Go Green Or Go Home

With nearly 3 billion mobile phone accounts in the world and an incredible amount of toxins and harmful materials in them, mobile phones have become a threat to the environment. So much so, that many countries have banned traditional disposal methods and implemented a system of recycling and refurbishing. Some have even gone as far as regulating the manufacturing of these devices. As the rest of the world is “Going Green” what are cellphone companies doing to stay with it?

Corn has been the main ingredient in creation of its eco-friendly phones. The cases on the W510, E200 and the Tobi are all at least partially (and in most cases, fully) constructed using bioplastics. Along with the corny casings, Samsung is attempting to create phones that reduce the use of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium for example) and that are free of BRFs and PVC. Samsung plans to make all of their handsets and accessories chemical free in the next 2 years.

Nokia is lending their support by introducing the Nokia Remade which is made entirely out of recycled aluminum cans and plastic bottles for the casing and car tires for the keys. While it hasn’t eliminated the internal toxins, the Remade certainly helps in the recycling of old, non-biodegradable materials. The Remade is also designed with an energy saving feature to make up some eco-friendly ground.

By far the greenest of all the cellphone companies is Sony Ericsson with their Greenheart mobile phone. The phone scored higher than anything submitted by Samsung, LG, Motorola, and Nokia because of its energy efficient charger and lack of PVC. While Samsung and Nokia have a better functioning product than Sony Ericsson, the Greenheart idea is definitely a step in the right direction.

Sadly, not all manufacturers are taking such steps in the green initiative. Apple is certainly one of the more popular companies, but is far from the greenest. The original iPhone failed Greenpeace’s review and even resulted in a lawsuit by the Center for Environmental Health due to its high levels of BFRs and PVC. It’s scary to think of the potential health risks involved with such a critical device for so many people. It is to be hoped that cell phone manufacturers can find the right balance of eco-friendly and high performance.