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Key facts

E-waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world (1).

In 2019, an estimated 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally, but only 17.4% was documented as formally collected and recycled (2).

Lead is one of the common substances released into the environment if e-waste is recycled, stored or dumped using inferior activities, such as open burning (3).

E-waste recycling activities may have several adverse impacts on human health. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.

ILO and WHO estimate that millions of women and child labourers working in the informal recycling sector around the world may be at risk of e-waste exposure (4).

Overview

Every year millions of electrical and electronic devices are discarded as products break or become obsolete and are thrown away. These discarded devices are considered e-waste and can become a threat to the environment and to human health if they are not treated, disposed of, and recycled appropriately. Common items in e-waste streams include computers, mobile phones, and large household appliances, as well as medical equipment. Every year, millions of tonnes of e-waste are recycled using environmentally unsound techniques and are likely stored in homes and warehouses, dumped, exported or recycled under inferior conditions. When e-waste is treated using inferior activities, it can release as many as 1000 different chemical substances into the environment, including harmful neurotoxicants such as lead (3). Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable due to their unique pathways of exposure and their developmental status. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 16.5 million children were working in the industrial sector in 2020, of which waste processing is a subsector (4).

Scope of the problem

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world, increasing 3 times faster than the world's population (1). Less than a quarter of e-waste produced globally in 2019 was known to be formally recycled; however, e-waste streams contain valuable and finite resources that can be reused if they are recycled appropriately. E-waste has therefore become an important income stream for individuals and even communities. However, people living in low- and middle-income (LMICs), particularly children, face the most significant risks from e-waste due to lack of appropriate regulations, recycling infrastructure and training. Despite international regulations targeting the control of the transport of e-waste from one country to another, the transboundary movement of e-waste to LMICs continues, frequently illegally. E-waste is considered hazardous wasteas it contains toxic materials or can produce toxic chemicals when treated inappropriately. Many of these toxic materials are known or suspected to cause harm to human health, and several are included in the 10 chemicals of public health concern, including dioxins, lead and mercury. Inferior recycling of e-waste is a threat to public health and safety.

Exposure to e-waste

Electrical and electronic items contain many different toxic substances. While users are unlikely to have contact with any of these substances when the items are in use, when they become waste, these toxicants can be released into the environment if the devices are managed using environmentally unsound practices and activities. Several unsound practices have been observed at e-waste sites including:

scavenging

dumping on land or in water bodies

landfilling along with regular waste

opening burning or heating

acid baths or acid leaching

stripping and shredding plastic coatings

manual disassembly of equipment.

These activities are considered hazardous to the environment and human health as they release toxic pollutants, contaminating the air, soil, dust, and water at recycling sites and in neighbouring communities. Burning or heating is considered one of the most hazardous activities due to the toxic fumes created. Once in the environment, toxic pollutants from e-waste or produced through unsound recycling activities can travel significant distances from the point of pollution, exposing people in faraway areas to health-damaging substances.

Children are the most vulnerable

A range of adverse health outcomes linked to e-waste recycling activities have been posed.

Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of hazardous pollutants from informal e-waste recycling activities. Children are often involved in waste picking and scavenging, burning discarded e-waste and the manual dismantlement of items into component parts. In some countries, children may serve as a source of cheap labour and their small hands give them an advantage in taking apart the smallest items. These activities directly expose children to injury and high levels of hazardous chemicals. Working as a waste picker is hazardous labour and is considered one of the worst forms of child labour by the ILO. In 2020, the ILO estimated that as many as 16.5 million children globally were working in the industrial sector, of which waste processing is a subsector (4). It is unknown how many child labourers participate in informal e-waste recycling.

E-waste exposure may be linked to the following health effects during pregnancy and in infants and children:

adverse neonatal outcomes, including increased rates of stillbirth and premature birth;

neurodevelopment, learning and behaviour outcomes, especially associated with lead released through informal e-waste recycling activities; and

reduced lung and respiratory function and increased asthma incidence, which may be linked to high levels of contaminated air pollution that characterize many e-waste recycling sites.

Children and pregnant women are at higher risk than adults to contaminants released through informal e-waste recycling activities due to their unique vulnerabilities. Children have different exposuresto e-waste recycling activities. E-waste recycling activities release toxic chemicals that can cross the placenta and may contaminate breastmilk, for example mercury. Additionally, children are highly sensitive to many of the pollutants released through e-waste recycling due to their rapidly developing bodies, including their respiratory, immune and central nervous systems. E-waste contains multiple known and suspected neurotoxicants, including lead and mercury, that may disrupt the development of the central nervous system during pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Some harmful toxicants from e-waste may also impact the structural development and function of the lungs. Changes to children's developing systems from e-waste may cause irreparable harm and affect them for the rest of their lives.

