How to Avoid Turning Wireless Earbuds into E-waste
Wireless earbuds are the latest sensation. They are the perfect companion for those who enjoy their own company and who like to take a break from the outside world and disconnect. Truly wireless earbuds offer full immersion and allow complete engagement in one’s activities, resulting in enhanced comfort and focus.
Why are they so popular?
Recent reports state that the global market for wireless hearables was around $4.1 billion. This alone provides a clear indication of the popularity of these small but mighty devices. Because of their compact size and convenient features, they have rapidly become everyone’s favorite little buddies. ODDICT wireless earbuds connect to smartphones via Bluetooth, eliminating the need to pull out one’s phone to answer a call or change a song.
Wireless earbuds are excellent for a variety of life’s happenings. Whether your day includes attending to many phone calls, working out to your favorite beats at the gym, or simply relaxing on the couch after a hectic day, wireless earbuds have you covered. They are light, small, and very budget friendly. With their sleek and slim design, they even add a polished style to your look. However, there is a hard truth that we all need to be aware of.
What is the challenge?
They say, “Nothing lasts forever” and sadly, the battery life of wireless earbuds is no exception. Although equipped with compact rechargeable batteries, after a few years they are no longer able to maintain a full and proper charge. Meaning that eventually they will become another e-waste that cannot be recycled completely.
There is often a tendency to drop everything into the bin without realizing that small action has a large negative environmental impact. E-waste has been drawing attention of the authorities from all over the world and according to a 2017 report, only 20% of the world’s e-waste is actually recycled. Most of it being shipped abroad not truly recycled.
What is the solution?
It all starts at an individual level. By being aware and putting some good habits into action, each of us can improve and extend the lifespan of our earbuds. This reduces the frequency of needing to buy new ones, thereby contributing to decreasing of the world’s overall e-waste footprint.
So, by what tips and tricks can we extend the lifespan of our earbuds? Well, it is always a good idea to keep your TWIG earbuds and other electronic devices at room temperature. Turn them off when not in use, avoid overcharging, follow the storage instructions, and avoid putting them in extreme temperatures such as using them in a sauna or leaving them in a car in hot and cold weather.
Another way to reduce this kind of e-waste is to select models that come with an optional cord. What’s great about these models is that they are not solely dependent on the built-in batteries and can be used even when the battery charge runs out or stops functioning altogether. As long as the cord and the headphone jack work, your headphones remain useable and don’t have to turn into e-waste garbage.