As we know that Mass production and extensive usage of PCs contribute to global warming. As new technologies hit the stores fast, the demand for higher performance and faster processing capabilities make new models of laptop computers obsolete in a relatively short amount of time: the average lifespan of a laptop is typically between 3 to 4 years. When old computers become obsolete or lack the required functional capabilities, they often end up in landfills or get shipped to third world countries, where the wastes can become a major environmental and health concern.
These e-wastes have to be recycled. 11% of electronics are recycled, 45% are put into storage and 44 % are thrown away. Electronic products contain a variety of toxic and hazardous chemical substances, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and heavy metals like mercury, gold, and arsenic which are used as flame retardants and hinder the recycling of electronic scrap. The flames retardants are potent and long-lasting and endure in the environment for decades. Toxic chemicals such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are used as flame retardants in electronic equipment that accumulate in human bodies and wildlife around the world. It disrupts brain development altering memory, learning ability, and hearing. Until then the use of toxic substances is eliminated, it is impossible to secure ‘safe’ recycling. Green electronics have been advocated since August 2006 by Greenpeace which has assessed the environmental policies of consumer electronics companies through its “Guide to Greener Electronics”. It assesses the policies on toxic chemicals, recycling, energy efficiency, and climate change mitigation.
Business firms have become responsible for the natural environment with the increasing concern for global warming; insufficiency of resources, protection of wetlands, and animal rights. Sustainable development is the only solution to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the facility of future generations to meet their own needs. The electronic tycoons like Nokia, Sony Ericson, Philips, HP. Lenovo etc are phasing out of all brominated compounds, chlorinated flame retardants, and antimony trioxide in its new products. Some of the changes adopted by our electronics company include switching to lead-free solder and other electronic components, halogen-free flame retardants, and Products that are easier to recycle. These changes enhance the manufacture’s greenness. But more importantly, they cut operating costs because eliminating reliance on hazardous materials eliminates the costly regulatory liabilities associated with their use. For example, by converting to lead-free solders, manufacturers no longer have to deal with costly hazardous waste regulations that control the disposal of lead wastes. These changes save money for the facilities. Electronics manufacturers are also adopting clean delivery and waste minimization strategies, such as reducing packaging needed to ship a product.
These changes all contribute to reducing a company’s energy consumption, which cuts costs and lowers related air pollutant emissions, particularly greenhouse gas releases. The electronic companies competed in the 2010 American International Consumer Electronics Exhibition. Nokia topped the rank list followed by Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, and Philips at fourth rank.
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