Electronic waste is one of the bigger challenges when it comes to preventing environmental pollution. Research shows that humans are producing 21% more e-waste than eight years ago. This is due to the increased planned obsolescence of modern devices. This means that manufacturers deliberately create products that can only last a limited amount of time. As a result, you have to replace your cell phone, laptop, or TV within a year or so. One of the ways to reduce e-waste is to repurpose electronic devices.
Old devices don’t have to fill up a landfill. Just because they can no longer perform their original function, doesn’t mean that they can’t be re-used. This also allows for creative ways to use other materials in your house that could have been tossed in a dumping ground.
How To Get Rid Of Old Appliances
1. Remote
Most smartphones have the universal remote app. Once the old device is emptied of needed data, you can use it as a remote to reduce e-waste. In addition, you can also use it to navigate your streaming apps and other online platforms. You can also use your old phone to cast content from YouTube, and other entertainment platforms. This saves your current device from draining its battery and from remaining on for too many hours.
2. Media centre
Old laptops can be used to stream music and TV shows. This is especially helpful if you are multiple people in a house who have different tastes. Music and film can also run on old software. You won’t need to keep getting your device’s software. You can also make your old PC a data hub. If you need extra space, you can reduce e-waste, and use the old laptop as a peripheral storage device.
3. Cameras
You can use an old cell phone as a security camera. You can leave it always on and live stream a video feed of what you want to monitor. You can mount the phone on a tripod or fasten it to the wall or a high-placed surface. You can also use it as a baby monitor or a dashcam. A digital camera can also be used as a webcam. Most laptops already have webcams built into them. However, a digital camera could have better resolution and sound. This also makes it easier to stream high-definition video and audio.
4. E-reader
If you don’t want to buy a tablet exclusively for reading or an e-reader, you can use your old tablet or phone for reading e-books or listening to audiobooks. Audiobooks, manga, comic books, and graphic novels can take up a lot of physical storage. When you’re somewhere you can’t access your cloud, you can repurpose an old phone or tablet to manually store your digital library.
5. Digital photo frame
A creative way to prevent e-waste is to convert a tablet into a digital photo frame. Although it will need to be charged at all times, you can leave your photos on shuffle or create a carousel where images can change by themselves for décor. You can buy a specialised case to make the tablet more decorative and match the aesthetic of your office or room. Apps like Fotoo or LiveFrame can help display pictures every time the device is on.
6. Extra display monitor
If you work using a laptop, you can use an old tablet to create an extra display monitor. This helps with multitasking and makes it easier to move between windows and helps you work more effectively. Depending on the model of your tablet, you may need to activate the extra screen setting or install a specialised app like iDisplay.
Check out:
Lifestyle: 6 Recycling Tips That Will Help You To Save Your Money
16 Fun Ways To Recycle Things In The House
Business: The Importance Of Safe Disposal, Handling & Recycling Of E-waste
How Europe and America Are Turning Africa Into An E-Waste Dumpsite
Digital Security: What You Need To Do Before Getting Rid Of Your Printer
