Can Electronic Gadgets Be Sustainable?
Electronic gadgets contribute a larger portion of the carbon footprint in today’s world. When the world is gradually moving towards sustainable development, it is high time to think of electronic gadgets that ensure a sustainable future. Eco-friendly electronic gadgets or green products refer to electronic items that are made with biodegradable and recyclable materials and can be operated with reusable energy sources. At the same time, these green products ensure that they cause less or no environmental impacts and reduce carbon footprint on this planet. The introduction of electric vehicles, solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, smart air conditioners, etc are specimens of our initiatives to move towards a world of sustainable living.
Eco-Friendly Gadgets in the Present Market
The share of eco-friendly gadgets in the present market is still not competitive in the present scenario. The demand is gradually increasing with the growing consciousness of the people on environmental issues.
Lithium Battery and Solar Panels
Lithium-ion batteries and Solar panels are two popular alternatives of power supply gadgets that cause comparatively less or no environmental impact. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used now in many electronic gadgets like smartphones, laptops, power banks, ear pods, etc. The usage of Li-ion batteries ensures the distribution of a low carbon footprint on this planet because these batteries do not contain toxic elements like lead and cadmium. Unlike other batteries, these Li-ion batteries can be recycled.
Solar panels are eco-friendly, reusable, economical, and a potential source of energy for your homes and commercial buildings. All you need to do is install the panels on the roof of your residential or commercial building, and you stay relaxed. Solar panels not only energise your homes and offices, but it also reduces your monthly expenses for electricity. We get plenty of sunlight during the daytime, and solar panels make the best use of it by converting the sunlight into electricity. You can benefit from the direct supply of solar energy or can store it in a battery for the night. Almost Each and every electronic home appliance and security item like close circuit cameras can be operated using this electricity.
Electric Cars and E-Bikes
Motor vehicles driven by petroleum products are a major source of environmental pollution in today’s world. Electric cars and bikes can be great alternatives to save the world from environmental hazards. As electric vehicles use reusable energy, these do not create pressure on the storage of nonrenewable energy like petrol. Electric cars and bikes are eco-friendly as they do not emit harmful gasses like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Other popular green electronics products are:
- Smart Air Conditioners
- Smart water level tracking system
- Eco-friendly chargers
- Solar CCTV Cameras
- Smart electric switches
- Smart bulbs and fans
Why is Sustainability at Stake?
E-waste is a threat to the green world and healthy lifestyle of people. According to a report of the World Health Organisation (2019), approximately 53.6 million tons of e-waste have been produced in this world so far. The most striking fact is that only 17.4% of those materials were collected and recycled properly and the rest of those have remained as eternal treats for this world and its habitats. If people still continue to use nonbiodegradable materials, the solid e-waste, and harmful chemicals released from those will overtake the green earth in the near future. On the other hand, we would continue losing important materials like neodymium, cobalt, etc which were used for making those gadgets.
As sustainable Electronic gadgets are manufactured with non-toxic and biodegradable materials, the initial cost of buying those gadgets may be higher compared to traditional electronic gadgets. So most of people are not concerned with the environmental impacts of their gadgets when they buy them. People from third-world countries are especially prone to buy gadgets that cost less. For instance, in the present market petrol and diesel-driven cars have more than 90 percent market share all across the world. Though people are concerned with eco-friendly alternatives like CNG cars or electric vehicles, most of them still prefer to have traditional cars with petrol or diesel engines.
Your Commitment to the World Matters
Why we should use eco-friendly gadgets despite their higher cost price is a matter of speculation. As human beings, it is our duty to reduce carbon footprints for a better future. When you buy nonbiodegradable products and use those for economical value, you ultimately lose in the long run. Green products might be costly initially, but this is more economical in the long run and safe for your family and the world. When the whole world has started to realise the impact of global warming and climate change, it is necessary to act accordingly. We know that our modern life cannot exist without technology. So it is better we utilise technology for a greater cause, to make this world a better place.