So far, everything I've suggested applies to households. To reduce our digital footprint significantly, manufacturers, businesses, governments and telecom providers must also elect media diets. For starters, this means no 5G. No new infrastructure. No new satellites. No new cellular sites. No new back-up batteries. Make use of the infrastructure we have, and keep it in good repair.
Very few existing rules and regulations limit telecom growth for any reason. Because it can take years to enact a new law, abiding by existing ones might be our most effective approach.
How do we prevent telecom corporations from installing new infrastructure? In the U.S., cities and counties usually have jurisdiction to ensure that telecommunication equipment meets safety requirements. (Forgive me that I don't know about such statutes in other countries.)
- Insist that telecom providers and your municipality abide by professional engineering statutes and hire professional engineers (PEs) to evaluate and certify that every public right-of-way (i.e. a utility pole) can handle the weight of a 5G cellular site's electronic gear without risk of fire or collapse, including in high winds, before gear is installed. If anyone questions that cellular equipment catches fire or collapses, visit Click Here.
- Require officials to state, in writing, whether your municipality or the telecom corporation will be liable in the event that a cellular site installed on a public-right-of-way collapses or catches fire.
- Insist that your municipality abide by Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA) regulations that protect workers from exposure to electromagnetic radiation beyond legally allowed limits. Require telecom providers to post signs that alert electricians, roof repairers, tree pruners and others who work near transmitting equipment that it emits radiation. In print visible from a distance, the sign must include a number to phone so that antennas can be turned off quickly and people can work safely. You will need allies here. Perhaps engage your local chapter of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
- If you own stock in telecom corporations, use your leverage to hold them accountable to regulations that protect the public from fire and collapse and protect workers from excessive radiation exposure.
Greta, I often get overwhelmed by the magnitude of problems with digital technologies. I feel helpless. Then, I dream of every media user committing to reducing our digital footprint by three percent every month for three years. Would teenagers lead the way? Every person's contribution is valued. Every person who takes action to reduce their digital footprint is worthy of respect.
Yours,
Katie
REFERENCES
- Needhidasan, S., et al., "Electronic waste-an emerging threat to the environment of urban India," Environ Health Sci. Eng., Jan. 20, 2014; Click Here.
- globalewaste.org; Click Here
- DearGreta.com/letter-3/
- Click Here
- Mills, Mark P., "The Cloud Begins with Coal," Digital Power Group, 2013.
- Baliga, Jayant, et al., "Energy Consumption in Wired and Wireless Access networks," IEEE Communications Magazine, June, 2011.
- electronicsilentspring.com/calming-behavior
- Click Here
- Click Here
- Click Here
Katie Singer writes about the energy, extractions, toxic waste and greenhouse gases involved in manufacturing computers, telecom infrastructure, electric vehicles and other electronic technologies. She believes that if she's not aware that she's part of the problem, then she can't be part of the solution. She dreams that every smartphone user learns about the supply chain of one substance (of 1000+) in a smartphone. Her most recent book is An Electronic Silent Spring. She currently writes about nature, democracy and technology for Wall Street International Magazine. Visit www.OurWeb.tech and www.ElectronicSilentSpring.com.
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