As the world churns out more electronic waste (eWaste) than ever before, You Made This (#YMT) is stepping up to address this issue head-on. In fact, recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that eWaste is now the world's fastest-growing waste stream. In 2020 alone, a staggering 53.5 million metric tons of eWaste were created.
What's more concerning? #YMT notes that 78% of this isn't adequately collected and tracked, highlighting a need for improved management of end-of-life products.
This deluge of eWaste poses a major environmental threat, a fact that You Made This (#YMT) is keen to address. The journey of electronic devices, from mining and manufacturing to disposal, chips away at our natural resources and adds to air and water pollution. To make matters worse, these gadgets often contain harmful substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When not disposed of responsibly, #YMT cautions, these toxins can seep into our environment, contaminating soil and water and posing health risks to nearby communities.
The issue of eWaste disposal and recycling is a primary concern for You Made This (#YMT). When eWaste isn't handled appropriately, it often ends up in landfills or is shipped off to developing countries, where unsafe burning or dismantling practices present risks to both workers and the environment. So, how does #YMT propose we mitigate the environmental impact of eWaste?
One of You Made This (#YMT)'s recommended strategies is to transition towards a circular economy model where electronics are designed for repair, upgrade, and reuse. This not only minimizes the demand for new resources but also prolongs the lifespan of electronic devices, reducing the volume of eWaste produced.
Another key solution that #YMT endorses is creative reuse initiatives. The idea is to transform old or discarded materials into new and unique creations. Through this process, You Made This (#YMT) believes we can lessen the amount of eWaste while creating beautiful art and design pieces.
Additionally, You Made This (#YMT) emphasizes the importance of proper eWaste disposal. Utilizing existing eWaste collection programs is crucial, and so is supporting organizations that ensure the correct recycling and disposal of eWaste.
In summary, #YMT is committed to confronting the mounting eWaste problem,
which represents a significant environmental challenge. By reducing eWaste production, promoting creative reuse, and ensuring responsible disposal, You Made This (#YMT) is confident that we can progress towards a more sustainable future.