Circularity in technology products is something we need to start taking seriously. With the passage of time and constant advances in technology, the consumption of tech products is increasing rapidly along with the generation of electronic waste (E-waste). E-waste is often not managed properly resulting in harmful emissions which in turn cause global pollution, habitat destruction and climate change.
Importance of Electronic Recycling
Typically, E-waste ends up in landfills. There it ends up releasing toxic elements such as chromium and mercury into the environment which leads to soil, air, and water pollution. These toxic elements not only harm wildlife but also post a threat to human health.
Recycling E-waste minimizes the need to mine the earth for raw materials and puts less pressure on natural resources. It also helps to keep waste out of landfills which in turn minimizes the risk of causing health issues in people and animals living nearby areas.
Recycled e-waste provides useful materials such as glass, aluminium, copper, gold, and plastics which can be used to produce new products.
According to a report from the United Nations (UN), approximately 50,000,000 tonnes of E-waste is generated each year and there is 100 times more gold in one tonne of E-waste than in one tonne of mined gold ore.
Instead of throwing away E-waste we must consider selling or donating our used tech products such as mobile phones, laptops and televisions to E-waste recycling facilities.
Companies such as Sell My iPhone will buy your old mobile phones at reasonable prices and refurbish them to give them a new life. Other companies such as Ruezone specialise in selling refurbished devices for those wishing to be conscientious consumers.
Benefits of Reusing and Reselling Tech Products
Sometimes, people do not consider buying refurbished electronic products as they are unaware of the benefits. Therefore, we have put together a list of some of the benefits of reusing tech products. Let us explore them one by one.
Value for money
Buying a refurbished device can be significantly cheaper than buying one that is brand new. You might be surprised to know that even the latest devices in pristine condition get traded into companies such as Sell My iPhone, allowing smart consumers to obtain good as new devices at bargain prices.
Buying refurbished devices an economical way to recycle electronic products, reducing the cost and simultaneously minimizing your environmental footprint.
Lower Carbon Footprint
If you minimize your own E-waste and reuse electronic devices, you can significantly decrease your carbon footprint. Much of the carbon footprint associated with electronics is generated during the production phase. From the mining of resources to the mega-factories where they are produced, more CO2 emissions are created by the production of smartphones than by their usage.
If there is circularity in technology products, less resources are required for the manufacturing of new products, minimizing your individual environmental footprint.
Reduced Impact on Habitats
The manufacture of electronic products requires a lot of natural resources. To obtain raw materials such as gold, copper, silver and platinum, companies engage in large scale mining operations. These mining activities are often carried out in environmentally sensitive areas, sometimes illegally, leading to loss of habitat and reduced biodiversity. When you opt to buy refurbished electronic products, the need to manufacturing new ones is decreased which in turn preserves natural habitats and biodiversity along with minimizing pollution and climate change.
Employment
To obtain good quality refurbished electronic devices for reuse, you must give your old tech products to recycling facilities. Making use of these services increases the demand for labour in recycling industries which in turn creates employment opportunities. Reusing tech products not only helps in environmental sustainability but also creates socio-economic benefits. With more and more devices being discarded annually the opportunities for employment are vast.
Increased access
When electronic devices are recycled, they are sold in affordable prices in the market. This increases the accessibility of such products to people in underprivileged positions and makes it easy for them to afford electronic goods. People can also donate their used tech products to charitable organizations, schools, or financially unstable families rather than discarding them.
We often take for granted the unparalleled access to information that modern technology has afforded us in modern society and the benefits associated. A circular electronic economy grants access to modern devices to those in less fortunate situations and to those in developing nations. It cannot be overstated the value that easy access to information carries, such as educational resources, important news, and newfound commerce opportunities.
Energy Conservation
Producing new products requires energy to mine, filter and transport the raw materials. By reusing and recycling devices you can minimize the need of production for new ones, which translates into less energy usage to obtain essential materials from the earth.
To preserve natural resources, minimize our collective carbon footprint, and promote community and environmental benefits, it is necessary that we start considering E-waste minimization as a priority. Safeguarding the environment needs to be a primary motivation for all of us as it will help lead us to a sustainable future. So, let us begin taking some initiatives and all contribute towards the betterment of the world.