Although phones and computers contribute to the exorbitant amounts of e-waste all over the world, household equipment is the primary factor responsible for the 41.8 million metric tons of discarded e-waste all over the world (http://phys.org/news/2015-07-e-waste-doesnt.html). The ingrained desire in society to own the newest and best equipment has caused e-waste to increase dramatically. Particularly in developing countries such as China and India who are working fast to catapult their countries onto the same level as western countries. Instead of feeling content with what works, people want the latest edition that looks chic and modern, and functions faster to “save” time. Without thinking, people throw away the old and bring in the new, not know what happens to the equipment after they “get rid of it”. The e-waste doesn’t disappear. Most of the equipment gets thrown into landfills, which can result in toxic leakages. When buying new equipment, people also don’t realize the amount of resources and energy it took to make it. Rare earths and precious metals where mined to  build the equipment, which destroys the earth. Instead of using completely new material, I think corporations should find a way to reuse most of the material in their past editions, which would dramatically help with the amount of e-waste produced all over the world.

I like how you address e-waste as well as household waste because it is a serious issue. The metals we use for items is really taking a toll on our environment. This is an awesome new approach to the idea of how we are affecting the environment.

I like your idea of reusing material from their past editions. This is a topic that many people don't consider. Before taking this Environmental class, I never really thought about my individual effect on the environment. I never really thought about how my household activities added to my effect. I think that you have a great idea and a great outlook that more people need to have!

Thank you! There are definitely reusable material in items that are thrown out. Probably not all of an old phone, computer, or household appliance could be melted down into something else, but I think even using a little would help. It could definitely decrease the amount of synthetic material created and the amount of mined rare earths or precious metals.