The tremendous expansion and popularity of home electronics, ranging from laptops to smartphones to flat-screen televisions, has transformed this field into a multibillion-dollar worldwide market with a quick turnaround.
However, technological advancements have spawned a new global phenomenon, the question of what to do with all those old laptops, tablets, computers, screen monitors, power tools, circuit boards, and other equipment when they break down, become obsolete or are replaced by better versions.
It's becoming increasingly evident that dumping these devices with other home rubbish in a landfill can pose serious environmental dangers.
As a result, communities all over the world are looking for new solutions to deal with the tremendous increase in what is known as e-waste or electronic garbage.
The E-waste Industry's Ascension
The advent of a flourishing e-waste recycling market has emerged as a potential answer. It was created in response to the rising popularity of consumer electronics as well as the growing disfavour of these items in landfills. Both of these tendencies are likely to persist.
As a result, communities all over the world are looking for new solutions to deal with the tremendous increase in what is known as e-waste or electronic garbage.
The E-waste Industry's Ascension
The advent of a flourishing e-waste recycling market has emerged as a potential answer. It was created in response to the rising popularity of consumer electronics as well as the growing disfavour of these items in landfills. Both of these tendencies are likely to persist.
Consumers are on track to buy more electronic devices than ever before, according to new data, with the Consumer Technology Association reporting that the average American family owns up to 24 electronic products. While there has been a worldwide growth in new electronic devices, many people's lives have become increasingly short.
Each year, as electronics become more sophisticated, previous models become obsolete. In 2012, the globe created around 50 million tonnes of e-waste, according to the United Nations programme to estimate E-Waste production.
Each year, as electronics become more sophisticated, previous models become obsolete. In 2012, the globe created around 50 million tonnes of e-waste, according to the United Nations programme to estimate E-Waste production.
That equates to a global average of 15 pounds per individual! In 2012, the United Kingdom created 1.3 million tonnes of electronic trash, China produced 11.1 million tonnes, and the United States produced 10 million tonnes, according to the UN. That's a lot of items that have outlived their utility. The amount of electronic waste is increasing as the life period of these items shortens.
At the same time, an increasing number of states have approved legislation prohibiting the disposal of e-waste in landfills and incinerators. Electronics are thought to be responsible for up to 70% of the heavy metals found in landfills in the United States.
E-Environmental Waste's Consequences
Even while e-waste is still dumped in landfills in many areas, the threats to the environment are widely acknowledged. E-waste contains hazardous chemicals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, and chemical flame retardants, according to Reuters, which have the potential to leak into our soil and water.
E-waste Recycling in Olympics
The Organizing Committee of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games (TOCOG) has officially revealed the design of the medals that will be worn by all 5,000 medalists. After a statewide competition in Japan that was open to both professional designers and design students, Junichi Kawanishi, Director of the Japan Sign Design Association and the Osaka Design Society, went through more than 400 entries before deciding on the ideas offered by Junichi Kawanishi.
The one-of-a-kind design, according to Kawanishi, reflects light patterns to depict the athletes' and supporters' enthusiasm. The design also incorporates the Olympic ideals of diversity and brotherhood, as well as how athletes strive for victory daily.
The theme "Be better, together – for the earth and the people" drew donations and support from 1,300 educational institutions and 2,100 electronics retail outlets around Japan.
At the same time, an increasing number of states have approved legislation prohibiting the disposal of e-waste in landfills and incinerators. Electronics are thought to be responsible for up to 70% of the heavy metals found in landfills in the United States.
E-Environmental Waste's Consequences
Even while e-waste is still dumped in landfills in many areas, the threats to the environment are widely acknowledged. E-waste contains hazardous chemicals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, and chemical flame retardants, according to Reuters, which have the potential to leak into our soil and water.
Currently, the amount of e-waste that can be adequately recycled accounts for less than 20% of the entire volume of e-waste generated each year worldwide. Furthermore, it is estimated that e-waste accounts for more than 75% of all environmentally hazardous garbage in landfills.
A rising number of states are seeing the benefits of not allowing these old things to end up in landfills, which would add to the waste stream. Instead, they're trying to figure out how to recycle them.
A rising number of states are seeing the benefits of not allowing these old things to end up in landfills, which would add to the waste stream. Instead, they're trying to figure out how to recycle them.
There's a lot that can be recycled. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, e-waste is the fastest-growing portion of municipal solid waste, and it is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in both emerging and developed regions. More than 3 million tonnes of e-waste are ready to be recycled in the United States alone.
Electronic recycling has helped recover precious metals stored inside these products, in addition to safeguarding the environment from toxins.
Electronic recycling has helped recover precious metals stored inside these products, in addition to safeguarding the environment from toxins.
This is a global issue, not simply one that affects the United States. In Europe, e-waste recycling is done at a higher rate than in the United States. In South India's Karnataka, a country that creates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of e-waste per year, a full-fledged e-waste recycling plant recently opened.
