This video tutorial explains how you can make a report about your website which tells you how well you’re covered for security and compliance.

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It’s best to download it first]

If you frequently connect your computer to wireless displays or audio devices, the Windows key + K shortcut provides a quick way to access these connections without navigating through multiple menus. Here’s how:

Open Connect Menu

– Press Win + K to open the Connect menu.

Connect to Devices

– The menu will display available wireless displays, audio devices, and other devices you can connect to.

– Click on the device you want to connect to from the list.

In this second of our ‘Essentials Explained’ series, we explore how e-waste is currently disposed of, what happens to it afterwards, plus various initiatives and strategies aimed at reducing the ever-increasing pile of discarded electronics.

What Is E-Waste? 

Electronic waste (e-waste) refers to any electronic device that has reached the end of its useful life and is discarded. This can include everything from obsolete computers, servers and mobile phones to outdated office equipment like printers, photocopiers and even light bulbs.

The improper disposal of e-waste poses severe environmental and health risks. Many electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium which can leach into the soil and water, causing long-term environmental damage. Also, when e-waste is burned or improperly handled, harmful chemicals can be released into the air, posing a threat to human health.

The sheer volume of e-waste (combined with its hazardous nature) underscores the importance of proper disposal methods and the need for businesses to take proactive steps in managing their electronic waste.

How Much E-Waste Is There? 

With the relentless pace of technological advancement, global e-waste generation continues to grow at an alarming rate. In 2023, the world produced approximately 63.3 million tonnes of e-waste. This actually represents a slight increase from the 62 million tonnes generated in 2022. This trend indicates that e-waste is increasing by about 2.6 million tonnes annually and it is projected to reach around 82 million tonnes by 2030!

The UK alone produces approximately 24.9kg of e-waste per person each year, which is significantly higher than the European Union average.

How UK Businesses Can Dispose of E-Waste 

Understanding and managing e-waste is not just an environmental responsibility but also an opportunity to enhance sustainability credentials and ensure compliance with regulations.

Currently, e-waste can be disposed of in several ways, but the most common methods include recycling, landfill, and informal disposal.

In the UK, however, businesses are legally required to dispose of their e-waste in a manner that complies with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. Here’s how this process typically happens:

Assessment and Collection 

Businesses first need to assess their electronic waste to determine whether it can be refurbished or if it should be recycled. Items that are still functional can be donated, sold, or refurbished.

For items that need to be disposed of, businesses can arrange for collection by authorised waste carriers. Many IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) companies offer services that include secure data destruction, collection, and responsible recycling of e-waste.

Examples of well-known IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) companies include:

– Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS) – One of the largest ITAD providers globally, with significant operations in the UK.

– Restore Technology – Part of the Restore Group and a leading UK ITAD company offering a full suite of services for IT asset disposal.

– Stone Group – A UK-based ITAD provider that focuses on providing sustainable IT asset management solutions.

– Tier 1 – A UK-based ITAD company with a strong reputation for providing secure and compliant IT asset disposal services.

These are just a selection of some of the bigger names – there are, of course, many more ITAD companies for businesses to choose from.

Data Destruction 

Before any disposal, however, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that all data on electronic devices is securely erased to prevent data breaches. This is often done by ITAD companies that specialise in secure data destruction, providing certification for the process.

Recycling 

Collected e-waste is then transported to authorised recycling facilities. These facilities are equipped to safely dismantle electronics, recovering valuable materials such as metals and plastics. The WEEE Regulations require businesses to ensure that their e-waste is sent to facilities that meet environmental standards.

Some e-waste is exported for recycling under strict regulatory controls, though this is less common due to concerns about environmental and health impacts in destination countries.

Documentation and Compliance 

In the UK, businesses are legally required to dispose of e-waste through authorised channels under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. This directive ensures that e-waste is properly collected, treated, and recycled, thereby reducing the amount that ends up in landfills.

