The more I read this book the more I realize that this is very similar to the global warming problem. There is so much dependence upon electronics across the globe and we are so infused with consumption in every aspect of our lifestyles and infrastructure that it makes it seem like there is no possible way to end the injustices we have been reading about. It was nice to see that there have been efforts to reduce problems created by computers and there have been efforts to allow immigrant workers to unionize, as done by the AFL-CIO, but these seem like tears in an ocean.
The vast expanse of the electronics industry has caused an incredible amount of harm and degredation, but there really seems no end. As I have been reading this book I applauded the efforts by small organizations and communtities to fight for rights, but this does not make the situation any different. The consumer products are still being demanded and there are currently only a few companies doing anything about reducing their footprints, but there are twice as many not doing a damn thing to change. There is so much dependence on immigrant exploitation and almost none put forth in valuing people over a product.
One of the biggest problems we have faced recently is the downturn in the economy. This has led to calls for people to spend more, government stimulus packages, and many other efforts to turn this around, but they all enforce the consumer idea which is the heart of the environmental justice problem, at least in the e-waste apsect. What I feel is more baffling is that innovation is most prevlatent in the technological and electronics fields. Why then are there no innovations being made to make this so-called clean industry actually clean. How can we as the main consumers make companies understand that we will no longer put up with poor practices? What is the best method of attack? Do we go through government pathways, consumer boycotts, or what?
The last book mentioned coupling environmental justice problems with human rights frames to make them more appealing for people to care about. Is this then the answer for the electronics industry problems? What is the most effective thing that I can be doing to prevent my lifestyle from having harmful impications on someone else? After talking this over in class I have come away with an even more depressing outlook. We could neither agree upon a good method, nor come to a conclusion that we could be effective in making a difference.
