Britons dream of greener gadgets this Christmas

By Steve Malone

Posted on 1 Dec 2005 at 10:41

Although the latest gadgets from 3G mobile phones to iPods may be on the Christmas list to Santa this year, the British public is also concerned about the long-term effects of all this consumerism on the planet.

According to a survey by Fujitsu Siemens, almost half the population would prefer it if the latest gadget du jour was recyclable rather than destined for a land fill when it is replaced by a better model in approximately April of next year.

Despite the crowds thronging the high streets, it seems we are all more environmentally friendly than we were. Three quarters of the respondents feel more conscious of our effect on the environment than was the case just five years ago.

The survey also found that 61 per cent of the population are already buying 'greener' technology at the lower end of the market, such as energy saving light bulbs and wind-up radios. this Christmas they are ready to take their green ethics a step further with more expensive consumer technology gifts.

The survey took place in the last two weeks of November and was carried out among a sample of 1,100 UK adults.

In another example of high tech altruism Jet Tec, the manufacturer of inkjet printer cartridges, says for every recycled inkjet cartridge it receives in a special pre paid envelope this Christmas it will donate a pound to the children's charity ChildLine. According to ChildLine, every three pounds raised by the scheme will allow the charity to take one call from a child to its advice line for free.

To find out more about recycling old ink jet cartridges with Jet Tec for ChildLine, customers can call the recycling hotline on 0800 091 0696 or visit Jet Tec.