In celebration of Earth Day, Swappie, a European company specializing in iPhone refurbishments, has released the results of a study on Italian awareness of the impact of carbon dioxide emissions and electronic waste production. The research revealed a significant gap between consumer perception and actual data related to e-waste generated. While more than 80% of participants estimated they produce approximately 10kg of e-waste annually, the real figure is closer to double that amount, at around 20kg per person per year. This disparity highlights the need for heightened awareness of the volume of discarded electronic devices.
On a global scale, the e-waste situation is concerning, with a United Nations report revealing that 62 million tons were produced in 2022, marking an 82% increase from 2010. A further 32% rise is anticipated by 2030, reaching 82 million tons. Despite these troubling statistics, Italian consumers are becoming more conscious of the issue, with many predicting a surge in e-waste to 75 million tons by 2030, equivalent to discarding about 1,000 laptops every second. Swappie also investigated public awareness of the CO2 emissions generated by a new iPhone in its first year, revealing that only 20% of participants accurately estimated around 80kg per device. The majority thought emissions ranged between 25kg and 65kg, while some even overestimated, nearing 100kg.
Elena Garbujo, Country Manager of Swappie Italia, commented on these findings: “Our study underscores the importance of educating the public about electronic waste and its detrimental effects on our planet. The results show consumers have a strong desire to make more informed choices to reduce their environmental impact and it’s evident that responsibility extends further. At Swappie we are dedicated to raising awareness about e-waste and empowering people to contribute to a more sustainable world.”
