Consumers want manufacturers to
release fewer mobile phone models and do more to help them recycle, according
to a new study by Greenpeace. A survey of approximately 6,000 people across the
US, Mexico, Russia, Germany, China and South Korea has found they have an
average of at least three phones sitting at home (and more than five in Russia
and Mexico). But more than half think manufacturers release too many models,
and almost half feel phone makers should be “most responsible” for making
recycling accessible. Greenpeace’s study, released today, marks the start of a
campaign to challenge the IT industry to reduce energy and toxic chemical use.
According to the research, almost three in 10 people got a new phone because
their previous one was broken or lost. Slightly more bought new phones wanting
“a more up-to-date device”, but more than half would be okay with changing
phones less often.