Crap for clunkers?

It is extremely tempting to want to replace your old clunking (Insert old technology here) with the new top of the line energy efficient model. However, if you look at energy consumption and sleek new features alone it may seem merited. However, a superficial analysis will omit key factors that you should be considering. For instance, how much energy is going into manufacturing your brand new whatever? Also what happens to the old clunker as it goes out the door? If it leeches heavy metals into a landfill, maybe it is best that you keep it in use.

If your car is the source of smog in Toronto like this one, maybe it is time to send it to car heaven - Photo courtesy of failblog.org, my source for lols -

There is no catch-all answer to this dilemma as it depends entirely on the situation. Replacing your old iPod nano for the new iPod touch might not make sense from an environmental standpoint. Comparatively, replacing your dad's ancient hummer with a smart car as an urban zip-around car makes infinite sense, especially if the hummer remains permanently parked in a museum. The greenest purchase (as boring as this is going to sound) is to use what you have or buy something used as it avoids manufacturing. However, in some cases the purchase of a new item is certainly merited, especially if the item will last you a long time (please skip on the used undergarments).