- One of the issues that come up with design is sustainability and being environmentally friendly. As such, there are different waste types to look at. E-waste and paper waste. In the end, however, I would have to say that e-waste is much worse than paper waste for a number of reasons.
- Though e-waste is only 2% of America's trash in landfills (20 million to 50 metric tons), it is responsible for 70% of the overall toxic waste. Extreme amounts of lead can cripple several organs in the human body. Metals such as copper, gold, and mercury can be found in any electronic device, and these metals-once refined- are not safe to go back into the earth. Paper, however, is 100% biodegradable, can be reused up to 7 times, and is recycled 70% of the time, where electronics are only recycled 18% of the time.
There is also the matter of how much energy goes into making these items. It take the same amount of energy to make a computer and monitor as it does to make a small car. None of the products can be harvested or replaced naturally, and therefore take even more energy.
In the end, it should be stated that paper waste does not even compare to e-waste, both in harmful effects, energy consumption, sustainability and the amount that is actually recycled.
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