Electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, is the byproduct of discarded electronic products and stands as the world’s fastest-growing waste stream. The rapid expansion of the Information and Communication Technology sector has led to an increase in electronic equipment usage. Consequently, this surge has resulted in rapid obsolescence and a significant rise in e-waste generation.
This pressing issue necessitates systematic management through effective policies and practices. Irresponsible disposal of e-waste poses severe environmental and health hazards. In India alone, approximately 3.2 million tons of e-waste is generated annually, containing both valuable and hazardous materials.
The Government of India has taken significant steps to formalize the e-waste recycling sector, beginning with the E-Waste (Management) Rules established in 2016. These regulations mandate authorization for dismantling and recycling units, aiming to streamline and enhance the recycling industry. Subsequent amendments and guidelines have further refined these initiatives.
In conjunction with the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, the 'Right to Repair' movement empowers consumers by allowing them to repair or modify their products. This initiative challenges the prevalent practice of planned obsolescence. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, it aims to ensure that consumers have access to affordable repair options, thus extending product lifespans and contributing to a circular economy.
This initiative primarily targets sectors such as farming equipment, mobile devices, consumer durables, and automobiles. It mandates manufacturers to provide comprehensive product information, facilitating self-repair or engagement with third-party services. This approach not only reduces costs for consumers but also promotes trade harmonization, job creation, and significant decreases in e-waste.
The Right to Repair Portal serves as a comprehensive platform for consumers, providing access to repair information, authorized repairers, and third-party services. It includes warranty and post-sale details, ensuring transparency in pricing and authenticity of spare parts.
Countries like France, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States have also embraced similar initiatives, advocating for consumer rights in product repairs and fostering a circular economy.
The Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) Pilot initiative, launched in Bengaluru, aims to position India as a global leader in electronics repair. This initiative aligns with international environmental sustainability efforts and is projected to generate substantial revenue and employment opportunities.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is a global movement that encourages individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. It focuses on collective action and social influence to establish sustainable environmental behaviors as the norm.
Q1. What is electronic waste (e-waste)?
Answer: Electronic waste refers to discarded electronic products that are no longer in use. It includes items like computers, televisions, and mobile phones, which can pose environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly.
Q2. How does India manage its e-waste?
Answer: India manages e-waste through regulations like the E-Waste (Management) Rules, which require proper dismantling and recycling practices to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Q3. What is the Right to Repair initiative?
Answer: The Right to Repair initiative empowers consumers to repair their products, challenging planned obsolescence and ensuring access to affordable repair services, thereby promoting sustainability.
Q4. Why is the Right to Repair important?
Answer: This initiative is crucial as it extends product lifespans, reduces e-waste, and encourages consumer rights, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Q5. What is Mission LiFE?
Answer: Mission LiFE is a global movement encouraging eco-friendly lifestyles and collective action towards establishing sustainable environmental practices as societal norms.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of the E-Waste (Management) Rules in India?
A) To promote the sale of new electronics
B) To regulate e-waste recycling and management
C) To eliminate electronic products
D) To encourage consumerism
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which initiative supports consumers in repairing their electronic products?
A) Mission LiFE
B) Right to Repair
C) E-Waste Management Rules
D) ERSO Pilot Initiative
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How much e-waste does India generate annually?
A) 1.5 million tons
B) 2.5 million tons
C) 3.2 million tons
D) 4 million tons
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is one objective of the Right to Repair initiative?
A) To increase product prices
B) To limit product information
C) To facilitate self-repair and third-party services
D) To discourage product repairs
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Which sector is NOT targeted by the Right to Repair initiative?
A) Mobile devices
B) Consumer durables
C) Agricultural equipment
D) Luxury items
Correct Answer: D
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