The Human Cost of your iPhone

This is only one step in the chain. As sad as is it -- it gets much worse on the far ends of the process. Collection of raw materials and disposal (read: "recycling") of old electronics are much worse.

Years ago me and some friends just did back of a napkin calculations about the number of human deaths that could be attributed to our consumption of devices and materials -- and it was sobering.

Sadly, not sobering enough for me to do anything about it. I try to minimize my possessions now, but not for a cause -- it is more of a lifestyle thing and I enjoy it.

The problem is so huge and stark and overwhelming it is hard to know where to start in our society governed by large state actors. I do donate to efficient charities, try not to be evil -- but that is about the net of my efforts on the subject.

This doesn't take into account the future Apple is trying to push with iOS where they have control over what you are a'allowed' to run on your phone. Loss of freedom is an important issue and without competition to keep them somewhat in check the future would be quite bleak

Like they say in the video, ultimately only the big brands will be able to solve this problem. However, it's up to us as consumers to to put pressure on the brands who's products we buy.

This is something that concerns me greatly... does our high standard of living require others to be miserable to maintain?