Many of us have never lived without electronics in our hands and our homes. As digital natives, we have a different perspective on global citizenship and social responsibility than previous generations.
We have the power to drive change through conscious consumerism, raising awareness, and pursuing careers in sustainable technology. With our skills, creativity, and passion, we can revolutionize how the world deals with e-waste, turning this crisis into an opportunity for innovation and positive change.
But how? Let’s explore six ways we can help curb the e-waste problem and live more sustainably. But first, let’s be clear. The problem is exploding – literally – so let’s cover that real quick.
The Digital Dilemma
E-waste is growing rapidly, nearly doubling in the past 12 years, and is projected to increase another 75% by 2030. The pace of technological advancement, planned obsolescence, and increasing electronification of everyday items are driving the surge in e-waste.
Currently, only 22% of global e-waste is recycled, leaving the rest to wreak havoc on the environment and public health. E-waste releases toxic pollutants like mercury and lead, contributes to climate change, and wastes valuable resources.
Improper management of e-waste contaminates soil and water, pollutes the air, and leads to long-term health risks. We wrote an entire guide to the e-waste crisis- be sure to check it out here - From Gadgets to Garbage: The Alarming Surge of Electronic Waste
6 tech habits that save the planet
Here are six small ways you can change your tech habits to make a big difference.
1. Make it last
Start by treating the gadgets you already have like the precious resources they are! You don’t have to magically learn to stop dropping your phone (I never did). You can get a stronger case or learn some basic repair skills.
Learning how to repair my devices was shockingly easier than I expected. I’ve replaced my own battery and screen and even repaired my circular saw myself. Each repair took me less than an hour.
Also, don't sleep on software updates either – they're not just annoying pop-ups but power-ups that keep your tech running smoother for longer. By showing your gadgets some TLC, you're not just saving money – you're dealing a critical hit to the e-waste monster.
2. Mindful shopping
It's time to shop smarter for your tech. Before you hit that "buy now" button, check on brands' eco-cred – are they actually walking the sustainability talk, or just greenwashing?
We have a whole guide on finding a brand’s eco-cred right here - [SH1] Smart Shopping: Your Guide to Sustainable Electronics
You might also want to consider refurbished or pre-loved gadgets. They're often just as good as new but way kinder to your wallet and the planet. You can find refurbished and used electronics on eBay. They have a buyer guarantee that allows you to return anything within 30 days and get a full refund if the device doesn’t work.
And for those one-off needs (like that fancy camera for a project), why not rent or borrow instead of buying? It’ll save you money and help the planet.
This step is one of the most impactful steps towards a sustainable lifestyle. The only way to hold corporations accountable is with our wallets. So, use your money as an extension of your voice. Electronics are almost always a bigger purchase. Spend some time making those decisions wisely.
3. Energy saving hacks
First off, don't let vampire chargers suck your energy (and your wallet) dry. It’s so tempting to just leave a charger plugged in by your bed 24/7, but they’re using energy even when your phone isn’t plugged into them (or resting on them if you’re a mag-safe user). Unplug your charger when it’s not in use.
You can also customize your device settings and optimize for energy efficiency. It’s the difference between hitting 20% battery at 4 pm and being able to last until bedtime without charging.
Want the most sustainable pro tip? Try using a solar charger. I have two and keep one on my dashboard at all times. It charges just by sitting in the sun, and it’s always with me!
4. Digital minimalism
It might be time for a digital detox. When it comes to cloud storage, think quality over quantity; it's not just about saving space but reducing energy use in data centers. Every file you have stored in the cloud uses space and energy in a data center somewhere in the world.
And while we’re at it, let's talk about your streaming habits – we all stream a lot of videos. Whether it’s Netflix, YouTube, or TikTok, you can turn down your video quality settings to reduce the energy you’re using while streaming. Better yet – you can download the shows you want to watch before binge-watching on Hulu, Prime, Max, AppleTV+, Peacock, or Disney+. It uses less data, and you can still binge just the same!
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
When your gadgets reach their final form, don't just toss them in the trash—that's a game over for the environment. It causes heavy metal pollution and can even blow-up transfer stations if you’re not careful. For devices that still have some life left, you could consider donating them to people or organizations in need.
For devices that are donezo, take a sec to find your local e-waste recycling center. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples usually recycle. You can also check your state’s recycling regulations to find a local recycling operation. More conveniently, you can take advantage of trade-in or buyback offers when you buy a new device.
6. Spread the word
You don’t need to be an eco-influencer to make a difference. You can spread the word just by sharing what you’re doing with your friends or offer to take their e-waste to the recycling center if you’re going anyway. If you feel passionate, it never hurts to post about your efforts to reduce e-waste, too! You could even start a challenge at your school or on social media to encourage others to recycle their e-waste responsibly.
Your voice has power – you never know what a difference you can make until you try. And it doesn’t have to be a big megaphone rally or an awkward video on social media. It can be encouraging your friends and family IRL or leaving helpful comments on other people’s videos when they’re looking for ways to be more eco-friendly.
Your move, what’ll it be?
Every action, no matter how small, adds up to something bigger. It's not just about saving the Earth – it's about reshaping our relationship with technology for a more sustainable future.
The ball's in your court now. Will you tackle that DIY repair project? Give solar charging a shot? Or maybe challenge your friends to an e-waste recycling drive? Let us know in the forum!
The e-waste issue might look like a formidable and overwhelming issue, but together, we've got the power to beat it. Together, we can take small steps that add up to transform this e-waste crisis into a springboard for innovation and positive change.
Rachel is a freelance writer for EdTech companies. She studied Education and Achievement Motivation at Wheelock College. She made it through college on a trusty Lenovo Yoga. When she’s not writing, she spends her time adventuring in the outdoors, doing arts and crafts, and snuggling with her cat, Bonnie.
Find her on LinkedIn and her website.