Mobile phone is now an all pervasive device and has been recognized as the 'do anything gadget'. Its popularity has reached new heights when the modern generation finds it difficult to live without this multi-featured phenomenon. Millions of mobiles are manufactured and marketed all over the world. The technology is in a very fast forward mode and many new features are being incorporated in this device expanding the areas of its utility. It will be difficult to point out a single social or economic activity in the modern society without the omnipresence of mobile phone.
When the positive aspects of mobile telephones are hailed and applauded by the jubilant consumer world, there are others who express concern about the negative aspects of this technological marvel. When millions of phones are being manufactured and marketed by successful entrepreneurs, almost an equal or lesser number of products are being discarded as obsolete. In many parts of the world electronic junk yards are becoming environmental hazards. These garbage dumps pollutes air, water and soil to such an extent forcing environmentalists to warn the humanity about the impending dangers.
The concerns of the environmentalists are justifiable. The world Health organization, Governments and all human welfare bodies have acknowledged and accepted their contentions. Manufacturers of mobile phones have also realized the gravity of the situation. All agree that result oriented action is warranted in order to save the universe from the dangerous consequences. This new awareness gave impetus to the efforts for evolving environment friendly technology. Research oriented projects are being initiated in many countries. New environment friendly products are reaching the global markets and more are in the pipelines, thanks to the collective will of the stake holders.
Safari COM, the Kenyan mobile network operators have introduced their 'green' mobile phone SIMU YA SOLAL which works on solar power. It is one of the few mobiles that work on renewable energy. Further the handset has been made from recycled materials retrieved from electronic junk yards. Solar panels are cheap, green and renewable. The products are suitable for underdeveloped regions where there are no power supplies. In addition to the handsets there are many towers that are operated on renewable energy instead of electrical energy. They function with solar and wind driven turbines. Nearly 60 base transmission stations are operated using renewable energy.
Reputed industry leaders Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson are also making efforts to produce environment friendly mobile phones. Samsung has launched their product 'Blue earth' in Sweden. Handsets are manufactured using recycled materials. In this context it is worth mentioning that India is contemplating on converting all cell phone towers in the country to 'green towers' by using solar panels instead of diesel generators. The second largest mobile phone market in the world will also encourage the production and sale of environment friendly mobile phones. Using wind power and Geo thermal energy will be encourage by the State. It is now expected that more and more manufactures will design and produce green products in response to the universal concerns in this context.