According to the Global E-Waste Monitor Report India generated 3.2 million tonnes (MT) of e-waste in 2019, the third largest in the world. India has enacted laws on E-Waste collection and processing as far back as 2012, borrowing the principal of “polluter pays” from European laws, also known as EPR or Extended Producer Responsibility. Simply put, manufacturers are liable for ensuring collection and safe disposal, usually through specialized outsourced agencies called PROs (Producer Responsibility Organization). In 2018, specific targets for e-waste treatment were set, an increasing percentage of production to be treated every year.
In theory, all this sounds logical and should work. If we can control e-waste processing through the fountainhead— at the production—then all downstream activities can be controlled as well.
The numbers tell us that in practice it is not working. As per official estimates, India processed just 10 per cent of the e-waste generated in 2018–19 and only 3.5 per cent of the e-waste generated in 2017–18. A key reason is that a bulk of the e-waste is being processed in the informal sector with primitive methods.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
Road To Contain Climate Change
In this article, Mr S Sundar and Mr Sharif Qamar say that roads and railways bind a nation and bring people together. They facilitate the achievement of SDGs, as without adequate mobility, SDGs cannot be achieved and sustained.
Impact Of Cruise Industry And Sea Vessels
In this article, Saurabh Somani gives us an overview of the major drawbacks and problems due to lack of awareness and international laws for large cruise vessels on oceans. As the tourism industry continues to vouch for cruise industry branding and promotion, the impact is evident as its influence on nature is evident in the form of climate change and unconditional weather conditions that the world is currently witnessing.
Any Baggage around Everything Genetically Modified!
Being a biotechnologist is fun when the discussion is just about lac operon, cosmid vectors, growing some organ in a lab or what it's like to be in tomorrow's business but not when I am asked why people are averse towards genetically modified food.
Sustainable Future for India
L&T Finance Raises its First ₹200 Crore Sustainability Linked Rupee Loan
Reporting Hope
For some years, we have been ringing the alarm bells on species that are fast disappearing. And rightly so, since awareness and realization may lead to turning the tide on tragedy. From early 2022, TerraGreen decided to forage for occasional stories of hope and happiness, also. Here is the second in the series from Benita Sen.
MGC's Mission: To Build and Secure a Sustainable Future
Dr Girija K Bharat is the Founder-Director of Mu Gamma Consultants Private Limited (MGC). Here, she is in an exclusive conversation with us for TerraGreen.
Pets
Great Stress Busters
Organic Farming in Sikkim
Sikkim became India's first '100 per cent organic' state in 2016. All farming in Sikkim is carried out without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, providing access to safer food choices and making agriculture a more environment-friendly activity. In this article, Onam Vaid says that to make the organic plan a success, Sikkim has brought all farmers on board by assuring them that organic produce would fetch higher prices. Certified organic farming requires stringent annual inspections by qualified inspectors from accredited certification bodies.
Offshore Finally Makes Headway in India
In this article, Sapna Gopal says despite India taking time to foray into offshore wind, the country is finally ready to take the plunge. Industry experts too agree that the time is right for it to do so.
Nature's Dangers
The natural world is the most beautiful and wondrous thing to explore, but it must be respected at all times. This is not just to protect the delicate balance of nature, but also because it can be a dangerous place, filled with unforgiving climates, harsh landscapes, and deadly creatures. All of these can be avoided with the help of expert knowledge and proper planning, though the same cannot be said for natural disasters.
FOOD FOR Thought
All about food
THE TREE OF Life and Fertility
DR. V. RAMAKANTHA shares some insights into the science, history and mythology of the Banyan tree, also known as the Bengal Fig or Indian Fig. The Banyan is one of those mythical trees that has had an important place in the life and history of the people of India since ancient times. It is also home to many species of birds, animals, and epiphytic plants.
East Meets West
KALYANI ADUSUMILLI grew up in a minority group in the United States, straddling cultures, learning how to fit in, and later learning how to accept the traditions of her heritage. Today, she is watching her children going through the same process, shifting their cultural identity, as they head toward adulthood in the melting pot of a multicultural society.
NILANGANA BANERJEE: 2 series The 'Selves' | The Lullaby
The series Selves aims to artistically represent the psychological conflicts we face when we weigh ourselves based on socially determined of what is ideal and where we stand with the distorted and one-size that fits all defined.
Why We Are Not Responsible Toward the Environment
DR. ICHAK ADIZES is an expert in change management for organizations. Here he shares some of the reasons why companies are not changing their actions in relation to the environment, even though everyone knows we are facing an environmental crisis. He also offers simple solutions that will bring change.
Annadata Suraksha Abhiyaan
A tailor-made insurance initiative to financially secure farmers and growers against farming risks.
The FORCE Behind the FORCE
How George Lucas created Hollywood's most beloved franchise
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED IN MAGNET FISHING
In addition to treasure hunting, magnet fishing has an environmental aspect-it helps to clean up our waterways.
Sorry, iPhone 6 Plus users, your phone probably can't be repaired anymore
Apple moves two older devices to 'vintage' status.
Self-Nurturing Through Nature
Secrets from a self-care sanctuary to help you find balance.