Archive for the 'E-Waste' Category
Handling E-Waste
E-waste or electronic waste includes electrical and electronic equipment like phones, computers, consumer electronic products like ovens, floppies, printer cartridges, toasters, TVs, toys, batteries and other discarded electronic items etc. It has components that are toxic and non biodegradable like lead, mercury, carbon, silicon.
Green Electronics Ranking: Motivating Companies to Go Green
Greenpeace launched its Green Electronics Guide Rankings in August 2006 which included world’s 14 leading mobile and computer manufacturers. There is a rise in awareness about global environmental problems and companies are trying to do their bit and act more responsibly. Especially when it comes to e-waste, there are companies which have started recycling their waste instead of dumping their waste in countries with lower environmental standards and working conditions. They have also reduced usage of toxic chemicals in their production process which would make recycling more safe and easy.
RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive
RoHS is a directive for Restriction of Hazardous Substances that was adopted by European Union in February 2003 and took effect from July 1, 2006. Having close linkages with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE); it restricts the usage of 6 hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. RoHS applies to all goods that are in Europe, manufactured or imported. But, the European Union members can have their own enforcement and implementation policies.
Controversy Over Greenpeace Green Electronic Rankings
Guide to Green Electronics is a ranking of 14 top mobile and PC companies that was released by Greenpeace. It is focused at drawing attention towards rising e-waste in the developing world. In spite of a sense of motivation that the Greenpeace campaign on Green Electronic Rankings has generated; there is another point of view that has been presented by many critics.
