Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing problem around the world. Globally we generate around 40 million tons of electronic waste every year. We’re told that’s the equivalent of throwing away 800 laptops every second!
E-waste comprises 70% of our overall toxic waste. As we all increasingly rely on technology, more and more electronic devices end up in landfills, where they leach toxic chemicals into the environment. But that’s not all: it’s a waste of perfectly useful elements and materials, some of them rare, that could go into making shiny new tech!
There are a few easy steps we can take, as part of our natural routine, to reduce our e-waste and minimize our impact on the planet. With these simple steps, we can all do our part to reduce e-waste and protect the environment in the immediate term. Here are some tips on how to reduce the electronic waste you collect:
Care for Your Electronics as Long as Possible
Take steps to extend the life of your electronics. Keep them clean, update their software regularly, and use protective cases and screen protectors to prevent damage. The longer you can use your electronics, the less waste you produce. Take good care of your devices and make sure to use them until they are no longer useful. This also means being mindful of how often you use your electronics and trying to reduce any unnecessary usage. This can help prolong the life of your devices, which reduces the amount of electronic waste you produce.
Buy Your Electronics Mindfully
Invest in high-quality electronics that are designed to last, even if they’re not the newest on the market. Look for new products that have warranties and good customer reviews. Or if performance isn’t a huge issue, consider buying secondhand electronics instead of new ones. This reduces demand for new products and prevents waste.
Repairing Over Replacing
Instead of throwing away a broken device, try to get it repaired. Many electronic devices can be repaired and refurbished, which is clearly better for the environment than buying a new device. This is a good opportunity to look honestly at your tech needs too. Do you really need a brand-new device, or would a refurbishment mean it’s “new to you”? Sometimes we want the new thing just because it’s new, and that means paying for a lot of bells and whistles we’ll never use. You want a machine you can count on, not one to show off.
Donate Used Electronics
If your electronics are still in good condition, consider donating them instead of throwing them away. This can help reduce waste and provide someone else with a useful device. What’s old hat or useless to you might make a big difference in someone else’s journey, as everyone’s tech needs and approaches differ. After all, the reason electronic waste is even a topic under major discussion is because of the harm e-waste in particular can do. Why add to the problem when there are sensible opportunities to extend those machines’ capabilities?
Best Option: Recycle Electronics With RetirePC
When you no longer need your electronics, recycle them instead of throwing them away. Many manufacturers offer recycling programs for electronics, or you can visit your one-stop electronics recycling shop, RetirePC. We’ll buy your old tech and turn it into new products and materials for future creation.
By selling and recycling your old electronics, buying refurbished electronics, and choosing devices with longevity, you can significantly reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills or toxic burns. It is important to take action now to protect the environment and ensure that future generations have a healthy planet to live on, and with RetirePC it couldn’t be easier. Or more lucrative! Contact us or come by today to see just what we can offer you for your tech.