A study by McMaster University in Canada shows that less than 1% of all smartphones are being recycled, a frighteningly low figure given the environmental impact that manufacturing and purchasing new phones have. In addition, it appears in the report that producing a new smartphone uses as much energy as owning and charging a phone for ten years.
Smartphones accounted for 1% of the total carbon footprint in 2007, a figure which today is over three times higher and is expected to continue to increase to over 14 per cent by 2040. To solve the growing problem and reverse this trend, recycling and, above all, reusing technology is a must. The statistics show that there are enormous benefits to gain from extending the life of mobile phones, computers and other equipment for a few more years. Just as it is more environmentally friendly to buy a used gasoline-powered car than a new hybrid or electric car, it is more sustainable to reuse "old" IT equipment.
As a company, it is important to take responsibility and to be a game changer. By reviewing your own IT resources and establishing sustainable thinking within the company culture, you can make a real difference. At 3 Step IT, we live and breathe sustainability. With over twenty years of experience in circular lifecycle management of IT and mobile phones, we know what we are talking about and we even dare to call ourselves experts in the industry.
The recycling process minimises the burden on the environment as well as creating better financial conditions for our customers through the sale of their used equipment. Recycled technology is offered to customers nationally and internationally, which brings profits for both the environment and the economy.
Green IT is not just about what new equipment you buy, it is just as much about what you do with your old devices. The work on sustainable lifecycle management and circular economy is long-term, but there are 3+1 steps you can already take today.
1. Responsibility
Take personal responsibility for the units you use and establish an awareness among your employees about reuse. Current "wear and tear" behaviour must change and each person is responsible for their devices and must understand that they will be reused in the future. Higher requirements must be made to take care of and protect equipment, for example, through screen or shock protection and other measures to extend the product lifetime.
2. Control
Create control over your devices and their usage. Better control of your IT makes it easier to calculate the financial costs and follow the lifecycle of your units.
3. Strategy
Set a clear strategy in order to find a standard for your IT estate. It should not be "technology for the sake of technology" but the technology should be adapted to the user, to boost productivity and facilitate work.
3 Step IT's business revolves around efficient, safe and environmental recycling of electronics. Learn more here.
