Nokia has teamed up with designer James Barber to answer our question Can a Cellphone Really Be Green? Their answer: yes. The new, green (literally) design looks at both energy consumption and the embodied energy in phone production. Because of the short lifespan of the phone, embodied energy was as much as 3 times greater than the energy used by the phone in its lifetime. As a result, Barber has developed a durable phone to last at least 5 years and to be roughly 85% recyclable.
The phone’s planned longevity – as opposed to planned obsolescence – features easy access and removal of components to allow the user to upgrade features as technology improves. The device comes apart with the removal of just one screw and features a list of ingredients on the inside of the cover so users can see just how much is recyclable. For example, the green plastic it is made of can be melted, re-molded and reused without any discoloration.
Problems, however, abound. The phone’s aesthetic design is seriously lacking and finding takers who are willing to hang on to it for 5 years might prove difficult. Contract renewal is every 2 years with major service providers and huge monetary incentives and rebates are offered on the latest and greatest technology, until we see this trend shifting, I doubt many consumers will be persuaded to stick with their current phone beyond the 2 year renewal period. Furthermore, it often seems to be the case that purchasing replacement parts and upgrades, as the design proposes, is more expensive and time-consuming than simply purchasing a new device, especially a cellphone.
Interested in green cellphones? Then you should also check out the Reclaim by Samsung. Featuring 40% corn-based plastic casing, free of phthalates and polyvinyl chloride, and near devoid of brominated flame retardants this phone definitely takes a stride in the green direction. The charger also lights up when the battery is fully charged to remind users to unplug. The manufacturers moved beyond the phone as well, improving other elements of the overall product — the packaging is made from 70% recycled materials; the manual is online only (rather than printed and packaged with the phone); and Sprint will also donate $2 to the Nature Conservancy’s Adopt an Acre Program for each Reclaim purchase.
However, please remember that the most sustainable and eco-friendly cellphone option is the one you already own and keep for as long as possible!
Via Treehugger and Green Packs.
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