we cited earlier comes as
no surprise.
E-cycling
and Health Hazards
So,
why do such practices exist? Greed. XYX Recycling picks up a load of goods and
instead of dealing with it as it should, it merely chucks it on the next boat
to Ghana. Out of sight, out of mind, money in pocket.
In
all fairness, electronics recycling is a comparatively new idea, and
regulations are continually being initiated to ensure the procedure is
conscientiously carried out. Penalties are levied and wayward recycling
practices are now being monitored more closely than ever. Case in point: On Feb
18th of this year, two recycling businesses, Toronto-based Metro Metals Corp.
and Avista Recycling, Inc., were hit with a $31,600 penalty and ordered to
properly dispose of the goods at their own cost for relabeling 913 CRT-based
monitors as scrap plastic and attempting to ship them off to Vietnam. And in
June of last year, the City Council of the town of Plymouth, England, was fined
£8,000 ($13,000) for allowing unauthorised firms to remove and sell unwanted computers
from its waste plants. It was determined the council breached the Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive by allowing firms to take
charge of electronics without first ascertaining if those firms were bona fide
recyclers.
Having
said that, the disposition of electronics clearly has a long way to go, as does
the manufacture of such products. After all, wouldn't it be nice if all the
components in our cell phones and tablets and PCs wasn't such damaging stuff in
the first place? Certainly it would, and not just for us consumers either.
Truth is that the even the production of high-tech electronics – and in
particular semiconductors – can be extremely hazardous to one's health.
Image
courtesy Greenpeace
You
see, there's a secondary reason for those clean rooms and protective bunny
suits you see portrayed in tech industry television advertisements. Sure, they
keep the product free of contaminants. But they also serve to shield the
employees. Without such safeguards, workers en masse would be exposed to the
chemicals involved in semiconductor manufacture.
For
many years now, reports of miscarriages, skin disorders, and incidents of
cancers such as leukaemia or lymphoma have buzzed about the industry. In 2004,
for example, a jury ruled IBM was not responsible for fatal cancers that
developed in two former employees at a disk drive factory. The suit claimed
harsh chemicals in the factory caused the deaths, and though IBM was ultimately
cleared, it's one of several similar allegations levelled against the company.
More recently, Samsung came under fire in 2010 for the death of a former
employee who succumbed, at the age of 23, to blood cancer. This was but one of
several deaths and afflictions attributed to Samsung's Onyag, South Korea semiconductor
facility.
A
Long Way to Go: Progress Towards Accountable Recycling
Barbara
Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a San
Francisco-based organization that promotes green design and responsible
recycling in the electronics industry, says producers are taking steps to
improve the manufacturing process, but cautions there is a very long way to go.
Kyle tells us that the ongoing elimination of high-concern chemicals such as
halogenated flame retardants "is a good start, but understand that this
industry uses many, many chemicals that are barely tested for hazards before
they are put into commerce."
Elizabeth
Grossman believes the entire process – from product conception to afterlife –
should be in harmony. "As someone said to me when I was working on High
Tech Trash, it should be as easy to recycle a computer as it is to buy one –
this should be true of any piece of consumer electronics – and part of what
will make this happen, in addition to making the recycling easy and convenient
for consumers (whether for individual, workplace or school use), is to have
product design evolve to make the equipment last longer and be designed for
extended life through technology upgrades, and ultimately to be made of
non-toxic and reusable materials."
But
if manufacturers are only beginning to develop a methodology to reduce or
exclude toxic materials while keeping costs in line and to ensure truly green
and perhaps semi-immortal machines, the hard, cold truth would appear to be
that we, as a people, simply aren't doing enough in the meantime to ensure
large-scale accountable recycling.
E-Waste
Protester at CES, Image Courtesy Abby Seiff
We
mentioned the recycling ratio for cell phones earlier – a dismal ten to fifteen
percent. This figure appears to be the norm for all forms of electronics and
high-tech devices. According to the EPA, in excess of 372 million electronics
products units, weighing 3.16 million tons, were disposed of in the USA in 2007
and 2008 alone. Just fourteen percent of this was destined for recycling,
leaving fully eighty-six percent to be burned or compacted. Computer users,
sadly, might be the worst of the bunch – the Electronics TakeBack Coalition
calculated that in 2007, some 112,000 computers were discarded in the U.S. each
and every day.
Like
the manufacturers, it would seem the population in general needs incentive
(rebates, discounts, rules, penalties) to make recycling an integral process.
Yet in many states, because it's legal even right now to toss your tech gizmos
in the trash, so most of us apparently believe it's true.
E-Waste
on the Federal Level
The
Olusosum dump site in Lagos; Image Courtesy of Greenpeace.
But
all is not lost. Approximately half the states in our union have now enacted
some form of ban against the dumping of most common electronics products. Most
legislation doesn't go so far as banning the export of e-waste to third-world
countries, but it's definitely a start.
On the federal level, the recently introduced Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010 proposes hefty fines for those who wrongly export electronic waste to developing countries. Critics say the bill doesn't have enough bite, but proponents claim something is better than nothing. Furthermore, on November 15, 2010, President Obama issued an electronics recycling presidential proclamation, announcing he was creating an interagency task force within the federal government "to prepare a national strategy for responsible electronics stewardship, including improvements to federal procedures for managing electronic products."
On the federal level, the recently introduced Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010 proposes hefty fines for those who wrongly export electronic waste to developing countries. Critics say the bill doesn't have enough bite, but proponents claim something is better than nothing. Furthermore, on November 15, 2010, President Obama issued an electronics recycling presidential proclamation, announcing he was creating an interagency task force within the federal government "to prepare a national strategy for responsible electronics stewardship, including improvements to federal procedures for managing electronic products."
Barbara
Kyle, whose organization is involved with the "e-Stewards Program," a
new certification standard that keeps member recyclers on their toes and helps
consumers identify those recyclers that adhere to its vigorous standards,
believes a fully regulated environment is mandatory if we're ever to see true
change. "It's been very instructive to look at the results from each of
the states," says Kyle. "We see much higher recycling volumes from
most manufacturers in states where the law requires them to meet certain
performance goals. So most companies do only what's required under the
law."
"There
are a few exceptions, but looking at the numbers from Texas, which has a
relatively weak computer recycling law that doesn't specify any level of
performance, speaks volumes. Last year, Dell collected ten million pounds in
Texas, while HP collected about 45,000. Dell and HP have roughly the same
market share but clearly made wildly different efforts here. Yet Lenovo – a fast
growing company – collected only ten pounds. Yes, ten. What's the lesson here?
Pass strong recycling laws, or you won't see much recycling by these
companies."
Takeback:
Which Companies are Playing Nice & Green
One
other consumer option that's just recently getting play is
"takeback." Essentially, takeback is just that – electronics
manufacturers taking back products at the end of their life cycle and thus
reducing the need for independent recycling. According to Kyle, "Strong
takeback means two major things: Making the effort to actually get products
back to recycle them, and making sure the products are recycled responsibly –
not just exported to developing nations."
Kyle
once again gives the thumbs up to Dell, among others. "Dell is currently
making the most effort to take back their old products. Back in 2001, they were
the target of our campaigning – they had no free takeback at all. Now they do
more than other companies even in states where the law doesn't require them to.
For the TV companies, Samsung has been a leader in some states doing takeback,
and in committing to use vendors certified to the e-Stewards recycling
standard. Best Buy – which is also a TV manufacturer – has also been steadily
growing their takeback program and is working with e-Stewards."
Greenpeace,
in its own study that ranks the most dominant tech producers in terms of their
environmental footprint, rates Dell mid-pack, while praising Nokia and Sony
Ericsson and slamming Nintendo and Microsoft. Read the Greenpeace
guide for yourself.
Newsweek,
meanwhile, which ranks the top 500 largest publically traded companies in terms
of their greenness, says tech is one of the cleanest sectors of all and rates
Dell and HP in the numbers one and two positions. You can see its full 2010
Green Rankings here.
Though
all of the above paints a murky picture, it also paints a picture of obvious
transition. And certainly, there does appear to be enough independent
whistle-blowers, responsible manufacturers, and government intervention to
ensure the future is at least better than the past. But right now, there are
steps you can take to help.
Ghana
Scrapyard; Image Courtesy of Greenpeace.
1.
Do not toss any electronic item in the trash.
2.
If you're in the market for a replacement device, first consider the options.
Is your current product upgradeable? Do you really need those new features?
3.
Buy products that are part of a manufacturer "takeback" program.
4.
Sell your old but functioning products on an online classified ad site, or
donate them to a responsible local charity or organization. And don't forget –
you may be eligible for a charitable donation receipt.
5.
Patronize manufacturers and retailers that have strong green principles. Check
their websites and the links in this article.
6.
Try to purchase sustainable/upgradeable devices.
7.
Give yourself a cool-down period before jumping on the Next Big Thing. And if
the cool-down fails, quietly ponder the gobs of cash you've sunk into the
"latest and greatest" in the past. And be sad.
8.
If your state doesn't have an e-waste law, contact your local representative
and ask why. (Here's a list of those
that do)
9.
Check the e-Stewards site for a roundup of
recyclers that meet the vigorous e-Steward requirements.
10.
Consult the EPA page
for lots of good information on recycling, takeback, and donation programs.
------------
Fracking
may endanger groundwater in California
David
R. Baker
Updated
7:23 am, Saturday, August 30, 2014
---------------
The
Story of E-Waste: What Happens to Tech Once It's Trash
Add billions of mobile phones to the world’s e-waste
problem
Global
e-waste is growing by 40 million tons a year, the United Nations warns …
by Matthew Lasar - Feb 23,
2010 6:35 pm UTC
With
the great global surge of mobile gadget use has come a tsunami of cell phone
garbage, the United Nations warned
on Monday—especially in India and China. And that's on top of tidal waves of
computer, video receiver, and kitchen electronics junk skewing about the planet
in all the wrong places. All in all, global e-waste is growing by 40 million
tons a year, a study
by the UN's Environmental Programme
concludes.
The
UNEP will soon meet in Bali, Indonesia to further consider the problem, and it
is huge. Consumers bought almost 900 million mobile phones in 2006 and over a
billion in 2007, UNEP estimates. A big percentage of those devices are just
thrown in the trash, or given to local collectors who extract precious metals
from them in environmentally hazardous ways. The study predicts that by 2020,
the amount of e-waste from dumped mobiles in China will be about seven times
larger than it was in 2007, and in India 18 times higher. At present, India
alone produces about 1,700 tons of e-waste from mobiles, Columbia about 1,200
tons, and Kenya another 150 tons.
The
United States is the big winner when it comes to e-waste: 3 million tons a year
all told, followed by China's 2.3 million. But, "despite having banned
e-waste imports, China remains a major e-waste dumping ground for developed
countries," the report notes.
All
that junk doesn't just come from mobiles. By 2020, e-waste in South Africa and
China from old computers will have leapt to as much as 400 percent of its 2007
levels, and by 500 percent in India. In China and India, the piles of dumped TV
sets will be 1.5 to two times taller, while the mountains of old refrigerators
could reach three times their present altitude, the report warns.
And
don't get the UN started about old printers, pagers, digital cameras, music
players, and laptops. "This report gives new urgency to establishing
ambitious, formal and regulated processes for collecting and managing e-waste
via the setting up of large, efficient facilities in China," declared UNEP
Executive Director Achim Steiner. Everywhere else too, he added. Much of the
developing world faces "rising environmental damage and health problems if
e-waste recycling is left to the vagaries of the informal sector."
In
and out
There
are two big problems with the production and discarding of all this electronic
stuff, the survey says. A huge quantity of precious metals must be dug out of
the earth to manufacture these things. Mobile phone and PC making gobbles up
three percent of all the world's gold and silver available each year, not to
mention 13 percent of all palladium, 15 percent of cobalt, and plenty of
copper, steel, nickel, and aluminum as well. These spew tons of carbon dioxide
into the atmosphere.
In
developing countries, much of this e-waste is mined yet again by "backyard
recyclers" who take apart the discarded devices for their tiny quantities
of gold and other precious metals, a practice that releases "steady plumes
of far-reaching toxic pollution," but recovers very little value compared
to more efficient and modern industrial recycling plants.
Solutions
The
challenge for the world is to collect all this e-waste and get it to more
modern recycling facilities, the UN says. The report is particularly critical
of China for its slowness in dealing with the problem. "The consumers in
China have low awareness about the pollution from the informal e-waste
recycling," it concludes. "They tend to sell their end-of-life (EOL)
equipment to the informal collectors for positive earnings. This habit will cost
the future formal collection system and how much waste equipment formal
collectors could receive from the consumers."
The
"future formal collection system" that the UN recommends doesn't
necessarily mean completely replacing current collection networks or importing
high tech equipment from elsewhere. The survey notes that these networks are
efficient in the sense that daily collectors have strong ties to their
communities. "Moreover, deep-level manual dismantling in formal or
informal environments is preferred over semiautomatic processes due to the
abundant workforce and low labour costs."
But
many of the informal methods of extraction being used, such as wet-chemical
leaching, pose serious environmental hazards. So the next step is to set up
"e-waste management centers of excellence" around the developing
world, by building on existing organizations and systems. "One person's
waste can be another's raw material," optimistically noted UN
Under-Secretary General Konrad Osterwalder. "The challenge of dealing with
e-waste represents an important step in the transition to a green
economy."
-------------P
Posted
04/19/2011 at 12:53pm | by Gord Goble
The
brand new tablet/smartphone/GPU you grabbed last week is the cat's meow. But
what happens to it - or to any of the devices you once treasured- when you
don't want or need them anymore? Where do they go? Is there a reliable,
"green" way to dispose of them? And hey, does one extra electronic
gadget in a landfill really put the big hurt on the environment?
As
you'll see in the pages ahead, there's a whole bunch of stuff not to like about
the way we deal with our old and unloved electronics. We toss way too much of
it. We recycle some of it, but even then the machinery behind that recycling is
flawed and we're only beginning to understand the dangers that come from the
hazardous materials that lay inside. Changes are afoot, but the evidence of an
apathetic past and present, like the e-waste itself, is piling up.
The
Break Down: What's Inside Your Tech
Let's
start simple by looking at one of today's most ubiquitous electronic gadgets,
the cellphone or smart phone. While there's no validated evidence to suggest
the persistent use of cell phones will trigger brain tumors – despite lots of
hype to the contrary – the cell phone is far from green. Indeed, it houses a
lot of stuff you certainly wouldn't want to sprinkle on your cereal. Stuff like
copper, gold, lead, nickel, antimony, zinc, beryllium, tantalum, mercury,
arsenic, and coltan (more on coltan in a moment), among others.
While
most of these materials are part of the finished item, others play a critical
role in the production process and remain onboard afterward. Some are found on
the circuit board, others in the display. Or in the battery. Or in the wiring
or the solder that flows between all of the above. And let's not forget the
glue that holds so much of the innards together. Or the packaging, which in
many instances is the very definition of excessive. Or the plastic shell, which
contains crude oil, natural gas, and chemicals.
