In this post, we will be taking a closer look at how to reduce e-waste when buying a laptop, as well as some tips for extending the lifespan of your devices.
The levels of e-waste being produced globally are rapidly increasing and is a big problem for the environment and society in many ways. Most of us use devices like laptops daily, however, these devices are often discarded long before they have reached the end of their lifespan. By extending the lifecycle of devices, we can greatly reduce e-waste levels and the environmental impact of technology disposal.
What Is E-Waste And How Does It Negatively Impact The Environment?
E-waste can be described as electronic products that are unwanted, not working or near the end of their useful life and have been discarded. E-waste often ends up in landfills where it can do serious damage to the environment. These devices will contain harmful chemicals and metals that leech into the surrounding soil and groundwater when disposed of. These substances will then contaminate the surrounding areas and poison plants, animals and even humans if consumed.
It is estimated that approximately 57.4 million tonnes of e-waste will have been generated worldwide in 2021. According to the WEEE forum, this figure is expected to increase annually by 3% to 4% or approximately 2 million tonnes. Unfortunately, this is an issue that is close to home, as it is estimated that more than 14 million tonnes of e-waste are produced in Ireland annually. A significant amount of this includes devices that have been discarded long before they have truly reached the end of their lives. These items, which could still have been in active use, begin polluting the environment much earlier and create a higher demand for new products by consumers.
It is estimated that 276.8 million new laptops have been shipped to customers around the world in 2021. Producing these devices, shipping them to customers and eventually discarding or recycling them produces additional greenhouse gasses which are thought to contribute to global warming. This process is highly unsustainable and likely to cause irreparable damage if the cycle is not broken.
What Can Be Done To Reduce E-Waste Levels?
An easy way to reduce your E-waste levels is by making sure that you take good care of your laptop so that you can use it for a longer time before needing to replace it. Protecting your laptop from sources of moisture and transporting it in a protective sleeve or case, such as the Brenthaven MacBook Bag/Google Bag or the Dell Premier Sleeve, are all ways of protecting the device and extending its life.
It is also a good idea to opt for repair instead of replacing if your device starts acting up. Many problems can be fixed easily and often it is more economical to replace a defective component than it is to replace an entire device. These measures contribute towards extending the lifecycle of an electronic device by as much as possible, resulting in less e-waste and a lower total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the device.
Thinking twice and planning carefully before buying additional devices is another great way to reduce e-waste. Many of us have several devices that we have purchased on a whim and no longer use regularly. This is not only a very costly exercise but also one of the main reasons for the vast amount of e-waste that is being generated yearly. It is important to do enough research and assess your needs properly before buying extra tech. In doing so, you will likely end up with more cash and more drawer space. Purchasing a refurbished device when you need a second computer or tablet is a great idea because it costs less and reduces the demand for new production.
Why Refurbished Devices Are A Great Solution For The Reduction Of E-Waste
Refurbished laptops offer excellent quality and performance at a much lower price than an equivalent new model. However, the savings are not just financial in nature, refurbished devices also keep perfectly good laptops in use for much longer. Many refurbished devices are laptops that have served their first tour of duty in a corporate setting. Since these devices are frequently replaced, many of them are still in excellent condition and can be re-purposed for use in a different setting.
Refurbished devices significantly reduce the burden of e-waste and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases by reducing the demand for the production of new devices. By choosing a refurbished device instead of a new one, you are not only making a sound financial decision, but you are also putting the environment first. Wisetek Store adheres to the strictest environmental protection policies when refurbishing devices so that the environmental benefits are maximised. Our certified recycling facilities and processes are OHSAS, R2 and e-Stewards certified, and we comply with all the relevant ISO certification requirements.
In a 2011 study published in the journal of cleaner production, it was revealed that the production of a single laptop can release as much as 270 kg of carbon into the environment. By opting for a refurbished laptop these emissions, and other emissions related to the disposal or recycling of laptops, are significantly reduced.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Refurbished Laptop
Wisetek Store has a large range of premium refurbished laptops that are perfect for buyers who are looking for quality and performance at a reasonable price. Our refurbished digital devices are 100% secure as the data on these devices are securely deleted before the devices are inspected and repaired. This attention to detail ensures that any device from the Wisetek Store is fully functional and ready for its second tour of duty.
You can find refurbished laptops from premium brands such as Dell, Apple and Lenovo with savings of up to 30% less than the equivalent new model. In addition, we include a full 12-month warranty as standard with all laptop purchases so you can be sure that you are buying a premium device that will not let you down.
Conclusion
Our planet cannot continue to sustain the pollution that is associated with the production and discarding of unwanted tech devices. People must, therefore, make a conscious decision to reduce the generation of e-waste because These solutions are not complicated to implement, and they have multiple benefits that extend to the environment and the finances of everyday tech users. Choosing to replace your laptop with a refurbished one is the best decision you can make for yourself and the environment.
Shop Now
Take a look at Wisetek Store to browse our wide range of expertly refurbished laptops and find the model that suits your needs and budget. Wisetek Store is part of the larger Wisetek group which works with some of the world’s largest IT companies to dispose of their used and excess IT equipment safely and sustainably. You can be confident that you are buying a premium device at a great price when choosing one of our products.