There seems to be more and more tech around us every day, and although there can be some good points connected to it, if you’re trying to be as eco-friendly as possible, is technology really something you want to use more of, or would it be better to use it as little as possible? 

There are pros and cons to each side of this argument, so it’s wise to do plenty of research before you make up your mind. Read on for some helpful information to give you a head start and ensure you make the right choice for you and for the planet. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

The Problems With Tech

Let’s start by looking at the issues that technology brings us when it comes to the environment. Firstly, we need to think about how these things are manufactured because that can have some major consequences. In most cases, there’s going to be some form of metal or other raw materials that have to be mined, and if that can’t be done in an eco-friendly and sustainable way, then it’s clearly bad for the environment, as it can lead to water pollution, deforestation, and the destruction of habitats for animals. Plus, don’t forget that manufacturing can send out dangerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and that contributes to climate change. 

Then there’s what’s known as ‘e-Waste’, which is what happens because there’s such a rapid turnover of products. People want the most up-to-date items, and they’ll dispose of their old ones even if there’s nothing wrong with them. Some of these products can be recycled, but because there are so many and people don’t really want the older versions of things, a lot of them have to be disposed of, and that’s not a good state to be in when we’re trying to put less and less into landfill. 

Finally, energy consumption is a problem. We’re told that using less energy is a good thing, and that’s why we add so many energy-efficient elements like solar panels and good insulation to our homes. It doesn’t seem to make that much sense to then also bring in lots of gadgets that use tons of energy – doesn’t it undo the good you’re doing (or at least offset it)? 

The Positives Of Tech

Just as with anything, there are two sides to technology when it comes to sustainability, and before you decide to forgo any kind of tech at all, here are some reasons why it might not be all bad. The first is that there are energy-efficient options for most devices you might want to use, so that’s something you’ll always need to look for. Whenever you need to buy something, if you can ensure it’s as energy-efficient as possible, you’ll be doing something positive for the environment. Also, check about the packaging; the less packaging there is, the better, so see if there’s any way you can find out how the items are going to be packaged before you decide where to buy them from. 

Or why not buy second-hand items? As we mentioned above, when people want new devices, they’ll dispose of their old ones, and sometimes these are refurbished and sold on. Choosing one of these refurbished devices rather than a brand new one is good for the planet and good for your bank account, so it could certainly be worthwhile doing. Don’t forget that if you’re donating an old device before you get a new one, you’ll need to wipe it clean and make sure your privacy is kept safe – you could also take the time to learn how to see what Google knows about you and add to your privacy settings when you get your new phone; just because you want to use technology, that doesn’t mean it has to take all your privacy away.

If you don’t actually have to upgrade or change your devices and other pieces of technology, that’s going to be the best option of all, but that might sound impossible – after all, these devices do only have a limited lifespan. While that might be true, there are some things you can do that will ensure you make the most out of your tech and you can extend the lifespan as much as possible. Repair them when they need fixing and keep them protected and well-maintained when you’re using them, and only upgrade to the most up-to-date model when it’s absolutely necessary. Extending the lifespan of your tech reduces e-Waste and doesn’t use up so many resources, so it’s a great thing to try to do.