can you use a smartphone, sustainably?
When we think about the technology we use, we very rarely consider it “sustainable” in the broader sense. After all, there’s a great deal of electronic and plastic waste that goes into tech consumerism each year, not helped by the fact that incremental and yearly product releases means the “next one up” is always a tempting upgrade proposition for many people.
For many, smartphone use is so integrated into their lives that throwing it out is neither desirable nor doable. That’s not a slight against them of course, many of us connect with our loved ones, manage our financial affairs, and keep our days organized thanks to this portable tech.
For the eco-minded amongst us, it’s worth asking a simple question - can you use a smartphone, sustainably?
Perhaps you’ve already overcome many of your foremost tech questions like how to take the best pictures, or how to use a VPN on iPhone. Now is the time to think about your consumption and use of this tech, and how it could improve.
Let’s consider some suggestions we’ve thought up below, and if you have any more, we’d love to hear them!
USE THE ECOSIA BROWSER
There are many search engines out there, with some integrating AI like Bing. However, AI costs a lot of money to run and isn’t that environmentally friendly thanks to the power draw. Luckily, an alternative exists - Ecosia. Not only is this a search engine but it also functions as a browser on many smartphones. The more you search, the more Ecosia plants trees. Moreover, they’re highly transparent regarding their financial reports, put all profits into climate action, and care for user privacy. You can visit their website to get the full low-down and wonder why other tech firms or charities haven’t followed suit.
reduce power settings
Keeping your brightness on a lower setting (though don’t cause yourself eye strain), setting power-saving measures that help switch off high resolutions and other needless features that draw juice, and using eco chargers that don’t draw more power than needed can be a healthy alternative.
While it’s true that smartphones are hardly going to guzzle as much raw energy as many other household implements, reducing power settings might keep the older refurbished tech you’ve purchased operating for a little longer, will reduce your battery use and need for replacement, and generally lowers your carbon footprint from the bottom up.
undergo a digital detox
How much do you need to use your smartphone, anyway? Perhaps you use it for online banking, keeping up with friend’s messages and more, but if you’ve been tired of carrying it around with you, or just want something simpler, dumb phones have become much more popular as of late.
Not only does this let you disconnect from the constant buzz of the online world (which, less face it, is less appealing than ever) but you can still get your internet fix when you need it, like reading our sustainability posts, catching up on your finances, and replying to emails or friends when necessary. These internet sessions will be much more focused if you plan them when you have time, and sit down on a laptop or tablet.
Of course, smartphones can be used for digital detoxing too, as ironic as that sounds. App restrictions, timers, and limits can be set up easily and help you more readily manage your screentime, which on the whole gives you more hours for your other hobbies, perhaps even working on your garden or other sustainable pursuits. Perhaps you’ll use your smartphone to connect with local sustainability groups which results in you using your phone less! Whoever said the eco-view lacked in irony?
With this advice, we hope you can find it easier and more empowering to use smartphone tech…more sustainably.
