Nothing says tree hugger like owning a cell phone

Helping to save the environment may be just a phone call away. 

In December 2008, mobile phone subscribers passed the 4 billion mark which, in case you were keeping track is 60% of the entire global population. This connectivity represents revolutionary changes in economic, social and political fortune. 

It also represents a lot of environmental trash.

Cell phones contain toxic chemicals which are hazardous when left in landfills. Cell phone companies which have typically been slow to tap into more eco-friendly options are now beginning to answer the call of social responsibility. With a wider range of eco-friendly options, a new niche for environmental technology and marketing is emerging. 

Take the Motorola Renew, for example. It’s made from recycled water bottles. If that conjures up images of an old-school Science Fair project, make no mistake: this technology is cutting-edge. It is the first carbon-neutral cell phone on the market. 

Sony Ericsson recently launched an environmental warranty, and a phone which is built from biodegradable parts. The GreenHeart™ has bio-plastic cases, recycled plastic keypads, zero chargers with efficient stand-by power, paper-saving online manuals and environmentally conscious packaging. 

Nokia has an energy-saving phone with a natural-light detecting sensor. Digicel is developing the first solar-powered low-cost mobile phone—ideal for parts of the world where there is limited or no access to electricity. 

With all of this new environmental technology, dialling into the environment has never been easier.