This means that UK businesses must maintain records of their e-waste disposal to demonstrate compliance with WEEE regulations. This includes documenting the amount and type of e-waste, the method of disposal, and the recycling outcomes. These records are crucial for regulatory audits and to ensure legal compliance. However, compliance can be complex, and as such, many businesses may still be inadvertently contributing to the problem through improper disposal practices.

Reuse and Refurbishment 

An increasing number of businesses opt to refurbish and reuse electronic equipment instead of disposing of it. This not only reduces waste but also cuts costs and supports sustainability goals. Reused and refurbished equipment is often sold or donated, extending the lifecycle of electronic devices. Examples of UK companies offering refurbishment include:

– Envirofone. This UK company focuses on the refurbishment of mobile phones and tablets. They purchase old or unwanted devices, refurbish them to ensure they are in good working condition, and resell them to consumers.

– The Phone Co-op. Part of the Midcounties Co-operative, it offers refurbished mobile phones as part of its sustainability initiatives.

– Techbuyer. A global leader in the refurbishment and resale of data centre equipment, including servers, storage, and networking devices, Techbuyer purchase used IT hardware, refurbish it (to a high standard), and then sell it with warranties.

These are just a few examples, there are many more – the point is that by following these (compliant) steps, UK businesses can manage their e-waste responsibly, thereby minimising environmental impact and ensuring compliance with national regulations

Recycling 

Recycling is the most environmentally responsible option, allowing for the recovery of valuable materials such as gold, silver, and copper. These materials can then be reused in the production of new electronic devices, reducing the need for mining, and conserving natural resources. For example, it’s estimated that one million mobile phones can yield 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 75 pounds of gold!

Only 20 Per Cent Is Recycled 

Unfortunately, despite the potential benefits of recycling, only about 20 per cent of global e-waste is formally recycled. The rest often ends up in landfills or is sent to developing countries where it is informally recycled. This informal recycling often involves dangerous practices, such as burning circuit boards to extract metals, which expose workers to toxic fumes and result in severe environmental pollution.

What Happens to E-Waste After Disposal? 

Once e-waste is disposed of, its journey depends largely on how it has been processed. In cases where e-waste is correctly recycled, it is typically collected by waste management companies that specialise in electronic waste. These companies sort, dismantle, and process the waste to recover valuable materials. Metals like gold, silver, and copper are extracted and sold back into the market, while other components, such as plastics and glass, are recycled for use in other products.

However, not all e-waste is managed so responsibly. E-waste that ends up in landfills can leach harmful chemicals into the environment, contaminating soil and water supplies. Furthermore, e-waste sent to developing countries for informal recycling often results in significant environmental and health risks due to unsafe processing practices, as mentioned.

The Circular Economy 

On the other hand, e-waste that is properly recycled can play a vital role in creating a circular economy. By reintroducing valuable materials back into the production cycle, businesses can help reduce the demand for new resources, minimise environmental impact, and support sustainable development. For example, initiatives like the Royal Mint’s partnership with Excir, a Canadian start-up, aim to recover precious metals from e-waste, demonstrating how innovative approaches can turn waste into valuable resources.

Initiatives and Strategies to Reduce E-Waste 

The growing e-waste crisis has prompted a variety of initiatives and strategies aimed at reducing the amount of electronic waste generated and improving its disposal. These include:

– Government and regulatory initiatives. In the UK, the WEEE Directive has been instrumental in shaping how businesses handle e-waste. This legislation mandates that producers and importers of electronic goods are responsible for financing the collection, treatment, and recycling of e-waste. Also, the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan promotes sustainable product design and resource efficiency, aiming to reduce waste generation and enhance recycling efforts across the continent.

– Corporate responsibility and business Initiatives. Businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of responsible e-waste management, not only as a regulatory requirement but also as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. As mentioned earlier, many companies now partner with IT asset disposition (ITAD) services, which specialise in the secure and environmentally friendly disposal of electronic assets. These services ensure that e-waste is handled in a way that maximises value recovery and minimises environmental impact.

