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AIBU?

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To think that so-called improvements promoting waste control measures are generally misinterpreted and cause more waste?

3 replies

Notjustanymum · 31/12/2021 07:32

www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwijloy2vI31AhWTQUEAHdacAkwQFnoECBIQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftechnology-58665809&usg=AOvVaw0Svafm8SstGdfkPCCl3qSk
This link points to just one example. We had an extension built 5 years ago, and had all the new electrical wall sockets added with additional USB outlets, to avoid the need to have dedicated charging plugs for our smart devices. We then remodelled our bedroom and had our nightstand sockets replaced with these, too.
On replacing a couple of Apple devices recently, we find that “ in line with the new EU regulations”, Apple, instead of replacing the port on their devices with USB-C ports, have instead replaced their chargers with USB-C to lightning connectors, thus rendering our USB charging ports on our electrical sockets obsolete, and requiring the additional purchase (in one device) of a new plug with USB-C charging input, and taking up the three-pin capacity of our electrical outlets (the other devices luckily came with the charging plug, but these now take up sockets that could have been used for other appliances.)
In the same way, in line with regulations designated “ecological”, we are encouraged to separate our rubbish into compostable food waste, recyclable waste and non-recyclable waste, but our Council allows mixing of recyclables that mean our “green” bins content is just sent to landfill, anyway!
AIBU to think that the well-meaning beaurocrats behind all this “green” legislation are having rings run around them by corporations and local government organisations being able to misinterpret the new rules?
Surely, to reduce the number of charging leads in each household, it would make sense to force Apple (and other device manufacturers) to provide a charging lead that plugs into a normal USB outlet, since those sockets have been quietly sold as the future for at least the past 5 years? and surely, if we are expected to separate our waste, we could at least expect our local Councils to actually recycle it?
These are just two examples of “innovations” that, when you weigh up the outcome, seem to be producing the opposite result from that intended!
Is it just me that thinks like this? YANBU
Am I missing the point? YABU
Please enlighten me!

OP posts:
CasperGutman · 31/12/2021 07:39

Stupid Apple. Can't you just get a standard USB to lightning cable though? Don't most Apple people already have a few around the place?

Notjustanymum · 31/12/2021 07:56

@CasperGutman, yes - but now I have 1 device that needs the new plug and charging cable (device itself has a USB-C port, so that cable is USB-C to USB-C, with plug), and two devices that came with a USB-C to lightning cables. So while I can use my old charging cables in my USB sockets (making two of the new charging cables and one new charging plug redundant), it looks like all new devices will eventually come with USB-C to USB-C cables, rendering my home’s electrical infrastructure obsolete, and creating more waste in the process!

OP posts:
debbrianna · 31/12/2021 08:15

Interesting, I have noticed my new Samsung charger only charges the phone it came with and plug. I tried to use it for charging the old phone and it didn't work. It came up with an error message. Took it to work and ended up with no charge that day.

The old fast charger however, works on the new phone. The new charger is now in drawer.

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