It seems like in this day and age technology is a necessary evil. It is very hard to function in today’s society without having access to different forms of technology. Many of us have cell phones, internet access, and a home computer and can’t get though a 24 hour period without using one or all of these. I know I can’t. Between my responsibilities at work and school, I am constantly using these tools.
Since the explosion of social media, many people have taken stances on whether technology is has created social problems like lower grades, a decrease in work productivity, and hindered vocabulary and grammar. There has also been concern that we have caused numerous environmental problems. Today I wanted to discuss this issue of the environment further and prompt some self reflection using the following graphic:
So were any of you surprised by any of these figures? I know I was. I was especially surprised about the annual waste equaling 125,000 fully loaded 747’s. If you have ever flown in a 747 you will know how huge they are and that is amount of waste is mind boggling.
Don’t get me wrong though; I do think these advances do have their place and are useful tools. I couldn’t be a blogger if I didn’t have the internet and computer right? The purpose of this post is to get all of you thinking about how green your life is and how the electronics you own and what you do with them directly impacts the environment.
So, what do you think about all of this? Comments, questions, concerns? Please share.
Technology and the Environment- What’s the Connection? — 6 Comments
Technology is supposed to help us do things faster or better. In most cases I think it does. It can also be a distraction for young people and adults. I see people texting while walking and walk into things. A US Congressman was in trouble for tweeting recently. Like many things there are good uses of technology and other uses.
@Krantcents. You’re right. Everything has a good and bad side. I agree that technology has made some things better but it has also made other things worse. I think we as a society need to find a better balance where we aren’t doing so much harm.
Wow, the graphic is awesome!
We are trying to limit electronic purchases to replacement only and it’s so difficult. I don’t think I can stick with this…
@Retire by 40. Keep up your efforts. Don’t quit. Every little bit counts to making things better.
With the constant advancement with technology I know it is hard to not replace with the newest gadget, but try to do what you can. Like this graphic shows, this waste causes some real problems.
I still have old electronics in my basement because I don’t want to throw them away. Every cell phone I’ve ever purchased is in my parent’s basement, my old computer was down there for a while before I gave it away and i have several iPods. I guess I would rather hoard than toss. I’m just not sure where it should go.
@FSYA. I am glad to hear you haven’t contributed to the landfill issue. I am not sure if this is available where you live, but there are places that take old electronics and recycle them. Here is a site with a listing of where you can go. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm
Technology is supposed to help us do things faster or better. In most cases I think it does. It can also be a distraction for young people and adults. I see people texting while walking and walk into things. A US Congressman was in trouble for tweeting recently. Like many things there are good uses of technology and other uses.
@Krantcents. You’re right. Everything has a good and bad side. I agree that technology has made some things better but it has also made other things worse. I think we as a society need to find a better balance where we aren’t doing so much harm.
Wow, the graphic is awesome!
We are trying to limit electronic purchases to replacement only and it’s so difficult. I don’t think I can stick with this…
@Retire by 40. Keep up your efforts. Don’t quit. Every little bit counts to making things better.
With the constant advancement with technology I know it is hard to not replace with the newest gadget, but try to do what you can. Like this graphic shows, this waste causes some real problems.
I still have old electronics in my basement because I don’t want to throw them away. Every cell phone I’ve ever purchased is in my parent’s basement, my old computer was down there for a while before I gave it away and i have several iPods. I guess I would rather hoard than toss. I’m just not sure where it should go.
@FSYA. I am glad to hear you haven’t contributed to the landfill issue. I am not sure if this is available where you live, but there are places that take old electronics and recycle them. Here is a site with a listing of where you can go. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm