Are phones ecofriendly?
As smartphones have become a part of our daily lives, it’s important to consider the environmental impact attached to them. The problem lies in the production process, chemical reactions, and what happens when we dispose of these devices. With the constant updates and new features, it’s hard not to feel responsible for the damages done to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The problematic environmental impact associated with phones has subjected them to criticism, but today we will try to debunk a few myths and find out whether phones are truly eco-friendly.
Are phones ecofriendly:
The production and distribution of smartphones require vast amounts of energy and resources. From mining material for batteries to the assembly process, as many as 70 different elements create a single smartphone. Producing and transporting these impactful devices require a substantial carbon footprint. However, with 5G and advanced technologies, smartphones are enabling remote work, digital payments, and reducing transportation needs, which plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions.
Smartphones also contain hazardous materials that could potentially be harmful when improperly disposed of, like lead, mercury, and other harmful chemicals. What negative impact can these hazardous materials cause to the environment and why must we think twice before disposing of our devices? The answer is simple, these hazardous materials can be harmful to animals and humans, and due to the limited landfills available, it is likely that some of these materials end up in the soil, air, and water systems.
Developing and disposing of a phone has a substantial environmental impact that can weigh on our planet. This impact can be reduced by using our devices longer before disposing of them. According to research conducted by the University of Michigan, keeping a phone for 3 years rather than upgrading yearly prevents the production of 1,190 pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of driving a car 2,600 miles less. As the average lifespan of a smartphone increases, the impact on the planet decreases greatly.
As consumers, our quality of life is highly impacted by technological advances, making it complex to assess the environmental costs of these advances. Many companies take environmental concerns very seriously and have started to implement sustainable practices in their production processes. Apple, for example, states that its goal is to become a fully carbon-neutral company, with its production processes operating solely off renewable energy sources. Such companies are at the forefront of eco-friendliness in the smartphone industry.
Conclusion:
Smartphones have their environmental impact, just like any other device we use daily. The focus should be on minimizing the impact by keeping our devices for longer and ensuring that they are properly disposed of when the time comes. It’s important to understand that while smartphones might not be 100% eco-friendly, one should opt for companies that have sustainability in mind. Let’s all do our part and prioritize sustainability, so we leave behind a healthy planet for generations to come.
