Technology is an integral component of our daily life from cell phones to televisions, music players to laptops. However, our reliance on technology has a substantial impact on the environment. There are various ways to green up your technology or even use it for environmental reasons,
Tips to Greening Up Gadgets
Obtain Professional Opinion Before Purchasing
Check Energy Star ratings, EPEAT ratings, Consumer Reports, and other expert resources to compare various electronic devices. This will assist you in locating the most eco-friendly and energy-efficient products available.
Purchase Used Devices
Purchasing a used electronic device achieves 2 objectives. First, you reduce the gadget’s carbon footprint by extending its lifespan, and second, you save money. Consider one of the buyback firms before making your next purchase. Manufacturers also provide refurbished equipment at a discounted price. You may even find what you’re searching for at The Freecycle Network (TFN) for free.
Invest in Recycled and Recyclable Products
Check the product’s materials and opt for gadgets that use recycled or sustainably sourced components with minimal environmental impact. Find new devices manufactured from recycled materials. Ensure that the equipment you’re purchasing is recyclable if it is not manufactured with recycled materials.
Charge Electronics Using Renewable Energy
There are portable charging devices that use solar or wind energy to power your electronic devices. There are chargers that can absorb energy during the day so that you can plug in and recharge your equipment at night, as well as solar chargers that double as iPhone skins. Everything is virtually rechargeable today. Use rechargeable batteries instead of alkaline ones if the one you’re checking is snot. Choose lithium-ion batteries.
Making an E-Waste Management Plan for Your Small Business
Utilize Standby Power
Standby Power (Vampire power) allows you to green your gadgets with additional gadgets. Standby power refers to the energy consumed by devices that are plugged in but not in use. Devices are not completely off even if they are meant to be “off”. Although manufacturers are becoming better at lowering the amount of energy consumed by their devices when turned off or in standby mode, you can also do your part. First, prevent energy waste by unplugging gadgets that are not in use or fully charged. Second, use technologies such as smart power strips that reduce power to gadgets that are no longer in use.
Maximize the Features of a Device
The most effective strategy to reduce our device use is to utilize all of its features. This helps extend the usefulness of a gadget and make it totally worth the money you spent. It also reduces the number of gadgets you feel you need or desire and constant charging. Most cell phones may now function as alarm clocks, calculators, personal digital assistants, cameras, and music players. By maximizing your cell phone use, you can eliminate the requirement for five devices.
Avoid the Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) and Use One Device for as Long as Possible
Shiny object syndrome is a persistent condition of distraction caused by the persistent perception that there is always something fresh worth pursuing. The majority of devices can be used for years before it is time to upgrade. This is particularly true of mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld gaming devices, and other such gadgets. Before updating your equipment, consider whether you truly require a new phone or a new laptop when a new, quicker, smaller model is released.
Use Old Gadgets to Earn Money
Buyback programs are excellent places to shop for new electronics and for disposing of old stuff if you’ve decided to upgrade. Buyback programs purchase used gadgets, renovate them, and then resell them. It extends the life of your devices and puts a little green in your pocket and your heart.
Recycle Old Gadgets
Do not throw away gadgets that have reached their end. Use free recycling programs to avoid e-waste. Many manufacturers will take back old equipment for free, making disposal easy for you and the environment. Consult local electronics retailers or the Internet for information on free recycling programs in your area. Ensure that you are returning your gadgets to a responsible recycler, one that pledges not to export to e-waste dumps and follows Basel Action Network (BAN) guidelines.
The Basel Action Network is a nonprofit non-governmental organization that fights the transfer of toxic waste from industrialized civilizations to developing countries. BAN has its headquarters in Seattle, Washington, United States with an affiliate office in the Philippines.
Reduce the carbon footprint of your electronic devices.
Even if you adopt all the above suggestions, it is likely that your device will still leave a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the total quantity of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by an individual or organization’s actions. It includes both direct and indirect pollutants.
Carbon offsetting can be achieved by purchasing carbon offsets online. Your contribution goes directly to carbon emission reduction efforts. Some manufacturers facilitate the process by allowing customers to purchase carbon offsets at the time of purchase.
Electronic recycling R2-certified companies, such as TechWaste Recycling, may also oversee your e-waste disposal. Call them to schedule a pickup, see the service areas we cover.
