Using Electronics Sustainably as Students

Reducing E-waste, conserving electricity, and shopping smart

Source: Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/fairphone/52764101179), “No E-Waste!” (@joelizar) added in Canva

In a world where technology is central to our lives—especially for students and professionals—sustainability in tech has never been more crucial. From laptops and smartphones to the endless accessories we use daily, electronic waste is piling up at an alarming rate. As we strive to balance our academic and personal lives, we can make thoughtful choices to lessen environmental consequences when it comes to tech. Students and tech enthusiasts alike can make environmentally conscious decisions without compromising productivity. Here are some practical tips to recycle electronics, use energy wisely, and adopt sustainable habits that not only save money, but also contribute to a less-polluted environment, redefining what it means to be “tech-smart”.

Reducing Electronic Waste

1. What is electronic waste?

Electronic waste, or "e-waste” is when we waste electronics– shocker! (badum-tss) 

The amount of e-waste we produce is growing alarmingly and is both a major health and environmental concern. Mining and processing of raw resources not only contribute to global warming, but also produce huge amounts of waste that impact environmental and human health. Not only is there a huge detriment to the environment, but there is a direct threat to human life as well–mining also takes a toll on the people forced to extract these resources, those living around these sites, and the nearby ecosystems. This effect lasts from its creation to disposal as the quick speed of technological innovation contributes to pollution, resource depletion, and disposal in landfills. As outdated electronics pile up, they release harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium into soil and water, polluting ecosystems and endangering both wildlife and human communities.

2. What can we do to reduce electronic waste?

Fortunately, there are other sustainable options available. Instead of relying solely on mining for new raw materials—both costly and environmentally damaging—we can recover valuable metals and components from old devices. By recycling and reusing parts from discarded electronics, we conserve resources and reduce the energy consumption associated with mining and manufacturing new products. 

3. How can you recycle your electronics?

I encourage you to engage with your local recycling process, which is not only environmentally responsible, but also economically beneficial, as it supports your local recycling industry. You can recycle anything from computer accessories, electronic musical devices, and even motorized toys. The Government of BC urges you to bring electronic devices to Return-It Electronics collection sites. While not all Return-It depots can intake electronics, the vast majority can. To find your nearest depot, you can search on Google Maps or official websites like the Return-It.ca website or Recycle My Electronics to find the nearest electronics collection site based on your postal code or city!

Conserving electricity

Conserving electricity is essential for environmental and economic sustainability. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves finite natural resources, and minimizes pollution, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Reducing environmental devastation also improves public health by reducing pollution-related illnesses. Economically, it lowers utility bills, reliance on imported fuels, and the need for costly energy infrastructure. Whatever your reason for wanting to reduce your carbon footprint, here are some energy-conserving tips that all students and working professionals can implement!

1. Unplugging your unused devices

A lot of appliances continue to use energy even while they're not in use. This can be costly to electricity without you even noticing, and is referred to as "phantom load." You can prevent unwanted energy use by unplugging lamps and other light sources, as well as heating sources like kettles or toasters when they are not in use. The most common source of phantom load for students are phone and laptop chargers that are constantly plugged into the wall. While it is convenient to leave your chargers in the outlet, they’re passively consuming energy.

Personally, I avoid it by plugging all my devices like chargers and lamps into a power strip or surge protector and turning the entire strip off when I exit a room. This keeps my cords organized, and has the addition of making it super convenient to “unplug” them.

2. Deleting old files

Did you know that storing files on cloud services like Google Drive requires energy to maintain? That information has to be stored somewhere. Even though your files are online, they’re stored on data servers that draw electricity to continue running 24/7. By regularly deleting old or unnecessary files from your drive, you can help reduce the demand for storage space on these servers. Although it may seem like a small gesture, it still contributes to a greener electronic footprint and conservation of energy on a global scale.

3. Using appliances  efficiently

Maintaining electronics and heating systems prevents them from operating inefficiently and conserves energy. Regularly removing dust and debris that can accumulate in electronic devices and air filters helps prevent overheating and reduces energy consumption. Maintaining your personal devices like phones and laptops with software updates ensures devices benefit from the latest energy-saving feature, which you can find in Settings. While your dark mode may be protecting your eyes from blinding white light at night, it is also saving a bit of energy!

If you do laundry, this one's for you. Making a few simple adjustments to your laundry routine can help you go green, and if you’re paying for it, can help save a bit on your bills. Opting to wash clothes in cold water instead of hot reduces energy consumption significantly, because heating water requires a lot of electricity. Additionally, air drying your clothes on a rack rather than using a dryer saves even more energy. These small changes are easy to implement and can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint.

Shopping Smart

Shopping smart involves 1. only buying what you need, and 2. making sure your purchases are energy efficient, providing the required function for the least amount of energy. For students, this approach can help manage tight budgets while also being mindful of the environment. 

1. Buy only what is necessary

Don’t buy into overconsumption

The rapid consumption of electronics has severe environmental consequences, as many components are non-recyclable or contain hazardous materials. For example, Apple's move to non-repairable designs, such as glued-in batteries, makes devices harder to repair and more likely to be discarded prematurely. While older models might not be as trendy, they’re a bit easier to repair.  

Be Aware of the Overspecialization of Electronics

Specialized electronics like fitness trackers and smart home assistants often become obsolete as technology advances, further fueling a "throwaway culture". Throwaway culture creates devices designed for specific tasks that often lack versatility and result in multiple gadgets used for a specific purpose. Closed ecosystems, where devices are only compatible within the same brand, further encourage repetitive purchases. Marketing strategies also drive demand for specialized tech, such as targeting students or athletes. This redundancy not only burdens consumers financially but also inflates overall consumption unnecessarily.

For the sake of your wallet and the environment, make sure you’re only specializing when absolutely necessary. Multifunctional devices, such as tablets with keyboard attachments can serve as both a tablet and a laptop. This reduces the need for multiple gadgets, cutting down on waste and resource usage. Supporting brands that prioritize repairability and sustainability is also crucial.

2. Shop for durable, reliable and energy-conserving devices

Shopping for energy-conserving devices requires careful consideration to ensure efficiency and long-term savings. Start by looking for energy efficiency labels like Energy Star certification, which indicates a product meets high standards for reducing energy use. Although LED light bulbs are more costly than incandescent lights, their high efficiency will result in greater savings during their life-span. If you’re okay with some research before buying, you can check the Government of Canada’s resources for energy efficiency, EnerGuide, to compare annual energy consumption across models. A quick but specific tip is to prioritize devices with smart features, like programmable thermostats or energy-monitoring tools, which optimize usage based on your habits. 

While energy-efficient devices may have a higher upfront cost, consider the total lifecycle cost, including energy savings over time. Research product reviews to confirm reliability and performance and choose durable devices with repairable parts to extend their lifespan. If there are several reviews complaining that an electronic degrades after a few uses, it's likely beneficial to not buy it. Brands such as TEMU, AliExpress, Wish, and Shein are known for offering low-cost items through direct-from-manufacturer business models. While they provide affordability, they often sell energy-inefficient or short-lived products that aren't worth it with use. 

As students, using electronics sustainably involves being aware of consumption patterns and opting for devices that serve their purposes as efficiently as possible, reducing the need for unnecessary purchases and minimizing e-waste. Hopefully, you’ve learnt about a few changes you can implement. Making these choices not only helps preserve resources, but also aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle, ultimately benefiting both our finances and the planet.