Millions of laptops are thrown in the United States every year. Most still work, but they end up on landfolter or collect dust in drawers. According to LifeWire, only about one in five fifth is really recycled.
This is a problem, but also an opportunity to do better.
You can make a real difference through the decisions you make when you buy, use and dispose of your laptop. There we come into play (hello!). We will show you how to make a more intelligent, green choice the next time you upgrade.
What makes a laptop sustainable?
A sustainable laptop is designed with regard to durability, repairability and energy efficiency.
Some companies are already deep. For example, Framework produces laptops with modular parts so that you can replace or update almost everything without throwing the whole thing. To be honest, it is just fun jumping in and playing around. If you have a small challenge, you have a DIY version in which you build the whole thing yourself.
IDG / Mark scarce
And then there are the materials. Dell uses bound plastics in some laptops and packaging in the sea to keep waste away from the oceans. Apple's newer MacBooks are made from recycled aluminum, which lowers mining. Acer and Lenovo also sneak up recycled plastics into their devices to reduce the need for new raw materials. HP also occurs by offering programs that take out old devices to recycle them responsibly. All of these efforts may seem small in themselves, but they really add up.
Further reading: Like 6 top laptop manufacturers lower your CO2 footprints
Okay, but is this stuff really important?
It is sure!
If you end up for a laptop made of recycled aluminum (for example like a newer MacBook), you are already one step ahead of the game. Great work that lowers your CO2 footprint! Fixing old parts or reuse of old parts also helps to dig new materials from the earth.
And there is also the energy side of things.
A traditional laptop eats around 25 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. It's like a light bulb for two whole weeks. You can see around 100 kWh over a period of four years.
But Energy Star laptops? They consume much less energy – 30 to 40 percent less.
Are sustainable laptops more expensive?
Some are, but it pays off over time.
With many laptops you can update things like RAM and SSD, not just the framework. You can still get many mainstream models (especially in the business areas of brands such as Dell, HP and Lenovo). This means that you can start with a cheaper configuration and update an upgrade later if you need more storage space. Just a head up! Some super thin models do not leave you upgrade because the parts are normally soldered. So check the ratings before buying upgrades for you and search for mentions of upgradability in product lists. This allows you to save money and frustration.
Overhauled laptops are also a solid option because they are cheaper and better for the planet because they reuse something that has already been created. Sustainability does not have to mean falling a lot of money or only choosing niche models. Even small options help, for example, to select a model with a longer battery life or better repairability. And even simple things like the eradication of dust or the replacement of an old battery can maintain your laptop longer than you would expect.
If you take a little time to take care of your laptop, you will soon be able to drop money on a new one shortly. It is also much less waste.
What should you search in a sustainable laptop?
If you are ready to pick up a sustainable laptop, you will find some important functions that you can look for. If you want deeper information, you should take into account the 5 factors of PCWOWLD when buying an environmentally friendly laptop.
Epeat Gold rating
Epeat acts like a medal system for how environmentally friendly a product is. There is bronze, silver or gold. Gold is the highest medal and means that the device is extremely efficient and is produced with less toxic materials.
Energy Star certification
Energy star certification means that the device is energy-efficient and better for the environment.
Modular or tool -free design
This means that you can exchange parts such as battery or memory without tools or technical skills. Companies like framework make laptops easy to update or repair so that you don't have to throw the whole thing when something breaks.
Long software support (5+ years)
Long software support is mostly important for Chromebooks. Some cheap models only receive a few years updates and then they are basically useless. Fortunately, Google now offers some models of up to 10 years of support. In this PCWORLD article it is explained what he should search.
Manufacturer withdrawal program
Do you have an old laptop? Some companies will take it back and recycle it properly. It is very simple and many companies even offer you a free socket or a delivery bed. Brands such as Apple, Dell and HP do this to keep the old technology away from landfills.
Small habits, big difference
The purchase of a sustainable laptop will not save the planet overnight, but it is a solid starting point. These small decisions add up, especially when more of us start doing them. And frankly, it makes a greater difference to keep your laptop a little longer than you might think.
Just hanging on your laptop for a little longer makes a real difference. Less waste. Less new materials needed. Your wallet is probably also happier.
So the next time you think about the upgrade, click the break for a second and ask yourself:
- Will I still be satisfied with it in three or four years?
- Can I fix it if something breaks?
- Will the company help me recycle it when I'm done?
To say yes to one of these questions means that you make a more intelligent, more sustainable choice. You are one step ahead of the game, child.
Further reading: 4 environmentally friendly ways to get rid of a laptop