Preventing Accidents at Work

Simple Ways To Reduce Your E-Waste

14 January 2015

Henry Ellis

Is your basement, attic, garage and just about every closet in your home quickly filling up with broken, old or outdated electronics? If so, you'll need a quick and inexpensive option to get rid of everything, and one that preferably doesn't endanger Mother Earth. In addition to electronic recycling, here are a few additional, simple ways you can reduce your e-waste:

Choosing an Electronic Recycling Center

From your local electronics store to college campuses, electronic recycling centers are popping up everywhere across the country. However, before you choose the center that is closest to your homes or offers to pay you for your unwanted electronics, realize that not all recycling providers are created equally.

According to Reader's Digest, many smaller, community-based recycling centers are actually removing the most valuable components of your old electronics, and shipping the remaining parts to another country. This includes Giuyu, China, a small city where low-paid workers are tasked with dismantling the electronics, removing the copper and getting rid of whatever is left over. The waste is often simply tossed into the street or a body of water, resulting in devastating pollution.

Help ensure your electronics are being recycled properly by doing your research. The majority of recycling centers are reputable, and those that are will be certified, accredited and have a stellar reputation.

In addition to recycling, if the gadget is still working great but you simply have no use for it, consider donating the item instead. For example, your local school district, community center or other social programs would all gladly accept your donation.

Forging a New Relationship With Electronics

In this gadget-obsessed world, many consumers are tossing away or recycling their perfectly good cellphone, television or laptop, simply because it isn't the newest, sleekest model.

If your electronics are in good working order, the best way to help the environment – and your pocketbook – is to take care of what you have. This includes purchasing a case for your cellphone or laptop and making sure the gadgets are being used safely and properly.

When it comes time to purchase a new laptop, cellphone, television or any type of electronic device, here are a few, eco-friendly tips to keep in mind:

• One Gadget With Many Functions – Instead of purchasing multiple gadgets that each only perform a single function, choose one that has everything you need. For example, instead of purchasing a laptop, research a tablet that comes equipped with a detachable keyboard. If you love music, purchase a cellphone that comes equipped with the best speakers on the market. This single gadget can perform all the functions of a phone and take the place of your MP3 player.

• Upgrade When Possible – If you're rushing out to buy the next generation of your favorite gadget, consider having your trusty cellphone or laptop upgraded instead. Many times, the upgrade is as simple as a software update or a simple replacement part.

• Look For the "Refurbished" Label – When a gadget is labeled "refurbished", it generally means the unit was sold previously and returned to the store or manufacturer for a number of reasons, such as a small defect or the owner simply didn't like it. Whatever the case, purchasing a refurbished item can not only save you money, it helps you stop the e-waste cycle as well.

Electronics are everywhere and chances are, as technology evolves, there will be more can't-live-without items making their way into your home and workplace. However, instead of trying to buck this trend, do what you can to reduce you and your family's impact on the planet by recycling your electronics and discovering others ways to limit your e-waste.

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