Flowering Phone Is Environmental Wake-Up Call

Wed Dec 1, 9:13 AM ET - Reuters



LONDON (Reuters) - A rose is a rose is a phone? British scientists seeking to protect the environment have designed a biodegradable mobile phone cover that breaks down in soil when discarded and sprouts a flower from a seed embedded inside the case.


Researchers at the University of Warwick in central England said the novel device, made from a specially designed polymer, is a boon for the environmentally sensitive.


Millions of mobile phones are thrown away every year as the industry churns out new models.


"It's a real novelty in the phone industry and consumers are happy because they feel they are doing something for the local environment," said Kerry Kirwan from the University of Warwick.


Designers have reassured the wary user that the seed, implanted in a tiny transparent window, only germinates when the phone cover is discarded.


"We put sunflower seeds into the prototype covers, but we are working with horticultural researchers to identify which other flowers would perform best. Maybe we could put poppies or roses next time," Kirwan added.


He said he hoped the covers would hit the market next year, but did not say how much they might cost.

ohhhh pretty

podiumdancer said:

wouldnt that be neat, pretty flowers

ella731 said:

or we could just not have mobiles and instead just plant pretty flowers

I love flowers, sounds like a good idea!

I got rid of my mobile a couple months ago, its a wonderful thing

ella731 said:

I love my mobile and it's a godsend when i get lost which i do ALL the time

i LOVE flowers 2

madminx said:

I used to love my mobile too, and then when i got rid of it I realised how attached I was to it, its a good feeling

ella731 said:

but i may get lost never to be seen again then what would i do

madminx said:

You will find your way, I have been lost before, and just had to rely on maps, and my sense of direction!!!

I know shocking isnt it?

"i'm sorry, i can't hear you...i've got a rosebush in my ear"

Anxiety said:

You beat me to it!