15th January 2024
Re-use rather that replace
Just because a phone/ TV/ tablet/ computer is not this year’s model, there is no good sense in replacing it every year. It better to keep it for as long as it is usefully useable. Mobile phone users typically replace their phones every 2 to 3 years which may reflect the length of the initial contract and/ or the life of the battery. Mobile phone batteries can be replaced (and the old one recycled when they are no longer adequately holding charge). Operating systems can also be updated to ensure the continued functionality of the phone – usually you will receive an online prompt to do this.
A brand-new smartphone generates an average of 85 kilograms in emissions in its first year of us, of which 95% comes from manufacturing and shipping. (1) Spread over 2 years its footprint falls to approximately 45kg a year and over 3 years approximately 30kg a year. Keeping the same phone for each extra years reduces its in-use carbon footprint.
Equally if you are looking to replace your mobile phone, buying a refurbished second hand one will similarly reduce its in-use carbon footprint.
When a mobile phone literally has no usable life in it, make sure that it is properly recycled to ensure its component parts are reused and not discarded via landfill or an incinerator, polluting the environment. You can even do this via Oxfam and help reduce poverty at the same time.
Further reading – https://greentau.org/2021/11/29/green-tau-issue-24/
The Green Tau 