Blog #3: The Controversy

I chose to use google because it is what I am most familiar with. I searched for "computer take back programs" and "issues with computer e-waster."

The two sites I found most helpful were:
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/resources/problem-overview/
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2006/04/10/ewaste/

The first is a site produced by the Electronics TakeBack coalition. This organization I find to be credible through its notable coalition partners such as Basel Action Network and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, both huge names in the field of e-waste. They also work with Annie Leonard who makes famous animated documentaries on environmental issues.

I was unfamiliar with Salon.com and was hesitant at first because of its name. However, I discovered that it was the first magazine to be published all online and was a credible news source. The article was written in the beginning of April so it is very recent. The author is a Elizabeth Grossman, who has written many books on environmental issues.

The first site gives a great overview of the problem with e-waste in general. It discusses how they are not designed to be lasting products, be recyclable, and the danger of their toxics, improper disposal and the international issues it causes. To find all of this information in one place is extremely helpful. It is a lot of information condensed in to one area and while the information is not general, more specifics are needed to truly understand the impacts. The information is supported by years of research from their partners.

This next source does a better job of that. While the article is not as good at providing a general overview of the problems with e-waste, it does provide a specific case study. Here it talks about the problem of exported e-waste. The U.S. frequently export toxic e-waste to developing countries because they are willing to accept it for pay offs, and the people either can't complain or don't know the toxics they are surrounded by. They can make a living of our trash. By burning components to retrieve the raw materials   they can make money but at the damaging expense of their health and lives.

Something both sites are missing is the business side to the problem. Take back programs are expensive to run and industry complains it is bad for business as always. Neither discuss alternatives to the toxic components, or what to do with parts that can't be recycled. I tried various other searches to find this information but couldn't really seem to find many people writing about the opposing side of the story.