How To Reduce Pollution Caused by Mobile Phones

The majority of the population is blissfully unaware of the pollution problem caused by cell phones. On average, a new cell phone is purchased at minimum once each year and a half. This comes out to something like 33 cell phones over the average lifetime if the first was bought at age 18. It is shocking how many children under the age of 18 actually have their own cell phones.

When you think about how many cell phones there are you start to realize how many end up in landfills rather than being properly disposed of. Current estimates state there are more than 120 million mobile phones thrown out annually, which leads to more than 60,000 tons of waste. Fortunately you don't have to throw your old cell phone away because there are more eco-friendly options.

Proper recycling of your old cell phone is also important because these phones have toxins in their displays and circuits. Examples of these include copper, beryllium and arsenic to name just three. No one would want these chemicals leaking into the earth on which they live. Fortunately, proper disposal can prevent this and the components of the phones can be reused rather than thrown away.

Research performed by the University of Northwest Indiana reveals that over 80 percent of landfills in that area experienced leakage. This is terrifying when you think about what is leaking into the Earth. Not only that but the emission of methane gas and dangerous toxins into the soil cannot be confined to one area. Landfill emissions are so dangerous their toxins can cause harm to humans such as liver and cardiovascular defects, low infant birth weight and shorter height at adulthood, just for starters. And eventually, there will be no more room for landfills because of electronic devices being thrown away rather than recycled.

Think about why you want a new mobile phone before buying one. If your current phone is in good working order there is no good reason to upgrade. However if your phone is broken that is a valid reason. If you do replace your old phone check with your local government to find out where and how to recycle your discarded phone. States have regulations as does the federal government when it comes to the re-use of old mobile phones.

Consider donating your old phone to a nonprofit that accepts broken and old mobile phones for the purposes of helping a charity. One example of this would be WADT.org, which is a website where you can learn how to donate your used phone to help domestic violence victims. This is just one of the many places to which cell phones can be donated for charity. You may also want to consider selling your old phone, especially if it still works.

Ebay is a great place to sell unwanted cell phones, although you may have to research what constitutes a good asking price. Classified ad sites like Craigslist also have areas where you can sell used electronics. If you prefer you could also sell your unwanted phone in the newspaper or local pennysaver advertising paper.

More Green Living Advice

Five Strategies for Cutting Down on Energy Consumption - How To Reduce Or Eliminate Your Electricity Bill

Power Your Home For Free!

Earth4Energy - Detailed Review