How Can You Help Minimize E-Waste in Simple Ways?
By Youth Alliance for E-Waste Management I July 20, 2021
1. Elongate the life of your electronics
Take care of your electronic devices. Aside from helping the environment, you are also saving money for yourself. Keep them well-maintained by following these:
- Make sure your PC's hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) does not become entirely full. This enables it to run smoothly and quickly for an extended period of time.
- Clean your computer often.
- Do not overcharge your battery. Unplug your charger before your computer hits 100%
- Use a phone case and screen protector.
- Keep your device clean and don’t always fully charge your battery.
- Unplug electronics when not in use.
2. Consume less and purchase devices with multiple functions
Instead of buying multiple devices because it has a certain function that you are looking for, do some research on devices that have multiple functions. Limit the number of electronics you own.
3. Re-evaluate if you really need a new device
Ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly:
- Do you really need a new device?
- Do you have an existing device that works fine?
- Is it a need or a want?
- Is it practical to buy a new device?
- Is it needed in your personal or professional life?
Reflect and rethink. Again, you are not only considering the money that you will pay or save, your environment is at risk as well.
4. Choose electronics that are Energy Star rated, or have been certified by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool
Devices with energy star or have environmental friendly electronics certification consumes less energy, reducing your electricity bill significantly. So next time that you buy appliances, opt for energy star rated.
TAKE AWAY: Before purchasing new devices, reflect with yourself if you really need them and choose environment-friendly devices. Extend the life of the electronics that you have today to help minimize e-waste.
References:
GreenChildMagazine. (2021). 10 Ways to Reduce E-Waste. Retrieved from https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/reduce-ewaste/
HarvardUniversity. (n.d.). Minimizing E-waste is Important. Retrieved from https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/how/6-ways-minimize-your-e-waste
How to Reduce Electronic Waste (E-Waste): 10 Simple Tips. (2018). Retrieved from https://get-green-now.com/reduce-ewaste-hazards/
Simple Ideas on How to Reduce E-waste. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ewaste1.com/how-to-reduce-e-waste/
