Why Investing in Refurbished Devices Could Propel a Circular Economy
In a recent TED talk, Francisco Jeronimo, VP of Devices for EMEA at IDC, urged tech buyers to consider refurbished devices to foster hardware repairability and drive a shift toward a circular economy. In 2022 alone, the world generated a staggering 62 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste), equating to an annual average of 11.2 kg per person.
Key Details
Who: Francisco Jeronimo, IDC Vice President
What: Encouragement for tech buyers to choose refurbished devices
When: Discussed in a TED talk recently
Where: Global context regarding e-waste
Why: Increased e-waste emphasizes the need for sustainable technology practices
How: By choosing refurbished technology, consumers can prolong device lifespans and encourage manufacturers to adopt repairable designs.
Why It Matters
- Environmental Impact: Extending the lifespan of devices can drastically reduce CO2 emissions; for instance, a one-year extension of service life for various appliances could save approximately four million tons of CO2 annually.
- Market Shift: The demand for refurbished devices is outpacing new sales; shipments of refurbished smartphones rose by 9.5% in 2023.
- Manufacturer Accountability: Industry leaders are pressed to enhance the repairability of devices, especially laptops, which have stagnated in improvements.
Takeaway
IT managers and decision-makers should actively reconsider procurement strategies and advocate for extended device lifespans through repairs and refurbished options. This approach not only alleviates environmental concerns but also can result in significant cost savings. Enterprises should prepare for a future where sustainability becomes a key differentiator in technology deployment.
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