Sustainable choice: how does a used phone help protect the environment?
Did you know that a used phone can be one of your most sustainable choices? In this post, we explore the environmental impact of manufacturing new phones, how professionally refurbished devices contribute to the circular economy, and why you should choose Blizy, a platform where technology meets responsibility.
Technology and sustainability - are they compatible?
More than 1.5 billion smartphones are sold worldwide each year. But with that number comes another statistic: electronic waste. Technological advancements drive consumption, and the environment pays a huge price for it. Fortunately, more and more people are discovering a sustainable alternative: a used phone. And it’s not only a smart financial decision, it’s also a conscious choice for the environment.
Electronics footprint: why does it matter?
The production of a single new smartphone requires about 75-85 kg of CO₂ emissions - about the same as a car driving 300 km. Most of these emissions occur before the phone reaches the customer - during the extraction of raw materials, the manufacture of components, the assembly of the device and its transportation ( Deloitte, 2022 ).
Choosing a used phone can reduce these emissions by up to 87% , as neither the housing nor the main parts need to be remanufactured ( Greenly, 2023 ).
Environmental benefits of a used phone: facts
✅ Reduces electronic waste
In 2023, 59.4 million tons of electronic waste were generated worldwide. Only about 17% of this was recycled. Most of it ended up in landfills, where it can take centuries to decompose and harmful substances leach into soil and water ( Global E-waste Monitor, 2024 ).
✅ Rare earth metals are conserved
Each phone contains about 30 different metals - including gold, palladium, lithium and cobalt compounds. Their extraction not only destroys ecosystems, but also often takes place in socially sensitive regions. The longer a phone is used, the less need there is to mine new resources.
✅ Less energy is used in production
A refurbished or used phone does not require a new manufacturing process, which is one of the most energy-intensive steps. This reduces the overall ecological footprint of the device.
✅ Promoting the circular economy
The used phone market is a great example of a circular economy, where products are not disposed of at the end of their initial useful life, but are instead returned to the consumer chain through refurbishment, resale or recycling.
How to recognize a sustainable and reliably prepared used phone?
Not all used phones are the same. In order to truly make a sustainable choice, it is important to evaluate not only the price, but also the quality of the device's preparation. The devices offered in the Blizy e-store meet the highest standards of reliability and quality.
🔧 Thoroughly checked technical condition
Each phone undergoes detailed diagnostics in the Blizy laboratory: from screen sensitivity and camera performance to the functionality of sensors, microphone and wireless communications. This ensures that the device fully meets technical requirements and is suitable for everyday use.
🔋 Battery assessed and, if necessary, renewed
Battery capacity is one of the most important factors when buying a used phone. All devices offered by Blizy have a clearly stated battery wear level. If the battery health does not meet our standards, it is replaced with a new one.
♻️ Professional refurbishing and warranty
All devices we sell are thoroughly cleaned, technically repaired and prepared for further use. Blizy guarantees not only aesthetic but also technical quality - each phone is provided with a 6-month warranty, which proves our confidence in our work.
Sustainability example: Fairphone
Fairphone is a Dutch manufacturer that makes phones from ethically sourced materials and offers long-term parts support. Their devices are modularly designed, making them easy to disassemble, repair, or refurbish.
Sustainability starts with a conscious choice
In the world of technology, changes happen quickly, but sustainable solutions are the opposite. They require responsibility, transparency and a long-term approach. By choosing a used, professionally refurbished phone, we not only reduce the amount of electronic waste or CO₂ emissions - we actively contribute to the creation of a circular economy.
Blizy's commitment to quality, durability, and responsible consumption ensures that every device purchased is not only functional, but also an ethical choice. A solution that serves not only personal comfort, but also the overall well-being of the planet.
Technology can be sustainable. It just starts with choice.