Sustainable Living Starts at Home: How to Select Eco-Friendly Devices and Gadgets
By David White, writing for NYTSTND, creators of wireless charing devices
As the effects of climate change become ever more obvious and impactful, people all over the globe are looking for ways to live more sustainably, reducing their impact on the environment and being kinder to nature.
One of the simplest changes you can make is to invest in sustainable, eco-friendly devices, as opposed to more wasteful alternatives. This guide will explain more.
Importance of Sustainable Living and Reducing Environmental Impact
It’s clear to see that mankind’s actions have a clear and noticeable effect on the planet. Whether it’s driving a car or even something as simple as turning on the lights in your home, many of the actions we take each day use up natural resources or produce pollution and waste.
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of harming the environment through the actions. Others simply want to cut down on the amount of energy they use in order to save money on electricity and gas bills.
In either case, the benefits and importance of sustainable living are clear to see. It not only helps to protect the planet, reducing waste and minimizing the risk of harmful, polluting effects on natural ecosystems, but it can also save you money to live more sustainably.
Role of Devices and Gadgets in Everyday Life
Despite the fact that many people wish to live more sustainably, we also have to contend with the fact that the modern world is a technological world, where devices like phones, computers, laptops, and tablets are absolutely essential for work, communication, and entertainment.
These gadgets play a massive role in day-to-day life. We rely on them to keep in touch with family and friends, to find out about news around the world, to carry out our working duties, to get around safely in new cities and spaces, to buy and sell things, and so much more.
It’s impossible to underestimate the role that technology plays in our lives, and while some people are capable of abandoning their devices and simply living “off-grid,” that’s just not an option for the vast majority of the population.
Instead, an easier and more accessible choice for many is to buy sustainable electronic devices which use up less energy and are kinder and gentler to the natural world. There are lots of these devices to choose from, and they can all help you lower your carbon footprint.
Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Devices
There are lots of advantages associated with eco-friendly devices, from wireless charging stations to low-energy washing machines. Here are some of the main benefits, explained in detail:
Energy Efficiency
Obviously, the main benefit of sustainable devices is their high level of energy efficiency. When compared to more traditional alternatives, energy-efficient devices use considerably less resources. For example, an efficient kitchen appliance, like an oven or refrigerator, will use a fraction of the energy when compared to an older model
This has many benefits for the user. For starters, it can help to drastically lower energy costs. Energy efficient appliances and devices cost far less to run per hour. This can be helpful for families who want to reduce their monthly and annual utility bills, as well as those who may be particularly struggling to cover the costs of living.
In addition, energy efficient appliances and devices are much better for the environment. They don’t require anywhere near as much energy to power up and operate, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and other resources that are used to make energy. This results in a smaller carbon footprint for the user, or their entire household.
However, it’s still important to choose with care when shopping for energy efficient devices. These devices aren’t all made equal, and some may utilize far less energy than others. It’s wise for consumers to familiarize themselves with programs and certifications, such as the Energy Star program, which is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Energy Star and similar programs elsewhere around the world can let you know clearly and simply how efficient a device is, using a graded rating system, with the best appliances and devices receiving A ratings for their energy efficiency.
Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
Another big benefit of eco-friendly devices is the fact that they’re made in sustainable and environmentally-conscious ways. For example, there are certain sustainable phone developers who rely on recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods to cut down on the amount of waste and energy that is used up during the making of a typical smartphone.
There are lots of ways in which devices can be made more sustainably, and many of the world’s big tech brands are investing in these alternative methods. They can opt for materials that are easier to recycle or those that have already been recycled, for example, in order to reduce the reliance on wasteful or ecologically harmful materials.
In addition, manufacturing practices can also be adjusted to become kinder and gentler to the environment. As it is, many manufacturing methods involve huge wastes of energy, but there are smarter, safer, alternative techniques that can produce the same or very similar results without consuming as much.
These alternative methods sometimes cost more money, which is why some brands still stick with their standard wasteful methods. However, as consumer demand for sustainable devices continues to grow, it’s likely that all tech brands and producers will need to start shifting towards eco-friendly manufacture.
Again, this all results in devices and gadgets that are fairer on the planet, while still providing the same benefits and uses as they always have. A sustainably-made phone, for example, can still allow you to communicate with others and use apps; it simply was made with the environment in mind.
If you hope to choose more devices that are made sustainably, opt for those which feature recycled or sustainable materials as part of their design. In addition, avoid devices with harmful chemicals or pollutants, as they may damage the environment during the manufacturing phase or when you eventually need to dispose of them.
Durability and Longevity
In some cases, sustainably-made devices and gadgets may also be more durable and therefore able to last longer than standard devices. This, once again, offers an array of benefits to consumers. Notably, if your devices are able to last longer, you won’t have to spend money replacing them as regularly.
Plus, more durable devices are able to withstand an array of conditions without breaking apart or wearing down. This can provide a more satisfying experience for the user, allowing them to get more use out of every device. A sustainable and durable laptop, for instance, will get much more use than one which wears down easily and needs replacing after a few years.
Often, the most sustainable devices are also easy to fix and upgrade. They may have smart, modular designs, allowing for easy upgrades or installation of new components over time, rather than fixed designs which cannot be altered or improved in any way. Those looking for smart, sustainable technology should seek out these easily repairable devices above all others.
In addition, many sustainable tech accessories can also help devices last longer. Wireless charging stations, for instance, are able to charge up phone and other device batteries in a more efficient and sustainable way than traditional charging cables, helping batteries last longer without suffering from overheating and damages. So, as well as investing in durable and sustainable devices, it’s important to consider add-ons and accessories, too.
Role of Smart Technology in Sustainable Living
Smart technology is becoming increasingly prevalent, with many people investing in smart gadgets and devices like smart thermostats, smart sprinkler systems, smart light bulbs, smart plugs, and so on. There are lots of different kinds of smart gadgets, and many of them can be useful for making a home more sustainable.
For example, smart thermostats are cleverly able to adjust the heating in a home, turning it down when nobody is home and then slowly heating back up as people return from work, school, etc. Similarly, a smart light bulb can dim or switch off as needed in order to save energy and cut down on utility bills for the homeowner.
Smart sprinkler systems can be programmed to water the lawn only when necessary, using smart sensors to detect the air and soil conditions, for example, and smart plugs can limit the flow of energy to connected devices, reducing the risk of electricity being wasted needlessly. All of this promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment for all.
So, any homeowner wanting to both save energy and be kinder to the planet should consider an investment in smart devices. These handy gadgets can optimize the energy usage of your entire home, with only minimal manual effort and configuration required.
Conclusion
We may not be able to erase devices from our lives entirely, as we need them for work, play, and comfort. However, it is possible to make better choices about which devices we choose, what they’re made from, and how they’re made, opting for sustainable options whenever possible and making a positive impact on the world in the process.
About the Author
David White is a dynamic Tech Entrepreneur known for his relentless drive for innovation and transforming ideas into successful ventures. With a proven track record of launching and scaling tech startups, he excels in identifying market opportunities and developing groundbreaking solutions. As a visionary leader, David assembles talented teams, fosters a culture of creativity, and executes strategic plans that drive business growth. Currently, he works with NYTSTND, where he continues to disrupt industries and shape the future through his innovative ventures.