Environmental Education: a reflection for the conscious consumption of technologies and other electronic equipment

Abstract

The volume of waste electrical and electronic equipment has been increasing exponentially, as the possession of technological devices has become almost as vital as the daily food essential for human survival. The sense of belonging conveys the status of happiness and, not having these goods or equipments, means being isolated from the world. Given this reality, the need for accelerated consumption of these goods causes the generation of unnecessary waste, thus creating a high environmental impact. Obsolescence often generated or driven by the market itself by shortening the life span of goods operates in ways that create need and dependency, contributing to environmental degradation. Reuse and recycling are relevant in the context of a circular economy. This study seeks, through a literature review, to highlight the seriousness of the problem produced by the consumption of technologies, alerting to the need to look for ways to mitigate the problem.

Keywords:   Consumption of technologies; circular economy; environmental education.