Mobile phones are icons of modern day living. It is an icon representing instant connectivity in terms of communication wherever you may be in the world today.it also symbolizes stature in whatever levels of society you are in.There are Mobile phones designed for the younger generation.There are also those that are designed forBusinessmen.For the more affluent, another class of trendy and cutting edge technologyMobile phones are made for their choosing.And for the have nots, they can always avail for themselves low priced old model Mobile phones.The third symbol of this present dayIcon is in its inherent disposability.And this is where the danger to our environment lies. < ?xml:namespace prefix = o />

In a study, it was revealed that the average usability of a mobile phone is 18 months.This period takes into consideration mobile phone replacement due to breakdowns caused by improper care of unit, and even factory defects.But the most significant factor that would result to this short period of usability would be the functionality factor where Mobile phones that have been purchased only a year ago will be replaced by newer phones because of a more advanced features.This trend is very true particularly with the younger generation where almost every year a change in their Mobile phones have to be expected by their parents.Aside from this, research and development in the advancement of mobile phone technology and the stylish trend that are endlessly added to create demand for the newer version of phones through mass advertisements in TV and print medias, has led to wetting the appetites of mobile phone users to discard their old phones in favor of newer models.A study relating to environmental management has revealed that in 2005 alone, a total of 130 million Mobile phones were thrown away, which would translate to nearly 65,000 of waste that could further endanger the environment.

Unlike with fixed telephone lines, where the number has been contained or if not reduced in numbers of subscribers because of mobile phone usage that has grown out of proportion, Mobile phones are now considered as a threat to the environment.The hazards that can be caused to the environment by Mobile phones are simply understated even right to this date.If you consider the effects of electronic materials that can contaminate our lands and waters, how much more the several millions of expired batteries that will be thrown to waste spreading undesired toxic materials everywhere on planet earth?

It is in this regard why conservationist, ecologist, naturalist and all other groupings concerned with the environment are now trying to raise the issue of the hazards to the environment brought about by the non stop and large scale production of Mobile phones and its seemingly wanton usage that could result to endless toxic waste that could harm the environment.