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Ecology is not just “in” these days, but also a “must” as consumers demand so. Most handset maker acknowledge this fact and they try to address the issue through their corporate responsibility programs. The problem, however, is that their effort to create biodegradable and recyclable products from sustainable resources often fade “like a wireless signal in an underground parking lot.”
According to ABI’s Kevin Burden, only the handset maker with the scale can make such devices, namely Samsung and Nokia. “Instead, the effort is towards compliance and the trickling down of proven green elements throughout entire product lines,” he said.
However, it’s important to add that most mobile handset vendors do have recycling programs. On the other hand, less than 5% of all the handsets shipped worldwide actually goes through recycling or ethical disposal programs. Regulatory pressures, along with corporate and social responsibilities, have forced the issue for most manufacturers. Many toxic substances have been legally banned and other substances known to threaten human health and the environment are being phased out voluntarily by many manufacturers.
ABI Research’s report titled “Mobile Handset Green Initiatives” explores the issues surrounding the manufacture and recycling of environmentally-friendly mobile handsets. More information about it is available from their website.
About The Author
Dusan Belic
Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.
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Simon Sage
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Dusan Belic
