The thorny Tara tree is weathered by the climate of the Peruvian high plateaus. Over the last few years this tree has become part of an impressive boom thanks to the growing demand for natural ingredients and raw materials in the processing industry. For some farmers' organisations in Peru that boom is a boon.

A mobile phone, smartphone, PC, laptop or tablet: few of us can do without them. But who considers the genuine cost of a phone conversation or an e-mail sent? Who thinks about the raw materials, the working conditions and the ecological impact behind modern electronics? Let us take the time to look at the issues and consider consumer actions and (future) alternatives.