Vodafone and WWF have announced a new relationship that will advance the communications company’s net-zero goal for 2040, while enhancing the circular economy through the collecting and recycling of smartphones. The program is a component of Vodafone’s three-year alliance with WWF, with initiatives being focused on assisting customers to make more environmentally friendly decisions.
The “One million phones for the planet” campaign went live on November 22nd, 2022 in support of Vodafone’s circularity and net-zero goals. The new project contributes to Vodafone’s goal of reusing, reselling or recycling 100% of its network waste. Additionally, it will accelerate progress toward the company’s flagship net-zero goal.
Customers in Europe and Africa will be encouraged to trade in their outdated mobile devices for repair, refurbishment or recycling. Vodafone will donate £1, or the equivalent in local currency, for every phone collected as a contribution to WWF conservation projects all across the world.
According to Vodafone, a single refurbished smartphone prevents the extraction of 76.9 kg of raw materials and saves about 50 kg of CO2 that would be required for a newly-manufactured model.
Nick Read, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, commented: “WWF and Vodafone strongly believe that we can all make greener choices about how we use technology. Our partnership with WWF will create new initiatives to encourage our customers to take actions that could help reduce their carbon emissions and reduce pressure on the planet’s natural resources.”
“Every one of us has a role to play in helping to bring our world back to life, and the technology we use every day can play a major role in tackling the climate and nature emergency. Through our partnership with Vodafone, we will be exploring how everyone can reduce their environmental footprint using digital technologies and services, while also using mobile technology to drive forward key WWF conservation projects around the world. We look forward to working together on our shared vision for the planet,” said Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF-UK.
In November 2020, Vodafone committed to reducing its carbon emissions to zero globally by 2040. Moreover, the company promised to remove emissions from its operations and energy use, and cut scope 3 emissions in half by 2030.
