When it comes to purchasing electronic devices, many people opt for brand new products. While new gadgets may seem like the best option, there is a growing trend towards buying refurbished devices.
Refurbished devices are pre-owned items that have been inspected, repaired, and restored to like-new condition. Not only do refurbished devices save you money, but they also have a positive impact on the environment.
According to a report by the United Nations, the production of electronic devices accounts for about 50 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste) generated globally each year. By extending the lifespan of these devices through refurbishment and reuse, we can reduce the amount of e-waste generated and conserve natural resources.
In fact, the report found that for every million smartphones refurbished and reused, 16,000 tons of raw materials can be saved. These materials include precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as rare earth metals and other non-renewable resources. Additionally, the report estimated that reusing a smartphone can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 45 kg CO2 equivalent compared to manufacturing a new one.
Furthermore, a study by the European Union found that refurbished laptops have a lower environmental impact compared to new laptops in all impact categories, including resource depletion, global warming potential, and human toxicity. The study concluded that extending the lifespan of laptops through refurbishment and reuse can reduce the environmental impact by up to 60%.
The Environmental Impact: Refurbished vs Brand New Devices
The production of brand new electronic devices has a significant environmental impact. The manufacturing process requires the use of non-renewable resources, such as metals and plastics, as well as energy-intensive processes that contribute to carbon emissions. Additionally, the disposal of electronic waste is a growing problem, as toxic materials in electronics can seep into soil and water, causing harm to both the environment and human health.
Refurbished devices have a significantly lower environmental impact than brand new devices. This is because refurbished devices do not require the same level of resource extraction, energy consumption, or waste production. Refurbished devices are often made from parts salvaged from broken devices or from devices that were returned due to minor defects. This means that fewer resources are needed to produce them, reducing their carbon footprint.
Moreover, when devices are refurbished, they are kept out of landfills, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. By extending the lifespan of electronic devices, the demand for new devices is reduced, thus lowering the overall environmental impact.
Furthermore, here are some points about the environmental impact of refurbished tech compared to brand new devices.
Carbon footprint
The production of new electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, it is estimated that the production of a single smartphone produces approximately 85 kg of CO2 emissions. Refurbishing and extending the life of existing devices can reduce the need for new production and subsequently lower carbon emissions, making refurbished devices a more environmentally friendly option.
Energy consumption
Producing a brand new electronic device such as smartphone, laptop, or tablet requires a significant amount of energy and resources than refurbishing a device. A study by iFixit found that producing a new laptop requires 50 times more energy than refurbishing an existing one. This is because the production process for new devices involves mining, refining, and transporting raw materials, as well as assembling and packaging the final product.
Electronic waste
Electronic waste is a growing problem. The United Nations estimates that over 50 million tons of electronic waste are generated each year, and much of it ends up in landfills or is improperly disposed of, leading to environmental contamination.
Refurbishing and reusing devices by extending their lifespan can help to reduce the amount of e-waste generated. According to a report by the United Nations University, extending the lifespan of a smartphone by just one year could reduce its carbon footprint by 30%, and reduce e-waste by the same amount.
Material resources
The production of new devices requires the use of precious and finite resources, such as rare earth metals and minerals. Refurbishing and reusing existing devices can help to reduce the need for new production and subsequently lower the demand for these resources.
Save money
In addition to the environmental benefits, refurbished devices can also be a more affordable option for consumers. Refurbished devices are typically sold at a lower price than brand new devices, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. This can help to reduce the demand for new devices and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of electronic manufacturing.
Overall, refurbished technology has been found to be a more environmentally-friendly choice compared to brand new devices in almost every aspect. Despite the higher-impact part replacements, the majority of refurbished devices still have a significantly lower environmental impact.
Technology has become an essential part of our daily lives for work and entertainment. Rather than allowing our old devices to contribute to landfill waste, we have the opportunity to extend their lifespan and reduce environmental impact. By making a conscious decision to opt for refurbished tech, we can positively impact the environment in our daily lives.