Image
courtesy Chris Jordan
Also
generally less than green are the methods in which some of the
"ingredients" are acquired. Coltan, for example, a vital element in
the production of cell phone-level capacitors, is currently the subject of much
controversy. The majority of coltan is mined in the Democratic Republic of
Congo, where human rights organizations claim the people who mine it live and
work in deplorable conditions, surviving on less than $1000 a year and digging
underground without safety equipment or supplemental air supplies. Animal
rights organizations claim the regional gorilla population is impacted in two
ways – by dwindling food supplies in the mining zones and because some are used
as meat to feed the miners. Add to that the UN, which says that most of the
parties involved in the mining and sale of coltan are also involved in the
local civil war. Not exactly a glowing summary of earth friendliness.
The
Numbers: How Much E-Waste Are We Talking About?
But
here's the thing – this whole cell phone business wouldn't be quite so
overwhelming to fix if so damn many of them didn't end up in the garbage. Once
trashed, a cell phone travels to the local landfill, where it's compacted,
smashed, crunched, and/or burned until everything that was once safely ensconced
inside spews out and over the course of months, years, and decades, leaches
into the air, ground, and water.
And
in large doses, the stuff inside a cell phone – as is the case with most
electronics – has been linked to critical health concerns such as cancer, birth
defects, brain afflictions, and damage to the nervous, reproductive, digestive,
lymphatic, and immune systems. Even the brominated flame retardants that coat
the plastic case of many cell phones, guarding against the accidental ignition of
the materials inside, become potentially toxic once said case is compromised.
Granted,
a single cell phone lying in a single landfill isn't of tremendous concern. But
we're not talking a single cell phone. How many are we talking? Well…the United
Nations says sixty percent of the world's total population owns at least one.
Think about that for a moment. Perhaps even more telling are recent reports
claiming a whopping five billion mobile phone subscriptions are currently in
place worldwide.
Now,
consider how many of these users are already on their second, third, or fourth
cell, and you begin to get the picture. But the truly scary part? Most reliable
estimates say that no more than ten to fifteen percent of all cell phones are
recycled. And that figure applies only here in the good old USA. One can only
imagine how that figure varies in countries where recycling is a virtual
unknown.
Ultimately,
one can say with some confidence that literally billions of cell phones have
been discarded over the course of the last three decades, all of which are now
in the process of breakdown.
The
Tech Stockpile
Of
course, cell phones play but a minor role in a very big story – the story of
electronics at the end of their life cycle. The story of e-waste.
Let's
check out some numbers. There are, right this very moment, more than a billion
computers worldwide. Two hundred million televisions were sold is 2009 alone.
Eight million dashtop GPS units were purchased in 2008. One hundred and ten
million digital cameras were sold in 2009. Apple blew out 20 million iPods in
just the first quarter of that same year.
Indeed,
according to a November 2010 report published by think-tank Demos and penned by
author Elizabeth Grossman (a journalist specializing in environmental and
science issues and the author of "High
Tech Trash"), there are three billion electronics products currently
in use in America alone. That's a fifty percent increase since 2007 – and a
turnover rate of 400 million per annum.
Clearly,
these are staggering figures, and certainly more proof – as if we needed it –
that we live in a disposable society. Back in the day, an electronic item such
as a table top radio might very well have held its place inside a home for
decades. Not necessarily because it was better built than today's radios –
though many would say it was – but because there weren't a ton of home and
personal entertainment options apart from radios. Moreover, evolution moved at
a much slower pace. It took some time to build a radio, and even then there
were only a precious few options to enhance. Ultimately, there simply weren't
many truly compelling reasons for a consumer to move to a newer model.
Contrast
old school radios to, say, the television marketplace of the last decade.
First, we dumped our bulky, energy-sucking CRT TVs. (CRT technology, by the
way, is widely considered to have the foulest environmental footprint in the
entire electronic world – each display housing several pounds of lead and
copious quantities of toxic goodies such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.) We
then jumped on the flat-panel bandwagon, but soon thereafter we discovered the
joys of true 1080p high-definition. And many of us changed over yet again. Now,
for better or worse, there's 3DTV. All in the span of ten years.
Now
think about the length of time you keep any of your modern electronics before
you give them up, either because they're broken or more likely because they've
been supplanted by something faster/better. Five years? Two? Look at the iPad
as an example. Between the release of the original and the release of the
follow-up, complete with its slimmer build, upgraded CPU, superior cameras, and
other incremental improvements that Apple maniacs worship, there was just a
single year. Apple sold fifteen million original iPads. But now, for many,
they're passé.
And
let's not forget – not all unused products are immediately given the heave-ho.
Consumers tend to stockpile stuff they don't use any longer. Admit it – how
many old game consoles or cell phones or laptops or TVs or cameras or cd
players, Walkmans, record players, spare monitors are sitting around your house
right now because you'll either use them again one day (fat chance), or because
you just don't know what to do about it?
There
are a lot of people like you. In a 2005 study commissioned for HP by market
research firm Penn Schoen Berland, it was said that sixty-eight percent of
consumers stockpile used or unwanted computer equipment in their homes. In a
2008 EPA study of select electronics sold between 1980 and 2007 –specifically
items like televisions, computers and peripherals, hard copy imaging devices
such as printers and scanners, and cell phones – it was found that more than
235 million units had accumulated in storage by 2007. We're willing to bet
dollars to donuts that figure has increased substantially since then, given the
onslaught of portable, personal devices in the past few years.
The
Alternative Option: What Happens When Tech is Recycled?
The
answer, of course, is recycling. And reusing. And renewing. And that's where
things get interesting.
For
starters, there's no doubt the process, when carried out in a responsible,
forward-thinking manner, works. We asked the folks at Illinois-based Intercon
Solutions, a progressive recycler that specializes in electronics and recycles
everything it receives – no reselling, remarketing, land filling, incineration,
or exportation – to give us the lowdown on what happens to our friend the cell
phone when it hits the Intercon facility. And they told us. But not without
first advising us that Intercon, like many of today's top-rung facilities,
prefers the term "de-manufacture" to "recycle," - and for
good reason, as you'll soon see.
When
Itercon first receives a cell phone (or a smart phone or an MP3 player – the
process is similar), it places the item with others of its own type and weight.
This continues until 25 pallet-sized boxes are filled, at which point item
teardown begins.
Intercon
cautions that although teardown may look similar to a standard assembly line,
it's actually a "de-assembly" line where individual items are
de-manufactured or disassembled – by hand. In any case, plastics, glass and all
the different metals found in smart phones and MP3 players are separated. Then
each metal – gold, silver, lead, aluminum, iron, copper, brass, palladium,
rhodium, and more – is further sorted into individual lots.
Once
separated, each component is passed on to one of Intercon's domestic smelting
partners, all of which must meet the requirements of the company's ISO 9001 and
14001, OHSAS 18001, RIOS, R2, and NAID AAA certifications. There are no
offshore handoffs.
The
plastics, glass, and metals are smelted into bars, ingots, or sows, while the
glass, lead, and precious metal items are recycled back into new electronic
circuitry. The plastics are, interestingly, remanufactured into parking
bumpers. You see, recycled plastic from items such as cell phones have
traditionally been used in the fabrication of asphalt roads and composite
decking. But parking bumpers, we're told, aren't nearly so prone to leaching.
One
more thing: Intercon has recently developed a ”reverse engineering" method
for recycling and reusing what was once considered a wholly unrecyclable
product – Styrofoam.
Though Styrofoam (also known as polystyrene) isn't exactly electronic in
nature, it inevitably goes hand-in-hand with the packaging of said electronics
and takes hundreds of years to degrade once trashed. In our minds, the less
Styrofoam in the trash, the better.
Irresponsible
"Recycling"
Ultimately,
the big problem with responsible recycling is not that it can't be done, but
that it often isn't. For all the Intercons, there are seemingly oodles more
non-Intercons. Is there any guarantee that the item you dutifully send for
recycling will be recycled properly? Apparently, in many cases, the answer is
no.
The
people of Ghana know this all too well. You see, Ghana, along with regions of
India, Nigeria, China, and several other locations, have become the world's
electronic dumping ground. There, old, unused, unloved, and outmoded
electronics arrive by the boatload, often under the guise of recycling. Sadly,
the word "recycle" means something very different there than it does
here.
An
August 2008 Greenpeace report chronicles the process, and its findings are far
from uplifting. In this unregulated and often unmonitored environment where the
average annual wage is expressed in the hundreds of dollars, tech products are
burned over open flames to separate the plastic from the more valuable metals.
Products with little or no value are dumped in nearby pits. Needless to say,
the threat of escaping toxins is not a threat at all – it's a reality. Eighty
percent of the children in Guiyu, China, another region that receives
recyclable electronics, are known to have elevated levels of lead in their
blood due to the toxins found in these electronics.
Image
courtesy Greenpeace
Worse
still, the Greenpeace study (a study that has since been corroborated by other
organizations) determined much of the hard labor is performed by teenage boys,
some as young as eleven. Most toil through each long day bereft of protective
equipment and with little or no knowledge of safe handling procedures.
Arguably
of equal concern is the widespread abuse of the otherwise wonderfully
humanitarian "Bridge the Digital Divide" program, wherein nations of
wealth pass along older yet fully functioning tech to impoverished peoples. The
theory being, of course, that a circa-2000 computer means a hell of a lot more
to a Ghanaian schoolhouse than the busy New York executive who parted ways with
it. Yet, according to Greenpeace and its sources, anywhere from twenty-five to
seventy five percent of second-hand "reusable" goods that land in
developing nations are in fact broken beyond repair and of use to no one. That
these devices then end up in the tech killing fields we cited earlier comes as
no surprise.
E-cycling
and Health Hazards
So,
why do such practices exist? Greed. XYX Recycling picks up a load of goods and
instead of dealing with it as it should, it merely chucks it on the next boat
to Ghana. Out of sight, out of mind, money in pocket.
In
all fairness, electronics recycling is a comparatively new idea, and
regulations are continually being initiated to ensure the procedure is
conscientiously carried out. Penalties are levied and wayward recycling
practices are now being monitored more closely than ever. Case in point: On Feb
18th of this year, two recycling businesses, Toronto-based Metro Metals Corp.
and Avista Recycling, Inc., were hit with a $31,600 penalty and ordered to
properly dispose of the goods at their own cost for relabeling 913 CRT-based
monitors as scrap plastic and attempting to ship them off to Vietnam. And in
June of last year, the City Council of the town of Plymouth, England, was fined
£8,000 ($13,000) for allowing unauthorised firms to remove and sell unwanted
computers from its waste plants. It was determined the council breached the
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive by allowing firms to
take charge of electronics without first ascertaining if those firms were bona
fide recyclers.
Having
said that, the disposition of electronics clearly has a long way to go, as does
the manufacture of such products. After all, wouldn't it be nice if all the
components in our cell phones and tablets and PCs wasn’t such damaging stuff in
the first place? Certainly it would, and not just for us consumers either.
Truth is that the even the production of high-tech electronics – and in
particular semiconductors – can be extremely hazardous to one's health.
Image
courtesy Greenpeace
You
see, there's a secondary reason for those clean rooms and protective bunny
suits you see portrayed in tech industry television advertisements. Sure, they
keep the product free of contaminants. But they also serve to shield the
employees. Without such safeguards, workers en masse would be exposed to the
chemicals involved in semiconductor manufacture.
For
many years now, reports of miscarriages, skin disorders, and incidents of
cancers such as leukaemia or lymphoma have buzzed about the industry. In 2004,
for example, a jury ruled IBM was not responsible for fatal cancers that
developed in two former employees at a disk drive factory. The suit claimed
harsh chemicals in the factory caused the deaths, and though IBM was ultimately
cleared, it's one of several similar allegations levelled against the company.
More recently, Samsung came under fire in 2010 for the death of a former
employee who succumbed, at the age of 23, to blood cancer. This was but one of
several deaths and afflictions attributed to Samsung's Onyag, South Korea
semiconductor facility.
A
Long Way to Go: Progress Towards Accountable Recycling
Barbara
Kyle, National Coordinator of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a San
Francisco-based organization that promotes green design and responsible
recycling in the electronics industry, says producers are taking steps to
improve the manufacturing process, but cautions there is a very long way to go.
Kyle tells us that the ongoing elimination of high-concern chemicals such as
halogenated flame retardants "is a good start, but understand that this
industry uses many, many chemicals that are barely tested for hazards before
they are put into commerce."
Elizabeth
Grossman believes the entire process – from product conception to afterlife –
should be in harmony. "As someone said to me when I was working on High
Tech Trash, it should be as easy to recycle a computer as it is to buy one –
this should be true of any piece of consumer electronics – and part of what
will make this happen, in addition to making the recycling easy and convenient for
consumers (whether for individual, workplace or school use), is to have product
design evolve to make the equipment last longer and be designed for extended
life through technology upgrades, and ultimately to be made of non-toxic and
reusable materials."
But
if manufacturers are only beginning to develop a methodology to reduce or
exclude toxic materials while keeping costs in line and to ensure truly green
and perhaps semi-immortal machines, the hard, cold truth would appear to be
that we, as a people, simply aren't doing enough in the meantime to ensure
large-scale accountable recycling.
E-Waste
Protester at CES, Image Courtesy Abby Seiff
We
mentioned the recycling ratio for cell phones earlier – a dismal ten to fifteen
percent. This figure appears to be the norm for all forms of electronics and
high-tech devices. According to the EPA, in excess of 372 million electronics
products units, weighing 3.16 million tons, were disposed of in the USA in 2007
and 2008 alone. Just fourteen percent of this was destined for recycling,
leaving fully eighty-six percent to be burned or compacted. Computer users,
sadly, might be the worst of the bunch – the Electronics TakeBack Coalition
calculated that in 2007, some 112,000 computers were discarded in the U.S. each
and every day.
Like
the manufacturers, it would seem the population in general needs incentive
(rebates, discounts, rules, penalties) to make recycling an integral process.
Yet in many states, because it's legal even right now to toss your tech gizmos
in the trash, so most of us apparently believe it's true.
E-Waste
on the Federal Level
The
Olusosum dump site in Lagos; Image Courtesy of Greenpeace.
But
all is not lost. Approximately half the states in our union have now enacted
some form of ban against the dumping of most common electronics products. Most
legislation doesn't go so far as banning the export of e-waste to third-world
countries, but it's definitely a start.
On the federal level, the recently introduced Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010 proposes hefty fines for those who wrongly export electronic waste to developing countries. Critics say the bill doesn’t have enough bite, but proponents claim something is better than nothing. Furthermore, on November 15, 2010, President Obama issued an electronics recycling presidential proclamation, announcing he was creating an interagency task force within the federal government “to prepare a national strategy for responsible electronics stewardship, including improvements to federal procedures for managing electronic products.”
On the federal level, the recently introduced Responsible Electronics Recycling Act of 2010 proposes hefty fines for those who wrongly export electronic waste to developing countries. Critics say the bill doesn’t have enough bite, but proponents claim something is better than nothing. Furthermore, on November 15, 2010, President Obama issued an electronics recycling presidential proclamation, announcing he was creating an interagency task force within the federal government “to prepare a national strategy for responsible electronics stewardship, including improvements to federal procedures for managing electronic products.”
