How to keep your gadgets from choking the planet

In terms of technology, the Covenant-19 explosion has made Americans more connected than ever. From smart TVs to internet-connected toys to game consoles, the house now has 25 connected devices , more than double the number in 2019.

This abundant technology has value in electronic waste streams. Equipment is a category of fast-growing as well as highly polluted compost. Older equipment may leak or ignite toxic chemicals. The process is tragic. Every year, less than one-fifth of electronic devices are recycled.

"We produce 100% of the world's blue waste, 80% to 81% of which will never be reused," said Elizabeth Chamberlain, director of Fix Sustainability. Passionate about repairs.

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In the face of this problem, several large technology companies have taken steps to reduce the impact of their products on the environment. For years, Apple, Samsung and Google have allowed their customers to cut some of their products by effectively promoting the expiration date , which will extend their lifespan. Critics say it is not enough, it will force companies to do more and burn government regulators.

When consumers know about Earth Day on Friday, they can take steps to reduce the impact of their technology and save money. Here's what environmentalists need to offer to get the most out of your equipment.

Hold your device longer

When looking at new equipment, the first question should be whether or not you should buy it at all. Experts recommend using the existing device for up to a year if you can avoid buying a new smartphone or laptop by upgrading the old model or installing some upgrades.

"Most of the device's carbon footprint comes from manufacturing," Chamberlain said.

Americans buy about 161 million new phones each year, according to a recent PIRG study in the US . If everyone kept the smartphone for a year instead of updating it, it would reduce emissions by up to 636,000 cars.

One of the main reasons why people replace their phones is because of the long battery life. Replacing an old phone battery is not as easy as it once was, but it is still a way to extend the life of the device.

For example, the iFix iPhone 12 battery replacement kit sells for $ 50, which makes repair relatively difficult. Independent repair shops can sometimes replace device batteries.

Consider durability when buying equipment

When buying a new tool, consider how easily it can be upgraded or repaired, which can have a significant impact on maintenance. iFixit appreciates smartphones , laptops and tablets for their ease of care and provides instructions for multiple devices.

Keep in mind that some of these steps may change when some big tech companies promise to make repairing their products easier. Apple says it will be able to buy parts for 12 of the 13 iPhone 12 repair customers. Samsung announced plans to repair selected Galaxy phones in March, and Google did the same for the Pixel this month. Everyone will start this year.

Beware of tools that use too much glue to hold the parts together instead of screws or clamps. This is a sign that it will be difficult to fix.

Customers can easily find modular devices designed for distribution or personalization. For example, the Laptop Framework is a computer module, while the Firm is intended as a stable smartphone.

Beware of cheap TVs

Flat screen TVs are especially problematic because they are often heavy and not built to stand.

"We're watching flat panel TVs," said Amanda La Grange, chief executive of Microsoft Dump Dump, a nonprofit waste disposal company.

"People often buy on Fridays, for example, some manufacturers, but not all, reduce the quality of the goods, thus making it cheaper.

To avoid cheaper options, LaGrange suggests users check the model number of the TV they want. "See if it sells for another year. And if it does not sell, it is probably cheaper. You can not renew the product at an affordable price."

Buy refurbished equipment

Tech Dumper Partner Technical Discount Used tool repair Latest model repair. Many nonprofits do the same.

Consumers should not be afraid of the technology they use because they think it will not work well. Well-known retailers are experimenting with improved products and many products offer return policies and warranties comparable to the latest equipment.

"When someone buys repaired electronics, people can start over," he says. "It's like buying used jeans for the first time."

Get away from the "abandonment dough".

When it's time to get rid of old electronic devices, give them a second life by passing them on to a friend or reusing or donating them to a repair center. Most of these centers offer financial rewards by allowing one person to enter the value of the donation.

But instead of preserving old technology, they want to do it faster, Lagrange recommends. Unused electronics refers to the "pile of cards" that has been stored in the basement or garage for years. When someone donates for them, they are often too old to be thrown away and can only be thrown away.

"If you bring the iPhone X to the shelf now, it can be easily adjusted," he said. "It's not that easy if you wait six years."

Support the "right to repair".

While there has been a growing national movement to ensure consumers can repair their equipment, the issue is much more prevalent and bilateral in Congress, but no government has yet granted that right.

This needs to be changed to reduce the amount of electronic waste, says Nathan Proctor, director of the Public Interest Research Group. "We are in a very strong position to win the debate, to win the people," he said. "We are really starting to sort things out."

Nine states are considering measures to strengthen consumer rights. Congress has also introduced three bills that reduce the right to repair cars, electronics and tractors.

Pressure from the Biden administration to regulate consumer rights is a major reason technology companies are softening their anti-corruption stance, says Proctor. But to make this permanent change requires new rules in the books.

"The job of these companies is to make money.

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