10 Apr. (EDITIONS/Portaltic) –
Taking care of the planet and reducing the carbon footprint are two of the objectives that Europe wants to achieve, promoting recycling and repair of ‘technically repairable’ productssuch as mobile phones.
This is defended by the European Commission, which is committed to providing users and consumers with their repair option. Through a letter, it invites manufacturers to increasingly develop more sustainable business models that are respectful of the environment.
The Commission presented its first draft on March 22, encouraging the repair of electronic products, instead of replacing them when they began to fail. The objective of this proposal is to reduce waste and begin to develop new, more sustainable consumption practices..
According to the data handled in Europe, the products that are discarded instead of being reused generate around 35 million tons of waste and 261 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year in the European Union (EU).
As this regulation points out, consumers will have the right to demand that manufacturers repair products that are ‘technically repairable’. This is the case of household appliances such as televisions, washing machines, vacuum cleanersbut also tablets or mobile phones.
A SECOND LIFE FOR DEVICES
In any case, the experts explain that there are many alternatives to be able to give a second life to the mobile phone, and thus achieve a more sustainable lifestyle. In this sense, there are specialized establishments in mobile and tablet repairs.
This serious the case of Savestore, mobile repair shops to give your mobile device or tablet a second life and save money. Companies like this are committed to the circular economy and to repair before buying. In this way, in addition to making society aware of the importance of reusing, they support a more sustainable and responsible form of consumption for the planet.
Thanks to trained technicians and a wide variety of replacement partsthis type of store is a highly recommended option to promote more sustainable and responsible consumption of mobile phones.
Another alternative is to deliver it to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Intermon Oxfam, Llamadasolidaria.com or Amnesty International are some of the organizations that make available to users the necessary tools so that they can easily and comfortably recycle their mobile phone. In this way, in addition to supporting sustainable consumption, they will be supporting humanitarian causes.
NGOs that They are financed with the recycling of mobile phones they use funds generated to finance many of their actions and aid programs. These organizations are in charge of managing the hazardous waste from these terminals and work hand in hand with management companies to give life to disused equipment and recover it in accordance with the regulations.
CLEAN POINT OR OTHER USES
If there is no other option than to get rid of the mobile phone because there is no possibility of giving it a second life, the best decision is take it to a clean point. In the cities there are specific points for the collection of this type of equipment. “It is very important not to throw them into the usual container,” warn the experts.
The toxic components of which these terminals are composed are harmful to the environment and they can seep into the ground and contaminate air and water. In addition, a very valuable material would be wasted, since the devices can be reused and recycled. In the collection points, the recyclable components are separated and the waste is managed correctly.
Finally, there is the option of use those devices in another way. Today, technologies offer endless opportunities. That is why, given another chance, the old mobile phone may serve as a calculator, alarm clock or even a security camera, just by integrating an app.
