Today, this is more important than ever, and there are several ways to support a sustainable lifestyle while using smart devices. As consumers, we can significantly influence the sustainability trends of smart devices, thereby contributing to more sustainable use of energy resources and a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Smart Device Energy Efficiency is not only about extending device life but also about taking broader steps to reduce our digital footprint. Every small change in our daily habits contributes to saving the environment and supports a more sustainable future. How exactly? Here are some recommendations:
Optimal Smartphone Usage and Battery Saving
- Software updates - keep your device up to date, as newer software often contains energy-saving features that help extend battery life.
- Proper charging - charge your phone sensibly; avoid partial charging and try to prevent the battery from completely draining.
- Screen brightness adjustment - lower screen brightness helps reduce battery consumption.
- Network connections - turn off WiFi, Bluetooth, and background data synchronization when not in use.
Sustainability and Recycling of Smart Devices
- Recycling old devices - don't just throw away old phones. Many organizations and stores offer phone recycling, which helps reduce e-waste and supports the recycling of raw materials. By the way, EBS currently offers opportunities for collecting smart devices in cooperation with Ringy. Read more here.
Applications and Energy Saving
- Energy-saving applications - explore applications that help monitor and manage your device's energy consumption, such as battery saver applications that optimize device settings to reduce energy consumption. E.g., AccuBattery, Greenify, Battery Doctor, Avast Battery Saver, GSam Battery Monitor, Pixel Battery Saver, Servicely, etc.
AccuBattery - the application provides detailed information about battery usage, health, and performance. It helps monitor and optimize charging habits to extend battery life.
Greenify - helps you put applications to sleep when you're not using them, thereby reducing battery usage and improving device performance.
Battery Doctor - the application offers several features for saving battery, including battery status monitoring, energy consumption optimization, and battery-saving modes.
Avast Battery Saver - the application detects and terminates energy-consuming applications, optimizes device settings, and extends battery life.
GSam Battery Monitor - provides a deep insight into how applications and device components consume battery, helping users identify and close the biggest energy consumers.
Pixel Battery Saver - although more targeted at older phones, this application helps extend battery life by reducing the number of pixels used on the screen at once.
Servicely - allows users of rooted devices to stop selected background services, thereby reducing battery usage when the device is locked.
Updates in Battery Technology
- Battery innovations - keep an eye on innovations such as solid-state batteries or fast-charging technologies – these are still in development, but their potential to make device usage more convenient and energy-efficient is significant.
Digital Wellbeing
- Limit phone usage and screen time, use digital wellbeing tools to reduce digital stress and improve sleep quality. Here's an article on smartphone addiction for reading, see more.
Google Digital Wellbeing - a feature for Android devices that allows users to monitor and control how much time they spend with various applications. It also includes "Focus Mode", which helps limit the use of distracting applications.
Apple Screen Time - similar to Google's Digital Wellbeing, Apple's Screen Time on iOS devices offers the ability to monitor app usage, set limits on app use, and schedule "Downtime" periods.
Forest - the application uses playful elements to help users focus and reduce phone usage. The user "plants a tree", which grows as long as the application is open and the phone is not used. If the phone is taken into use, then the tree "dries".
Freedom - allows blocking distracting websites and applications on mobile devices and computers, thereby increasing productivity and reducing digital disturbance.
Stay Focused - an application for Android devices that helps limit the use of other applications, setting time limits or blocking them for certain periods.
Flipd - helps users detach from digital distractors, offering a "lock mode" that temporarily removes access to selected, promoting focus and more effective time use.
Space - the application offers personalized programs that help users understand and improve their digital habits, increasing awareness of their phone usage.
Offtime - helps users take a break from the digital world by blocking distracting applications and filters, allowing focus on important things without digital distractors.
Technology and Innovation, Energy Efficiency, and Recyclable Materials
- Look for energy-efficient processors: newer processors are often more energy-efficient, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the device. Compare the energy efficiency ratings of devices and prefer those that use less energy.
- Devices that use recyclable materials should also be preferred: some manufacturers emphasize the use of recyclable materials in their products, which reduce environmental impact and support the circular economy.
