We’re Going Green

At brokenStones we are aware that the technology industry has wide reaching implications for the environment, and as an ethical and caring organisation we are committed to recycling and being green. And now we are making a genuine commitment to being a leading force in the IT world for sustainability.

How Has Technology Impacted Our Planet?

Whilst technology has brought about many benefits to society, and has supported us hugely throughout the last 18 months, there’s no doubt that the environment has suffered the consequences.

From the very beginning of our tech being manufactured, such as the materials being mined for, to it’s transportation, use and then disposal, it’s the environment that bares the impacts. 

Pollution

Since the overall production and consumption levels of technology have increased, global pollution levels have also increased. The release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere traps heat and contributes to global warming. And, studies estimate that digital technologies contribute between 1.4% to 5.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to The Royal Society, a leading British scientific academy. In 2019, the electricity sector was the second largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 25% of the U.S. total.

E-Waste

In the UK, approximately 1 million tonnes of electrical waste is disposed of each year. And, in 2020, the world dumped over 50 million tonnes of e-waste, yet just 17.4% of this was recycled. This e-waste poses a big threat to both the environment and our health as it contains toxic additives or hazardous substances like mercury. 

Production 

On average, to make a computer, 240kg of fuel is needed, 22kg of chemicals and 1500 litres of water. In 2015, more than 164 million laptops were sold. This means that, in just one year, we use more than 246 billion litres of water, 39,360 tonnes of fuel and 3,068 million tonnes of chemicals. This puts a huge strain on our environment.

What Are We Doing?

We are committed to working towards being a green company, we already do a number of things to help minimise the impact technology has on our planet. For example, we donate our old laptops, computers and other electronics to the Midlands Air Ambulance. Not only does this reduce the amount of unwanted electronics going to landfill, it also helps raise vital funds for a life-saving charity. Learn more about donating unwanted electronics to the Air Ambulance here. 

What Will We Be Doing?

This is the beginning of our green journey, and we will be assessing our own green policies and those of the suppliers and partners we work with to find ways in which we can improve our sustainability. We are keen to document and share this journey with you so make sure to follow us on our social media to see the green changes we make.