Do you happen to possess a broken or unused cellphone charger? That seemingly harmless item falls under the category of electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste. So, what exactly does e-waste entail? According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), e-waste encompasses any object with electrical wires or batteries, such as toasters, cellphones, laptops, and televisions.

Alarming statistics from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in 2021 reveal that Indonesia alone generated a staggering 2 million tons of electronic waste. Among the regions, Java accounted for 56% of the total e-waste, while Sumatra contributed 22%. This calls for immediate and comprehensive management to prevent detrimental effects on the environment and human health.

Electronic waste poses a grave concern not only in Indonesia but across numerous countries. The Sustainable Cycles program by the United Nations indicates that the global volume of electronics reached a remarkable 50 million tons in 2021, with projections indicating a continuous rise until 2060.

Wow, that’s quite a lot right? This accumulation of electronic waste has an impact on air, water, soil pollution and triggers dangerous diseases such as cardiovascular (health problems that include the heart and blood vessels), DNA damage, and even triggers cancer.

Therefore, e-waste must be managed and limited properly in order to avoid the adverse effects that we do not want. The way to minimize is quite easy, starting from ourselves and simple things. How are the steps? Let’s check this article.

Sell or donate used electronics

First, you can donate your working electronics to a friend or relative in need. You can even sell them for money, although the selling price will be lower than the previous purchase price.

Like your unused gadgets that are still usable, instead of letting them pile up for too long, donating or selling them can be the right choice. By doing so, you are contributing greatly to the environment.

The people who donate or buy your products will be happy because they get the same product at a lower price.

Rent electronics

Need a camera to take pictures on vacation? Rent could be the right choice for you. This is because you only use the electronic item for a short period of time and it will be better economically to rent it than to buy a new one.

You can rent a camera at one of the places that provide camera rental services for the required period of time and you can use it immediately. In addition, by renting you are also contributing to reducing electronic waste.

Consider well before buying

When it comes to buying something new, especially electronics, make sure you’ve put some thought into it. Starting from really needing this new device, whether it really fits your needs or is just impulsive, especially whether it will add value to your own life. These things must be resolved first and considered carefully so that the decision to buy new items later can be used wisely.

If you still have doubts or even if you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you might be able to find other ways instead of buying a new one. Other ways could be using existing electronics with similar functions, repairing, borrowing or even renting.

Buying eco-friendly electronics

Once you’ve decided to buy new electronics, it’s a good idea to buy items that are environmentally friendly. One example of an environmentally friendly electronic item is one that is Energy Star labeled or certified by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT).

Environmentally friendly electronics mean that they cover the entire lifecycle of electronic products, not just product design, but also about production, energy consumption and recycling to include corporate responsibility and social aspects.

For example, they usually have their own system to recycle the waste of the goods they produce so that it becomes environmentally friendly. Therefore, try to buy eco-friendly items when buying electronics.

Maintaining electronics

Whether your electronics are brand new or old, it is crucial to prioritize their proper care. This approach not only extends their lifespan but also plays a significant role in reducing electronic waste. Additionally, maintaining your electronics enhances your overall efficiency, eliminating the constant need for purchasing new gadgets.

One effective method to preserve your electronics is by utilizing a cellphone case and screen protector, safeguarding them from accidental drops. Furthermore, avoid overcharging the battery of your laptop or cellphone, as this practice helps prolong the battery’s longevity.

Now, let’s delve into an effortless way to manage electronic waste. By grasping these concepts, you are better equipped to contribute to the reduction of e-waste. Let us join forces in minimizing electronic waste, starting with ourselves. Don’t forget to follow JSC’s social media channels for more intriguing information and updates.