The mobile device industry has changed the way people all over the world communicate. While this business sector has improved the speed and methods of delivery of information and communication, it has negatively impacted green initiatives. New gadgets are introduced to the market at lightning speed, and the “electronic junkies” constantly upgrade to the latest and greatest devices. These old mobile devices often end up in landfills or even discarded with household garbage. It is important that all mobile device owners educate themselves in green initiatives relative to responsible disposal of any electronic device that is no longer being used to ensure that the environment will not be harmed.
Several wireless companies have green initiatives in place, providing customers with information on environmental protection regarding the use of mobile devices. This aspect of device ownership should be a primary consideration in the selection of a company to make a purchase of a phone or tablet. In addition to protecting the environment, this decision can save the customer time and money. For example, paperless billing saves trees and allows the customer to have account information readily available 24 hours a day. Phone and tablet trade-in programs guarantee responsible disposal of older devices and may offer the customer a credit towards the purchase of a new device. Thirdly, recycling wireless devices with a reputable company guarantees that the discarded items will not find their way to a landfill, and as a bonus, these products sometime can be refurbished and returned to service.
There are other features of mobile devices which inherently aide green initiatives. Navigation apps identify the most direct routes to destinations, thereby reducing fuel costs. They also provide up-to-date traffic information, which enables drivers to spend less time stuck in traffic, wasting fuel. Finally, the use of mobile broadband creates virtual offices, saving gas and other commuter costs.
Anyone who owns a mobile device can go green and reduce energy consumption, save time and money and help protect the environment. Let’s all do our part to communicate green, live green, be green.