Last semester, a group of Master´s students participated in the Advanced Seminar in Circular Economy and Sustainability, conducting on-field research in Ghana on e-waste. Last Wednesday, this immersive experience came to its culmination during the TUM Sustainability Day 2024, which offered a great opportunity to share the experience and raise awareness through a dedicated stand and a comprehensive presentation.
Key takeaways from this experience:
1. E-waste: a growing global challenge
E-waste is the fastest-growing solid waste stream worldwide. If left unchecked, we risk being “buried by waste”, as one participant noted.
2. E-waste in Ghana: a reflection of global inequalities
The threats posed by e-waste in Ghana highlight broader global inequalities. Tackling this challenge requires recognizing our collective role in behaving more sustainably and fostering genuine and purposeful collaboration, intercultural understanding, and environmental awareness.
3. Everyday actions for Sustainability
Sustainability is rooted in our daily actions. By embracing Circular Economy principles – refusing, reducing, reusing – we can make a significant impact towards a more sustainable and just world
4. The importance of on-field research
On-field research is key for robust academic output. Observing things with your own eyes, engaging with local stakeholders, and maintaining an open mind are crucial ingredients for producing solid research outcomes and identifying viable solutions to the social and environmental challenges of our time.
We are grateful to the Technical University of Munich for organizing this impactful event. We also thank everyone who participated in the presentation and those who visited our stand and took the time to discuss with us this important topic.
Special recognition goes to Prof. Dr. Magnus Fröhling and MSc Vanessa Heinrich for ideating this wonderful experience and for providing their endless support. We also acknowledge the students who contributed to the stand and the presentation.
We look forward to continuing this work and making even more significant contributions in the future.
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