– Technological and industry innovations. Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role in reducing e-waste. For instance, the Royal Mint’s innovative approach to recovering gold from circuit boards is just one example of how technology can help tackle the e-waste problem. Other innovations include the development of ‘device-as-a-service’ models, which encourage businesses to lease rather than purchase electronic devices, thereby reducing the need for frequent upgrades and disposals.

– Consumer and employee engagement. Engaging both consumers and employees in e-waste reduction efforts is essential. Businesses can run awareness campaigns to educate their staff about the importance of proper e-waste disposal and encourage responsible practices, such as returning old devices for recycling. Also, promoting the use of refurbished or second-hand electronics can help reduce the overall demand for new devices, thereby decreasing e-waste generation.

Looking Ahead – The Future of E-Waste Management 

The future of e-waste management is likely to be shaped by a combination of regulatory pressures, technological innovations, and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of electronic waste.

The ‘right to repair’ movement, for instance, is gaining traction and could significantly extend the lifecycle of electronic devices, reducing the need for frequent replacements and cutting down on e-waste. For example, in 2021, Apple launched its Self-Service Repair program and expanded its Independent Repair Provider (IRP) program globally.

Also, as the circular economy concept becomes more mainstream, businesses will increasingly be expected to adopt practices that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency.  As sustainability becomes a critical factor in business operations, companies that proactively address e-waste management will be better positioned to meet regulatory requirements, reduce costs, and enhance their reputation.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

For UK businesses, addressing e-waste properly isn’t just a matter of regulatory compliance, but is also a critical component of a broader sustainability strategy that can offer significant benefits beyond simply meeting legal requirements. Effective e-waste management has the potential to reduce your company’s environmental impact, recover valuable materials, and strengthen your reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

In today’s business landscape, stakeholders (ranging from customers to investors) are increasingly aware of the need for sustainability. By adopting robust e-waste management practices, such as partnering with IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) companies or implementing internal recycling programmes, your business can demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. This can enhance your brand’s reputation, making it more attractive to eco-conscious consumers and partners.

Responsibly managing e-waste can also unlock financial benefits. For example, by refurbishing and reusing electronic devices, businesses can extend the lifecycle of their IT assets, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Also, ITAD companies often help recover valuable materials like metals from old electronics, which can be resold or reused within your organisation. This not only reduces costs but also contributes to a circular economy, where resources are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.

Staying ahead of regulatory requirements is, of course, important for avoiding fines and ensuring smooth operations. The UK’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations require businesses to handle e-waste responsibly. By proactively managing e-waste, your business can avoid the risks associated with non-compliance, such as legal penalties or damage to your corporate reputation. Moreover, being compliant also means that your business is contributing to national and global efforts to reduce environmental harm.

Also, as more businesses adopt sustainability practices, those that do not may even find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. By effectively managing e-waste, your business can differentiate itself from competitors who may not be as proactive in their environmental efforts. This can be particularly important when bidding for contracts or partnering with organisations that prioritise sustainability in their supply chain.

Managing e-waste can also drive innovation within your business. For example, exploring new technologies or business models that reduce e-waste, such as device-as-a-service (DaaS) models or leasing arrangements, can open up new revenue streams and enhance your operational efficiency. Additionally, participating in e-waste recycling or refurbishment initiatives can foster partnerships with other organisations, leading to collaborative opportunities that support business growth.

Following in from the last 2 weeks, here are 10 more (final) top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Shift Your Keyboard Left or Right for One-Handed Typing 

If you often find yourself needing to type with one hand, especially while multitasking or on the move, your iPhone has a feature that allows you to adjust the keyboard layout for more comfortable one-handed use. By holding down the globe or emoji icon located at the bottom of the keyboard, you can easily select a left- or right-leaning keyboard. This makes it simpler to reach all the keys with just one thumb. However, note that this feature is only available in portrait mode and may not work if you have enabled “Larger Text” under Settings > Display & Brightness.

