A slightly older smartphone will do just fine. And a brand new TV does not necessarily look better than one that is a few years older. In short, electronics and gadgets can also be bought second-hand. This is a mega sustainable step, because it is the production of things with a battery and plug that puts a heavy burden on the earth. So many small parts and so many scarce resources! But where should you go? And when do you ‘just’ buy second-hand and when do you opt for refurbished? David is our gadgetfreak and goes over it with you briefly.
Second-hand gadgets and electronics
Babette Porcelijn, in her book The hidden impact calculated that if everyone lived like an average Dutchman, we would need almost four earths a year. Four earths? And we only have one! In other words, an average Dutchman would have to sacrifice three quarters (!) of his lifestyle to get within the carrying capacity of our planet. Not the familiar list of energy consumption, waste and your car are the most damaging to the planet, but rather those darned things are the biggest polluter for an average person in the Netherlands. And you guessed it... within that stuff category, those electronics and gadgets are the biggest dirtbags. Other studies also support this view. For instance, research shows that all gadgets, internet use and data traffic together account for 3.7% of global emissions (source: BBC).
When to buy refurbished and when to buy ‘plain’ second-hand
Many things you can find second-hand just fine. So can most things with a plug. But when to buy gadgets and electronics refurbished (i.e. at a dedicated shop where devices are checked first) and when you can just as easily ‘just’ buy second-hand, say through Marketplace?
- Buy refurbished if they are devices that are used intensively and can (fall over) faster. A smartphone, tablet or laptop are gadgets that may have suffered damage from a previous owner, even if you can't see it on the outside. With these kinds of small and sensitive gadgets, my tip is to go for a little more security. With a refurbished purchase, you at least know that the device has also been checked and fixed on the inside if necessary. Moreover, you often get a warranty on a refurbished purchase. The best refurbished appliances you buy from a shop with a seal of approval. You can check this on the website hallmark-refurbished.nl.
- The choice of refurbished is also my advice for devices that are known to be difficult to repair. You can check online whether a gadget is repairable at ifixit.com.
- Electronic appliances that are safely in one place in people's homes (such as a television, audio equipment or a computer monitor) are perfectly fine to ‘just’ buy second-hand, he says.
- The same goes for second-hand appliances that you know can take a beating such as kitchen gadgets, a TV, a computer screen and household appliances. The advantage of using Marktplaats or Facebook is that there is a large supply. As a result, you are bound to find something nearby for a soft price. I am also a fan of the sales site tweakers.net/offer.
- Another more sustainable option for buying gadgets and electronics is to buy returned products that would otherwise end up in landfills. This can be done, for example, at Triple J Online or Sustainable Deals.
Timing your second-hand gadget purchase well
It may sound a bit weird, but by timing your second-hand gadget purchase well, you may be able to save quite a bit of money. As soon as a company releases a new model of phone/gadget/tv/etc., they lower the price of the older devices in the shop. This also has an immediate effect on the second-hand price. Buy your second-hand gadget right after a new model comes out, and you have an even better deal.
Second-hand gadgets like a laptop, tablet, TV or smartphone are great choices. There is so much safe choice through refurbished shops these days!
Buying second-hand gadgets? Renting you would mean!
You can also rent or borrow a lot of useful gadgets and electronics. This is especially handy with appliances you don't need every day, such as tools. Borrowing or renting from someone else saves you money and space in your home. Peerby is the best-known platform for renting stuff from neighbours. This is also a tip if you have unused stuff lying around yourself: so you can make money by lending it out! Other sharing initiatives that followers and readers rave about: renting gadgets and electronics from grover.com. And for all utensils with a plug that you don't need very often, is biyu.world a tip. Finally, the hardware store is also always handy to remember. Here they also rent out a lot of tools.
Will your next purchase be a second-hand gadget?
Hopefully this article has given you handles - and more confidence - to make your next gadget or electronics purchase second-hand or refurbished to do. There are so many beautiful devices available second-hand as good as new these days. By not always going for the very latest model, you can save a lot of money and still enjoy scrolling/swiping/looking. And the fact that a second-hand gadget purchase is a great sustainable step makes you feel even better, doesn't it?
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- What is the environmental impact of a smartphone? We figured it out for you!
- Cobalt is in every battery, but what exactly is it and how bad is it? Learn more about it.
- Are you already familiar with Triple J Online? See more about this webshop that gives returns new life here.
- Which is more sustainable: buy something in shop or order it online? Well what do you think?
- Keep your photo and video archive tidy with these tips! Yes, it's better for the planet too!
Sources: The Hidden Impact, BBC. Photo credits: main image: Angela de Vlaming, others: Ksenia Chernaya (child at TV), Antoni Shkraba (designer).
