O2 Launches Eco-Program to Encourage Slower Handset Replacements

The UK arm of Telefonica O2 has launched an environmental program which will enable customers to "offset" the environmental impact of manufacturing their mobile phones. Each handset contains between 500 and 1,000 difference components and a significant amount of energy is used to extract and refine these materials. O2 says that the total CO2 emission from the production and distribution of an average handset is at least 7.5kg of CO2.

If everyone in the UK who owns a mobile delayed its replacement by one year, it would equate to 187,000 cars being removed from the road annually.

Under the program, O2's customers who decide not to replace their phone at the end of their annual contract will be offered a choice of either £100 (US$200) credit, or £95 credit and a £5 donation to the O2 Energy Saver fund. O2 will match every donation, bringing the total donation for each phone not replaced to a total of £10 (US$20).

Matthew Key, Chief Executive O2 UK, said "Mobiles have changed the way we live and people will always want new phones and the benefits they bring. However, there is an environmental impact from the production of each new phone. With 70 million active mobiles in the UK the collective carbon savings to be gained by keeping handsets longer is simply massive. We therefore want to give customers a choice and an incentive to keep their existing phone and make a difference."

Posted to the site on 23rd April 2007