Barbara
Kyle, whose organization is involved with the "e-Stewards Program," a
new certification standard that keeps member recyclers on their toes and helps
consumers identify those recyclers that adhere to its vigorous standards,
believes a fully regulated environment is mandatory if we're ever to see true
change. "It’s been very instructive to look at the results from each of
the states," says Kyle. "We see much higher recycling volumes from
most manufacturers in states where the law requires them to meet certain
performance goals. So most companies do only what’s required under the
law."
"There
are a few exceptions, but looking at the numbers from Texas, which has a
relatively weak computer recycling law that doesn't specify any level of
performance, speaks volumes. Last year, Dell collected ten million pounds in
Texas, while HP collected about 45,000. Dell and HP have roughly the same
market share but clearly made wildly different efforts here. Yet Lenovo – a
fast growing company – collected only ten pounds. Yes, ten. What’s the lesson
here? Pass strong recycling laws, or you won’t see much recycling by these
companies."
Takeback:
Which Companies are Playing Nice & Green
One
other consumer option that's just recently getting play is
"takeback." Essentially, takeback is just that – electronics
manufacturers taking back products at the end of their life cycle and thus
reducing the need for independent recycling. According to Kyle, "Strong
takeback means two major things: Making the effort to actually get products
back to recycle them, and making sure the products are recycled responsibly –
not just exported to developing nations.”
Kyle
once again gives the thumbs up to Dell, among others. "Dell is currently
making the most effort to take back their old products. Back in 2001, they were
the target of our campaigning – they had no free takeback at all. Now they do
more than other companies even in states where the law doesn’t require them to.
For the TV companies, Samsung has been a leader in some states doing takeback,
and in committing to use vendors certified to the e-Stewards recycling
standard. Best Buy – which is also a TV manufacturer – has also been steadily
growing their takeback program and is working with e-Stewards."
Greenpeace,
in its own study that ranks the most dominant tech producers in terms of their
environmental footprint, rates Dell mid-pack, while praising Nokia and Sony
Ericsson and slamming Nintendo and Microsoft. Read the
Greenpeace guide for yourself.
Newsweek,
meanwhile, which ranks the top 500 largest publically traded companies in terms
of their greenness, says tech is one of the cleanest sectors of all and rates
Dell and HP in the numbers one and two positions. You can see its full 2010
Green Rankings here.
Though
all of the above paints a murky picture, it also paints a picture of obvious
transition. And certainly, there does appear to be enough independent
whistle-blowers, responsible manufacturers, and government intervention to
ensure the future is at least better than the past. But right now, there are
steps you can take to help.
Ghana
Scrapyard; Image Courtesy of Greenpeace.
1.
Do not toss any electronic item in the trash.
2.
If you're in the market for a replacement device, first consider the options.
Is your current product upgradeable? Do you really need those new features?
3.
Buy products that are part of a manufacturer "takeback" program.
4.
Sell your old but functioning products on an online classified ad site, or
donate them to a responsible local charity or organization. And don't forget –
you may be eligible for a charitable donation receipt.
5.
Patronize manufacturers and retailers that have strong green principles. Check
their websites and the links in this article.
6.
Try to purchase sustainable/upgradeable devices.
7.
Give yourself a cool-down period before jumping on the Next Big Thing. And if
the cool-down fails, quietly ponder the gobs of cash you've sunk into the
"latest and greatest" in the past. And be sad.
8.
If your state doesn't have an e-waste law, contact your local representative
and ask why. (Here's a list of those
that do)
9.
Check the e-Stewards site for a roundup of
recyclers that meet the vigorous e-Steward requirements.
10.
Consult the EPA page
for lots of good information on recycling, takeback, and donation programs.
Rift2
April
20, 2011 at 3:36pm
They
have a video on you tube called Chinese pollution busters. Which is the most
shocking video you will ever watch. Type in Chinese pollution in google all
that garbage piles up right next to water will seep into the enviroment and
cause birth defects and all sorts of life damaging problems.
sotoa
April
20, 2011 at 2:49pm
Really
makes you think. Great article. But it should include some info for us readers
to help out. Like, where can I send my old electronics for recyling?
I know
Verizon takes back old phones. But do they really recyle?
Another
thing. I didn't know about Coltan, but the exact same thing is said about Gold
mining in the Congo according to a recent 60 minutes episode.
ram0889
April
20, 2011 at 2:36pm
Good
Article
MaximumMike
April
20, 2011 at 7:59am
Now
that was a well written and informative article. Bravo, Maximum PC.
JohnP
April
20, 2011 at 11:20am
Heh,
exactly what I was going to say. Bravo!
T8RG8R
April
20, 2011 at 12:38am
proprietary
lock-in and Vendor lock-in need to end, open standards, and Open specifications
need to be the rule or die in a pile.
flo21
April
19, 2011 at 8:34pm
Telus
is now running ads saying their customers can change phones whenever they'd
like to have the latest and greatest, this absolutely disgusts me and is reason
enough for me never to use them.
I'm
usually on a two year upgrade cycle, so I give my mom my old pc, and her old pc
(which was my old pc two cycles ago) I usually sell on Craigslist, usually it
ends up at a low income family, but unfortunately that's about as much control
on the reuse and recycling I can control.
Would
be interesting to add to the article what MaxPC does with all their junk, I'm
sure you guys must go through tons of it, far more than the average American
business.
ShyLinuxGuy
April
19, 2011 at 7:01pm
I am
thinking that tech is going to end up in the landfill faster than say 10 years
ago. Anything below a Core 2/Pentium class and its AMD equiv are basically
worthless for mainstream use with Vista/Windows 7 (XP is obsolete). Add the
fact that a new mainstream (and even a few premium) PC has crap engineering
compared to its 10-15 year old counterpart, emachines with crappy PSUs, Dells
with bad caps, you get the idea. Laptops are often unfixable w/o spending $$ if
it comes across a problem, I'm sure it's not uncommon for the landfill guys to
be running across laptops from last year.
I have
a few old computers put away, I'm not doing anything with them ATM except I the
old beige Dell Optiplex I use for a file server. It's built like a tank unlike
the new Dells. The other PCs are even older (486 era) but still work. Maybe
I'll turn them into a firewall or a folding machine or something, but I won't
toss them out. They'll be worth something someday and I want my future kids to
compare 1995 with 2025...that will be fun to watch...
0ly1r3m@1ns
April
20, 2011 at 7:52am
um sir
Xp is not obsolete i still use it every day and much of the local stores are
still using 2000 a few even 98
someone87
April
19, 2011 at 5:29pm
I am
so sick of the Green stuff.... The world isn't over populated, we aren't
running out of "stuff", and people generate waist. It happens, your
never going to avoid it.
I
don't agree with spending tones and ones of money, like all the stupid electric
cars, that cost tens of thousands of dollars more than a "normal" gas
car. You will *NEVER NEVER NEVER* save money buying an electric car. It's
cheaper for me to drive a V12 BMW. :-) (I am not very green)
Instead
of the government, MaximumPC, and all the other tree huggers, telling us to
spend lots of money on something that has no financial payback, we should
instead continue to use what is cost effective, and research the “green” tech
until it’s cost effective, *AND ACTUALLY HELPS US AS AN INDIVIDUALS*.
If
your rich, and want to drive a Tesla, because it’s cool, goes fast, and is
quiet.
Now,
before everyone starts flaming me, I’ll say recycling is good, saves money, and
allows us to make something from nothing. But buying all this super high tech
green crap isn’t doing anyone any good.
Besides,
I would rather drive a Hummer (or my V12 BMW) than a stupid Prius, especially
when it’s more environmentally friendly to buy and drive a Hummer, than a
Prius.
People
are so naive they are willing to believe what ever the government tells us is
true, and good for you. Nobody bothers to check out the facts, and really look
into what the facts are.
I
agree with some of what this article said, the recycling, and sort of not
engaging in unnecessary waist, but really now, buying all the stupid gay
“green” crap, isn’t worth it, it’s not green, it’s not helping anything, and
everyone is blindly following along embracing this stupid “green dream”.
So
there is my rant, try not to be so naïve, and do what actually helps
(recycling, etc) not buying into something that doesn’t help anything.
jgrimoldy
May
04, 2011 at 4:30pm
Every
time you open your mouth, I sigh. It simply reduces the collective intelligence
of the world by a few pegs. Do us all a favor and just STFU, mmmkay?
Ghok
April
19, 2011 at 9:37pm
"I
agree with some of what this article said, the recycling, and sort of not
engaging in unnecessary waist, but really now, buying all the stupid gay
“green” crap, isn’t worth it, it’s not green, it’s not helping anything, and
everyone is blindly following along embracing this stupid “green dream”."
Bullshit.
You make this statement after saying "so sick of the Green stuff",
complaining about "tree huggers", and bragging (twice) about your
car. You're either a troll or deeply stupid.
Most
of us are smart enough to realize that some companies will claim to be green or
doing green things, and it's not true. Because people will lie if they can get
away with it. But that has nothing to do with this article (in fact, it talks
about this issue) or trying to recycle things. Why bring up all that crap if
you actually agree with recycling and "not engaging in unnecessary
waist"? That's what the article was about! You're the only one here
pushing an agenda.
Carlidan
April
19, 2011 at 8:28pm
Wow
really. You know there are more the 10 billon people in the whole world right?
And there "is" a limit to our natural resources. I know you don't
believe that, but it's true. We don't have unlimited oil, tree, water, elements
in the periodic chart. So you get your facts that a hummer is more
enviromentally friendly than a prius from a blog.
If
your "fact's you were referring to is from this research study:
Dust
to Dust: The Energy Cost of New Vehicles From Concept to Disposal"
It has
already been discredited. :
"Hummer
versus Prius: 'Dust to Dust' Report Misleads the Media and Public with Bad
Science"http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_vs_prius.pdf
And
there will be a financial payback. Because if we stop wasting and creating more
waste, sooner or later we will have to clean up that mess. And I can guarantee
it will be way more exepensive if we keep letting it build up.
Carlidan
April
19, 2011 at 11:08pm
"Because
if we stop wasting and creating more waste, sooner or later we will have to
clean up that mess."
Meant
to say:
Because
if we stop wasting less it will be easier to fix the problem. But if we keeping
creating more waste, sooner of later we wil have to clean up that mess. And I
can gurantee it will be way more expensive if we keep building up more waste.
EricX2
April
19, 2011 at 10:50pm
Actually
it's closer to 6.77 billion.
I
don't disagree with anything else you say, just 10 billion is way off.
Carlidan
April
19, 2011 at 11:01pm
Damn
was way off. I was calculating how much people there will be when it is the end
of the world. :P
tognetta
April
19, 2011 at 6:00pm
No
matter how tired you are of this "green stuff", you should pay more
attention to it.
The
world is changing bro! You don´t have to belive in what others say to you, just
look around.
If the
whole world had the opportunity to consume as Americans do, we wouldn´t be here
typing in our computers, because the energy wouldn´t be enough to all of us ...
Markkus
Rovito
April
19, 2011 at 5:20pm
Excellent
article, Gord!
iceman08
April
19, 2011 at 4:09pm
this
reminds me of cracked.com. but its a great article, and helpful to those that
don't believe in recycling
davidflory
April
19, 2011 at 3:22pm
My
father in law is a gadget junkie like me but has the money to spend. So to help
him out when his laptop stopped working well, I told him to let me pick out his
replacement. First, I chose a midrange laptop with a discrete video card and
decent processor for about $600. Next, I maxed out the laptop's
upgrade...essentially installed 8 GB RAM replacing the 4 GB inside and replaced
the hard drive with an SSD. This laptop will now run crazy fast for him and
should keep him from purchasing a replacement for at least 5 or more years.
Essentially, the lesson learned is not to buy the cheapest crap out there but
buy quality that lasts much longer and does not need to be upgraded so quickly.
allc0re
April
19, 2011 at 2:45pm
This
looks like a great article and I'd like to see more along this line at
MaximumPC. I will finish reading it later, but, man, this is good stuff!
Yusonice
April
19, 2011 at 2:44pm
i
think ppl should move on from optical media and into digital download.
Dartht33bagger
April
19, 2011 at 2:08pm
This
is why I always recycle my electronics. The only thing I'm really not good
about is recyling batteries and optical media. I have a bunch of batteries in a
box but my local Best Buy will only take rechargeable batteries....
Come
to think of it, I have an old cellphone, a PCI modem, an old computer and a
broken PS1 I should take into Best Buy.
-----------
E-Waste Recycling and
Disposal Tips With Advanced Disposal
SPONSORED • Published: Thursday, Sept. 18,
2014 9:32 a.m. CDT
By Carmen R. Heflin
On January 1 2012, several
electronic devices were banned from landfills. These devices include
televisions, monitors, printers, computer, electronic keyboards, fax machines,
VCRs, portable digital music players, digital video disc players/recorders,
video game consoles, small scale servers, scanners, electronic mice, digital
convertor boxes, and cable/ satellite receivers. This ban was created to
conserve our natural resources and to protect the environment from air and
water pollution. As a result, individuals and companies are responsible for the
proper disposal of electronic devices. According to the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one million laptops saves the energy
equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 US homes in a year. The
EPA, also determined that for every million cell phones we recycle, 35 thousand
pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of
palladium can be recovered.
There are several ways one can
choose to properly recycle or dispose of electronic products no longer being
used.
1.
Contact Advanced Disposal to obtain information on how to prepare electronic
waste for pickup.
2. Visit
local government or other civic groups for community events collecting unwanted
electronics for disposal.
3. Many
companies such as Best Buy, Apple, Staples, etc. will allow you to drop off or
mail in certain electronics to be recycled.
4. If
the item is still in good working condition, try donating to a local group or
organization.
Do your part and take care of the
environment by recycling or donating unwanted electronics with Advanced
Disposal.
------------
- Story
Home
- Synopsis
& Video
- Interactive
Map: The Global Trade in Electronic Waste
- FAQ:
The Good Recycling Guide
- Video
Interview: The Dark Side of the Information Age
- Slideshow:
"Sodom and Gomorrah"
- Where
the Law Stands on E-Waste
- Share
Your Reaction
On the outskirts of Ghana's biggest city sits a smoldering wasteland, a slum carved into the banks of the Korle Lagoon, one of the most polluted bodies of water on earth. The locals call it Sodom and Gomorrah.
Correspondent
Peter Klein and a group of graduate journalism students from the University of
British Columbia have come here as part of a global investigation -- to track a
shadowy industry that's causing big problems here and around the world.
Their
guide is a 13-year-old boy named Alex. He shows them his home, a small room in
a mass of shanty dwellings, and offers to take them across a dead river to a
notorious area called Agbogbloshie.
Agbogbloshie
has become one of the world's digital dumping grounds, where the West's
electronic waste, or e-waste, piles up -- hundreds of millions of tons of it
each year.
The team
meets with Mike Anane, a local journalist who has been writing about the boys
at this e-waste dump.
“Life is
really difficult; they eat here, surrounded by e-waste,” Anane tells them.
“They basically are here to earn a living. But you can imagine the health
implications.”
Some of
the boys burn old foam on top of computers to melt away the plastic, leaving
behind scraps of copper and iron they can collect to sell. The younger boys use
magnets from old speakers to gather up the smaller pieces left behind at the
burn site.
