At Spring, we love tech. When new devices are released, we’re keen to get our hands on them. There’s nothing wrong with this, but there’s a bigger picture here. When old, often perfectly usable models are thrown away, they become e-waste. The world generates 50 million tonnes of it every year and that figure’s set to double by 2050*. And, it isn’t just an eyesore. It leaches toxic substances into soil and water systems and because of this, wealthier nations illegally ship it to developing countries. The UK’s one of the worst offenders. On top of this, electronics contain non-renewable resources like gold, silver, copper, platinum and aluminium. To extract them and get them ready for manufacturing, whole communities and supply chains are involved. Casually discarding them makes no sense. Things can, and should, be better. We need to reuse, repair first and then when necessary recycle where we can, extending the life of these complex products and precious materials. If we all commit to something small, like exchanging an old phone for cash or renting equipment over buying new, it adds up to massive change. So, give something in, get something back and do something good. For the sake of the planet, as well as our wallets, long live tech. @thespringcycle