Cunningham, K. (2020, November 17). New study highlights the rise in e-waste
during global pandemic. Retrieved February 20, 2021, from
https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/study-highlights-pandemic-drives-increase-e-waste/
With the onset of the pandemic, companies are investing more heavily into new forms of technology. This new technology will end up replacing pre existing ones as they are more versatile and adaptable to unanticipated conditions. This will consequently create global, e-waste effects as companies are in the midst of their transitions to new electronic devices. As people are upgrading their technology, they are contributing to the worsening e-waste issue. However, this is the fuel that keeps our economy and technologies continuously running.
It is great to see that we are making the transition from office space to homes and creating less emission in the process. However, I completely ignored the transition of technologies and the detrimental impacts they have on the environment. I think we should work on creating more recyclable technologies, and technologies that rely on software updates as opposed to hardware to adapt.
I agree with you- it is somewhat disturbing that many tech companies make it difficult to recycle their technology and instead or focused on selling more products to their consumers. Companies incentivize their consumers to always buy the newest and latest products even if this is not actually needed which is a clear problem that needs to be addressed. I am wondering if you saw any solutions to lower e-waste?
I agree with you on the idea that we are creating less emissions. I also think we should try and reduce emissions more if possible by creating more recyclable technologies, but I think we should be happy where we are at. Of course, it is always good to improve, but it is important to acknowledge this is a very difficult topic to figure out and fix.
Great point about how more software adaptable technology can decrease e-waste.