Steve Jobs has always sought and continues to sincerely wish that Apple has changed the world - «change the world». Of course, on the one hand, it happened. Apple has become one of the richest tech companies occupying influential positions in the world. But despite her incredible success, Apple does not change the world billions of poor people in the world.
So far, Apple has changed the world, only solving the problems of the first world. "My laptop is loaded with trial versions of Windows and all of the labels," "My PC noisy and ugly," "I hate the CD-ROMs and a CD-player", "To use my mobile phone with common sense," "I want to surf on the Web, watching TV, but my notebook. "
These are the problems of millions of people Apple has already decided. But there is much more serious problems that Apple, being in a unique position, it can be solved.
In fact, a single step to help solve real problems and five to change the world. I think this will even speed up the phenomenal growth in popularity of Apple. Following sentence: Apple should start the transfer of used (ie, b / y) of hardware from a rich first-world need the third world.
Here are the key aspects of this program:
- Devices need to make the most of "long-lived," as far as possible, and easy to disassemble.
- Run an exchange program for old vehicles for new ones with a big discount.
- Basic services in targeted Third World countries must be safely and accurately restored.
- You must start selling some of the devices at very low cost by the authorized local distributor.
- Donate the rest Soup for-profit organizations that specialize in the formation of the Third World.
Here are five major problems that this program can help solve.
The problem of electronic waste (E-waste)
Toxic decommissioned electronics - a growing problem for the world. The contribution of the Apple solution to this problem is not entirely unambiguous. On the one hand, the company has high-quality materials and a working e-waste recycling program, preventing environmental problems and health problems. And on the other - the company runs a lot more new products, which are rapidly replacing older models. How much the company now produces the iPhone 5? According to Killian Bell, 150 000 units per day. A DAY!
And if Apple responsible approach to treatment, other companies do not really worry about e-waste, so that e-waste problem will only grow. Apple's strength alone significantly reduce the risk of recirculation of products of other companies. The most ecologically correct solution is to reduce the manufactured products. If Apple goes on the proposed path, it will increase the number of their device and reduce the number of competitive products (though it is not even competitors).
Millions of products refurbished Apple penetrate into the third world, which will significantly reduce the market for cheap imitations that are now thriving. Instead of buying toxic, totally unsuitable for reuse with a new cell phone battery exploding, made some obscure company, a person could theoretically buy b / a Apple iPhone for the same price, and be immune to such problems. And best of all, in this case, a crappy phone will never be produced. This would be disadvantageous.
The shortage of materials
China controls more than 90% of the exports of rare earth metals, some of which are used in devices of Apple. The lack of accumulation and make these materials particularly precious and increasingly expensive.
Going on the proposed way, the demand for this metal will decrease, since reduced production volumes.
The problem of "digital divide"
The world is divided between those who have technology and those who do not. Directing high-quality refurbished in a country where there is no high-tech market, Apple would improve the lives of millions of people around the world.
The only iPhone and iPad together with the possibility of Internet connection provided by local authorities or the global non-governmental organizations, could transform the economic well-being of the entire village. Would appear in the new markets for handmade goods and cereals, fast accurate data about weather conditions would optimize agriculture, the school has opened a whole universe of educational materials ...
The problem of OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) - each child a laptop
This children's program aimed at helping even the poorest children get an education. The key idea: to create a cheap, powerful low secure durable laptop for children with limited or no connectivity. But, unfortunately, for each child, one of the devices equipped with OLPC, a hundred children without a laptop. Only a rugged body can convert into your iPad OLPC.
Guilt syndrome upgrade
Oh, wait. First world problems - still problems. Atlantic Monthly recently conducted a study in which it became clear that millions of people in my heart hoping that their iPhone, iPad, or iPod there is a problem because they have an excuse to replace the device the last model.
When will the iPhone 5, many of us will stand in line to buy a new product as soon as possible, and meanwhile the iPhone 4 is in excellent condition, just like the iPhone 3GS once ... so do millions of people with phones tablets and notebooks.
Apple able to resolve this shameful problem by running an exchange program for old equipment for new discount.
Let's look realistically at today's reality: most of the products from Apple, which is not in use, or fully functional, and mostly functional. With mobile devices, the only problem - it's lifetime. But it can be solved.
These older models can avoid the fate of being thrown into a drawer or on a shelf in the garage. After verifying the functionality of the application and adaptation under the appropriate language and conditions of the country, they will travel to third world countries, which will be sold for a very low price or donated to community organizations.
A well-designed program to restore and redistribute, can reduce the number of manufactured devices that help the environment and improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
Apple will continue to sell only toys for the rich, or will change the world?
Mike Elgan
What do you think about this case scenario? This is a utopia or a good suggestion for a new CEO? Source: cultofmac.com
