International E-Waste Day

October 14th 2023

International E-Waste Day on October 14th is an important occasion to draw attention to the growing electronic waste problem. At Lazerian, we are at the forefront of innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle this issue. By not only repurposing waste of electrical or electronic components or parts into creative works of electrical and electronic art but also venturing into building an e-waste race car in collaboration with Envision Racing. This blog post explores the significance of International E-Waste Day and highlights how Lazerian’s partnership with Envision Racing is raising awareness about e-waste. Additionally, we’ll delve into what individuals can do to help reuse, recycle, and repair e-waste.

The E-Waste Challenge

The rate at which electronic waste, or e-waste, is accumulating poses a significant environmental and social challenge. Rapid technological advancements lead to the rapid obsolescence of many electronic equipment and many new electronic devices too, resulting in countless discarded gadgets and components ending up in landfills. E-waste is not only a waste of valuable resources but also a threat to our environment, given the hazardous materials it contains. International E-Waste Day aims to bring attention to this issue and encourage responsible e-waste management.

The United Kingdom ranks second in the world for e-waste generation per capita, at 23.9 kg, and according to recent research by Uswitch, it is predicted to surpass Norway as the top global contributor by 2024.

Switzerland follows closely in third place, producing 23.4 kg of e-waste per capita. Similar to Norway, Switzerland has implemented a “take-back” system aimed at encouraging companies to address this issue, as noted by Uswitch.

The study also reveals a significant increase in IT and telecoms e-waste in the UK, rising from 19,053 tonnes in 2008 to an estimated 37,631 tonnes in 2022.

Furthermore, if the current e-waste generation trend persists, the UK is anticipated to generate nearly 55,000 tonnes of e-waste by the year 2030, as projected by Uswitch.

Lazerian’s Commitment to Sustainability

Lazerian is renowned for its innovative and sustainable approach to design, and their commitment to addressing the e-waste problem aligns perfectly with the objectives of International E-Waste Day.

In summary, Lazerian’s commitment to sustainability is deeply ingrained in both its business model and its creative output. By prioritizing eco-friendly raw materials, minimizing waste, and promoting a sustainable design philosophy, they not only create stunning and innovative art and design pieces but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Through their work, Lazerian exemplifies the idea that art and design can be a powerful vehicle for positive change in human health, and a source of inspiration for a greener world.

Lazerian and Envision Racing once launched an exciting initiative – the Mini Formula E Competition. This global contest engaged and inspired children and young people to contribute to the race against climate change by crafting their own Formula E race car from e-waste. Millions of tonnes of electrical products, containing valuable metals for a greener world, were being thrown away. The competition deadline was July 8, and participants used our guidance to create unique cars from old electrical items. With three entry categories spanning 9-21 years old, entrants from across the globe were welcomed. Every entry had a chance to be featured on our website, and the winners were unveiled at the Race Against Climate Change event during the London E-Prix on July 29. Participants had the creative freedom to build their mini racing cars in various ways, as long as they used e-waste and made them look like Formula E racers. Together, they turned e-waste into a symbol of victory by crafting Gen3 Formula E cars from electronic waste.

Repurposing E-Waste into Art

Lazerian’s “E-volution” series showcases their creative talent in repurposing discarded electronic devices and components into remarkable works of art and functional pieces. These designs serve as both a reminder of the e-waste problem and a testament to the potential for reusing and recycling electronic materials.

Lazerian’s E-Waste Race Car Collaboration with Envision Racing

In an extraordinary initiative, Lazerian collaborated with Envision Racing, a prominent team in the Formula E Championship, to create an e-waste race car replica. This project aimed to raise awareness and highlight the e-waste issue in a high-profile sporting event, drawing the attention of motorsports enthusiasts social media and environmentalists alike.

The E-Waste Race Car Project

Lazerian’s e-waste race car project involved transforming discarded electronics into a striking replica of a Formula E car. The design was meticulously crafted, using e-waste as raw materials, such valuable materials such as old computer circuit boards, wires, and electronic components. This innovative project demonstrated the possibilities of repurposing e-waste in surprising and creative ways.

Raising Awareness through Motorsports

Envision Racing raced Lazerian’s e-waste replica car during a Formula E event every year, drawing eyes and cameras to the innovative creation. This collaboration emphasized the urgency of addressing the e-waste problem and showcased how forward-thinking companies like Lazerian and Envision Racing are leading the way in sustainability and environmental consciousness.

What You Can Do to Help

On International E-Waste Day, you can join the movement to combat the e-waste problem:

1. Recycle Responsibly: Choose responsible e-waste recycling over landfill disposal. Many communities offer e-waste recycling programs or collection centers where you can safely dispose of old devices.
2. Support Sustainable Brands: Opt for products from companies committed to sustainability and responsible e-waste management. Look for brands that use recycled materials in their products and have environmentally friendly practices.
3. Reuse and Repair: Extend the life of your electronic devices by repairing them when possible or passing them on to others who may find them useful. Many issues with electronics can be fixed, saving you money and reducing e-waste.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about e-waste and share information about its impact on the environment and the solutions available. The more people are aware of the problem, the better chance we have of addressing it effectively.
5. Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives aimed at reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable practices. Encourage electronics manufacturers to design products with longevity and recyclability in mind.

International E-Waste Day is a crucial event for raising awareness about the growing issue of electronic waste. Lazerian’s innovative approach to repurposing e-waste materials, along with their remarkable collaboration with Envision Racing, serves as an inspiring example of how creative design can play a significant role in addressing this global problem. As we celebrate International E-Waste Day, let’s reflect on our own electronic waste discarded consumption and consider how we can contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future through reuse, recycling, and repair of valuable resources.