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Each year over 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is created.

This is completely unsustainable, and the effects of this need to be addressed. The mass production of new technologies and the increase in desire for new devices has led to a throwaway culture which extends to IT devices that are in full working order.

However, promisingly, recent research and data shows that younger generations are starting to embrace reusing electronic items and consumers within these generations are looking for more sustainable products. Buying new is not as “cool” as it once was with 73% of millennials preferring to buy from verifiably sustainable companies, selling sustainable products - simply using sustainable packaging is no longer enough.  

Refurbished technology is only one part of creating a circular economy

When it comes to sustainable IT, buying refurbished technology is only one part of creating a circular economy. A circular economy means moving away from disposable, short-life products and towards a culture of re-use, sustainable recycling and remanufacturing.

Using refurbished IT is often met with a certain level of scepticism. Some may think that it’s old, slow, and out of date. But given a closer look refurbished devices match and often exceed performance expectations.

Although ‘preloved’ the refurbished devices sold through Refreshed By Us are excellent quality, having gone through a complete IT Asset Disposal process. Equipment recovered from businesses and government bodies are securely wiped, leaving no trace of previous use before going through a thorough refurbish process. We update operating systems to latest versions, add hardware upgrades, and fix cosmetic issues. There’s nothing old about these devices when they leave us. In fact, because refurbished IT is built to user specification, it allows more options and allows the new owner to customise it to suit their needs.

Businesses are also taking full advantage of refurbished IT. The savings involved are incredible, and the ease of integration into current networks completely out way buying new.

… and it doesn’t stop there!

Embracing a circular IT strategy doesn’t stop at the process of buying refurbished equipment. The circle can be broken if a complete and sustainable process is not followed.

For example, you’ve bought a refurbished laptop, great! Instead of that laptop going to landfill, it’s been repurposed and given a new life. The question is – what happens when you have finished with it?

If it’s still in working order it should be repurposed again through a sustainable IT asset disposal company. By using a certified organisation you can rest assured your device will be refurbished and resold or if unsuitable sustainably recycled, with parts and components being harvested for reuse.

About RefreshedByUs

RefreshedByUs.com is a premium reseller of corporate, A Grade quality refurbished laptops, refurbished desktops and monitors. These reconditioned PCs have been sourced from global corporations, and government departments throughout the UK & Ireland. We are passionate about sustainability and helping businesses understand and embrace the circular economy to create a greener future. www.refreshedbyus.com

Get in touch Daniel Ely daniel.ely@refreshedbyus.com

Take the first step, join Techies Go Green.

If you want to learn more about sustainability and what your company can do to become more sustainable, consider joining Techies Go Green. Techies Go Green is a movement dedicated to decarbonising IT and tech-oriented companies through collaborating and sharing knowledge. Membership is open to both companies and individuals within the UK and Ireland. We would love to have you join and to help you in your journey towards sustainability and decarbonisation.