Technology is the driving force behind our world, but it can also be a major source of pollution. Electronic devices and e-waste are polluting the environment and toxic chemicals that find their way into our products are harming workers and consumers alike. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to make technology green!
Here, we’ll discuss six ways you can make technology greener. From recycling old devices to buying devices with less toxic chemicals or using gadgets more efficiently, these tips will help reduce your environmental footprint.
1. Reduce Your Electronic Footprint
Reduce your environmental footprint by recycling old electronics and e-waste. That old phone, laptop, tablet or computer that you’ve been using all this time may be outdated in design, but it is still better than a hazardous electronic waste. There are a lot of companies that offer services to recycle old electronics, including Nintendo in America: Nintendo will collect used electronics for free and then will recycle them so that the company won’t release any e-waste into the environment.
Reduce your electronic footprint by purchasing products that are designed with the environment in mind. You can always buy more environmentally-friendly products in the future or by recycling used products you purchase.
2. Reduce Your E-Waste
We know how much you love your gadgets, but it’s possible that you are disposing a lot of old tech. Perhaps you’re only buying the newest devices, or you don’t like what your current phone or TV can do. Either way, consider purchasing refurbished phones or equipment. Many manufacturers of refurbished devices don’t handle the disposition of your old gadget as responsibly as they might, but some are more reliable than others. Most of all, if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, you can also choose to trade in your old gadgets, whether it’s for a new product or cash, and even recycle them yourself!
Big companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple have excellent refurbishment programs.
3. Buy Greener Gadgets
Modern gadgets come with a variety of materials, such as copper, zinc and lead. Luckily, many manufacturers are making these materials more sustainable by replacing their gold-plated components with alternatives that can be recycled into new products, such as smartphones and tablets. The materials that have been replaced come with a small cost to the consumer, but when considered over the entire lifetime of a device, it can really add up. And if you have extra money, consider investing in more green products that still use quality materials.
4. Recycle old devices
New devices do not always break down after a year, so old gadgets can quickly become junk. But now there are more options to recycle your old gadgets. Most devices come with recycling guides and handy recycling bins in stores, so don’t hesitate to clean out your old devices or throw them into the recycling bin instead of the trash.
Look for a local recycling site near you. Collect a team and join your city’s Recycle Day if there’s any. Or, come up with creative ideas such as turning your old smartphones into a CCTV! Now you can have yourself an outdoor security camera, even if it’s a tiny one. Invest in renewable energy options
If you’re a parent, there are plenty of green tech options for you to purchase for your children.
The average smartphone contains a lot of materials such as; plastic parts, diodes, transistors, battery cells and LEDs. Many of these parts can be recycled or reused, but many are simply recycled for their metal content.
5. Use Gadgets More Efficiently
You can use fewer gadgets for the same amount of information and entertainment. By storing most of your information on online cloud storage and using the computer’s wi-fi or cellular connection, you will save hundreds of pounds on long-distance communications, as well as the amount of electricity required to use internet, videos, games, and TV.
6. Reduce your carbon emissions from gadgets
Greening the technology you use will not only improve the environment, but it will also improve your own well-being. For instance, your devices emit harmful mercury and lead, so try to limit your electronics use.
There are many ways you can monitor and track your gadgets’ energy consumption in real time. This not only lets you know exactly what’s using up all that electricity, but also helps you understand how you can use that energy more efficiently.
Each gadget can have a unique data point, so you can learn where you are wasting energy and what you can do to reduce it. It’s a simple way to reduce your environmental impact and boost your own well-being.
Conclusion
The earth cannot sustain the mass consumption of things, the waste that results from it, and the mass exploitation of workers and consumers by large multinational corporations. Each of us has a responsibility to do our part in the battle against these problems and do what we can to protect our planet and create a healthier, better world for future generations.
