Our advancements in consumer technology have helped us do a lot of things but being eco-conscious isn’t often one of them. While there have been some great innovations to make industry more green, our every day devices and other consumer products cause a lot of harm in terms of energy use, resources, pollution, and waste. Thankfully, there are a few things we can do to be better, like supporting environmentally-friendlier companies and changing our consumer behaviours and habits.
In the first half of 2018, Apple announced its operations would be moving to fully clean energy – including solar, wind, and hydrogen – for its office, data centers, and stores, which is admirable and important for the leading and massive tech giant.Not all the suppliers are complying to this target, however, but the pressure is on. Unfortunately, Apple’s marketing strategy still constantly pushes for consumers to get the latest version of the iPhone and MacBook, with each frequent release. These devices use a lot of energy themselves, they’re made from plastic and lithium-ion batteries, and are not often recycled properly. HP is going with the opposite strategy: emphasizing devices that last and don’t need frequent replacing. Most phones aren’t built to last much longer than two years – the time that your contract probably lasts. HP has set a goal for reducing emissions from their supply chain, as well.
An important thing we can do as consumers is to use our devices for as long as we can. It’s tempting to buy the newest, flashiest phone and stash our old one in the closet for fear of identity theft. This might be slightly better than tossing your phone away – just as 125 million phones in the US are per year.Here it will degrade and leak e-waste into the ground and water table. Phones contain many materials that could be re-used, as well as sensitive information. Plus, some of the raw materials come from war-torn zones. The best strategy for you and the environment is to use your device as long as possible.Avoid the risk of identity theft by having it, along with your old laptop, storage drives, and piles of old paper files, mail, and other documents, destroyed by on site paper shredding services and electronics destruction who will recycle all of the materials safely.
When you’re looking for a new device, try to find the most environmentally-conscious and power saving version that will also last a long time. While it’s only available in Europe thus far, the Amsterdam company Fair Phone is making phones that are eco- and socially-conscious. The materials come from conflict-free zones and are made in ethical factory settings from recycled materials. The device uses very little energy over its lifetime. Replacement parts are available to fix yourself. The graphics aren’t quite at the level of a new iPhone or Android, but it’s a small concession to make for the ethical value. It’s a promising product that could spark North American companies to take the lead.
Research the companies you’re buying your tech from. How green-conscious are they and their suppliers?Do their factories have ethical working conditions?How long do their devices last?What are they made from?Be dedicated to using your laptop, phone, and tablet as long as possible. Bring your own phone bills are much cheaper, and there is not a major difference in each generation of phone when it comes to the impact on your life. Don’t let marketing fool you into thinking otherwise.
