Looking for a new laptop?

Looking for a new laptop? Consider these 3 brands taking steps toward sustainability  

If you are on the lookout for a new laptop, read this handy guide first.  

Did you know that the decisions you make when buying new electronics can have a meaningful impact on the environment and climate change? Valuable resources go into the making of all tech and electronics. Meanwhile, electronics waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing global waste problem in the world, with 50 million tons of e-waste generated every year.  

But technology is constantly improving… and in a monumental effort to offset the huge amounts of e-waste produced around the globe, some forward-thinking companies are leading the tech industry in becoming more circular. In fact, there are tech companies, big and small, undertaking initiatives to improve their sustainability for the long-term. 

As more technology and electronics companies make the move towards prioritising sustainability and establishing more circular principles, we are taken one step closer to a more circular economy.  

Make a positive impact by considering these three tech companies when purchasing your next laptop or other electronic device. 

HP 

A tech leader in championing sustainability and transparency, HP is well on its way to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025, and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, starting with a 50% reduction by 2030. The company has made progress in reducing and reusing its plastic waste, as well as contributing to the breaking down of social inequality barriers by accelerating digital equity through education, partnerships, and inclusive design. 

APPLE 

Making steady progress towards net-zero carbon neutrality by 2030, Apple has decreased its carbon footprint by 40% since 2015. Apple’s assembly sites are certified as ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’, while their corporate operations run on fully renewable energy. The company is dedicated to improving its use of recycled materials in the creation of its products, including recycled plastics, and recycled rare earth elements.   

DELL 

Another ranked among the top sustainable tech companies, Dell has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 60% per unit revenue by 2030, with a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Pushing sustainability efforts across multiple areas of the business, Dell has pledged that by 2030: for every product a customer buys, the company will reuse or recycle an equivalent product. Additionally, by 2030, 100% of Dell’s packaging will be made from recycled or renewable material, while more than half of its product content will be made from recycled or renewable materials. 

3 top tips to improve your ‘e-sustainability’ 

1. Always ask: Is it really time for a new laptop, mobile, electronic device?  

Only make big e-purchases, such as new electronics and appliances, when you really need to.  

2. Buy secondhand: whenever you can!  

Look up a local buy-and-sell site or seek out secondhand options at your favourite sustainable e-brand. More companies are now looking for innovative ways to keep their products in use for as long as possible. Apple Refurbished is a good place to start. 

3. Remember to: resell, recycle or upcycle your old electronics.  

When it’s time to move on from your old e-purchases, resell them if you can. If (and only when) they’re no longer useable, look up the manufacturer’s website to find where and how to recycle them to ensure that the materials will truly end up back in (re)use! 

Where does Utilitarian fit in? 

Utilitarian makes the process of finding sustainable and ethical electronics much easier. Our app is designed to bring together everything need to participate in the circular economy: by connecting you with reselling, recycling and reuse services, and by providing real-time sustainability information on all your goods and products. By connecting you with all the information you need at your fingertips, Utilitarian will simplify your life.