Smartphones are now an integral part of our lives. Today, most of the world’s population owns smartphones and replaces them with new ones on average every two to three years. Therefore, you can imagine the huge amount of e-waste that a particular product line produces each year. Citing this issue, some European companies have created small but powerful initiatives to promote more sustainable ways to maintain digital technology.
Called FairTEC, it aims to collectively address the social and environmental impacts of modern digital technology. This initiative was initiated by six European companies, each with varying technical expertise, to provide end users with a sustainable digital environment and promote responsible use of mobile devices.
Now we have already seen major tech giants taking important steps to reduce carbon emissions and adopt environmentally friendly methods for operating their businesses. Apple, which powers large ApplePark facilities with solar energy, has stopped shipping power adapters in iPhone boxes to reduce e-waste in the environment. This has become an industry trend as companies have chased the Cupertino giants and stopped including power adapters in their device boxes.
However, most of these steps are not systematic and are considered a secondary focus of the enterprise. Meanwhile, FairTEC member companies aim to bring the environmental impact of smartphones and their accessories to the forefront and address critical issues.
The companies that created FairTEC include Fairphone, which manufactures smartphones that are modular and easy to repair, Commown, which provides smartphone rental services, and French software organization / e / OS, which provides Android OS without Google services. Includes UK utilities. A provider that uses a low carbon utility named The PhoneCoop.
These six companies work together to provide users with more sustainable digital technology that respects privacy and has a positive impact on the environment. The initiative also supports the repair rights movement, as we believe that improving the repairability of smartphones will lead to a significant reduction in e-waste in the environment.
“It was very natural to participate in an initiative like FairTEC because we all share those values and intents. There is a vibrant ecosystem around us and I We believe that if we work together, it will be much more effective and visible to benefit our end users. “ / e / OS developer Alexis Noetinger of the eFoundation said.
This initiative is currently only being implemented in Europe as all member companies are located in the region. For now, it focuses on the mobile technology and phone industry. However, the founders are encouraging participation, and we believe that organizations in similar industries, such as consumer rights companies, and companies that focus on customer privacy and data security will be able to participate in the movement in the future.
“We have a strong vision of the impact we want to achieve. This can only be achieved by working with like-minded organizations.” Luke James, Fairphone’s Sales and Partnership Manager, says.But they “To participate in FairTEC, we need to remain open to other responsible parties in the industry.” I also added James.