Anane
says he used to play soccer here as a kid, when it was pristine wetland. Since
then, he's become one of the country's leading environmental journalists.
“I'm
trying to get some ownership labels,” Anane tells reporters. “I'm collecting
them because you need them as evidence. You need to tell the world where these
things are coming from. You have to prove it. Now, just look,” he says,
pointing to an old computer with the label: “School District of Philadelphia.”
When
containers of old computers first began arriving in West Africa a few years
ago, Ghanaians welcomed what they thought were donations to help bridge the
digital divide. But soon exporters learned to exploit the loopholes by labeling
junk computers "donations," leaving men like Godson to sort it out.
Godson,
one of the e-waste dealers who have set up shop close to the port, shows the
contents of the container he has bought.
“Some are
from Germany and the U.K., and also from America,” he says, when asked where
the equipment has come from. He sorts through them looking for working
electronics that can be sold. He says that maybe 50 percent of the shipment is
junk and the rest he will be able to salvage in some way.
After
it’s sorted, a lot of the contents of the container will still be dumped at the
burn site outside of town.
Hard
drives that can be salvaged are displayed at open-air markets. Off camera,
Ghanaians admit that organized criminals sometimes comb through these drives
for personal information to use in scams.
As part
of the investigation, one of the students buys a number of hard drives to see
what is on them, secretly filming the transaction to avoid the seller's
suspicions.
The
drives are purchased for the equivalent of US$35.
The
students take the hard drives to Regent University in the Ghanaian capital and
ask computer scientist Enoch Kwesi Messiah to help read what is on them.
Within
minutes, he is scrolling through intimate details of people's lives, files left
behind by the hard drives' original owners.
There is
private financial data, too: credit card numbers, account information, records
of online transactions the original owners may not have realized were even
there.
“ I can
get your bank numbers and I retrieve all your money from your accounts,”
Messiah says. “If ever somebody gets your hard drive, he can get every
information about you from the drive, no matter where it is hidden.”
That's
particularly a problem in a place like Ghana, which is listed by the U.S. State
Department as one of the top sources of cyber crime in the world. And it's not
just individuals who are exposed. One of the drives the team has purchased
contains a $22 million government contract.
It turns
out the drive came from Northrop Grumman, one of America's largest military
contractors. And it contains details about sensitive, multi-million dollar U.S.
government contracts. They also find contracts with the defense intelligence
agency, NASA, even Homeland Security.
When the
drives’ data are shown to James Durie, who works on data security for the FBI,
he's particularly concerned about the potential breach at the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA).
“The government contracting process is supposed to be confidential. If I know how you're hiring the people for security related job, TSA air marshals, then I can prepare a person to fit that model and get my guy in,” Durie says. “Once I have my guy in, you have no security.”
“The government contracting process is supposed to be confidential. If I know how you're hiring the people for security related job, TSA air marshals, then I can prepare a person to fit that model and get my guy in,” Durie says. “Once I have my guy in, you have no security.”
Northrop
Grumman refused to speak to FRONTLINE/World on camera. But they did issue a
statement saying the potential security threat was disconcerting, and they
pledged to investigate.
Right now
there are no tough U.S. laws regulating the disposal of e-waste, leaving
companies and consumers to sort out the claims of recyclers on their own.
Following
the recycling process as a consumer would, students drop off some e-waste at a
facility on America’s West Coast. They are wearing a hidden camera and are
assured that what they are bringing in will be disposed of safely and locally.
One
worker at the facility tells them: “What they literally do is dump it into a
blast furnace and it burns it all up; and all they get out of it is a bunch of
ash and some of the precious metal. Everything else gets consumed, burnt. And
that's an actual fact.”
The team
notes the container numbers leaving the facility and, using public records,
traces where they're sent. A few weeks later, their reporting takes them to the
port of Hong Kong.
Just a
few miles from Hong Kong’s port, hidden behind eight-foot-high corrugated
walls, are mountains of computer monitors, printer cartridges from Georgia,
relics of old video arcades…
In China, e-waste has become big business.
In China, e-waste has become big business.
The
southern Chinese city of Guiyu has been completely built around the e-waste
trade. Miles and miles of nothing but old electronics.
Jim
Puckett is an environmental activist credited with discovering this harmful
e-waste route to China. He has accompanied the team to Guiyu, a place he first
visited eight years ago, and calls it the dirty little secret of the hi-tech
industry.
Video
Puckett shot in 2001 was the first anyone had documented showing Western
computers being dumped in Guiyu. He found tens of thousands of people working
here in the toxic trade. On this return visit, Puckett says things have gotten
worse.
“I was
there first in 2001 and it was shocking enough then. It had gone from very bad
to really horrific. And what is happening there is rather apocalyptic.”
One of
the most disturbing things Puckett points out is happening behind closed doors.
Women literally cooking circuit boards to salvage the computer chips, which
have trace amounts of gold.
“All
these old mother boards and other types of circuit boards are being cooked day
in and day out, mostly by women, sitting there, breathing the lead tin solders.
It’s just quite devastating,” Puckett says.
To find
out who is making money off this hazardous work, the team travels to downtown
Hong Kong, home to hundreds of companies that import e-waste into China. No one
here will speak to the reporters on camera, so they film surreptitiously.
Puckett
and one of our reporters arrange to meet an e-waste broker willing to explain
the e-waste trade from the inside.
The man
explains how hundreds of thousands of tons of American e-waste makes its way
into China, despite laws intended to stop it.
“If we
were to send you our material, would our recyclers get in trouble with the
Chinese government if they find their material coming into mainland?” Puckett
asks the broker.
“I can
only say that if they get caught it has nothing to do with you. Because I buy
from you, and then I sell to him. He is buying from me; he's not buying from
you,” the man explains.
He says
that since Hong Kong ships millions of containers to the U.S. and most return
empty, it's cheap to load them with e-waste, and too expensive to dispose of
the waste safely -- no matter what recyclers claim.
When the
reporters ask what sort of due environmental due diligence there is, the man
responds:
“I can
only say one thing, if you want to do it environmentally, you have to pay. They
have to invest in machinery, labor, everything. It isn’t worth it to pay so
much money.”
On the
last trip of the assignment, the team heads to India. No longer just a dumping
ground, India is now generating its own e-waste at an alarming rate, thanks to
a growing middle class with a taste for high tech.
“Last
year, we sold more than seven million PCs in India,” says Indian businessman
Rohan Gupta. “We generated 330,000 tons of electronic waste within India. So
all these are going to comeback to the waste stream sooner or later. It’s a
growing industry.”
Gupta is
giving a tour of his state-of-the-art facility outside Bangalore.
He is
betting on a new Indian law that could force its high tech industry to recycle
responsibly and maybe one day put the digital dumps out of business.
At
another recycling plant in Bangalore, they are literally trying to spin the
waste into gold, refining the scrap in a safe environment and fashioning it
into watches and jewelry they market as eco friendly.
Plants
like this could become part of a global network of certified e-waste recyclers
that Puckett's group is trying to get off the ground. But even Puckett realizes
it's an uphill struggle.
“Even if
you have a state-of-the-art facility in a country like India, the free market
there will send it to the lowest common denominator, to the worst facilities
where people are sitting on the streets just picking through it by hand,” he
says. “It’s a myth to think that you can just solve the problem immediately
with technology alone.”
REACTION
Kendra
Zacherle
Bemidji, Minnesota
I'm 17 years old and in the 11th grade i have a project on E-waste. This video is a really hard thing to watch there are innocent
people who are dying and getting hurt because of our reactions, and what we are doing to their homes, and lands. They must not realize how much damage
this is doing just not to their countries but on what it is doing to our ENVIRONMENT. The U.S is not just killing them it is killing our PLANET, killing the animals our TREES and how we breathe. People here in the U.S just need to relize they have to RECYCLE and help ourselves. I do not want to DIE
just because our REACTIONS and how we treat people. I'm not going against our country I'm going aggainst the E-waste dumping. I feel so sorry for the people who are doing the work and trying to make a living with their family's feeding there young children. I feel sorry, instead of doing what we are doing I just want to see a change in things and a change to our ENVIRONMENT. I wish I would have a chance in life to go and visit these places and ask those people on what they think. They should have nice homes, hospitals, cars, clothing, and they shouldn't have polluted WATERS, and RIVERS. They should just have as much as we do, they desserve as much as we do. They help with our E-waste when we and our companies should be the ones handling our own issues.
Bemidji, Minnesota
I'm 17 years old and in the 11th grade i have a project on E-waste. This video is a really hard thing to watch there are innocent
people who are dying and getting hurt because of our reactions, and what we are doing to their homes, and lands. They must not realize how much damage
this is doing just not to their countries but on what it is doing to our ENVIRONMENT. The U.S is not just killing them it is killing our PLANET, killing the animals our TREES and how we breathe. People here in the U.S just need to relize they have to RECYCLE and help ourselves. I do not want to DIE
just because our REACTIONS and how we treat people. I'm not going against our country I'm going aggainst the E-waste dumping. I feel so sorry for the people who are doing the work and trying to make a living with their family's feeding there young children. I feel sorry, instead of doing what we are doing I just want to see a change in things and a change to our ENVIRONMENT. I wish I would have a chance in life to go and visit these places and ask those people on what they think. They should have nice homes, hospitals, cars, clothing, and they shouldn't have polluted WATERS, and RIVERS. They should just have as much as we do, they desserve as much as we do. They help with our E-waste when we and our companies should be the ones handling our own issues.
Well I am
finished on what I got to say I just hope that some day we would
change how we are treating the EARTH, our HOME were we all are ONE big happy FAMILY.. =)
change how we are treating the EARTH, our HOME were we all are ONE big happy FAMILY.. =)
Thanks
for the opportunity for myself to speak out ad tell others on how I
truly feel about the whole situation.
truly feel about the whole situation.
Written
January 13, 2010
Wilmington,
NC
Overall I liked the article; however, here we go again. The United States always seems to get the blame for the world's problems. I'll believe it when I see it that Europe and Japan are handling the e-waste problem responsibly. Just because laws are enacted does not mean they're enforced. And for those under developed countries: Their governments strive to keep the masses poor and ignorant while lining their own pockets. I'll bet someone in those government gets a big kickback from those who are importing. There's obviously money to be made in the recycling business, especially when it's corrupt. Clean up the corruption first instead of imposing extra taxes and fees on consumers. And allow honest recyclers the chance to carry out what needs to be done without severe and costly government intervention.
Overall I liked the article; however, here we go again. The United States always seems to get the blame for the world's problems. I'll believe it when I see it that Europe and Japan are handling the e-waste problem responsibly. Just because laws are enacted does not mean they're enforced. And for those under developed countries: Their governments strive to keep the masses poor and ignorant while lining their own pockets. I'll bet someone in those government gets a big kickback from those who are importing. There's obviously money to be made in the recycling business, especially when it's corrupt. Clean up the corruption first instead of imposing extra taxes and fees on consumers. And allow honest recyclers the chance to carry out what needs to be done without severe and costly government intervention.
sonja
foreman
arlington, texas
Watched your video on e-waste. I always wondered what happens to all those old computers so now I know will tell everyone I know all
about this problem. I'm sure most people don't know this problem exist, thanks for educating me .
arlington, texas
Watched your video on e-waste. I always wondered what happens to all those old computers so now I know will tell everyone I know all
about this problem. I'm sure most people don't know this problem exist, thanks for educating me .
Stockton,
CA
This is crazy I never knew that this could happen to people. It changes my opinion about even having a computer anymore.The stuff they are doing with only a hard drive is disturbing. Can they even do this? Did
they ask permission to get into those?
This is crazy I never knew that this could happen to people. It changes my opinion about even having a computer anymore.The stuff they are doing with only a hard drive is disturbing. Can they even do this? Did
they ask permission to get into those?
yadab das
bangalore
Very informative documentary! So we are the sacrifice for someone's greed since the consequences will destroy the environment for the next generation of human beings. I do not know of any law induced by government (India) to reduce the pollution without media and public groups immense pressure. The governments should be doing this as part of their duty since Tax is paid by the citizens to safeguard them against such problems and it affects the majority of people. In the name of development we can not afford to give cancer to every people in the country and then develop the medical and insurance industries? We are talking about E-waste, what about poly bags? It is used everywhere in India.
bangalore
Very informative documentary! So we are the sacrifice for someone's greed since the consequences will destroy the environment for the next generation of human beings. I do not know of any law induced by government (India) to reduce the pollution without media and public groups immense pressure. The governments should be doing this as part of their duty since Tax is paid by the citizens to safeguard them against such problems and it affects the majority of people. In the name of development we can not afford to give cancer to every people in the country and then develop the medical and insurance industries? We are talking about E-waste, what about poly bags? It is used everywhere in India.
Mallory
Portland, Oregon
i had to write a letter to Obama about a problem i think he should change... and i wrote about this one. this is really bad.
Portland, Oregon
i had to write a letter to Obama about a problem i think he should change... and i wrote about this one. this is really bad.
Cochran
Woodward, IA
We think more people need to be made aware of what is happening in these developing nations. As a class, we couldn't believe this black market existed in the world. The more people that learn of what is happening with the digital waste in developed countries, the more likely change can occur.
Woodward, IA
We think more people need to be made aware of what is happening in these developing nations. As a class, we couldn't believe this black market existed in the world. The more people that learn of what is happening with the digital waste in developed countries, the more likely change can occur.
Countries
like the United States, Great Britain, and Germany need to enact legislation,
putting regulations in place to ensure our computer waste is disposed of more
responsibly.
Merissa
Tacoma, WA
One thing we can do is incorporate e-waste into international hazardous waste law. And the U.S. can ratify the Basel Convention, since we are currently hanging out with Haiti and Afghanistan as the only three Basel Convention signatories who never ratified it. Consumers can keep demanding better producer responsibility for electronics disposal. The EU's electronics take-back programs are not without problems, but they definitely represent a step in the right direction.
Tacoma, WA
One thing we can do is incorporate e-waste into international hazardous waste law. And the U.S. can ratify the Basel Convention, since we are currently hanging out with Haiti and Afghanistan as the only three Basel Convention signatories who never ratified it. Consumers can keep demanding better producer responsibility for electronics disposal. The EU's electronics take-back programs are not without problems, but they definitely represent a step in the right direction.
(anonymous)
I think it is Bush's fault, no, maybe Clinton, wait a minute, how about we are all to blame!
I think it is Bush's fault, no, maybe Clinton, wait a minute, how about we are all to blame!
Bill
Andrews
Rochester, IN
Electronic waste the greater un-tapped energy source. Most people do not realize for years that plastic the un-seen force, can be better recycled ( Melted ) into small fibers to make better cheaper insulation and fibers fused with other chemicals in process can have many benefits from Recycle. All that small plastic foating in our oceans is a wasted Gold mine in New Plastic fibers Technologies . Wm Andrews Discoverer of H2o from
Cold Relative Vacuum.( Vacuum Relativity ) And Embryonic Atomic Energy.
