Professor Jim Hansen, one of the world's foremost researchers on the subject of global warming, knows that the earth is facing a human-induced crisis. To stand idly by and do nothing as the effects of pollution jeopardize the future of the planet is an "injustice of one generation to others," says the NASA researcher. Speaking to The Guardian, Hansen describes averting the crisis as "a great moral issue" on par with slavery. As a practical solution , Hansen is calling for a global tax on carbon emissions, eschewing the "cockamamie solutions which aren't solutions" coming from lobbyist-beholden politicians.

"Our parents didn't know that they were causing a problem for future generations but we can only pretend we don't know because the science is now crystal clear."

Our precious tech gadgets are sources of a whole host of pollutants, and the incredible speed that manufacturers keep pushing out new products means more and more are ending up in landfills. If you're serious about minimizing the environmental impact of your obsession, Wired has a great write-up on how to trade in, donate, and recycle your old tech. In recent years, there's been a trend toward more environmentally responsible production, and we'd sure like to see more of those "100 percent renewable and recyclable" logos.