Surely by now you’ve heard the term ‘Reduce. Reuse. Recycle’? So why don’t we follow those wise words more often? We are all aware of the devastating impact consumerism and pollution is having on our planet. But still the problem keeps getting worse. It may not seem like it, but every small gesture counts. A great place to start is e-waste. It’s not the first thing we think of when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, but it is an area which could certainly use some TLC. Here’s how you can help:

Sell or donate your e-waste

If your device is still working well and has heaps of life left in it, consider giving it to a friend or family member. Alternatively, you can sell it online on places like eBay, Facebook or Gumtree. You could also donate your electronics to charity or organisations who will reuse the parts for other projects. Just remember to remove any data and personal information first! 

Look after what you already have

Your phone is like your baby, so why don’t we treat them like it? We’re always dropping them, throwing them around and not paying too much attention to where we leave them. Simple steps like keeping your device clean, buying a protective case or screen protector and not overcharging the battery can all help to extend the life of your electronics. 

Consume less

The concept is simple: stop buying unnecessary things. It’s so easy to get sucked into wanting the latest or buying multiple accessories for convenience. But do you really need it? Your device could just need a software upgrade, or have some data cleared out. They could also be repaired easily by watching a Youtube video or taking it to a repair shop. Try and salvage what you can, but if your device or accessories are obviously too far gone then that’s when it’s probably time to replace it.

Recycle and Dispose of e-waste correctly

Our electronics don't belong in our household waste bins. There are ways to dispose of them properly without causing further damage to the environment. Many large corporations such as IKEA, Officeworks and Australia Post all have recycling boxes in-store for things like batteries and cartridges. Apple and Samsung have also started offering a recycling service of their own, with the incentive of lowering the cost of your new device by trading in your older devices. Mobile Muster is another great service to recycle your old mobile phone. You can either find a local drop off centre near you or order a satchel online and send via post. Easy as that!

Reducing your carbon footprint is a lot easier than you may think. If you’re still unsure how you can help, the best thing you can do is research. The more you educate yourself, the more knowledge you’ll have to make better choices and if need be, purchase items that are better for the environment. If you’re considering purchasing a new device, check out Hulii’s wide range of refurbished devices. You can read all about Hulii’s mission on our website https://www.hulii.com/au/help-center/about-hulii