Caring for the planet also means caring for the material foundations of digital technology: our hardware. Every device, chip, and component originates from Earth’s finite resources—and eventually end up as e-waste.

The production of new hardware—especially microchips, which are at the heart of nearly every device we use, is highly resource-intensive and energy-consuming. Microchips are particularly problematic because they are difficult to recycle, cost an immense amount of energy and resources to manufacture and their production is highly polluting. Maximizing the lifespan of hardware components is critical for reducing environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable and less harmful digital culture.

One of the core principles of permaculture is to "produce no waste," encouraging us to value and reuse all resources at hand, turning waste into a resource whenever possible.

Digital technology cannot be produced without waste. To mitigate this situation, this principle calls us to step outside the capitalist model of perpetual consumption and growth. Instead, it invites us to recognize the inherent value of the devices, components, and materials we already have—and to care for them intentionally. Caring for the planet also means caring for the material foundations of digital technology: our hardware. Every chip and component is made from Earth’s finite resources, and once discarded, becomes part of the growing e-waste crisis. By acknowledging that these devices are not self-sustaining, we underscore the importance of extending their lifespan through intentional maintenance and thoughtful use.

What can you do?

With or without a computer

• Value what you have. Treat your hardware with care, appreciating its quirks and limitations.
• Repair what can be repaired. Timely maintenance prevents greater damage and extends your device’s life.
• Think before you buy. Ask yourself whether a new purchase is truly necessary, or if existing tools could meet your needs more sustainably.
• Support the growing market for refurbished hardware. Choose second-hand and refurbished electronics.
• Engage in sharing initiatives (device lending libraries, maker spaces) to avoid redundant consumption.
• Participate in community repair spaces like Repair Cafés and hacklabs invested in this approach.

When creating and maintaining software, digital tools or infrastructure

• Design for adaptability and resilience. Build systems that can evolve without needing constant hardware replacement.
• Design for disassembly and repair. Favor modularity that allows parts to be easily swapped or upgraded.
• Use salvaged components whenever possible to create new devices or applications.
• Promote refurbished electronics both personally and professionally.
• Leverage administrative opportunities—for example, extend device lifespans through extending legal write-off time-spans.
• Advocate for planned longevity. Push the tech industry to create products designed to last—and to be easy to repair. Support the Right to Repair movement advocating for regulation to make planned longevity mandatory.

Principle in action & examples

• Unbinare: https://unbina.re/ e-waste reverse engineering, hacking tools developed in collab with e-waste workers.
• What Remains https://iodinedynamics.com/whatremains.html reusing old - NES cartridges to release new game for old NES
• Single board computers made of repurposed fairphones https://citronics.eu/#product
• Community initiatives, like repair cafes: https://www.repaircafe.org/en/ and Fablabs: https://fablabs.io/, various regional Right to repair initiatives.