In this era of a rise in technology, particularly electronic, companies are always coming out with the "newest and greatest" versions of devices. As a society, often succumb to advertisements and grow desires to have these new devices even when we don't need them. Apple and its creation of the iPhone is a perfect example for this discussion. Each year or so, Apple releases new versions of the iPhone and, before it is even released to the public, people grow an obsession over what they are expecting and wait in lines for hours just waiting to buy this new device. This obsession demonstrates how just in the past few decades, we have become a society where consumerism is at its center.
When people buy new devices, they often get rid of the old one by throwing them away or disposing of it in other ways and not realizing the environmental impact of their actions. These "old" devices often work perfectly well and its parts can be reused or recycled but often are not. I admit that I have gotten a new phone when my previous one worked well because I had an upgrade with my cellul ar plan; however, I think we don't talk enough about the impact of extreme consumerism enough. Rather than simply disposing of our old devices, why not somehow reuse its parts or simply continue to use the device until it is no longer functional? In addition, I think that by combining the functions of multiple devices into one, we are able to decrease the amount of disposed products and devices. For example, most smartphones have cameras and internet capabilities. While sometimes these functions may not work as well as they would on an actual camera or computer, it still limits the amount of products someone might buy and eventually dispose of.

I agree that most people, when they see the ad for a new Iphone, they instantly want to buy it because Iphones are currently a trend. I also do think it is a bit wasteful of people to get rid of their perfectly functional Iphone just to buy the new one. However,I have seen a commercial for a website that will allow you to sell your Iphone, making it available for reuse. I do admit that it could take time, but it's still a way to reuse it. Moreover, Apple has made a new robot named "Liam" that can disassemble your phone in order to search for reusable parts for recycling. This shows that Apple is making an effort to be more environmental.
http://venturebeat.com/2016/09/28/zopa- … r-finance/

I agree with you completely that our current pattern of consumption is both unnecessary and harmful to the environment. Now that we are at a point where our natural resources are being depleted at such a rapid rate, I think it is crucial that we cut back or even cut off our consumption of certain products, especially technology. But how can we possibly do this when technology is continuing to develop and reach new heights every year?
Well, the problem is not limited to the actions of the consumers, the producers also play an important role in this vicious cycle. I recently learned about a concept called planned obsolescence. This is a tool used by producers to ensure that their product continues to be purchased over time. It involves creating products that only work for a short amount of time, so that consumers end up having to buy the "new and improved" item, that in reality may not be all that different.
I believe that this idea is extremely wrong, and while major companies might have a larger flow of cash because of it, consumers and the environment end up feeling ch eated.However,  now that this concept is known, more responsibility falls on the consumer to make conscious choices, and you're right, many products do not follow that pattern, and we can reuse what we have.

I had a lot of carbon footprint in my home. My major problem is that we turn on all the lights in our house when we aren’t in the room. Also my father turns on a couple lights when he leave to work which is 4:30 in the morning. So unnecessary lights are turned on all the time. Another thing I have  trouble with is unplugging many things including phone chargers, laptop charger,  hair dryer, flat iron, printer that we barely use, etc. I never realized that I had wasted so much energy in my house then other people in America. According to KQED, 35 billion tons of carbon is in the air and in the ocean. It is sad to think that I am part of the 35 billion tons and killing wildlife in the ocean, especially turtles.

I think I can cut down these extra energy by doing a couple things. First I would like to make a habit of thinking about turtles dying if I don’t do something. I need to start with my room. Before I leave the house, I unplug everything. Then on my way to the door I turn off all the lights. I tried it today and it was a good thing I did because we didn’t go home ti ll 9:30pm.Another thing I will do is always remind my family to save energy. My brother is very annoyed when I remind him to unplug his device chargers but he does it. I am hoping soon that my family can make all of these things into their daily lives instead of me nagging at them 24/7.

This is where I got my info -> http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/ca … -yofTMrKVM