|
|
|
|
HOME » WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
What is the problem?
|
|
The WEEE man is built from the amount of electrical and electronic waste the average British person creates in their lifetime. Over 1 million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) waste goes to landfill every year. This is not good news: most e–waste is toxic – and we’re running out of landfill.
|
|
|
 |
| FURTHER INFORMATION |
|
|
|
|
Cradle to Cradle
W. McDonough and M. Braungart, North Point, 2002
Design for the Real World: Human Ecology & Social Change
V. Papanek Thames and Hudson, 1985
The Green Consumer Guide
J. Elkington and J. Hailes, Gollancz, 1988
Natural Capitalism
P. Hawken, A. B. Lovins and L. H. Lovins, Earthscan publications, 2000
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
|
|
 |
 |
|
Electrical and electronic products can affect the environment throughout their life cycle – from when raw materials are extracted from the earth to when materials from the products are reused, recycled, recovered (energy) or discarded. The life cycle includes activities such as mining for materials, design, manufacture, use and disposal. To help reduce the impact of e-waste, designers need to be re-educated about the life cycle.
Read more »
|
|
|
 |
|
The point at which it is better for the environment if you buy a new product, rather than keep your old one, is known as the breakeven point. Unfortunately, many electronic products are disposed of when they still work, in favour of updated versions or trendier styling. For example, the typical breakeven point for a mobile phone is seven years, but the average person will change their mobile after just 11 months.
Read more »
|
|
|
© Basel Action Network |
|
Products that we in the West thoughtlessly throw away can affect other people and even lead to illnesses such as cancer and aspiratory problems. Through changing our patterns of consumption levels, reuse and recycling, we can help reduce suffering in other parts of the world and reduce our environmental impact on the planet.
Read more »
|
|
|
 |
|
The amazing WEEE man has been developed as part of the RSA’s manifesto for
the 21st century. The installation aims to raise public awareness about the
impact of e–waste and encourage us all to actively reduce the number of
electrical and electronic products going to landfill by focusing on
recycling, reusing and repairing instead.
Read more »
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
