The impact of smartphones on the planet

Can the principles of the circular economy be applied to smartphones? 

In case you forgot: The 5 main steps in the circular economy. 

BUSINESSES: Sustainable sourcing – Eco-design – Resource pooling 

CONSUMERS: Responsible consumption – Recycling *

Circular economy principles are difficult to apply to smartphones. 

Smartphone sourcing

The extraction of metals to make smartphones can damage ecosystems and pollute the water, air and soil. 

Smartphone design and resources

Design, distribution and all the steps in between are often performed in different parts of the world. 

Production – Design – Extraction – Assembly – Distribution 

Smartphone consumption

10 billion smartphones have been sold worldwide since 2007. 

On average, smartphones are replaced every 2 years, even though they usually still work. 

A smartphone is made of many materials. 

Copper – Silver – Zinc – Gold – Tin – Chrome – Nickel – Aluminum – Platinum – Glass – Cobalt 

This complicates the recycling process. 

There are, of course, solutions, most of which are in the hands of consumers. For example: 

• Take care of your phone by protecting it. 
• Buy a phone with a small screen – it has less of an

  environmental impact

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  . 
• Choose a sustainable model: Sturdy – Repairable and upgradable – Replaceable battery – Universal charger 
• If it’s not working properly, don’t replace it – fix it. 
• Only get a new one if you need to. 
• Sell your phone or give it away rather than hold onto it. 

Summary: 

• Circular economy principles are difficult to apply to smartphones. 
• Pollution, long distances between extraction, assembly and retail sites, recycling challenges, and more. 
• There are some simple solutions: choose your smartphone carefully, take care of it, have it repaired rather than buying a new one.