2 ms·
Of course nobody still uses devices from 20 years ago, but we aren't talking about a binary choice between "dispose of devices constantly" vs "never dispose of
by jbstack 3y ago
Of course nobody still uses devices from 20 years ago, but we aren't talking about a binary choice between "dispose of devices constantly" vs "never dispose of devices". Nor are we talking about a binary choice between current levels of e-waste vs. zero e-waste. Any reduction in e-waste should be considered a good thing. If I can keep my phone for 5 years instead of 2 years due to a replaceable battery, then I'm producing 40% of the e-waste that I was before.
Yes, tech improves, and no one wants the old stuff. But realistically, there isn't anywhere near the level of innovation with new phones as there was 10 or 20 years ago. The phone I bought 5 years ago makes all the same calls, sends the same messages, browses the same internet, takes the same photos, and runs the same apps, as the phone I would buy in the shop today. I'd be quite content to postpone upgrading for 5+ years at a time, and I suspect most people would be too.