Latin America. Consumer waste has become a big topic of conversation in the twenty-first century. E-waste, which measures hundreds of millions of metric tons, has not been properly recycled. During the rapid innovation of the last fifty years, many companies have focused more on how much it grows than on how growth occurs.
Think about how many electronic devices you own (phones, laptops, cables). Now, think about how many devices you've bought, owned, and discarded in the last ten years. If you multiply that number by billions, you begin to understand the magnitude of our consumers' waste problem.
What is being done about consumer waste?
Some companies, like Acer, have begun to think more consciously about the environment. These companies are pioneering efforts to bring sustainably produced electronics to the forefront of the way we do business. With more companies producing this way, the future looks bright. In May 2022, Acer hosted its annual global press conference and revealed its plans for the future with a strong emphasis on the environment. Its Vero line, available in the country by the hand of the Aspire Vero, is a good example and just one step of all that the company already gives.
What is sustainable electronics?
Sustainable electronics are those that are produced using more sustainable methods. This results in less damage to the environment during production, fewer electronic products (and their components) ending up left over and discarded in landfills (or in nature), and less toxic load of the various hazardous chemicals housed within these electronics. Simply put, sustainable electronics have been created in a way that allows us to continue to create in a greener way in the face of our planet's finite resources.
As in other industries, the need for sustainability has increased recently. But unlike sustainable fashion or sustainable farming practices, the popularity and production of electronics that are meant to last and have less negative impact on the environment have been delayed. Why? Because everyone wants the newest devices and companies are happy to see their profits increase while adapting to that.
What does a sustainable electronic device look like?
Although there are no set guidelines that define exactly what a sustainable electronic device is, there are a few ways we can measure the sustainability of our next electronics purchase. To understand where your next phone or laptop stands on the sustainability scale, we need to consider what kind of impact your production has on the environment, whether it's designed in a durable, eco-friendly way, or to consume resources in the greenest way. You might also wonder if it has been produced using toxic elements or what happens to the device when it comes time to change it.
Every aspect of producing an electronic product requires resources. These resources demand energy consumption that is followed by a carbon footprint. The carbon footprint of a single factory producing a single device (or a single component of a device) is incredible. We need more transparency in the production demands of companies that produce electronic products. That way, we can measure the damage being done and make decisions accordingly.
We measure the lifespan of a car in decades, but we measure the lifespan of a smartphone in two or three years. This short life cycle has a harmful effect on the environment. It's unclear whether this is part of a business model or simply the result of fast-moving innovation. Previously, products were designed to be upgraded or repaired. This is not the case today. It is important to observe how a device will withstand innovation on the one hand and deterioration on the other so that we can judge how sustainable it is.
Has it been designed to consume resources in the most environmentally friendly way? This question directly affects both the end user and the environment. To increase the net benefits for end users and the environment, it's important to consider how optimized the hardware is for energy efficiency and power management. It all adds up and the inefficiencies of electronics accumulate to drain precious resources and increase the carbon footprint.
Another question we must answer: has it been produced using toxic elements (and its production has come at the expense of the livelihood and safety of the people of the communities where the materials are located)? In our quest for speed and convenience, humanity has made the mistake of using various harmful materials. Things like lead and mercury used to be staples in consumer products. Paint and thermometers come to mind. While many of these hazardous chemicals have been investigated and subsequently eliminated, there are a lot of toxic materials making their way into our electronic devices. Both are harmful to humans and the environment.
In addition, the origin of raw materials now faces scrutiny. Many materials, similar to diamonds, come from regions of the world where their extraction and export are suspected of provoking social conflict, oppression and armed conflict.
What you need to know
Can your device be updated or repaired to keep it useful? If not, can it be recycled correctly? Whether or not these hesitations can be adequately overcome comes down to some guidelines: the manufacturer used sustainable raw materials; the manufacturer used biodegradable raw materials or the components can be recycled for the creation of other products.
Along with this, keep in mind the issue of certifications. When we need a simple way to make sustainable purchasing decisions this can be a good way. Some like Energy Star help measure and promote energy efficiency in various products such as electronics and household appliances.
The future of sustainable electronics
Despite the efforts of many companies, we still have a long way to go towards sustainability in electronics. We must face some of the harshest realities, even if we are currently making progress.
Most of the damage occurs during the phase in which the consumer has no control: the production phase. Carbon emissions are staggering. Your digital device may be designed to become obsolete. Existing incentive structures encourage companies to create something that needs to be replaced after a set number of years. In addition, repairing your consumer electronics has become an outdated practice. "Just get a new one" is the default reaction to a malfunctioning or lagging device. With few companies willing to be truly transparent, these issues will remain problematic.
More consumers demand sustainable practices, more companies are encouraged to follow environmentally friendly production methods. This demand has innovated a completely new business model: attractive to those who demand sustainability. While it may take a few years to see this model in its maturity stage, it is clear that the competitive advantage desired by many companies will help us move towards a much more sustainable future.
Analysis published by the company Acer.
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