I have to say that one aspect of the Nokia World event that took me a bit by surprise was the company’s vision for a greener future and their commitment to deliver eco-friendly products and sustainable solutions… very impressive in my mind! Charting a new course – expect a Nokia that will take more risks to help shape the future of mobile communications. Improving the quality of life over the Globe while also increasing awareness in sustainable living and environmental sustainability… eg. energy efficiency. The company has announced that all new devices will ship with an energegy efficient charger, one that has almost no load when left plugged in while not being used – regardless, all users are reminded to unplug your chargers when not being used. The company will also deliver smaller phones and smaller packages, packaging created with recyclable materials and recaptured products. The company notes that as a small benefit, fewer trucks are needed to deliver the packaging which is saving some 100 million euros per year already!

Enter the Green device – Nokia 3110 Evolve - setting the "green" standard

True testament to Nokia’s commitment to a sustainable World comes with the launch of a new, eco-friendly device – the Nokia 3110 Evolve. The device is made from  50% renewable material, and delivered in a smaller package made from recycled materials – indeed the dawn of a new era for the company. We were told that if 100 million mobile device users switched to energy efficient models, the energy savings could

power some 37,000 homes! Some features of the 3110:
-    sustainable and stylish
-    natural tones and contrasting material finishes
-    covers made from unpainted bio-sourced materials
-    smaller packaging
-    energy efficient charger, using 94% less energy than the standard charger.

The evolve's cover is made from unpainted bio-sourced materials. The device ships in green packaging and comes with an energy efficient charger.

In the future...

Bio-materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) plastics with plant or other biomass-based modifiers, can help to reduce the use of non-renewable materials. An additional bonus is that the energy required to produce PLA - from raw material to plastic pellet - is minimal. Elastomers based on biomaterials can be used as rubber-like materials to seal off battery case.

Reclaimed materials - The phone’s casing will be made from 100% reclaimed steel. Imagine – your scrapped car could become part of your next mobile phone!

Alternative energy sources - The wearable sensor unit will be powered by alternative energy sources, and may incorporate multiple energy technologies

These ideas are all part of the Nokia Eco Sensor Concept.

Also supporting Nokia’s commitment to renewable and sustainable practices, the company announced PangeaDay, scheduled to take place May 10, 2008 – a day brought to the masses by film. Millions around the World will be united through film encouraging them to work to build a better future. You can get involved and submit your film at pangeaday.org

These were but some of the topics of interest hitting the main stage at Nokia World on Day 1. So why is an environmentally aware and green Nokia significant to your business? Well, in addition to doing your share by unplugging those mobile chargers when not in use, you can also attempt to adopt eco-friendly practices in your business and as a developer you might contemplate creating “green” apps and products... perhaps an eco-educational game or a mobile tutorial or video series that educates and informs users about green practices… the possibilities are indeed endless!

Green Packaging

The device is presented in a small package made of 60% recycled content and it comes with Nokia's most energy efficient charger yet, using 94% less energy than the Energy Star requirements.

The power that could be saved globally by all Nokia phone users unplugging their chargers when no longer needed is equivalent to enough energy to power 100,000 average-size European homes. In February 2006, Nokia also introduced new compact packaging that reduced materials used by 54%, a move which by the end of this year will have resulted in 5,000 fewer trucks needed to distribute products, reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and savings of EUR 100 million.

Packages, like the ones used for the 3110 evolve are much smaller, containing fewer items and the products used in the packaging are more environmentally friendly. Fewer components enable a much smaller and even a slimmer package (ideal for mailing) which result in a much more efficient shipping process... the result: fewer trucks, less fuel used in delivery, less trash, more recylcable components.

The new, environmentally sound packaging

Nokia uses "lifestyle" thinking (Source: Nokia) 

Employee Awareness

Environmental issues are included in our regular management training programs, and all Nokia employees have access to our WWF collaboration and Connect to Protect web-based learning application, as well as a modular e-learning application on environmental matters. New employee inductions particularly include this information through a virtual information session.

Nokia Memberships

Nokia plays an active role in a large number of industry associations and initiatives, such as:

European Information Communications and Consumer Electronics Technology Industry Association (EICTA) International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA)
Electronics Industry Alliance (EIA)
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI)
RosettaNet
Comprehensive Approach for Recycling of Electronics (CARE)
Environmental Policy Group (EICTA)
Waste Issue Group (EICTA)

The Declaration 

Always unplug the charger from the wall socket after the phone is fully charged. This avoids unnecessary power consumption of the charger in standby and saves energy.
• Electronic devices shall not be thrown into household waste but be separated for correct recycling.
• For environmentally sound recycling, contact your local Nokia service point or check local regulations for correct disposal of household electronics.
• Batteries are collected separately for battery recycling. Do not throw used batteries into household waste.
• Please separate the packaging material according to responsible waste disposal options and sorting for recycling.
• See the Recycling Map on http://www.nokia.com/environment to find the nearest collection point for used mobile phones and accessories.

For an example, se the eco-declaration for the Nokia N95 8GB here

Nokia Take Back Program
Getting rid of that device is tough to do... for some reason people become personally attached to the mobile device... indeed this is likely due to the highly personalized nature of owning a mobile handset, afterall it is an extension of your life, albeit a mobile extension. However, that shouldn't prevent you from taking back and giving back your old devices. Why Give back? Here's what Nokia says... Old phones might seem worthless but they still contain many usable and valuable materials. Nokia’s idea is to make it easier for consumers to act green by offering the possibility to return old, unused phones and accessories. Authorized Nokia Service Points, flagship stores, municipal collections, industry association's collections, or retailers' campaigns are all possible channels for returning used products.

Previous research by Nokia showed that:
- In Europe, only 10 percent of used mobile phones are currently returned to service providers for recycling
- More then 60 percent are kept at home and 18 percent have been handed on to someone else

Indeed environmental sustainability is a hot topic these days. Around the World people are concerned about greenhouse gasses, recylcing, Global warming, rising costs of fuel, and competitive advantage by environmental awareness (ie. think Green). For the developer, opportunities are abound for the forward thinker... imagine a mobile game that quizes the user on green practices, perhaps a competition to create the greenest company or product, or maybe even a mobile tutorial on sustainable living practices? These are but a few of the things that developers could create that may get the attention of carriers, device makers, and end users. What will be the first cool "green" application or mobile service? Those of you having a cool idea might also consider the MobileRules competition, of particular interest, ideas for the category of Future Device Architecture where you have an idea that reduces demands and develops innovations in processing speed and energy consumption. The competition can be entered at http://www.mobilerules.org/technology/ . 

For more on Nokia's move towards environmental awareness see http://www.nokia.com/environment