By KC Santos
QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA – Environmental and health groups aim to strengthen their information campaign against electronic wastes or e-wastes by noting six simple ways consumers can protect themselves from its harmful effects.
During the launch of the nationwide network called e-Waste Action Now! (e-WAN), the EcoWaste Coalition, Ban Toxics and the Foundation for the Philippine Environment revealed the alarming situation of e-waste exportation in the country.
“E-waste is an urgent topic of concern, especially for countries such as the Philippines, where discarded electronics from countries like Japan and South Korea are exported as secondhand goods,” said Atty. Richard Gutierrez, Executive Director of Ban Toxics.
Gutierrez said that such electronic goods contain toxic substances that cause serious health problems if not recycled and treated properly.
The group’s concern is largely on the lack of awareness among informal waste pickers from dump sites in Manila, which is where most of these e-wastes end up once transported into the country, and also the lack of interest from the general population about its dangers.
The three groups came up with the following tips on how consumers can be more environmentally conscious when purchasing electronic devices and appliances.
1. Browse the Greenpeace website and read their Guide to Greener Electronics, which shows a ranking of electronics manufacturers according to their strict observation of policies on toxics, recycling, and climate change.
2. Look for the RoHS logo on the item. This logo means the equipment complies with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive, which further confirms that it does not contain mercury, lead, cadmium, and other common toxins inherent in gadgets.
3. Browse the item for the Energy Star or the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) which means the item is energy-efficient.
4. Item should have good warranty and take-back policies.
5. EWC’s Project Protect revealed that 6 out of 7 toys from bargain centers contain toxic plastic. This means consumers should invest on quality toys that have lesser effects to the environment.
6. Purchase items with rechargeable rather than disposable batteries.
Gutierrez also said the problem on e-wastes in the country can be addressed by not burning or dumping these anywhere.
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