How to stop your devices from choking the planet

Technologically speaking, the COVID-19[feminine] The pandemic has made Americans more connected than ever. From smart TVs and internet-enabled games to game consoles, it’s available in the average home today 25 connected devices – More than double compared to 2019.

This abundance of technologies has a cost: a flowing river of e-waste. Tools are the fastest growing and most polluting category of waste. Old appliances are prone to releasing toxic chemicals or catching fire. Recycling rates are grim: Typically less than a fifth of electronics are recycled each year.

“Globally, we generate up to 100 blue whales every day of e-waste, 80-81% of which will not be recycled,” said Elizabeth Chamberlain, director of sustainability at iFixit, a community of reform enthusiasts.

In the face of this crisis, some major technology companies have taken measures to reduce the environmental impact of their products. After years of efficiency Promote planned obsolescenceApple, Samsung, and Google allow customers to repair some of their products, thus extending their life. Critics say that’s not enough, prompting companies to do more and government regulators to keep their feet in the fire.

As consumers realize Earth day On Friday, they can take steps to reduce the impact of their technology — and save some money to boot. Here’s what conservationists suggest to get the most out of your appliances.

Keep your device longer

When looking for new hardware, the first question should be whether you want to buy one. If you can avoid getting a new smartphone or laptop, either by repairing an old model or installing some upgrades to get another year of use from an existing gadget, do so, experts advise.

“The vast majority of the device’s carbon footprint comes from the manufacturing process,” Chamberlain said.

Americans buy about 161 million new phones every year, according to a recent study American PIRG. If everyone kept a smartphone for another year instead of upgrading it, it would cut emissions as much as 636,000 cars off the road.

One of the main reasons people replace their phones is to increase battery life. Replacing the battery in an old phone isn’t as easy as it used to be, but it’s still a way to extend the life of your device and is much cheaper than buying a new one.

For example, iFixit sells an iPhone 12 battery replacement kit for $50, a fix that the site considers fairly difficult. Independent repair shops can also sometimes replace device batteries.

When buying a device, keep its longevity in mind

When buying a new tool, look for how easy it is to upgrade or repair – this can have a big impact on how long it takes. iFixit Notes smart phonesAnd laptops And Tablets Based on its easy to fix and provides collaborative guides for many devices.

Note that some of these ratings may change soon now that some major tech companies have pledged to make it easier to fix their products. Apple said consumers will be able to buy coins to do a joint action repairs For iPhone 12 and 13. Samsung in March advertisement A repair program for some Galaxy phones, and Google did the same this month for phones pixel communicate. They are all expected to be launched this year.

Beware of devices that use a lot of glue to hold components together rather than screws or clips – this is a sign that installation can be difficult.

Consumers can also look for modular equipment, designed to be easy to disassemble and customize. For example, file framework The laptop is a modular computer while the Fairphone aims to be a rugged smartphone.

Beware of cheap TVs

Flat screen TVs are particularly problematic because they are often bulky and not designed to last.

“Seeing so many flat-screen TVs is frustrating,” said Amanda Lagrange, executive director of Tech Dump, a Minnesota Twin Cities nonprofit that recycles and recycles electronic waste.

“People often buy them on Black Friday, for example, as some, but not all, manufacturers are reducing the quality of the ingredients. This is how they can make it cheaper.”

To avoid the cheapest options, LaGrange suggests consumers check the model number of the TV they want. “See if it sells at another time of the year. If not, it will probably be cheaper and you can’t fix this item at a reasonable cost.”

Buying Refurbished Technology

Tech Dump’s sister organization, Tech Discount Company, refurbishes newer models of hardware and sells them at a discount. Many nonprofits and online marketplaces do the same.

Amanda Lagrange said consumers should not be shy about using second-hand technology because they assume it won’t perform well. Reputable retailers will rigorously test refurbished items, and many will sell items with similar return policies and guarantees as new ones.

“Once someone buys a refurbished electronic device, they are more likely to buy it again. It’s like buying used jeans for the first time,” she said. “People think, ‘Why did you waste money?’”

Avoid the “rejection stack”

When it’s time to throw away your old electronics, give them a second life by giving them to a friend or donating them to a recycling or refurbishment center. Many of these centers offer a financial reward by allowing someone to deduct the value of their donation.

But they should do it quickly, rather than letting old technology pile up, Lagrange advises. It refers to the “denial pile,” where non-working electronic devices have been in a basement or garage for years. By the time someone donates, they are often too old to be regenerated and can only be discarded.

“If you bring your own iPhone X which is now in a drawer, it can be easily renewed,” she said. “If you wait another six years, it won’t be that easy.”

Supporting the Right to Repair

Despite a growing national movement to ensure consumers can repair their devices – a problem very popular Which enjoys bipartisan support in Congress – no country has yet codified this right into law.

This needs to change to reduce e-waste, said Nathan Proctor, director of the Public Interest Research Group’s Right to Reform Campaign. “To win the controversy, to win the audience, we are in a very strong position,” he said. “In terms of reform, we are just getting started.”

Currently, nine states are considering bills that would enhance consumers’ right to repair. In addition, three bills were introduced Congress This would facilitate the rights to repair cars, electronics and tractors.

Pressure from the Biden administration, which has pushed for consumers’ right to reform, is the main reason tech companies have softened their anti-reform stance, according to Proctor. But making that change permanent requires putting new laws in the books.

These companies, their job is to make money. And it is our duty as citizens of this country to make sure they do so without harming consumers and the planet.”