Summary
A report from Material Focus highlights a rise in demand for inexpensive gadgets known as "fast tech," including items like battery-powered mini-fans. These products often end up unused or discarded, creating electronic waste problems. Experts suggest better recycling practices and encouraging the production of durable, repairable products could help address the issue.
Key Facts
- "Fast tech" refers to cheap electronic gadgets that are often quickly discarded.
- In 2022, more than seven million battery-powered mini-fans were bought due to heatwaves.
- Consumer spending on fast tech has increased fourfold to £11.6 billion since 2023.
- Valuable materials like copper are trapped in discarded gadgets.
- Mining materials for tech gadgets can harm the environment.
- Over half of fast tech items end up in the trash or unused, according to surveys.
- Practices like "Right to Repair" could help by making products easier to fix.
- E-waste often ends up in poorer countries, adding to environmental issues.
