Chemical pollution

Managing the level of new substances entering the environment that have the potential for unwanted geophysical and/or biological effects.

A global overview

When toxic compounds, such as synthetic organic pollutants and heavy metals, are released into the biosphere they can persist for a very long time, with effects that may be irreversible. And when they accumulate in the tissue of living creatures, including birds and mammals, they reduce fertility and cause genetic damage, endangering ecosystems on land and in the oceans.

How is digital tech relevant to chemical pollution?

Areas of tension

These are the issues, negative impacts and concerns collectively raised by the attendees from our pilot workshops.

For the global population
  • Ineffective disposal of e-waste and batteries can leech chemical pollutants into the environment.
  • Mining for raw rare materials such as cobalt and lithiums leeches chemical pollutants into the environment.

How can we nudge these tensions for the better?

Grounds for hope

These are visions and ideas for change collectively raised by the attendees from our pilot workshops.

For the global population

  • Extend product & material lifespan –> circular economy.
  • Modular designs for partial upgrades.
  • Right to repair; forcing manufacturers to provide parts and manuals; open source hardware; designing electronics for ease of recyclability.

Keen to learn more?

If you’d like to explore these issues yourself, either as an individual or with your work colleagues, why not run your own workshop?

Our workshop methodology is open source and available for anyone to use for free. Alternatively you can hire trusted professionals to facilitate the process on your behalf.