Environmental Effects of Digital Technologies Disposal
Introduction
Rapid development of sciences and technology has turned digital devices and products into a common component of everyday life. While the benefits of new technologies remain steadily comprehensive, it is not always possible to detect their potential harms. Therefore, great attention should be paid to environmental consequences of digital technologies production and disposal. The latest studies and investigations reveal that disposal of e-waste tends to adversely affect the natural environment and pose significant threats to eco-systems and biodiversity. The problem remains especially acute in the developing countries, which serve as a destination for digital technologies waste utilization. Particularly, the issue of digital technologies disposal in the rural areas of China becomes a great environmental risk, which creates demand for developing efficient solutions such as recycling, strict regulations and conscious consumerism.
The Problem of Digital Technologies Disposal
The increase of purchases of digital devices and technologies inevitably leads to a growing amount of electronic waste. Though many countries introduce strict rules on the management of digital and electronic waste, they do not eliminate all the negative effects related to this process. The case of China and its province Guiyu in particular clearly shows the environmental outcomes of the digital technologies disposal. In general, e-waste is one of the reasons of the ecological catastrophe and collapse of eco-systems in the developing countries.
To start with, digital technologies disposal tends to emit poisonous gases and substances which contaminate the air and water. For instance, the disposal of such products accompanied by emission of lead, barium and phosphor can negatively affect the quality of ground water and the atmosphere, leading to the spread of diseases and deterioration of living conditions. Correspondingly, one can conclude that the disposal of digital technologies causes serious environmental damages and deterioration of the environment.
Secondly, some parts of electronic devices consist of plastic, which is non-degradable. It takes millions of years for plastic to decompose completely. It is common knowledge that plastic, which constitutes a large part of keyboards, monitors, computer wires and other components of electronic devices, tends to contaminate soils and make them unsuitable for growing plants and hosting living beings. Needless to mention that plastic from digital devices waste blocks normal functioning of the eco-system, which, in its turn, might appear dangerous for humans.
Furthermore, digital technologies disposal results in the notable deterioration of the quality of food products. Thus, researchers inform about an increased level of carcinogens found in water and thus in food products in the region of Guiyu. Particularly, the study has found that the amount of heavy metals in the food products and cultivating fields remains abnormally high and violates international standards. Overall, this tendency presents numerous threats to human health and welfare by increasing the risks of incidence of different diseases.
In total, the disposal of digital technologies in China has caused multiple negative environmental effects. Currently, it is possible to observe significant deterioration in the quality of water, soils and atmosphere. Additionally, the amount of carcinogens and heavy metals in the region violates all international standards. Hence, an increased amount of electronic waste has a negative impact on the ecology of the country.
There are several causes of the problem of increased digital technologies disposal. The first cause is the composition and structure of digital devices, which often contain substances and elements that are harmful for humans and the environment. These include plastic, cathode ray tubes, wires and computer chips, etc.
The second reason is the culture of consumerism, which is accompanied by the lack of awareness of potential environmental threats of digital technologies. The spread of digital technologies worldwide has led to a drastic increase of sales and purchases, making the industry of information technologies the most influential and prominent in the global economy. However, lack of conscious consumerism and sustainable attitude to the environment have exacerbated the problem of environmental threat of e-waste. Therefore, the problem of appropriate treatment and disposal of digital waste is still an unsolved question.
Finally, the problem of the digital technologies disposal derives from the lack of practical skills and knowledge about the management and treatment of e-waste. The techniques of recycling or reusing have not found global response and recognition yet. Nevertheless, the focus on such strategies and introduction of suitable e-waste treatment plan and regulations could contribute to the solution of this urgent environmental issue.
Recycling as a Solution for the Problem
The solution to the existing problem should be complex and diverse considering multiple contributing factors and negative effects of disposal of digital technologies. Therefore, I consider that recycling is a suitable solution, which should be implemented on legal, ethical and economic levels.
Primarily, recycling can be beneficial for manufacturers in terms of finances and economy. The components of e-waste contain substances and chemical elements which can be extracted and reused. For example, some parts of electronic devices contain elements made of gold, silver, platinum and other metals, which can be recycled with the help of a special technology and re-used in the production process. This process is beneficial not only for the environment but also for manufacturers and sellers since recycling is a cost-effective and time-saving method. Therefore, recycling with the help of machinery and special technologies is one of the ways to address the problem of digital technologies disposal in China.
Moreover, recycling is also useful for consumers as it provides them with an opportunity to save finances and contribute to the protection of the environment. For instance, in some countries, consumers can return broken or damaged electronic devices to the distributor or seller in order to receive financial reimbursement. After that, sellers forward e-waste to manufactures, where it is recycled and renovated. As a result, the amount of e-waste drops drastically since both consumers and producers are interested in applying the recycling techniques and re-using the waste.
Additionally, on the national level, countries should encourage recycling by introducing policies and regulations for treatment of electronic waste disposal. The problem of e-waste is not only economically inefficient but also dangerous for the environment and the living conditions of people. Therefore, states should take action to protect their citizens from the negative impact of disposal of digital technologies. In particular, they can introduce regulations that specify the allowed amount of e-waste, develop infrastructure and centers for recycling, and promote conscious consumerism via media. Researches show that state regulations on the recycling of e-waste benefit both economy and the environment. Furthermore, such measures will make recycling an accepted and reliable method of addressing the disposal of digital technologies as well as assist in identifying the allowed amount of heavy metals and carcinogens in the atmosphere and food products. The participation of the state in the solution of the issue will also satisfy the need in regular control, monitoring and a timely and appropriate response to the problem of e-waste.
In general, the above-mentioned solution is realistic and achievable since it will be implemented on many levels and encouraged by both political and business figures. However, there could be some limitations in the implementation of this solution in the province of Guiyu in China. For instance, there is no sufficient data regarding the amount of digital technologies disposal and its influence on the surroundings. As a result, it might be challenging to identify the scope of damage as well as determine the ways of delivery of e-waste to the country.
Furthermore, the option of recycling of e-waste requires numerous certifications, accreditations and licenses, both on the regional and national levels. Apart from that, the agreement of manufacturers and sellers to perform recycling should be obtained. There is also a risk that the province of Guiyu in China may fail to achieve all the needed licenses and documents for the opportune and legal treatment of e-waste. Finally, the passiveness of consumers in making conscious environmental decisions, consumerism and a relatively low cost of digital technologies also may hinder acceptance of the suggested solution.
Conclusion
To sum up, one of the urgent environmental issues of the modern world is the problem of disposal of digital technologies. The case of the province of Guiyu in China indicates that e-waste is a significant environmental threat, which highly deteriorates the quality of water supplies, soils and atmosphere by releasing harmful substances and chemicals. As a result, the disposal of digital technologies negatively affects human health and their quality of life. However, there are some alternative solutions to this problem. Recycling may be an effective solution to the problem. Its implementation involves such components as promotion of mechanical recycling, certification of manufacturers and sellers to re-use damaged items and establishment of national and regional standards of treating and managing e-waste.
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