There are estimated to be around 4.1 billion mobile phones in circulation worldwide [1], and in 2009 there were 2.7 billion in regular use [2]. Using a mobile for under 2 minutes a day will account for 47kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year, whereas using a mobile for an hour a day will lead to 1250kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year. In total, the global mobile usage emits 125 million tonnes of carbon dioxide which is just over one quarter per cent of global emissions. Although this seems very little, 1712 mobile phones are replaced every minute in the UK so there is a convenient opportunity to make a huge difference by introducing more eco-friendly mobile phones. Around 44% of consumers consider environmental factors to have an influence on their mobile phone purchase so O2 have launched eco rating[3], the first sustainable ratings system for mobile phones in the UK.
Eco Rating
The eco rating has been developed in partnership with the independent sustainability experts Forum for the Future and six of the handset manufacturers. Based on data supplied by the manufacturers, it evaluates the overall environmental impact of the handset over its lifespan by considering:
- the raw materials it contains
- the impacts caused by its manufacturer
- its packaging
- its longevity
- its energy efficiency
- its ease of reuse or recycle
The eco rating also takes into account the ethical performance of manufacturers, such as labour standards, as well as carbon and water management. The functionality of handsets are assessed, for example, by replacing the need to own a separate camera or music player, or the provision of software to plan journeys by foot or public transport. O2 hopes that by highlighting the social and environmental impacts of mobile phones and celebrating the best, then there will be a growth in healthy competition between manufacturers to become more sustainable.
The Result
Of the 65 handsets reviewed in the eco rating, the Sony Ericsson Elm is presently the highest scoring with 4.3 out of 5. This shows that it helps people to lead more sustainable lives and has a low environmental impact in relation to other handsets.
What Else Can You Do?
Buying the most environmentally friendly mobile phone handset is a good way to start being more sustainable, however the carbon footprint of a mobile phone is considerably smaller than that of a mobile phone network. Texting is a lower-carbon option to communicate using your mobile phone than calling, however if you must call, using a landline will use around one-third less power than using two mobile phones.
For more energy efficient electronics why not take a look in our store?
[1](http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/August2010/uks-first-eco-mobile-phone-rating-scheme.html)
[2]http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/jun/09/carbon-footprint-mobile-phone
[3]http://www.o2.co.uk/thinkbig/planet/sustainableproducts/ecorating
