Categories: All - change - resources - chemicals - disposal

by Chun Yi Duan 1 month ago

30

TEJ2O - Environmental Impact of Computer Use

The environmental impact of computer use is multifaceted, involving issues ranging from energy consumption to toxic waste. The disposal of computer devices often results in harmful chemicals seeping into soil, leading to contamination of crops and the food chain.

TEJ2O - Environmental Impact of Computer Use

Environmental Impact of Computer Use

Reducing Impact on the Environment

How can we minimize the impact of computer device disposal on the environment?
Re-use reduce recycle

Another way we can help is to recycle and reuse. When we are done with the components we should recycle them properly so they don't end up in the wrong places hurting the environment. Another way is to only purchase the essential things you need instead of buying more and unnecessary things.

What are some ways to reduce the environmental impact of computer use?
Use less

Another way is to only purchase the essential things you need instead of buying more unnecessary things.

How can we minimize the impact of computer device production on the environment?
Change

We can minimize the impact in many different ways. One way to do it is to use resources more efficiently. We can try to make computers using better design tactics to reduce the materials used.

Harmful Effects

What are the negative effects of computer device disposal?
Toxic chemicals

They end up in landfills, and as the components sit there, they leak toxic chemicals into the soil which affects the crops. When animals eat these crops they become affected, and then we eat the animals, and so on.

How does computer use harm the environment?
Energy consumption

As computers run every day, consider the amount of energy used worldwide by everyone with a computer. The estimated global data centre electricity consumption in 2022 was 240-340 TWH^1.

As computers are getting thrown away, they sit in landfills which leads to heavy metal contamination. There's lead, mercury and cadmium in computers and if they leak out into the ground it will affect the environment.

What are the environmental consequences of computer device production?
E-waste

An environmental consequence is E-waste, as computer parts get old or break they tend to be thrown away, and they then end up in landfills. As these components sit there, they release hazardous substances into the earth.

Too much resources

You don't understand how many resources are used as these computers are produced. On average a computer uses over 400 gallons of water and over 30 minerals. Remember that these natural resources are not being reused and they are all limited.