A recent report has concluded that mobile phone makers are increasing their efforts to promote green behaviour, but this is being negated by consumers spurning the opportunity to participate in environmental initiatives.
The survey has found that user behaviour creates the greatest barrier to progress in making the mobile phone market greener. A typically environmentally-friendly mobile phone will contain recycled materials, less toxic materials and be accompanied by an energy effcient charger. Unfortunately much of this effort in green manufacturing is counteracted because so many consumers choose to dispose of their handsets in an environmentally unsustainable manner.
A number of mobile phone manufacturers have made considerable efforts in the last few years to increase production of greener handsets. Many now use recycled or recyclable materials, more efficient batteries and less amounts of toxic materials. However, the large volume of mobile phones that end up in landfill sites is causing the biggest worry within the industry.
Mobile phone subscribers are expected to exceed 5 billion in the next two years and the environmental hazards that result from irresponsible disposal will increase accordingly. The report concludes that with manufacturers doing their bit to become greener producers, consumers will also need to play their part in disposing of their handsets responsibly.