Techno Trash - An E-Waste Introduction

Techno trash also known as an E-Waste. E-Waste typically consists of electronic

products coming to the end of their useful life, such as computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos,
phones, automobile and manufacturing components. The huge range and complexity of
component materials in e-products currently makes it difficult and expensive to dispose of or
recycle them safely and at a profit. Many of the materials used are of high value and highly
recyclable such as gold and platinum. However, many others are non-renewable such as plastic
and are currently either discarded or recycled to form lower grade material. The biggest concern
with E-Waste is the presence of toxic materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic,
toxic flame-retardants, printer cartridge inks and toners that pose significant health risks. The
risk to human environmental health is now becoming a major factor. In order to manage this
rapidly growing waste stream we need to understand the flows of electronic goods in society
from the perspectives of consumer behavior (consumption and disposal patterns) to the
performance of producers through product stewardship (design, re-use, product recovery,
recycling and disposal).

Globalization is such a commonly used term in the twentieth century. It simply means that the world has become
integrated economically, socially, politically and culturally through the advances of technology, transportation and
communication. Even though globalization affects the worlds economies in a very positive way, its negative side
should not be forgotten. There are several disadvantages of globalization which is uneven wealth distribution, cheap
labor and cut-throat competition.
First disadvantage is uneven wealth distribution. It is said that the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting
poorer. In the real sense, globalization has not been able to reduce poverty. Instead it has led to the accumulation of
wealth and power in the hands of a few developed economies. Therefore the gap between the elite and the
underprivileged seems to be a never ending road, eventually leading to inequality.
Second disadvantage is cheap labor. Globalizations increases of non-skilled and skilled jobs from developing nations
to well developed countries as huge corporations seek for cheap labor. This economic trend can also increase the
likelihood of economic disrupt in a single nations, which could affect all nations.
Last but not least is cut-throat competition. Opening the doors of international trade has given birth to intense
competition. This has affected the local markets dramatically. In recent times the standard of living has improved.
People are therefore ready to shell out extra money for a product that may be available at a lower price. This is
because of the modern marketing techniques like advertising and branding. The local players thereby suffer huge
losses as they lack the potential to advertise or export their products on a large scale. Therefore the domestic
markets shrink.