In a world marked with rapid technological consumption, I wanted to take a different path and lead by example. That’s why I decided to make a small but impactful commitment to take a stand against the issue of e-waste by committing to keep my trusty notebook laptop for 10 years. Why did I do this, you may ask? As CEO of TCO Development, the organisation responsible for the global sustainability certification for IT products, TCO Certified,, and a member of the Circular Electronics Initiative, I wanted to demonstrate to our business community that, by taking good care, you can extend the life and prevent that product from ending up in a landfill. Today, as my 10-year-old notebook still runs smoothly, I believe it’s time to share three essential strategies to help reduce unnecessary e-waste and to help save our planet.
Extend the Life of Your Products
My 10-year commitment to my trusty notebook is a testament to the significant impact of extending the life of tech products. In a world where the linear economy model prevails, where virgin natural resources are continually extracted to manufacture products with alarmingly short lifespans, we must make a change. For example, in the case of notebook computers, over 80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions during their lifetime come from the manufacturing phase.
To reduce emissions and curb e-waste, the most crucial step we can take is to use each product for a few more years. From this perspective, buying a refurbished or remanufactured product is a more sustainable choice. By extending the life of our tech gadgets, we can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our IT use.
Choose Durable and Sustainable Products
When it’s time to invest in a new tech product, choosing durable options that can withstand the test of time is paramount. Look for products that carry sustainability certifications with robust criteria and require independent verification. These certifications ensure that the products are designed with sustainability in mind and are more likely to last longer.
To further offset the e-waste footprint of your new purchase, consider recycling a product with a similar footprint or explore the possibility of purchasing offsetting services. This approach allows you to take responsibility for the environmental impact of your tech gadgets and actively contribute to reducing e-waste.
Reuse and Recycle Responsibly
Electronics contain valuable resources that can be reused or recycled, making it essential to handle them responsibly when they reach the end of their life cycle. If you no longer have use for your old electronic products, avoid letting them gather dust in your drawer or disposing of them in regular waste bins. Instead, opt for the following responsible alternatives:
- Extended Producer Responsibility Schemes: Many countries have established extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes, which require manufacturers to manage and recycle electronic products at the end of their life. Participating in EPR schemes ensures that your old electronics are handled in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Electronics Recycling Centres: Electronics recyclers specialise in safely dismantling and recycling electronic products to recover valuable materials while minimising the environmental impact. By sending your old gadgets to a reputable electronics recycler, you contribute to reducing e-waste.
- Refurbishment: Some electronic products can be refurbished and given a second life. If your old devices are still functional or repairable, consider donating them to organisations that specialise in refurbishing tech gadgets.
The alarming rate at which toxic e-waste accumulates worldwide, equivalent to approximately 15,187 Big Ben clocks each year, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. The Circular Electronics Initiative, composed of 28 organisations, advocates for sustainable IT product usage among policymakers, corporations, and the public. We need to move away from the linear economy model and embrace sustainability to combat e-waste effectively.
My 10-year commitment to my trusty notebook laptop serves as a powerful example of how extending the life of our tech products can make a significant difference in reducing e-waste. By choosing durable and sustainable products, taking responsibility for the environmental impact of our tech purchases, and reusing and recycling responsibly, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future. It’s time for consumers, businesses, and policymakers to embrace these strategies and work together to combat the growing e-waste crisis and protect our planet.
Written by Sören Enholm
