If you are still keeping old cell phones, you should know that this may not be a good idea, as electronic waste is a threat to the environment. Swappie, which sells refurbished iPhones, has launched the “Spring Cleaning” campaign, which suggests three ways to give new life to devices and reduce the impact of electronic waste on the environment. Also, you can lose money.
In the case of Portugal, Swappie estimates that 76% of Portuguese people still keep their old cell phones. Considering now that a UN study points out that by 2030 there will be 75 million tons of electronic waste worldwide, the company calls for appreciating the life cycle of devices.
“The accumulation and disposal of electronic devices contributes negatively to the amount of electronic waste worldwide, which threatens the environment”, emphasized Swappie in a statement.
So what can you do to extend the life of devices and reduce the ecological footprint of smartphones? There are at least three possible paths, and all can represent savings.
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Sell or recycle what you no longer use
By selling mobile phones that are no longer used, they can be given a new life,It’s also a good practice to reduce technology hoarding (and earn extra money). Refurbished smartphone companies – such as Swappie – are often available to buy devices that are no longer in use. Enjoy some of the components are still in good condition to be integrated into refurbished devices or even to refurbish the device itself, extending its life cycle and affecting the circularity of the economy.
opt for repairs
When a problem occurs with the mobile phone you are using, replacing it with a new one is an immediate solution. But, says Swappie, “the purchase is not always necessary and therefore contributes to the accumulation of electronic waste”.
When a cell phone is affected by damage, it is important to evaluate its extent and impact on its usability to determine the feasibility of performing a repair. That is, it is preferable to verify that the problem you encountered cannot be repaired before choosing a new one.
Also read: What to do when your smartphone has a bad battery
Rather buy refurbished devices
“It’s one of the most sustainable ways to buy a smartphone, with 76% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to a new device”, according to the Swappy.
Refurbished mobile phones are refurbished devices that are available for use again, by refurbishing their hardware and software components, which extends their useful life. Moreover, their price is lower, and it turns out to be possibly a more affordable option, it does not have a negative impact on the environment and contributes to the generation of value in the circular economy.
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