Mobile phones are turning a friendlier shade of “green”, thanks to two new phone release later this month from Samsung.   Samsung announced the release of the W510 for the Korean market and the F268 for the Chinese market at the World IT Show in Seoul.

According to this techradar article, the W510 is made from bio-plastic; a natural material extracted from corn.  Heavy metals such as Lead, Mercury or Cadmium have not been used in the construction of the phone - even the coating is water-soluble.

The F268 does not contain BFR’s (Brominated Flame Retardant), which could be environmentally unfriendly when disposed of, and it doesn’t contain PVC either.  The F268 also includes an alarm that will sound when the battery has fully charged, which will hopefully prompt users to unplug their charger.  The phone also follows the energy-efficiency guidelines that have been set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.

“Samsung is striving to continue to be a strong corporate citizen that contributes to environmental sustainability,” said Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunication Business.  “Now, we are trying not only to launch more environmentally–conscious products with more renewable material and less energy consuming, but also to expand proactively, setting up a phone recycling system.”

It’s great to see new products embracing the goals for a more environmentally friendly future, and taking on the challenge to ensure technology moves forward at a price that’s not so costly to Mother Earth.

I’m not writing about this treehugger article because it’s a change from the global warming debate that continues to go on being debated, and I’m not writing about it because it’s a wonderfully new leap in technology.  No, I’m writing about the modest reel mower because finally someone gets my excitement!

Earlier this year I went to the Hardware store to buy myself my very first lawn mower.  Do I get a gas-powered one, an electric one or one of those hand-thingy mowers?  And although it took me quite some time to decide as I battered the salesmen with questions, I finally settled on the Flymo H40 (hand-thingy mower).  Excited by my new acquisition I hurried home, eager to put it together and try it out.

Faced with a daunting growth of buffalo grass, I pulled on my pink gardening gloves and prepared for the workout ahead.  True, tackling several (and buy that I mean an embarrassing several) months of un-kept lawn did put a glistening dew atop my brow and yes, as the article says, I did need go over it 2-3 times – but let’s not forget the grass was almost tickling my knees. 

As I stepped back to behold the fruits of my labor, I was almost moved to hug my Flymo H40.  I was so giddy with excitement and pride that I raced inside to phone the world and share my shining moment.  My excitement wasn’t exactly reciprocated but my spirits could not be dampened.  I mow the lawn at least every couple of weeks now and still I am impressed by the perfect cut of my lawn.  It’s not that hard physically and it would take a bit longer, but I never have to go out and get gas/oil or curb my language because the darn thing won’t start.  I think the cut is much cleaner which may sound odd but it’s true.  And yes, there are a few less emissions floating around. 

It’s not for everyone; size of your lawn for one thing is a major factor.  But if you have a smallish front or back yard, I too think you will be delightfully surprised by the unassuming and biofriendly reel mower. 

Air travel is a heavy contributor to the emissions being pumped into our environment.  So in this time of environmental consciousness, it’s great to see the setting of goals and achievements being made across the globe.

JetBlue believe ‘a cleaner, greener planet is good for us all’, and they are making changes to make sure they continue to reduce their carbon footprint.  Here are some of the things this airline has put in place to make sure their impact isn’t so ‘impacting’ on the environment:

• Using one engine to taxi to and from runways

• Connecting aircraft to ground power at the gate rather than using engines to power air-conditioning, etc. 

• Deploying state-of-the-art technology to develop more efficient routes and reduce flying time 

• Equipping aircraft with winglets to increase fuel efficiency 

• Installing lighter aircraft seats and LED lighting 

• Eliminating disposable headsets and encouraging customers to bring their own for the free in-flight entertainment available 

• Saving paper by not offering an in-flight magazine

• Recycling spent jet fuel and oil/fuel filters (1,500 gallons of fuel and oil and some 600 pounds of steel, each month) 

• Reducing paper by eliminating paper tickets, ticket holders and large boarding documents and offering small, simple boarding passes. 

Later this year they will also open a biofriendly terminal at JFK airport.  Checkout their Jetting Green link for more information.  Other airlines have joined the green movement so it will be great to see what other initiatives and advances will be gracing our skies.