The process involved in creating a mobile phone is completed in a way to make it as cheap for the manufacturer as possible, and having no regard for the environment. Therefore materials are sourced from a variety of countries. For example to build a small piece of technology like a mobile phone, nickel is sourced from Australia, platinum from Poland and Petroleum from Iran. These materials are then transported, by air, road or water to the assemblage point whereby these potentially toxic materials are handled by under-paid workers, most unknowingly put their lives at risk. From here the product is shipped to retail areas where the consumer can easily access. While all along this process, the manufacturer has constructed this product with a life expectancy in mind – perhaps one year, as its functions deterirorate with use and age. only to be superceded by another more technologically advanced machine, therefore the older, less fad product is to be tossed aside, put into landfill, poisoning our environment.
A design for disassembly, whereby components and materials of the product can be recovered with ease and put into other products should be considered to put a stop to this cycle.
Design for longevity should be a key feature of the product whereby high quality, long lasting materials along with upgradable capability in order to beat this planned obsolescence. It’s the smarter, safer concept.
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