We’ve already discussed the eco pros and cons of landlines vs. mobile phones here, and mobiles clearly come out ahead. However, mobile phones do have some eco-downsides as well, and we could green our use of them even more. Here’s how:
Always unplug your charger when you’re not actually charging your phone. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, anything left plugged in is drinking down energy (slower than an item in use, but it’s still using energy). Better yet, skip electricity use and snag a cool HyMini Wind + Solar Hybrid Charger for cell phones, iPod, iPhone.
Buy the greenest phone possible. Right now there are very few eco-minded mobiles on the market, but if consumers buy them and ask mobile phone makers for them, more eco-minded cells will launch to meet demand. Right now some better green phone options include:
- Samsung solar powered phone
- Sony Green Heart
- Blue Earth – coming soon
- See a list of the seven best eco-friendly phones
Only buy a new phone when you actually need one. You don’t need a new one, with new gadets each year. Use it up and then recycle it when it’s life span is over. If you do buy a new one before your old one’s prime, donate your phone to a local non-profit or recycle it.
Try an eco-friendly mobile carrier – like the phones, there are few, but Credo and Earth Tones are two to consider.
Get some cool green applications for your phone. There are plenty of apps out now that can help you go or stay green. See the best green mobile apps.
How are you greening your mobile use?