The technological advances that have happened in the last decade are astounding. It seems a new smartphone comes out every month (along with all their unique accessories). But because of this abundance, we’re accumulating more electronic waste than ever.
And unfortunately, improperly disposing of electronic products can have dire consequences for the environment. If you’re ready to make strides in conscious consumerism, we’ve got you covered. Read below to discover why reducing e-waste is important and learn eight ways you can minimize your e-waste.
Why Is Reducing E-Waste Important?
Electronic products may be convenient, but you can always have too much of a good thing. Manufacturing electronic products like computers and phones requires rare natural materials, like lanthanum and cerium. When you reduce your electronic waste, you’re contributing to the conservation of these limited resources.
Additionally, understanding why is e-waste dangerous is essential to our planet’s long-term well-being. Improperly disposing of electronic products impacts our soil and water quality. Toxins from batteries, paint, and other components can move through our soil and water. These toxins may even include lead or mercury, which inflict significant harm on the environment.
Thankfully, you can reduce your e-waste by implementing the following eight tips into your life.
1. Make Careful Purchases
We get it — it’s easy to fall into the “new and shiny” trap. Advertising exists, and it works.
But before you jump on the latest and greatest technological advances, take a second to think about the waste problem that consumerism can cause. Really, really think. Do you really need this item? Or does the one you have work just fine?
CocoFax Co-Founder Olivia Tan also believes in simply reducing the number of electronics you choose to purchase.
“It’s so easy to purchase a sleek TV, the latest mobile phone, or a brand-new laptop. Most people don’t even stop to think if they really need them. Before buying anything, ask yourself whether you really need it,” said Tan. “If you’re buying a new device even though your old one is in good working condition, why not simply upgrade the software? You can repair your old laptop instead of buying a new one. Being a sensible consumer will go a long way in productively managing your household’s e-waste.”
Simply letting your electronic products live out their full life is an easy, effective way to reduce the impact of your e-waste.
2. Sell Old But Functional Electronic Products
Content & Outreach Manager at The Speaking Polymath Jessica Robinson believes it is a good idea to try and sell your old devices if they aren’t broken.
“Donate used electronics or re-sell them if you feel tempted to buy a new device when your previous one is still fully functional and you cannot resist the temptation…” said Robinson. “It is always better to give your old devices to those who need them. This can help you reduce your e-waste to a large extent.”
If you have older products collecting dust on the shelf, why not sell them? You’re sure to find a buyer, as you’ll be offering the used product at a lower rate than other retailers.
You make a nice buck, and the buyer receives an updated device. It’s a win-win for everyone involved! And, you don’t have to worry about your device’s components leaching into the environment and polluting the earth’s soil and water
Donate used electronics or re-sell them: If you feel tempted to buy a new device when your previous one is still fully functional and you cannot resist the temptation, you should try to donate your old device or re-sell it rather than just throwing it away. It is always better to give your old devices to those who need them. This can help you reduce your e-waste to a large extent.
- Donate Your Electronic Products
Happy DIY Home Founder Jen Stark says “One big thing you can do to reduce your e-waste is to donate any used but working electronics you have to a social program. These programs help children safety initiatives, victims of domestic violence, and environmental causes.”
Donating your unused gadget to someone who needs it more than you is a great want to give it the gift of a new life. We live in a world where Internet access and instant communication are almost imperative for holding a job, managing expenses, and taking care of basic needs. Despite this shift in how we live, a large “digital divide” exists between those of different economic backgrounds — and it creates greater disparities that make it harder for people to advance in their careers and social lives.
Donating unused electronic products is way better than improperly disposing of them. Besides, you get the chance to help someone in need and feel good about it.
4. Organize Your Devices
It’s time to gather your old cables, phones, and the other gadgets you have sitting around. Taking inventory of current devices lets you know exactly what you might need and what you don’t.
Think about how many times you’ve purchased a new charging cable just to find the old one between the couch cushions (thank goodness for cable recycling). It’s frustrating to waste money on duplicates like that. Knowing what’s in your inventory can save you annoyance, reduce your electronic waste footprint, and prevent components from polluting the earth’s soil and water.
5. Purchase Environmentally-Friendly Electronic Products
Environmentally friendly devices are out there, believe it or not. It’s just about seeking them out.
Electronic products with a label from ENERGY STAR will consume less energy and reduce your monthly electric bill.
Additionally, you’ll want to find products with certification from the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool(EPEAT). This branch of the EPA helps manufacturers, sellers, and buyers alike find environmentally conscious products.
6. Learn About Buy-Back Programs
Certain manufacturers like Apple and Samsung now offer buy-back programs. In some cases, you’ll receive cash or a gift card for your devices. On the other hand, companies may allow you to use the money for a product upgrade. Buy-back programs really make for effortless computer recycling.
7. Maintain Your Gadgets
You can help increase the life of your electronics (and therefore reduce waste) by keeping them well-maintained. We’ve included a few key tips to help you out:
Maintaining Your Phones
- Invest in a screen protector and phone case. These products will protect your phone screen and buttons in case you drop your device.
- Don’t fully charge your battery unless you need to, as keeping your battery in between 30 and 80% will prolong its life.
- Clean your phone often (especially under your case) so that dirt doesn’t clog your buttons or outputs.
- Founder & Marketing Director at Spyic, Katherine Brown, also believes it is a good idea to cleanse your phone’s hard drive, saying “clean it up properly by removing any data on it with disk-cleaning software.”
Maintaining Your Computers & Laptops
- Monitor your hard drive, and don’t let it get full. This initiative will help with the device’s performance and functionality.
- Routinely check your storage and clear out unnecessary installations or downloads.
- Like your phone, you’ll want to clean your computer or laptop often. Pay special attention to your keyboard and trackpad, as dust and dirt can easily fall into the spaces.
- Once again, don’t overcharge your battery. It’s best to unplug the charger before the battery reaches 100%.
When you maintain your electronic products, you’ll pay for fewer repairs. You can also increase the time between new products and decrease the electronic waste problem in our landfills.
8. Recycle Electronic Products
As the volume of e-waste skyrockets, improper disposal becomes more hazardous to our soil and water each day. Recycling electronic products is essential if you can’t sell, donate, or repair them.
Recycling electronic products will allow companies to re-purpose the expensive parts inside for future use. This process helps save energy and reduces the need to mine raw materials from the earth.
Co-Founder & Marketing Director Alina Clark also believes recycling your products is the way to go.
“Whenever [you] have electronics that [you] can’t sell, [you can] opt to offer them for recycling at a nearby recycling plant,” said Clark. “Electronic components like motherboards shouldn’t be thrown away. They’re still usable once recycled.”
If you’re not sure where to turn regarding electronics disposal, we’re here to help.
Final Thoughts — Reducing the Electronic Waste Problem
Who knew being a conscious consumer was so easy — especially with your electronic products! Just think about what you buy, organize what you have, take good care of your devices, and sell, donate, or recycle what you don’t need. Together, we can take care of the electronic waste problem.
E-waste harms the environment and takes up space in our landfills. Call Newtech Recycling to learn how we can help you dispose of your electronics.