The Plastic Pollution Predicament
Plastic waste is a persistent threat to the environment, as it breaks down into microplastics that accumulate in soil, water, and marine environments. The growing amount of microplastics poses a great danger to marine and wildlife causing injury, suffocation, and even death.
Additionally, plastic releases toxic chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) into the environment, which can disrupt endocrine systems and impair reproductive health in wildlife and humans. Plastic debris also carries harmful pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can cause long-term health risks to organisms and communities. Humans are increasingly exposed to microplastics through air, water, and food sources, and this can cause inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular damage.
While there are movements towards phasing out all single-use plastics, it is important to note that plastic is a versatile and essential material used throughout vital infrastructure in modern-day society. From healthcare to the built environment, plastic is an irreplaceable material in some uses, at least until new materials are developed. The irony of plastic being used in sustainable solutions is not lost. Plastic is a common and, at times, essential material for sustainable technology. Its attributes are undoubtedly crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of equipment such as air quality monitors, as opposed to alternative materials such as glass or metal.
The Use of Plastic in Air Quality Monitoring
Plastics have become an essential component in air quality monitoring due to their flexibility and versatility as a material. Their malleability and ease of shaping allow for the production of intricate components that are necessary for modern electronic devices. From circuit boards to casing components, plastic provides the flexibility needed to accommodate complex designs and functionalities, enabling the creation of innovative and efficient sustainable technologies.
Plastic as a material is lightweight which not only reduces transportation costs and energy consumption but also enhances its portability and accessibility. Sustainable devices using plastic can be deployed in a variety of applications and can be integrated into existing infrastructure such as traffic lights due to the lightweight plastic components.
The insulation properties of plastic make it an ideal choice for electronic devices operating in varied environmental conditions. By shielding sensitive electronic components from moisture, dust, and other external factors, plastic ensures the reliability and performance of sustainable technology solutions even in harsh or unpredictable environments. This weather resistance is particularly crucial for outdoor applications such as air quality monitoring, where exposure to elements like rain, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations is inevitable.
The durability of plastic is vital to keep vital monitoring equipment running, using a durable material reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Additionally, it provides a more durable and safer device to be located in public spaces, making it less likely to cause injury and more resistant to vandalism.
Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of plastic production plays a significant role in its widespread use in sustainable technology. Compared to alternative materials, plastic manufacturing processes are often more economical and scalable, enabling mass production of components at a lower cost. This cost efficiency not only makes sustainable technologies more accessible for users but also facilitates innovation and continuous improvement in product design and performance.
However, as advocates for sustainable practices, we understand the importance of minimizing our plastic footprint and finding eco-friendly alternatives.
Our Pledge to Combat Plastic Waste
Sustainability technology, as a whole, heavily relies on plastic materials, which presents several challenges. One of the main concerns surrounding plastic in sustainable technology is its end-of-life management. Despite its durability and longevity, plastic products eventually reach the end of their usable lifespan, leading to disposal or recycling. However, the recycling of plastic materials within the context of electronic devices, such as air quality monitors, poses unique challenges due to the complexity of the components and the presence of hazardous substances.
In many cases, electronic devices containing plastic components are not effectively recycled, leading to significant quantities of e-waste accumulating in landfills or being incinerated. This improper disposal of electronic waste not only exacerbates environmental pollution but also poses health risks to communities living in proximity to waste disposal sites. Additionally, the extraction and processing of virgin plastic materials for the production of new electronic devices further depletes natural resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Using materials which are to be disposed of is unsustainable long term. When using a product there should be a focus on its longjevitty, and with plastic being inherently integrated into the manufacturing of technology it is essential to improve the process to a more circular and resource-efficient process.
Electronic devices containing plastic components are generally not effectively recycled, leading to significant quantities of e-waste accumulating in landfills or being incinerated. This improper disposal of electronic waste not only contributes to environmental pollution but also poses health risks to communities living in proximity to waste disposal sites. Alongside the production process of plastic materials for sustainable technology further depleting natural resources and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
As a sustainable organisation, we are committed to operating responsibly, EarthSense closely follows environmental polices and we are always striving to improve our sustainability efforts where we can. We are passionate about the environment, and although our mission is to improve the air we all breathe, we're here to make a difference for future generations, including other environmental impacts.
The Zephyr® Refurbishment Program
We are actively taking steps to reduce our plastic footprint and improve our sustainable solutions through initiatives like our Zephyr® Refurbishment Program.
At EarthSense, we oversee all deployed Zephyr® air quality monitors used in projects by clients. When a Zephyr® reaches the end of its contract or is no longer used, we offer a free collection to reuse or recycle parts where we can as part of our circular economy commitments. As a priority we collect the unused monitors and refurbish them for use in future projects, giving the Zephyr® a new lease of life. If the monitor is at the end of its life and can no longer be used, we disassemble it at our workshop. Reusing components that can be reused and recycling other separated materials at specialist recycling centres.
To maintain accuracy and calibration, it is recommended to replace cartridges when they are nearing the end of their optimal lifespan. To reduce plastic waste, we recycle all our clients' old cartridges at no charge. This allows us to ensure the cartridges are recycled and separating materials if required.
By refurbishing air quality monitor hardware and extending its lifespan, we reduce the demand for new plastic production, mitigate electronic waste generation, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Our pledge to combat plastic waste goes beyond the minimum expectations, contributing towards a greener, cleaner planet for generations to come.
Impact of Air Quality Monitor Refurbishment Program
The mindful use of plastic in environmental technology production is essential to help reduce plastic creation at its source. Initiatives such as the Zephyr® Refurbishment Program help to reuse plastic elements that have already been created, repurposing air quality monitors for future projects and preventing them from ending up in landfills.
As a sustainability-focused organization, we may specialize in air quality. However, we continually strive to improve the sustainability of our operations in other areas. At EarthSense, we understand the importance of taking action to protect the planet, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Our environmental policy is at the forefront of our operations, and we are proud of our ongoing efforts to improve our sustainability.
As of the time this blog has been written, the Zephyr® Refurbishment Program has successfully kept all Zephyrs created thus far in circulation. Not a single Zephyr® has yet been fully recycled, the main device components have been successfully refurbished and reused to monitor air quality. Which in turn supports improving the air we all breathe, for the betterment of human health.
At the time of writing this blog, the Zephyr® Refurbishment Program has successfully kept all Zephyrs® created so far in circulation. No Zephyr® has yet had to be fully recycled. Instead, the main device components have been refurbished and reused to continue to monitor our customer's air quality. Contributing to the improvement of the air we breathe, enhancing human health.
Learn more about our award-winning Zephyr® Air Quality monitors here: https://www.earthsense.co.uk/zephyr
