iPad
Introduced through apple, the iPad has become an extremely successful product. It is like a laptop where almost anywhere you can get instant internet access through 3G connection and sync it to all your personal and business related work. Its size is very convenient, allowing you to carry it anywhere without it being a burden as it is not heavy. This innovation was first introduced in 2010 and has since undergone multiple constructive discontents, now having five variants: original, iPad 2, third generation, fourth generation and the iPad mini. With each new release, there are improvements in many aspects which include size, weight, and the actual features. It is like a tablet which is completely touch screen, only having one button which takes you back to the home screen. The iPad is used entirely through the use of the hands where you can control each move proving to be extremely convenient.
Environmental Effect:
Though it is a revolutionary innovation, the Apple company tries to pose as though they are extremely environmentally friendly. However, parts used to make the ipad contain rare earth metals, toxic components and carcinogens. The way that the product is produced and the manner in which they are gotten in fact leads to horrible toxins released in to the environment. One of the greatest concerns pertaining to the production of these apple products is the mining of rare earth minerals. These parts are used not only in apple products, but are also needed for a wide variety of modern electric components such as circuits, GPS receivers, LCD screens as well as computer processors. These rare earth minerals can be found all over the world, however they are usually mined in China. The mining of these minerals leads to great environmental damage as most of them are put in miniscule quantities such as natural ore- this, requiring toxic refining process in order to get the pure product. The refining processes of these then leads to extremely toxic chemicals being thrown in to the environment. Though something that everyone may love, as can be seen the production of the iPad is causing great harm to the environment.
References:
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Ngan, Jeff. “Are Apples Really Green? The Environmental Impact of Our iPad, iPhone Obsession « mygreenhalo.” MyGreenHalo. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. http://mygreenhalo.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/are-apples-really-green-the-environmental-impact-of-our-ipad-iphone-obsession/.
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