Every year, about 50 million tons of electronic waste end up in landfills around the world. It releases toxic chemicals into the environment. It can cause birth defects, nerve damage, organ damage, and distorted blood composition.
And that’s just the half of it. Manufacturing electronic equipment also impacts the environment. It produces global emissions. It also has disastrous effects on the world’s water sources.
Refurbished electronics are an excellent way to save the environment. They reduce waste and manufacturing and the damage they cause.
Gadget Salvation offers a convenient way to buy and sell refurbished products. Read on to find out how they are doing their part in reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources.
The Environmental Impact of Electronic Manufacturing
The environmental impact of electronic manufacturing starts before materials hit factories. It begins with a water-consuming mining process.
Computers and smartphones are made with natural metals like gold, silver, and rare earth minerals. The mining process is extremely harmful to the environment. It destroys 44 kg of rock each year. It also contaminates water.
Experts estimate producing one ton of neodymium (a rare substance that makes phones vibrate) contaminates 75,000 liters of water with toxic substances.
Plastics are also a popular electronic device component. They are derived from fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. They are also non-biodegradable.
Pollution is also caused by the factories that manufacture electronics. Factories produce fossil fuel emissions and toxic ammonia. Common emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane contribute to global warming and cause health conditions like stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease.
The Environmental Impact of E-Waste
E-waste is another source of environmental pollution. The amount of e-waste the world produces is growing each year. It reached 61.3 million metric tons in 2023, an increase over the 59.4 million metric tons produced in 2022 and the 57.4 million metric tons produced in 2021.
Experts predict e-waste may reach 74.7 million metric tons by 2030.
Most of the world’s e-waste is shipped to Asia and Africa for “recycling”. However, the waste ends up in illegal landfills where it is dismantled and burned. Workers, including child workers, put their lives at risk due to unsafe working conditions and the toxic fumes that are emitted.
E-waste that isn’t shipped overseas is often disposed of improperly. It ends up in a landfill and releases toxins into the environment.
Environmental damage occurs even when products are disposed of properly on home turf. Workers dismantle and shred electronic products releasing dust and particulates into the air.
They may also use acids and de-soldering materials to break products down. These components release damaging fumes into the air, water, and soil. They pose a threat to human health and animal life.
How to Reduce E-Waste
More Environmental Factory Processes
Factories can reduce the air pollution they create by using filters and finding ways to break down chemicals before they are released into the atmosphere.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Devices
Proper maintenance can make devices last longer. Unplugging charged devices, protective cases, regular cleaning, and avoiding full hard drives extend device lifespan and cut down on waste.
Postpone Upgrading
Many people dispose of their old devices and purchase updated models. Delay upgrading as long as possible to minimize e-waste.
Donate Electronics
Consider donating electronics that are out of date or damaged but fixable to a charity organization, designated recycling facility, or to someone who needs them.
Return Devices to the Manufacturer
Some manufacturers have recycling programs. They may provide credit to customers who return old devices.
Buy and Sell Refurbished Electronics
Refurbishing may be the most effective of all the e-waste-reducing methods. In addition to cutting back on waste, it also minimizes the need for electronics manufacturing which pollutes the atmosphere.
In some instances, products are updated during the refurbishing process. It may eliminate obsolescence and the need for upgrading.
Refurbishing FAQs
How does refurbishing work?
Refurbishing is easy. Simply find a refurbishing facility and tell them about your product. They will pay cash for your product if they think it can be refurbished. Ship it to their facility and receive your check.
Many refurbishment facilities also sell refurbished products. Buying refurbished devices allows consumers to save money on electronics and do their part to help the environment.
Is it safe to buy refurbished products?
Not all electronics refurbishment facilities are created equal. You can ensure a positive experience by working with a company that stands behind its products with warranties and has good customer and online reviews. Inquire about return policies and the accessories that are included with refurbished products.
What type of electronic products can be refurbished?
Almost any type of electronic product can be refurbished. Examples include:
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- MacBooks
- iPhones
- iPads
- smartwatches
- Desktop computers
Why Gadget Salvation Is a Preferred Refurbishment Facility
Gadget Salvation is the ideal solution for consumers who wish to sell devices and purchase refurbished gadgets. They provide a simple process for people who wish to sell their items for refurbishment. They offer free shipping, fair estimates, and fast payments.
Consumers who shop for used goods will also have a positive experience. Browse Gadget Salvation’s selection to find affordably priced items with accurate pictures and descriptions. Their products are thoroughly inspected and tested and backed by warranties.
They have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and near-perfect scores on Facebook Trustpilot, Reseller Ratings, and Google Reviews. They genuinely care about their customers and the environment. They have over 15 years of industry experience.
Refurbishing electronics helps save the environment. Gadget Salvation is a trusted refurbishment firm with impressive ratings, fair estimates, and affordable pricing. Contact them for all your refurbishment needs.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Daily Caller were not involved in the creation of this content.