Become and Eco-Geek: Choosing an Eco-Friendly Smartphone

Posted on May 7, 2013 in Green Products by Chris Keenan 0 Comments

More people than ever are concerned about the environment, and as a result, they are beginning to consider the effect of their actions on the planet. Large companies, in particular, are guilty of producing massive amounts of waste and adding to both water and air pollution. However, it is important to remember that you can still take advantage of the latest technology, even if you are passionate about embracing the green movement. Some devices are more eco-friendly than others; if you know what to look for, you can cut back on your carbon footprint.

Defining The Term “Green”

Most people don’t know where to begin when selecting an eco-friendly smartphone, in part because they do not know what to look for. Remember, it is important to examine several different aspects of the production process, including the materials used to create both the device and the packaging. In addition, how the smartphone was manufactured is also important; things like worker conditions and energy usage should be factored into the equation. Finally, the energy efficiency of the device and its potential to be recycled both help determine how “green” it is.

Researching Companies

It is not enough to simply ask a company how environmentally friendly they are, because you might not get a straight answer. Instead, turn to an independent resource, like the Guide to Greener Electronics or the Ethical Consumer. The Guide to Greener Electronics is put out by Greenpeace and ranks companies on a score of 1 to 10. The Ethical Consumer is very detailed, giving businesses a score of up to 20, but it does require a subscription to see all the information.

Getting The Facts

Nokia is ranked highly by several independent assessors, including the Ethical Consumer. Motorola and Wipro are also well-regarded in the green industry. However, it is important to remember that rankings can change depending on which criteria you are using to evaluate the companies. For example, Motorola and the iPhone 4S appear to be the most “green” if you just look at the amount of hazardous chemicals and materials used in the production process.

Selecting A Phone

It is not easy to choose an eco-friendly smartphone. Research your options through independent resources, like the ones listed above, but remember that there will not be one “perfect” choice. Often, the manufacturer of a green phone may not be very eco-friendly overall. You simply have to make the best possible choice for your situation.

Green living is about more than just eating local produce, purchasing “safer” cleaning materials and selecting an eco-friendly New Jersey pest control company. It encompasses all aspects of your daily life, including the type of technology you use. Selecting a green smartphone, therefore, is one step on the path to an eco-friendly lifestyle.