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In the News

Sustainability and e-waste - the iPhone and planned obsolescence

Graham Watson

19th September 2021

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John Naughton's article wonders whether, in a sustainable world, we really need to buy the latest iPhone.

It looks at the concept of planned obsolescence and the product life-cycle of the iPhone. It's an interesting read for those of us still using our 'old' phones.

"Buying one new phone takes as much energy as recharging and operating a smartphone for an entire decade”.

According to a UN report, electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing form of domestic waste globally, with around 50 million metric tonnes being produced in 2019 alone, of which only 20% was recycled

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Graham Watson

Graham Watson has taught Economics for over twenty years. He contributes to tutor2u, reads voraciously and is interested in all aspects of Teaching and Learning.

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