In our society cellphones are necessary, but we don't always need the newest phone. People need to stop giving in to buying new products when their phone works just as well as the new product. To help prevent the amount of carbon dioxide emitted we need to use our phones until they cannot work anymore and if they break, fix them instead of buying new ones. We need to start becoming satisfied with what we have and be grateful that we even have phones. According to The Guardian, the average amount of carbon dioxide emitted from a cell phone is 94kg.

I am neutral with this post. Although I agree that buying new devices does contribute to our total Carbon Footprint, we buy new phones when our phone either stops working or because, like you said, "we don't always need the newest phone". I believe that the handheld devices we use adds almost the same amount of carbon dioxide, whether that be because we are buying a new phone or battery. Referring back to the article you cited, The Guardian, the average amount of Carbon dioxide emitted from a NEW cellphone is 94kg (including the base station, administration, manufacture, switchboard, phone energy and, transport before sale) but replacing a battery would mean that we would still require everything but the switchboard. This means that compared to the amount of Carbon dioxide being emitted by a new phone, to replace a battery, the ratio is 94kg: 88.4kg. That's only 5.6 kg a difference. I still support this post because 5.6kg is still a lot of carbon dioxide, but I don't believe that "fixing them" would be the answer to decreasing our Carbon Footprint by much. Instead, recyc ling your old Lithium battery to e-drives could shave down on the amount of carbon dioxide produced;  cobalt mining is decreased, base station, manufacturing, switchboard, and administration would also be decreased.

I somewhat agree with you both, Sam and Ali, while we definitely don't need a new phone all the time, fixing one is basically the same thing. Recycling old batteries and electronics is a great way to get rid of the old, but still be environmentally friendly. And a new phone isn't always the best for your carbon footprint, but after a few years a new phone is need in order to stay up to date on software and current speed capabilities.

I agree with all of you. Our wants are not really our needs. Many people forget that. We sure do get a new phone because ours is slower and just older, but there are people that have to have the newest and that's what makes a problem. You, me, we have to raise awareness of the problem that that people make. Ofcourse, not just to them but to all people. Earth is our only home and, as much as it seems silly coming from a child, even the slightest change is a good change. Let's raise awareness between our friends, family and then further.

I agree with the majority above that our wants are not really needs. We don't always need new technology. I think we should use them until they don't work anymore, then recycle them. I believe recycling is the best way to go in this situation because either way you're going to need to get a new phone eventually.

I like Larissa's idea to recycle the old phones and batteries. I think that would help if we can figure out a way to reuse the parts in new phones.

I agree, if your current phone or computer or tablet or whatever else isn't broken, there's absolutely no need to get a new one. It not only helps the environment, but it saves a lot of money.

Yeah I agree.

We probaly dont need new phones if the old one works fine

I agree, why get a new phone if your old one works just as well - especially if it's going to have a negative effect on the environment.

Agreed. When your phone is broken then it is time for a new one.

I agree. In the past when my phone has broken I repair it or get a refurbished device to replace mine.

i totally agree. i also think it is not that big of a sacrifice to maintain people's current phones. My family even passes down our phones from sibling to sibling

There is no point in getting a new phone if the one you have is working perfectly fine

I don’t think new phones are absolutel necessity. If your phone is broken and falling apart it’s probably time to get a nee phone but its not necessary to get a new one just because.

I had no idea that phones contributed to our carbon footprint, but I agree, it is not necessary to get a new phone that often.

I had no idea that phones contributed to my carbon footprint. My current phone might be the last one I’m getting after reading this. Luckily I have not used many phones and my family has one of them saved as an emergency phone...

Actually, Samsung And Apple the two leading phone producers have been adding updates to older phones that make them stop working as well, this is mainly done to get users to buy the latest model, as it usually is cheaper to get a new phone. But I do see your perspective on the issue, I usually get my devices to last me 4-6 years before i need it replaced or fixed.

I agree that you shouldn't just buy the newest model just because, and also that we should be satisfied with what we have.

I feel like if you want the newest model and can afford it you should invest in it because its your money and the newer phones have a longer battery life which makes it so you charge it less

Although that is a valid point, i feel like the newer the phone, the longer battery life, the more you use it, leading to more phone addiction which will cause a even greater long term emission of Carbon then having to charge your phone more often.

The difference from one generation to another is so slight it’s not even worth it

I agree, I have been using the same phone for 3 years and it still works fine

I agree. We should work with what we have, and not just get a new phone because it’s newer when ours works perfectly fine.

And even if we have no other choice but to get a new phone for example if our old one breaks, we can always choose to recycle an already used phone that is still in great condition and would end up in the trash and add waste on our planet because it is 'outdated', and yet perfectly fine. I personally always get a pre-used phone when my old one breaks because not only is it better for the environment, but it is normally quite cheaper as well, making it a environmentally and financially smart decision.

I agree, I have never understood why people have to buy a new phone every year. To me it makes no sense, why would you replace something that works perfectly fine?

i have a crappy Samsung galaxy s4 mini and im perfectly fine with it! just because it can take 1% better pictures isn't worth it in my opinion

I don't agree, it's based on matter of opinion. For example, if you have money and like wasting it on new phones then you can get them every year or two. so please, take a seat

Yes I agree with you. Phones, especially as often as they are used now, emit too much carbon when overused. The need for getting the newest iPhone or Samsung when it comes out is not necessary.

I am an 8th grader who doesn't have a phone, and I get by just fine without one. I can see how there might be a need for one, but not for me because i'm homeschooled so i'm home or with my parents most of the time

If you don´t live on a stone age you will need phones. People will have to reach you and you´ll have to rech other people. If you are working regulary, phones are very important. Sure new phones all the the time isn´t necessary but you can always get new phone that isn´t iphone that will last a very long time

sometimes yeah, because if you can buy a new one you want to own the newest phone. but its necessary to give out the old phone to someone who can't afford buying a new one.

I think that people should use their phones until they get broken.  But of course if you can afford a new phone and want to buy one you are always going to do that.

I think that we don´t need the newest phones unless your phone is broken than you can buy the newest one or a new one. Some people need to realize that there are way bigger problems in this world than having the newest and coolest phone.

Phones are neccessary, no doubt about it. But I think that if your current phone works just fine there´s no reason to buy a new one. Phones usually don´t have a very long life time so sooner or later you will have to buy a new one. But if you wish to buy a new one before it dies I would suggest that you´d sell your last one to someone else or "recycle" it in a way.

We probaly don't need new phone if the old one works fine, especially if it´s
going to have a negative effect on the environment