Business PickupFrom fashion to automobiles, manufacturers in virtually every industry are constantly evolving their products to offer the latest and greatest to consumers. At the same time, previous models are often rendered unusable due to lack of support or compatibility with new developments, such as software.
Through strategic marketing initiatives, consumers are led to believe they need the newest products, despite the fact that enhancements in updated models are often superfluous. While this rapid churn of products is problematic for waste generation in any industry, it’s especially dangerous in the world of electronics, where electronic waste (“e-waste”) can have toxic effects on our environment. Here’s a closer look at the pitfalls of planned obsolescence and what we can do to address them.
What is planned obsolescence?
Planned obsolescence is a strategy in which products are designed to intentionally break down or become unusable after a certain amount of time, prompting customers to return for upgrades. Coupled with annual updates to products, manufacturers create an ongoing purchase-and-replace cycle, leading to accelerated waste generation.
There are two types of obsolescence:
- Absolute obsolescence: This occurs when a component fails mechanically or systems can no longer be updated. An example would be a device that no longer supports newer operating systems and is therefore rendered obsolete.
- Relative obsolescence: This occurs when a product becomes increasingly difficult or expensive to repair and the simpler, more affordable option is to replace it. For example, smartphones and laptops are often designed with batteries that can’t be removed or replaced, but which degrade over time and hinder the device’s performance.
In either scenario, the need to replace a product is often further incentivized with new features that are marketed in a way that appeals to consumers – even when these additions or enhancements don’t significantly enhance the product’s function.
The link between planned obsolescence and e-waste
While any excessive waste generated by planned obsolescence is detrimental to our environment, it’s worse when that waste contains harmful chemicals. E-waste presents serious environmental risks: when electronics aren’t recycled properly, both usable and defunct devices wind up in landfills, where their toxic materials contribute to water and air pollution.
Further, e-waste production generates significant amounts of greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide. One study showed that greenhouse gas emissions associated with e-waste and electronics production increased 53% from 2014 to 2020, with 580 metric tonnes created in 2020 alone. Without intervention, 852 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide compounds will be generated from e-waste alone by 2030.
Eliminating planned obsolescence to help solve the e-waste crisis
To effectively address the e-waste crisis, action must be taken by both consumers and manufacturers. Consumers can contribute by purchasing high-quality products designed for longevity and performing routine maintenance and repairs to extend their devices’ lifespan. They can also choose to support sustainable brands that offer repairable or upgradeable products. Lastly, when electronics do reach the end of their lifespan, consumers should dispose of them properly through certified e-waste programs.
For manufacturers, developing products with durable components and offering repair services or parts will be important steps for enacting change. Likewise, they should also focus on designing products that can be easily disassembled for proper recycling. To facilitate simpler end-of-life processing, manufacturers can also implement take-back programs in which consumers can return old devices for proper recycling or refurbishment. Lastly, businesses should promote transparency with clear information about the environmental impact of products and the availability of repair services.
As technology continues to evolve, consumers and manufacturers alike must find the balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. Embracing practices that prioritize longevity and recyclability can help ensure that our technological advancements don’t come at the expense of our planet.
To find out more about how to properly eliminate your unwanted e-waste, see our list of e-waste recycling services here.