Global initiative to tackle the social and environmental problems of electronics

Certain components of electronic products contain toxic substances, which can be a threat to the environment as well as to us humans. For instance, TVs and computer monitors normally contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Equally importantly, electronics are made of components that contain valuable raw materials.

Recycling old devices saves energy. It also means that fewer raw materials need to be drawn from nature to create new devices. As a result, energy is saved, pollution is reduced, and there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere.

Recycling is one of the solutions to the numerous problems that electronics pose. All electronics come with many social and environmental challenges:

– Conflict minerals also referred to as 3TG, used in IT products are known to fuel wars and human rights abuses. Unsafe mining methods lead to severe health problems for workers and environmental degradation in the communities where they live.

– Hazardous substances found in electronics and used in the production of electronics present a wide variety of human health and environmental risks. Throughout the life cycle, products release dioxins, halogens and other toxicants, which often persist in the natural environment and the human body.

– Social responsible manufacturing is a continuing challenge throughout the IT supply chain. From raw materials extraction to final assembly, working hours, health and safety and forced labor are examples of industry-wide issues.

– 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste is generated every year, equalling the weight of nearly 4,500 Eiffel towers. Much of it is incinerated or placed in landfills, causing pollution, human health hazards and the loss of valuable finite resources.

More than 20 organizations have come together in a global initiative to tackle the social and environmental problems of electronics. The Circular Electronics Initiative aims to encourage organizations and consumers to take a more responsible approach to the electronic goods they use.

The current, linear way of producing and consuming products is ruining fragile ecosystems, causing the loss of valuable natural resources and critical raw materials. In a circular economy, resources are handled more responsibly. The goal of the Circular Electronics Initiative is to create awareness around the need for a longer life for electronic products and greater recirculation of all materials while minimising waste.

The resources on our planet are finite, and we need to take responsibility. The initiative is all about helping buyers and consumers to do this — to take a more responsible approach to the electronics they use. No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. The Circular Electronics Initiative has gathered some concrete things you can do to contribute to the transition to make IT more circular and sustainable, according continues Andreas Nobell, Development Manager at TCO Development, one of the founding organizations.

As almost 80% of carbon emissions of a laptop occur in the manufacturing phase, extending product life will clearly lead to lower average annual emissions. Adding two years to product life reduces emissions by as much as 30%. As you can see, circular approaches have a real impact on the environment. To help consumers and buyers, the organizations behind the initiative have developed the Quiz “What do you know about circularity and electronics?” The quiz is an easy way to get the conversation going about circular electronics.

6 Tips for more circular and sustainable management of IT:

1. Re-evaluate. Do you really need to buy and replace your current gadget? If not make it a challenge to use it an additional year and re-evaluate again next year.

2. Extend the life of your products. This is often the most critical thing you can do to reduce the environmental footprint of your use. Upgrade and repair your products so they last longer. Used products are in high demand, so make use of the second-hand market and buy and sell your products there.

3. If you need to buy a new product, choose products that carry a sustainability certification that includes robust criteria and requires third-party verification.
If you can buy a second-hand product, ensure you carry out necessary supplier due diligence to product quality and performance.

4. Choose a durable product that can last longer. Avoid buying unrepairable electronics that you may risk having to throw away after a short usage time.

5. Climate compensate the e-waste footprint of your new product, either by recycling a product with a similar footprint or by purchasing the offsetting as a service.

6. Don’t throw it out! Electronics contain valuable resources that can be reused. If it’s not possible to reuse or sell your old products, take them to an electronics recycler or refurbisher where they will be handled responsibly.