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Social commentator who is otherwise a journalism and science communications professional with close to two decades of professional experience in media outlets like Times of In LESS … MORE
The Indian government has announced that technology companies must release mobile devices with USB Type C ports in order to make charging more convenient for users. This move follows similar legislation passed by the European Union and gives mobile manufacturers until March 2025 to comply.
Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Department of Consumer Affairs has been quoted as saying, “BIS has notified standards for Type-C chargers and the government will come up with two common types of charging ports for mobiles and wearable electronic devices.”
He has further been quoted as saying that the government will adopt two common types of charging ports for mobiles and wearable electronic devices and that there is a broad consensus among the industry and government that the use of USB Type C charging ports can be made mandatory following the European Union’s rollout of standards for USB charging ports in 2024. This decision is aimed at reducing electronic waste and promoting a globally integrated supply chain.
The EU learnings
“With half a billion chargers for portable devices shipped into Europe each year, generating 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes of e-waste, a single charger for mobile phones and other small and medium electronic devices would benefit everyone,” Alex Agius Saliba, a member of the European Parliament, in a press release.
The EU believes that the switch to a single type of charging port for mobile devices is expected to have several positive impacts. According to the EU proposal document in this context, the move will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 180,000 metric tons per year, decrease material use by 2,600 metric tons annually, and reduce e-waste by 980 metric tons. It will also save consumers 250 million Euros (approximately $267,410). These benefits demonstrate the potential for standardization to improve both environmental sustainability and consumer convenience.
Now, remember that India has over 1.2 bn mobile phone users according to the I&B ministry. Let us, for a moment ignore the possibility of people having multiple functional handsets. This means there are at least 1.2 billion handsets. This is more than double the number for the EU. The associated carbon emissions should also be proportionate.
The cable dangle
As smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, the importance of a phone charger and cable cannot be understated. Without a charging cable, our smartphones would eventually run out of battery and we would be unable to access the many functions and resources they provide. Given our reliance on smartphones for communication, productivity, and access to information, a charging cable is a crucial accessory that enables us to use and benefit from our devices. It won’t be an exaggeration to term it the phone’s lifeline.
The importance of a phone charger lies in its ability to keep our smartphones functioning and useful, and to enable us to stay connected and productive in an increasingly digital world. It is a small but essential component of our smartphone experience.
The proliferation of different charging ports and cables can be a significant source of frustration for smartphone users. Having to deal with multiple chargers and cables, each with its own unique design and compatibility, can be inconvenient and confusing. It can be especially frustrating for those who own multiple devices with different charging ports, as they may need to carry multiple chargers and cables with them at all times.
In addition, different charging ports and cables can be incompatible with certain devices or accessories. This can be a major issue for users who are trying to charge their devices and may require them to purchase additional chargers or cables. This can not only be inconvenient, but it can also be costly and contribute to electronic waste.
The use of different charging ports and cables can be a significant inconvenience for smartphone users and adds unnecessary complexity to an already crowded marketplace. Standardizing charging ports and cables would not only be more convenient for users, but it could also reduce electronic waste and make it easier for manufacturers to design and produce chargers and cables. This would be a win-win for both users and the industry.
Why just one type of charging Port?
Data suggests that 80 per cent of e-waste is generated from items of personal use. India, after the United States and China, is the world’s third largest producer of e-waste, producing 3.23 million tonnes per year.
Further, in 2020-2021, India processed 3.4 lakh tonnes of e-waste. The CPCB says the generation of plastic waste per year is increasing by 3 per cent and the generation of e-waste is at an even higher rate, with waste produced totaling 7.1 lakh tonnes in 2018-19 and 10.14 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. So, there has been a 31 per cent increase and that’s a valid concern.
Remember, the PM has already called for better handling of electronic waste and the creation of a circular economy.
So, the government wants to standardize on a single type of charging port for smartphones in order to improve convenience for consumers, reduce electronic waste, and promote competition within the industry.
First, having a single type of charging port can be more convenient for consumers. If all devices used the same charging port, users would not need to worry about carrying multiple chargers or cables with them or remembering which device uses which charger. This would make it easier for users to charge their devices and reduce the risk of confusion or frustration.
Second, a single type of charging port can reduce electronic waste. If all devices used the same charging port, there would be less need for consumers to purchase multiple chargers or cables, which can eventually end up in landfills. This would be beneficial for the environment and help to reduce the growing problem of electronic waste.
Finally, standardizing a single type of charging port can promote competition within the industry. If all manufacturers are required to use the same charging port, it would level the playing field and allow smaller companies to compete more easily with larger ones. This could lead to increased innovation and potentially lower prices for consumers.
Greening the phone’s lifeline
According to some recent statistics, the electronics industry contributes almost 4% of the total global greenhouse gas emissions. It is a sector that is seen as requiring substantial innovation if it’s to reduce its environmental footprint.
The use of a single type of charger can significantly reduce electronic waste (e-waste) and carbon emissions in a number of ways.
First, having a single type of charger reduces the number of chargers that are produced, which in turn reduces the number of raw materials that are extracted and processed. This can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing process.
In addition, a single type of charger can be used for a wide range of devices, which means that consumers are less likely to need to purchase multiple chargers for different devices. This can lead to a reduction in the number of chargers that are discarded and end up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of e-waste.
Furthermore, a single type of charger can be standardized, which means that it can be easily replaced or repaired if it becomes damaged. This can reduce the need to dispose of chargers and replace them with new ones, further reducing e-waste.
Overall, the use of a single type of charger can have a significant impact on reducing e-waste and carbon emissions. It is a simple but effective way to reduce our environmental impact and make more sustainable choices in our daily lives.
At the UN Climate Change Conference, in Glasgow in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the concept of Lifestyle for the Environment, a major step in India’s fight against climate change.
This move comes in the context of India’s commitment to reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 at the UN CoP 26.
To further this effort, the government is introducing a measure to decrease electronic waste. Standardizing charging ports will allow people to use a single cable to charge multiple devices, thus significantly cutting down on e-waste.
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Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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