All articles tagged with #e waste
Apple unveiled a designer pocket accessory called the iPhone Pocket, but online reaction labeled it unnecessary and wasteful, sparking a broader debate about consumerism and environmental impact. Critics on Reddit and elsewhere argued the item promotes needless purchasing despite sustainability pledges, with discussions suggesting alternatives like repair, thrift, or simply reducing consumption.
A Reddit post highlights the disposal of numerous government computers due to the end of support for Windows 10, raising concerns about waste, environmental impact, and the need for better recycling and upgrade practices.
iFixit gave the AirPods Pro 3 a 0 out of 10 repairability score due to their glued-together design, making battery replacement and repairs nearly impossible without damage, highlighting concerns about their sustainability and repairability.
Microsoft is reportedly offering a trade-in program for Windows 10 PCs, allowing users to exchange their old devices for money or recycling options, as support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. This initiative aims to encourage upgrading to Windows 11 while reducing e-waste, although official details are yet to be announced.
A new environmentally friendly method uses fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide to extract silver from e-waste, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional, hazardous recycling processes, and demonstrating potential for increased urban mining of precious metals.
Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, but will extend security updates for another year with conditions that may contribute to increased e-waste and resource use. Advocacy groups criticize this move as a band-aid solution, urging for better repairability, durability, and recycling efforts, while Windows 11 gains market share and promotes new features.
The Restart Project has released an 'End of Windows 10' toolkit to help community repair groups assist users with unsupported Windows 11 PCs, amid criticism of Microsoft's hardware requirements and the limited support extension for Windows 10, which some see as insufficient for millions of users.
Upgraded offers a MacBook upgrade program where users pay a monthly fee starting at $33.28, allowing them to upgrade to a new MacBook every two years without the hassles of reselling or trade-ins, promoting a more sustainable and flexible way to own Apple devices.
Thailand is struggling to control a growing problem of illegal electronic waste recycling, which is damaging the environment and not benefiting the economy, as unlicensed plants process imported e-waste mainly from Western countries, leading to pollution and health hazards. The government is cracking down on these operations and planning new legislation to address the issue.
The article criticizes Microsoft's push for users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, arguing that many computers are still capable of running Windows 10 and that the forced obsolescence is environmentally harmful and potentially deceptive. It suggests alternatives like installing Linux Mint or bypassing upgrade restrictions to extend the life of existing hardware, emphasizing that Windows 10 remains secure and functional for most users.
A team from ETH Zurich has developed an eco-friendly method to extract gold from electronic waste using whey protein, turning discarded gadgets into valuable gold nuggets and potentially revolutionizing e-waste recycling by reducing environmental harm and promoting a circular economy.
With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, users and businesses must prepare for the transition to Windows 11 or alternative systems like Linux or Google's OS Flex. The end of support raises concerns about security vulnerabilities and e-waste, as many devices may not be compatible with Windows 11. Businesses are advised to check device compatibility, explore alternatives, back up data, and consider sustainable options like Remanufacturing as a Service (RaaS) to mitigate environmental impact and costs.
Netflix will end support for second- and third-generation Apple TV boxes on July 31, urging users to upgrade to newer models to maintain service.
Apple is advancing its recycling efforts with the development of sophisticated robots like Daisy, which can disassemble up to 1.2 million iPhones annually. These initiatives are part of Apple's broader goal to achieve a carbon-neutral supply chain by 2030. Despite significant improvements in efficiency and compatibility, scaling these efforts remains a challenge to make a substantial impact on global e-waste.
Spotify announced that its Car Thing device, released in 2022, will stop functioning as of December 9th, 2024, leaving users with no option but to discard it. The decision has angered customers who relied on the device for music control in older vehicles, as no refunds, trade-ins, or replacements are being offered. This move has also raised concerns about e-waste.