May 14, 2019
Repair, Re-Use, Freecycle
Are you about to replace your broken (or just "old") smartphone?
A Series on the Environment from the Question Line Duo
A simple change in what you do with your "outdated" electronics will have a worthwhile impact on the trash you create.
The little computer you carry with you requires a lot of energy to assemble. The production of an iPhone 6, for example, released the equivalent of 178 pounds of carbon dioxide, or about as much as burning nine gallons of gas, according to a 2015 study. Instead of buying a new phone, try to keep yours in working condition for as long as possible. But if you must get rid of yours, recycle it or consider buying a used one.
8 Things You Can Do To Care for The Planet [NY Times]
Electronic Marvels Turn Into Dangerous Trash in East Africa [NY Times]
It's a complex and varied problem, and like all problems it's best solved one step at a time. The next step we suggest is to adjust how you "upgrade" your electronics. You can donate that old smartphone and old laptop computer. You can repair the broken or just out-dated keyboards and wired clickers that are tucked away all over the house, or turn them in to a recycling center.
We found three great, unexpected resources for you. They include an abundance of easy suggestions and links to find the best option for your devices:
How to Sell or Recycle Your Old Electronics [LifeHacker]
How to Recycle Old Electronics [Consumer Reports]
Sustainable Management of Electronics [EPA]
If your device or appliance is perfectly good, and you just don't want it anymore, try Freecycle.Org. Exchange that device for something you need, and keep two things out of the landfill!
The Environment Series