Practicing sustainability in all aspects of life has become essential. Some people make small changes, like turning off the water when brushing their teeth, while others choose to drive more fuel-efficient vehicles. But have you ever thought about practicing Wi-Fi sustainability? With an estimated 82 million tons of e-waste being produced yearly by 2030 (Statista, 2024), now is the time to take steps to be more environmentally conscious with Wi-Fi equipment and practices.
Ready to make your business’ Wi-Fi more sustainable? Let’s dive into three easy ways you can make that difference.
Energy Efficient Equipment Goes a Long Way
Choose energy-efficient Wi-Fi routers and modems when the time comes to upgrade your equipment. Modern routers consume less power while providing better coverage and higher speeds compared to the older models, so there is no need to give up your Wi-Fi's performance for your efforts in sustainability. In addition, prioritizing equipment with energy-friendly features and certifications will bring your business’ sustainability to the next level: Look for devices with Energy Star certification or other eco-labels, as they guarantee energy efficiency.
Give Your Equipment a Second Life
The lifespan of network routers is three to five years (Consumer Reports, 2021). It’s important to get rid of equipment correctly, as improperly discarding old networking hardware can contribute to e-waste. Consider conducting an eco-friendly routine for your business’ outdated equipment. Many electronics retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in or recycling programs for routers and modems, ensuring they’re disposed of responsibly (AARP, 2023). Additionally, an e-waste recycling facility will safely handle the disposal or repurposing of your equipment, giving businesses peace of mind that their equipment will be given a second life.
Keep your Network Running Sustainably
Supporting a Wi-Fi network by performing regular maintenance is essential to practicing sustainability. By scheduling regular check-ups for your system, you will ensure everything is running at its peak. This can include updating firmware to take advantage of energy-saving features offered by the router and checking for faulty hardware that might be draining power. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your Wi-Fi is functioning at its best, preventing problems that could lead to higher energy consumption or a disrupted work environment. Regular maintenance also ensures that your security is always optimal, giving you peace of mind that your business is safe.
Turn Sustainable Thoughts into Action
Every aspect of your business has an impact on the environment. This includes your Wi-Fi network, and implementing these practices will put you on track for a more sustainable tomorrow. These changes will not only help protect the environment but can also result in cost savings and improved performance. At Wachter, we're dedicated to sustainability and work with retailers throughout the entire lifecycle of Wi-Fi equipment—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance. We also partner with trusted recycling vendors to ensure your equipment is disposed of responsibly, helping you meet your sustainability goals.
Are you ready to start your business’ sustainability journey? Contact us below.
References:
Statista. (2024). Global E-Waste Generation Outlook 2022-2030. Statista
Consumer Reports. (2021). How to Tell When It's Time to Replace Your Router. Consumer Reports
AARP. (2023). 7 Retailers That Will Pay for Your Old Electronics. AARP