My blog focuses on Technology. Technology is a major part of all our lives now. A major consideration though is how to be more sustainable with the technology that you use. The following contributed post is entitled, How to Be More Sustainable with Your Tech Habits.
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We love our tech, right? Our phones are basically extra limbs, our laptops know more about us than our best mates, and smart speakers… well, they definitely hear us singing in the kitchen and judge silently.
But here’s the not-so-cute bit: tech use comes with a pretty hefty environmental footprint. Before you panic and swear off Wi-Fi forever (please don’t, it’s 2025, we need the memes to survive), the good news is this: you can make your digital life way greener without sacrificing convenience or style.
Here’s how to clean up your tech habits while still scrolling, streaming, and screenshotting to your heart’s content.
1. Use What You Have (AKA: Don’t Panic-Buy Upgrades)
We all know the temptation. New phone launches, shiny laptop ads, influencer unboxings… and suddenly your perfectly fine device feels like ancient stone tablet technology.
But the most sustainable tech is the tech you already own. Stretch its life by:
● Keeping software updated
● Cleaning out files and apps regularly
● Using protective cases and screen covers
● Avoiding the “my phone battery dipped to 80%, time for a new phone” mindset
You don’t need the newest gadget to still look like you’ve got your life together. Promise.
2. Repair Before You Replace
Cracked screen? Dying battery? Buttons being dramatic? Before chucking your device into the “drawer of forgotten tech dreams”, look into phone repair or refurbishing services.
Repairs are cheaper, greener, and often surprisingly quick. Plus, there’s something satisfyingly rebellious about outsmarting planned obsolescence.
3. Buy Refurbished (It’s Cool Now)
Gone are the days when “refurbished” meant “questionable and probably sticky”. Reputable sellers offer like-new devices with warranties, and you’ll get premium tech without the premium guilt (or price tag).
It’s thrifty, sustainable, and secretly glamorous in an eco-savvy kind of way.
4. Power Smarter, Not Harder
Little changes, big impact:
● Use energy-saving settings
● Unplug chargers when not in use
● Lower screen brightness
● Turn off the 47 background-running apps you forgot about
Also, pro tip: your laptop does not need to be plugged in like it’s life support 24/7.
5. Rehome Old Tech Responsibly
When it is time to part ways, avoid chucking devices in the bin or, worse, your “sad cables” box. Recycle through proper schemes or donate devices to charities, community programmes, or schools. Someone else might love what you’ve outgrown.
Just remember to factory-reset. No one needs to inherit your holiday selfies or embarrassing search history.
6. Declutter Your Digital Life
Digital waste is a thing! All those unused files, random screenshots, duplicate photos, and newsletter subscriptions eat storage and server energy.
Have a monthly digital tidy:
● Delete junk emails
● Remove duplicate pics (no one needs 12 versions of the same dog photo – okay maybe keep two)
● Unsubscribe from newsletters you never open
● Your brain will also thank you.
Embrace Tech Sustainably
Sustainable tech habits don’t demand that you ditch modern life, only that you are more mindful about what you own and what you do with it, so pretty much anyone can be a bit more thoughtful about their tech use!
