About e-waste
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"The growing volume of electronic waste, including discarded products with a battery or plug, such as mobile phones, laptops, televisions, refrigerators and electrical toys, poses a major threat to the environment and human health..." - the United Nations
E-waste is an urgent problem affecting many parts of the world. According to the The Global E-Waste Monitor 2017, released by ITU, the UN University (UNU) and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA),
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"in 2016, 44.7 million tonnes of e-waste were generated
This is a dramatic increase from 3.3 million tonnes...from 2014. Experts foresee e-waste increasing a further 17% to 52.2 million metric tonnes by 2021. "
about e-waste recycling
Unfortunately, e-waste recycling is not well-regulated. When e-waste is sent to "recycling" centers, they are often processed using extremely unsafe methods such as burning.
Who is affected?
global communitiesAs a means of earning income, communities around the world work at e-waste recycling hubs. Workers, many of them children, handle and burn e-waste without protective gear.
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environmentToxic metals released into the air, water, and soil harm entire ecosystems, including animals, plants and even humans, causing neurological damage.
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our futureWith the exponential growth of e-waste, we may be dealing with its harmful affects sooner than expected.
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about plastic
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Plastics are used everywhere from straws to pacifiers to cell phone casings. Plastic never breaks down completely. They turn into smaller and smaller pieces, filling our soil and water. Plastic is eaten by wildlife, polluting the food chain. Even microplankton is known to eat microscopic-sized plastic.
Effects of Plastic
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Plastic is made to last forever, yet 33% of all plastic is only used once and thrown away.
- The Plastic Pollution Coalition
How do we get there?
1. Durable electronics
Product that teaches you how to build electronics and code sustainably. Efficient code means electronics use less power.
Durable electronics behave differently from most computers and processors today. They need efficient code to run, or you end up with a slower machine.
Durable electronics behave differently from most computers and processors today. They need efficient code to run, or you end up with a slower machine.
2. efficient code
Efficient code that runs on durable electronics. Jade uniquely teaches how to code efficiently, empowering people and future generations to shape our future into a more sustainable one.
3. replace plastic with sustainble materials
In Jade's design, we avoid using plastic wherever possible. Currently, there are no alternatives to plastic parts on circuit boards, but it is our long-term goal to use absolutely no plastic in our products.
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>>>> A lot of text needs to go away, show in videos / explain in infographic + walkthrough -- less words <<<<
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* Discuss Conflict Minerals, DRC, cobalt, etc.
* Use analogy of eggs in cake batter for material capture
* Recycling controls the waste stream but it is not sustainable, consumers get no incentive (and often have to pay) to recycle
* "Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream. It is also the most toxic."
>>>> A lot of text needs to go away, show in videos / explain in infographic + walkthrough -- less words <<<<
>>>>
* Discuss Conflict Minerals, DRC, cobalt, etc.
* Use analogy of eggs in cake batter for material capture
* Recycling controls the waste stream but it is not sustainable, consumers get no incentive (and often have to pay) to recycle
* "Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream. It is also the most toxic."
Goal: Zero Electronic Waste
* Jade is a tool for creating a sustainable future
* Start with code -- it runs on durable devices
* Move to elec -- durable components
* Experience -- practical skills, not throwaway "here's a circuit board for a class" and then it goes in the trash
* Jade is self-contained -- no artificial obsolescence, continue to use it for decades
* Open specification
* Repair manual
* Jade is your litmus test for sustainability. If your code runs on Jade, it will run for another 20 years. If your can build your circuit on a Carrier, it will probably* last for another 20 years.
* Components
Rewrite: "Jade is just the beginning. Shift Sight has lofty goals and we need your help to get there, for the sake of your children."
* Start with code -- it runs on durable devices
* Move to elec -- durable components
* Experience -- practical skills, not throwaway "here's a circuit board for a class" and then it goes in the trash
* Jade is self-contained -- no artificial obsolescence, continue to use it for decades
* Open specification
* Repair manual
* Jade is your litmus test for sustainability. If your code runs on Jade, it will run for another 20 years. If your can build your circuit on a Carrier, it will probably* last for another 20 years.
* Components
Rewrite: "Jade is just the beginning. Shift Sight has lofty goals and we need your help to get there, for the sake of your children."
What else can be done?
Everyone can make an impact, no matter how small.
LearnLearn more about e-waste and plastics. Information is power! See these links to further reading.
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shareShare what you learned with your friends.
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chooseChoose recyclable and reusable products whenever possible. Avoid single-use plastics.
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