Prevention and management

National and international actions are essential to protect communities from dangerous e-waste recycling activities. Actions that can be taken include:

adopting and enforcing high-level international agreements;

developing and implementing national e-waste management legislation that protects public health;

incorporating health protection measures into national legislation;

monitoring e-waste sites and surrounding communities;

implementing and monitoring interventions that improve informal e-waste recycling activities, protect public health and ensure vital sources of community revenue;

educating health workers across all levels on e-waste-related child health issues;

eliminating child labour.

International agreements

The Basel Convention controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. It is a comprehensive environmental agreement that aims to tackle issues surrounding hazardous wastes, including e-waste and its management. In 2019, the Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention entered into force. It prohibits the movement of hazardous wastes, including e-waste, from countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Commission countries and Liechtenstein to other states that are party to the Convention. The Basel Convention runs programmes and workshops to develop and deliver guidance on environmentally sound management of e-waste. It also provides states with guidelines to distinguish between waste and non-waste and the transboundary movement of e-waste. Additionally, regional conventions also exist, such as the Bamako Convention and the Waigani Convention. Both these regional conventions have arisen in response to the Basel Convention and aim to further restrict the movement of hazardous wastes, including e-waste, in African and South Pacific countries, respectively.

WHO response

WHO's Initiative on E-waste and Child Health is contributing to a number of international e-waste programmes and pilot projects in countries in Latin America and Africa. These pilot projects are developing frameworks to protect children's health from e-waste exposures that can be adapted and replicated in other countries and settings. The Initiative aims to:

increase access to evidence, knowledge and awareness of the health impacts of e-waste

improve health sector capacity to manage and prevent risks

facilitate monitoring of exposure to e-waste and interventions that protect public health.

In 2021, WHO released its first global report on e-waste and child health, which called for greater effective and binding action to protect children from the growing threat. WHO has developed training tools for the health sector, such as the recently updated training package for health care providers, including a specific training module on lead and on e-waste and child health. Additionally, WHO contributes to multi-agency capacity training tools including a MOOC and a joint course with PAHO.
References

1. Tackling informality in e-waste management: the potential of cooperative enterprises. Geneva: International Labour Organization; 2014 (https://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_315228/lang--en/index.htm)

2. Forti V, Balde CP, Kuehr R, Bel G. The Global E-waste Monitor 2020: quantities, flows and the circular economy potential. Bonn, Geneva, Vienna: United Nations University, International Telecommunication Union, International Solid Waste Association; 2020 (https://ewastemonitor.info/)

3. Widmer R, Oswald-Krapf H, Sinha-Khetriwal D, Schnellmann M, Böni H. Global perspectives on e-waste. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 2005;25(5):436-458.

4. Child labour: global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward. Geneva: International Labour Organization; 2021 (https://www.ilo.org/ipec/ChildlabourstatisticsSIMPOC/lang--en/index.htm).

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WHO fact sheet on e-waste, including key facts, impacts on children, prevention and WHO's response.

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Reflective Padlet Post – Greenwashing Presentations

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Reflective Padlet Post – Greenwashing Presentations

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My presentation

I gave a speech about greenwashing today. I think it went pretty well. But the evidence to confirm something as greenwashing still needs to be strengthened.

For public speaking, I didn't feel as nervous as before. My ability to speak and respond mentally has improved a lot. I think it went smoothly. The classmates were very active in listening to my opinions. I really appreciate everyone's patience.

But there's still a lack of natural expression and delivery in my speech. The good thing is that my speaking skills have improved much compared to before. This is especially true for making PPTs and reacting quickly.

The reason for the smooth progress is that I did a lot of practice in private. I've learned that no matter what I think of the content of my speech, I must present it with the best attitude.

A classmate’s presentation

Otonia's speech left a very deep impression on me. The reason is that her way of speaking was very vivid and engaging, allowing for interaction with the audience. It made me think deeply about her speech and I agreed with her. The product she talked about was a bag from Hong Kong. I also agreed with her considerations because it was indeed expensive, greenwashing, and not sustainable. So I think her speech was very helpful to me. I can also learn from her way of speaking and content. Therefore, I really appreciate her way of speaking.

