One thing you can do to look after our planet | World Environment Day
Have you ever thought about what your smart phone is made of?
Over 25 years ago hardly anyone owned a mobile phone, now it is estimated that more than 5 billion people in the world have mobile devices.
The average smart phone contains 60 – 70 elements from the periodic table. One in particular, tantalum (coltan) regulates electricity flow between other metals such as gold and silver.
These elements come from 6 of the 7 continents across the world, where mining is causing problems for many ecosystems and endangered species.
Bonobos and gorillas are at threat from mine developments in areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo where illegal mines have been devastating rainforests, as well as a long list of human rights controversies.
So what can you do?
We can all help by recycling our old mobile phones and mobile devices
The elements used to make them can then be re-used to make new smartphones and reduce the need to material mining. (Also selling them on to be repaired and reused helps too!)
So far here at Twycross Zoo we have recycled 650 mobile phones within the first two years of our mobile recycling scheme.
By the end of 2019 we want your help to recycle 1000 mobile devices in total!
Bring your phone in to Guest Services at Twycross Zoo, or send it in the post to Guest Services, Twycross Zoo, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX and we will make sure it is recycled for you.
See if you can get your friends and families involved too! #TZMobiles
Find out more about Twycross Zoo's Mobile Phone Recycling Scheme
