Cell phones are an inevitable part of modern life, and most people in the United States rely on one for work and play. However, there are aspects of cell phones which are not environmentally friendly; for example, harmful chemicals found in the phones themselves, as well as the batteries, such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. When outdated cell phones are thrown out, these chemicals can seep into soil and groundwater, causing potential ecological problems.

In response to environmental and consumer groups, several major cell phone manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that future cell phones will be much more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Solar-powered cell phone chargers have already been developed for major phone brands such as Nokia and the Apple iPhone. While these chargers are somewhat bulkier than conventional chargers, they are capable of fully charging phones with eight to ten hours of sunlight. Future phones will actually have solar panels integrated into the phones themselves, negating the need for a separate charger. LG and Samsung have already begun developing these solar-powered phones. Chargers and phones, which use solar energy as their power source, won’t have to use as many toxic elements in their batteries, and won’t require potentially polluting energy sources to provide electricity to charge them.

China Mobile, which is China’s largest cell-phone manufacturer, has already begun using solar power for its cellular towers. Previously, diesel power had been used to provide energy to these towers. Similar towers are being implemented in India, and it has been estimated that these will reduce CO2 emissions by five million tons per year. In fact, cell phone service providers worldwide are aiming to convert five percent of towers to solar power within the next five years.