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Consumer Reports joined Into Tomorrow this week to talk about sustainable smartphones for environmentally conscious consumers:
Smartphones face a bit of a challenge when it comes to environmental sustainability, given their heavy reliance on such potentially toxic materials as lead. That may lead one to believe that a sustainable smartphone may not be in the cards for environmentally conscious consumers. But that’s not true, so says Consumer Reports. Their electronics spokesman James McQueen is here to explain.
It’s actually pretty easy to cut your phone’s environmental impact in half—simply by using it twice as long. Here are some features can extend the life of your smartphone.
Carrier mobility. As our most recent cell-service survey shows, more people than ever are willing to switch cell providers, even the ones they’ve been with for a long time, to take advantage of better prices or service. Unfortunately, such moves often mean having to replace the phone you already have for one that’s compatible with a new provider’s network. But a growing number of phones in our Ratings come with the radios and other hardware necessary for handling the voice and high-speed LTE data services of various cell providers, including the major ones.
Replaceable battery. It’s just a matter of time—and the physics behind battery design — before the smartphone you love begins to drain too fast. But if you buy a phone with a user-replaceable battery, you can swap in a new one for as little as $20 to $30. No need for an expensive warranty repair or replacement.
For more info on this story, visit ConsumerReports.org.
Rory recommended a workout app:
The Nike+ Training Club app is your Ultimate Personal Trainer. This comes fully loaded with 100 plus workouts, amazingly clear audio and visual guidance from fitness experts for your every move. This app will also build plans to help you get fitter, faster and get stronger then ever! I have been challenging myself with a huge variety of workouts from Nike Trainers and professional athletes. This app even comes with 15 minute workout options perfect for those with a busy lifestyle. In my opinion is the personalized plans that adapt to you as you go. The Nike+ Training Club app is the personal trainer in your pocket and is free in the iOS and Google Play store.
Chris recommended an app to sell your belongings:
Looking to sell an item you’ve got laying around the house? Or looking to buy? OfferUp is an easy way to buy or sell anything in your area. Think of it as a virtual garage sale. I recently decided to sell my truck. I currently have it listed in OfferUp. It took about 2 minutes to post it. I took a couple pictures, wrote a description, put in the price I was asking and sat back and waited for the offers to roll in. They haven’t yet, but I did have a few people message me showing some interest. You can browse through items in your area and if you find something you like, you’ve got two buttons. Ask a question or make an offer. I was surprised at some of the things people list for sale. I’ve found everything from someone selling a case of 120 fortune cookies to baby formula to cars. The app is free and there’s no cost to sell.
