Thanks to their low cost, consumers can acquire quality technology at more competitive prices. These devices, in addition to offering excellent value for money, promote sustainable practices for the planet by reducing toxic waste and the accumulation of electronic waste.
The upcoming June 5th marks World Environment Day, a date aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving our natural environment. The choice of this date is no coincidence, as it commemorates the historic United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. Since then, various activities are held worldwide each year to encourage collective action in favor of sustainability and caring for the planet.
In a society where the use of technology has become essential, it is important to promote a series of responsible consumption habits for the sustainability of the planet, without overlooking the innovation and conveniences that technology provides to users. On average, electronic waste is estimated to generate a staggering 57.4 million tons in just one year.
To address this, one way to promote sustainable consumption is through the use of refurbished devices, which offer benefits both for users, who can acquire the technology they want at the best possible price, and for the environment. In this way, by giving restored technology a new life, we help reduce electronic waste and conserve natural resources.
With this purpose, SPC, the Spanish technology company, created in 2022 Geecool, the first national refurbished brand aimed at mass consumption. Today, to celebrate World Environment Day, the company has gathered the main benefits and advantages that refurbished technological devices offer both to end users and to the environment.
Benefits for users:
- Lower cost for consumers’ wallets
Starting with the most visible benefit at first glance, refurbished devices, compared to brand-new models, have a much lower price. This cost difference allows users to enjoy quality technology without making a significant investment. By choosing refurbished devices from Geecool, consumers can get the gadget they want at a more affordable price, as it operates without intermediaries, resulting in considerable savings on their budget.
- The quality of the refurbished device, guaranteed
Refurbished devices undergo strict quality controls before being sold, making them an attractive option for those who want to get the most value for their money without sacrificing the quality and functionality that technology provides.
Refurbished units go through thorough repair and inspection processes, where each component is verified to function correctly. This is the case with Geecool, whose specialized technicians perform 82 checkpoints to offer 100% functional and operational models before sale.
- Warranty and technical support
By law, refurbished devices must have at least a 1-year warranty, providing users with peace of mind that their purchase is sound and that, in case of malfunction, they can take the device to technical support for repair or replacement. Geecool commits to an excellent user experience, based on the “Know How” acquired by the company over more than 30 years of expertise in both the technology industry and after-sales service, extending this warranty by an additional year. Therefore, the refurbished devices from the Spanish brand come with a full two-year warranty.
- The possibility to try new technologies and upgrade more often
Thanks to their attractive price, refurbished devices give users the chance to discover and try new technologies more accessibly. With a lower cost than new devices, users can acquire different models, allowing them to explore the latest trends and innovative features on the market.
On the other hand, refurbished devices enable users to upgrade their technology periodically, as they can update more frequently without incurring excessive expenses. This allows them to stay up to date with the latest improvements and functionalities, enjoying an up-to-date and satisfying technological experience.
Benefits for the environment:
- Contributes to reducing electronic waste and pollutant gases
By choosing refurbished devices, users help reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in landfills. Each year, 57.4 million tons of electronic devices pile up or end up in the ocean, causing a negative impact on the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a single nickel-cadmium battery from a mobile phone dumped in the sea can contaminate 50,000 liters of water.
Thanks to the new opportunity given to devices through refurbishment, their useful life cycle is extended, avoiding premature disposal. Additionally, this practice prevents the need to manufacture new units, which means significant savings of natural resources by reducing the extraction of raw materials for new models, as well as energy consumption, minimizing CO2 emissions during manufacturing processes.
According to the French Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME), a refurbished smartphone avoids generating approximately 80 kilograms of CO2, which is roughly the carbon footprint produced by manufacturing a new device, equivalent to smoking 5,700 cigarettes, as well as saving the extraction of 45 kilograms of raw materials such as aluminum, copper, and cobalt.
Thus, by giving them a second chance, pollution and risks associated with electronic waste, such as the release of toxic substances harmful to the environment, are reduced.
- Promotes the circular economy
The use of refurbished technological devices plays a key role in promoting the circular economy. Instead of following the linear production model, where products are made, used, and discarded, the circular economy is based on the concept of keeping products in use for as long as possible.
By extending the life of products, they are given a second chance through refurbishment, which involves inspecting, repairing, and renewing devices so they function optimally again. This minimizes the generation of electronic waste and reduces the environmental impact associated with producing and disposing of new devices.
- Greater awareness of environmental education
Refurbished devices have a positive impact on raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and resource reuse. By promoting responsible technology consumption, they generate a positive impact on environmental education and contribute to the care and preservation of the environment. Thus, by embracing the use of refurbished devices, a more sustainable world is achieved for future generations.
In short, based on data provided by entities such as ADEME and UNEP, we can confidently say that the environmental footprint of refurbished devices is minimal compared to new ones. Moreover, given the ongoing digitalization process and the growing demand for technological gadgets, choosing refurbished devices becomes one of the most sustainable decisions in both the short and long term.
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