Millions of laptops get tossed in the U.S. every year. Most still work, but they end up in landfills or collecting dust in drawers. Only about one in five gets properly recycled, according to Lifewire.
That’s a problem, but also a chance to do better.
You can make a real difference through the choices you make when buying, using, and disposing of your laptop. That’s where we come in (hi there!). We’ll show you how to make a smarter, greener choice next time you upgrade.
What makes a laptop sustainable?
A sustainable laptop is designed with longevity, reparability, and energy efficiency in mind.
Some companies are already deep in the game. For example, Framework makes laptops with modular parts, so you can replace or upgrade just about anything without tossing the whole thing. It’s honestly just fun to jump in and start messing around. If you’re up for a little challenge, they’ve got a DIY version where you build the whole thing yourself.
IDG / Mark Knapp
And then there’s the materials. Dell uses ocean-bound plastics in some laptops and packaging to keep waste out of the oceans. Apple’s newer MacBooks are made from recycled aluminum, cutting down on mining. Acer and Lenovo also sneak recycled plastics into their devices, helping reduce the need for new raw materials. HP is also stepping up by offering programs that take back old devices to recycle them responsibly. All these efforts might seem small on their own, but together they really add up.
Further reading: How 6 top laptop manufacturers are lowering their carbon footprints
Okay, but does this stuff really matter?
It sure does!
If you end up springing for a laptop made from recycled aluminum (like a newer MacBook, for instance), you’re already one step ahead of the game. Great job lowering your carbon footprint! Plus, fixing or reusing old parts helps reduce digging up new materials from the earth.
And there’s the energy side of things, too.
A traditional laptop eats up about 25 kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. That’s like a keeping a light bulb on for two whole weeks. Over a four year period, you’re looking at around 100 kWh.
But ENERGY STAR laptops? They use way less energy — 30 to 40 percent less.
Are sustainable laptops more expensive?
Some are, but it pays off over time.
Lots of laptops let you upgrade stuff like RAM and SSD, not just the Framework ones. Plenty of mainstream models (especially in the business lines from brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo) still give you access to those parts. That means you can start with a more affordable configuration and upgrade later if you need more storage. Just a heads up, though! Some super-thin models don’t let you upgrade because the parts are usually soldered in. So check reviews before you buy if upgrades matter to you and look for mentions of upgradeability in product listings, it can save you money and frustration down the road.
Refurbished laptops are also a solid way to go because they’re cheaper and better for the planet, since you’re reusing something that’s already been created. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean dropping big bucks or only choosing niche models. Even small choices help like picking a model with longer battery life or better repairability. And even simple stuff like clearing out dust or replacing an old battery can keep your laptop going way longer than you’d expect.
Taking a little extra time to look after your laptop can save you from having to drop cash on a new one any time soon. It’s a lot less waste, too.
What should you look for in a sustainable laptop?
If you’re ready to pick up a sustainable laptop, here are some key features to keep an eye out for. If you want even deeper info, check out PCWorld’s 5 factors to consider when shopping for an eco-friendly laptop.
EPEAT Gold Rating
EPEAT works like a medal system for how eco-friendly a product is. There’s Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Gold is the highest medal and it means the device is ultra-efficient and made with fewer toxic materials.
ENERGY STAR certification
ENERGY STAR certification means the device is energy-efficient and better for the environment.
Modular or tool-less design
This means you can swap parts like the battery or storage without tools or tech skills. Companies like Framework make laptops easy to upgrade or fix, so you don’t have to toss the whole thing if something breaks.
Long software support (5+ years)
Long software support mostly matters for Chromebooks. Some cheap models only get updates for a couple more years and then they’re basically useless. Fortunately, Google now offers up to 10 years of support on some models. This PCWorld article explains what to look for.
Manufacturer take-back program
Got an old laptop? Some companies will take it back and recycle it properly. It’s very easy and many companies even give you a free shipping label or drop-off spot. Brands like Apple, Dell, and HP do this to keep old tech out of landfills.
Small habits, big difference
Buying a sustainable laptop won’t save the planet overnight, but it’s a solid place to start. These little choices add up, especially when more of us start making them. And honestly, just keeping your laptop around a little longer makes a bigger difference than you might think.
Just hanging onto your laptop a little longer makes a real difference. Less waste. Fewer new materials needed. Your wallet’s probably happier, too.
So, next time you’re thinking about upgrading, hit the pause button for a second and ask yourself:
- Will I still be happy with this in three or four years?
- Can I fix it if something breaks?
- Will the company help me recycle it when I’m done?
Saying yes to any one of those questions means you’re making a smarter, more sustainable choice. You’re already one step ahead of the game, kid.
Further reading: 4 eco-friendly ways to get rid of a laptop