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In our modern world, technology has become an essential part of everyday life. From smartphones to laptops, from tablets to smartwatches, our lives are deeply intertwined with electronic devices. But as we keep upgrading to the latest models, where do our old devices end up? Are we, as consumers, aware of the environmental impact of our tech habits? And what about manufacturers—are they making it easier or harder for us to be responsible tech users?

Let’s take a deep dive into the life cycle of electronics, the growing e-waste problem, and what we, along with the industry, can do to reduce our tech footprint.

The Growing E-Waste Crisis

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices and components. According to the United Nations’ Global E-Waste Monitor, in 2021, the world generated around 57.4 million tonnes of e-waste—that’s heavier than the Great Wall of China. Disturbingly, only about 17.4% of this e-waste is formally recycled, meaning that the vast majority ends up in landfills or is informally recycled in ways that are harmful to both humans and the environment.

E-waste contains valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and platinum, but it also harbours toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When disposed of improperly, these hazardous chemicals can leach into the soil and groundwater, posing severe health risks to people and wildlife.

Why Are Our Devices So Hard to Repair?

One of the significant factors contributing to the e-waste crisis is that many tech manufacturers are making it difficult, if not impossible, for consumers to repair their devices. Instead of designing gadgets that are easy to fix or upgrade, companies often build products with glued-in batteries, proprietary screws, and other design features that discourage repairability. For example, Apple’s iPhone batteries are famously challenging to replace without specialised tools, and many laptops now come with RAM and storage soldered to the motherboard, making upgrades a challenge.

The “Right to Repair” movement has been gaining momentum globally, advocating for consumers’ rights to fix their own devices or have them repaired by third parties. France recently passed legislation requiring tech manufacturers to label their products with a repairability score. This score rates how easy it is to repair a product, encouraging consumers to choose devices that have a longer lifespan. Despite this progress, many manufacturers remain resistant, citing concerns over intellectual property and product integrity.

The Planned Obsolescence Debate

Have you ever wondered why your phone seems to slow down just as a new model hits the shelves? Some people believe this is not just a coincidence. Planned obsolescence—the idea that products are designed with a limited lifespan to encourage more frequent upgrades—is a topic of much debate in the tech world. While manufacturers argue that technology naturally evolves, critics point out that intentionally short product lifespans contribute significantly to the e-waste problem.

A report from the European Environmental Bureau found that extending the lifespan of smartphones by just one year could save Europe 2.1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to taking over a million cars off the road. Imagine the environmental impact if we extended the life of all our electronics! By designing devices that last longer and can be easily repaired, tech companies could help reduce the mountains of e-waste piling up around the world.

The Environmental Cost of Constant Upgrades

Upgrading to the latest gadget isn’t just costly for us—it’s costly for the planet, too. The production of electronic devices involves mining and processing materials, which generates massive amounts of CO₂ emissions. For instance, it’s estimated that manufacturing a single smartphone produces around 80 kilograms of CO₂. In the smartphone industry, constant upgrades are often encouraged, with new models released almost every year.

Moreover, the extraction of rare earth metals used in electronics, such as lithium for batteries, has environmental and human costs. The mining of these materials is often associated with deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. Many rare earth metals are mined in developing countries, where workers face harsh and often dangerous conditions, with little environmental oversight.

What Can We Do as Consumers?

While the onus for change does fall heavily on tech companies, there are still steps we, as consumers, can take to reduce our tech footprint. Here are a few tips for making more sustainable tech choices:

1. Repair, Don’t Replace: Before buying a new device, consider whether your current device can be repaired or upgraded. Check if the battery can be replaced, or if you can add more storage. Seek out local repair shops, or try DIY repair guides like those offered by iFixit.
2. Choose Repairable Devices: When buying new tech, look for devices that are designed with repairability in mind. Some manufacturers, like Fairphone, have made a commitment to produce phones that are easy to repair and upgrade.
3. Recycle Responsibly: If a device truly can’t be repaired, look for responsible e-waste recycling options in your area. Many local councils and electronics stores offer recycling services for old gadgets.
4. Consider Buying Refurbished: Refurbished electronics are often just as good as new ones but come at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact. By purchasing a refurbished device, you’re giving it a second life and reducing the demand for new manufacturing.
5. Extend Your Device’s Life: Simple habits like using a screen protector, keeping your device clean, and not overcharging it can extend its lifespan. The longer you use your tech, the better for the environment.

Is the Industry Changing?

There is a glimmer of hope. Some companies have started to respond to the growing demand for sustainability. For example, Microsoft announced a commitment to making its products more repairable by 2025. Apple now offers a self-repair program that allows customers to purchase parts and repair guides, although it’s still limited to a few devices. Companies like Dell and HP have also begun to release more eco-friendly, modular products aimed at being easily repairable and upgradable.

Governments are also stepping up. The European Union has proposed new laws requiring all smartphones and tablets to have easily replaceable batteries by 2024. Legislation like this could be a game-changer in pushing the industry toward sustainability.

A Shared Responsibility

As we move forward, it’s clear that sustainable technology requires a shared effort. Consumers can make responsible choices, but meaningful change will require manufacturers to embrace the principles of repairability and longevity. By building devices that are easy to fix, tech companies can play a crucial role in reducing e-waste and creating a more sustainable future.

Let’s hope that the days of “disposable tech” are numbered, and that the tech industry will join the growing movement for a cleaner, greener world.