Upgrading ourselves towards obsolescence

On a global basis Apple has a strong environmental track record and has led the industry in restricting and banning toxic substances such as mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, as well as many BFRs (brominated flame retardants). We have also completely eliminated CRT monitors, which contain lead, from our product line. Apple desktops, notebooks and displays each score best-in-class in the new EPA ranking system EPEAT, which uses international standards set by IEEE. Further details on EPEAT and Apple offerings can be found here.

This did not really answer my questions. While John, and Apple were making the right noises, I felt they were sidestepping. A follow up email elicited no response. Behind the terminology and the policies John had not told me much. The absence of comment on the “upgrade cycle”, or forced obsolescence by another name, bothered me in particular

When Apple released its fifth generation iPod, it switched the “plug-in bit” from the top to the bottom. By doing this, just about every aftermarket accessory made for older iPods was pushed into obsolescence.

According to the well-known technology website, CNET.com.au, $1.05 billion was spent on accessories for the iPod last year - and that excludes Internet sales. One-man-and-dog operations have grown exponentially on the back of this expansion. Accessories are big business. By changing the design, Apple delivered an instant cash cow to the third party manufacturers who support it.

So how is one to break the cycle of forced obsolescence if the financial benefits are so strong for manufactures and retailers? Consumer goods and electronics are no longer made to last. For manufacturers, the ideal consumer is the individual who must have the “latest-and-greatest” every year or two (or perhaps even sooner). But what if we resist?

If you can, step outside the “upgrade cycle”, think about what you are purchasing, and if you really need it. We as a society need to stop and think about all the landfills and waste dumps which are soon to hold our broken-down electronic paraphernalia.