Environmental Impact of Manufacturing IPhones Article Critique

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Life Cycle Analysis of an iPhoneIntroductionThis LCA is intended to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the production, use, and disposal of a widget, which is a small electronic device that is used for various purposes. The goal of this study is to identify the environmental hotspots associated with the widget's life cycle, and to make recommendations for improvements.Life Cycle Stages:The iPhone’s life cycle is divided into three stages: raw material extraction, production, and end-of-life. The following table provides a summary of the environmental impacts associated with each stage.StageEnvironmental ImpactRaw material extractionBiodiversity loss, soil degradation, water pollutionProductionAir pollution, water pollution, energy consumptionEnd-of-lifeSolid waste generation, hazardous waste generationISO 14001ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to identify and control their environmental impacts and to improve their environmental performance. Obtaining ISO 14001 certification demonstrates that an organization is committed to environmental protection and is taking steps to minimize its environmental impact (American Society for Quality, 2022). The value of ISO 14001 certification in an iPhone's life cycle analysis is that it provides assurance that the company is following international standards for environmental management. This includes setting and achieving environmental targets, implementing an environmental management system, and conducting regular internal and external audits. Companies that are ISO 14001 certified are committed to reducing their environmental impacts, and this can be a useful tool for consumers who are looking to make more environmentally-friendly purchasing decisions.Apple has ISO 14001 certification, and states it clearly on its website: “Apple operates manufacturing facilities in Cork, Ireland, and we certify 100% of these facilities with ISO 14001” (Environment, 2022).Life CycleThe first stage of an iPhone's life cycle is the extraction of raw materials.

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The main materials used in the production of an iPhone are aluminum, glass, and electronic components…

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…The usage phase includes both energy and water consumption throughout the phone’s life, which can have an impact on the environment through emissions, wastewater, and other waste.Finally, the Disposal phase has a considerable environmental cost. The complex parts of the phone must be separated for recycling or must be disposed of in landfills, releasing toxic gases and materials into the air and soil. However, pollution prevention techniques could reduce pollution substitution, as Lee and Bi (2019) point out.ConclusionIn conclusion, an iPhone's life cycle has significant environmental impacts at each stage, from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal or recycling of the product. From a qualitative and quantitative perspective, the use of energy, transportation emissions, and water resources are the main environmental impacts. Companies that are ISO 14001 certified can be an assurance that the company is following international standards for environmental management, and this can be a useful tool for….....

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Latest APA Format (6th edition)

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"Environmental Impact Of Manufacturing IPhones" (2023, January 16) Retrieved May 16, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/environmental-impact-manufacturing-iphones-2178071

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"Environmental Impact Of Manufacturing IPhones" 16 January 2023. Web.16 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/environmental-impact-manufacturing-iphones-2178071>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

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"Environmental Impact Of Manufacturing IPhones", 16 January 2023, Accessed.16 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/environmental-impact-manufacturing-iphones-2178071