We live in a complicated world, where people follow trends. Consumption is the basis of our society because we are always looking for new trends or experiences. Some natural resource reserves are running low because of the high consumption rates, and the problem will increase while the world population grows.
Manufacturing electronics takes several natural resources such as water, energy, or metals, but what if we shift our economic model from linear to circular?
The linear economy supports the "take-make-dispose" plan to produce planned obsolescence.
The linear model problems:
- Tons of e-waste per year.
- Electronics are made from toxic materials that must be separated and recycled.
- More pollution is caused by manufacturing and transportation processes.
- Whenever an IT asset became e-waste, it frequently ends in a landfill.
Some natural resource reserves are running low because of the high consumption rates, and this problem will increase while the world population grows. Whenever the device stops working, it could be recycled or repaired, but the idea is to let the equipment have several owners until it turns into e-waste. Recycling is also a good option, but it will be better to extend our equipment lifetime.
The circular economic model is an exceptional opportunity for becoming more responsible and sustainable in e-waste terms.
The circular model benefits:
- Reduction of e-waste, pollution, and costs.
- The environment will remain clean and out of any risk.
- Electronics lifecycle will be longer.
- The number of hazardous materials and substances will decrease.
