Almost every year big companies are selling new phones saying that they are the best ones and that they have many upgrades. I feel like most of the times the new upgrades that you can see are not even that many. You shouldn’t upgrade your phone when it is not necessary. You should think more about the planet rather than if you just want it because of the new upgrades. Phones are something that contribute to the pollution of the world. They create a lot of pollution. The worst part of creating a phone is the manufacturing stage. This is because of the mining process, refining, transport and assembly of the many chemical elements a phone needs. All these processes generate a lot of carbon footprint which is not good for the planet. Phones cause more greenhouse gases than any other electronic device. I feel like companies should also find materials that are less harmful to the environment.
I sometimes think phones don’t last that much. They are supposed to last only 2 years and after that it is really common that your phone stops working. I think this shouldn’t be like that considering all the pollution it takes to make one. In fact, “Keeping a smartphone for even three years instead of two can make a considerable impact” (Wilson). I feel like you should keep your phone as long as possible before buying a new one even though this is sometimes difficult to do. Many people start having troubles with the battery of their phones, and sometimes this is not that easy to ignore.
I also feel like big companies are making their phones last less or at least they are not making them last the most possible they could. I think they make this because of a marketing decision. If they make phones that last many years people wouldn’t buy their product that often, and they wouldn’t make that much money. I feel that they could sell phones that last at least 5 years, so you don’t need to buy one that often. Like this you could save money and also help to reduce the pollution on the planet. I know that maybe it is not that easy to make it, but it would contribute so much to the planet.
Sources:
https://www.fastcompany.com/90165365/smartphones-are-wrecking-the-planet-faster-than-anyone-expected
https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/environment/the-hidden-environmental-toll-of-smartphones/
How many phones have you ever had?
How often do you upgrade your phone?
Do you think big companies that sell phones are making them to last less on purpose?
Replies
Great topic choice and suoer job Alexia!
I have had four phones in my life. I usually don't upgrade my phone unless something happens to my phone resulting in it breaking. It will probably be a while before I get a new one because there is no point. I think that phones do seem to break easier compared to older phones.
I've only had two phones in my life. I rarely upgrade my phone because I don't feel the need to. I think that as technology improves companies know how to make phones last much longer then they really do. But if phones lasted for years and years then the companies would be making less money. By shutting down phones, or not allowing updates, it forces people to buy new ones.
I personally have had three phones in my life. I'm currnetly on my third after my second quit working after about eight months. I never upgrad my phone unless I absolutaly need too. I think that companies like Apple and Samsung have the potential to make their phones last for years, but instead make them last maybe three years tops.
I've only had 3 phones in my lifetime. The first phone I got, was the IPhone 5. Then, I got my moms old IPhone 7. Lastly, I just got an IPhone 13. I think that big companies are starting to make phones less sustainable. I think they make the phones so that they don't last as long as they used to.
I definetly think that companies are making phones less durable and making them so that they break easyier because then that person buys another phone. I also think that the companies come out with a new phone so often because people feal that they need to upgrade.
I dont upgrade my phone to often. I have an iphone 11 and have for awhile now. However, when it becomes obsolete I will get a new one. But I dont think it's necessary to get a new phone every single time a new model comes out. It's a waste of material and money.
I agree with you. You don't need to buy a new phone every single year. I feel like that is a waste of money and you are just creating more pollution. I think you should try to use the one one you have as long as possible.
I have had 3 phones I thik and I usually dont upgrade unless mine is in super need of it or it is straight broken. I think phones still last a long time and its not about how long they last at this point it is the people who want everything new and now and most dont care how long they last.
I also just upgrade my phone when it is really needed. Especially if the battery is not working anymore. I think that people who just want a new phone to look cool need a little more education. I think having the newest phone or the oldest phone doesn't make a difference in the person.
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