By Eric Ou
Amidst the ever-accelerating technological evolution, it is not a secret that we tend to trail behind a ‘footprint’ which is rather not always negligible in the present day-world considering the hefty usage of electronic devices. Technology adoption has experienced phenomenal growth in India over the last couple of years. However, this growth comes with a significant challenge: electronic waste, or e-waste.
India has shifted to the third place in becoming one of the major global producers of e-waste producing more than 3.2 million metric tonnes per year. Given that we are replacing our electronics more often than ever in our lifetimes, the end consumer must come to terms with the fact that electronic waste poses a threat to the environment. It brings about negative impacts on our ecosystem by causing harm to the environment and posing sharp health consequences to the individuals alive who engage themselves in the recycling of e-waste in such societies.
Understanding Conscious Consumption
Well, what does conscious consumption stand for? It is focused on how people can control their impulses of consumption. It involves asking ourselves critical questions: How long will this device last? How long does this MTS last? What if it is broken, can it be fixed? What does it become when I no longer require it?
If people around the world adopt such a mental image, the amount of e-waste produced around the world will be reduced tremendously. Here are a few ways we can make an impact:
1. Opt for Longevity: They recommended purchasing the devices to be used in class that are created to offer long term service. Brands at present are focusing on delivering devices that are useful for today’s consumers, but also have longevity and are easy to repair. If you pay for quality, you do not buy the gadget; instead you are making a small effort to reduce harm to the environment.
2. Embrace Responsible Disposal: Gradually it is very clear that some of these devices are going to be obsolete. But what we do with them does count a lot. This is why we urge the consumers to recycle their old devices through the rightful channels. To address the issue of e-waste, many brands have taken several initiatives to make the process easier and smoother.
3. Select Sustainable Products: While out shopping for electronics, be sure to consider the brands which focus their practices towards sustainability. This we can do by ensuring that we support brands that relate with our personal values and in the process create demand for green technology.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness is key. However, there are still so many people who have no knowledge of e-waste and the role of being environmentally friendly. But spread of information and group discussions to influence behavior change is possible in the communities.
Join the Movement
While moving onto a digitalized society, let us take charge to control our decisions. Consumption sustainably is not a problem that is tied only to individuals or companies; it is a collective problem. Analyzing this we can define that the future of demand and supply can be built better by united efforts of consumers, manufacturers and policy makers.
The author is country head, ASUS India. Views expressed are personal and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com.