2. Pin Essential Conversations in the Messages App 

For business professionals juggling multiple conversations, keeping important threads at the forefront can significantly enhance efficiency. The Messages app on your iPhone allows you to pin critical conversations to the top of your chat list, making them easily accessible. This is especially beneficial when you need to frequently reference discussions with clients, colleagues, or team members. To pin a conversation, simply swipe right on the desired thread and tap the pin icon that appears. This ensures that key conversations remain visible and are not buried under less important messages, helping you stay organised and responsive in your business communications.

3. Use Safari’s Reader Mode for Distraction-Free Reading 

In a world filled with digital distractions, it can be challenging to focus on reading online content. Safari’s Reader Mode is an excellent tool for anyone who prefers a cleaner, more focused reading experience. By stripping away unnecessary elements like ads, buttons and other on-screen distractions, Reader Mode presents only the text and essential images of a web page. To activate this mode, simply tap the “AA” icon in the address bar while viewing a page in Safari and select “Show Reader View.” This is particularly beneficial for lengthy articles or research, allowing you to immerse yourself in the content without interruptions.

4. Swipe to Delete Calculator Entry Mistakes 

The iPhone’s built-in calculator is a handy tool for quick calculations, but errors can happen, especially when dealing with complex numbers. If you accidentally input the wrong digit, there’s no need to start over. Simply swipe left or right on the calculator’s display to delete the last number you entered. This feature is a real time-saver, particularly when performing detailed calculations that require accuracy.

5. Use Volume Buttons as Shutter Buttons 

When you’re trying to capture the perfect photo, especially in situations where stability is key, relying on the on-screen shutter button can sometimes cause the camera to shake. Instead, you can use the volume buttons on your iPhone as a shutter button, which often provides a steadier hand. This trick also works with wired earbuds that have volume controls, giving you even more flexibility to capture the shot exactly as you want it.

6. Use the Files App for Organised Document Management 

For those juggling multiple documents across different cloud services and local storage, the iPhone’s Files app is an invaluable tool. It acts as a central hub, allowing you to access, manage, and organize files from iCloud, local storage, and even third-party cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. You can easily create folders, move files between locations, and share documents with colleagues, all from within the app. This feature helps keep your business documents organized and accessible, no matter where you are.

7. Customise Good Vibrations for Contacts 

If you frequently have your iPhone on vibrate mode, you might miss important calls or messages because the vibrations all feel the same. However, you can customise the vibration pattern for specific contacts, so you know who’s reaching out without even looking at your phone! Go to a contact’s settings, tap on Ringtone or Text Tone, and choose from the available vibration patterns or create a unique one. This way, you’ll immediately know if it’s a client, colleague or family member trying to get in touch.

8. Create SOS Contacts for Emergency Situations 

In case of an emergency, having your critical contacts set up as SOS contacts can make a significant difference. Through the Health app, you can designate specific individuals as emergency contacts. To do this, tap on your profile in the Health app, select Medical ID > Edit > Emergency Contacts, and add the people you want notified in an emergency. When you activate the Emergency SOS feature on your iPhone, these contacts will be automatically alerted, along with your current location, which is crucial in times of need.

9. Use Guided Access for Focused Work 

Guided Access is a lesser-known but powerful feature for those who need to focus on a single task without distractions. This tool locks your iPhone into a single app, preventing you from switching to other apps until you disable it. It’s particularly useful for business presentations, reading documents, or any situation where you need to stay focused. To activate it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access, and then triple-click the side button when you want to use it. This feature helps maintain your attention on the task at hand, eliminating the temptation of multitasking.

10. Set Up VIP Email Alerts for Critical Communication 

In business, ensuring that you never miss an important email is crucial. The Mail app on your iPhone offers a VIP feature that allows you to set up custom alerts for emails from specific senders. By adding key contacts, such as clients or executives, to your VIP list, you’ll receive specialised notifications whenever they send you an email, even if your inbox is overflowing. To set this up, open the Mail app, navigate to the VIP section, and add the contacts you want to prioritise. You can further customise the notification settings by going to Settings > Notifications > Mail > VIP. This tailored alert system ensures that important emails get your attention immediately, helping you maintain prompt and effective communication.