E-waste Recycling in Olympics
The Organizing Committee of the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games (TOCOG) has officially revealed the design of the medals that will be worn by all 5,000 medalists. After a statewide competition in Japan that was open to both professional designers and design students, Junichi Kawanishi, Director of the Japan Sign Design Association and the Osaka Design Society, went through more than 400 entries before deciding on the ideas offered by Junichi Kawanishi.
The one-of-a-kind design, according to Kawanishi, reflects light patterns to depict the athletes' and supporters' enthusiasm. The design also incorporates the Olympic ideals of diversity and brotherhood, as well as how athletes strive for victory daily.
“Having my design chosen for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic medal is a wonderful honour,” Kawanishi said. “I never imagined that the design I submitted solely as a memorial to this once-in-a-lifetime experience would be chosen.
I believe that the medals, with their gleaming rings, will be recognised as a homage to the athletes' efforts, a reflection of their glory, and a symbol of friendship.”
The Treasure Out of the Trash
In a statement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that all medals for the 2020 Games will be created from metal recovered from discarded consumer devices. These gadgets were gathered over two years to raise awareness about the significance of e-waste recycling. It's all because of the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project, a recycling programme.
The Treasure Out of the Trash
In a statement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that all medals for the 2020 Games will be created from metal recovered from discarded consumer devices. These gadgets were gathered over two years to raise awareness about the significance of e-waste recycling. It's all because of the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project, a recycling programme.
This was a groundbreaking recycling programme that assured that each medal was made completely of recycled consumer electronics metal. According to their statement, this was just one aspect of Japan's commitment to make the 2020 Olympics the "most ecologically friendly and sustainable Games ever."
The TOGOC statement states, "A total of 78,985 tonnes of abandoned gadgets were gathered," including "about 6.21 million old mobile phones, as well as digital cameras, portable games, and computers, all of which were subsequently classified, deconstructed, and melted down by highly qualified contractors.
The TOGOC statement states, "A total of 78,985 tonnes of abandoned gadgets were gathered," including "about 6.21 million old mobile phones, as well as digital cameras, portable games, and computers, all of which were subsequently classified, deconstructed, and melted down by highly qualified contractors.
The goal of collecting 30.3 kilogrammes of gold, 4,100 kilogrammes of silver, and 2,700 kilogrammes of bronze has been reached by the time the collection cycle finished on March 31, 2019.
The theme "Be better, together – for the earth and the people" drew donations and support from 1,300 educational institutions and 2,100 electronics retail outlets around Japan.
Yellow donation boxes were put in post offices and on street corners around the country, and a TOCOG partner urged people to give their old phones to one of their 2,400 locations across the country.
Tradition Building
In 2016 during the Rio Summer Olympic Games, silver and bronze medals were constructed of 30% of recycled material. This move follows a tradition. However, the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project has been unique in scope and marks the initial participation of residents of a nation in contributing the electronic medals in line with the National Participation Programme. The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project was a unique one.
And the commitment to long-term sustainability does not end there. The medals are only one of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee's numerous ecologically friendly initiatives. They also disclosed that the outfits for the next Olympic Torch Relay will be partially made from recycled plastic bottles in their statement.
The IOC stated that “the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project hope that this push for a sustainable society will not end with the Olympic medals themselves.” “They are now urging company owners, local governments, and the general public in Japan to continue donating obsolete home appliances so that the metal may be reused for communal purposes, such as the fabrication of medals for local sporting events around the country.”
Summer Olympics in Los Angeles 2028
Los Angeles has previously promised to work towards sustainable development, inclusivity and innovation. It may seem a long way away, but in a couple of years, we can do our part after Rio, Tokyo and Paris in 2024 and have also committed ourselves to sustainability.
Tradition Building
In 2016 during the Rio Summer Olympic Games, silver and bronze medals were constructed of 30% of recycled material. This move follows a tradition. However, the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project has been unique in scope and marks the initial participation of residents of a nation in contributing the electronic medals in line with the National Participation Programme. The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project was a unique one.
And the commitment to long-term sustainability does not end there. The medals are only one of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee's numerous ecologically friendly initiatives. They also disclosed that the outfits for the next Olympic Torch Relay will be partially made from recycled plastic bottles in their statement.
Furthermore, the victory celebration podiums are built from recycled household and marine plastic trash, with the committee once again relying on the Japanese people to contribute roughly 45 tonnes of home plastic to produce the 100 podiums for the Games.
The IOC stated that “the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Medal Project hope that this push for a sustainable society will not end with the Olympic medals themselves.” “They are now urging company owners, local governments, and the general public in Japan to continue donating obsolete home appliances so that the metal may be reused for communal purposes, such as the fabrication of medals for local sporting events around the country.”
Summer Olympics in Los Angeles 2028
Los Angeles has previously promised to work towards sustainable development, inclusivity and innovation. It may seem a long way away, but in a couple of years, we can do our part after Rio, Tokyo and Paris in 2024 and have also committed ourselves to sustainability.
Written By - Riduvarshini
Edited By - Akash Verma
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