How many iPhone Generations do We Need?

The funnier thing about this title is that a "generation" translates to approximately a year, not like generations we think of in families.  Anyone with eyes (and even those without) can see that technology develops like nobody's business in America, and that's on what American business depend--technology.  Like most things in life, this increase in productivity and convenience comes with a cost, and it is known as "e-waste."  That describes disposed electrical or electronic devices--computers, mobile phones, entertainment devices (Xboxes, PS2's, Gameboy's, etc.), televisions, and even refrigerators.

Why is this a cost?  E-waste contains harmful substances, even poisons.  If you would like an extensive description of what the harmful substances are, where they can be found and what effects they can have, go ahead and click this link: What harmful substances?

How much waste does the United States and/or world generate?
Between 1997 and 2007 the US generated more than 500 million obsolete computers (BAN and SVTC).
In 2007 alone the US discarded 41.1 million computers, equivalent to 112,000 computers per day (US EPA).
In 2007 the US disposed of 26.9 million televisions, which is 910,600 tons of waste.
In 2009 worldwide 1.21 billion cell phones and 305 million computers were sold (Gartner, Inc.).
The earth generates around 50 million tons of e-waste per year (UN Environment Program).

So where does all this waste go?
Here's the major issue with this topic--while America uses much of the world's electronic products and thus generates the most e-waste, Envirosense says we (as a country) export 80% of our e-waste to other countries, and BAN and SVTC says we export 50-80% of our e-waste collected for recycling to other countries.  Specifically, The US ships off the waste to China, Thailand, India, and Pakistan (for some examples).  So, we ship off the harmful substances and chemicals to more developing nations.
Of the waste the US does not export, much of it remains in storage because we do not know how to deal with it.
If it's not in storage and not exported, the best bet is that e-waste will fill landfills or incinerators.
About 3% is re-used and 11% is recycled.

What can we do?
Buy only what you need.  Be patient with new technology--you do not need to jump on each new phone or computer or game system to hit the market.
Increase awareness and let people know.  This affects them as well.  Every once in a while, there's a break in normal conversations concerning facebook and celebrities where you can insert a PSA about e-waste.
Recycle e-waste with reliable companies you've researched.