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MadHound

(34,179 posts)
2. Because unlike computers, coffee makers, pacemakers, etc.,
Sat Nov 24, 2012, 11:26 AM
Nov 2012

Americans go through smart phones at an alarming rate, purchasing a new one on the average of every eighteen months. Their old phones are perfectly fine, they just want the latest, greatest gizmo for some sort of status buzz.

But you're right, rare earths are used in everything. Don't you think that we should do something about the treatment of those who dig out those rare earths our in order to feed our habit?

Why single out smart phones? Computers, hybrid batteries, coffee makers, watches, pacemakers... onehandle Nov 2012 #1
Because unlike computers, coffee makers, pacemakers, etc., MadHound Nov 2012 #2
Makes me feel a bit better... Lizzie Poppet Nov 2012 #10
Well I know republicans won't help out in this case The Straight Story Nov 2012 #12
Since I don't have a 'smart phone' does that mean I'm not an American? Bluenorthwest Nov 2012 #13
I hated my Epic 4g, and got Samsung Galaxy 3, and I'm happy with it. Panasonic Nov 2012 #28
At least the article doesn't single out Apple products. NYC_SKP Nov 2012 #3
I'm reading this on an iPhone 5. Jackpine Radical Nov 2012 #27
They're a newer technology and thus more convenient to get outraged about. (nt) Posteritatis Nov 2012 #19
I give up. How many? Iggo Nov 2012 #4
What, can't read the article? Need everything spoon fed to you? n/t MadHound Nov 2012 #5
You asked. I thought you knew. Iggo Nov 2012 #7
Well, for what it's worth, I buy used phones. I get out of date but badassed Windows phones Edweird Nov 2012 #6
I don't have a cell phone, so zero :) The Straight Story Nov 2012 #8
Likewise! WinkyDink Nov 2012 #24
I asked it, but Fla_Democrat Nov 2012 #9
Just wait until its attorney moves in with you. DevonRex Nov 2012 #26
I don't know...it's next to me at the TwilightGardener Nov 2012 #11
...asks the person using the same technology to make a blog post on a computer. brooklynite Nov 2012 #14
Well, not exactly the same technology, MadHound Nov 2012 #15
My only question is your age. aletier_v Nov 2012 #23
None.. I don't have one..don't want one SoCalDem Nov 2012 #16
At least as many as my car has? Lex Nov 2012 #17
never had one quinnox Nov 2012 #18
I have a dumb phone. undeterred Nov 2012 #20
Dumb phones have rare metals too. nt onehandle Nov 2012 #21
How many animals have you killed eating meat? undeterred Nov 2012 #25
None. I am a vedge! this is temporary. Nov 2012 #31
We have a vegetarian household. onehandle Nov 2012 #33
How many people has your CAR killed? aletier_v Nov 2012 #22
28, but I'm working on my aim. n/t cherokeeprogressive Nov 2012 #29
Thank you for that article! countryjake Nov 2012 #30
How many people have medical equipment which uses rare earth elements killed? Or how many killed DeschutesRiver Nov 2012 #32
I'll call Siri and ask RobertEarl Nov 2012 #34
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