𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗡: “The Silent Polluter we can't Ignore” by Althea Mae H. Celestial

Layout by: Avrianne Cabate

Published by: Marino Peralta

Date Published: March 24, 2025

Time Published: 10:04 AM

Pollution is a widespread and complicated issue that our environment faces. It comes in many forms, and electronic pollution is one of them. E-waste refers to discarded electronic devices such as phones, computers, and TVs that are no longer in use or working. If not disposed of properly, e-waste can lead to electronic pollution, which has significant negative impacts on both the environment and human health.

Our country is considered one of the fastest-growing waste streams and one of the top producers of e-waste in Southeast Asia, according to the Global e-Waste Monitor 2024. This highlights a major issue: people here are disposing of electronic waste incorrectly. We buy new electronic devices without considering the old ones we have, contributing to the problem. This is reflected in the rapid growth of e-waste, particularly in Manila, where electronic waste in the Philippines has increased from 3.9 kilos per capita in 2019 to 4.7 kilos per capita in 2022, according to environmental group BAN Toxics.

Globally, approximately 50 million tons of e-waste are produced each year, and it is expected to double to 120 million tons annually by 2050. This alarming trend shows that we must act before the situation worsens and causes further harm to both people and the environment.

We need to be knowledgeable and aware of this issue. When electronic waste is not properly disposed of, it can lead to dangerous consequences, including poisoning, respiratory issues, liver and kidney cancer, and other health problems. Environmentally, it contributes to pollution and the loss of valuable resources. Since humans and the environment are interconnected, the damage to one inevitably impacts the other.

To address the growing threat of e-waste, urgent action is essential. We must adopt more sustainable habits—being mindful of electronic purchases, donating or selling old devices, and, most critically, ensuring proper disposal through authorized e-waste collection points. With the Philippines ranked among the top e-waste producers in Southeast Asia, it is clear that the health and environmental toll of e-waste demands immediate attention. As highlighted by Scale360, proper e-waste management can mitigate the harmful effects on our health and ecosystem. By making these changes, we can take significant strides toward reducing e-waste pollution and safeguarding our future.

PHOTO SOURCES:

DreamsTime Stock Photos. (n.d.). Pinterest. https://pin.it/7LwAmkKU0

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REFERENCES:

[1] Scale360. (n.d.). E-waste overview. Scale360. Retrieved March 3, 2025, https://scale360.ph/e-waste-overview/

[2] Philstar.com. (2024, March 26). Philippines among top e-waste producers in SEA. The Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/26/2343299/philippines-among-top-e-waste-producers-sea