Electronics have really become part and parcel of our daily lives, for better and for worse. While it’s certainly beneficial that we can work remotely from the comfort of home or enjoy some leisure time in front of the screen, it also comes at a cost - many, in fact.
One big problem that isn’t as discussed as it maybe should be is the growing problem of where all our electronics go when they die. Electronic waste is a major problem, and it’s one of many reasons why Global Recycling Day was initiated.
WHAT IS GLOBAL RECYCLING DAY?
Global Recycling Day was first initiated by the Global Recycling Foundation in 2018 in order to “help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet.” It is directed at both world leaders as well as everyone else across the planet in order to raise awareness on the topic of recycling.
This year’s 6th Global Recycling Day falls on 18 March 2023, and it’s no less important than initiatives of the past since the looming threat of the growing electronic waste (e-waste) crisis - amongst other sources of CO2 emissions - remains an urgent issue in Ireland and worldwide.
What can we learn from Global Recycling Day in 2023? Wisetek celebrates the day by supporting local communities and engaging in goodwill activities meant to inspire a mindset of change and environmental stewardship. More specifically, it is an opportunity to bring awareness to the problem of e-waste and how Wisetek Store is committed to playing a role in benefitting the environment.
THE GROWING GLOBAL PROBLEM OF E-WASTE
According to GWI, an estimated 74 million tonnes of e-waste will be generated every year by 2030, paribus ceteris, or all other things being held equal. This latter assumption is important because it can be seen as a warning sign of things to come unless something is done to abate e-waste generation worldwide. Indeed, from 2014 to 2019, e-waste grew globally by a whopping 21%. What can be done to reduce e-waste?
One of the first steps to reducing e-waste is to consider the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduction is often the least feasible for private individuals and companies, who simply need electronic devices in today’s day and age. If consumption cannot be reduced feasibly, then what are the options for reuse and recycling of electronics?
Unfortunately, electronic waste cannot simply be recycled alongside many other plastics, metals, glass, or paper. The rare earth metals contained in modern electronics, even in trace amounts, can leach into ground soils and create a major source of pollution.
REUSING VS RECYCLING E-WASTE
Although recycling e-waste is far more challenging than other recyclables, it is still possible through proper sorting and processing. This option is therefore far more preferable to discarding e-waste in a landfill, which is increasingly becoming illegal in many jurisdictions due to waste disposal laws. GWI claims that 31% of private consumers still throw away electronics with household rubbish, however, which means that the problem of reckless e-waste disposal remains significant. Moreover, only around 12.5% of e-waste is actually recycled globally, meaning that most of it ends up being improperly disposed of.
A far better alternative is to reuse electronics, whenever possible to do so. Reusing older electronics delays their eventual disposal (or preferably, recycling) whilst also providing value to customers, and indeed there are many electronic devices that are discarded well before their useable lifespan has been reached.
WISETEK STORE’S CONTRIBUTION TO ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
In order to maximise electronic device reuse and minimise needless landfill waste, the Wisetek Store has been established as a reputable online reseller of high-quality, ‘as new’ refurbished electronic devices. These products are fully in line with the environmental policy of our parent company Wisetek, which includes a Zero-Landfill Policy whereby we aim to completely minimise e-waste that ends up in landfills.
Moreover, Wisetek has undertaken many internal Corporate Sustainable Initiatives including adopting innovative approaches to recycling, fostering a corporate attitude of “Waste Not, Want Not,” and supporting environmental initiatives in partnership with the government of Thailand.
In 2022, coinciding with the launch of the Wisetek Store, Wisetek partnered with Trees on the Land to plant over 5,000 trees in County Cork, Ireland; one tree was planted for every order placed online.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF BUYING REFURBISHED ELECTRONICS
Buying refurbished electronics is a great way to save money on quality electronic devices, which is especially important with the cost of living going up and our need for electronics being so critically important for work, communications, leisure, or whatever you happen to use them for.
Refurbished electronics are not only good for your wallet, but it’s also a great way to shop sustainably. It really is a win-win; it’s a win for you, just as it’s a win for the environment. Furthermore, buying certifiably refurbished products from a reputable seller such as Wisetek Store comes with peace of mind, thanks to our FREE 12-month warranty on all products.
As a B2B service provider undertaking contracts with many large corporate entities around the world, Wisetek processes a massive amount of electronics (nearly 14 million devices). As such, we endeavour to refurbish and remarket useable electronics whenever possible as it benefits our clients, the environment, and the end consumer of our quality refurbished products.
SAVE MONEY ON SUSTAINABLE, REFURBISHED ELECTRONICS AT WISETEK STORE
At Wisetek and Wisetek Store, Global Recycling Day remains an important observance, although truly every day is equally important when it comes to recycling e-waste and minimising our impact on our one and only environment.
Shop for affordable and 100% sustainable refurbished laptops, refurbished MacBooks, refurbished tablets, desktop PCs, refurbished phones, and much more at Wisetek Store today.
If you’re looking for refurbished electronics in UK, explore Wisetek Store UK as we offer genuine and reliable refurbished laptops in UK and other devices like refurbished phones, refurbished MacBook, refurbished desktops & more.