{"id":8644,"date":"2024-05-03T13:36:52","date_gmt":"2024-05-03T11:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greens-efa.eu\/opinions\/?p=8644"},"modified":"2024-05-13T14:54:58","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T12:54:58","slug":"circular-tech-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greens-efa.eu\/opinions\/circular-tech-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Circular tech economy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Eco-design and right to repair<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Let\u2019s face it: we all love our tech! That\u2019s why, when our phone or favourite appliance breaks, we don\u2019t want to be forced to throw it away and have to spend loads of money on a new one. We want to be able to repair it, replace broken parts, maybe even recycle it into something new. We want a circular economy that creates tons of green jobs. The future is already in the making, and it’s here to stay!<\/p>\n<\/div>

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In our highly connected world dominated by smartphones, computers, and electric vehicles, there’s a harsh reality hidden behind the glossy screens: the cobalt powering our rechargeable batteries. Its extraction often exacts a heavy toll on both people and the environment. Because some (huge) companies prioritise profits over the well-being of people and the planet. They exploit workers, waste energy and natural resources, and design products so that they break fast and quickly become obsolete. These companies even make it harder to repair and reuse their tech – on purpose – to get higher profit margins. This abuse has to stop!<\/p>\n<\/div>

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We commissioned a study on the environmental impacts of digital technologies<\/a>. It assesses the impact of our digital tech on the planet. It proposes specific measures to tackle premature obsolescence, reduce digital waste and ensure greater transparency and consumer protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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We have worked hard to raise awareness about the destructive greed of these companies, which abuse workers, exploit the planet, and rip off consumers. Thousands of people have signed our petition on the right to repair:<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Petition on the \u2018Right to repair’<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>
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We all love our tech and we couldn\u2019t live without it. But as we marvel at the wonders of technology, let’s not forget the people behind the gadgets, who sacrifice their lives for our convenience. We have created a Comic leaflet<\/a> to explain these issues in a visual way. Please share it if you also want a better economy that is not built on the backs of the oppressed.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Our call to action is a reminder that our quest for progress must be accompanied by accountability and transparency. This is why we\u2019ve been calling for mandatory labelling on products and an end to premature obsolescence<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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