Mobile users are becoming more eco-conscious, recycling more and more phones, buying “greener” phones and selling old models.
Recently, mobile network provider O2 launched a rating system for phone manufacturers based on their environmental footprints, with the awareness that customers are growing more concerned with sustainability. Nearly all major companies participated in O2’s 63-question survey, with the exception of Apple, which declined to comment as to why they opted out, only pointing out that their environmental reports can be found online.
Apple’s refusal was rather alarming to communications experts, but not surprising. Apple has had to adjust their practices in the past, when they came under scrutiny for using brominated flame retardants and PVC in the manufacturing of their products. While it is highly unlikely that their declining to answer O2’s survey will hinder sales in a meaningful way, and it is of course possible to recycle mobile phones made by Apple, such as the iPhone, it has still raised a red flag that’s hard to ignore, especially as more than 11.5 percent of consumers say that sustainability has a “strong influence” when buying a new model, according to O2’s research.
Of the phones that participated in the O2 recycling survey, the Sony Ericsson Elm came in first with a 4.3 out a 5.0 rating, followed by the Nokia 1800, Nokia 6700, Nokia C7, Samsung GT-S8500, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro and Sony Ericsson Zylo, which all scored 4.0 ratings. While these ratings are sure to impact buying decisions, mobile phone users are already acting greener when it comes to the disposal of their old, unwanted phones. With the launch of sites like Compare and Recycle, recycling mobile phones and other unused electronics has become easy, convenient and even lucrative. Customers can choose from a list of recyclers on the site to find the best price for their models and to ensure that the phone and its parts will be disposed of properly. As sustainability grows to be a bigger concern for consumers, companies like O2 and Compare and Recycle will surely continue to cater to the best interest of the customer as well as the environment.
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