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Sustainability Project-What is a digital carbon footprint?

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Sustainability Project-What is a digital carbon footprint?

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•Summarise the sustainability issue

1.People around the world often perceive virtual things as having no carbon emissions because of their intangible nature. In reality, electronic devices consume enormous energy during their usage phase, generating various types of e-waste. E-waste is non-biodegradable, occupying our planet's shared land resources, polluting the air and water, and further affecting life on Earth. Therefore, this issue is global in nature.

• Describe the solution that was proposed

2.Avoid replacing electronic devices and upgrading accessories to cut carbon emissions from manufacturing. Raise environmental awareness and know that digital products are not carbon-free. Promote solar energy to reduce power use. Simplify packaging and use eco-friendly materials. Start trade-in programs, rentals, and swapping.

• My opinion

3.My view is we can keep things under control for now, but long-term solutions need more new ideas and technology. This is because we can’t clean up e-waste completely. Now, some people say we should send e-waste into space, but that’s not a real solution.

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With increasing awareness of carbon footprints, how much does our digital lifestyle contribute? This article examines the impact.

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1.What are your first impressions of the project?

My first impression of sustainable development projects is that they are very important. Now we need to closely link environmental protection with economic and social development. It’s hard to combine environmental protection and economic development. So we need long - term and complex ideas to find new ways to integrate them.

2.What have you learned so far?

So far, I know that sustainability is not only about environmental protection. It’s also about linking it with social benefits to bring more welfare to people. Protecting the earth’s environment is a big responsibility. We must also meet the needs of social development.

3.What did you find difficult to understand?

I think the hardest thing to understand is how to have better environmental sustainability in today’s fast development. Some environmental protection plans have unique ideas and technologies. But they can’t be done because of how people live. How to make a sustainable plan that everyone can accept is a big challenge.

4.What are your thoughts on sustainability in your own industry?

My major is undergraduate animation. I think animation sustainability can focus on cutting e-waste, using green energy, and recycling electronics. These are all key points. Many companies only go after short-term profits.

5.Do you think this will be a challenging project?

I think this is an important project for the world and individuals. It needs knowledge from different subjects and long-term benefits. People need to join together. This can bring new ideas. It also makes us responsible for the world.

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1. If I was a stop - motion animator, I would use biodegradable clay for characters.

2. If I had unlimited imagination, I would find ways to maximize sustainability.

3. If I did virtual animation, my travel carbon footprint would be zero.

4. If I put sustainable ideas in my short animations, I would help people like sustainability.

5. If I designed a cup, I would make it biodegradable.

6. If I knew what all people thought, we would solve global problems and achieve sustainability.

7. If I could paint a picture with colors, I would choose to use edible products.

8. If I were an inventor, I would turn all artificial products in the world into biodegradable ones.

9.If I hosted my portfolio website on green servers, each visitor’s browse would support renewable energy projects.

10.If I were science, I would put all the fragments of electronic products into everyone's minds, rather than physical objects.

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Project Step 1 - Written submission - Sustainability 1 (1)

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Reflective Padlet Post – Life Cycle of a T-Shirt

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Reflective Padlet Post – Life Cycle of a T-Shirt

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What was the problem shown in the video?

1. The T-shirt and clothing industry causes big environmental pollution. For example, they use pesticides, make high carbon emissions, and treat workers badly with low pay.

What industry does it relate to?

2. It is about the clothing industry.

What were some of the proposed solutions?

donate clothes, sell second-hand 3.ones, and let clothes dry in the air.

What surprised you?

4. It is surprising that making one T-shirt needs 20,700 liters of water. The clothing industry pollutes more than most industries, only after the oil industry. Clothing production has grown fast in recent years, and this brings huge environmental and social problems.

What could you do differently as a consumer?

5. Consumers should choose clothes and products that are good for the environment and can be used sustainably.

How can you become a more responsible clothing consumer?

6. When buying clothes, check if they are made sustainably. Let clothes dry in the air and deal with old clothes properly.

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《Feels Like Summer》（Childish Gambino, 2018）VS《Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)》（Marvin Gaye, 1971）

• How are the two songs similar / different in their message or topic?

The two songs call for ecological responsibility. They promote green development. One focuses on industrial pollution. The other focuses on global warming.

• How are they similar / different in style, tone, or approach?

