Pinoys urged to help curb e-waste

MANILA, Philippines — Environment group Ban Toxics urged Filipinos to think of the environment when buying gadgets and appliances this yuletide season and help in the reduction of electronic waste or e-waste.

“Electronic equipment has become a default Christmas purchase. We need to realize that our desire to acquire the latest electronics and gadgets has serious implications on the environment and health,” said Anna Kapunan, Ban Toxics campaign and advocacy specialist.

She explained that gadgets like cell phones, computers and tablets as well as appliances like washing machines and air conditioners contain hazardous materials and toxic metals that can be released to the environment and pose health problems.

Kapunan believes that Christmas consumerism, when combined with high dependence on electronics and planned obsolescence, contributes to the spiking of e-waste after the yuletide season.

“Give gifts of experiences rather than material things. A hug and a bonding moment with a loved one or family member is more meaningful,” Kapunan said.

But if one really needs to buy an appliance or gadget, she advised them to buy those that comply with environmental standards.

“Look for those that have the following logos and labels – RoHS, Energy Star label, J-Moss and WEEE compliant. Pay attention to these logos. RoHS stands for compliance with European Union product standards so the gadget should not have lead and four other major toxins,” the specialist added.

She explained that discarded electronic devices, whether still working or not, are already considered e-wastes and their parts may contain toxic chemicals that include mercury, lead, phthalates, brominated flame retardants (BFR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

These chemicals could damage the liver, lungs and kidney, while phthalates could cause infertility in males. Both BFR and PVC are also considered cancer-causing substances. As for mercury and lead, which are found in some television and computer screens, these could damage the nervous system and cause developmental disorders.

Myline Macabuhay, Ban Toxics policy and research senior specialist, said e-waste is an urgent topic of concern in the Philippines because the country is among the recipients of discarded electronics, often in the form of secondhand goods.

She pointed out that the toxic substances might be released to the environment through improper use and recycling.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure that we don’t add to the growing mountain of e-waste in the country by buying gadgets which may potentially harm both human health and the environment,” Macabuhay said.            

According to the United Nations Environment Program, there would be a 500 percent increase in e-waste by 2020, considering the shorter life span of electronics nowadays.