Greenpeace issues warning over festive tech bargains
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 - 09:20:22
Eco-campaigners at Greenpeace have called for consumers to take responsibility for the e-waste that they generate as a result of their shopping habits this Christmas.
This follows in the wake of similar calls from other groups which aim to draw attention to the fact that unwanted smartphones, tablets, computers and other electronics can pose a major risk to the environment unless they are properly recycled.
The Huffington Post reports that 50 million tonnes of electronics are expected to be discarded this year, with that figure projected to increase in the future as the proliferation of mobile devices continues internationally.
Greenpeace spokesperson, Tisha Brown, argued that consumers should feel free to make purchases during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so long as they were buying something that they felt would entertain them or fulfil a need. Buying something for the sake of bagging a bargain and little else is to be discouraged, she said.
In particular, it is the impact that things like plastics have on natural environments, including the oceans of the world, that is seen as problematic. This not only applies to the plastics used in the construction of smartphones themselves, but also the packaging associated with them.
Since it is simple to sell old mobile phones online, tech fans can take matters into their own hands if they want to do their bit for the environment while still investing in new hardware.
Greenpeace has been vociferous in its claims that manufacturers themselves should do more to extend the lifespans of popular products like the iPhone, rather than encouraging people to swap devices annually, since this generates mountains of waste as a result. Remarking on this trend at the peak shopping period of the year makes sense in terms of ensuring the message is widely received.
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