E-waste: A global problem
What is e-waste?
E-waste is a shortened term for electronic waste which includes computers, laptops, TV’s and mobile phones to name a few.
More often than not, e-waste consists of electronic products that are unwanted, not working, or are nearing the end of their use. However, a growing number of e-waste includes electronic products that still work perfectly well, but aren’t disposed of correctly because the consumer simply doesn’t know how to go about it.
Thankfully, there are a growing number of solutions including repurposing and recycling of electronic items which helps to not only reduce the environmental impact on our planet but also provides those in need with access to pre-owned electronics, at a much fairer price.
How much e-waste does the world generate?
In 2019, the world generated 53.6 million metric tons (Mt) of e-waste and sadly, only 17.4% of this was recycled. Source: E-waste monitor.
For many of us, it’s difficult to imagine what 53.6 million metric tons of waste looks like, but with the help of our friends at The Measure of Things, we now know that this very big problem equates to a mass of waste that’s 2000 times heavier than The Statue of Liberty, each and every year.
And whilst we’ve seen positive steps with the recycling of e-waste growing by 1.8 Mt since 2014, e-waste as a whole has increased by 9.2 million Mt. This tells us that sadly, e-waste recycling hasn’t kept pace with the growth of e-waste as a by-product.
How can I help to reduce my e-waste footprint?
As our population continues to grow, we see governments and organisations like the United Nations coming together to set goals that will see us strive towards becoming more sustainable societies, but what can you and I do as individuals to help with this problem?
Well, to start with, we need to become more conscious of our buying decisions and how these have an impact on the environment around us. As an example, the process involved with manufacturing an iPhone 7 can create up to 72kg of greenhouse gas emissions (excluding shipping and recycling) and uses around 44kg of natural resources in its manufacture. Source: Forbes.
Simply holding back on that upgrade to the latest iPhone, or choosing to donate or recycle your old smartphone can have a direct impact on how much e-waste we as a collective put into landfill.
However, if you do decide to purchase a new smartphone or device, maybe consider buying one that’s been refurbished.
Gone are the days of buying a dodgy smartphone from someone on Gumtree or Marketplace that still has old photos on it and a cracked screen. You can now very easily save hundreds of dollars on a device that’s been refurbished by professional businesses, which will often provide you with a warranty and in some cases, a money-back guarantee for a phone which friends and family would never know is anything but brand new.
Refurbished electronics are the future of electronic consumption
There are a number of established and reliable operators that sell refurbished electronics devices, and those include large corporations like Apple and Samsung.
However, there are also a number of smaller businesses with a focus on sustainability and giving back to the community. Rebold is one of those businesses, with its roots in Sydney and a vision to change the way we consume electronics and help shape our future in a more sustainable way.
Rebold believes that one of the best ways to change the habits of regular consumers is through grassroots movements, and partnering with organisations with a similar vision that are helping to create a circular consumption model in the electronics space.
When you repurpose your device with Rebold, we’ll not only show you exactly what impact you’ve had on the environment and what you’ve saved from going to landfill, but we’ll also keep you updated on our mission and how your contribution has helped to shape the future of our planet.
Get involved in the movement today, and help to change the way we collectively consume electronic products.
Find out more at Rebold.com.au.