Rochester, IN
Electronic waste the greater un-tapped energy source. Most people do not realize for years that plastic the un-seen force, can be better recycled ( Melted ) into small fibers to make better cheaper insulation and fibers fused with other chemicals in process can have many benefits from Recycle. All that small plastic foating in our oceans is a wasted Gold mine in New Plastic fibers Technologies . Wm Andrews Discoverer of H2o from
Cold Relative Vacuum.( Vacuum Relativity ) And Embryonic Atomic Energy.
(anonymous)
Thank you so much for making such powerful show to bring us awareness about the dark side of growing technology! If we want our kids to live in future, we'd better starting addressing the impact now! Otherwise, I think the movie "2012" can become reality, even though it's fiction!
Thank you so much for making such powerful show to bring us awareness about the dark side of growing technology! If we want our kids to live in future, we'd better starting addressing the impact now! Otherwise, I think the movie "2012" can become reality, even though it's fiction!
(anonymous)
Thank you so much for making this show and for bringing awareness to people like us!! If we want this earth to continue its life, we'd better start doing what we can to make it a better place for our kids and people around this world!
Thank you so much for making this show and for bringing awareness to people like us!! If we want this earth to continue its life, we'd better start doing what we can to make it a better place for our kids and people around this world!
(anonymous)
Very sensationalist and uninformed. You were saying women were breathing lead fumes from solder. When did they start using lead free
solder on everything? It has been a while.
Very sensationalist and uninformed. You were saying women were breathing lead fumes from solder. When did they start using lead free
solder on everything? It has been a while.
The files
you found were probably old and garbage, not to say more modern stuff doesn't
show up: What exactly can you do with CC and bank info. from 2001? The defense
dept. files were also probably very uninformative. Nobody, even the FBI guy
were seriously worried. He had to come up with a hypothetical situation where
the files COULD be a security breach. The bigger problem
is you could see how much of your tax money they wasted.
is you could see how much of your tax money they wasted.
None of
you know ANYTHING about electronics/computers. The ghanna computer
"scientist" didn't know you can securely erase things or just NOT put personal info. on your computer? Storing your credit card info is MEGA stupid.
"scientist" didn't know you can securely erase things or just NOT put personal info. on your computer? Storing your credit card info is MEGA stupid.
And like
OH MY GOD!!!! you can plug an HDD into a working computer and READ
THE DATA! Somebody call the president! Just deleting the files doesn't really delete them!
THE DATA! Somebody call the president! Just deleting the files doesn't really delete them!
Also,
none of these places have a bulk eraser? Especially school districts
and Northrop Grumman?
and Northrop Grumman?
Torin
Eggers
Ashland, OR
This program confirmed many of my suspicions regarding the often corrupted facade we like to call "recycling." But moreover I feel that I must respond to an earlier posting that I believe aims at the heart of this and probably every other stain on this planet as a result of the spread of western cultural influence. This person simply posted, "God help our
children how they can live in this polluted world????" The truth is like the program points out, they don't have a choice. If they did these poor people would certainly be elsewhere. Moreover it sickens me to the core when I
read or hear from someone who seems to think that something is going to come down to earth or simply appear and through some invention or divine intervention we can all just keep living our comfortable lives however we want.
The troubling thing is that this could not be further from reality and I can tell just reading most of these folks reactions that they simply don't get it. I think that seeing it on an individual basis I am reminded of how self-absorbed we are as a so-called culture and society. This makes me even
more sick knowing that after watching little kids in Ghana breathing in their old computer parts so they could stream Fox News and porno twice as fast, the most dis-concerning portion of the program was a less than half a minute section on how to destroy your hard-drive. I guess to most folks that is what this video was about. Never mind the title, or any other part of this important gruesome spotlight on the true values of western culture. After
all, tomorrow we can all wake up and destroy our computers properly in time to get in line at Wal-Mart to buy an even better one. We can even say that it's to celebrate Thanksgiving, yeah ... that sounds good!
Ashland, OR
This program confirmed many of my suspicions regarding the often corrupted facade we like to call "recycling." But moreover I feel that I must respond to an earlier posting that I believe aims at the heart of this and probably every other stain on this planet as a result of the spread of western cultural influence. This person simply posted, "God help our
children how they can live in this polluted world????" The truth is like the program points out, they don't have a choice. If they did these poor people would certainly be elsewhere. Moreover it sickens me to the core when I
read or hear from someone who seems to think that something is going to come down to earth or simply appear and through some invention or divine intervention we can all just keep living our comfortable lives however we want.
The troubling thing is that this could not be further from reality and I can tell just reading most of these folks reactions that they simply don't get it. I think that seeing it on an individual basis I am reminded of how self-absorbed we are as a so-called culture and society. This makes me even
more sick knowing that after watching little kids in Ghana breathing in their old computer parts so they could stream Fox News and porno twice as fast, the most dis-concerning portion of the program was a less than half a minute section on how to destroy your hard-drive. I guess to most folks that is what this video was about. Never mind the title, or any other part of this important gruesome spotlight on the true values of western culture. After
all, tomorrow we can all wake up and destroy our computers properly in time to get in line at Wal-Mart to buy an even better one. We can even say that it's to celebrate Thanksgiving, yeah ... that sounds good!
Portland, OR
Absolutely devastating
(anonymous)
I have heard that it is pointless to "recycle" unless you buy recycled. I wonder if there is any recycled content in an I-Pod or a
Mac? From this report it is clear that unless you as a consumer create a market for recycled content goods, then there isn't going to be any economic
benefit down the line for anyone to safely recycle your old crap and it's
going to end up in the lungs and tissues and rivers of the people in this documentary. I want to know what the people at HP, Dell, Motorola, Apple, IBM, Nokia, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, and all of their cohort are doing about this. They are reaping the profits why can't they share in fixing the toxic legacy. Most of toxins involved here (metals, retardants, dioxins from
burning are persistant and bioaccumulative, meaning they don't break down in the environment and end up in the food chain). And, oh yeah, there's global atmospheric impacts from the burning and incineration. So you are also getting to drink and breathe a little bit of your old computer, too. What about reuse? Reuse is about 100 times better than even the best recycling.
Pause before your next cell phone, computer, printer purchase and ask how
you have avoided being part of the problem.
I have heard that it is pointless to "recycle" unless you buy recycled. I wonder if there is any recycled content in an I-Pod or a
Mac? From this report it is clear that unless you as a consumer create a market for recycled content goods, then there isn't going to be any economic
benefit down the line for anyone to safely recycle your old crap and it's
going to end up in the lungs and tissues and rivers of the people in this documentary. I want to know what the people at HP, Dell, Motorola, Apple, IBM, Nokia, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, and all of their cohort are doing about this. They are reaping the profits why can't they share in fixing the toxic legacy. Most of toxins involved here (metals, retardants, dioxins from
burning are persistant and bioaccumulative, meaning they don't break down in the environment and end up in the food chain). And, oh yeah, there's global atmospheric impacts from the burning and incineration. So you are also getting to drink and breathe a little bit of your old computer, too. What about reuse? Reuse is about 100 times better than even the best recycling.
Pause before your next cell phone, computer, printer purchase and ask how
you have avoided being part of the problem.
New York,
NY
Thanks so much for sharing this video, it's heartbreaking but I am so glad that I am aware of the alarming problem. I am working on
a project about e-waste and discovering many dimensions of the problem. Now
I would second, third and fourth thought before buying and dumping electro
nics. Once again thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing this video, it's heartbreaking but I am so glad that I am aware of the alarming problem. I am working on
a project about e-waste and discovering many dimensions of the problem. Now
I would second, third and fourth thought before buying and dumping electro
nics. Once again thank you.
INNOCENT
NDANGA
DAR ES SALAAM, DAR ES SALAAM
Our lives are depending on the environment, WHY ARE WE NOT ROYAL TO IT?
DAR ES SALAAM, DAR ES SALAAM
Our lives are depending on the environment, WHY ARE WE NOT ROYAL TO IT?
Cristian
Alexander
Katy, Tx
So what do we do with computer manufacturers that claim their PC's are enviromentally friendly since they are constructed from aluminum and use acid free glass? I can assume they end up in the same e-waste locations shown on the video? If so, then the first generation of these manufacturing techniques are putting a bigger strain on the environment. How do environmental societies and groups answer to that when we here in the US are prohibited from disposing of electronic waste. Its too expensive startup e-waste business here, let alone the legislation necessary to foster jobs and infrastructure.
Katy, Tx
So what do we do with computer manufacturers that claim their PC's are enviromentally friendly since they are constructed from aluminum and use acid free glass? I can assume they end up in the same e-waste locations shown on the video? If so, then the first generation of these manufacturing techniques are putting a bigger strain on the environment. How do environmental societies and groups answer to that when we here in the US are prohibited from disposing of electronic waste. Its too expensive startup e-waste business here, let alone the legislation necessary to foster jobs and infrastructure.
I just
want to know that the next time some egg head wants to convince me their
computer is better for the environment when it all seems to end up in
the same place.
the same place.
Kent Lins
Vancouver, BC
I would/will pay a fee to have my electronics recycled in a sustainable way. Why isn't it mandatory? I always donate my gear with a note taped to it stating whether it is working or not. I include a cd with the appropriate drivers and I always overwrite the data on my hard drive. It never ceases to disappoint me humanity's inability to prioritize the long term over the short term. When in the long term it is always the short term that costs more.
Vancouver, BC
I would/will pay a fee to have my electronics recycled in a sustainable way. Why isn't it mandatory? I always donate my gear with a note taped to it stating whether it is working or not. I include a cd with the appropriate drivers and I always overwrite the data on my hard drive. It never ceases to disappoint me humanity's inability to prioritize the long term over the short term. When in the long term it is always the short term that costs more.
Anonymous
Ottawa, Ontario
It looks like the cities were hit by the apocalypse.
Ottawa, Ontario
It looks like the cities were hit by the apocalypse.
(anonymous)
Its funny that a lot of people are surprise that it has been happening, when in fact back in the mainframe days before PC was though=
t of, these huge computers were being bought by the Taiwan agents living in the U.S. with their families and shipped over in containers back in the 70's. They would be shipped both to Taiwan and China for recycling. That's where all the electronics and computers from the FAA went which turned one of own recyclers into a millionaire over night. Even GSA property disposal was aware of what was happening. The workers overseas would be paid anywhere from a couple dollars to eight dollars a day to tear apart the electronics for their boss. A lot of the precious metal and circuits were put into new products and sent back to us. Today it is the issue of getting rid of millions of CRT's
Its funny that a lot of people are surprise that it has been happening, when in fact back in the mainframe days before PC was though=
t of, these huge computers were being bought by the Taiwan agents living in the U.S. with their families and shipped over in containers back in the 70's. They would be shipped both to Taiwan and China for recycling. That's where all the electronics and computers from the FAA went which turned one of own recyclers into a millionaire over night. Even GSA property disposal was aware of what was happening. The workers overseas would be paid anywhere from a couple dollars to eight dollars a day to tear apart the electronics for their boss. A lot of the precious metal and circuits were put into new products and sent back to us. Today it is the issue of getting rid of millions of CRT's
Craig
Finnegan
Belford, New Jersey
This is an outrage that we have alowed such a breach of security to our nation I can just see an evil doer getting there hands on information that will kill as much as the pollution is going to kill life around the dumping grounds. We have to put a stop to this now by educating everyone about this gigantic problem at the local level to get with it like India will be doing soon.
Belford, New Jersey
This is an outrage that we have alowed such a breach of security to our nation I can just see an evil doer getting there hands on information that will kill as much as the pollution is going to kill life around the dumping grounds. We have to put a stop to this now by educating everyone about this gigantic problem at the local level to get with it like India will be doing soon.
M.
Cameron Estrada
Seattle (Sammamish), Washington
I think this is really f'ed up. I watched the orig. broadcast of this program and I have been very proactive since. I have made everyone I know watch and pass it along to all they know. Hopefully we as the people can actually make an impact on the ever growing E-Waste problem our global economy, neighbors, aand friends.
Seattle (Sammamish), Washington
I think this is really f'ed up. I watched the orig. broadcast of this program and I have been very proactive since. I have made everyone I know watch and pass it along to all they know. Hopefully we as the people can actually make an impact on the ever growing E-Waste problem our global economy, neighbors, aand friends.
Tucson,
Arizona
We are stewards of our earth- each and every one of us- and it mystifies me to find a betrayal to not only our fellow man but also the larger environment we call our home. At first, it seems like common sense would fix this, but we don't seem to have common sense on the forefront of our minds. The biggest thing here is education- now I know, now I want to take action. This was a very informative documentary and I appreciate Frontline for presenting such in-depth coverage.
We are stewards of our earth- each and every one of us- and it mystifies me to find a betrayal to not only our fellow man but also the larger environment we call our home. At first, it seems like common sense would fix this, but we don't seem to have common sense on the forefront of our minds. The biggest thing here is education- now I know, now I want to take action. This was a very informative documentary and I appreciate Frontline for presenting such in-depth coverage.
Some=20
Guy
Salt Lake City, UT
I used to believe in the free market theory, although now I believe Noam Chomsky is right -- the free market is a myth. Corporate lobbying and big money always turn the table in their favor, but we are only told we have a free market.
Salt Lake City, UT
I used to believe in the free market theory, although now I believe Noam Chomsky is right -- the free market is a myth. Corporate lobbying and big money always turn the table in their favor, but we are only told we have a free market.
That
said, I would have to drive an hour, and pay $35 from where I live to recycle
an old computer. That's too big of a pain. The free market is not doing a good
enough job at making it so people can recycle electronics. Each county or city
should have a drop off facility to help people handle this problem.
Part of
the problem may be we used to have a steel mill here, but it was closed down
when tariffs were lifted on steel imports. Hence, we have problems recycling
our own metals.
Stanley
Fung
Vancouver, BC Canada
Looking at all these comments, people are being shocked in general. So do I. However, how many of you including myself are willing to pay from your own pocket to recycle e-waste properly? And how much are you willing to pay?!
Vancouver, BC Canada
Looking at all these comments, people are being shocked in general. So do I. However, how many of you including myself are willing to pay from your own pocket to recycle e-waste properly? And how much are you willing to pay?!
prashant=20
jawale
nanded, maharashtra
its terrible to see such hazardous condition in GHANA. It needs to adopt a standard practice of disposal of e-waste there.
nanded, maharashtra
its terrible to see such hazardous condition in GHANA. It needs to adopt a standard practice of disposal of e-waste there.
lindsey
de klerk
cape town, south africa
I always enjoy reading about what's happening in other countries. Sometimes when it's heartbreaking i feel the pain with them, i really do!
cape town, south africa
I always enjoy reading about what's happening in other countries. Sometimes when it's heartbreaking i feel the pain with them, i really do!
lindsey
de klerk
cape town, south africa
Thanks for that show. It gave me a lot of insight and i learned much!
cape town, south africa
Thanks for that show. It gave me a lot of insight and i learned much!
Debs
Butler
London, UK
This may be named after the biblical places of Sodom and Gomorrah, but the only biblical place I can equate it with is hell.
London, UK
This may be named after the biblical places of Sodom and Gomorrah, but the only biblical place I can equate it with is hell.
I don't
mean Ghana. I mean the US (and other 'throw away' nations).
