The environment is one of the growing "hot topics" of today.  Everywhere you look people are looking for ways to be more energy efficient, conserve resources, and generally make the world we live in a better place.  Surprisingly, the cell phone market is no exception.  In 2005, it was estimated that Americans replaced over 100 million cell phones.  That's a lot of old phones that needed a place to go.  Some got stashed in a drawer for emergency use purposes, some were recycled, and a large majority were simply thrown away.  Those phones that got thrown away were likely sent to a landfill or an incinerator.  The metals, plastics, and harmful chemicals in things like the batteries are not the sort of things we want seeping in to our soil or being burned into our atmosphere.  Yet, unfortuntely, that is exactly what happens.

So, the question is, what can you do as an individual to help address this problem?  The answer is as simple as:  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Reduce - Many people feel the need to replace their cell phones with new models well before their old phone is antiquated.  While it is always nice to have the "latest and greatest," the truth is that the "latest and greatest" lasts for about a month before the next "latest and greatest" comes around.  Attempting to be on top of the newest technology is expensive, and creates a lot of waste in the form of old cell phones that still have plenty of useful life.  You can help address this issue by reducing your "cell phone turnover."  Instead of replacing your phone every 12 months, do it every 24 months.  Better yet, use a phone until it has no useful life left.

Reuse - If your phone gets broken or you lose it, instead of buying the "latest and greatest" (and being forced to renew your contract) consider a used cell phone. Used cell phones can be found at great prices, and often you can "upgrade" with a used phone for cheaper than buying a new phone.  Additionally, you'll be keeping one more phone from the landfill or incinerator.

Recycle - When you do need to replace your phone, make sure you recycle your old phone.  There are a number of places to drop off used cell phones.  I've seen drop boxes at grocery stores, electronics stores, and even churches.

We can all make a difference by following the old adage of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Next time you need a new phone, make sure you check out the used and refurbished market.  You'll be amazed at how easy and cost effective it is to look at something like a used Blackberry instead of paying full retail price through your service provider.  And, don't forget to recycle that old phone!