Watch Terra Blight

Terra Blight is a 2012 documentary that explores the issue of electronic waste, also known as e-waste. The film takes its title from a phrase coined by environmental activists to describe the toxic legacy of discarded electronics. The documentary follows the journey of filmmaker Isaac Brown as he investigates the origins and impact of e-waste.

The film begins with Brown visiting an e-waste recycling plant in New York City, where he sees firsthand the scale of the problem. Mountains of computer monitors, televisions, and other electronic devices are piled up waiting to be dismantled and recycled. The workers explain that many of these devices contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can pose a serious health risk if not handled properly.

From there, Brown interviews experts in the fields of recycling and environmental policy to get a better sense of the environmental and social impact of e-waste. He travels to Ghana, where he visits a massive e-waste dumpsite in Agbogbloshie, a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of the capital, Accra. The dumpsite is one of the largest in the world, and Brown witnesses firsthand the devastating effects it has on the people who live and work there.

Brown also speaks with researchers who are developing new methods for recycling e-waste, as well as activists who are working to raise awareness of the issue and hold corporations accountable for their e-waste production. He learns about the challenges facing the recycling industry, including the difficulty of separating out the valuable materials contained in electronic devices, such as copper, gold, and other precious metals, from the hazardous waste that surrounds them.

Throughout the film, Brown highlights the stark contrast between the glossy, high-tech world of consumer electronics and the life-threatening conditions faced by e-waste workers in countries like Ghana. He also investigates the role that planned obsolescence, the intentional design of products to fail or become outdated quickly, plays in driving the e-waste problem.

Ultimately, Terra Blight is a sobering look at one of the most pressing environmental and social issues of our time. The film makes a compelling case for the urgent need to rethink the way we consume and dispose of electronics, and to take action to ensure that the toxic legacy of e-waste does not continue to grow.

With stunning cinematography and thoughtful commentary, Terra Blight is a must-see for anyone concerned about the environment and our impact on it. Whether you are an electronics manufacturer, a consumer, or simply a concerned citizen, this film will leave you with a deeper understanding of the scope of the e-waste problem and the urgent need for action.

Terra Blight is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.