Mike Rempter Alex Ozdamar Andrew Wheeler http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr1zQrXM_7s

E-Waste in Ghana The Problem The Reason Burning these electronics releases toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury into the atmosphere. These elements are taken in, affecting the organisms of the environment. The Reason Popular electronic companies send old and broken materials to Ghana as “Second-Hand Goods” but are really useless waste. Shipping them without them being able to be re-used is illegal.

Routes to Ghana Ghana http://www.sustainelectronics.illinois.edu/images/ewaste%20map.JPG

Problems Caused The emissions that enter the environment from the burning of e-waste can cause: Children’s development of their reproduction systems. Cancer. Brain development. Nervous system damage. From these problems, certain species can face extinction, affecting the food web of the environment, thus hurting the other animals in the ecosystem.

Affects on Food Chain

Solutions for E-Waste E-waste has been evolving into a huge problem in countries around the world, specificly Ghana. Environmentalists have been searching for a solution, and thus far they have produced a few… Companies now have to take responsibility for products that they’ve sold in the past, and find a way to recycle it with out causing any health risks what so ever Companies also are starting to be required to make their product have a longer lifespan, that are safe and easy to recycle, and that don’t expose workers and the environment to hazardous chemicals. These are things you can do to prevent e-waste… Support companies that make clean products Before buying, think twice about whether you really need a new device Return your equipment to your manufacturer when you have finished with it

Our Solution Although there are solutions being made, we have a new solution, taking into account everything we have learned thus far… Force companies to recycle the hazardous products they created Monitor chemicals and electronics that are being imported and exported in and out of countries Find a better way to recycle the electronics other then burning them, because the burning is the main time where toxic emissions are released If it is useable, give it to countries that do not have the kind of money or technology that allows it to have electronics such as computers or TV’s

Works Cited “E-Waste Situation in India.” Indian E-Waste Guide. EMPA, n.d. Web. 8 June 2010. <http://india.ewasteguide.info/‌Initial>. “Ghana.” Food in Every Country. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 June 2010. <http://www.foodbycountry.com/‌Germany-to-Japan/‌Ghana.html>. Ghana: Digital Dumping Ground (1 of 2) . Youtube. ThisWeekInFascism, 25 June 2009. Web. 8 June 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/‌watch?v=OkpBcFDjk7Y>. Greenpeace Video. Electronic Waste in Ghana. Youtube. N.p., 4 Aug. 2008. Web. 8 June 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/‌watch?v=pr1zQrXM_7s>. “Poisoning the Poor-Electronic Waste in Ghana.” Greenpeace International 5 Aug. 2008: n. pag. Web. 8 June 2010. <http://www.greenpeace.org/‌international/‌en/‌news/‌features/‌poisoning-the-poor-electroni/>.