There is no 'throwing away' in the world -- we are encapsulated together on this small blue planet. At least the Ghanaians understand this with 'recycling' - while the West puts its head in the sand and chooses to ignore.
Who is in the greater hell? Those in need and happy or those in greed and
never satisfied?
There is no 'throwing away' in the world -- we are encapsulated together on this small blue planet. At least the Ghanaians understand this with 'recycling' - while the West puts its head in the sand and chooses to ignore.
Who is in the greater hell? Those in need and happy or those in greed and
never satisfied?
You
answer for yourself.
Selena
Nunes
Bangalore, Karnataka
Never realized how the problem has been scaled up. Is there a solution?
Bangalore, Karnataka
Never realized how the problem has been scaled up. Is there a solution?
Arno
Versfeld
Worcester, Western Cape
The only way of dealing with the e-waste is to force the manufacturer of electronic products to build recycling plants that are safe and to recycle at least the same tonage as the tonage they produce in new products.
Worcester, Western Cape
The only way of dealing with the e-waste is to force the manufacturer of electronic products to build recycling plants that are safe and to recycle at least the same tonage as the tonage they produce in new products.
Niel
Wiencek
Sylmar, Ca
Amazing how thousands of tons of e-waste can get there? How come no one has sent a tractor to dig holes and bury it all? Just like Hawaii.
Sylmar, Ca
Amazing how thousands of tons of e-waste can get there? How come no one has sent a tractor to dig holes and bury it all? Just like Hawaii.
Jonathan
Cooper
Sydney, Australia
Thanks for this. Frightening and depressing, but definitely worth watching. I must investigate what happens to Australia's e-waste.
Sydney, Australia
Thanks for this. Frightening and depressing, but definitely worth watching. I must investigate what happens to Australia's e-waste.
Godfrey
Eneas
Nassau, Bahamas
I hope this e-waste activity does not reach the Caribbean, particularly in a poor country like Haiti. Already vehicles that do not meet emissions standards end up in many Caribbean states. Stale dated foods also seem to find its way into the region. The Developed World is using The Third World countries as its refuse bin.
Nassau, Bahamas
I hope this e-waste activity does not reach the Caribbean, particularly in a poor country like Haiti. Already vehicles that do not meet emissions standards end up in many Caribbean states. Stale dated foods also seem to find its way into the region. The Developed World is using The Third World countries as its refuse bin.
Lindsay
Montreal, Quebec
Our Free World model is not responsable for its global footprint ... Why not charge for the cost of disposal when the item is purchased? Companies can be held responsible for not providing environmentally friendly ways to dispose of their products.
Montreal, Quebec
Our Free World model is not responsable for its global footprint ... Why not charge for the cost of disposal when the item is purchased? Companies can be held responsible for not providing environmentally friendly ways to dispose of their products.
(anonymous)
Eye opener! I think we are murdering our mother earth; and she is dying a slow, slow death. I really pity the people who have to work in this mess -- not of their choice I am sure.
Eye opener! I think we are murdering our mother earth; and she is dying a slow, slow death. I really pity the people who have to work in this mess -- not of their choice I am sure.
Veronica
Oakland
I was so upset when I saw this report. The garbage of the first world is always sent to third world countries and most people around the world don't know that this is happening. What can we do to stop this from happening?
Oakland
I was so upset when I saw this report. The garbage of the first world is always sent to third world countries and most people around the world don't know that this is happening. What can we do to stop this from happening?
More Junk
MA, MA
We need to send our waste to third world countries because that is where it comes from to begin with. If China hadn't been shipping us garbage they call goods they wouldn't be getting back the ewaste. It is just full circle.
MA, MA
We need to send our waste to third world countries because that is where it comes from to begin with. If China hadn't been shipping us garbage they call goods they wouldn't be getting back the ewaste. It is just full circle.
Jerry
Nabu
Port Moordie, Alberta
Don't buy stuff you don't need. Don't be materialistic. You don't need an Ipod! Demand that manufacturers take responsibility for their products from cradle to grave.
Port Moordie, Alberta
Don't buy stuff you don't need. Don't be materialistic. You don't need an Ipod! Demand that manufacturers take responsibility for their products from cradle to grave.
Octavio
Lima
Espinho, Portugal
I agree with Joel, from Illinois: this report deserves to be posted everywhere. It will be on ondas3.blogs.sapo.pt, a Portuguese blog posting news and commenting on environmental issues since January 2004.
Espinho, Portugal
I agree with Joel, from Illinois: this report deserves to be posted everywhere. It will be on ondas3.blogs.sapo.pt, a Portuguese blog posting news and commenting on environmental issues since January 2004.
Matt
Pasadena, CA
I have never seen anything that made me feel like the world is coming to an end until I saw this. The transfer of e-waste from one broker to another reminds me of the sub-prime and student loan crisis -- ie, bad and defaulted loans being passed from one collector to the next.
Pasadena, CA
I have never seen anything that made me feel like the world is coming to an end until I saw this. The transfer of e-waste from one broker to another reminds me of the sub-prime and student loan crisis -- ie, bad and defaulted loans being passed from one collector to the next.
Bea Eagle
San Luis Obispo, CA
60 Minutes also had a segment on this topic. It is so out of hand. I wish more media time be devoted to it, and similar social disasters. Great program, thank you.
San Luis Obispo, CA
60 Minutes also had a segment on this topic. It is so out of hand. I wish more media time be devoted to it, and similar social disasters. Great program, thank you.
Nashville,
Tennessee
How powerfully disturbing that our throw-away lifestyle of decades has come to this. Our children inherit a world that is such a vast dumping ground that industrial shipping containers look like tiny Legos in perspective.
How powerfully disturbing that our throw-away lifestyle of decades has come to this. Our children inherit a world that is such a vast dumping ground that industrial shipping containers look like tiny Legos in perspective.
Susan
Pursell
Conyers, Georgia
I find this presentation revealing once again, the blinders are on and our excuses will override our obligation to humanity, to do the right thing, once and for all. We rationalize the reality of suffering caused by our own greed and narcissism to the point of being inhuman!
Conyers, Georgia
I find this presentation revealing once again, the blinders are on and our excuses will override our obligation to humanity, to do the right thing, once and for all. We rationalize the reality of suffering caused by our own greed and narcissism to the point of being inhuman!
How can
we all constantly live with ourselves and ignore the responsibility we have to
this planet, it's people and it's survival? I ask you to look at your
consumption, it's overindulgence, and actively participate in your solution to
solve the problems at your level. You have the power within you to do something!
You do not need the government to say it is OK before you act!! Stop being so
mindless!!!
Nikki
Kohly
Grahamstown, South Africa
I found this a very sobering reminder of how little control we have in a globalized system. We need to take action within the parameters of our own communities, if we are to help stop this sort of social and environmental disaster from recurring - at home and abroad. Paul Connett and Bill Sheehan asserted in a visionary article on Zero Waste that the antidote to over-consumption is community building.
Grahamstown, South Africa
I found this a very sobering reminder of how little control we have in a globalized system. We need to take action within the parameters of our own communities, if we are to help stop this sort of social and environmental disaster from recurring - at home and abroad. Paul Connett and Bill Sheehan asserted in a visionary article on Zero Waste that the antidote to over-consumption is community building.
Amanda
Hoskinson
Long Beach, California
I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints this represented. I recently attended an environmental summit in Japan with delegates from America, China, and Japan. The topic of E-Waste wasn't covered, but I am appalled to find out how difficult it truly is to have a computer honestly recycled. I hope the students had a good of time as I did watching it.
Long Beach, California
I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints this represented. I recently attended an environmental summit in Japan with delegates from America, China, and Japan. The topic of E-Waste wasn't covered, but I am appalled to find out how difficult it truly is to have a computer honestly recycled. I hope the students had a good of time as I did watching it.
(anonymous)
Did President Obama visit Agbogbloshie and the Korle Lagoon on his recent visit to Ghana?
Did President Obama visit Agbogbloshie and the Korle Lagoon on his recent visit to Ghana?
Sean
Atlanta, GA
I've always reformatted my hard drive on my computers before I got rid of them, which wipes everything clean.
Atlanta, GA
I've always reformatted my hard drive on my computers before I got rid of them, which wipes everything clean.
Arlene D
Calgary, Alberta
First we need to ask ourselves why there is so much waste. Companies like Dell (which my employer uses) do not make "upgradable" computers. So when you require more memory you have to buy a whole new hard drive. Maybe governments should outlaw that built in obsolescence. Would be a good start.
Calgary, Alberta
First we need to ask ourselves why there is so much waste. Companies like Dell (which my employer uses) do not make "upgradable" computers. So when you require more memory you have to buy a whole new hard drive. Maybe governments should outlaw that built in obsolescence. Would be a good start.
Kevin W
Bellevue, WA
What never ceases to amaze me is that people responsible for poisoning human beings in the name of maximizing profit are allowed to operate according to the law. I'm talking about CEOs, their lobbyist, and the politicians who ease regulation in exchange for campaign contributions.
Bellevue, WA
What never ceases to amaze me is that people responsible for poisoning human beings in the name of maximizing profit are allowed to operate according to the law. I'm talking about CEOs, their lobbyist, and the politicians who ease regulation in exchange for campaign contributions.
Sure
there are powerful forces beyond our shores that make this a difficult issue.
But it starts at home. Frontline started it with this report. Thank you.
(anonymous)
I share other viewers' amazement at the carelessness implied throughout this stream of waste. The "leaking" of data on old hard drives, the mishandling of toxic plastics, and the lack of governance all reflect a limited view of the world and our impacts upon it.
I share other viewers' amazement at the carelessness implied throughout this stream of waste. The "leaking" of data on old hard drives, the mishandling of toxic plastics, and the lack of governance all reflect a limited view of the world and our impacts upon it.
As noted
by "anonymous" above, there is a tremendous power of inertia in
situations that profit from our ignorance. Clearly we need to address systemic
issues of profit and poverty. While this certainly should include educating
would-be workers of the risks they face, we need to go further upstream, to the
people and institutions who create these terrible risks for unprotected
citizens of Ghana, China, and other nations.
Increasing
regulations and improving oversight along the path of waste and recycling --
from pick-up to distribution to dumping -- is important. Equally important is
the concept of Producer Responsibility. If electronics
were made to last longer, to be repairable, and to be recovered by the manufacturer when they wear out or are outdated, then there would be no inducement to ship e-waste overseas. Designing for repair and for re-use is an old-fashioned notion, but will help solve a 21st century problem.
were made to last longer, to be repairable, and to be recovered by the manufacturer when they wear out or are outdated, then there would be no inducement to ship e-waste overseas. Designing for repair and for re-use is an old-fashioned notion, but will help solve a 21st century problem.
The main
idea of Producer Responsibility is simple: "If you are smart enough to
make it, you are smart enough to take it back." This sounds like what
Laura's group, Texas Campaign for the Environment, is advocating. The State of
California, too, is inching towards an "Extended Producer
Responsibility" framework, but legislators need to hear many citizens'
voices to overcome the objections of industry.
California
already requires "proper" disposal of e-waste, meaning that it cannot
go to landfill. But the costs for municipalities to recover all discarded
electronics responsibly would exceed their current waste and recycling budgets.
As a result, taxpayers are shouldered with hidden after-costs of
"inexpensive" electronics long after their purchase and disposal have
been forgotten. Producer Take-back laws will put the responsibility back where
it belongs: in the hands of the makers.
I work
with Green Sangha in the SF Bay Area, where we are advocating a complete
rethinking of plastics. Zero Waste, Green Chemistry, and Extended Producer
Responsibility are the kinds of thoughts we need to cultivate if we want to
save our neighbors around the world from the pollution so vividly depicted in
this excellent program on Frontline.
Guadalajara,
Jalisco
WOW, this is really shocking. More things like this need to be done to force people to react against all of the horrible things we're doing to our planet.
WOW, this is really shocking. More things like this need to be done to force people to react against all of the horrible things we're doing to our planet.
(anonymous)
Talking about a target rich environment. There are so many issues raised in "Ghana Digital Dumbing Ground" one would be hard pressed to know even where to begin.
Talking about a target rich environment. There are so many issues raised in "Ghana Digital Dumbing Ground" one would be hard pressed to know even where to begin.
Data
security, environmental safety, toxic waste, pollution, health related costs,
and national, economic, and personal security.
We are
all made victims. There are no easy winners here.
Thank you
for covering this subject.
Matthew
Edinbrugh, UK
That is a real eye opener and I hope that the environmental, health, and security issues are answered ASAP. I can look after my own security with a hammer I have just found out! I will share this with both friends and colleagues.
Edinbrugh, UK
That is a real eye opener and I hope that the environmental, health, and security issues are answered ASAP. I can look after my own security with a hammer I have just found out! I will share this with both friends and colleagues.
Glendale,
California
God help our children how they can live in this polluted world????
God help our children how they can live in this polluted world????
Araceli
Carrasco
Queretaro, Queretaro MEXICO
Jesus!! What happened with the authorities between 2001 and 2009?
Queretaro, Queretaro MEXICO
Jesus!! What happened with the authorities between 2001 and 2009?
Jean Eno
Greenland, NH
If I didn't have an ulcer in my stomach before seeing this, I do now. I'll be forwarding this episode to everyone I know, asking them to help me think of ways to establish tighter laws that encompass cradle to grave responsibility.
Greenland, NH
If I didn't have an ulcer in my stomach before seeing this, I do now. I'll be forwarding this episode to everyone I know, asking them to help me think of ways to establish tighter laws that encompass cradle to grave responsibility.
Gregory
Drotar
Fredericksburg, Virginia
I found this to be a very moving piece. Kudos to Frontline and the journalism school for bringng issues like these to the forefront of the underground discussion. As a citizen of the United States of America, it makes sense for us to contact our elected representatives to help advocate change to make our country and world a better place. Below is a link you can use to contact your representatives in our U.S. Government. (I e-mailed the President and then my elected offical here in Virginia) Since the issue involves the economy,environment and homeland security, it seems that there is the potential for the issue to become legislation and thus become new public policy. The question now involves the How. How do we make this idea viable, effective legislation? Share. Discuss. Thank you.
Fredericksburg, Virginia
I found this to be a very moving piece. Kudos to Frontline and the journalism school for bringng issues like these to the forefront of the underground discussion. As a citizen of the United States of America, it makes sense for us to contact our elected representatives to help advocate change to make our country and world a better place. Below is a link you can use to contact your representatives in our U.S. Government. (I e-mailed the President and then my elected offical here in Virginia) Since the issue involves the economy,environment and homeland security, it seems that there is the potential for the issue to become legislation and thus become new public policy. The question now involves the How. How do we make this idea viable, effective legislation? Share. Discuss. Thank you.
Jessica S
Lorain, oh
Wow, I can't believe what is happening. The east makes electronics for us and it goes back to them, killing them slowly. I hope we can all do something to recycle properly even if it costs us more. It will save our earth in the long run.
Lorain, oh
Wow, I can't believe what is happening. The east makes electronics for us and it goes back to them, killing them slowly. I hope we can all do something to recycle properly even if it costs us more. It will save our earth in the long run.
Daniel
Minto
Cardiff, South Wales, UK
Excellent story, subject of my university thesis. More info please!
