Very salient points, Amartya! e-waste IS a big problem, and the technology we possess is a double-edged sword. It's really just a tool, to be used properly or to be abused. People (okay, Western societies) are accustomed to the bigger-better-deal on an instant gratification basis ~ that will probably only change at the individual and family level (hence, the education factor that you prescribe and I agree with). It might, however, become a grassroots industry to recycle this stuff here, rather than ship it overseas to countries with no means of disposing of it or recycling it. With that in mind, technology could be "used for good," so to speak, to invent methods of recycling and/or re-using e-waste. I'm a little concerned with your image of "growth mongers wishing to line their own pockets." Somewhere in the ESA statement, someone delineated (or noted the need to delineate) between "growth" and "development." Development can include growth, but should, in my opinion, be focused on improvement. Improved efficiency, improved or lessened waste, etc. I get frustrated when folks equate "profit" with "greed." I know many selfish, self-absorbed, greedy people who are not in a position to make a financial profit off other people. It is their character; money has not warped them in some way. Money isn't the root of all evil; I believe that the relentless, conscienceless pursuit of money is what causes problems. Money can be donated in scholarships and charitable foundations, and it can be invested in finding ways to improve our planet. It's the people or person behind the checkbook that matters. As far as education goes, there is only so much the Western world can do, when the bulk citizenry of Third World nations is not accessible for us to educate. Cleaning our own house is important, truly; but there are political roadblocks to reaching those people when their governments block outreach efforts. My humble opinion, Kelly
--- On Fri, 7/31/09, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] What's wrong with growth (was: ESA position on sustainable growth) To: "Kelly Stettner" <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected] Date: Friday, July 31, 2009, 9:45 AM Hi Kelly, the iphones, blackberries, laptops etc. that you mention are forming a NEW source of highly toxic waste (e-waste), that is shipped to africa, india and china, where barefooted pickers go through to extract circuits. New technology = increased problems here. If western governments had the cojones, they'd insist upon reuse and recycling these. But... the hardware is now made in the third world, and how would companies be "profitable" if people didn't replace their cool hardware for the new, latest ubercool versions ? That takes political will to enforce, and an enlightened public to support this, and maintain and repair their old hardware. the following video on youtube beautifully illustrates the chain of resources and impacts of ANY product. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLBE5QAYXp8&feature=fvw You're also right in that third world environmental pollution, sanitation and indeed, population growth are huge problems, that need strong political will to tackle. But therein lies the weakness of a democracy, it is rendered powerless if the bulk public are unaware. comes down to education...as there will always be greedy growth mongerers wishing to line their own pockets. cheers amartya
