How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of a Smartphone?
1. Don’t Change Your Device Unnecessarily
One of the easiest ways to reduce your phone’s carbon footprint is to use it for longer before upgrading. Many people switch phones every two to three years, but most new models only offer minor improvements. Unless your job requires the latest tech, you can cut down on your impact by not upgrading so often. Here are some tips to make your current phone feel new again and motivate you to keep using it.
2. Increase Battery Life
To reduce your carbon footprint, you can reduce the number of charge cycles you need in a given period of time. To increase the battery life of your device, you should disable unnecessary features, be more judicious with resource-intensive tasks, and clean up your phone. The last point is easiest to implement with cleaning apps for the iPhone. For example, the Phone Cleaner from App Store can clean up pictures in a minute. This way, you reduce the load on your device and it works autonomously longer, which means you will have to charge it less often.
3. Reduce Brightness
Reducing the brightness of your OLED phone screen not only saves energy but also extends battery life. Lowering the screen brightness by just 10% can significantly cut down on energy consumption.
You don’t need to dim your screen to the minimum while watching videos. However, for tasks that don’t require high brightness—like reading articles, using your phone under bright lights, or handling simple admin tasks like mobile banking—reducing the brightness to 50% can make a big difference.
4. Get the Battery Replaced
Replacing your phone’s battery when it degrades is an excellent way to reduce its carbon footprint. There’s no need to discard the entire phone if the battery is the only issue.
If the other components are functioning well, a new battery can extend your phone’s life by another two to three years. Plus, with replacement batteries costing between $25 and $100, you’ll save money too.
5. Buy Refurbished Technology
The longer a device stays in use, the more value we extract from its carbon footprint. In 2019, the UN Environmental Program highlighted that production accounts for about 80% of a smartphone’s lifetime carbon emissions.
However, about a third of Australians upgrade their phones as soon as a new model is released. If smartphones are used for seven years instead of two and a half, it can save around 100kg of greenhouse gases, according to a study by Oeko-Institut in Germany.
Rose Read, an expert in sustainable electronics, emphasizes the importance of utilizing the second-hand market. Companies like Belong Second Life offer refurbished, recent-model smartphones that are often cheaper and better for the environment.
6. Learn How to Use Flight Mode
Switching to Aeroplane Mode on your smartphone isn’t just for flights—it can also help you save energy and avoid distractions. By blocking calls, texts, and mobile data when you don’t need them (like when you’re asleep, driving, or having dinner), you can reduce unnecessary interruptions. Simply turn on Aeroplane Mode during these times to conserve battery life and receive notifications later when it’s more convenient. It’s a quick and easy habit that can make a big difference.
7. Let Your Device Live On
If you’re looking to part ways with your phone, selling or donating it is the most eco-friendly option. This ensures the device continues to be used, extending its life. The new owner might utilize it for several more years, reducing electronic waste.
Alternatively, consider trading in your old phone when purchasing a new one. Many manufacturers offer attractive trade-in values, which can lower the cost of your new device. These traded-in phones are often stripped for parts and recycled, making good use of the components.
Conclusion
Using your phone responsibly is essential for the environment. The best way to reduce its carbon footprint is to keep it as long as possible before upgrading. The longer you use your phone, the longer it stays out of landfills, helping to combat climate change. Avoiding unnecessary upgrades not only saves you money but also benefits the planet.
