In 2025 using Linux or a Hackintosh is a very sustainable practice in computing, because you are able to use hardware longer.
I am a big fan of making devices play tricks they are not (originally) intended for, and “hackintoshing” is such a category. Back in the days us nerds would ask the question “Can it run DOOM?” when getting presented with a new computer architecture or device— and for some of us “will it run Apple MacOS” has become the new question (or sport for that matter).
I originally started building a Hackintosh in 2010, back when it was really expensive to buy Apple desktop computers. With Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, stable Hackintosh setups became possible and tools like Chameleon, myHack, and EmpireEFI simplified the installation process.
In 2025 the question is: why Hackintosh? And after being in the different communities for so long and observing reasons people install Hackintosh they are:
- People Hackintoshing because they cannot afford Apple hardware (students)
- Hackintoshing as a sport (and educational effort)
- Hackintoshing as a sustainability practice
I am falling into the third category — and I am building hackintosh computers to be able to use my machines longer. In 2022 I migrated my Macbook Pro via Time Machine to a hackintosh desktop and sold it. Since then I am using the Hackintosh with Adobe Suite and Black Magic Davinci Resolve for professional client work.
In today’s fast-paced technological world, the demand for the latest computers is soaring. However, every new device built comes with a significant environmental cost — from high energy consumption and resource depletion to considerable carbon emissions. Hackintoshing offers a compelling solution by extending the lifespan of computers and reducing waste.
The Environmental Impact of New Computer Production
The manufacturing process of new computers is resource-intensive and contributes substantially to global carbon emissions. Research suggests that producing a single laptop can generate over 100 kg of CO₂ emissions, highlighting the hidden environmental cost behind each new device. In addition, various studies have noted that a large portion of a device’s overall environmental footprint is incurred during its production phase.
Studies on the environmental impact of electronic devices show that the production phase is particularly energy-intensive and resource-demanding: the presentations ‘Life Cycle Assessment of Electronics’ (2014) presented at SusTec 2014, highlights that a substantial share of the overall environmental footprint is attributed to the manufacturing processes. This finding aligns with subsequent research, which further emphasizes the need to address production inefficiencies in the electronics industry.
Belkhir & Elmeligi (2018) in their study “Assessing ICT Global Energy Demand: Trends to 2040”, show that for many ICT devices, the energy and resource demands (and hence a significant part of their environmental footprint) occur during the manufacturing (production) phase.
The longer you are using your existing devices, the better for the planet.
Benefits of Extending Hardware Lifespan
By reusing and repurposing existing hardware, hackintoshing plays directly into the principles of a circular economy. Instead of disposing of still-functional computers, extending their usability delays the need for new production and significantly reduces electronic waste. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, the world generated over 53 million metric tons of e-waste in 2019 - which underscores the environmental urgency of reusing technology (source: United Nations Global E-waste Monitor 2020).
Hackintoshing as a Sustainable Alternative
Adopting hackintoshing means choosing to maximize the utility of current devices rather than contributing to the cycle of continuous consumption. This practice not only reduces the demand for new, resource-intensive manufacturing but also lowers the cumulative environmental impact by:
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: Fewer new devices mean fewer emissions from manufacturing processes.
- Minimizing Resource Extraction: Reusing hardware alleviates the need for raw materials that are often obtained through environmentally damaging practices.
- Decreasing E-Waste: By extending the lifespan of devices, the volume of discarded electronics — and the hazardous waste they can generate — is significantly reduced.
In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, hackintoshing emerges as a highly relevant practice. By enabling the extended use and reuse of existing computers, hackintoshing directly addresses the critical issues of resource depletion, carbon emissions, and escalating e-waste. This sustainable approach not only offers economic benefits but also paves the way for a more responsible and eco-friendly technology landscape.
Where and how to start with Hackintoshing?
To install Apple Mac OSX Sequoia and older you can use any AMD and Intel desktop computers or notebook. Read Dortania’s Hackintosh getting started guides, GPU: get at at least an AMD RX580 for ca. 80$ or better a Radeon RX6600 8G for your Hackintosh build (these are fully supported by WhateverGreen). To fix Bluetooth and Wifi: get an aftermarket original Apple Airport card. Install MacOS via OpenCore, discuss on /r/hackintosh.
Check which hardware you or your friends have, or go on classifieds to get hardware. Let’s get Hackintoshing!
Please follow me on medium & on Twitter @audiores and let me know in the comments if you have any other feedback or additions to this write-up. You can read more of my hardware and gear suggestion on my list Tools and services for the Nomad Nerd.
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