(Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I genuinely believe in) Learn more.
The role of electronics is significant in today’s all-digital age. However, they are among the biggest polluters too. Electronic devices have a large footprint, from production to disposal.
Residing in New Jersey, I started to be aware of electronic waste and just how much of it was being dumped into the environment. Two years ago I took concrete action on making my tech waste less and more environmentally friendly.
Here’s how I did it:
My home office was the first to be reviewed. Even though my old laptop still worked, it was starting to slow down. Rather than purchasing a new one I chose to change out the RAM and upgrade it with an SSD. It extended the life of my laptop but also saved me money and reduced e-waste.
Step number two, I researched energy-saving appliances. I bought myself a nice, energy-efficient Dell monitor to replace the ageing beast at my desk. The new monitor is a power sipper that includes an eco-mode to further save on energy when not in use.
I planned on Recycling a good bit. I had a stack of old electronics – an ancient phone, two obsolete routers and a broken printer. These were taken to Best Buy where they have a recycling program for these types of things.
I bought some TP-Link smart plugs to reduce the amount of energy I was using. It let me power my devices remotely and is programmed to turn off at scheduled times. The result was a noticeable drop in my electricity bill.
Finally, I made it a point to stay informed. Following websites like EcoWatch helped me keep up with the latest in sustainable tech practices. Here I would like to share with you some tips on how you can go green with your tech:
1. Select Energy Efficient Gadgets
They help in using less power which leads to a decrease your carbon emissions. Choose devices that have an Energy Star rating or equivalent which suggests the options are energy-efficient.
For example, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptop features one of the best batteries in terms of energy efficiency and is also Energy Star-certified
2. Opt for Sustainable Brands
Learn more about green-friendly companies. More recently, brands have been emphasizing environmentally-friendly materials and fair labor practices as well as lower emissions.
Make a special effort to research companies, and choose one that has committed themselves not only to the best possible manufactury practices but also environmental responsibility.
For instance, Fairphone is a company dedicated to creating sustainable smartphones with ethically sourced materials and modular designs for easy repair.
3. Extend the Life of Your Devices
The longer you use your devices, the lesser the need for new ones. Maintain your electronics by:
- Updating software constantly to enhance functionality.
- Protecting the phone with case and screen guards.
- Trying To Fix Broken Things Instead Of Just Replacing Them
For example, Apple provides long-term support for its iPhones, supporting iPhone owners well beyond the two-year mark with iOS updates
4. Recycle Properly
Electronic Waste (e-waste) which contains toxic elements that are detrimental to the environment. Proper recycling ensures these materials are disposed of safely and valuable components are recovered.
Many manufacturers and retailers offer recycling programs for old devices.
For example, Best Buy has an e-waste recycling program where you can drop off old electronics for safe disposal.
5. Buy Refurbished
Refurbished electronics are any devices, such as laptops and smartphones which have been used previously but were refurbished to look like new. They are often cheaper and come with warranties, providing a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to buying new ones.
Example: Apple and Amazon sell certified refurbished products that go through tough testing and come with warranties.
Also, the “right to repair” movement is gaining traction as people seek out ways to fix their broken electronic gadgets as opposed to buying new ones.
6. Minimize Energy Consumption
Small changes in how you use your devices can lead to significant energy savings:
– Turn off devices when not in use.
– Use power strips to easily disconnect multiple devices.
– Enable power-saving modes on your gadgets.
For example: A lot of smart home gadgets, like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug, let you control power use remotely, cutting down on energy waste.
7. Go Digital
Going digital was another easy win for me. I started using e-books and got online subscriptions for magazines and newspapers. My Kindle became my favourite way to read, and I liked how much space it saved in my home office.
You can reduce the need for physical products by choosing digital options instead::
- Read e-books instead of paper ones.
- Save files in the cloud instead of on external drives.
- Stream media instead of buying physical copies.
8. Back Green Initiatives
A lot of tech firms are putting money into renewable energy and green tech. Picking their products can push the industry to be more eco-friendly.
Example: Google plans to run its data centers on 100% renewable energy and keeps investing in eco-friendly tech solutions.
9. Keep Up with News
Tech keeps changing, and so do ways to make it greener. Stay updated about new eco-friendly ideas and methods to keep cutting down on your impact on the environment. Websites like EcoWatch often post articles about new green tech and eco-friendly living.
Going green with your gadgets isn’t just about buying the right stuff. It’s also about making smart choices in how you use and get rid of your devices. If you follow these tips, you can enjoy cool modern tech while leaving a smaller mark on the planet.
