By Pankaj Bajaj
In this fast-paced digital economy, each click on ‘Buy Now’ feeds a global crisis hiding in plain sight – the rapid growth of e-waste. From the temptation of owning the latest gadgets to the cultural obsession with technological upgrades released almost every other month, our actions are now creating an alarming rate of discarded electronics that are increasing exponentially every day.
Today, the shopping cycle has become a continuous loop, rolling from one sale to another, each designed to create a sense of urgency and prompt e-consumers to buy now or risk missing out. While online shopping is engineered for ease and features like one-click checkouts and quick delivery make it effortless to buy what we need, we often overlook the fact that these also push us to buy what we sometimes don’t need.
When you scroll through social media, you’re greeted with personalised recommendations that nudge you toward products based on your past purchases or browsing history. These ads are designed to feel intuitive and helpful, but they serve a deeper purpose: keeping you in a relentless loop of making purchases. What’s more concerning is that these algorithms extend their influence on your circle, targeting friends and family with similar suggestions.
Users today are overexposed to platforms that seamlessly merge entertainment and shopping. These platforms make it easy to act on impulse, often without considering whether the purchase is essential or sustainable. This trend has accelerated the premature disposal of older yet functional electronic devices. In 2019, the world generated over 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste, with less than 20% properly recycled according to Global E-waste Monitor. Discarded devices release toxic substances like mercury, lead, and cadmium into the environment, contaminating water and soil. This issue is further compounded by informal recycling methods, prevalent in developing countries, which contribute to air pollution by releasing harmful chemicals into the air.
How You and I Can Help
Addressing the escalating e-waste crisis requires a critical shift in mindset. Conscious consumerism offers a way out by challenging us to rethink how and why we buy. Before making a purchase, we must all ask ourselves the pertinent question: “Do I really need this?” In an era driven by impulsive decisions and instant gratification, pausing to reflect on our purchasing patterns can yield substantial benefits, both financial and environmental. If you have an electronic item that can be repaired instead of replaced, opt for the former. Invest in gadgets that are designed to last and avoid purchasing products that are cheap, likely to break, or become obsolete quickly. In situations where a device is no longer usable, ensure that it is recycled through certified programmes.
While individual action is essential, it is insufficient to combat the e-waste crisis. Businesses must take responsibility for their role in promoting wasteful behaviour and integrate sustainability initiatives, such as highlighting eco-friendly products or offering “pause and reflect” prompts before checkout. Businesses should be held accountable for creating take-back programmes and designing devices that are easier to repair and recycle. In addition to this, there is an urgent need for policymakers to shoulder the load as well. Globally, regulations like the European Union’s ‘Right to Repair’ are in place to keep e-waste in check, and such laws should be adopted by other countries to encourage longer product lifespans and sustainable production. Awareness and education can be key contributors to controlling e-waste generation.
The e-waste crisis we witness today is not just an environmental issue; it’s a reflection of our values and priorities as a society. We need to move beyond the culture of buying for the sake of buying and adopt practices that prioritise sustainability and necessity. The next time you’re tempted to shop during a sale or click ‘Buy Now’ online, pause. Ask yourself: Do I need this? Is there a more sustainable option? Small shifts in consumer behaviour, multiplied by millions, can drive paradigm change.
(Pankaj Bajaj, Director, Bajaj Foundation.)
Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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