With the rapid strides in technology, the whole world is under our fingertips be it communication, information or entertainment but, there is only one throwback which we cannot ignore. This is slowly becoming a menace and dangerous for society. Where paper, textiles, food products and even oil & gas are concerned the waste is more or less organic and so manageable. But materials like plastics, computers and other electronic goods accumulate colossal waste which is indestructible and hazardous. Take the computer for instance. From being a part of the office, it has pervaded schools, colleges and homes. Every child is now using the computer either at school or at home so not surprisingly; this amazing wonder has flooded the globe. That’s fine, but because of fast growth in technology computers need to be upgraded frequently, and as it is not unaffordable there is a surplus of obsolete machines, and yes, it’s not a small percentage. You would be surprised to know that three/fourths of the sale of all personal computers are already lying down as domestic waste.
The ordinary
In the US, 15 percent of electronic goods are used up by recycling. Still a huge part is just discarded contaminating the soil or burnt up polluting the atmosphere. Most of the constituents of the computer can be used as raw material for rebuilding one. Many materials like lead, tin, aluminum, iron, silicon and plastics can be reclaimed and used for making new computers. This also helps in reducing costs. There are other valuable constituents like copper, gold and lead which are reclaimed. However toxic substances like mercury, cadmium, chromium and the like are difficult to reuse because the treatment required to reclaim might release more toxics that can contaminate water and air.
For instance, lead, which is a major component – sometimes as much as 15 pounds in some monitors is difficult to recover, without causing more contamination to groundwater. One solution is to export surplus and obsolete electronic goods to developing countries. Sometimes lot of e-waste in the form of monitors that are broken, transistors which are of no use, printed circuit boards and other e-waste are ship loaded with other computers to third world countries that are still developing.
Inspiration
We have to find a way of getting rid of this e-waste? Well one artist from UK has managed to use discarded computer parts to make a super sized world map. Susan Stockwell from Britain amazed the world with her creation.
The Extraordinary
The Bedforshire University commissioned Susan Stockwell to work on this collection of discarded computer parts of an IT recycling firm. Susan who usually worked on huge sculptures, drawings and collages on themes relating to eco-systems, global trade and geo politics and also mapping created this meaningful piece of art which has been put for display in the atrium of a new building for students in Luton site.
The making
Susan Stockwell has made this 21 feet x 13 feet map of the whole world with thrown away fans wiring motherboards and several other computer parts. Titled “The World,” Susan seems to indicate the computer world of tomorrow!
The target group
To make this happen three groups worked on it. One was the University of Bedfordshire which initiated it. The second was the UK artist Susan Stockwell who also works on paper art, and thirdly the IT recycling unit. This can be done by other Universities, Schools Offices, homes and any other place where art can be displayed.
Usage:
Art is something that is patronized the world over and here is art combined with science producing such a pertinent issue and so its use can be limitless.
Related trends
1. Shoes made from PC parts
Some years back a school project titled ‘junk art’ kindled interest in an artist called Gabriel Dinshaw started producing sculptures of shoes using ram chips, heat sinks, keys from the typewriter and any discarded computer or electronic device he found.
2. Giant Circuit Board Head
An art collective called ‘Collectivo GIB’ from Argentina made this sculpture using an aluminum frame and welded PCB’s. A chair is kept inside to view the video display. The lips are made from keyboards.
3. Boxer Briefs Made from Circuit Boards
No, don’t rub your eyes, it is true. A pair of wearable boxer briefs made from electronic junk. Made by Emiko Oye of San Francisco its aptly named ‘Population Control 12.0
4. Furniture made from computer parts
Whether looks-wise it is beautiful or unsightly this low table is made completely from junk.The led screens, computer chips, motherboard and hard disks have been collaged and kept in place by metal screws, the surface covered with a glass top. The towers of the computer have been shaped and joined to form the structure.
What with clothing, art and furniture being made from computer parts our future world does look very computerized!