Cardiff, South Wales, UK
Excellent story, subject of my university thesis. More info please!
David
Sutherland
Lindale, TX
I agree with "anonymous": Educating the locals as to the true health effects and empowering the local governments to take responsibility is the answer.
Lindale, TX
I agree with "anonymous": Educating the locals as to the true health effects and empowering the local governments to take responsibility is the answer.
Gary
Carroll
Lavergne, Tn
This was an excellent piece for those who do not follow the law or, more importantly, the morally right way to dispose of e-waste. You should do a show about the right way and the companies that at a high financial cost do recycle e-waste the right way. This program did not bring that out at all.
Lavergne, Tn
This was an excellent piece for those who do not follow the law or, more importantly, the morally right way to dispose of e-waste. You should do a show about the right way and the companies that at a high financial cost do recycle e-waste the right way. This program did not bring that out at all.
Shanghai,
China
It's really one shocking video, not only for the risk of personal information leakage from the old hard drives, but also for the e-waste we generate everyday. Even in the rural country side in China, now more and more families have e-waste, e.g. old mobile phones, old TV sets and even old computers. They don't know how to deal with the waste safely. How to recycle this waste will be another big challenge for the government and the whole society.
It's really one shocking video, not only for the risk of personal information leakage from the old hard drives, but also for the e-waste we generate everyday. Even in the rural country side in China, now more and more families have e-waste, e.g. old mobile phones, old TV sets and even old computers. They don't know how to deal with the waste safely. How to recycle this waste will be another big challenge for the government and the whole society.
birmingham,
al
Rich is not a term I would apply to myself, but when I see that the 3 monitors, 27 ink cartriges, 1 desk top computer and the 7 broken modems and graphics cards I sent to e-recycling could possibly end up ruining the personal health and homes of many in developing countries, I am ashamed. We are still behaving like the rich profiting off the backs of the poor. It is time to hold American industry accountable, by making them SHOW and CERTIFY recycling. I applaude those who are doing the right thing ... for those others ... you are killing yourselves and your children along with the rest of us.
Rich is not a term I would apply to myself, but when I see that the 3 monitors, 27 ink cartriges, 1 desk top computer and the 7 broken modems and graphics cards I sent to e-recycling could possibly end up ruining the personal health and homes of many in developing countries, I am ashamed. We are still behaving like the rich profiting off the backs of the poor. It is time to hold American industry accountable, by making them SHOW and CERTIFY recycling. I applaude those who are doing the right thing ... for those others ... you are killing yourselves and your children along with the rest of us.
Xanthias
A
Macomb, IL
This video is eye opening, but for some of us who have seen this for many years, it is not a new development. It is very devastating seeing the effects of these poisonous gadgets dumped by the west. However, it is an outrage to read some of comments here. Some people are more interested in US security than the millions of life that will be eventually destroyed by pollution from lead and other poisonous substance. I know they are all important, but please human life first.
Macomb, IL
This video is eye opening, but for some of us who have seen this for many years, it is not a new development. It is very devastating seeing the effects of these poisonous gadgets dumped by the west. However, it is an outrage to read some of comments here. Some people are more interested in US security than the millions of life that will be eventually destroyed by pollution from lead and other poisonous substance. I know they are all important, but please human life first.
Allentown, PA
This video was very true however in my line of work the best way to solve this problem is to salvage and refurbish the equipment so that the third world countries can have affordable technology. Equipment that cannot be salvaged should be smeltered correctly; however this is very costly in the USA due to labor and environmental laws. Get the EPA out of the way and let the free market develop the technology to do this responsibly.
Houston,
Texas
Consumers need transparent recyclers. They should be able to pay a little extra and know their electronics are actually recycled in processing facilities.
Consumers need transparent recyclers. They should be able to pay a little extra and know their electronics are actually recycled in processing facilities.
Accra,
Ghana
I am really surprised that Westerners find this dumping of e-waste appalling. Africa has long since been a dumping ground for all sorts of waste including very very toxic waste. machinery, vehicles, clothing, food, medicine, knowledge and propaganda. If not for the usually inferior direct chinese imports into Africa ask me how many brothers and sisters can afford brand news items. Almost all that comes from the West into Africa is secondhand/obsolete. What you are seeing now is happening all over Africa and is the consistent manipulation of leadership in Africa leading to the abject poverty of its citizenry in a relatively resource-rich continent.
I am really surprised that Westerners find this dumping of e-waste appalling. Africa has long since been a dumping ground for all sorts of waste including very very toxic waste. machinery, vehicles, clothing, food, medicine, knowledge and propaganda. If not for the usually inferior direct chinese imports into Africa ask me how many brothers and sisters can afford brand news items. Almost all that comes from the West into Africa is secondhand/obsolete. What you are seeing now is happening all over Africa and is the consistent manipulation of leadership in Africa leading to the abject poverty of its citizenry in a relatively resource-rich continent.
Jallah
Corvah
Monrovia, Liberia
I am sorry to see such a thing in Ghana, I thought my county Liberia was the worse. Thank God it is not, I want the people of Ghana to be careful with what is going on, this could cause serious health problem in the future.
Monrovia, Liberia
I am sorry to see such a thing in Ghana, I thought my county Liberia was the worse. Thank God it is not, I want the people of Ghana to be careful with what is going on, this could cause serious health problem in the future.
Erik Burd
San Francisco, CA
This is no surprise to me at all. When I want to get rid of a hard drive, I perform a full DoD wipe in addition to physically destroying it.
San Francisco, CA
This is no surprise to me at all. When I want to get rid of a hard drive, I perform a full DoD wipe in addition to physically destroying it.
Minden,
Nevada
We consider the speed of growth and technology to be the greatest achivement of the 20th Century, yet I see it as the rapid destruction of the world. Our lifestyles, businesses, industries, and way of thinking are using up and disposing of the waste at such an alarming rate that one must ask themselves, where does this end? If things are accelerating this fast now and we have barely made an attempt at evaluating changing our impact, then how will things play out 20 years from now??? We are truly running to the edge of a cliff, blind folded.
We consider the speed of growth and technology to be the greatest achivement of the 20th Century, yet I see it as the rapid destruction of the world. Our lifestyles, businesses, industries, and way of thinking are using up and disposing of the waste at such an alarming rate that one must ask themselves, where does this end? If things are accelerating this fast now and we have barely made an attempt at evaluating changing our impact, then how will things play out 20 years from now??? We are truly running to the edge of a cliff, blind folded.
Irma
Molieri
Lynnwood, Washington
What a fabulous show! Frontline is my favorite show! My thanks to all who presented this information! It's quite frightening to think what countries are being exploited. I am sure there are more. What can I do to help the cause?
Lynnwood, Washington
What a fabulous show! Frontline is my favorite show! My thanks to all who presented this information! It's quite frightening to think what countries are being exploited. I am sure there are more. What can I do to help the cause?
Gina
Weaver
Lexington, KY
You can get more information on how to dispose of e-waste responsibly at: www.gesrecycles.com
Lexington, KY
You can get more information on how to dispose of e-waste responsibly at: www.gesrecycles.com
Matt Hall
Frankfort, Kentucky
I am glad to see the issue of data security being addressed in conjunction with the e-waste issue. It only stands to reason that if some irresponsible recyclers don't have the integrity to follow the rules concerning exporting e-waste, they certainly are not going to be concerned with any data contained on the devices. This was a great piece -- well done.
Frankfort, Kentucky
I am glad to see the issue of data security being addressed in conjunction with the e-waste issue. It only stands to reason that if some irresponsible recyclers don't have the integrity to follow the rules concerning exporting e-waste, they certainly are not going to be concerned with any data contained on the devices. This was a great piece -- well done.
Krysia K
Manotick, ON
Absolutely shocking. Very well done. This information needs to get to everyone that owns a computer.
Manotick, ON
Absolutely shocking. Very well done. This information needs to get to everyone that owns a computer.
Magdalene
Fish
Pueblo, CO
So many of the topics that Frontline addresses through its shows are truly eye-opening. Its astounding that so many of us have no idea what is happening outside of our US walls. I think that by watching and at least being aware of these issues, such as the electronic waste that is occuring in our world, people will at least be more aware of the problems our world faces rather than be completely unaware. So to all who watch Frontline and pay attention to these issues, don't stop. It makes a difference.
Pueblo, CO
So many of the topics that Frontline addresses through its shows are truly eye-opening. Its astounding that so many of us have no idea what is happening outside of our US walls. I think that by watching and at least being aware of these issues, such as the electronic waste that is occuring in our world, people will at least be more aware of the problems our world faces rather than be completely unaware. So to all who watch Frontline and pay attention to these issues, don't stop. It makes a difference.
David
Montgomery
Fernandina Beach, FL
I just recently heard someone state that one of the biggest problems with the free market is that it doesn't factor in peripheral costs (social, environmental, systemic) ... enterprises generally only factor in costs to themselves. This seems like an example of an immense "cost" that was never fully considered.
Fernandina Beach, FL
I just recently heard someone state that one of the biggest problems with the free market is that it doesn't factor in peripheral costs (social, environmental, systemic) ... enterprises generally only factor in costs to themselves. This seems like an example of an immense "cost" that was never fully considered.
Rome,
Italy
I find it somewhat troubling that the main concern of the people posting comments here is more about their own personal data than the impact the industrial world is having on the rest of the world. I fear that this is symptomatic of a greater problem of unaccountability of the developed world, which allows this sort of thing to happen. There should be a greater awareness about the imact of all our waste on the rest of the world ... but thank you Frontline, this was very informative and I have spread the word.
I find it somewhat troubling that the main concern of the people posting comments here is more about their own personal data than the impact the industrial world is having on the rest of the world. I fear that this is symptomatic of a greater problem of unaccountability of the developed world, which allows this sort of thing to happen. There should be a greater awareness about the imact of all our waste on the rest of the world ... but thank you Frontline, this was very informative and I have spread the word.
(anonymous)
The driving factor behind this is the ratio of labor value to equipment value. Consumers in the northen hemisphere take no responsibility in recycling their own waste, because any value they would gain is tiny in comparison to their hourly wage and the time needed to make the effort. In contrast, hourly wage is so low in 3rd world countries that recycling becomes an attractive business. Sad as it is, the e-waste situation is not the problem, it is a symptom. Poverty is the real problem, and the illusion of unlimited resources people hold in the (so called) developed world. As long as human lives are cheap, and ignorant labor is plentiful, there will always be exploitation. Educating the would-be e-waste work force so they can make an infomred decision on whether or not to endanger their lives (or their children's) to make an income will be more effective than trying to force the hand of those who profit from their ignorance. Law enforcement can always be circumvented with enough money -- a dwindling of profitability cannot.
The driving factor behind this is the ratio of labor value to equipment value. Consumers in the northen hemisphere take no responsibility in recycling their own waste, because any value they would gain is tiny in comparison to their hourly wage and the time needed to make the effort. In contrast, hourly wage is so low in 3rd world countries that recycling becomes an attractive business. Sad as it is, the e-waste situation is not the problem, it is a symptom. Poverty is the real problem, and the illusion of unlimited resources people hold in the (so called) developed world. As long as human lives are cheap, and ignorant labor is plentiful, there will always be exploitation. Educating the would-be e-waste work force so they can make an infomred decision on whether or not to endanger their lives (or their children's) to make an income will be more effective than trying to force the hand of those who profit from their ignorance. Law enforcement can always be circumvented with enough money -- a dwindling of profitability cannot.
Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada
This is an outrage! These people do not deserve this.
This is an outrage! These people do not deserve this.
Austin,
Texas
For heavens sake, we are talking about health hazards here, and all the investigation is worried about is the data left on this e-waste. As always, "No one cares about the poor."
For heavens sake, we are talking about health hazards here, and all the investigation is worried about is the data left on this e-waste. As always, "No one cares about the poor."
Pamela
Williams
Austin, TX
I am shocked at the way computers are disposed!! Makes me sad that people in third world countries have to work these dumps to make money. I didn't realize. And I know I will be crushing my hard drive when I get rid of the desk top computer! Just like the man did in the film! Thank you for doing this story and I will pass it on.
Austin, TX
I am shocked at the way computers are disposed!! Makes me sad that people in third world countries have to work these dumps to make money. I didn't realize. And I know I will be crushing my hard drive when I get rid of the desk top computer! Just like the man did in the film! Thank you for doing this story and I will pass it on.
Pasig,
Manila
I gotta share this with my classmates!
I gotta share this with my classmates!
Andy
Hendrix
Atlanta, GA
This was very informative. I had no idea electronics were being shipped out of the US -- but it makes sense that they are, strictly from a monetary standpoint. The people breathing all of that in are going to have an effect on their bodies and minds for decades to come.
Atlanta, GA
This was very informative. I had no idea electronics were being shipped out of the US -- but it makes sense that they are, strictly from a monetary standpoint. The people breathing all of that in are going to have an effect on their bodies and minds for decades to come.
Hollywood,
Florida
In first semester microeconomics, we were taught that "negative externalities," like the topic of this piece, is one of about five situations in which markets fail. Governments must do what markets fail to do.
In first semester microeconomics, we were taught that "negative externalities," like the topic of this piece, is one of about five situations in which markets fail. Governments must do what markets fail to do.
Kenny
Gravitt, GES
Georgetown,, KY
What an incredibly well-done, important program. Our gratitude goes out to Peter Klein and his graduate students for shining a light on this global problem. As a certified e-recycler in Kentucky, we are passionate about and completely committed to environmental sustainability--and we believe that the less fortunate citizens of our planet should not suffer the dangerous consequences of our discarded technology. The world needs to see more programming such as this so that honorable equipment manufacturers and honest electronics recyclers can tackle this crisis together.
Georgetown,, KY
What an incredibly well-done, important program. Our gratitude goes out to Peter Klein and his graduate students for shining a light on this global problem. As a certified e-recycler in Kentucky, we are passionate about and completely committed to environmental sustainability--and we believe that the less fortunate citizens of our planet should not suffer the dangerous consequences of our discarded technology. The world needs to see more programming such as this so that honorable equipment manufacturers and honest electronics recyclers can tackle this crisis together.
-- Kenny
Gravitt, Global Environmental Services, www.gesrecycles.com
Lauren
Roman
Budd Lake, NJ
There is a solution. All e-scrap movment needs to be documented on a regulated manifest system just like hazardous waste is. When was the last time you saw a video about illegal or harmful hazardous waste dumping? It stopped because when illegally dumped material is discovered there's a way to track where it came from. People wound up with big fines and in jail. The time is long overdue for this kind of accountability and responsibility to come to the world of e-waste and put an end to these horrors.
Budd Lake, NJ
There is a solution. All e-scrap movment needs to be documented on a regulated manifest system just like hazardous waste is. When was the last time you saw a video about illegal or harmful hazardous waste dumping? It stopped because when illegally dumped material is discovered there's a way to track where it came from. People wound up with big fines and in jail. The time is long overdue for this kind of accountability and responsibility to come to the world of e-waste and put an end to these horrors.
Andrea
Hayes
Boston
How Can we in the US better control this situation? After all, most of these electronics come from the US.
