We all know there are easy lifestyle choices that lessen our impact on the environment—switching from plastic to reusable bags, carpooling or walking, buying secondhand or going paper-free—the list goes on. But what about the decisions you make with your smartphone, laptop or gaming system? Making smartphones and other electronics requires a lot of resources. From mining raw materials to shipping finished products, it has a significant impact on the planet—especially when you think about billions of people with tens of billions of devices. Fortunately, adopting greener tech habits is easier than you may think.
Two easy habits
When it comes to tech, it’s natural to crave the upgrade. Tech manufacturers are constantly improving how our favorite devices look, feel and perform, and most of us rely on our phones a lot. In fact, Americans check their phones an average of 352 times a day*. Here’s how to get the most out of your tech—for the good of the planet and your wallet.
1. Get broken or aging tech fixed.
Cracked your smartphone? Get the screen replaced. Phone or computer not holding a charge? Get a new battery. Fifteen years ago, buying a new device was the only viable solution when faced with a broken screen, damaged charging port or end-of-life battery. Today, you have choices—maybe even more than you’re aware of. You can get your tech repaired through a manufacturer’s warranty or carrier protection plan, you can bring it to a walk-in repair shop like a uBreakiFix® by Asurion store, you can book a come-to-you repair or you can even fix it yourself if you have the right tools and know-how. Holding onto your devices a little longer not only benefits the environment but also your wallet. Many of today’s smartphones cost around $1,000. Whether you’re paying upfront or via monthly installments, it’s a hefty price tag. On the other hand, many basic repairs cost less than $200 and can add years to your phone’s lifespan.
2. Recycle or donate unwanted tech.
Fixing your tech isn’t always economical, so sometimes it makes sense to replace the device. When it comes time to replace or upgrade your tech, consider gifting or donating it if it’s still in good condition or recycling it if it’s not. You can drop off tech for recycling at any U.S. Asurion or uBreakiFix store through our recycling partnership with Samsung®. The stores accept most everyday tech devices for recycling, including cell phones, tablets, computers, printers, game consoles, DVD players and even cords and chargers. When you drop off devices in store, we’ll route them to a Samsung-authorized recycling partner, where they will be turned into raw materials for reuse.
Being a conscious consumer doesn’t mean rejecting technology and going off the grid; it’s just a matter of understanding all your options. The more you know, the more freedom you have to make choices that fit your lifestyle and align with your values, allowing you to upgrade your tech because you really want to—not because you feel you have to.
*Asurion-sponsored survey by Market Research Firm Dynata conducted March 2-9, 2022, of 1,965 U.S. adults (18+) representative of the U.S. population.