While we are always talking about common pollution types, awareness about e-waste pollution is critical yet less known. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is now one of the biggest waste sources thanks to the technological revolution. Today, we are going to unveal the connection between e-waste and water pollution.
We may have come far from the gadgets or electronics that used to be relevant in the 90s. Today, a single smartphone holds so many of the functions of the gadgets we used to have before. Yet, it is filling up the landfills faster than ever. So the environmental impact of e-waste is more often associated with landfills and air pollution. Have you wondered how it is connected to water pollution as well?
We will explore all the aspects of this mysterious link, its consequences, and actionable solutions. This includes the role of companies like Cashify in addressing this pressing challenge.
Also read: How Proper E-Waste Recycling Can Help Combat Climate Change!
E-waste Making It’s Way To The Water Bodies
E-waste comprises all the electronics that we have dumped from our households. They either don’t work anymore or are damaged with incomplete parts, or we simply don’t like them anymore. So, smartphones, laptops, and household appliances majorly make up such kind of waste. They end up in illegal dumping sites or landfills when we don’t discard them right away. As a result? They don’t go through the proper recycling process. Hence, they contribute to releasing toxins in the environment.
Over time, as rainwater interacts with these discarded devices, they release harmful chemicals like heavy metals and toxic substances into the soil. Once it’s in the soil, they are bound to seep deep into the groundwater as well. If there are waterbodies nearby, then they also end up in rivers, lakes, and streams.
This pathway of e-waste to water systems may seem like it takes decades, but it is alarming because the damage is widespread. It not only contaminates drinking water supplies but also affects agricultural practices.
Also read: How Cashify Is Turning India’s E-Waste Management Into a Sustainability Movement?
E-waste And Water Pollution: Consequences
E-waste toxins in water systems are like a cocktail of poison. Hazardous materials, when broken down, release toxins into aquatic ecosystems. Some of the most harmful substances include:
1. Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, and mercury are commonly found in e-waste. These micro-level substances can bioaccumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms. This way, they enter the food chain. Humans become vulnerable to the associated health risks while consuming contaminated seafood.
2. Chemicals: The e-waste components often have plastics and other things that release harmful chemicals like brominated flame retardants and phthalates. They can also bioaccumulate or cause the death of aquatic animals. Thus disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
3. Acids and Solvents: Batteries and circuit boards often contain acids and solvents that can contaminate water sources. These sources then become unsafe for water consumption and harm aquatic life.
Also Read: Ways In Which Recycling Helps Our Environment
Studies have shown that e-waste leachate can significantly degrade water quality. These contaminant levels often exceed safe thresholds for both human consumption and aquatic life.
Farmers using polluted water for irrigation is et another problem. These toxins can accumulate in crops as well. This is another way waste toxins enter the food supply chain and affect a broader population.
How To Cut Down E-Waste Ft. Cashify
To solve the e-waste crisis and its impact on water pollution, we need collective efforts. Every business, government and individual needs to play their part. Cashify is a platform that helps people take control of their e-waste.
Cashify makes it seamless for common people to buy, sell and repair old mobile phones. It is actively tackling the e-waste crisis caused by smartphones. It focuses on building a sustainable system for electronic waste.
Also read: How You Can Help The Environment By Selling Your Old Phone On Cashify
Here is how Cashify is making a difference:
1. Device Buyback and Refurbishment:
Cashify offers a convenient platform for users to sell old smartphones or buy second-hand mobiles. This way, they don’t make it to the e-waste right away after they have been discarded once. These devices are then refurbished and resold. Thus extending their lifecycle and reducing the demand for new products.
2. Responsible Recycling: Cashify ensures discarded electronics are recycled responsibly through certified e-waste recycling partners. This prevents hazardous materials from ending up in landfills and water bodies.
3. Consumer Awareness: Cashify actively educates people on how to manage their old smartphones. Be it selling them, repairing them or encouraging people to shift to refurbished smartphones. It also holds awareness campaigns and initiatives. People are learning more about sustainable disposal methods.
Also Read: Battery Tips: How To Extend Your Smartphone Battery’s Life
In The End
The e-waste and water pollution link is a stark reminder of the outcome of our digital consumption. And also it’s irresponsible disposal. We can take measures through our personal experiences, like opting for refurbished smartphones. Exploring the second-hand electronics market. Also, selling our old electronics to certified platforms like Cashify. This way, we can support responsible recycling. If not any of that, then at least promote responsible recycling and raise awareness. Whatever you do to reduce e-waste, it counts. Together, we can make a significant impact on delinking e-waste and water pollution.
Did you know that refurbished mobile phones cost almost 50 per cent less than new phones on Cashify? You also get other discounts, No-cost EMI and more, making it the most affordable way to buy a premium phone. So, what are you waiting for? Buy refurbished mobile phones at your nearest cashify store and avail exclusive offers.
