Slade's chapter 9

Slade’s final chapter in Made to Break focuses specifically on cell phone use. Due to the current fascination with cell phones in America, e-waste has become a huge problem. Not only are cell phones contributing to the e-waste issue, but also computers and TV’s, too. When these items are thrown away, they end up in landfills or in countries outside of the U.S., where they may be burned and this releases pollutants into the air, such as dioxins and furans. Also, when the e-waste is dumped into the landfills, the harmful pollutants tend to seep into our ground water and poison it. No matter which of the two methods are used, all are harmful to our environment and people. In the past ten years or so, cell phones were not used nearly as often as they are today. Now, cell phones are being thrown away or replaced every 18 months, instead of being used for about 5 years, like they could be. With the recent turnover rate, we are unable to keep up with all the waste they are creating and instead of taking the time to recycle the small parts; they are being burned or buried.

Today’s adolescent groups view cell phones as a status symbol or something to show that they are in with the times. Almost 90% of the American population today has a cell phone and in nearly 18 months of their purchase, each will get the cell phone upgraded for a new version. Considering that, it is no wonder why we have such a problem with e-waste in our society. To go along with the idea of constantly upgrading cell phones, I began to think about whether or not cell phone businesses would have a place in our culture if we backed off on our cell phone use. Right now, I do not think the businesses would survive very long without the 18 month turnover rate because that is how they make their money. Other than selling cell phones, I do not know what else the businesses could be used for.