How to take a sustainable approach when replacing your smartphone

In a world where technology evolves rapidly, changing smartphones to stay on the cutting edge or simply to have the latest model has become common practice. However, this habit of regular replacement raises important environmental questions. Manufacturing these high-tech devices and managing the electronic waste they generate have a very negative impact on the environment. How can you take an eco-friendly approach when replacing your smartphone?

Understanding the environmental impact of smartphones

Manufacturing smartphones

Producing smartphones requires intensive extraction of rare raw materials such as lithium and cobalt. According to a report by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), manufacturing a 200-gram smartphone generates around 86 kg of CO2. In addition, this production often takes place under poor working conditions in developing countries.

Electronic waste

Used smartphones account for a significant share of electronic waste (e-waste). According to the UN, around 53.6 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated in 2019, and only 17.4% was properly recycled. This waste contains toxic substances that can pollute the environment if not treated correctly.

Assessing whether you really need a new smartphone

Diagnosing your current device

Before deciding to change smartphones, it is crucial to assess the condition of your current device. Does it still work? Can the faults or problems you are experiencing be repaired or worked around? A cracked screen, a weak battery or outdated software can often be fixed at lower cost and with a smaller environmental impact.

Thinking about how you use it

It is also important to think about how you use your phone. Do I really need the new features offered by the latest model? An older phone can often still meet most everyday needs (calls, messages, browsing the internet).

Choosing eco-friendly alternatives

Buying a refurbished smartphone

The refurbished mobile phone market has grown significantly in recent years. Buying a refurbished device extends its lifespan and reduces electronic waste. According to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), “acquiring a refurbished mobile phone rather than a new one avoids 64 to 87% of the annual impact. This amounts to preventing the extraction of nearly 80 kg of raw materials and the emission of almost 25 kg of GHG (greenhouse gases) per year of use.”

Launched by Leasetic in 2022, Loopix gives companies the opportunity to purchase used IT equipment, simplifying the process without the hassle of after-sales service. This solution allows equipment to be reused, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to buying new hardware. With the environmental impact of information technology growing and potentially overtaking that of transportation by 2040, Loopix offers an effective response. By choosing refurbished products through Loopix, you are choosing ethics, quality and responsibility.

To explore these benefits, discover Loopix.

Favoring eco-responsible brands

Some brands are committed to eco-responsible practices, offering modular and repairable smartphones. Fairphone, for example, makes it easy to replace your phone's components, extending its lifespan and reducing its environmental footprint.

Recycling your old smartphone

Collection points

It is essential to properly recycle your old smartphone to avoid pollution from electronic waste. Dedicated collection points are available in many cities, often in electronics stores or recycling centers.

Trade-in programs

Some companies offer trade-in programs for old smartphones. Apple, for example, offers credit toward the purchase of new products in exchange for your old device, whether it works or not. These programs help ensure that devices are recycled responsibly.

Changing smartphones is a decision that should be made with full awareness of its environmental impact. By assessing whether a change is really necessary, choosing eco-friendly alternatives and properly recycling old devices, everyone can help reduce the environmental footprint of this common practice. Taking a responsible, informed approach is essential to the ecological transition.

Leasetic, your partner for responsible IT management

In a world where every technology decision matters, Leasetic stands out as a partner of choice for ethical and sustainable IT management. We go beyond the role of financial provider to act as strategic advisors, helping you navigate the challenges of modern IT.

Our expertise focuses on reducing the environmental impact of technology, helping companies align their technology goals with their environmental principles.

With our comprehensive approach to IT management, we support our clients in selecting, deploying, maintaining and renewing their equipment in an environmentally responsible way.

At Leasetic, we are convinced that moving to green IT is not only essential but achievable. Count on us to guide you through this transformation, optimizing your IT infrastructure while protecting the environment.

Get in touch with one of our experts today.