Comment There is a solution (Score 1) 303
There are solutions - these can easily be implemented by huge electronics multinationals making millions from consumer electronics sales, encapsulated in a short phrase - clean it up and take it back:
1. Take out the toxic chemicals - if manufactures take out the worst toxic chemicals from their products then it is easier and safer to reuse and recycle them. This doesn't stop them being dumped in Asia but it at least makes products easier to recycle and less dangerous for those handling them. Some companies like Nokia, Sony and HP have already committed to do this. Others like Dell and Apple haven't.
2. Take it back. The companies who made the products should be responsible for them at the end of their lives. If manufactures had to do this there would quickly be design changes made by the companies - consumers would get products that last longer, products would be designed to contain less dangerous chemicals and be easier to recycle because the company that makes them has to deal with the waste. After pressure from Computertakeback companies like Dell and HP support the principle of producer responsibility. In contrast Apple clearly doesn't think its their problem.
If any industry can change it's the innovative, fast moving consumer electronics industry. They are promoting fast turn over of consumer items so they should be tackling the consequences.
Tom
1. Take out the toxic chemicals - if manufactures take out the worst toxic chemicals from their products then it is easier and safer to reuse and recycle them. This doesn't stop them being dumped in Asia but it at least makes products easier to recycle and less dangerous for those handling them. Some companies like Nokia, Sony and HP have already committed to do this. Others like Dell and Apple haven't.
2. Take it back. The companies who made the products should be responsible for them at the end of their lives. If manufactures had to do this there would quickly be design changes made by the companies - consumers would get products that last longer, products would be designed to contain less dangerous chemicals and be easier to recycle because the company that makes them has to deal with the waste. After pressure from Computertakeback companies like Dell and HP support the principle of producer responsibility. In contrast Apple clearly doesn't think its their problem.
If any industry can change it's the innovative, fast moving consumer electronics industry. They are promoting fast turn over of consumer items so they should be tackling the consequences.
Tom
