Of course, European nations feel proud when it is about the latest technologies and inventions. They are the best in harnessing chemicals and metals after snatching them out from the lap of nature.
But one thing with which very few of us are aware is that all these metals and chemicals exist in nature in their natural form and when they are modified for human use they become unfit for soil, air and water. All these unaccepted materials act as poison for environment if not handled carefully.
Unaltered increase in e-waste has led various European countries to frame laws to regulate the disposal of /or recycling of waste left after their use.
On 1 July 2007, UK government took a major step in this matter as it implemented the much-awaited WEEE (electrical and electronic equipment) directives.
Now the major companies indulged in manufacture and retailing of EEE will have to bear the responsibility of collecting, treating and recycling of waste left after their use. These companies will have to fund various recycling or offer ‘take back’ schemes.
Fine, we are glad at this legal attempt to control the contamination and encouraging the re-use of e-products. However, don’t you think if the government will try to understand the problem from its root there will be no need of forcing anyone to follow rules and wasting additional time and money in promoting schemes to protect their environment?
Where does the problem lies actually?
We are ready to fight the aftermaths of EEE, but what about the damage done during the lifecycle of a product. Does taking responsibility of disposing an e-product means that I can manufacture more dangerous products using still more hazardous chemicals?
Furthermore, manufacturers will add the cost of disposing the waste to make it heavy for our pockets to buy even a small calculator.
Only two percent of people are aware in European countries that waste can be recycled or re-used. How many of us know that where the all waste go and how it affects our environment after we throw it off?
Why to frame laws and policies only after it comes to our necks and appreciating the efforts made to fight with hazards which could have nipped in the bud if we would have been aware enough of our activates.
Well, next time when you are out to buy any e-product, do check the chemicals and substances used so that you could choose one that is less harmful to your environment.
Source: BBC
