What The Tech: new uses for old devices
Don’t Toss It! Repurpose Your Old Tech This Earth Day
Tuesday is Earth Day, and this year, a major focus is on reducing e-waste. Millions of tons of
electronic waste are generated annually, and a huge portion ends up in landfills. This is bad
news—the chemicals and metals in our old phones, computers, tablets, and other devices can
leach into the ground, poisoning the soil. While recycling is gaining popularity, many people
simply throw away their old devices when they upgrade. But there’s a better way: repurposing!
Let’s explore some creative uses for your still-functioning old gadgets.
Do you have an old phone or tablet gathering dust in a drawer? Instead of letting them sit idle or
throwing them away, why not put them back to work? You’d be surprised at how many ways you
can give them a new lease on life.
For instance, that old phone you replaced can become a dedicated music player. Load it up with
your favorite songs and use it at the gym, in the car, or anywhere else without draining your
current phone’s battery or using its data. Think of it as a retro iPod experience!
Another great idea is to turn that old phone into a TV remote. Download the Roku or Fire TV
app, and as long as the phone can connect to WiFi, you’ll have a superior remote control at your
fingertips.
Tablets and phones also make excellent e-readers. Download the Kindle app and enjoy your
favorite books. An iPad, with its larger screen and color display, is especially great for reading
magazines or books with illustrations.
Got kids? An old phone can be a fantastic first device for them. Fill it with games and music; it
doesn’t even need to be connected to a phone plan.
For added security, turn an old phone into a security camera. Apps like Alfred or Manything can
transform your device into a motion-sensing camera that sends live video alerts to your main
phone. It’s also perfect for keeping an eye on pets or serving as a nanny cam.
And even if you’ve forgotten the passcode, an old phone can still be useful as an emergency
house phone—anyone can dial 9-1-1. This is especially helpful if you have young children.
As for that old iPad with a cracked screen, even it has potential! It can serve as a digital picture
frame. Set up a shared photo album, and your family can add their memories to it. It can also
function as a TV for streaming services like Hulu and YouTube TV.
We spend a lot of money on these devices, so let’s get the most out of them and keep them out
of landfills. By repurposing our old technology, we can make a positive impact on the
environment this Earth Day and beyond.
