Sustainable Solutions: Addressing the Impacts and Interconnections of Electronic Waste

This unit immerses students in the world of geographies of interconnections, emphasising the influence of human activities on our environment and exploring how people, places and environments are interconnected across the globe through the lens of electronic waste. Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing waste stream on our planet. The social, economic and environmental impacts of society’s production, consumption and disposal of electronic products are far-reaching, stemming from all product life cycle stages.

Students learn about the impacts on society and the environment of the stages in the life cycle of electronic products, from extraction and production to consumption and disposal, as well as understand how governments, businesses and consumers are working to address the issue of e-waste by utilising the circular economy and focusing on sustainability. 

Students develop an understanding of the circular economy and strategies to address one of our world's biggest issues, enhanced by access to 36 interviews created specifically for this unit in collaboration with Comsol. The videos feature global businesses and experts, providing real-world insights into current consumption patterns' consequences and showcasing sustainable initiatives and innovations, including circular economy practices. 

Students deepen their awareness of the complex connections between the environmental and societal implications of the electronic product lifecycle. They explore practical strategies for sustainable consumption, becoming empowered to drive positive change as advocates for sustainability.

The unit begins by looking at the positive aspects of technology and how the digital divide affects people in Australia and our world before delving into the life cycle of our electronic products. The unit then culminates in a student-created social media campaign to cement students' understanding of sustainable strategies they can use and raise awareness of to become sustainability changemakers for the e-waste crisis. We recommend that this unit is delivered as a whole package in sequence.

Interviews with experts are used throughout the lessons. However, you can access all interviews and video content created for this unit through Vimeo. If you would like more information about the main topics and areas covered by these interviews, we have categorised them to make them easier to find and use in whatever context you see fit!

We also have a library of factsheets available that provide information on topics such as the E-waste crisis, the Rs of Sustainability, and Tools and techniques for iterative learning and  Designing for the future.