In our tech-centric world, electronic devices have become our faithful companions. From the moment we wake to our smartphone alarms, to the late-night Netflix binge on our smart TVs, technology is ever-present. But there’s a dark side to this relentless innovation: a colossal pile of electronic waste (e-waste), which takes up valuable space and poses a significant environmental threat.
Our electronic devices have a significant impact on our environment. The process of manufacturing a single desktop computer requires around 539 pounds of fossil fuels, 48 pounds of chemicals, and at least 1.5 tons of water. That’s a staggering amount of resources for just one piece of technology. But it doesn’t stop there. The production process generates roughly 150 kgs of greenhouse gases. Inside your electronics are rare Earth materials such as gold, silver, copper, and cobalt. These resources have limited supplies and are often hazardous to extract.
