Looking for a New Laptop? Try Looking for an Old One Instead!
Photo Credit: vertatle
I remember going shopping for a shiny new computer at the Apple Store the summer before going to college. It was exciting to finally get my brand new MacBook Pro in the mail, all with the reassuring introductory pamphlets and facts that these laptops were recyclable and environmentally friendly. But, as some of my friends’ laptops are dying right before our eyes, I will definitely recommend that they check out refurbished laptops as opposed to buying brand new ones.
The main problem with the newer models of laptops is that they take a lot more resources and a lot more energy to produce than the energy it takes to refurbish an already-made laptop. According to a 2003 U.N. study, it takes 48 pounds of chemicals, 1.7 tons of water, and 529 pounds of fossil fuels to manufacture a computer. This is almost 10 times as much as the computer weighs itself, and, compared to the amount of energy burned throughout the computer’s lifetime, three-fourths of this energy is put into manufacturing the computer.
Refurbished computers are also much cheaper to buy than a new laptop. They also last as long as new computers do and can be updated with the latest software. Buying a refurbished computer also reduces the amount of e-waste we are producing as a society.
If your computer is dying on you, please consider this cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternative to a brand new computer.
Learn more about the benefits of refurbished computers here.
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My computer is refurbished and it works great!!! I didn’t even think about the fact that it is more environmentally friendly than a new one! And those facts are seriously staggering! Thanks.