Circular Economy Entrepreneur | Co-Founder of FullCircle.eco | Experienced Private Credit Specialist
Friday pondering before we end the week: Imagine a future where upgrading your phone doesn’t contribute to the growing e-waste pile but instead fosters a community that values longevity and responsible consumption. In just 12 years, global e-waste—the fastest growing waste stream—has nearly doubled, from 34 billion kg in 2010 to 62 billion kg in 2022. Simple E-waste Math: - 62 billion kg of e-waste = 1.55 million truck loads - 1.55 million trucks that carry 62 billion kg of e-waste would wrap around the Earth's Equator - It is equivalent to an average of 7.8 kg per capita per year - It is USD 91 billion in gross value based on the metals it contains - Only 22.3 per cent of this e-waste was formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. The "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" approach of the developed world is no longer sustainable, as e-waste continues to be dumped in the Global South despite international regulations. E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, causing serious health risks for generations and long-term environmental damage. We must shift towards sustainable electronic consumption—prolonging device lifespans through timely repairs, refurbishments, and secure reselling. 📺 Watch this insightful video on how e-waste is poisoning Southeast Asia and the urgent need for change: How E-Waste Poisons Southeast Asia. (https://lnkd.in/gvK-RcUf)
