rabbiteen
Be aware, always. There are unseen forces working in the background.
E-Waste: Introduction
computer It amazes how much goes on in the world around us. What is more surprising, is how much the masses don't know.
The other day I was browsing sites, and I came across a little article about e-waste. E-waste is composed of old computer parts and other outdated electronic equipment. Now, while some people just put it in the trash (which is a no no), some people chose to recycle it through an independent company. In some cases, the company is legitimate, and the products are recycled properly; While in other cases, a cheaper alternative is found, shipping the old parts to third world countries. The old parts end up in places like Vietnam, China, India, and other developing countries.
Many of the people in these countries spend their childhoods and the rest of their lives salvaging the tiny pieces of metal in the computers. Huge, open fires spewing black, toxic smoke are all over the area. The people who are unfortunate enough to make a living with the scrap metal, are exposed to these fumes all day. What makes it worse is that these people, often children, have no safety gear. There are no masks, no gloves, nothing. The people dealing with these old computer parts are slowly poisoning themselves, and half of them might not even be aware of it. The saddest thing is that even though some people might be aware, they have no choice but to poison themselves this way because they have no other source of income.
The environment sourrounding these 'work areas' are covered in garbage, scrap metals, and burnt plastic. There is little happiness in areas like these. If I were to describe these areas, many people would believe I was exaggerating. There are piles of broken computers all over the villages. There is not a corner in these places where you won't see old electronics. It's sick.
Shipping old parts to third world countries is very frowned upon, illegal in some cases. However, that doesn't stop people from doing it. The way these people see, it's far easier to ship the parts to another place, than it is to handle the products themselves and recycle.
Many countries are opening electronic recycling plants in their own countries to try to help with the pollution. Yet, there are still places where parts are continuously being shipped to these poorer countries.
I'm hoping that with more information available to the public, that there will be a stop put to this. Sometimes, we can't wait for things to 'sort themselves out'.
I suggest watching this brief documentary, it will be more helpful than my words.
Wikipedia also has lots of information and links on this subject:
Responsibly managing ALL of your waste is the best way to help out.
Thanks for your time,
Melissa Page.
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