Circular Geniuses is an initiative by Save the Children aiming to create a sustainable future for children & families affected by e-waste
The impact
of e-waste
E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. A big portion of all e-waste is exported to countries with less strict regulations, causing massive informal e-waste industries — a threat to climate, health, and education. If not combated, it will have a hugely detrimental impact on our planet, and on the lives of children. Indonesia alone, produces 1,8 million tons of e-waste per year, but only 10% is formally or adequately recycled.
Why is this a problem?
Children live and work in e-waste under hazardous conditions as the informal handling of e-waste brings both social and environmental risks. At the same time the informal e-waste sector lacks the support to formalize their work and the green skills needed to transition into a green economy.
400,000
tons of CO2 could be avoided by 2030
20%
of global e-waste is properly managed & recycled
53
million tones of e-waste is generated annually
75,000
jobs could be added by 2030, of which 91% could be for women
Let’s go
Circular
E-waste represents a huge opportunity with material, environmental, and social value being trapped in the current linear system. We have co-created a special program focusing on green skills to transform e-waste into a safe and a circular system and on the way creating a sustainable future for children & families affected by it.
From trash to treasure
The solution is Circular Geniuses. A green skill sharing program focusing on children and circular economy. Designed to transform the e-waste sector in countries, such as Indonesia, into a sustainable eco system. Circular Geniuses aim to get children, youth and families out of hazardous and toxic e-waste handling through local education and global partnerships.
“I experienced falling from a very high pile
of waste at the landfill. People thought I had passed away.”
– Tini (fictional name), 17y Waste picker in Tamangapa, Makassar
The eco-system
of change
We need an effective program to solve a complex problem – and to create true innovation.
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Education and green skills to waste pickers for capacity building
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Improved local system to increase disposal and recycling of e-waste
Behavior changes in local community
Advocacy in broader society to inform about e-waste
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Disrupt the existing linear way of producing electronics
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Bring visibility on the informal e-waste sector through data
Join us in revolutionizing
e-waste
The Circular Geniuses pilot program aims to end child labour and bring children back to school, enable the circularity of electronics, raise awareness about the hazards of e-waste and its proper handling. We also aim to strengthen the local communities' employability, entrepreneurial skills, and job opportunities in green jobs through our partner network of governments.
Circular Geniuses are looking for partners who wants to be part of a change and creating true innovation. Now, we are launching the pilot in Makassar, Indonesia.
Join us!