These last 10 in our three-week series of top iPhone tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks.

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this second of our two articles on the subject, we’ve gathered together 10 more top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Google Lens for Text Recognition

Quickly capture and digitise text from documents, business cards or signs using Google Lens, saving time on manual data entry.

Open the Google Lens app or tap the Lens icon in the Google Photos or Camera app. Point your camera at the text you want to capture, then tap on the text to select it. You can copy the text to your clipboard, translate it, or search it directly online.

2. Customise Do Not Disturb Mode

Manage interruptions during important meetings or work hours by customising the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to allow only essential notifications.

Go to “Settings,” select “Sound” or “Notifications,” then tap on “Do Not Disturb.” You can set schedules for when Do Not Disturb should activate, choose which contacts can bypass the mode, and allow or block certain apps’ notifications. This ensures you’re only disturbed by critical alerts.

3. Use File Sharing with Nearby Share

Quickly and securely share files, links, and other data between Android devices without needing a third-party app.

Open the file you want to share, then tap the share icon and select “Nearby Share.” Ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Location enabled. The receiving device will see a prompt to accept the file, and the transfer will begin. Nearby Share works even when devices aren’t connected to the internet.

4. Set Up App Shortcuts for Faster Access

Access your most-used app functions directly from the home screen using app shortcuts, saving time on repetitive tasks.

Long-press on the app icon on your home screen, and a menu with shortcuts will appear (e.g. composing a new email in Gmail). Drag your preferred shortcut to the home screen to create a dedicated icon for it. This feature is supported by many popular apps, making it easy to jump straight to specific tasks.

5. Use Digital Wellbeing to Monitor App Usage

Keep track of how much time you’re spending on various apps and set limits to ensure you’re not getting distracted during work hours.

Go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” and then tap on “Dashboard.” Here, you’ll see a breakdown of your app usage. Tap on an app to set a daily limit, after which the app will pause for the rest of the day. This helps in maintaining focus and reducing time spent on non-essential apps.

6. Pin Important Notifications

Avoid missing critical notifications by pinning them to the top of your notification shade, ensuring they remain visible until addressed.

Swipe down to open your notification shade, then find the notification you want to pin. Long press on the notification and select “Pin” or “Keep.” This option may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer, but it ensures important messages or alerts stay at the forefront.

7. Use Android’s Built-In Screen Recorder

Easily create video tutorials, record presentations, or capture gameplay directly on your device without needing third-party apps.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings menu, then tap on “Screen Recorder” (you may need to add it to the menu if it’s not visible). Choose your recording settings, such as audio input, and tap “Start.” The recording will begin after a short countdown, and you can stop it by tapping the notification or the stop button.

8. Enable One-Handed Mode for Easier Use

Make it easier to use your phone with one hand, especially on larger devices, by enabling One-Handed Mode.

Go to “Settings,” select “Advanced Features” (this may vary by manufacturer), then tap on “One-Handed Mode.” Enable the mode and choose how you want to activate it—by swiping down from the bottom of the screen or by double-tapping the home button. This mode reduces the screen size, allowing easier access to all areas of the display with one hand.

9. Manage Permissions for Better Privacy

Control which apps have access to your personal data by managing app permissions, enhancing your privacy and security.

Go to “Settings,” select “Privacy” or “Apps & notifications,” then tap on “Permission manager.” Here, you can see which apps have access to various permissions, such as location, camera, and microphone. You can adjust these settings to only allow apps access when they’re in use or deny permissions entirely.

10. Use the Clipboard Manager to Save Multiple Items

Keep track of multiple copied items and access them later using Android’s clipboard manager, enhancing your productivity.

