Subscribe to e-Fresh Planet newsletter and receive special offers every month!
Submit your contact information and our representative will contact you shortly.
When you are looking to buy electronics, there are a number of options to choose from. By asking yourself the following questions, you can ensure you are making a green and ethical decision. (Source: Dan Shapley, The Daily Green).
1) Is it a necessity?
Many times our homes are cluttered with an array of old, unused electronics that were purchased on whim because they were the latest gadget available. The problem with having a surplus of electronics is that they often end up in the trash. Discarded electronics have toxic compounds, which can include plastics and flame retardants, as well as heavy metals. When these go into landfills or trash incinerators, they end up going into the air we breathe through smoke. Not only that, but the electricity required to power all those electronic devices is derived, largely, from burning coal, which produces copious greenhouse gas emissions, as well as toxic mercury that contaminates fish, ecologically damaging acid rain and unhealthy smog.
2) How much energy will it require?
Electronics typically need to be charged or plugged in and therefore will use a lot of energy. Picking products that require less energy is crucial. Certain labels such as Energy Star provide the most energy-efficient products and can help you save on energy costs as well as lower environmental impact.
3) How was it made?
Before making electronic purchases, consider the types of materials that were used in their construction. Avoid buying products made from suspect chemicals, and look for products and brands that adhere to high human rights and environmental standards. The Green Gadgets guide, published by Greenpeace, is a good tool to use to verify what companies use to manufacture their products as well as how much toxicity they contain.
4) How is it packaged and shipped?
The packaging used for a product, as well as how the product was shipped, is often a big part of the environmental footprint that it leaves. A good rule of thumb is to look for products with minimal packaging and electronics packaged using recyclable material.