First World technology is trashing third world children.
Each year, 25 million tons of "recycled" electronic waste is shipped off to Third World countries like India, China and Western Africa. These toxic landfills poison child laborers who are forced to sift through the waste, poisoning themselves as they scrounge for valuable parts.
Once the landfill is stripped of valuables, it's burned to the ground, poisoning the entire village with various forms brain and lung cancers.
Kathryn Kvas and Vignesh Seshadri from the Miami Ad School up-cycled e-waste, making children's toys (a bear, a doll and a toy plane) to make a statement in the first world. The toys will be sold to bring attention to the children who are most affected by our first world technology.
Electronic Waste Toys
These Toys Bring Attention to Those Most Affected by First World Technology
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling - Opportunity for businesses to use discarded items to make new products and address environmental concerns.
2. Eco-friendly Consumerism - Disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses to create sustainable products and educate customers on the importance of responsible consumption.
3. Tech Waste Management - Opportunity for businesses to develop efficient and safe methods to dispose of electronic waste and prevent harm to workers and the environment.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - Opportunity for toy manufacturers to incorporate eco-friendly materials and production processes.
2. Waste Management Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity to develop more efficient and environmentally-friendly methods of electronic waste disposal.
3. Education Industry - Opportunity for businesses to educate consumers and students on responsible consumption and environmental impact.