Scientists Call for E-Waste Mining to Sustainably Manufacture New Gadgets

Scientists are urging people to boost the mining of e-waste in lieu of mining the earth for more precious metals to manufacture new electronic gadgets since it is becoming an increasingly unsustainable method.

According to BBC News, a study found that the world’s total electronic waste production for the year 2021 alone amounted to 57 million tonnes. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has called for a collective effort from around the world to recycle e-waste and eschew the practice of mining the earth to create new gadgets since the planet is running short of its reserves.

RSC’s President Professor Tom Welton said, "Our tech consumption habits remain highly unsustainable and have left us at risk of exhausting the raw elements we need." He also contended that our practices are causing substantial damages to the environment saying, "We need governments to overhaul recycling infrastructure and tech businesses to invest in more sustainable manufacturing."