Everything's Gone Green: New Samsung Reclaim's No Eco Gimmick

Green is the new black these days, both in terms of a fashionable hue and an eco-inspired attitude. And last month Samsung jumped onto the eco-green bandwagon with its Reclaim slider phone for Sprint, which boasts a case made from 40 percent corn-based bio-plastics.

It should also do well with the Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics, as it's free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalates, and nearly free of brominated flame retardants (BFR)--three materials commonly targeted on green electronics guidelines. And the charger is Energy Star certified and includes a visible notification to alert you when the handset is fully charged.

Some might consider this just an attempt at greenwashing by Samsung to attract eco-minded consumers, but Sprint and Samsung are pretty serious about ensuring this just isn't a publicity stunt. As Treehugger notes:

The manufacturers moved beyond the phone as well, improving other elements of the overall product -- the packaging is made from 70% recycled materials; the manual is online only (rather than printed and packaged with the phone); and Sprint will also donate $2 to the Nature Conservancy's Adopt an Acre Program for each Reclaim purchase.

But more than just sporting an eco-green attitude, the Reclaim is a very functional messaging/multimedia phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and it runs on Sprint's fast 3G network (with access to its Sprint TV and Music Store services). Other features include a digital audio player, microSD memory expansion, Bluetooth stereo music streaming capabilities, and a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder. While not considered a high-end phone, it's an affordable way to flex your eco-green purchasing power--which, when combined with desirable features, is what will ultimately help to bring environmentally friendly products out of their niche and into the mainstream. And Engadget Mobile makes that case for the Reclaim:

You're not constantly reminded that you're using a PVC-free device (though the "Eco" badge on the back certainly does its best), you're just using another basic text-centric QWERTY slider in Sprint's lineup, and ironically, that sense of anonymity might be the Reclaim's strongest suit.

Now we just have to wait for the next eco-green phone from Samsung--the Blue Earth with integrated solar charger on the back. Until then, the Reclaim is a great deal at just a penny from Amazon--and it's available in both green and blue.

--Agen G.N. Schmitz

Comments

[disques durs on September 11, 2009 at 04:03 AM]

Wow what a fantastic mobile is this, i really like this mob Samsung sprint. Actually i want to buy a new mobile because old one is not good so i wish to buy this.. I like the blue one instead of green..

[discount womens moncler down coats onlines sales on February 27, 2010 at 12:02 AM]

I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. http://www.edhardy-buy.com/ Took me awhile to read all the comments. herve leger dress for you !

[silver charms on June 30, 2010 at 06:23 PM]

Every girl will be happy with inspired links of London jewelry which make her look dazzling and outstanding; every girl will be happier to obtain brand jewelry with less money which makes them a sense of achievement. That's why girls all like links jewelry where various links of London jewelries are at most keen prices
More http://www.linksjewelry.co.uk/Charms/

[snap dome on September 08, 2010 at 01:36 AM]

There two items look very beautiful & the function I like also very suitable for me.

[usa wholesale dropshippers on March 07, 2011 at 12:02 AM]

This is a right and big step taken by Samsung in making safe mobile communications. I hope that there will be lot of more new and exciting mobiles from Samsung in the near future.

[cityville cheats on March 15, 2011 at 01:43 AM]

This collection is awesome! absolutely love it!

[Angel on April 11, 2011 at 12:43 AM]

Wow! I like this cool colors of phone from Samsuna! A refreshing change from the usual black colors.

http://www.knowifagirllikesyou.com |
http://www.makeagirlfallinlove.org/

[C on April 22, 2011 at 09:59 AM]

Colorful gadgets!

myblogs:How to finger a girl|Cityville Cheats

[Bennymalin on April 27, 2011 at 04:44 AM]

Whoa! I like this demo.

my blogs: http://www.knowifagirllikesyou.com -how to know if a girl likes you | http://www.howtogettallersecrets.com - how to get taller