Van Abel, who is based in Amsterdam, thinks there’s demand out there for something different. Later this year, his company will start selling a phone that looks and acts much like other products--but comes with greater safeguards. FairPhone, which is a social enterprise that recycles profit for social ends, is sourcing minerals through nonprofit initiatives like the Conflict Free Tin Initiative and Solutions For Hope. It is choosing factories in China that meet high standards set by Labor Voices, an advocacy group. And it’s working with recycling groups, such as Closing The Loop. It wants to build a phone that fits circular economy principles, where valuable materials are easily extracted after-use, and repurposed. fastcoexist/1681513/building-a-cell-phone-that-doesnt-kill-people?utm_source=facebook
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 07:59:03 +0000