The most pressing issue in the world right now is climate change. The world’s leaders joined together at COP26 late last year to discuss developing issues surrounding the environment. One such way that we are damaging our planet is through e-waste – anything with plugs, cords and electronic components that are thrown away. And, unfortunately, it has quickly become a problem for us all.

Nowadays, we won’t think twice about replacing our smartphones with a newer, shinier model. But doing so can have severe consequences on our planet in ways you may not have imagined.

So, how green can our electronic devices be anyway? Find out how the technology industry is improving its environmental position and why businesses should start to take note right now:

Public scrutiny has led to changes

The public holds very high standards for the way in which major corporations operate. This has grown considerably since the rise of social media as people worldwide can now discuss certain important topics, for example, the tech industry and its impact on the planet.

As such, businesses aim to stay ahead of the curve by improving their carbon footprint. That is why you may see more and more companies changing their stance on the environment. The likes of Apple and Google have paved the way for others to do so over the past few years.

Science could well be the answer

Scientific reports from some of the world’s leading researchers can 100% help companies change their environmental position. However, sometimes it may not be clear what areas a company has to cut back on to continue its operations and reduce its carbon footprint. That is why it could be beneficial to bring in an independent party to help identify areas of improvement. In that way, a plan of action can be introduced to help protect the environment instead of damaging it. Moreover, when looking at the numbers can easily inspire change.

Repurposing Old Technology

Instead of throwing that tech away, why not repurpose it in new and exciting ways? For example, display your old devices on a wall somewhere in the office, commemorating the company’s history. Or you may perhaps want to take inspiration from other creative ways to repurpose your tech. In any sense, there will always be plenty of unique uses for all your old tech, that’s for sure.

Donating the tech can be seen as a way of repurposing as well. A device can find a new home that is once again useful instead of sitting on a landfill site and damaging the environment. Not only are you helping out the planet, but you are also bringing smiles to other people’s faces too!

The Great British Tech Appeal is one such cause that you can donate to. Vodafone will take your old smartphone, tablet or laptop and gift them to young people in need – what a great cause!

Recycling Worn Out Devices

Or, if you believe the tech is in no good state for the young people to enjoy properly, then recycle.

By recycling old tech, the materials found in the devices – such as silver, gold and tin – can be put to good use. If you allow these materials to get to landfills, then they’ll damage the environment around them by seeping into the soil. This can subsequently impact animals and water in the surrounding area, passing through the food chain until it finally reaches us. If we ingest these materials in any form, then our health will be significantly damaged. Our blood, kidneys and the central/peripheral nervous systems can be damaged beyond repair. Ingesting large quantities will lead to many different health problems and even death!

Go to a recycling centre and ensure that the tech is properly disposed of.

How can WipeDrive and VeriDrive help to improve the environment around us?

WipeDrive will delete all data on a device, such as programs and the operating system. This will then allow you to wipe out any viruses, malware, and other dangerous infections, allowing you to install a new operating system that boosts productivity. Then you won’t need to throw it away!

VeriDrive, on the other hand, will make sure that the drive has been properly wiped. This is the perfect partner for WipeDrive, seeing that you can upgrade the tech successfully. If you don’t use these two products, you won’t be able to repurpose your device appropriately and may be at risk of a data breach.

To find out more, visit our website today! Alternatively, give us a call on 0345 340 3105 to speak directly to our team or fill out an enquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome any potential questions.