Seduced as we are by the ads that Apple, Samsung, and Android hock at us, the truth is we carry around a volatile mix of rare-earth chemicals and toxic compounds every day. At times we are even lulled into a false sense of security by one brand over another because of our loyalties, but no one is immune when technology is the perpetrator.

Taking flack at Apple—literally

The big fruit we have all come to admire or even love is just as susceptible to the dangers that come from exotic materials as any manufacturer. But the problem is that many people are so wowed by the company’s masterful marketing that they ignore those dangers. That, or perhaps convenience is at fault as we acquiesce to the claims from our favorite brands a little too easily when we think convenience is at stake.

This is another case of the marketing, as well as the devices themselves, being so seductive. We rarely hear about the downside risks and our responsibilities until an explosive headline lands in our feed. But ignoring these more immediate dangers carries over to the lack of responsibility many consumers take for their devices once they are finished with them.

How we convince ourselves that these things are normal when they are the cause of so much environmental and personal strife (conflict minerals, toxic recycling, e-waste, cyber security, depression, etc.), is truly baffling. And, while there might not be anything we can do about the exploding batteries, there is something we can do about the other dangers. Having a more conscientious approach to the lifespan of our devices can help minimize many of the less-than desirable aspects of owning that device.

The power of extension

The not-so-secret secret behind what we do at Sage can be traced back to extending the life of electronic equipment. All of the processes we have in place to handle IT assets go toward making those devices last longer specifically so the burden on the planet is lessened. By using a tablet or laptop for an additional 2 years past the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan, you can save thousands of dollars, prevent another device from going to the landfill, and amortize the massive cost to create the device in the first place.

This kind of exponential return for such a simple decision is exactly what we’ve built our business on. It’s amazingly simple, actually; extending the life of electronic devices saves money as well as the planet. And having a balanced appreciation for the potential damage these devices can cause allows users to proceed more conscientiously when dealing with their own devices. Add that to a business IT Asset Management program, and you’re well on your way to becoming a sustainable company.

The reason this simple plan has such a vast effect is because of the sheer number of devices we consume annually. Because of the industry-wide expectation, many individuals and businesses retire devices after just a few short years (2-3, typically). This drives tech sales up and puts perfectly good IT assets in the trash pile. It’s the equivalent of sending your vehicle to the junkyard before its first oil change!

Understanding the intrinsic value of these devices we wield should give us a sustainable perspective on their reuse and eventual recycling. The value that has little to do with the manufacturer’s recommendations—which we know are purely to drive sales. Computers and smartphones are not eggs or milk; they won’t “go bad” simply because they are past the arbitrary date given to them. In fact, if no longer suitable for your principle use, retired computers are ideal for employee-buyback programs or redeployment elsewhere within the company.

Exploding phones and tablets should remind us of the dangerous alchemy hidden within these sleek and sexy devices. And rather than causing us to fear using them, that awareness should spur us on to make the most of these devices while we have them, or—more importantly—when we are done with them.