Boston
How Can we in the US better control this situation? After all, most of these electronics come from the US.
Laura
Austin, TX
I am currently a community organizer with Texas Campaign for the Environment and our mission for the past 6 years has been to gain corporate responsibility for e-waste. In 2007, we got legislation passed requiring computer manufacturers to have free and responsible recycling for their old products. We also got similar legislation passed for TV manufacturers, HOWEVER the wonderful governor vetoed our bill (HB 821). We are now working on the federal level to make sure that existing laws concerning toxic e-waste export are enforced, and that it is ended once and for all. Being the fastest growing waste stream in the world, the potential for creating green jobs here in the US to recycle these products -- under the correct safety and health conditions -- is enormous. Please check us out, and join in on the fight to end dumping of e-waste on developing nations and in our landfills here at home by writing letters and becoming a member! texasenvironment.org. Thanks all!
Austin, TX
I am currently a community organizer with Texas Campaign for the Environment and our mission for the past 6 years has been to gain corporate responsibility for e-waste. In 2007, we got legislation passed requiring computer manufacturers to have free and responsible recycling for their old products. We also got similar legislation passed for TV manufacturers, HOWEVER the wonderful governor vetoed our bill (HB 821). We are now working on the federal level to make sure that existing laws concerning toxic e-waste export are enforced, and that it is ended once and for all. Being the fastest growing waste stream in the world, the potential for creating green jobs here in the US to recycle these products -- under the correct safety and health conditions -- is enormous. Please check us out, and join in on the fight to end dumping of e-waste on developing nations and in our landfills here at home by writing letters and becoming a member! texasenvironment.org. Thanks all!
-Laura
South
Haven, Michigan
I think the Mindset Foundation should share at least a Pulitzer with Peter & the UBC students for their courageous work on this global e-dumping expose. In my opinion, these dumpers are committing true "crimes against humanity."
I think the Mindset Foundation should share at least a Pulitzer with Peter & the UBC students for their courageous work on this global e-dumping expose. In my opinion, these dumpers are committing true "crimes against humanity."
Manchester,
NH
There are tools available on the Internet to properly wipe the data from a hard drive before it is disposed of. Darik's Boot and Nuke is a good example. Furthermore, if full disk encryption is used (TrueCrypt or Pretty Good Privacy) then the data on the drive was never written in such a way that it can be read without the decryption keys. Thus, even if the disk is taken out of the original computer and put into a new one it cannot be read without the decryption keys which are nearly impossible to recover by analysis of the encrypted drive.
There are tools available on the Internet to properly wipe the data from a hard drive before it is disposed of. Darik's Boot and Nuke is a good example. Furthermore, if full disk encryption is used (TrueCrypt or Pretty Good Privacy) then the data on the drive was never written in such a way that it can be read without the decryption keys. Thus, even if the disk is taken out of the original computer and put into a new one it cannot be read without the decryption keys which are nearly impossible to recover by analysis of the encrypted drive.
Finally,
if the user is not sophisticated enough to employ any of these means then there
is always the old standby, as demonstrated on your program, a large hammer.
However,
I must say that I was surprised at how sloppy a major defense contractor like
Northrup Grumman was with data destruction. They of all people should know
about proper data destruction methods. They should have a degaussing station to
pass hard drives through on their way to the industrial strength waste shredder
or the smelter. Really quite inexcusable for professionals like them to be so
utterly careless and sloppy.
C.
McKenzie
San Jose, California
This is a critical mess. I would hope that at some point the government takes a serious look into this situation as well as companies being more responsible. There should be in place more security measures, such as transparency and overseeing of materials that are considered e-waste.
San Jose, California
This is a critical mess. I would hope that at some point the government takes a serious look into this situation as well as companies being more responsible. There should be in place more security measures, such as transparency and overseeing of materials that are considered e-waste.
Kamloops,
BC
I was appalled and thankful to learn and increase my awareness on this important topic. I feel so strongly that I feel the need to begin to learn what happens in my own community and Province.
I was appalled and thankful to learn and increase my awareness on this important topic. I feel so strongly that I feel the need to begin to learn what happens in my own community and Province.
jan c
reston, va
This is a "must see" or "must read" for everyone that has a computer, both individual- and business-owned. I am amazed at the number of people that just toss their computers out thinking they've erased all of their personal/confidential data, only to learn later that their identity has been compromised and have no idea why!
reston, va
This is a "must see" or "must read" for everyone that has a computer, both individual- and business-owned. I am amazed at the number of people that just toss their computers out thinking they've erased all of their personal/confidential data, only to learn later that their identity has been compromised and have no idea why!
And to
see where these computers go and the risk that the people take in stripping
these units down is unbelievable. We should at least be thankful that our laws
are such that we wouldn't be put at risk like these other countries their
people from all the toxicity involved in the way they rip the equipment apart
to resell it. Thanks PBS for airing this story. I really hope that a very large
audience is able to experience this very enlightening story.
Gilbert,
AZ
This week's Stories from a Small Planet was excellent. I found the info on electronic dumping powerful; I liked seeing what is being done in India to help recycle; and the story about the special wheelchairs was edifying.
This week's Stories from a Small Planet was excellent. I found the info on electronic dumping powerful; I liked seeing what is being done in India to help recycle; and the story about the special wheelchairs was edifying.
joel w
carter sr
anna, illinois
This information should be posted everywhere on the internet. and in all newspapers of the world. It is appalling the amount of e-waste there is.
anna, illinois
This information should be posted everywhere on the internet. and in all newspapers of the world. It is appalling the amount of e-waste there is.
davos
davos
stillwater, oklahoma
This was an excellent show, injaz is doing a great job in the Arab world. I loved the Egyptian apprentice, very inspiring. By the way, there is already an "Apprentice Africa".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK3RqdjrxRE&feature=related
stillwater, oklahoma
This was an excellent show, injaz is doing a great job in the Arab world. I loved the Egyptian apprentice, very inspiring. By the way, there is already an "Apprentice Africa".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK3RqdjrxRE&feature=related
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Are our old gadgets killing the planet?
Could it be that the e-waste created by our
discarded technology is choking our environment?
Our lust to
always own the latest model - whether it be a computer, mobile phone, tablet or
other gadget - appears insatiable.
But could it
be that the electronic waste (or e-waste, for short) created by our discarded
products is rapidly killing the planet?
E-waste: eco-threat or media hype?
"E-waste is incredibly damaging to the planet when not treated properly," says Alexia Ward, PC donations and marketing officer for tech recycling charity Computer Aid International.
"E-waste is incredibly damaging to the planet when not treated properly," says Alexia Ward, PC donations and marketing officer for tech recycling charity Computer Aid International.
For instance,
most current PCs contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and arsenic,
all of which require proper treatment on disposal, she says.
The
government points towards its work on tackling such problems, with the
Environment Agency's WEEE directive requiring businesses to recycle and deal
with e-waste correctly. But statistics show it faces an uphill battle.
image
provided by Computer Aid – computeraid.org
"In
2009, just 13% of the 50 million tonnes of e-waste produced was recycled. In
the EU, 75% of e-waste - equivalent to eight million tonnes a year - is
completely unaccounted for," says Ward.
What's
unaccounted for is probably being sent to landfill or substandard treatment
facilities or being illegally exported.
Once e-waste
is outside our borders, it could end up in developing countries "with lax
safety controls and cheap labour," says Ward. There, teams of young
children process e-waste by hand, becoming exposed to "toxic substances
that can cause serious, long-term health problems."
The situation
"is clearly untenable, damaging both people and the planet," she
adds. "Yet demand for electronic goods is increasing and current trends in
electronics design and manufacture that drive artificially rapid replacement
cycles mean that these problems look set to grow."
There's a
pretty simple bottom line. We not only need to stop making and buying so much
electronic stuff, but also learn to better reuse and recycle what we already
have.
How green is my tech company?
Tech companies, of course, are quick to rush towards eco-friendly branding. But reports from the likes of environmental campaign group Greenpeace tell a different story.
Tech companies, of course, are quick to rush towards eco-friendly branding. But reports from the likes of environmental campaign group Greenpeace tell a different story.
It publishes
an annual green IT league table - The Guide to Greener Electronics - regularly
naming and shaming companies such as Toshiba and Nintendo for what it perceives
as a failure to do enough to clean up the environmental mess created by their
products.
Apple fell
foul of a Greenpeace report on 'dirty data' earlier this year, landing right at
the very bottom of the green IT league table. Its apparent over-reliance on
coal power for its massive data centres in the US, those that serve many
millions of happy iPad, iPhone, iPod and Mac users worldwide, was cited.
The How Dirty
is Your Data? report was written by Gary Cook, Greenpeace's IT policy analyst,
who said: "Consumers want to know that when they upload a video or change
their Facebook status that they are not contributing to global warming or
future Fukushimas."
But do they?
Really? Or is this just hyperbole cooked up by Greenpeace to grab headlines?
Isn't there a need for a more level-headed and less 'tabloid headline' approach
to making technology more eco-friendly?
More realistic aims to reduce e-waste
One person who thinks so is Peter Hopton, chief exec of Sheffield-based Very PC and green IT blogger at MrGreenIT.com. He tells MSN that he doesn't like the question 'is e-waste killing the planet?'
"One of the problems with the green movement is it tends to [use phrasing] that people find it easy to disassociate with," says Hopton. "'Killing the planet', is an extreme image that to most normal people would be seen to 'obviously not be happening', at least not quickly. I also don't like the use of the word 'environment' as people think it refers to some pink bunny rabbits over yonder, rather than the real truth."
One person who thinks so is Peter Hopton, chief exec of Sheffield-based Very PC and green IT blogger at MrGreenIT.com. He tells MSN that he doesn't like the question 'is e-waste killing the planet?'
"One of the problems with the green movement is it tends to [use phrasing] that people find it easy to disassociate with," says Hopton. "'Killing the planet', is an extreme image that to most normal people would be seen to 'obviously not be happening', at least not quickly. I also don't like the use of the word 'environment' as people think it refers to some pink bunny rabbits over yonder, rather than the real truth."
Hopton is a
pragmatist, and when he talks about 'the environment' he stresses every time
"that this isn't about some plants, fish or rabbits."
"Toxicity
by definition hurts, kills or shortens the life of people - in electronics
different materials can be found that pose a health risk either in production,
in use or in disposal."
The way the tech industry works is changing, and part of the reason for that, says Hopton, is the work of eco-campaigners such as Greenpeace. In the last two years, both Dell and HP have been subject to direct action from Greenpeace over their record with brominated flame retardants (BFR, which comes in chassis plastics and circuit boards), phthalates and dioxins (which come in PVC wires).
The way the tech industry works is changing, and part of the reason for that, says Hopton, is the work of eco-campaigners such as Greenpeace. In the last two years, both Dell and HP have been subject to direct action from Greenpeace over their record with brominated flame retardants (BFR, which comes in chassis plastics and circuit boards), phthalates and dioxins (which come in PVC wires).
The end of in-built obsolescence?
But there's plenty more to do, says Hopton. Firstly, he wants to see companies increase the life of electronics and to recognise what he calls the "design for obsolescence" and "design for failure" scenarios. No mean feat!
But there's plenty more to do, says Hopton. Firstly, he wants to see companies increase the life of electronics and to recognise what he calls the "design for obsolescence" and "design for failure" scenarios. No mean feat!
Also, the
green IT guru suggests that individuals and companies should consider donation
of equipment to charities such as Computer Aid, in order to extend their
discarded gadget's lifetime.
These are
laudable aims that everybody who buys, designs and makes a living from making
technology and gadgets should really think long and hard about.
Yet it's easy
to dismiss such goals as little more than an environmentalist's pipe dream.
After all, surely tech companies' desire for profit and our own 'need' for the
latest and greatest means these grand plans are doomed to failure? If that's
the case, then our environment will continue to suffer.
How Many Tablets Are In The USA? And Does It Matter?
Benedict Evans Contributor
I write about
mobile tech.
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Tech 13,746 views
So, do we believe this? And what might it mean?
The tablet market is problematic to analyse because there is an almost complete absence of real data. Apple gives global quarterly unit shipments (indeed, it is by far the most open company in this market), as does RIM (but its numbers are too small to be meaningful) and Motorola used to, but otherwise we’re groping in the dark. Google gives data for the share of the devices connecting to Google Play that have large screens, but this is global, may not be a good sample and is contaminated by poor reporting (for example, at least one Samsung device changed the screen size it reported after a software update). Then there are the industry data firms, which generally base their pitch on aggregating data from the manufacturers, but I rather doubt Amazon is telling them anything. That leaves surveys (if you believe them) and triangulation: in other words, analysis.
We know from the Apple/Samsung patent lawsuit disclosures that Samsung sold just 1.4m Android tablets in the US through June 2012 (excluding the 5″ ‘phablet’ models and some newer models that weren’t subject to the lawsuit, though) where Apple sold 34m – 20m in the last 12 months.
Then, Amazon says the Fire has ’22% share in the USA’, but gives no indication of how it calculated this, or even if it is cumulative or for the most recent quarter (and it has been suggested it comes from… an industry data firm). Meanwhile Nook business unit revenue was $200m in Q2 (including tablets, ebooks and ereaders), so B&N must be selling well under 500k a quarter. For context, B&N claims 25% or so ebook market share versus over 60% for Amazon.
So…
It looks like there are 30m iPads in the USA (depending on how many you think have been replaced by newer models but not handed on). If one assumes 10m Fires, 2.5m Nooks and 5m ‘Pure Android’ tablets (i.e. excluding the Android-based Fire and Nook), that gets 47.5m total, Amazon to 21%, Apple to 63% and gives Samsung, say, 30% of those pure tablets, all of which is internally consistent. However,the Fire number seems a little high and it also leaves ‘Pure Android’ looking rather small compared to the Pew number. Indeed, the only way to match Pew’s number (while keeping the other numbers the same) is to assume that there are fewer iPads (say 25m) and at least 10m ‘Pure Android’ tablets. I’m not sure I believe that. Incidentally, this would also imply that Samsung has well under 20% share.
Of course, only Google knows the answer to this one, and with customary opacity they’re not saying. But whether Android has 5 or 10m tablets in the USA is relatively uninteresting – the important question is what those tablets really look like and how they’re used. How many are the Nexus 7? How many are cheap generic plastic Chinese units at $150 or below? And with Amazon ramping up its Fire proposition and going down to $160, will people keep buying those generic units or even the Nexus or will they turn to a brand with a clear content proposition? Which devices are likely to sell themselves best as an impulse purchase in a supermarket bay in early December?
I suspect Android tablets face an even bigger self-selection issue than Android phones. Given you can get a great app and content experience from Apple for $400 (or lower if the iPad Mini exists) and a great content experience from Amazon for $160, what sort of person with what sort of use case will buy the pure Android tablet, and will they be the kind of person that would install cool new apps and buy stuff? Or are they buying a ‘web tablet’ at Walgreens? Certainly, UK retailers are ramping up for a ‘cheap Android tablet Christmas’.
That doesn’t really matter to Google, of course – all of these devices, even the iPad, are expanding the inventory for Adsense. But they’re probably not a great target market for anything other than generic web use – even less than Android phones have proven to be.
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