Samsung, AT&T Launch Environmentally Friendly Phone

Samsung Evergreen

Samsung Evergreen, a messaging phone built with 70% recycled post-consumer plastics and 80% recycled post-consumer paper packaging, was unveiled Monday by Samsung Mobile and AT&T.

Additionally, for every Evergreen device sold, Samsung will donate $1, up to a maximum $100,000, to the non-profit organization Cell Phones for Soldiers.

The Samsung Evergreen is powered by an Energy Star Version 2.0-qualified energy-efficient charger (level v) with standby power loss less than 0.03W and less than 75% energy efficiency. The device meets strict restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) standards, which includes being free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), brominated flame retardants (BFR), and beryllium. The device's packaging uses soy ink and is 100% recyclable.

The device has a 2.4-inch display and features a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a 2.0 megapixel camera, and video camera. It also comes with AT&T Navigator and Bluetooth wireless v2.1+ SSP technology, dual-band 3G connectivity, and quad-band GSM in order to make calls in more than 220 countries and download data in more than 195 countries, AT&T said.

"This year AT&T worked to provide simpler solutions for customers, first with the Zero charger and now the Samsung Evergreen," said Michael Woodward, mobile phone portfolio VP at AT&T mobility and consumer markets, in a statement. "Taking steps to reduce the amount of environmentally sensitive materials in the device and increase the amount of recycled paper in packaging are small steps, which in the end, lead to a healthier environment."

AT&T will begin offering the Samsung Evergreen on Nov. 7 for $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. A new two-year contract and $20 per month messaging or combination data/messaging plan is required.

To donate old cell phones and accessories, AT&T customers can use drop-off bins at its more than 2,000 retail stores, or send them back in free, prepaid mailing envelopes available in stores or by downloading a postage-paid mailing label from the AT&T reuse & recycle website.