Is having the latest technology a want or a need?
How often do you get a new cel phone or mp3 player? Did you really need a new model? Do you consider the environmental impact of these purchases? If you are addicted, how can you break your addiction?
Wants or Needs? >
Technology. A Want
Personally, I buy a new phone about every two years and before today I had never considered the environmental consequences of my purchases. The rise in technology is killing the environment. The mass production causes a huge need for space; companies are destroying forests to make room for factories. The elimination of forest areas causes the migration of animals, which causes a disruption in the ecosystem. Another main consequence is the chemical effects on the environment. These factories release hazardous chemicals into the ecosystem. This results in ocean acidification and death of the coral reef. This is most definitely an addiction; humans crave to have the next best thing. I don’t believe the addiction will ever get better.
http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/Publications … AEET/6.asp