Why Choose Repair over buying a New Phone?
The Answer to that Question may seem very
straightforward
“of course, replace it with a new better one”. But things are
not that simple, unfortunately. The common myth that implies that new is always
better is not true. For example, some new devices may be of larger screens
which you do not like or heavier than older versions. Maybe a new device drains
more battery than the old one which is critical to your daily use then makes
you annoyed all the time. Perhaps you got used to your old device and it would
be hard to start dealing with a new device. Also, many other examples lead to
the same conclusions: new is not always better.
Electronic Waste
The rapid rise of the Internet transformed global
commerce. Yet this change also generated massive quantities of electronic
gadgets and mobile devices (including cell phones). Discarded technology
currently composes an increasingly significant sector of waste products in many
places. By 2020, some experts predict European Union nations alone will produce
more than 12 million tons of electronic waste!
Repair Services as a Partial Solution?
The rise of cell phone repair services offers at
least a partial solution for some practical disposal problems created by the
production of massive numbers of electronic devices. Instead of simply tossing
out their cell phones, for example, some households effectively recycle these
devices by seeking repair assistance. Components from irreparably broken phones
may gain a useful second life when repairers use these materials to help fix
damaged units. Some advocates in the “right to repair” debate focus upon the
benefits this process holds in terms of a more sustainable environmental model
for electronics use.
A Potentially Profitable Strategy For Charitable
Fundraising Drives
Indeed, electronics recycling efforts hold a silver
lining of sorts for many nonprofit organizations seeking creative fundraising
ideas. Recently, some organizations have begun accepting electronic waste items
to use for recycling purposes, for example. Taking this step may allow a
nonprofit to raise funds by selling electronic items for salvage. It also often
provides components to permit the reconstruction and/or repair of damaged
phones and computers donated to needy individuals or charitable centers. Either
way, this strategy represents a “win-win” from a sustainability standpoint!
An Important Personal Decision
Ultimately, every consumer of cell phone products
may need to decide whether to discard, repair, or recycle electronic waste.
While repairing aging phones may seem like a modest step in promoting a more
sustainable environmental future, taking this action does nevertheless contribute
towards that long-term goal. How to handle high volumes of electronic waste in
an increasingly fast-paced, Internet-connected world concerns growing numbers
of people today.