Mazingira Day: The Intersection of technology and sustainability

According to the Global E-Waste Monitor, the world generated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019 alone, a figure expected to grow to 74 million tons by 2030 if we continue business as usual.

The toxic materials in e-waste, including lead and mercury, can seep into the soil and water, causing long-term damage to ecosystems.

To combat this, sustainable practices such as recycling, reusing, and reducing have become critical. Shwari Phones, Africa's premier marketplace for refurbished technology leads this charge by promoting refurbished technology, which significantly extends the lifespan of electronic devices, lowering their environmental impact.

Shwari Phones and Glovo: Pioneers in Sustainable Tech

Shwari Phones partnership with Glovo, a leading delivery platform, exemplifies this commitment to sustainability. Glovo relies on point-of-sale (POS) devices for thousands of its partners & merchants across Kenya.

Instead of buying new devices, which would contribute to e-waste, Shwari Phones refurbishes and reconditions these POS systems, ensuring they are repaired, reused, and responsibly recycled. This collaboration helps mitigate the growing e-waste crisis.

The World Economic Forum estimates that only 20 per cent of global e-waste is formally recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or being informally handled, which poses risks to both the environment and human health.

By refurbishing thousands of POS devices, Shwari Phones and Glovo are directly reducing the need for new electronics and keeping valuable materials in circulation, thereby cutting down on unnecessary waste.

Why Extending the Life of Technology Matters

At the heart of this initiative is a fundamental truth: the most environmentally friendly device is the one already in your pocket. Extending the lifespan of tech gadgets not only reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing but also lowers the volume of e-waste generated. Consider this

• Reducing E-waste: Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. The United Nations reports that only 17.4% of global e-waste was collected and properly recycled in 2020. By refurbishing tech devices, we keep these materials out of landfills and prevent the release of hazardous substances into the environment
• Conserving Resources: The production of new electronics is resource-intensive, requiring rare earth metals, energy, and water. For instance, producing a single smartphone can use up to 240 gallons of water and require the extraction of rare metals like gold, cobalt, and lithium, many of which are non-renewable. By opting for refurbished devices, we reduce the demandfor these resources, preserving them for future generations.
•  Building a Circular Economy: A circular economy aims to keep products in use for as long as possible. Shwari Phones' business model champions this, refurbishing devices that would otherwise be discarded. This approach helps reduce carbon emissions as well.

At Shwari Phones, sustainability is embedded in everything we do. Every refurbished device goes through rigorous six-phase diagnostic testing and renewal to ensure top-tier quality, all while keeping e-waste out of landfills. In cases where devices can’t be salvaged, we responsibly recycle them, ensuring that no component goes to waste.

Through our partnership with Glovo for instance, we have showcased that responsible tech consumption is not just possible but profitable and scalable. In addition, our efforts align with Kenya's National E-Waste Management Strategy, which aims to address the rising levels of e-waste across the country by promoting recycling and reusing electronic devices. Shwari Phones contribute directly to these goals by offering affordable, high-quality refurbished devices, empowering businesses like Glovo to operate more sustainably.

On this Mazingira Day, let’s commit to smarter, more sustainable tech choices. Together, we can keep devices out of landfills, reduce waste, and ensure a brighter, greener tomorrow. The best environmental impact is in the device you already own—let’s keep it that way