Consumerism and E-Waste: How Our Choices Impact The Environment

Our world is fast becoming digital, and electronic gadgets have become an integral part of our daily lives. There is no denying the fact that technology has revolutionized the world. From smartphones and laptops to washing machines and dishwashers, these devices have made our lives more efficient and comfortable. We eagerly wait for the latest release of our favourite gadgets, rushing to sell off our old ones for the latest model. But do you know the amount of e-waste generated from this constant upgrading of gadgets, and keeping up with the latest trends and advancements?

According to a report from Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), the world produces over 50 million tonnes of e-waste annually, which is expected to rise as access to electronic devices becomes easier and affordable. Electronic waste contains harmful components such as lead, cadmium and mercury which can cause severe health problems if not disposed off properly.

The pandemic has further escalated this problem with the rapid shift towards remote work and online education, resulting in an increased demand for laptops and smartphones.

How does consumerism contribute to e-waste generation?

Consumerism is one of the leading causes of e-waste generation. Despite the various contributing factors, the role of consumers cannot be ignored, as their choices can either contribute to the problem or help mitigate it. Therefore, to improve e-waste management, it is crucial to understand consumer behaviour first.

We, as consumers, often throw off our old electronic devices way before they stop working to keep up with the latest trends. Multiple factors contribute to this attitude, with planned obsolescence being the leading one. It refers to the practice of designing devices with a shorter lifespan, forcing consumers to replace them sooner than they would otherwise need to.

It is a strategy that is widely used by the electronics industry, where they frequently launch new models of laptops, smartwatches, and other devices. These companies often incorporate new features, making the previous models seem outdated and less functional. Most often, the manufacturers delay updates for older models, forcing consumers to buy a new version to stay up to date with the latest technology.

These tactics not only encourage buyers to upgrade their devices but also generates substantial profits for manufacturers and of course, piles of e-waste, which is often dumped in poor countries.

Planned obsolescence can be built into electronic devices in a variety of ways. One approach is to use materials that deteriorate over time. For example, to make smartphones, the manufacturers might use a battery that degrades rapidly over some time, while the rest of the components in the phone are still in a good condition. Similarly, home appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are often built with parts that are expensive or difficult to replace, resulting in early failures and the need for replacements.

Another approach is to design products in such a way that some of their parts cannot be easily repaired or replaced. For example, when a device is broken, it may be cheaper to replace it, than repair it.

Another important factor contributing to e-waste generation is conspicuous consumption. It is a term coined by Thorstein Veblen, an economist and socialist, who wrote in his book “Theory of Leisure Class” that people often buy expensive goods and services to showcase their wealth and social status to others. This behaviour is often driven by the desire to gain social recognition and admiration and the value of these goods is more symbolic than utilitarian. It is disastrous for the environment as it creates a culture of disposable goods, producing massive e-waste.

Conspicuous consumption remains a prevalent culture in our modern capitalist society today. It is seen not only among the rich but also among the people with lesser means which places a significant economic burden on individuals and poses a great threat to the environment.

What role does sustainable consumerism play in mitigating e-waste generation?

Well, there are numerous ways to address this issue, and one such way is sustainable consumerism. Sustainable consumerism refers to making informed decisions about the goods you buy and the services you use to have a low impact on the environment. To practice sustainable consumerism, we must buy long-lasting devices, which have easily replaceable and repairable parts and can be easily upgraded.

Electronics companies have a greater role to play in promoting a sustainable approach, wherein they can develop software that is compatible with older hardware, which means that the consumers can use the latest features and applications without requiring a new device.

Companies should invest in software compatible with older hardware. Moreover, companies can also provide incentives such as discounts on services for older devices to encourage consumers to continue using their older devices.

Along with benefiting the environment, this approach can also help strengthen brand reputation. There are several corporations in the electronics manufacturing industry that are experimenting with or practicing the approach of developing software that can run on old hardware and providing incentives to encourage customers to use their old devices.

One notable example is Apple, which has been praised for its efforts to extend the lifespan of its products through software updates that are compatible with older devices. For example, with the release of iOS in 2018, Apple made an effort to ensure that the update was compatible with older devices, including the iPhone 5S and iPad Air.

Moreover, the company has also introduced trade-in programs to motivate people to recycle their old devices in exchange for discounts on new devices.  Another possible way to practice a sustainable approach is car-pooling and sharing. Carpooling refers to sharing a ride with passengers travelling to the same destination or the same direction. Car sharing is another way, wherein a group of people collectively own a vehicle and use it among themselves. This is done within a specific community or neighbourhood such as an apartment complex. The community members can use the vehicle for personal purposes and split the expenses, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road and promoting the efficient use of resources.

Community car sharing is practiced worldwide; one example is the “Free-Floating Carsharing” program in Berlin, Germany, wherein the users can rent cars on a short-term basis without a reservation or a set return time.

Investing in products made from sustainable materials and supporting companies that promote ecologically safe practices is another approach towards sustainable consumerism. One such company is FairPhone, a Dutch electronics manufacturing company founded in 2010 that aims to shift away from the throwaway culture of electronics to reduce e-waste and encourage more sustainable consumer behavior. It promotes sustainable consumerism by producing ethical and environment-friendly smartphones. The company uses a modular design, which makes it easy to repair and replace individual components, reducing the need for frequent upgrades and contributing to a circular economy. The company also ensures that its manufacturing process is free from exploitative labor practices.

Additionally, consumers can consider donating their used devices to social programs such as not-for-profit organizations that distribute used electronics to various social causes, such as aiding the victims of sexual and domestic violence. They can also donate used electronics to lower-income families or to educational institutes or organizations to help bridge the digital divide in underprivileged communities. Digital Daan is an example of such a program that accepts used electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, and distributes them to underprivileged students and young adults in rural areas.

By donating to these social programs, consumers can help reduce electronic waste, promote digital equality, and support various social causes.

Sustainable Consumerism in Sweden

There are several countries today practicing sustainable consumerism. One of the most notable examples is Sweden. Often considered a leader in sustainable practices, Sweden has implemented various policies to encourage sustainable consumption, such as providing tax incentives for repairing old products instead of buying new ones. It has also introduced a carbon tax which was first implemented in the 1990s to incentivize consumers and businesses to shift towards sustainable sources of energy. It is also promoting sustainable consumption through education and awareness-raising campaigns.

How is India addressing the issue of electronic waste through sustainable consumerism?

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in sustainable consumer behaviour, with more customers being mindful of the impact of their choices on the environment. There has been a rise in demand for eco-friendly products and preferences for companies prioritizing sustainable manufacturing processes. Recently, the government has introduced the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) which holds the manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products including their disposal. This has incentivized them to produce products that are easier to recycle, reuse and upgrade. However, not much has been done by the Indian government to promote sustainable consumerism. There is still a long way to go, and consumers need to play an active role in making smart sustainable choices and reducing e-waste.

Consumerism plays an important role in the generation and management of e-waste. The demand for new and advanced electronic products has led to the accumulation of hazardous waste, that pollutes the environment and results in health hazards. However, consumers can mitigate this by adopting sustainable consumption practices such as choosing eco-friendly products, supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and reducing consumption through repair and reuse. At the same time, governments can play their role by implementing policies that promote eco-friendly products and responsible disposal of e-waste. A collaboration between consumers, producers and policymakers is also required to minimize the impact of e-waste on the environment.