Working with BSR, a sustainability-oriented business network and consulting firm, AT&T will be releasing a set of eco-labels for its branded mobile handsets, due out in a few months. Says the AT&T blog:
Our rating system will be simple and intuitive. Devices will get a rating based on a tiered scale. This overall rating represents the composite score of key environmental characteristics focused on issues such as:
- Environmentally preferable materials
- Energy efficiency
- Environmentally responsible manufacturing
- Responsible end-of-life treatment
This is a good first step, and let’s hope other mobile device providers join them. Let’s also hope that AT&T is keeping effective tabs on their suppliers so they continue to live up to their end of the bargain.
