The effects of climate change are being felt worldwide, with extreme weathers and damages to nature and people. We all need to do what we can to help protect the environment. While it’s well known that a meat-free diet and fewer flights are helpful, it is less well known that managing your notebook computer sustainably also has a significant impact. Here are five tips to get you started.
Around 80 percent of a computer’s lifetime emissions occur during the energy-intensive manufacturing phase, where factories often are powered by fossil fuels. Therefore, keeping your computer longer is the most efficient way of reducing its climate impact. Some data and facts: by doubling the use time from three years to six, the annual greenhouse gas footprint is almost halved. Even holding onto your device for just one more year will make a big difference — keeping it for four years instead of three reduces its annual footprint by an impressive 23,5 percent.
So, how can you make sure your device lasts longer? The first step is to buy the right product. Choose one with more performance than you need today. This way, it will be good enough also for future needs. It should be durable, and possible to repair and upgrade. Look for a product that can be disassembled, and where spare parts are available.
Many computers are thrown out just because the battery has lost its capacity. Make sure you choose a product with a good quality, replaceable battery, and keep it 20 to 80 percent charged to keep it functional longer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for software updates and maintenance to ensure its longevity. Using cloud-based software can also help extend its lifespan as it requires less performance than traditional software.
If you no longer need your computer, consider reselling or donating it to give it a second life. This way, it can serve another user for a few more years.
Five tips that will give your computer a longer life
- Select a product with more performance than you need today, so that it can meet your future needs as well.
- Make sure that the product you buy can be repaired. It should be possible to take apart, and spare parts must be available.
- The battery should be of good quality, and be easily replaceable.
- Don’t throw away your old device — resell it or donate it to give it a second life.
- Spread the word! If many of us make small changes, the positive effect is multiplied.
Computers marked with the sustainability certification TCO Certified must meet strict environmental and social criteria, and are always made for a long life. Take a look at this page if you want to know more about us.
