The Downside to Evolving Technology: Electronic Waste

How long has it been since you got a new iPhone? A new computer? A new gaming system? As companies begin to develop cutting edge technology faster and faster, our current technology becomes obsolete. Everyone rushes to get the new iPhone each year, even though their current iPhone works just fine. Then there’s the allegation that Apple slows down older models to prompt users to buy newer ones (Potuck 2017). So what does this all add up to?

Electronic waste is one of the biggest problem our planet faces going into the future. Often, electronic waste is shipped to other countries, in which low-wage workers take apart the waste, which can be harmful to their health (Campbell 2016). More and more waste is being generated each year as people ditch their old laptops and phones for the newest updates; even when the newer models aren’t that different. At the end of the day, should we really put the future of our planet in jeopardy just so billion dollar companies like Apple can make more profits?

I’m not trying to rain on your parade. There are many solutions to help reduce your impact on the global e-waste footprint. For one, you could recycle old electronics instead of throwing them away; that way, the toxic chemicals such as mercury that are inside electronics won’t jeopardize trash workers in others countries (Campbell 2016). Be sure to look up where in your community you can recycle your electronics. Furthermore, instead of ditching a broke electronic, you could take it to get repaired; whether that be directly from the company you purchased it from or through a third party. Finally, you could refrain from getting the newest gadget until it becomes the cheapest, most logical solution. Being aware of the issue is the first step in the right direction towards saving the planet.

Sources: https://www.rubiconglobal.com/blog-electronic-waste-problem/

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/america-e-waste-gps-tracker-tells-all-earthfix

Apple admits it slows down old iPhones (but for the right reasons)

3 thoughts on “The Downside to Evolving Technology: Electronic Waste

  1. Your article really pointed out the lack of our consciousness of e-waste. Your point that “There are many solutions to help reduce your impact on the global e-waste footprint” got me to google what I could do specifically and find greener alternatives to waste. By searching on google I found a great organization called the “Centre county recycling & refuse authority”. They describe themselves as “It is the mission of the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority to provide environmentally sound and economically efficient integrated waste management, reduction and recycling services; to work cooperatively with the private sector and to provide educational services with the intent of enhancing the quality of life in Centre County.” (About Us tab).
    The great part about them is that they also offer services for e-waste as well as other recycling alternatives! You can drop your waste off and the electronics they would not accept, they offer alternative stores that would accept the electronics (for example they do not accept digital cameras, they redirect you to Staples & Best Buy).
    This really made me feel that I can make a bigger impact on the environment directly. I would never think about dropping off e-waste or that it could be done personally. I hope more people can realize that we can all do something for the environment and every little step count. I do not doubt that this is not the only organization out there and people could find out more about it if they put the time to find something-just like I did.

    Resource
    https://www.centrecountyrecycles.org/index.asp?SEC=12400E00-CDCB-471A-9EA3-2224B7F6935A

  2. I want to touch on the topic that the original post briefly touched on, and that is the idea that Apple slows down older models of phones and other devices when they release new models. Since it was just announced that Apple is introducing the iPhone 11 and IPhone 11 Pro, slowing down of older models could be on the horizon. I currently use an iPhone 7 that I’ve had for just shy of two years. Even before the Phone 11 was announced I noticed that some of the features on my phone were slowing down or simply not working like they used to. I have problems with speed, as well battery life. My phone will randomly restart itself or “die” even when the battery percentage is at 60%. This slowing down of Apple products becomes quite inconvenient and stressful for the users. Apple has admitted to slowing down older models back in 2017. With new software updates rolling out, older batteries become unbearably slow which prompts users to either replace their battery or simply upgrade their phone altogether. Either way slowing down old phones is a surefire way for Apple to make money. From a business standpoint slowing phones down is a genius idea, however from a. consumer standpoint it creates lots of unnecessary problems.

    Source: https://www.vox.com/2017/12/22/16807056/apple-slow-iphone-batteries

  3. To reduce the amount of electronic waste from iPhones or laptops, Apple has come up with their trade-in program which allows customers to trade in their old phones or laptop for an Apple gift card which then can be used to buy a new phone. With this trade-in program, customers have an incentive to get a new phone because they are saving money trading in an old one for a new phone and Apple gets to continue their environment friendly campaign to reduce waste. According to an article called, “What Happens to Your Recycled iPhones and other Apple Products?”, author Susanna Kim, talks about Brightstar which is a recycling company that partners with Apple to help turn old iPhones and other technology into refurbished phones after taking parts of the old phone apart and fixing it up so the company can resell it (2016). If an iPhone is unable to be salvaged, then the company will recycle the phones. I think this is a great way to help the Earth and aims to reduce waste as much as possible. So for anyone who is thinking about getting a new iPhone, especially because there will be a new iPhone launching in the next month or two, think about trading in your iPhone at an Apple store or shipping it to an Apple location so it can go through the process to either be reused or recycled.

    Reference:
    https://abcnews.go.com/Business/recycled-iphones-apple-products/story?id=37872881

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