Repair your phone, and you may do more for the planet than you think. A European Commission study found that the materials and parts inside a smartphone are a major part of its carbon footprint.
Where the footprint comes from
Extracting and processing materials is a major contributor, the Joint Research Centre study found.
The circuit boards, display and chips together account for about 75 percent of a phone’s material impacts.
Keep it one more year
Extending the replacement cycle from 2 to 3 years could cut a phone’s carbon footprint by about 23 to 30 percent, according to the study.
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Easy ways to stretch it
A new battery or screen, a case and a screen protector can add years. When you do upgrade, resell or recycle the old phone properly.
The fine print
This is a European study, and the savings depend on whether repairs are needed along the way.
Why it matters
The greenest phone is usually the one you already own.
Try it yourself
Can you spot the greener option every time? Play Greener Choice, our free eco quiz game, and see how long your streak lasts.
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Submit your companySources: European Commission Joint Research Centre.
Key takeaways on repair your phone
Here is the short version on repair your phone. Extracting and processing materials is a major contributor, the Joint Research Centre study found. The circuit boards, display and chips together account for about 75 percent of a phone’s material impacts. Extending the replacement cycle from 2 to 3 years could cut a phone’s carbon footprint by about 23 to 30 percent, according to the study. A new battery or screen, a case and a screen protector can add years. This is a European study, and the savings depend on whether repairs are needed along the way. The greenest phone is usually the one you already own. Can you spot the greener option every time?
Use these points on repair your phone as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.
