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One question I get asked all the time is, "What's a green gadget?" It seems that while most people know that characteristics like organic, recyclable, or fair trade is a way to identify more eco-friendly products, we don't necessarily have an easy way identify more eco-friendly gadgets. It's true that gadgets seem like they're in a whole different category when it comes to green living—and in fact, they have a long, long way to go to be fully green; but there are some easy ways to identify when one gadget is more sustainable than another.
How to Identify a Green Gadget
With all the many green labels and rating systems for electronics, it can seem confusing trying to figure out which gadgets are green, and which are greenwashed. There's no getting around the fact that we have to research a lot of things to know if a gadget is eco-friendly. There are questions to ask and resources to tap into. But luckily, there three basic traits to green gadgets, and the closer a device is to having a high level of all three, the greener it is. If you keep an eye out for these three simple traits, you're well on your way to knowing just how eco-friendly a gadget is.
Three Basic Traits of Green Gadgets
1. Made Without Toxic Materials and with Longevity in Mind
Gadget companies are only barely starting to get better about eliminating toxic materials from their products. We mainly see the push among computer companies. The more we push for this, as well as electronics that are made to last, rather than made with planned obsolescence, the closer we are to having sustainable gadgets. You can use EPEAT as a resource for finding out more about what computers and monitors have cut toxic materials from their products. Greenpeace also grades electronics manufacturers and provides a report card for consumers to use when researching.
2. Used Well By Someone Who Charges it With Renewable Power and Maintains it for as Long as Possible
The owner of a gadget plays a big role in how sustainable it is. When a gadget is charged with renewable power—either because the home or office where it's charged is buying renewable power from their utility company, or because the owner is using something like a solar or wind charger—then it's that much greener because it's avoiding the use of dirty energy. Also, an owner who knows how to repair or upgrade a gadget ensures that it says in the consumer stream and out of the waste stream for as long as possible.
3. Is Reused or Recycled So There is No Waste
Our electronics recycling systems still aren't perfect. That's in part the fault of manufacturers who use materials that aren't recyclable, in part the fault of recycling plants who follow market conditions for what materials they're willing to recycle and where they send them for recycling, and part the fault of we consumers who don't have a perfect track record for ensuring everything gets back into the recycling stream at the end of its life. The more we know about e-cycling and the closer we get to ensuring that every product is reused or recycled 100%, the closer we'll be to having sustainable gadgets.
The Greenest Gadget is the One You Already Own
Now that you know what major characteristics to look for when trying to identify a green gadget, you might feel more confident when you're shopping around. But the greenest gadget is actually the one you already own! To make sure you have the greenest gadget around, all you have to do is follow these three steps:
Three Basic Steps to Greening Your Gadgets
1. Charge it With Renewable Energy
Hopefully you already buy green power from your utility. If you do, then you can plug in your gadget and know it's being run off of renewable energy. If you don't, though, you might want to check out some of the cool solar and wind chargers out on the market. These will help you take your gadget off grid.
2. Repair it Yourself When it Breaks
Hone your repair skills and don't be afraid to DIY it when your gadget breaks, or at least take it into a repair shop. It might be slightly less easy than just buying a new device, but it is usually cheaper. Plus learning how to repair gadgets will boost your self-confidence, make you more self-reliant, and make both you and your gadget greener.
3. Recycle it When it Kicks the Bucket
When you've done all you can to keep your gadget going and it has finally ticked its last tock, be sure you put it in its proper resting place—in the hands of a responsible recycler. e-Waste is a big environmental problem, both when it comes to landfills and toxic e-waste dumps. So be sure you do your homework and find a responsible recycler so your gadget can be taken apart and turned into new electronics.
More on Green Gadgets:
How to Go Green: Gadgets
5 Green Questions to Ask When Buying Gadgets
New Website Lets Green Geeks Say No to New Gadgets
Fix It Tips for Common Gadgets
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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