User:Kcandrsn/sandbox

Environmental Record

When people improperly discard items like computers, DVD players, and cell phones, e-waste is then created, which affects the environment. The majority of e-waste is hazardous to both people and the environment because it usually releases toxic materials, like lead and mercury, into soil and water, which can then affect humans, animals, and plants. Despite the fact that Nokia produces some of these items, they are taking some steps to reduce their impact on the environment. Greenpeace, an environmental protection agency, released their seventh edition of Guide to Greener Electronics, which ranked Nokia in third place. Some of the factors that are considered by this agency include the type of chemicals used in the company’s electronic products and the recycling programs they utilize. Despite the fact that the company once held the first place position in this guide, their third place rank is an improvement from their previously held tenth place. Although Nokia should have claimed the number one spot with 8.3 out of 10 points, they were penalized because of flaws and variances in their take-back policies. There have been improvements in the Phillipines and Thailand, but Nokia has not yet announced or implemented a return program for their products in India or Russia. In an effort to further reduce their environmental impact, Nokia released a new phone concept, Remade, in February of 2008. The phone has been constructed of solely recyclable materials. The outer part of the phone is made from recycled materials such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and used car tires. The screen is constructed of recycled glass, and the hinges have been created from rubber tires. The interior of the phone is entirely constructed with refurbished phone parts, and there is a feature that encourages energy saving habits by reducing the backlight to the ideal level, which then allows the battery to last longer without frequent charges. The product’s price or release date has not yet been announced.