Both songs have lyrics about the harms of environmental pollution. One is electronic music. The other is soul music.

• Which do you think is more powerful or effective, and why?

Mercy, Mercy Me is impactful. It is a classic environmental protection song. Its lyrics are direct. Its music has a unique tone. The song makes listeners think about environmental responsibility. It makes people face industrial pollution.

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Feels Like Summer – Childish Gambino

• Who is the artist and what is the background of the song?

An American singer created the song. It was released in 2018, in the time of global climate crisis.

• What sustainability issue is the song about?

The song is about global warming.

• What do you think the artist’s message or attitude is?

The artist shows how people ignore climate problems. He uses summer heat to show rising global temperatures. The happy melody is different from the serious topic.

• What research did you do? What did you learn?

2018 was the fourth hottest year ever. That’s when the song came out.

• Can you find any interesting or topic-specific vocabulary?

"Hotter", "Oxygen mask", "We just watching", "Summer".

• How would you describe the mood of the song?

The song feels light and happy. It makes you think of beach days in summer. But the lyrics are negative and worrying. This makes a strong contrast.

• What do you think of the song? (Give your opinion)

The song is memorable. The melody and lyrics are very different. It also talks about the global heat crisis at that time. It makes people feel connected.

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1.Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology) – Marvin Gaye

• Who is the artist and what is the background of the song?

American singer Marvin Gaye created and performed the song in 1971. Its relaxed style and direct lyrics talk about ecological destruction and environmental pollution. The song shows people’s worries about industrial development, resource use, water pollution and other problems at that time. It wants people to care more about environmental damage and take responsibility for the earth.

• What do you think the artist’s message or attitude is?

Gaye used music to show his care for the environment, peace and civil rights. He was among the first to put environmental ideas into pop music. His eco-friendly lyrics with nice melodies helped people gradually care more about protecting the environment. The lyrics show he knew a lot about ecological problems.

• Can you find any interesting or topic-specific vocabulary?

"ecology", "mercury", "radiation", "heavy water".

• How would you describe the mood of the song?

The song feels light but also a bit worried. The lyrics are full of worry and thought about the environment, and care for the earth’s future and hope to save it.

• What do you think of the song? (Give your opinion)

This environmental song has strong lyrics that can make people want to protect the earth. It was an important step to bring environmental themes into music.

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 Reflective Padlet Post – Team Project Focuses

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 Reflective Padlet Post – Team Project Focuses

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What you found interesting about your teammates’ project ideas

1.Many studies on graphic design also focus on pigments and pollution.

Any similarities or differences between your focus and theirs

2.The similarity lies in the theme of sustainable development, while the differences come from distinct research directions due to varied professional focuses.

How your discussion helped you think about your own project differently

3.Based on my major and the sustainability relevance of the tools I use, I've received a lot of suggestions

Any advice or ideas you gave or received

4.The ideas mainly center around electronic devices, which aren't too different from my own thoughts. Since my major is animation, most sustainability-related issues involve electronics and hand-drawn paper.

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Group Teams Meeting – Pre-Project Discussion

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Group Teams Meeting – Pre-Project Discussion

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What is it?

This is an NPR article from the Goats and Soda section, published on October 5, 2024. It shows the public health problem caused by local e-waste. Kids touch toxic metals without any safety gear. This pollutes the environment and causes many health problems. It also shows the global unfairness in e-waste management.

Where did you find it?

I found it on the NPR website, specifically in the Goats and Soda section, which focuses on global issues, culture, and sustainability. The article’s URL (provided) directly links to the discussion about e-waste in Ghana.

How is it relevant to your project?

This shows a very irresponsible attitude toward the health of kids and adults. It proves rich countries ignore e-waste and have no solutions. Poor countries get forced to take in the waste. This is like the environment-friendly ways to solve digital e-waste problems.

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Stunning photos of a vast e-waste dumping ground — and those who make a living off it

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Three photojournalists have created an in-depth report on electronic waste — its negative and ... positive ... consequences.

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Computer recycling West Africa style - Click - BBC News

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Hey everyone! This place is Beijing’s Shichahai. I come here for walks pretty often, like twice a week. It’s super chill here—helps me shake off the bad vibes. There’s this gorgeous lake and even little boats to mess around with. It’s kinda far from my place, but hey, it’s where I went to school. Hanging out with nature is a must, ya know? Gotta recharge your mind and body with that natural energy.

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Project Step 2 – Written submission template (2) (1)