If we take the word “need” seriously and strictly, technology is not a “need.” “Needs” in life would be food, water, land, air and so on. Of course we can survive without technology.

However, in the society that we live in today, it can’t be said that technology is simply a “want” because one must have technology in order to be fully included and “functional.” For example, you won’t be able to have an active social life in the modern society without technology. Without technology, you won’t be able to work as efficiently as the technologically advanced modern society demands you to. Without technology, you won’t be able to have a resourceful, plentiful life because you will have to earn your money solely from manual labor that doesn’t require any technology. After years of technological development, we came to depend so much on technology that it is too late to live without technology now. Important aspects of life including money, entertainment and communication all directly or indirectly derive from technology.

To conclude, the technology is simply a want if one does not consider the condition of the current society. However, if one looks at this issue in today’s time frame, technology is a want and almost a need.

Although technology makes our lives easier it also creates a huge waste of energy and resources. Take Apple for example, they come out with a new version of one of their products every few months. People buy the new ones and jut toss out the old ones. I know some companies buy back old phones. Those should be made more accessible.

Technology is definitely becoming closer and closer to becoming fully integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives. With the newest model or version coming out it is hard to avoid spending and affecting the environment. However, only buying a new model once every few years can help while still having the latest technology. I’ve had my phone for the past 2 years and still am able to do the same functions that most of the brand new phones do today.

Having a technology is both a want and a need. Technology surely makes our lives a lot more convenient, but without technology, our life expectancy would not be where it is right now. I have my fair share of technology that I don’t necessarily need. But it certainly makes my life a lot more convenient. Also, technology is our answer to saving the environment. Advancements in technology such as wind turbines, solar energy, can only be improved with these advancements.

Technology is definitely both a want and a need. Technology makes life and communication much easier; however, the desire to have the latest technology is definitely more of a want than a need. If someone already has a phone or a computer, there is no true need to get the latest gadget because the one he or she has should be good enough. The desire for the best and newest devices is truly just wasteful.

This year in my AP Environmental Class we were assigned a project to create an “Eco Dram House.” We had an unlimited budget to create a house that could power itself by renewable energy sources and possible even create excess energy to power neighbors or other appliances. Creating the house, was very difficult and it really gave me a closer perspective on how much energy a typical house uses. I forgot about the energy that every little device uses such as hair dryers, iHomes, and DVD players, let alone large appliances such as dishwashers, laundry machines, and kitchen appliances. It was a very cool project that allowed me to be creative but practical at the same time.

Most of my life is “off the table” because I want to enjoy my life and fail to see any extra space that I can change things- my school is far away, most of the lights I use are in school and Im already a vegetarian. So yeah thats enough for me even though my carbon footprint is really at 37349

For me, my transportation is nearly impossible to reduce significantly because I live far away from my school and need to drive to school and back. Aside from changing schools or houses, nothing will affect this. Although I recognize that carpooling and driving a low mpg car can help, there is no way to get around that I have to drive the distance. I’m hoping that America’s public transportation system will soon be seriously revamped- and that the attitude about everyone driving individually will change. Giving up the comfort and privacy of my own car may be off the table, but if there were a viable public transportation alternative I would attempt to use it. Does anyone else need to drive long distances for regular life?

Hey my name is Anneke and I live in Pennsylvania in the United States. I’m 17 years old and I travel to school by car or by bus. I realize that my footprint is high but I don’t know many ways to improve it.

My total carbon footprint is 9.252 kg which is lower than the average for the Unted States.
Transportation: 4,516 kg
Home: 3,565 kg (In my house, we use natural gas to heat our house)
Food: 807 kg
Purchases: 364 kg

Hey all, I’m Vinny from the U.S, specifically doylestown Pennsylvania. My carbon footprint is 27,333kg per year and is much higher than the average. I’m highly embarrassed by my actions. I want to make a positive impact in my country, and i must change my daily habits to meet my goals.