Whether people have been given electronics as presents or seek replacements for their old devices, the possession of such technology is universal. But replacing your old gadgets with new ones means that you have no further need for the old ones, a common situation that eventually leads to e-waste, a form of disposing but with electronics of some kind. E-waste causes toxic materials and pollutants to enter the environment. With this in mind, now there are better ways to dispose electronics in a less harmful way for society and the environment.

There have been reports that the amount of e-waste produced in 2014 was about 92 billion pounds of used electronics. Buying new electronics and leaving your old ones around is very wasteful and can be used for better purposes. A way to prevent this problem is by selling them online through different companies such as Amazon, Gazelle, and Best Buy. The advantages of selling old electronics online is that you not only get rid of e-waste, but you also gain money from doing so. Making good deals on these different websites benefit you and the planet in the same way. You can even sell very old video games or a controller to get rid of e- waste and earn money. Amazon will take most electronics you have for a good price. Gazelle is good for selling used electronics and provide give free shipping too. Additionally, Best Buy can take any leftover electronics you have and give you a fair price based on the items. Finding ways to sell your old electronics makes you know that you are keeping the Earth healthy and not damaging it in a harmful way. Preventing e-waste from damaging the planet is very simple and does not take much effort to accomplish.

In conclusion, there are ways to prevent e-waste that will benefit both you and the planet. There may even be more ways to prevent this disaster. Preventing e-waste is easy and resourceful, with no restriction and only a benefit to all. But it all comes down to how you decide to commit to this cause and slowly help the Earth.

<Steven Park, Diamond Bar High School, 9th Grade>