Smartphones: What can young people do to promote sustainability?

Smartphones have become an integral part of life for young and old alike. However, their manufacture, use and disposal have a massive impact on the environment. At the same time, millions of people suffer from the consequences: in the mines and factories where raw materials are extracted and devices are produced, as well as in the rubbish dumps in the Global South and East, where our electronic waste piles up in mountains.

All this has been known for a long time, but few people draw consistent conclusions for their own behaviour. So what can young people – and all of us – do to reduce the negative effects and move towards a circular economy and sustainable consumption?

The Oekozenter Pafendall continues to offer interactive workshops for young people as part of the ‘Smart Youth – Smart Choice’ project. Since the project began in July 2024, numerous workshops have already been held in schools.

From 2026, these workshops will also be offered by the Oekozenter for ‘Maisons Relais’ (Cycle 4), youth centres and other youth organisations (e.g. Scouts).

The project is supported by the Œuvre Nationale and the Stëftung Oekofonds.

Please contact: camille.muller@oeko.lu, Phone: 43 90 30 23

December 2025