Panganiban, Roman Cyril A.

CW10 THU2
October 15, 2009
Waste Stream
Technology, we usually think that it only brings good effects on us, that it only makes our
life easier and faster. Admit it or not, we tend to keep in pace with it through changing our
phones, computers whenever a new model appears in the market, which is usually in a short
period of time. What we dont know is that we unconsciously take part in deteriorating our planet
and in risking the lives of each one of us.
There is a new waste stream emerging from our consumption of the products of
technology. Our booming consumption of technological products has resulted to a massive
increase in technological scrap containing toxic, bad chemicals and heavy metals. The products
being made with these harmful substances are not easy to dispose and get rid off.
The growth of these technological trashes is in alarming rate and will soon reach a point
beyond control. Each one of us must take action on how to control this situation.

First, let us take into account some of the things that contain hazardous components that
we might encounter. Brominated flame retardants, often used in circuit boards and plastic casings
may lead to impaired learning, hormone excretion abnormalities, and memory malfunctions
when one is exposed in a long time. Next are the cathode ray tubes in monitors. They contain
large amount of lead that can cause intellectual impairment and can damage the nervous, blood

and respiratory systems of a person. There are also the rechargeable computer batteries that
contain Cadmium that affects the kidneys and bones. Flat screen devices may contain Mercury
that damages the brain and the central nervous system. Metal housings contain hexavalent
chromium that is carcinogenic. These are only some of the technological trashes but where do
these usually end up?

Many of these gather dust in storage rooms waiting to be recycled, reused or disposed.
When disposed, they end up at landfills which will automatically endanger those working there,
specially the children.

This situation should not be taken for granted. Each one must take responsibility to take
action in order to control the abrupt increase of technological trash. This should be the
responsibility of the citizenry, the government and the manufacturers concerned.

In my own opinion, we simple citizens can help in our own simple ways. We must take
part in controlling our trash. Actions like buying only the things we need and segregating our
trash for proper disposal. Lets not try to catch technology by buying this and that without
thinking, because technology is always advancing rapidly. We should be responsible in disposing
our technological trash, if we can still use it, dont throw it away, recycle it or find other uses of
it.

One cause of this overflow of trash is the illegal export of gadgets or smuggling.
According to research, first world countries dump their trash to third world or developing

countries. Examples are the US, European Union and Japan sending their so-called trash here in
the Philippines making us their personal dumpsite. The government must control this. They must
strictly implement laws including stricter rules and regulations that will punish the offender to
the highest extent possible.

The manufacturers for their part must make more environment- friendly products. They
must be made accountable for their improperly disposed trashes that proliferate the earth.

All of us are to blame for this increasing waste stream in our planet. I for one admit that I
tend to cope up with the fast technology. I buy cell phone whenever a new model catches my
attention even if what I have is still considered one of the latest. I just cant help myself because I
am an impulsive buyer, but its now time to take control. If we value this planet, we must act
now - not later.