Go Green Tip

If you’re in the market for a new electronic device such as a smartphone, computer, or TV, you may find yourself presented with two options: new or refurbished. While your initial reaction is to go with the new product, the price tag on the refurbished alternative can be tempting. Do you know the benefits of refurbished products?

1. Less Air & Water Pollution. The mining of core minerals alone produces a significant amount of water pollution. The manufacturing process sends a ton of pollution into our air and water as well. In addition, many of the components used to make computers and other electronics are toxic, leading to polluted soil and water when they sit in a landfill. Refurbished devices use recycled parts that are manually installed, producing much less pollution than manufacturing new ones or sending old equipment to the landfill.
2. Creates Less E-Waste. Old electronics are a major source of waste worldwide. And currently, less than 20% of this e-waste is recycled each year. The rest, unfortunately, ends up either incinerated or in our landfills. Buying refurbished helps reduce e-waste by keeping older electronics out of the landfill.
3. The Price. You can see savings of between 30-50 percent on refurbished devices when compared to the exact same product with a “new” label. For computers and larger devices, savings of 10-25 percent are common.

What to look for when purchasing refurbished items:

While most refurbished products will have the same quality as brand new products, there are some specific things to look for when shopping for a refurbished item.

1. Return policy. A return policy is important when you’re purchasing a refurbished unit. Some companies offer 14-day return periods, while others label the sale as-is. Some companies selling “as-is” items may not have the same quality as those with a longer return policy.
2. Brand name. It’s also important to consider the brand name. Are you buying from an established name like Best Buy or Apple – or is it a tiny online retailer you’ve never heard of? As a rule of thumb, only purchase refurbished products from reputable brands.
3. Look for warranties. It’s sometimes hard to find a good warranty on a refurbished product, but be patient, and you’ll find one. When it comes to electronics a 30 or 60-day warranty is nothing. Look for ones that are six months or one year in length.