Weekly Tip – Try a Sustainable Mobile Phone
Have you ever thought about trying a sustainable mobile phone?
It’s probably not the first thing that springs to mind when your phone breaks or you are due to renew your contract.
But as 85% of the global population owns a mobile phone, it’s probably something to consider, especially if you want to reduce your footprint.
This week, your sustainability tip will provide you with the information you need if you are considering making the eco switch.
So, without further ado, we start with a little history of one of the most popular innovations ever made.
The History of the ‘not’ so sustainable mobile phone
Did you know that mobile phones have been around since the early 1970s?
Martin Cooper invented the first mobile phone in 1973 which weighed about 1 KG and had a 30-minute talk time.
Mobile phones became smaller and more affordable in the 1990s.
During this time, Nokia rose to prominence as a leading mobile phone manufacturer, whilst IBM introduced the first smartphone in 1993.
But it wasn’t until Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007 that smartphones became widely popular.
Today, mobile phones are commonplace, with nearly 7 billion people worldwide owning one and phones have evolved into much more than just communication devices.
With the emergence of 5G networks, foldable screens, and advances in artificial intelligence, the future of mobile phones is likely to see continued innovation.
However, with anything that is manufactured on a global scale, there is an impact and mobile phones have a huge environmental impact.
The impact of the ‘not’ so sustainable mobile phone
Smartphones’ environmental impact is a growing source of concern.
The production and disposal of smartphones can have a significant negative environmental impact.
Smartphone manufacturing necessitates the use of rare earth metals, which are frequently mined in environmentally hazardous ways.
On top of this, the employment practices at these mines are often extremely worrying.
The manufacturing process also produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, smartphones are typically designed to have a short lifespan, with new models being released on a regular basis.
This generates a large amount of electronic waste, which can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of.
On top of this, recent studies show that 5.3 billion mobile phones will be thrown away this year, with less than 20% recycled!
What’s more, smartphone energy consumption is high, with charging and data usage both contributing to carbon emissions.
These are worrying statistics, but there is a way to switch to a sustainable mobile phone!
Ways to make your mobile more sustainable
Manufacturers are trying to be more sustainable, but not many are having success so it’s up to you as the consumer to make conscious decisions.
Here are just a few things to think about that will help.
1. Keep your phone for longer
Even though your favourite phone brand (if you have one) will bring out a new model every year, do you really need to upgrade? Can you hold on to your existing phone for another year or two? That way you don’t increase your footprint.
2. Buy Pre-Owned
If your phone is broken or you really need to upgrade, why buy a brand-new one when you can buy a preowned one? This massively reduces your footprint and still gives you the opportunity to upgrade your tech. Not only that, but you will save lots of money on buying brand new.
3. Charge Sustainably
Charging your phone significantly increases your footprint over time. You can buy solar charging packs and even hand-powered ones if you fancy! As well as this you can buy chargers made from sustainable materials, all helping to make your mobile phone sustainable.
4. Reuse, Recycle or repurpose
One of the biggest issues with mobile phones is what happens once you are finished with them. Can you sell your phone on a platform like eBay – that way someone else uses it and you make some money. If not make sure it goes to a verified recycling program. Finally, how about repurposing your old phone into a home security system?
By keeping your phone for longer and buying pre-owned, not only are you lowering your footprint, but you are also sending a message to the corporations that make them.
Our Favourite Companies to buy Sustainable Mobile Phones
Music Magpie - Sustainable Mobile Phones
Founded in 2007 in Stockport, Music Magpie has become a specialist in selling refurbished mobile phones, electronics and more.
The company began selling pre-owned CDs and is now one of the UK’s largest retailers of pre-owned technology.
You can also trade in your old handset to Music Magpie, and they will resell or recycle it for parts.
Accordingly, Music Magpie has won What Mobile’s best recycling service seven times!
All phones and tech come with a free 12-month warranty!
Giffgaff - Sustainable Mobile Phones
Better known as a network provider, giffgaff also sells refurbished sustainable mobile phones!
In fact, by 2022, giffgaff was selling more refurbished phones than new ones.
Not only that but if you buy a sim from giffgaff, it will be made from recycled plastic.
The packaging your refurbished phone comes in is also sustainably sourced and 85% recyclable.
Launched in 2008, the company is now making waves in the mobile business and it is taking sustainability to heart.
The Big Phone Store - Sustainable Mobile Phones
The Big Phone Store is a bricks and mortar and online store that sells refurbished mobile phones and accessories.
Founded in 1999 they are one of the oldest retailers in the UK for mobile phones and stock lesser known brands as well as the major ones.
As well as that, they offer one of the largest selections of preowned accessories such as cases, chargers, speakers and headphones.
Launched in 2008, the company is now making waves in the mobile business and it is taking sustainability to heart.
Best of all if you head over to the Big Phone Store website today, not only can you get some of the genuinely cheapest prices around, you can use code TBPS250 to get a discount.
That's everything on sustainable mobile phones
That’s everything for this week.
Our take on how to be more sustainable when it comes to your mobile phone.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed the article.
If you have learned one thing new this week, then our work is done!
If you haven’t already and want to go on a journey of sustainability, please use the link below to join Play It Green.
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Through our 3-step solution, we support footprint reduction, repairing the planet (through reforestation) and increasing social impact by regiving 10% of turnover to charity.
That’s a lot of positive impact for £5 per person per month and more value than a coffee and a piece of cake!
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