How Refurbished Electronics Reduce E-waste And Contribute To Environmental Sustainability

Are you a tech enthusiast with a knack for buying and flashing the latest electronic gadgets? Ever wondered where discarded electronic items end up? Perhaps not. Now is the time you should realize the impact the electronic waste generated has on the planet.

3–5 minutes

E-waste or electronic waste is an electronic product or product with electronic items that have lived their course and are now nearing the end of their usable life period. The past decade has seen a quantum jump in total E-waste generation. With a largely unregulated E-waste dumping ecosystem, the E-waste will likely impact our environment.

How Refurbished Electronics Reduce E-waste And Contribute To Environmental Sustainability | ecogreenlove — Image source

Electronic items contain harmful toxins that reach landfills and dumping sites, and seep through the earth’s surface, contaminating air, soil, water, and human health. The environmental cost of carelessly dumping E-waste is so huge that it is difficult to fathom the adverse outcomes for the ages.

Refurbished electronics are any type of electronic devices that have been tested and repaired for the purpose of reselling them. Refurbished electronics play a vital part in conserving the environment as they lessen the amount of waste produced.

The Global E-Waste Crises

The volume of global E-waste generation has been exponentially rising as now we are generating around 53.6 million metric tons of waste, of which only 17 percent is collected and properly recycled. E-waste contains hazardous components like lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, selenium, hexavalent chromium, and flame retardants, which reach into nature’s cycle and have catastrophic consequences for all lifeforms. The consequences of irresponsible disposal have ramifications for humans, too, as the hazardous components enter our food chain.

Understanding Refurbished Electronics

Refurbished electronics are old and discarded electronic devices pumped with a new leash of life by testing and repair and ready for further use. All the finished electronic goods like TV, mobile, Laptops, refurbished desktops, and various gadgets discarded or returned by the first user makes for refurbished electronic goods. Apart from physical stores dedicated to refurbished items, you can find the same at online retail sellers like eBay. Nearly all the major sellers have a section dedicated to the refurbished goods.

One issue that has often been talked about is the quality and performance of the refurbished electronic devices. But you don’t need to worry about the prospect. The refurbished goods are thoroughly tested and repaired for longer use. Moreover, many of the items also come with a limited period of warranty. You should carefully examine the items before buying to satisfy yourself fully.

Benefits Of Refurbished Electronics

The first and foremost benefit of using refurbished goods is the cost you will save in buying them. Nearly all the items are available at dirt-cheap prices. More than 70 percent discount is available sometimes on major and expensive brand products. The products are as good as the new ones.

The shelf life of electronic goods is extended to run the complete course of the product lifecycle. When the products are fully utilized, it helps in lessening the burden on the environment.

Raw materials used in electronic items are largely sourced from nature. By making it a habit of using refurbished items, you play your part in reducing the consumption of raw materials and environmental sustainability. The new products with increased utility are heavy power consumers, while refurbished items often consume less power, thus saving you some on the power consumption.

E-Waste Regulations And Circular Economy

The Basel Convention on E-waste controls the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and their disposal. The comprehensive environmental agreement limits the proliferation of E-waste from developed to developing countries.

The use of refurbished electronic goods goes well with the concept of circular economy, which never sees the waste in waste. The concept focuses on reuse and repair to extend the product’s life cycle to lessen the environmental burden.

Environmental Impact Of Refurbished Electronics

Refurbished electronic items lessen the amount of total E-waste produced and positively affect the environment. The mass production of electronic devices has a disastrous impact on our ecosystem, so a positive step toward a circular economy, such as using refurbished electronics, will have a soothing effect. Every industry leaves many carbon footprints behind, and the electronic industry is no exception.

The growing use of refurbished electronics results in the preservation of natural resources. It puts less pressure on the extraction of raw materials, which ultimately helps consolidate the earth’s natural reserves.

Conclusion

Using refurbished electronic items not only helps you save money but is also environmentally compliant. Mother Earth is demanding a part from us all to play in the direction of conservation, and using refurbished electronics is the least we can do. Good habits of recycling electronic items to the most has a cascading effect to the benefit of all.