If your device supports it (such as on Samsung’s One UI or through third-party apps like Gboard), you can access the clipboard by long-pressing in any text field and tapping “Clipboard.” Here, you’ll see a history of your copied items. Tap on any item to paste it, or pin important items to keep them saved even after restarting your device.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

We hope these tips go some way to helping you unlock the full potential of your Android device and make your daily tasks smoother and more efficient, this summer and beyond.

A team of researchers at Stanford University are aiming to improve options for renewable energy storage by working on new technology to enable the conversion and long-term storage of electrical energy in a ‘liquid battery’.

The Issue 

People in California as a state (plus Stanford University and the researchers based there) are looking to transition to renewable fuel, although it is facing some challenges in doing so. For example, solar power drops at night and declines in winter. Furthermore, wind power ebbs and flows and is unreliable. As a result, California has to depend heavily on natural gas to smooth out the highs and lows of renewable power. This means there’s now a strong argument to suggest that new technologies that can store more power for the electric grid are needed.

Currently Lithium-Ion

As highlighted by Robert Waymouth, the Robert Eckles Swain Professor in Chemistry in the School of Humanities and Sciences, “The electric grid uses energy at the same rate that you generate it, and if you’re not using it at that time, and you can’t store it, you must throw it away.” 

However, in California, rather than throw it away, batteries are already used to store electricity for the grid using lithium-ion technologies, e.g. at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility. However, due to the need for energy storage at scale, researchers (such as those at Stanford) are searching for systems that can supplement those technologies.

A Liquid Battery 

One such technology being worked on by Waymouth’s Stanford research team is using liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for renewable energy storage.

LOHCs can store and release hydrogen using catalysts and elevated temperatures and, in the future, may be able to function as “liquid batteries,” storing energy and efficiently returning it as usable fuel or electricity when needed.

Isopropanol 

The Stanford researchers have been experimenting with using Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) and acetone as ingredients in hydrogen energy storage and release systems. For example, Isopropanol (a high-density liquid form of hydrogen) could be stored or transported through existing infrastructure until it’s needed for usage as a fuel in a fuel cell or to release the hydrogen, without emitting carbon dioxide.

For example, as Waymouth says: “When you have excess energy, and there’s no demand for it on the grid, you store it as isopropanol. When you need the energy, you can return it as electricity.” 

Catalyst System Developed To Help 

One challenge in doing this until now has been finding a way to make isopropanol directly from protons and electrons without producing hydrogen gas.

However, Daniel Marron, lead author of the study has, developed a catalyst system that can combine two protons and two electrons with acetone to generate the LOHC isopropanol selectively, without generating hydrogen gas (using iridium as the catalyst).

One key finding in developing the catalyst system was the success of using the relatively inexpensive Cobaltocene, a chemical compound of cobalt, as a co-catalyst in this reaction. The addition of cobaltocene solved the problem by directly delivering protons and electrons to the iridium catalyst rather than liberating hydrogen gas.

More Abundant, Cheaper Catalysts May Be Better 

The hope is now that this greater understanding of the properties of cobaltocene could help scientists develop other catalysts to make the LOHC systems more affordable and scalable. For example, this could mean using more abundant, non-precious earth metal catalysts, such as iron.

Used For What? 

Upscaled LOHC systems could be used to improve energy storage for industry and energy sectors or for individual solar or wind farms.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The advancements in liquid battery technology, particularly the usage of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs), represent a significant opportunity for organisations across various sectors. As the push for renewable energy intensifies, the ability to store energy efficiently and on a large scale becomes increasingly critical. For industries reliant on consistent energy supply, this new technology could provide a reliable buffer against the intermittent nature of renewable sources like solar and wind. The potential to store excess energy as isopropanol, for instance, offers a versatile and scalable solution that could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.

For organisations in the energy sector, especially those managing solar or wind farms, the development of LOHC systems could be a game-changer. These systems may allow for the capture and storage of surplus energy during periods of low demand, which can then be reintroduced into the grid when needed, thus optimising energy production, and reducing waste. Also, the move towards using more abundant, non-precious metal catalysts in these systems could lower costs and make this technology more accessible, opening new avenues for innovation and investment.