Times of Bennett
ArticleFeatures

E-waste policy eludes implementation

Published:May 30, 2021 at 05:11 PM3 min read
E-waste policy eludes implementation
By Vidhi Goswami
MUMBAI: There is an electronic waste management strategy to address the immediate concerns about pollution emanating from electronic devices but unfortunately it is not implemented properly.
However, some private organisations are working to spread awareness about the problem of electronic waste and solutions. One such non-profit organisation is Toxics Link. “Our goal right now is to bring focus on reducing e-waste, by bringing back the repair culture, as recycling cannot be the complete or the only solution” said Priti Mahesh, Chief Programme Coordinator at Toxics Link.
Toxics Link is an NGO “working for environmental justice and freedom from toxics”. It collects and shares information about the sources and dangers of the poisons in the environment and bodies, as well as about clean and sustainable alternatives for India and the rest of the world. “Increasing use of electronics means huge quantities of waste , and improper e-waste management can be very harmful to the environment,” according to Mahesh.
“The lifespan of electronic appliances is getting shorter. When it comes to phones, it is now 2-3 years,” she said. Electronics are now being designed for dump, increasing the amount of waste generated.
“With new versions of smartphones, televisions and refrigerators, there seems to be no end to the demand for electronics and hence the waste,” said Mahesh. “People should understand that environment and health are interlinked, and waste impacts both. It is important to bring in the minimalistic lifestyle – people should buy new gadgets only when they need them and not just because there is a new model available ,” said Mahesh.
New phones are entering the market with a lot of changes in their features. Various companies are launching unique phones, with glass back, gorilla screen, new chargers that make the phone’s battery last longer, you name it. “I believe a certain company is the worst offender generating a lot of e-waste. Every time you see them change their chargers or some other element, rendering the older version useless. The corporations have to be held liable for this,” said Mahesh.
She said corporates should work hand in hand with the people at large if we have to take care of this planet. The daily household waste also at times includes a few e-waste, be it spoiled wires, damaged earphones or end-of-life lamps. Not having proper e-waste management systems means that the mixed-up waste is either dumped at the landfill or picked up by the informal sector.
“Pollution control boards and municipal corporations should monitor the handling of e-waste ; but again, if we don’t have adequate capacity, punitive measures should be taken to put the system back on track,” said Mahesh.
According to Mahesh, there is still not enough awareness in our society. The government has initiated programmes like Swachh Bharat which looked at waste as an issue, but a lot still needs to be done. “There should be incentives and disincentives, for people to actually take action and bring about change in their behaviour with regard to waste management,” Mahesh said.
The story first appeared in The Times of Bennett, the lab newspaper produced by the first semester students of The Times School of Media.
Tags
#electronics#Priti Mahesh#E-waste#times of bennett#Times School of Media#Toxics Link#SWACHH BHARAT

Related Articles

The Murmuring 20s: A Look Back at the Decade So Far
Article
Features

The Murmuring 20s: A Look Back at the Decade So Far

As we officially enter the late 2020s, this article retrospectively analyzes the defining events and cultural shifts that have taken place this decade.

Oct 30, 20267 min
#artificial intelligence#gen z#covid+2 more
Between Two Worlds: An American in Russia
Article
Features

Between Two Worlds: An American in Russia

What if the country we think we know is not what it seems? At the second edition of Bennett Dialogues held at Bennett University, American-born cross-cultural analyst Jozef Schutzman challenged dominant media narratives about Russia and the United States, drawing from his experience of living in Russia. His conversation raised a compelling question: are we forming our own opinions about other nations, or simply believing the stories we are told?

Oct 28, 20264 min
#russia#times school of media#bennett dialogues+2 more
Gloria Steinem: A Mortal Heroine
Article
Features

Gloria Steinem: A Mortal Heroine

The article examines Gloria Steinem’s complex feminist legacy, acknowledging both her contributions to the movement and criticisms of her approach to intersectionality. It argues against idealizing or demonizing public figures, urging readers to recognize their complexities and the collective nature of social movements.

Oct 19, 20265 min
#steinem#gloria steinem#white feminism+2 more
I Buy, Therefore I Am
Article
Features

I Buy, Therefore I Am

The article explores how capitalism, social media influencers, and FOMO fuel modern consumerism, turning everyday products into symbols of status and identity. It questions whether we buy things out of genuine need or a manufactured desire to fit in.

Oct 19, 20263 min
#labubu#stanley#fomo+5 more
Unravelling The Language Of Consent In Qala's “Ghodey Pe Sawaar”
Article
Popculture

Unravelling The Language Of Consent In Qala's “Ghodey Pe Sawaar”

This article dissects Qala's lead single 'Ghode Pe Sawaar', through a feminist lens.

May 2, 20265 min
#ghodey pe sawaar#urmila#qalas+4 more
Beyond Headlines: The war of West Asia from youth's lens
Article
Features

Beyond Headlines: The war of West Asia from youth's lens

Has the popularity of social media hastened war news reporting or sensationalism? Does the youth of today find themselves torn between deciphering real news and misniformation? This article aims to look beyond the surface and uncover the answers to these questions and more.

Apr 24, 20266 min
#west asia#prabhjot kaur#point+3 more