The metals contained in that sale-priced gizmo spawn huge environmental damage and fuel abuses, writes Vince Beiser.
Fridays for Future demonstrators hang a poster with the inscription"Black Friday, Climate not for Sale!" on Nov. 29, 2019.f you’re one of the millions of Americans aiming to score a new cell phone, cordless drill, or other gadget this, you might want to consider the real costs of that sale-priced gizmo.
Different gadgets are made of different materials, of course, including plastic and glass. But from iPhones to handheld vacuums to electric toothbrushes, today’s cordless consumer electronics typically include three crucial metallic components: a battery, a charging cable, and a magnet. The raw materials for these components are often sourced in troubling ways.
The lithium-ion batteries that power most electronics are made with lithium , nickel, and cobalt. One of the world’s biggest sources of lithium is Chile’s Atacama desert, where the mines are. Lagoons that are home to rare flamingos; vegetation that feeds goats, sheep, and guanacos; and a way of life followed by Indigenous Atacameño communities for thousands of years may
On the other side of the world, Indonesia has in recent years become the top supplier of raw nickel. To clear land for new mines and related infrastructure, more than 20,000 acres of rainforest have beenin just one of the archipelago nation’s many islands. Mine waste including hexavalent chromium—the same cancer-causing toxin that Erin Brockovich famously—has polluted streams and waterways.
But the most impactful thing we can do as consumers is simple: Resist the siren song of sales, and don’t buy so many gadgets. That may be the best deal of all.hosts the world's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture. We welcome outside contributions. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors.TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
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