- Charged Up: As explored in Answering the Energy Crisis, steep electricity prices are a major factor driving the soaring cost of living. In one survey, 74% of Brits reported cutting back on the use of electricity and gas to save cash (YouGov, 2022). As households look to absorb the shockwaves of anticipated power shortages any way they can, appliances with extended lifespans become increasingly enticing.
Cue the Moto Watch 100 from US company Motorola, a budget-friendly wearable that lasts for two weeks on a single charge; and the BHeart from French health tech start-up Baracoda, a fitness tracker with an “endless” battery. Resembling a sleek metal armband, the latter’s deceptively low-profile appearance hides a number of energy-harvesting sensors that allow it to recharge itself using body heat, solar power and ambient light. - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Beyond better batteries, businesses are embracing strategies that prolong product life cycles or give them a second chance entirely. Japan’s Panasonic launched a recycling programme for personal care devices at CES, while US peripherals brand Targus debuted a solar-powered keyboard and an ergonomic mouse made from repurposed materials.
Similarly, US electronics company Belkin pledged to use up to 75% of post-consumer plastics in its charging banks and other popular accessories. And with giants like Apple announcing their intention to include more reprocessed content across their production chains, expect to see a myriad of similar initiatives cropping up in the tech sector soon.
For further insights on the current state of the global electronic waste industry, Stylus members can see Eliminating E-Waste.
