Major smartphone manufacturers looking to go green
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - 13:27:41
A growing number of companies which produce mobile phones and handle the networking side of the equation are getting together, to help improve the environmental sustainability of their actions and also alert consumers to the impact of portable handsets, according to V3.co.uk.
Everyone from Apple and Samsung to BlackBerry and Nokia is getting involved as part of a scheme which is being spearheaded by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Even network providers such as Vodafone and EE are helping to work towards a new ratings system, which will help identify the eco-credentials of a particular smartphone.
The assessment of models will not only be based on how much carbon is emitted in their production, but also how easy it is to recycle the handset, once it has exceeded its usable lifespan.
Mobile phone recycling is an incredibly important part of the process because, of course, consumers are being encouraged to relieve themselves of their unwanted gadgets in such a way that minimises the damage done to the environment.
The ITU is hoping to get the ratings system up and running as soon as possible and it will be recognised across the globe, both in the EU and further afield.
Empowering consumers with the ability to make a choice based on the green features of a smartphone is sensible, since it means that they will naturally be able to make the shift away from less sustainable approaches to construction and recycling.
Experts are expecting that once the new standard is introduced, the annual reduction in e-waste should be the equivalent to around 82,000 tonnes, which is a significant chunk.
Consumers can already do a little research to find out if their phone is being responsibly put together and easily recyclable, so it could be worth taking the time to check up on any potential purchase.
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