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Is there a way to ethically keep up with the latest tech launches and maintain a low environmental impact? There are steps you can take to reduce the impact technology has on your environmental footprint. Keeping electronics out of the landfill is an important part.

In a New York Times interview, climate reporter John Schwartz shared some ways to reduce the environmental impact of personal technology. When asked how to be an ethical tech consumer, Schwartz gave some guidelines we should all be following, he said, “But you can minimize your carbon footprint by buying refurbished goods instead of new, holding on to them a bit longer, repairing them instead of replacing them, and resell or recycle so that your old electronic devices are less likely to show up in landfills.”

Recycling technology is an important way to remove harmful landfill waste. In a survey by ecoATM Gazelle, only 25% of Americans recycle electronic devices. This is unacceptable in a world where electronics are 70% of toxic landfill waste.

The International Labour Organization met in April, 2019 to discuss how to deal with e-waste. Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and Chair of the Global Dialogue Forum, said of the changes needed, “Faced with what some have called a “tsunami of e-waste”, we cannot afford to be complacent. We must urgently assist the Member States of the ILO and the United Nations in designing and strengthening the systems, policies, incentives and capacities required to manage e-waste in ways that advance decent work, promote the health of those handling e-waste and protect the planet.”

There are multiple way to recycle or help recycle electronics. Buying refurbished or pre-owned goods is another way to contribute to the culture of electronic recycling. Consider purchasing a pre-owned electronic. The EPA has a listing of companies and locations that will recycle electronics, you can use this list for personal or office equipment. A quick internet search of what you want to recycle and where you’re located should help you track down the best place to put your electronics.  Voting for systems, governments and programs that promote to e-waste recycling is another way to help, according to Schwartz.

Read more One Green Planet articles about how you can reduce electronics waste and improve your technology footprint:

There are products you may be using or habits you may have that contribute to plastic Pollution. Learn more about how the use of Teabags, Cotton Swabs, Laundry, Contact Lenses, Glitter and Sheet Masks pollute our oceans so you can make more informed decisions going forward. There are also numerous simple actions and switches that can help cut plastic out of our lives including, making your own cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, household cleaners, using  mason jars, reusable bags/bottles/straws, and avoiding microbeads! 

The United Nation recently released a report warning countries about the dangers of climate change. They also urged people to reduce their dairy and meat intake by opting for more plant-based foods as one way to take climate action. We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, plant-based, vegan and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

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