Showing posts with label Recycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recycling. Show all posts

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Before you buy that iPhone

If the recent blog buzz is any indication, Apple's iPhone looks all set to be a success. Although people have expressed disappointment at the lack of 3G support, the iPhone will most likely fly off the shelf in June. I may even bid adieu to my dinoursarly old phone of 6 years.

Even if just 1 percent of the US market were to shift to the new iPhone, close to 2 million cell phones will get discarded. It needs no mention that these gadgets have some nasty stuff like Mercury & Lead in them.

Forgive me while I preach a little :)

Folks, don't just throw your old phones away. Turn them in for some cash and let it get recycled. RIPMobile will take your old phones and might even pay you. A Motorola RAZR might get you $30. They will pay for shipping as long as your old phone works. Newer models might get resold while the older ones are recycled as per EPA regulations. The Gold in these phones are recycled which reduces the need for destructive mining. Terrapass has partnered with RIPMobile. The cash from selling your old phone can be used to buy carbon credits from Terrapass.

End of preaching. Now on to some things I would like Apple to incorporate into the iPhone.
1) How about Cradle to Cradle certification ?
Everytime you release a better version, and I know you will, I can give it back to you for an upgrade. Material reuse for you. Cooler phone and less guilt for me. Happy campers we all.

2) How about integrated battery charging ?

Modelabs design uses body movements to charge phone. A sleek yoyo of sorts. via TreeHugger.com:: via Esato.com



Or a device integrated solar charger as designed by the Fraunhofer Institute: via Treehugger.com

Mr Jobs, Hope you are listening!