How to be a greener mobile user

Because mobile phones have such a short life span, with many of us upgrading our mobiles each year, and because so many of us now use mobile phones, literally millions of tonnes of waste are produced annually, all adding to the climate change problem. So what can mobile phone users to do improve their green credentials?

You can lengthen the life span of your mobile by only upgrading when you really need to. Instead of accepting an upgrade without thinking, consider the impact that your phone upgrade is having on the environment.

When you do need to upgrade you should always make sure that your phone is recycled, as parts within mobile handsets can be extremely toxic when left to rot in landfill sites.

When it is time for you to buy a new mobile, look out for eco-friendly models. There are a variety of phones on the market now that are more energy-efficient in their power usage, as well as being made from recycled or sustainable sources.

Eco-friendly phones are now available from all the big name manufacturers like Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson, and by buying these eco-models you will be encouraging those companies to invest in greener alternatives in the future. Visit Vodafone for mobile phone deals.

You can make a difference without having to pay for a new eco-phone, simply by using your existing mobile in a more energy efficient way. Avoid using energy-sapping features like your mobile’s internet facility unless you really have to, and only recharge your phone when it’s really necessary. You can also buy solar-powered mobile chargers and energy-saving chargers that will all help to reduce the level of energy consumed by your phone.

You can also encourage mobile phone networks and manufacturers in their green habits by only choosing to purchase from companies that implement green practices of their own. Get on to the mobile company websites and see what they’re up to. You’ll find that some companies are taking some impressive steps to reduce their emissions – by 50% by 2020 in the case of Vodafone, while others like CREDO in the US invest more heavily in non-profit green organizations.