Computer science has evolved continuously in the last four decades, especially since the introduction of the computer in 1981. IBM Personal Computer. It is from this point that computing completely transformed the way we work and relate to each other. And evolution not only does not stop, but quite the opposite, it seems that innovation is advancing by leaps and bounds, faster than it has ever done.
Due to this incessant evolution, computing and technology in general produce a large amount of e-waste. Specifically, around 50 million tons of electronic waste are produced globally each year, according to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
In Spain, the amount of electronic waste produced annually is more than one million tons. Of this million, 750,000 kilos could be recycled. Despite this, only a third of the waste generated is recycled.
In this regard, it is essential that the evolution of technology is developed under the premise of respect for the environment. Thus, strategies such as the circular economy are key to mitigating the ecological consequences of the incessant evolution of technology. “Prioritizing the repair of the devices before the replacement, will be essential to reduce the environmental impact, in addition to lengthening the replacement cycle of our devices”indicate sources from Anovo, a company specialized in technological after-sales services.
In this sense, for reduce individual environmental impactit is necessary not to change the device every so often or, in case you want to, give a second life to the one that is replaced.
Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle
Along with this need to mitigate the ecological impact, priority is given to transformation of technological consumption habits. In this way, Anovo indicates four key strategies that any user can implement to reduce their ecological footprint:
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Reduce. Consuming responsibly is essential for the proper future of the environment. In this sense, users can choose to constantly renew their devices or, instead, to keep them while they fulfill their function, thus extending the life of the devices. Along the same lines, users can also choose brands that opt for policies with less environmental impact.
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Re-use. Many devices can fulfill other functions after not being useful to carry out the main function for which they were acquired. If so, devices that are no longer used can be given away or sold to provide a second life and ultimately reduce environmental impact.
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Repair. When devices stop being functional, they can be repaired. Thus, technical assistance services (SAT), such as Anovo, offer the possibility of extending the useful life of our devices, even when it seems that they have stopped working.
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Recycle. When any of the above options is not possible, it is key not to dispose of the devices in any container, since they contain substances that are harmful to the planet and to human health. There are many collection points to guarantee the correct recycling of the devices.
