One factor that has redefined our way of living like anything in the 21st century ? is the advent of the gadgets. They entered into our world stealthily and gradually took over the rhythm of our daily chores. Ask a modern child about discarding his laptop or game console forever; he would rather stop talking to you or wouldn't take you seriously. Such is the importance of gadgets in our lives. World would suddenly come to a standstill mode, if our computers stop working for a single day. All the praises for these technological wonders, as they have made our lives simpler than ever ? but, have we ever thought about the next stage, where do all these gadgets go after they become obsolete? Ageing is unalterable process and when these gadgets stop functioning, they get kicked out from our homes. Afterwards starts the ugly tale of events. They end up in a junkyard to rot their ? finally they diminish, but not before causing a serious damage to our environment. Yes, we are talking about E-waste ? a monster good enough to gobble up the entire world, if go unchecked.



In the world of quick modernization, millions of gadgets users all across the world have been constantly upgrading their TVs, Cellphones and computers ? an irreversible mode responsible to pile up huge amount of E-waste. The problem of E-waste is far too severe than often considered. E-waste is extremely toxic and the plight of all those who become its victim is often unheard of. Two years back, many governments roared over the disposal of E-waste, new rules and regulations came into the picture. Despite these minuscule efforts (as compared to the gigantic size of E-waste), nothing significant has been done to curb the problem.

There are many international agreements or so-called regularities in the first place. Still, shipments of E-waste or broken electronic devices have been consistently pouring into the harbors of India, China, Kenya and Nigeria. So, no one is seriously listening. Sometimes they call them third world countries and sometimes the plight of citizens of these countries end up choking at the blame-game modus operandi ? so far, it has remained successful to divert the attention of the entire world from the growing effects of E-waste.

The most obvious reason is financial. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to export the E-waste into any other countries is ten times cheaper than disposing it at the domestic level. Despite growing pressure from all the corners of the world, U.S. has not signed the Basel Convention, which is an international treaty meant for safe disposal of E-waste. The law is there, but it does lack accountability, as it slows the transfer of e-waste on the consistent basis.

E-waste comprised of lead, cadmium, mercury and barium among other deadly elements. The problem continues to build on, as more toxic materials have been used in the scavenging or cleaning process. Some of the most dangerous methods are acid baths and open fires, which contribute in creating a highly unsafe environment. Gradually, these hazardous elements mix up with the environment and water ? creating a scary and deadly environment for the citizens of these countries.

Much depends upon the will of these countries which allow others to fill up their junkyards with E-waste. All these countries, which have become the storehouse of E-waste, are too keen on resources that they don't want to let it go. Actually, this does support their production chain. Moreover, many people are involved in this scavenging process. Thus, it becomes extremely difficult to stop this. According to a survey, almost 150,000 people have been working in China's e-waste industry situated in Guiyu. Likewise, India has around 25,000 workers in the e-waste industry. Unemployment rate is quite high in these countries and anything that gives you an easy job has is considered as a fair option.

Unfortunately, consumer awareness about E-waste is still low. Lately, many bold steps have been taken to curb this problem and awareness has been growing consistently. In fact, consumers have been stressing upon the ?greener? technology and companies are coming up with their recyclable products.

Besides companies, many NGOs have taken the initiative to make people aware about E-waste and its safe disposal. It would be interesting to see that how it works in the time to come.