Electronic Waste | Its Impact and Ways to Reduce It

So, I have an iPhone 7, and I cannot live without my phone. But I remember exactly a year ago where I thought the same exact thing when I had an iPhone 6. Because technology is constantly updating, consumers’ demand for the new and best electronics are on the rise. According to Syed Faraz Ahmed (2016) from The Atlantic, “manufacturers have also used software updates to privilege newer models of smartphones and computers, invisibly pressuring consumers to buy new devices just to maintain parity of experience.”

Creating electronics have always produced waste, however, which can be very eye-opening considering how many new iPhone updates and releases there are. Because Apple manufactures their electronics internationally in places like Brazil, China, and India, it relatively inexpensive and easy for Apple to produce these devices. Economically speaking, this can allow supply to increase triggering then demand from the consumer to increase. When more electronics are produced, the waste produced from creating the products develops a global ecological issue. “If not disposed of properly, toxins from electronic waste can enter the soil and water supplies,” says Ahmed (2016). So, this is not only an issue of human exploitation, strategically increasing demand for relatively unnecessarily updating products, but it is also an issue for our environment. Ways to dispose of these electronic devices properly consist of the three R’s: recycle, reuse, and resale. Companies in the United States can be limited to the number of exports they bring in based on a close conversion rate they have in recycling their electronic waste. The more they recycle, the more they can export in other words. This would have to be a government regulated endeavor however maybe. Ways to reduce our need for consumption is continuing to be aware of our impact on people and the world. As we continue to shop for brands like Apple who aren’t doing a good job in cleaning up the waste they’re producing, we support their endeavors. We become a part of the problem. I believe it is the responsibility of the consumer, manufacturers, shareholders, and the government--all working together--to ensure waste is sorted out effectively and responsibly. This may be very idealistic, but I think the best solutions and outcomes come from people working together and helping one another. What are your thoughts?

-MASR

#economicdevelopment #ecologicalfootprint #apple #waste #iphone #environmentalstudies