Recently, we watched some segments of the documentary, Blood in the Mobile. I stressed to the students what a documentary is and that we critically filter and openly inquire about what is presented in the clips. This documentary opens up a discussion for our class about how our lifestyles require mineral resources.
My classes have learned how to define and describe as well as identify nearly 20 minerals. They understand that rocks are composed of minerals and are classified into three rock groups based on HOW the minerals come together (i.e. how the rock is formed). Too often it is easy and understandable to be ignorant to the ripples a lifestyle make on others. For example, Blood in the Mobile increases awareness that mobile (cell) phones for me require minerals from 'them' and 'them' are most commonly the grounds of China and Africa. I find it empowering to be aware that my affluence provides me an opportunity to be a critical consumer and CHOOSE options that support what I want as a consumer. I do not feel guilty that my phone requires minerals that may fuel a conflict in other countries because I was not aware of it. Now that I am aware of it I want to be a part of the solution. So what is the solution?
I am supporting the sharing of information of sourcing. Tell me where you get your raw materials from to build my products. It is the same movement for my food. I want to know about the lifestyle and nutrient inputs of the food that I buy. I want to be a CRITICAL CONSUMER. I believe in a market system and I believe that the market will meet the demands of the consumers. The key is making the consumers aware and inspiring them to take action.
This demands more from companies for sure. It will also demand more from consumers. If we expect companies to source list their materials then they may lose profits due to that expense. Who can shoulder that? Who will? I would for my personal phone and I believe many others would too.
Conflict minerals are on the same track diamonds were years ago (and possibly still). When I proposed to my wife I wanted to do what I could to support conflict free diamonds. It cost me more to get a certified conflict free diamond but if that cost provided more momentum to the global cause of producing minerals fairly and humanely, I will never regret it. I think that the same applies to phones. If I am willing and able to purchase a smart phone for $200 I need to be willing to spend an extra $25-50 on ensuring it is conflict free. Companies will do it if we require it. I do NOT want the government to get involved I want us, you, the people.
