Just when you are beginning to think and digest that waste has become the number one problem the world is facing today, here comes another term that adds to the confusion in the search for better solutions. E-waste. It is appalling to note that today, the world is not only faced with problems of human waste like plastic, garbage, and carbon dioxide. What is more scary is the problem of electronic waste which basically refers to the waste products of the electronic equipment and gadget we are all growing accustomed to.
Looking At E-Waste More Closely
E-waste is basically the by-product of the devices that you use. After you get tired of your smartphone, your typical solution to get rid of it is to resell it or trade it in for a newer model. But have you ever thought what happens when that unit totally loses its utility value? The devices are chopped into pieces and the ‘e-waste scavengers’ take these small and useable parts to manufacturers who create ‘newer’ versions called counterfeits.
What Are Electronics Counterfeits?
Electronics counterfeits are very common today because e-waste is increasing and it looks like a very lucrative business. It is considered lucrative because people like to buy cheap gadgets that look and feel like the original. Examples of electronic counterfeits include copy versions of smartphones that you love like iPhones, Samsung Galaxy tabs, Lenovo phones and tabs, and many others. What people do not know is the extent of the consequences they might face from using these gadgets.
Examples of these consequences include:
- Short life. Since these are not original devices from the real manufacturers, they did not go through quality assurance. As a result, they break easily and may not give you your money’s worth.
- Defective. Since they did not undergo quality assurance, they can be defective. In the cases noted, users have been burned from an explosion while the device was charging.
- Frustration. Though you know that you are using electronics counterfeits, you still believe that it will perform almost the same as the original one. But hey, you do not expect that to be true! So the more you use it, the more you realize that it was not a good buy. Frustration comes next.
So Why Is E-Waste Your Problem?
To wrap it up, you are the source of the e-waste because you are the one who uses and disposes the devices or equipment. And as you do this more often, the more e-waste is collected and the more materials become available for making electronics counterfeits. And because original devices from manufacturers are more expensive, you may want to settle for the cheaper counterfeit ones. You do not want to experience the consequences mentioned above, right? So think wisely.
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Electronics Counterfeits