Are used iPhones better for the environment?
Apple products are super nice, but it’s somewhat sad how fast their turnover is. Many replace their iPhone every year with the newest model, and this makes Mother Earth cry :’( It’s a fact that producing new tech produces an enormous amount of pollution, not to mention the e-waste that is generated by throwing gadgets in the trash.
If we really want to be environmentally friendly, we need to foster a culture of reuse and recycling. This is one of the reasons we decided to create Back Market: to give people an eco-friendly way to buy their next used iPhone, Macbook, or other fancy tech gadget-thingy :D This way, we can still love our gadgets and the environment at the same time.
Buying used Apple products helps decrease waste in a variety of ways. First off, since you are minimizing the amount of new products that needs to be produced, you’re also decreasing the amount of pollution and mining that is required to produce the necessary components for the new device. Second, since you are buying a pre-owned iPhone, you’re saving it from ending up in landfill or from being improperly discarded. The more we reuse our devices, the less waste we will generate as a society. Same goes for a lot of the things we use.
If you want more specific numbers regarding electronic waste and the benefits of refurbished electronics, read what one of our founders wrote in this Forbes article titled "Refurbished is the Future" :)
If you look through our website, you’ll notice many small reminders about being eco-friendly. Under each product, you’ll see just how much waste you’re saving by buying the specific product, not to mention how much money you’ll save since you’re not buying the product directly from Apple. You can be sure all our products have been thoroughly tested and certified thanks to our meticulous refurbishing standards :D Nobody takes refurbished Apple products as seriously as we do.
Another interesting read from Forbes... did you know 59% of Americans prefer to upgrade to a new phone rather than repair the one they are currently using?
Our mission is to make renewed tech mainstream. Turning old into "new new", so to speak.
For every phone accessory sold, we donate at least $1 to PUR Project to help the village of Pejarakan manage and recycle its waste and revitalize their environment. The funds will allow PUR Project to continue the pilot program they started in Batu Ampar Banjar, a small section of Pejarakan.
The production and end-of-life disposal of our smartphones, computers and other modern tech have a dramatic impact on the environment, which can often be overlooked when compared to other environmental issues. Half of the carbon emissions from the digital sector (making up 4% of global emissions) come from the production of devices like these, and buying them refurbished, while not a perfect solution, can help to significantly limit their environmental impact. We’d like to tell you a little more about that.
The tale begins in 1904, in the firestation of Livermore, Ohio. It is a bright and hopeful beginning. An electrician is in the process of fitting what will become known as the “centennial bulb” - a light bulb that would continue to burn even a hundred years after. The bulb, invented by Adolphe Chaillet and manufactured by the Shelby Electric Company, still shines even today. That light pointed to a bright future, but that future would dim just 20 years later.
Unless you act fast your ownership rights over your devices may soon be limited. Big tech companies are currently lobbying to restrict your ability to repair or modify electronic equipment—including things like your tablets, smartphones, laptops and more.
...and a whole lot of nothing. Oops, sweet nothings. To show you in some small way that we care, because we totally do.
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Updated Mar 16, 2023 - Wondering if Back Market is legit? Check out what others are saying about Back Market. Read these real reviews from customers and independent review sites.
This fee is invested in Back Market's industry-leading quality assurance controls, so we can offer you the best experience possible when buying renewed.
Introducing the unsung heroes of the circular economy: our refurbishers.
Back Market works with social and solidarity-based companies, recognized for their positive impact on society and for their key role in the integration of people with disabilities or in precarious situations.
Learn about how headphones can reduce e-waste
Your tech and the way you use it can increase or lower your carbon footprint. Here's a quick list of a few things you can do to make all your screen time a little more sustainable.
Back Market is the world's leading refurbished electronics marketplace. Yes, it's legit. But apart from being a solid company that isn't trying to scam you, there's a lot more to know about Back Market.
Wondering whether buying refurbished electronics really helps the planet? Here are the facts to prove how refurbished electronics reduce e-waste, save you money, and more.
Published January 13, 2023 - How Back Market gives back
Published Mar 30, 2023 - Does choosing Back Market really prevent environmental damage? It definitely does, all thanks to purchases made by you. We've just hit 1 million tons of prevented CO2e.