With the rapid evolution of technology, the increasing rate of electronic waste (e-waste) has become a growing concern for our planet. As gadgets and devices evolve at an astonishing pace, the issue of responsible e-waste management has emerged as a pressing global challenge. The short lifecycle of many electronic products, driven by consumers’ desire for the latest and most advanced technologies, contributes significantly to the escalating volume of e-waste.
Improper e-waste management often involves the export of electronic waste to developing countries, where unsafe recycling practices further exacerbate health risks for local communities. As the digital landscape continues to expand, addressing this challenge requires collaborative efforts from different stakeholders including governments, industries, and individuals to implement effective policies, promote sustainable design, and raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of irresponsible e-waste disposal. By fostering a culture of responsible consumption and recycling, we can strive towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to technology in the 21st century.
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As such, the Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program (YEAP) to tackle the escalating issue of electronic waste and promote environmental responsibility among the youths in Singapore. By fostering a community of Youth E-Waste Ambassadors, the program aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring broader societal change towards conscious consumption and responsible electronic waste management. YEAP stands as a beacon for empowering the next generation to become stewards of the environment, cultivating a community where sustainability is not just a concept but a way of life.
With an initiative of such magnitude, Carousell, a multi-category classifieds and recommerce marketplace platform, is partnering with YEAP to address challenges in the e-waste space. “The Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program is a great initiative. “The program’s advocacy for reducing e-waste and promoting sustainability aligns with our mission to make secondhand the first choice and aim to advocate for a circular economy. We hope that this programme can show more people how easy it is to participate in the circular economy and take steps to reduce e-waste without drastically changing their shopping habits,” shared Jane Ng, Category Director for Mobiles at Carousell.
Sustainability at the heart of Carousell
With the company’s nature as a platform for reselling products, sustainability is encoded in Carousell’s DNA. “We constantly try to reach out to the youths so that they are increasingly aware of how they can contribute to sustainability through buying and selling of secondhand devices as part of their lifestyle,” explained Ng.
The company believes that the traditional linear economy’s ‘extract-manufacture-buy-use-throw’ approach rapidly exhausts Earth’s limited resources, intensifying environmental issues. This is why Carousell aims to disrupt this cycle by promoting the adoption of a circular economy and facilitating secondhand transactions. “Our users, by buying and selling secondhand items, extend the product life cycle of still-usable products. This conscious choice reduces the need for similar new items, decreasing the demand for fresh production, helping to conserve our planet’s finite resources,” explained Ng. “This extends beyond e-waste management but across all products, where we want to encourage more people to think about selling or giving away items they no longer need and to buy secondhand items where possible,” she added.
Dedicated to making secondhand the preferred choice, Carousell’s mission revolves around encouraging more individuals to actively participate in the circular economy. Carousell has introduced two innovative programs this year, namely Sell to Carousell Mobile and Carousell Certified Mobile, to enhance the trustworthiness and convenience of buying and selling secondhand mobile phones.
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Sell to Carousell Mobile caters to busy sellers or those seeking a hassle-free way to sell their phones directly to Carousell for cash. Through a user-friendly app interface, individuals can receive an estimated offer for their device, opt for doorstep pick-up, or choose to drop off their phones at partner stores across the island. The process leverages Carousell’s AI diagnostic tool and smart pricing algorithm to ensure transparency and efficiency, minimising the potential for human error that often accompanies traditional methods of selling used mobile phones.
Subsequently, devices sold to Carousell undergo a rigorous 40-point inspection at their diagnostics centre, including data erasure for secure wiping. These thoroughly inspected and sanitised devices are then listed on Carousell Certified Mobile’s official store, providing buyers with the assurance of quality and authenticity. Each purchase is accompanied by a free 1-month warranty, extendable to 24 months, and a 7-day money-back guarantee ensuring a reliable and satisfying secondhand shopping experience.
“Impactful change starts from small incremental steps and adjustments to our lifestyle habits. Rather than leaving old devices in drawers at home, think about selling or giving away these electronic items. This small change doesn’t just cut down on e-waste; it also grants these products a new life with new users, reducing their environmental footprint,” shared Ng.
Youth at the forefront of the sustainability movement
The Youth E-Waste Ambassador Program is an initiative that perfectly aligns with Carousell’s goals, resonating with the broader mission of encouraging sustainable practices and aligning seamlessly with the commitment to prioritise secondhand options in the journey toward fostering a circular economy.
The hope is that this innovative program can effectively demonstrate to a wider audience the simplicity of participating in a circular economy, emphasising that individuals can take meaningful steps to reduce e-waste without undergoing drastic alterations to their everyday shopping habits. By showcasing the feasibility and impact of such initiatives, the program seeks to inspire and empower individuals to play an active role in creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
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“The role of Singaporean youth is vital in addressing our country’s e-waste issue. We see a growing shift in environmental consciousness in our region among young consumers, favouring sustainable products. Additionally, with the rise of social media platforms, younger generations feel empowered to express their views and build community with like-minded youths to discuss pertinent issues,” explained Ng.
She added, “This presents a valuable opportunity to tackle important matters like reducing e-waste. Besides starting conversations and raising awareness, impactful change can also start with small steps. For example, making secondhand items the preferred choice while shopping creates a win-win situation, offering financial benefits while positively impacting the environment—a step toward a more sustainable planet.”
Carousell’s collaboration with YEAP is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and responsible e-waste management. It’s a succinct narrative that sparks inspiration for change at both individual and industry levels. Carousell and the youth of Singapore are collaboratively shaping a sustainable future, and their partnership with YEAP stands as a pivotal milestone in this inspiring journey.
For more insights on e-waste, and updates on upcoming programs and activities, follow YEAP on Instagram and Facebook.
To learn more about Sell to Carousell Mobile, click here.
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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by YEAP
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