Skip to 0 minutes and 0 seconds In today’s world, electrical and electronic devices are everywhere, powering our homes, businesses, and daily lives. But what happens when these products reach the end of the useful life? The answer is e-waste. A rapidly growing global challenge that affects us all. Every year, the world generates a staggering 62 million tons of e-waste. That’s more than 7 kg for every person on the planet. Yet only around 22% is officially collected and recycled. That means millions of valuable materials are lost while hazardous substances threaten our environment and health. And if nothing is done, with rising populations and increasing consumer demand, the amount of waste will double by 2050 to 120 million tons annually. E-waste is not just a problem for the environment.
Skip to 0 minutes and 54 seconds It’s also a missed opportunity. Did you know there’s 100 times more gold in a ton of smartphones than in a ton of gold ore? Across the globe, e-waste is managed in different ways. Sometimes through official takeback systems, but often through informal or unregulated channels. This can lead to dangerous recycling practices, exposing workers and communities to toxic chemicals, and contributing to air, soil, and water pollution. But change is possible. This course will show you how individuals, communities, and organizations are taking action from redesigning products for longer life to recycling valuable materials and supporting safe and fair jobs in the e-waste sector. By understanding the problem and exploring solutions, you’ll discover your own role in tackling e-waste.
Skip to 1 minute and 44 seconds Together, we can turn this global challenge into an opportunity for the environment, for society, and for future generations.
