Over the years, mobile phones have evolved from mere communication devices to essential tools for accessing the vast world of the internet. Despite their indispensability, we don’t hold on to them for too long and tend to replace them frequently. But why?
It’s interesting to note that, on average, each smartphone user in Europe replaces their device every three years. This relatively short lifespan is driven by several factors, including evolving consumer needs, technical issues, and a dash of aesthetic allure.
One significant factor contributing to the three-year smartphone cycle is what’s known as “aesthetic obsolescence.” The constant quest for the latest, trendiest smartphone model leads to rapid turnover. Marketing strategies promoting new launches further fuel consumerism and the desire for the next big thing.
Beyond aesthetics, technical reasons also play a role in the regular smartphone turnover. Users may find themselves needing a new phone due to hardware defects, changing mobile subscription providers, lack of software support, or dissatisfaction with performance. Common issues that prompt replacements include battery problems, operating system glitches, and screen issues.
However, this rapid turnover of smartphones takes a toll on the environment. The electronic waste (e-waste) generated from discarded devices is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. While 1.5 billion phones are sold annually, only 20% of them are reused or recycled.
To address the environmental impact, one approach is to extend the lifespan of each smartphone. By increasing the useful life of all smartphones in the European Union by just one year, we could save 2.1 million tons of carbon dioxide per year until 2030, equivalent to removing over a million cars from the roads. Extending the lifespan of smartphones further, by three years, would save 4.3 million tons of CO2, and a five-year extension would mean a reduction of 5.5 million tons.
The message is clear: before rushing to replace your mobile phone, consider the environmental impact and assess if it’s truly necessary. “Business models and supply chains are optimized to deliver new products and not fix them,” notes Mário Barros, an assistant professor at Aalborg University. With proper implementation of repairability and affordability, smartphones could last up to a decade, minimizing the environmental impact and benefiting both the planet and your wallet.
