With modern life comes a plethora of technology – from smartphones to smart cars, smart TVs to smart homes. But, what do we do with our tech once it breaks? Should we fix it or is it time to replace it? With recent reports suggesting we throw away an estimated £50 billion worth of electrical waste every year, perhaps it’s time we start thinking about reusing, recycling, and responsibly ‘refuse-ing’!
Is it actually better?
It can be easy to get swept up in the hype surrounding a new product, but if the upgrade doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it’s not really a better buy. The latest smartphones may seem like an improvement, but with larger dimensions, do they fit snuggly in your back pocket, or are they just too cumbersome?
Whilst it may be better spec-wise, if you don’t enjoy it as much as your current device, it’s definitely worth fixing, instead of replacing.
Can you offset the cost?
One thing to remember if you’re considering replacing a broken bit of tech is seeing if you can offset the cost. Look into whether the business where you’re buying your new tech from does a part-exchange service and see how much your goods are worth. You can also look on sites like eBay to see what similar products are going for – you might be surprised.
If you can, sell on your old tech, instead of leaving it languishing in a drawer – or even worse, contributing to our waste problem.
What about refurbs?
There are plenty of reputable companies that sell refurbished electronics. Whilst they’re not always the latest version, they are often like new – although they may have the odd scratch. You can save serious money with a refurbished product but remember to use a credit card when making purchases to ensure your transaction is protected.
Have you considered the time vs cost?
Your time is often overlooked when considering to repair or replace something. Will the actual time it takes outstrip the benefits? If you choose to repair something, find out how long it will take to repair – can you afford to leave it that long without that item?
Does it hold sentimental value?
Whilst it’s doubtful a washing machine holds much sentimental value, that record player that holds fond memories of years gone by might, or perhaps your laptop that helped you write your dissertation is on its last legs – you might want to consider fixing it. If you’re sentimental and it holds real value to you, sometimes the logical self needs to be ignored.
