Mobile phones - why green is the new black
By: Lisa Keegan
Date: 2010-03-23
LG Mobile Phones and Sprint Telecoms this week announced the launch of the LG Remarq cellphone, touted as being both eco-friendly and affordable so it won't cost you the earth - in any sense of the word.
The Remarq handset is made from 19% recycled products, 87% of the device is fully recyclable and the phone construction contains low levels of bromides and PV plastics. The packaging itself is also 100% recyclable.
The Remarq isn't just about enabling the consumer to be passively eco-friendly, you will be expected to get active - literally. The device comes with an Eco Calculator, so you can figure out how much CO2 you'll be saving by walking or cycling to work instead of driving, so you too have to play your part!
This handset is just the latest addition to a selection of eco-friendly devices and services offered by Sprint, who are established industry leaders in Green technology solutions. In addressing the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet last month, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse stated that 'Sprint is the first U.S. wireless carrier to establish a set of green design criteria for consumer devices'
Hesse went on to say that "Sprint is committed, for the long-haul, to 'green' our business operations, design more eco-friendly handsets, increase industry wireless recycling rates, and remain a leader in our industry."
The LG Remarq will be available from May 9th on www.sprint.com. Customers can pre-register for LG Remarq at www.sprint.com/remarq. The handset is free after $70 worth of rebate and Sprint is offering a buyback credit program so your old mobile phone handset can be recycled responsibly and you get the cash - making it feel like you are actually getting paid to buy a new phone!
For those who are not going to take their phones' advice and walk to work, there is a Bluetooth (HRB-500) solar-powered car charging kit available.
The launch of the Remarq will serve to raise public awareness of eco-friendly mobile devices - something that companies such as Apple may not entirely welcome.
Back in 2007 Apple were slammed by Greenpeace for their decidedly 'ungreen' iPhone mobile devices 'recent scientific tests have revealed that Apple's iPhone contains hazardous chemicals. The tests have uncovered two types of hazardous substances, which have already been eliminated by other mobile phone makers.'
However, by 2008 Apple had eliminated some of the toxic chemicals mentioned above but the company still lags far behind others such as LG when it comes to Green credentials.
The iPhone and the LG Remarq target two very different ends of the market but it will not be long before eco-friendly phones become the standard. Where Ford buyers were offered any colour so long as it was black, mobile phone buyers will be able to have any colour as long as it's green.
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