Electronic waste or e-waste includes smartphones and other personal gadgets. In 2017, it is reported to grow by 33 percent. What causes its increase? Why is it a global problem?

Apple has sold a record of 4 million units of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on its first day of preorder sales (Sept. 12). Samsung followed suit as it also opened its doors to those who want to secure their ownership of Galaxy Note 4 earlier than its release date on October 17. Before these events, Sony, Lenovo, and other tech companies also introduced their newest smartphones in the recent IFA Berlin 2014. Because of these, the past weeks have been exciting.

But this may also raise environmental concerns. The rapid developments in laptop and mobile phone models cause the increase in the volume of discarded mobile phones. The findings of GBI Research can attest to this as it has discovered that information and communication technologies are the top producers of electronic waste. According to the said report, "the generation of e-waste has grown sharply in the last two decades and will continue to grow swiftly as technology becomes more advanced."

E-waste like smartphones is a global problem. CETIC.BO/Quipus of Bolivia offers the explanation: "Electronic equipment is manufactured from hundreds of natural and artificial raw materials. While some of these substances and materials can be harmless (such as chromium), when used for manufacturing electronic equipment, they can become toxic and hazardous. As such, they present a strong danger to public health and to the environment if they are not treated in a sustainable manner. If e-waste is disposed of in landfills, burned outdoors or recycled in other inappropriate ways, toxic substances might contaminate the air, water and soil, affecting the life of all living creatures."

You can contribute in reducing the number of e-waste generated every year by thinking carefully before buying a new smartphone. You should establish the need to change to a new model. If your gadget can be repaired, have it fixed - do not purchase another one. Ignore the enticing advertisements you see on TV or over the Internet. In case you really have to buy a new one, donate your old phone so it can still be used.