Hyderabad : Ever-growing consumption of electronic items has made e-waste a major issue around the world. E-Merchant Digital, a Hyderabad based company in association with New Delhi based NGO Greentech Foundation announces Essay Writing Competition on E-Waste. Open for students of 8 to 12th standard the subject for the Essay Writing Competition is “Reducing eWaste Burden–My Role”.

Used and old electronic equipment — computers, printers, mobiles etc that have ceased to be of any value are dumped and are piling up. Their incorrect disposal and inappropriate recycling techniques pose a great threat to humanity as they are non-biodegradable and contain toxic waste too. They being made of different substances such — plastics, metals, glass, chemical compounds – both organic and inorganic and metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium are highly dangerous.  Landfills used, nearly 60%, for waste disposal will contaminate soil, water table. Also are prone to uncontrolled fires which can release toxic fumes,  breathing such air can get affected with kidneys and nervous system problems.

According to a white paper on electronic waste management just published by ASSOCHAM, Hyderabad produces 16,000 tonnes of e-waste. 70% of e-waste contributors are government, public and private industries and households contribute just 15 per cent.  Across India, currently a meager 5% of total e-waste is recycled, that too by a very few handful of recyclers.

E-Waste is gradually turning to be e-Bomb may explode any moment. The awareness is zero.  There are no state of the art e-waste management facilities. This has to be stopped as it hurts people and environment.

The only true way to do this is to create awareness among the public, sensitize government machinery and everybody, gather public support, unite people, bring them on common platform. Exert pressure on government and work with them to recycle all e-waste devices. Encourage social entrepreneurs to come up with more E-Waste Recycling facilities to render hazardous substances harmless. To achieve Zero Per cent landfills compared to present industry standard of 60%.

This Essay Writing Completion is a small step to make young students aware of such implications.  Because it will soon start to affect them too.  Students of 8th to 12 standard are requested to send in their typed essay of 250-350 words in English or Telugu mentioning name, residential address, class, school name along with contact details, mobile number etc before 28th November 2013. Only one submission is allowed per person. There is no entry fee.

The panel of Judges will select the best essays. The Judges will look for essays that are clear, articulate and logically organized and original. Essay will also be looked in for content and writing style. The winners will be announced during a Seminar on the subject to be held either in the last week of November or first week of December. The First Prize Winner will get Cash Prize of Rs 7,500/- and a Certificate. The Second and Third prize winners will be given away Cash Prize of Rs.5000/- and Rs.2500/- respectively along with Certificates.