Today, I'm happy to feature another great guest blogger.
Electronics are often produced with
toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Due to the manufacturing process, many
gadgets aren’t exactly eco-friendly. However, living without modern technology
isn’t for everyone, and certain career choices make it impossible to avoid
using the Internet or having a smartphone on hand.
Those trying to live a green lifestyle wrestle with the question of whether or not technology can fit into their way of life.
So, is it possible to go green and still use technology? Here are a few considerations that
might be able to answer that question.
Finding
Sustainable Electronics
Surprisingly, certain electronics are
manufactured in a more eco-friendly manner, and EPEAT has a database of
hundreds of gadgets that have a less negative impact on the environment
overall. EPEAT’s
registry uses medals to rate different electronics, and you can
search by manufacturer, type of device and country to find what you’re looking
for. At the moment, you can only search for computers and displays, imaging
equipment and TVs, but hopefully more categories will become available in the
future.
If you can’t find what you’re looking
for on EPEAT’s registry, consider contacting the manufacturer of the device you
own or are interested in for more information. Another option is checking Energy
Star’s website to find which products are certified as being energy
efficient. Though Energy Star won’t tell you whether or not specific
electronics are manufactured in a more eco-friendly way, they can give you an
idea of how much power something consumes relative to similar devices.
Prolonging
Device Lifespan
Once you have your devices, it’s
important to make them last. Even if they made it on to EPEAT’s registry, you
can reduce waste by using them for as long as possible. One way to do this is
to use security software and other preventative measures to keep your gadgets
in tip-top shape.
If security software can be used (such
as on computers, tablets, and smartphones), consider installing an anti-virus
and using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. An anti-virus will detect
malware and viruses on your device and assist in removing them whenever possible.
A VPN service works to safeguard your privacy and protect against hackers.
Most importantly, the proper software
can prevent Internet-enabled devices from crashing due to a cyber-attack.
Another way to prolong the lifespan of your device is to update software and operating
systems as often as possible. This protects from hackers, too, by patching up
vulnerabilities within your software that might make a cyber-attack easier.
Reducing
Electricity Usage
Besides using only Energy Star
certified products, you can reduce your electricity usage when using your
gadgets. Some devices have power-saving modes you can enable, and that will
help you keep the battery from draining as quickly. To see if this is a
possibility on your device, look through the settings.
Another way you can reduce electricity
usage is to remind yourself to turn off or shut down your devices when they’re
not in use and unplug them. Consider making it a part of your daily routine so
it becomes habit. Using a power strip in your home can make this process
easier, as you will simply have to turn the power strip’s switch on and off
instead of unplugging chargers and other devices you aren’t using. This is especially
important because power is still supplied to your gadgets when they’re plugged
in but not in use!
Recycling
and Upcycling Old Gadgets
If your device does end up crashing and
becoming unusable, you can recycle—or upcycle—it to reduce waste and prevent
more potentially harmful chemicals from ending up in the landfills. Though your
waste management company who picks up your recyclables every week isn’t likely
to pick up any electronics for recycling, you can find an electronic recycle
center nearby.
Best Buy is a
well-known company that has an electronic recycling drop-off box, but if you
don’t have a Best Buy nearby, no need to worry. The Earth911 Recycling site will provide you with a list of places
where you can take your gadgets to dispose of them safely. Another option is
to offer your items to a repair specialist who might want them for parts.
For example, if you have a computer or
appliance that is no longer usable, contact the appropriate repairs specialists
to see if they would make use of them in any way. You could also reach out to
local artists who like to upcycle old tech—perhaps they can use some of the
components in a sculpture.
Using
One Device to Go Green
Technology can be a tricky subject when
it comes to going green, but so long as you prolong the lifespan of your
devices (electronics, in particular) and dispose of them properly, that can be
helpful. With a smartphone or tablet, you can literally use one device to
complete a variety of tasks and as an alternative to purchasing additional
items. For example, a smartphone or tablet can replace a camera or MP3 player
entirely. With the use of apps on these sorts of devices, you can forgo buying
measuring tools, pedometers, calculators, radios, clocks and more!
Think of how many of the above items
end up in the landfills every year. So, in a sense, you can go green and still
use technology. It all depends on whether or not you’re using it responsibly
and choosing the most sustainable products available.
About
the Author: Cassie is a tech writer for Secure Thoughts. When she’s
not busy writing, she’s looking for additional ways to reduce her carbon
footprint. Most of all, she enjoys sharing tips that can help others go green
without completely avoiding modern technology.
