Environmental conservation is emerging as a leading property in both the private sector and public agencies. Global warming, loss of biodiversity and change in the weather patterns are some of the factors that propel environment conservation efforts. While most of the initiatives are directed towards planting trees and the use of clean sources of fuels, minimum attention has been placed on the role of recycling in the attainment of a clean and greener environment. The following paper offers an evaluation of the role of recycling in environmental conservation and a reduction in energy footprints. It further expounds on the ideas in the article. “From electronic consumer products to e-wastes” by Tansel, Berrin
Not only does the article offer statistical information, but it also gives axiomatic evidence that well-coordinated recycling initiative can address most of the environmental problems. Currently, there is an increase in the consumption level of consumer goods and electronics. While the consumer goods come with disposable packages, many electronics have a short useful-life thus leading to an increase in the level of e-waste. Other than coming up with practical and user-friendly ways of disposing of the wastes, the author argues that there are economic gains that can be realized through the management of wastes.
The rapid diffusion in technological innovations implies that many electronic products will become outdated with a short period. However, this creates a problem of an increase in the level of toxic substances in landfills and will contribute to the continuous release of harmful gasses. Nonetheless, the author notes that tapping into these wastes imply that there will be saving on energy, reduction in the carbon footprint and the resources in the production processes.
The choice of the article is based on the fact that it also sheds light on factors that trigger the increase in the level of e-waste. There is the indication that eh changing tastes and preferences among the consumers are reasons behind the disposal of many electronic products after they become ineffective or unfashionable (Chatterjee et al. 220). However, this creates another environmental problem as it increases the extraction of environmental resources thus lead to extinction and loss of biodiversity. It is worth noting that most resources are non-renewable and face a rising threat of being depleted.
The author takes an issue with the lack of accountability among consumers, businesses and government agencies. Moral values would help share individuals’ behaviors and foster both accountability and environmental awareness levels. At a consumer level, there is an emphasis on the benefits of reusing and recycling as opposed to buying new packaging materials or products. There is a similar emphasis on the dumping of toxic wastes where the author calls for better waste management by businesses (Tansel & Berrin, 40). Additionally, compliance with environmental laws implies that there would be a significant reduction in both the use and dumping of hazardous wastes.
The article gains credibility by offering axiomatic evidence that shows that sorting and disposal of wastes can be better managed to harness more economic benefits. It starts by sorting of wastes where all materials that can be recycled are put in a single bin. Through coming up with user-friendly and energy saving recycling systems, it is possible to counter the shortcomings of the previous undertakings. There is a comparison of the impacts of recycling and producing new products which indicate that new products have heavier impacts on the environment as opposed to recycling.
The decision to recycle ought to be based on the operational costs, carbon footprint and the impacts on the environment. Products such as aluminum and glass have in the past been recycled and yielded significant economic gains. The author effectively articulates the argument on the support of recycling by appealing to both reason and the emotions of the audiences. The audiences are the consumers, business and government agencies and are defined as taking a central role in the managing of wastes. By appealing to reason, there is a cost-benefit analysis which indicates that efficient waste management yields better economic results as compared to production (Chatterjee et al. 215)
Employing the article in further study of the article would thus offer the needed standpoint and satirical information to determine the contribution of recycling to the environment. Unlike other studies that tend to focus on just the recycling of packaging materials, there is the focus on e-waste which is defined as having more harmful impacts. Moreover, focusing on technological trends indicates that there will be a continued demand for electronic devices. When it is possible to do away with packaging materials, the case does not apply to electronic devices.
It implies that there is the need to evaluate ways that manufacturers and distributors can adopt sustainable business models, counter the threat of depletion of resources and create-user friendly products. Different studies indicate that having an elaborate system of recalling or collecting electronic products after their useful life is beneficial to both the manufacturer and the environment. While it reduces the level of toxic wastes, it creates the opportunity of recycling important components in electronic gadgets.
Work Cited
Tansel, Berrin. “From electronic consumer products to e-wastes: Global outlook, waste quantities, recycling challenges.” Environment international 98 (2017): 35-45.
Chatterjee, A., and J. Abraham. “Efficient management of e-waste.” International journal of environmental science and technology 14.1 (2017): 211-222.
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