Introduction - reduce electronic waste
Today we're going to talk about how you can reduce electronic waste. Electronic waste, or E-waste, is the term used to describe all those old computers, phones, and other devices that are thrown away each year. In the United States alone, more than 40 million tons of E-Waste is created each year. That's enough to fill up every NFL stadium twice over!
This waste contains toxic metals like lead and mercury that can leach into soil and water systems when they're improperly disposed of, polluting our air and drinking water in the process. It's a global problem that needs immediate attention if we want to keep our planet healthy for future generations.
But there are things you can do today to reduce your electronic waste stream! Here are five easy steps you can take right now:
Buy refurbished
If you buy refurbished products, you can save money and reduce the amount of waste you produce. If a product has been refurbished, it means that it's been repaired or rebuilt by the manufacturer or seller. A refurbished product is typically in good working condition but may have minor cosmetic damage such as scratches or dents.
Refurbished products are often less expensive than new ones because they're sold at lower prices by retailers that want to move out older inventory quickly before it becomes obsolete and has to be discarded (or recycled). These retailers can then turn around and resell the same item at a higher price point once they've put some time into making it look brand new again—all while cutting down on their costs by not having to pay for production materials or shipping fees associated with making fresh shipments every time someone wants an item from their store."
Donate your devices
If you have an old computer, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic device lying around the house that you don't know what to do with - DONATE IT! In fact, the EPA says the average American household contains 2.3 million pounds of unused electronics! There are many organizations that will gladly accept your old electronics for recycling.
Find out about the requirements for donation by reading a charity's website or contacting its representative directly. Some charities may ask for specific information about your device (such as brand name and model number) to ensure that it is safe for recycling purposes. Other charities may work with distributors who can refurbish or test donated devices before reselling them at a reduced cost or making them available free of charge through charitable programs like Computers 4 Classrooms.
Buy only what you need
One of the easiest ways to reduce your electronic waste is to buy only what you need. While it may seem like common sense, many people still purchase items that are not needed. If you only need one pair of headphones and don't want to spend a lot of money on them, shop around for the best deal and buy them online if possible.
If you're buying an electronic device for someone else as a gift, ask yourself: “Would this be something they would really enjoy?” If so, then by all means go ahead and get it! But if not—and especially if the person has told you otherwise—think twice about purchasing the said gift. The last thing anyone wants is an item that will gather dust in their closet or kitchen cabinet instead of being used regularly (or at all) by someone else.
Take good care of your gadgets
It’s a good idea to keep your devices clean and in good condition. For example, if you have a smartphone or tablet, make sure that you use a case that protects it from wear and tear. Use screen protectors to prevent damage to the display of your electronic device. If possible, choose chargers that are compatible with your electronic device so that the charger does not overcharge or damage it.
When using headphones for listening to music, be mindful of how long you listen for at one time (no more than 90 minutes). If possible, do not leave an electronic device in direct sunlight because this can damage its internal components over time. Similarly, don’t leave any electronics inside vehicles during hot weather—even if they’re turned off!
Utilize a video compressor to reduce the file size of your memorable and crucial videos before uploading them to Google Drive. In doing so, it will use much less memory on your laptop or phone. The most effective method for video archiving is a MP4 compressor so you will not lose your video’s quality.
If you want more space for your phone, instead of deleting videos and photos, you can create funny animated GIFs. You can combine photos or clips into one GIF through GIF compressor. It’s fun entertaining and will give you more spaces on your phone!
Recycle properly
The best way to make sure your electronic waste doesn’t end up in a landfill is to dispose of it properly. If you have devices that are still working, donate them to a local school or church; if they’re broken and can no longer be used, recycle them by finding a certified recycler near you.
If you live in the United States and have an old computer that you would like to be recycled, check out this list from the EPA for options in your area. And if you live outside the US? The website End-of-Life Electronics (EOL) has resources for countries around the world on how they handle recycling electronics responsibly.
It's not too late to save the environment
The world is drowning in electronic waste, and it’s not too late to save it. By taking these five simple steps, you can reduce the amount of e-waste your household produces and make sure that the electronics you purchase are not contributing to this problem. And if you want to go even further than that? Consider using refurbished or secondhand devices instead of new ones whenever possible!