Why use electronics longer?
Electronics have transformed our lives in recent decades but they have also created two large problems.
Electronics have transformed our lives in recent decades but they have also created two large problems.
- 1Raw materials and e-wasteUsing electronics longer reduces the number of appliances going into waste streams every year, decreasing the need for new resources (e.g. valuable metals) and reducing the environmental impact of e-waste.
- 2Carbon emissionsLots of energy goes into making products/materials. By using them longer, you spread these emissions over a longer time period. A recent study in Europe found that extending the life of consumers' smartphones, washing machines, laptops and vacuum cleaners by just one year could create ~4 million tonnes of CO2 savings annually.
Who needs to change?
- COMPANIESMany companies already make durable and repairable products and are also branching into new business models which favour longer product life (product as a service, leasing etc.) but this needs to happen quicker, and on a larger scale.
- GOVERNMENTS'Right to repair' and Eco-design directives in Europe mean that governments are making it easier for lifetime to be extended. In Germany, repair bonuses are also now being offered by some municipalities. Strong legislation is required across the world.
- CONSUMERSMore and more consumers understand that keeping electronics in use for longer is good for their wallet and the environment - but more awareness is needed.
- Lifetime extension is an important mid-term step to achieving a circular economy. Until we move away from fossil fuels and towards renewable-powered high-tech recycling, lifetime extension of products is a straightforward way to ensure this.
- Increasing product lifespans will involve giving up some of the benefits offered by new products assuming older products cannot be upgraded.
How can consumers act today?
- 1Increasing product lifespansChoosing long-lasting, repairable appliances and maintaining them carefully to extend lifespan (including buying refurbished appliances).
- 2Repairing instead of replacing applianceIn Germany, repairing electronic equipment is becoming easier and more affordable with repair bonus schemes and increasing numbers of 'repair cafes'.
- 3Understanding the lifespan of applianceTry to find out how long a device should last for... some washing machines last 20 years and many smartphones could be used for much longer.
- 4Selling/Donating used equipment or renting/leasing equipment
Appliance-specific information
Smartphones
If the lifespan of smartphones in Germany increased from 2.5 to 7 years, consumers could save ~35 EUR/Year each and avoid nearly 1 million tonnes of CO2e annually on a national level.
Laptops
Even if a new laptop uses around 10% less energy than the old one, it would have to remain in service for between 33 - 80 years in order to compensate for the energy consumed in its manufacture.
TVs
If the lifespan of TVs in Germany increased from 6 to 13 years, consumers would not lose any money and 2 million tonnes of CO2e could be avoided annually on a national level.
Washing machines
The average lifespan of washing machines in Germany is around 14 years. 20% of washing machines had a lifespan of more than 22 years.
Further information
For more information on the following topics, please visit the following sites:
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