What happens to your used devices ? Do you want to recycle your non-repairable equipment? Reducing your electronic waste has become essential from an ethical and environmental point of view . Read this article, which will give you some solutions. Perhaps it will help convince you to take action and adopt the right reflexes.
Understanding planned obsolescence
It is a process that consists of voluntarily reducing the lifespan of a product. The consumer is forced to constantly buy new products.
Here is a small list of examples:
- Some equipment is difficult, if not impossible, to repair.
- Some manufacturers don't provide the spare parts needed for repairs. The price is prohibitive to get them back in working order. This is the case for large household appliances.
- Others make new accessories they produce incompatible with old equipment.
- Some LCD or plasma televisions have a capacitor. This capacitor is sometimes placed in a location where it will quickly heat up, swell, and break.
- Etc.
📌 You can use fabric pouches to protect your tablet or phone as much as possible.
Reduce your electronic waste with the 3R method
Repairing your devices rather than throwing them away is the right thing to do. To do this, try the 3R rule.
Reduce
Are you concerned about the ecosystem? Then it's time to reduce electronic waste. All this to limit the environmental disaster it represents. Our high-tech products are full of not-so-eco-friendly materials. They are found in batteries, particularly for smartphones and laptops.
Not being permanently connected also extends the lifespan of your devices. Reduce waste rather than systematically consuming new products.
Reuse
The second R is to reuse your electronics. In this case, share them with others. Encourage the secondhand market. Today, there are many platforms or places that recondition your used goods.
Choose refurbished products over the latest models. Defective parts are replaced or repaired. You'll get a nearly new electronic device at half the price. You'll save on price and be doing your bit for the environment.
Recycle
Often, not knowing where to throw them away, electronic devices are stored in a drawer. Worse, they could end up in the trash one day. Are you a DIY enthusiast? Then consider recycling. Save a few components for another use.
Otherwise, join a Repair Café. Volunteers with their expertise will help you identify the problem. Better yet, they'll give you tips on how to fix it.
Just like secondhand clothing, consider secondhand devices. This obviously avoids waste. Opt for refurbished digital items on secondhand auction sites.
📌 After the 3R method, look at the KISS tactic .
Know where to drop off your electronic waste
There are several options for disposing of an electronic device.
Ecosystem
The Ecosystem organization works to develop preparation, reuse and recycling:
- electrical equipment;
- light bulbs;
- and small fire extinguishers.
You will find a collection point near you.
The waste disposal sites
Acceptable waste and sorting instructions are often posted at the site entrance. Sort your leftovers into skips or containers. They are then collected and directed to the most appropriate recycling facility.
Charitable and solidarity associations
Emmaüs is the best known. This movement, founded by Abbé Pierre, fights against poverty and exclusion. This association gives people the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Bringing electronic waste to Emmaüs therefore has a dual impact: human and environmental.
Recycling options
Buy appliances from stores that offer recycling options. They will take back your obsolete equipment.
Appreciate the consequences of electronic equipment on the planet
The repercussions of all this electronic waste are significant. In addition to ecological damage, there is also human damage.
Ecological damage from electrical and electronic devices
Planned obsolescence reduces the lifespan of your electronic devices. However, all of these devices have a huge impact on our environment. Highly polluting chemical extraction processes are used. This affects water, leading to the destruction of ecosystems.
Human damage from electrical and electronic devices
Mining minerals such as tin and tungsten is not without its dangers. The manufacturing of computers and smartphones has social and ethical impacts. People work in disastrous conditions.
📌 To introduce your loved ones to the zero waste approach, consider a gift card .
Be aware of the players involved in reconditioning
- Zack : Specialist in the second life of electronic products. Collection, resale, donation, recycling, Zack is your solution.
- Remade : based in Normandy, this is a factory that rebuilds iPhone screens in a more environmentally friendly way.
- Recommerce : French player in the recovery and sale of refurbished phones and iPads.
- Blackmarket : reconditioning of all kinds of devices.
👉 And for your household appliances, think of Murfy .
Reduce the use of electronic devices
To reduce your tablet or smartphone usage, you need to establish a few simple rules.
Stop sending emails after a certain time
You're home. In this case, work is done. It's time to head to the kitchen and get out your pretty napkins . So leave your computer behind. You'll come back to it tomorrow.
Ban digital devices at the table
Family meals are a time for sharing and conversation. With your reusable cutlery in hand, there's no need for a smartphone. Nothing's more annoying than seeing someone staring at their screen.
Apply one Sunday a month without a cell phone
Engage in non-digital activities. Leave all your devices behind. Take advantage of a beautiful day to go for a walk with your pockets empty!
Go to the beach without your phone
Enjoy your free time. Let your eyes rest. No more notifications to warn you of this or that tragedy. Besides, with the brightness, the screen is invisible.
Millions of tons of electronic waste end up in landfills every year. Practice good habits every day. Encourage your children to go screen-free from a young age. Reducing electronic waste has become essential for our health. Not to mention the well-being of our beautiful planet.
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