About us

 

The e-Library Network is dedicated to provide community members easy access to the tools that can enrich their lives, their careers and their education and inspire everyone to protect our environment and serve as our community’s leaders in building strong and vibrant communities.

 

We are committed to taking actions to divert electronic waste from our landfills, which pollute our rivers and lakes by sharing unused laptops and computers to benefit underserved community members worldwide.

Key issues with e-waste

E-waste, or electronic waste, encompasses discarded electronic devices and components, such as computers, smartphones, televisions, and batteries. The rapid pace of technological advancement and consumer demand for the latest devices contribute significantly to the growing problem of e-waste.

 

Environmental Impact:

Toxic Substances: E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants, which can leach into soil and water, causing severe environmental damage.

Pollution: Improper disposal and informal recycling processes often involve burning or acid baths, releasing toxic fumes and pollutants into the atmosphere.

 

Health Risks:

Exposure: Workers in informal recycling sectors, often in developing countries, are exposed to harmful chemicals without adequate protection, leading to respiratory issues, skin conditions, and other health problems.

Community Impact: Communities near e-waste dumping and recycling sites face increased risks of cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects due to prolonged exposure to toxins.

 

Resource Waste:

Valuable Materials: E-waste contains precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium. Poor recycling practices lead to the loss of these recoverable resources, exacerbating the need for new mining, which is environmentally destructive.

Energy Consumption: Producing new electronic devices from raw materials consumes significantly more energy compared to recycling existing materials.

e-Library Solution to E-waste

 

Approximately 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste are generated worldwide each year. This figure is expected to grow, potentially reaching around 74 million metric tons by 2030 due to increased consumption of electronic devices and shorter product life cycles.

 

The global e-waste recycling rate is alarmingly low. Only about 17.4% of e-waste was documented as formally collected and recycled in 2019. This means that over 80% of e-waste is not properly recycled, often ending up in landfills, being incinerated, or managed through informal recycling operations.

 

At e-Library Network, we are committed to taking actions to divert electronic waste from our landfills, which pollute our rivers and lakes by extending the life of and promoting the sharing of laptops and computers to benefit underserved community members worldwide.

 

We are dedicated to creating a sustainable future by promoting responsible e-waste practices, supporting local communities, and equipping youth with learning resources they need to thrive and contribute positively to society.