We use many different types of resources from all over the earth (see Figure 11.

Question

We use many different types of resources from all over the earth (see Figure 11.13). We often aren’t even aware of what is in the products we buy, much less where they came from or how they were harvested and processed. See: https://www.mineralseducationcoalition.org/pdfs/Cell-Phone.pdf for a list of metal contents in cell phones. Do you think it is irresponsible to purchase items with no idea where the components came from or how they were mined/processed? How do we quell the tension between ignorance and being obsessed with investigating where our paper clips and computer chips come from?

Explanation / Answer

This is a very interesting piece of information about various compounds and metals used in our cellphones. Another significant fact is the sourcing geography of various minerals/metals. Thus it can be assumed that no matter where the cellphones are being manufactured, it may contains minerals and metals of different geographies. This indicates the fact of todays world. In this regard one thing which is of utmost important is the geographical distribution of natural resources. We must remember that no country has been provided with all the natural resources and thus not self reliant on all the resources, and need the sourcing from other countries. Hence no matter where the manufacturing unit is located it will always use products of different countries. This is also significant given the growing global economy. So in my opinion purchasing an item without knowing the sourcing of components or metals is not wrong and we should not bother about the sourcing. Since sourcing depends on pricing and availability of products.

We must not worry about investigating about the sourcing of products as there is no logic about knowing the sourcing and process. There are end number of products which we use on daily basis, if we start investigating the sourcing then we may have to spare a lot of time on the same. Moreover it is not seen useful in any way. But we must be aware of the product specification to understand the it's effects on our health and environment.

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