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DCL
Cell phones. There are over 140 million of them sold in the US alone every year. There are already nearly 5 billion cell phone subscriptions worldwide and growing. They have a big environmental impact. But you can be smart and make the most of your mobile device by staying savvy on a few key components of cell phone ownership.
1. Safety
The first thing you want to check out is your cell phone's radiation level. Check out the latest radiation guide from Environmental Working Group and see where your cell phone lands. If it lands on the higher end, that's still not necessarily a reason to rush out and buy a different phone. You can simply use it differently (read: less) to minimize your potential exposure to radiation. On your next cell phone purchase, be sure to check out the guide before buying.
2. Activism
Mobile phones can be used for so much more than just texting a friend, listening to music or remembering important dates. It can also be used for green activism. Worldwide, people are using their cell phones to make a difference. Apps alone are a great place to make an improvement in the planet, including mapping out and finding the greenest hot spots for eating, shopping and playing. Even when you decide to move to a new device, you can help out charities, like the earthquake victims in Haiti.
3. Make It Last
As we are constantly repeating, the greenest gadget is the one you already own. Making the cell phone you have last as long as possible is the most sure fire way to minimize its impact on the planet. It's easy to find fix-it tips for when you get it wet, or just to keep it looking shiny and new. Of course, making it last also extends to the battery. We have 7 ways to make your cell phone battery last. And if you really want to minimize your battery's footprint, try making your own solar charger from stuff laying around the house!
4. Apps
While apps are mainly available for the iPhone, they're a growing resource for most other smart phones as well. And despite the frivolity of the bulk of them, there are some great green apps that really do make a difference. We have a growing list that is already over 100 strong that you can check out for the iPhone, and a far shorter, but still useful list of Android apps.
5. Recycling This is a part of your cell phone's life where it's vital you know the next steps. When it comes to end-of-life management, if there is any life left in your phone, it is best to donate it to charity, since that keeps it in the consumer stream even longer. But if it's definitely dead, then it's important to prepare your phone for recycling, then send it in to a responsible recycler.
