Apple is Not Very Green, at Least Not Environmentally

I like my iPad. I used to love it, but now Apple is on the fourth generation, and my two year old iPad seems antiquated. My husband bought me an original iPad for my birthday two years ago. We had no idea Apple was releasing the iPad 2 in March until the following day when his best friend, an Apple fan, told us he was waiting for its release. I was not sure about the logistics of returning my iPad since I had already opened and started using it. Besides, at the time, the original iPad was good enough for my needs.

Yes, iPad 2 had a camera, and you could Facetime with friends and family, but we did not know anyone else with an iPad with whom we would Facetime. iPad 2 has the snazzy magnetic cover that puts it to sleep, but I can handle pushing the button to do that. My iPad is larger, but having never handled the slimmer version, it does not make a difference to me. Like I said, my original iPad was great for what I do. It still is, but...

I recently realized I am using obsolete technology in the eyes of Apple. They no longer make the original iPad. They are also no longer making software updates for the original iPad. The last update has caused issues for some users, making the device slower and not as enjoyable to use. Apparently, this is a ploy to get those of us who do not upgrade every new release to finally upgrade. The crazy thing is, my device is barely two years old! I cannot afford to buy a new iPad every year, or, in some cases, every six months. Those of you who bought the third generation are probably steaming mad.

Now, I do not need more apps for my device. I probably can still use everything on my iPad without the software updates, but I find it ridiculous, after two years, Apple is essentially trying to force me to upgrade. I have the 16G iPad, and I often have to delete things from my device to update, or try out new apps. We spent a lot of money to get the "low end" version of the iPad. I do not have the kind of money to keep buying new ones every year. Plus, it is wasteful.

What do I do with my old iPad? I know there are companies specializing in recycling electronics, but I would like to be able to use something for more than two years before throwing it out. Why would someone else want an older iPad if no one is making apps or updates for it anymore?

I have not updated my cell phone in six years. No, I do not have a smart phone. I have a pay as you go phone. I do not need access to the internet at all times. My phone receives and sends texts and phone calls. What else do I need my phone to do? I have an iPad for all the rest. The only way I would upgrade my phone would be when I find a new phone with a decent camera, otherwise, I see no point.

We love our technology, and it has definitely changed how we interact with each other. I just wish we would not be forced to get new technology so often. Companies are trying to make a profit, but they also need to be environmentally responsible. Sabotaging devices so users will upgrade is a despicable practice. Apple used to be the underdog, but they are certainly no longer.

I know many other companies are guilty of the same thing. Appliances used to last forever, but now when you buy new things, they give a lifespan of ten years or less. We buy more energy efficient appliances, but if you have to replace them more often, you are creating more waste, and expending more energy in the creation of the new appliances.

For now, my original iPad is functioning well, and I can use it to do the things I want. I am able to blog, check my email, read books, and watch TV or movies. Maybe, in a few years, I will buy a new tablet, but I am not guaranteeing it will be a new iPad. If there are other tablets out there with better functionality, and longevity, I might switch. The only appeal in staying with Apple is keeping my purchased apps, but 80% of my apps were free. For now, these constant upgrades of devices is less appealing, not more.

Posted with Blogsy