WorldLoop

WorldLoop is an international non-profit organisation committed to extending the positive impact of ICT projects in developing countries by offsetting the negative environmental impact of its hardware. Today access to ICT is a key driver for the development of any society. Improving access to information and enabling communication contributes to the elimination of poverty and disease in developing countries, as well as better education and gender equality. Unfortunately, ICT equipment can pose a serious environmental threat when it has reached the end of its life. Most e-waste contains hazardous chemicals and materials (including lead, mercury, and cadmium) which pose a real threat to human health and the environment. While much of the Western world has the necessary infrastructure and regulatory support to oversee proper management of e-waste, the developing world often lacks the necessary legislation, expertise and infrastructure. This is where WorldLoop steps in to create a win-win situation. Through its network of partners, sponsors and supporters, WorldLoop helps communities in developing countries to establish efficient, environmentally friendly, self-funding facilities for e-waste collection and recycling. As well as helping to solve the environmental threat that e-waste represents, these systems stimulate the local economy by creating jobs. WorldLoop has the ability to transform an environmental hazard into something that is socially, environmentally and economically positive.