Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, surrounded by the gadgets that have become an integral part of your life. Your phone, your laptop, your tablet, your gaming console – they’re like old friends, always there to keep you connected and entertained. 

But have you ever wondered about what happens to these devices when their time is up? 

The answer lies in a challenge that’s impacting our planet: e-waste.

E-waste is more than just a term; it’s a growing crisis that’s silently affecting us. As we embrace the latest gadgets and upgrade to newer models, the discarded devices pile up, creating a challenge that can’t be ignored. These gadgets might be small individually, but when you consider the collective impact, the scale of the issue becomes undeniable.

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According to this report by Statista, the average lifespan of a mobile phone from the year 2013 to 2020 is 29 months. That means that an average person has had 3.3 smartphones in that eight-year period. Doing a bit of math on that, with Singapore’s 85 per cent smartphone use penetration rate, we’re looking at over 15 million smartphones.

That’s just in Singapore. And that’s just looking at smartphones.

Why should you care?

E-waste contains components that are harmful to the environment. If your phone, for example, reaches a landfill, chemicals like mercury and lead can seep through and contaminate the soil. Burning or incinerating it, on the other hand, will release said hazardous chemicals into the air.

Proper disposal of e-waste is a must because by doing so, we are not only preventing hazardous chemicals from polluting the soil, sea, and air, but we are also saving natural resources.

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Ninety-eight per cent of components of electrical devices are recyclable. By properly recycling e-waste, mining for natural resources such as copper and aluminium will reduce, jobs for facilities that process recycling will increase, and prices for gadgets and devices will decrease over time.

Think about the impact you can make by making conscious choices. It’s not about giving up technology; it’s about using it responsibly. From recycling old devices, choosing products with sustainability in mind, and designing your business operations to accommodate the life cycle of your products,  you have the chance to shape a greener future. It’s about leaving a legacy of responsible consumer habits for the generations that follow.

Igniting change with the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program

Imagine a future where the legacy you leave behind is one of positive change. As you step into the e-waste revolution, you’re joining a movement that’s bigger than any individual. Your story is woven into the fabric of this revolution – a story of empowerment, action, and hope. Your commitment today paves the way for a sustainable tomorrow.

You have the power to lead the charge against e-waste. You’re not just a bystander; you’re an advocate for change. By raising awareness about e-waste and its solutions, you’re influencing your peers, your community, and even the world. Your voice matters, and it’s time to let it be heard.

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YEAP, or the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program, is an initiative organised by e27 to help increase awareness of the problems, challenges, and solutions of e-waste, and empower the Singaporean youth to lead the e-waste revolution by providing resources and a platform for their voices to be heard.

So, let’s make this a story worth telling. Let’s pull the plug on e-waste and be the catalysts for change. Together, we’re shaping a world where gadgets and sustainability coexist. Your journey begins now. Are you ready to take the lead?

Join YEAP.

To be a youth ambassador, click here.

Be a YEAP partner and help us change the world. Click here for partnership opportunities.

For more insights on e-waste, and updates on upcoming programs and activities, follow YEAP on Instagram and Facebook.

The post Beyond gadgets: Pull the plug on e-waste with YEAP appeared first on e27.