This podcast explores tackling e-waste in Kenya and the development of an AI-powered e-waste bin. It also discusses repurposing electronics for art, the growth of the internet in non-English speaking countries, and using activity trackers to address the water crisis in India.
Establishing e-waste recycling centers in Kenya is helping to tackle the growing problem of electronic waste and raise awareness about waste management.
Norway is focusing on reusing and refurbishing electronic products to reduce electronic waste and collaborating with other countries to minimize illegal dumping.
Deep dives
Tackling Electronic Waste in Kenya
In this podcast episode, the issue of electronic waste in Kenya is explored. The country faces a significant problem due to the dumping of e-waste, often illegally shipped from the West. To address this issue, e-waste recycling centers have been established in Kenya. These centers collect and recycle e-waste, including mobile phones, televisions, and microwaves. The goal is to create a safe and green environment, as well as raise awareness about waste management and the environmental impact of electronic waste.
Norway's Efforts in E-Waste Management
Norway has one of the highest rates of electronic waste per person. The Norwegian Environmental Agency has been working for 20 years to address this problem. Their focus has been on moving towards reusing and refurbishing electronic products rather than just recycling them. They aim to change consumer behavior and encourage the purchase of higher-quality products with longer lifespans. Additionally, the agency has been collaborating with other countries to control the exports of e-waste and minimize illegal dumping.
Using Activity Tracker Data to Improve Water Access in India
In India, the use of activity tracker apps has helped gather data on the distances women in rural areas have to walk to collect water. By analyzing the step counts recorded by these apps, it was revealed that the official data on the installation of wells in remote communities did not reflect the reality. By presenting this data through social media, government officials were made aware of the situation and took action by providing water through tankers. The use of technology and real-time data has enabled marginalized communities to have their voices heard and instigate positive change.
Shiona McCallum reports from Kenya on ways people there are tackling e-waste and helping to recycle electronic products. It is one of the fastest growing streams of waste, with an estimated 50 million tonnes produced globally every year. Also in this episode Alasdair Keane has been finding out about a project to make the internet available in more languages and we hear about a community in India using step trackers to campaign for better sanitation.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode