Electricals challenge
What and why?
Keep electrical items, such as laptops and smartphones, for at least seven years.
According to the United Nations University’s Global e-waste monitor, around 50 million metric tonnes of electronic products are discarded every year. We’ve become accustomed to upgrading our phones, tablets and even our laptops every few years, generating toxic waste and using up valuable finite resources. Looking after our devices and using them for longer will save us money, as well reduce the demand for newer models and amount of e-waste generated.
Top tips
- Protect your phone with a decent case and screen protector. Get smashed screens replaced or cracks repaired through Fix My Crack.
- Look for second hand electricals on websites such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and GumTree.
- Do your homework before buying new. Many retailers are now offering refurbished items, sometimes of very recent models of electricals ranging from laptops and TVs to vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
- The University has an internal service called Re-Store to advertise any unwanted (non-IT) electrical equipment for reuse within other departments. Check this out before looking to order anything new.
- University staff can drop off unwanted or unused IT, e.g. laptops, phones and tablets so they can be reused or recycled, at the IT Counter, weekdays 9 - 11.30am and 2-3.30pm, Arts and Social Sciences Library.
- Students who are having problems with personal laptops, tablets or smartphones can attend a free drop in session, weekdays, 2-5pm at Arts and Social Sciences Library.
Be the Change
Be the change by signing up to this challenge for at least one month.
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