The modern world is filled with high-tech gadgets that are renewed every quarter, making people buy new items and discard outdated ones. The current situation on the market is called the materials economy that aims to design products that will function for only a certain period to encourage buying new items (The Story of Stuff Project, 2010). Indeed, new electronic devices are short-lasting and are “impractical to repair,” which results in constant product flow (The Story of Stuff Project, 2010). However, this approach is a financial burden for many people. Furthermore, electronics industry became dangerous for the environment, polluting air, water, and soil with toxic chemicals. Production of gadgets requires various items, including harmful materials that damage assembly factory workers’ health, causing miscarriages, developmental abnormalities, and cancers (The Story of Stuff Project, 2010). The recycling of broken electronics is still not appropriately organized; thus, 25 million pieces of e-waste poison people and the planet (The Story of Stuff Project, 2010). Therefore, it is vital to increase awareness about this issue worldwide and design more sustainable products.
The dump economy threatens the future of humanity on Earth. Electronic magnates should strive to design computers and TVs to make them environmentally friendly because these products are the most popular ones worldwide. Furthermore, smartphones and other technologies should be made to last longer. Moreover, engineers have already found ways to produce electronics without toxic materials (The Story of Stuff Project, 2010). Indeed, the increasing number of different types of cancer and congenital diseases demands the global community to change its approach to production and consumption. Conversely, the human race will be destined to extinction, leaving the poisoned planet as the only legacy.
Reference
The Story of Stuff Project. (2010). The story of electronics [Video]. YouTube.