Despite their ever-shrinking size, cell phones are big polluters—and I’m not talking about the noise pollution from a ringtone going off in a movie theater. The United Nations estimates that there are over 4 billion cell phone subscribers worldwide. At this number, these gadgets could end up being a major problem for the environment.

The energy consumed in cell phone production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Chargers, too, are notorious energy wasters. Plus, according to the EPA, only 10% of all cell phones that should be recycled actually are. Phones disposed of improperly pollute the environment with toxins such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. Sounds like it’s time to dial-up some eco-solutions.

All major cell phone producers (recognizing the growing viability of the “green” market) are answering the call to create sustainable phones.  Exciting new technology promises to limit the damage done by these ubiquitous gizmos.  Recycled components, streamlined packaging, energy saving chargers, and eco-friendly applications are some of the cool ideas phone designers are coming up with.

These new phones offer many benefits besides the obvious environmental ones, such as efficiency, sleekness, cool applications, and charging on the go. A lot of the new phones are still only available in Europe, but hopefully will be making the overseas trip soon.

Check out some new phones (some available now or soon, some still in the concept-phase) that will change the way the world connects:

MOTO W233 Renew: Carbonfree
Motorola proudly promotes the Renew as the world’s first certified Carbonfree phone; the company pays to offset completely the carbon required to “manufacture, distribute, and operate the phone by investing in renewable energy sources and reforestation.” The casing is made entirely from recycled water bottles, the packaging is all recycled, and the phone itself can be easily recycled at the end of its life using a prepaid envelope included in the box. The W233 Renew is available now for $49.99 at the online MOTO Store or for $9.99 with a two-year plan from T-Mobile.

Nokia 3110 Evolve: Energy Efficiency
This relatively efficient phone uses between 15-20% less energy over the course of its lifetime than similar phones.  Its minimal packaging consists of 60% recycled materials, and the casing of the phone itself is 50% renewable raw materials. Plus, Nokia’s AC-8 charger wastes 90-95% less than other chargers by automatically shutting off once the phone is fully charged. Learn more about this innovative phone at Nokia.com.


Nokia 5630 XpressMusic: Green Applications
Nokia’s XpressMusic phones use a slightly different approach. They come preloaded with a variety of eco-applications to help users measure and reduce their energy use. A sophisticated power saving mode, highly efficient charger, and other nifty features make this a stylish and high-performing green choice. Check out the XpressMusic at Nokia.com.

Samsung Blue Earth: Solar Power
This cool and exciting phone may very well be an indicator of the future of cell phone technology.  The touch-screen phone features a solar panel on the back that is large enough to charge the phone. It’s made of recycled materials, is free of toxins, and features eco-friendly applications like a digital pedometer, energy-saving mode, and carbon emissions calculator. The phone will be released in Europe sometime before the end of the year, but Samsung has yet to set a price for the device.

Sony Ericsson GreenHeart: Reducing Paper Waste
Sony recently announced two new phones that comprise the first of their GreenHeart series: the Naite and the C901. Both phones contain in-phone manuals to replace conventional user manuals and diminish paper and necessary packaging by 90%. Overall, the GreenHeart phones have a carbon footprint reduced by 15% through innovative applications, recycled plastic construction, and low-power chargers. Learn more about these phones and the GreenHeart line at Sonyericsson.com/greenheart.