Mobiles for the Earth

By project WEEEWaste

Published on 03 September 2024

Spain

About this good practice

The over consumption and use of technology: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, video games consoles or digital cameras has an effect in 3rd countries. There is a link between the control and exploitation of natural resources, the violation of human rights, environmental destruction and the technology we use diary. For example, the extraction of gold in Colombia or D.R of Congo (to cover the wiring), tantalum (for the sound of mobiles), tungsten (for its vibration) or tin (for the connections).
Therefore, Alboan launched a campaign called Mobiles for the Earth to raise awareness of what is behind of technological devices and promote a consumption conflict-free technology products and a responsible purchase in public institutions.
The campaign promote the 3Rs: reduction (extend the use life of the devices), reutilisation (2nd hand) and recycling (2nd raw materials to avoid them becoming contaminating elements).
Mobiles for the Earth invites people and companies to recycle obsolete technological devices and donate them to Alboan. The devices become funds that are directed to social projects that are developed in the contexts where these minerals are extracted.
The campaign was presented in several public educational centres and private and public organisation together with collection of mobile devices. A picture exposition was created concerning the topic.
The campaign was funded in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and Basque Development Cooperation Agency.

Resources needed

Part of the staff is required, plus a volunteer, with a 10% dedication of their working day to the campaign. An approximate value of the campaign would be EUR 12,000 per year: promotional material, travel for awareness, collection of mobile phones and staff.

Evidence of success

From 2020 to 2022: more than 10,500 mobiles collected, 1,500 kg of material collected, 30 collaborating companies and 500 people who have changed work in the mines of Congo to others.
9 educational centres aware
73 K views about what your mobile hides?
https://n9.cl/gzn5w
7.8 K views about the conflict in D.R. of Congo
https://n9.cl/19peg
6.5 K views of with women testimony in R.D. of Congo
https://n9.cl/azuo4
6.2 K views about the situation in Colombia due to technology
https://n9.cl/p4oml

Potential for learning or transfer

The campaign is aligned with the Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. It covers several Sustainable Development Goals: 1 No poverty, 3 Good health and well-being, 5 Gender equality, 8 Decent work and economic growth, 10 Reduced inequalities, 12 Responsible consumption and production, 15 Life on land & 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions.
It has 4 objectives, promote responsible consumption, recover technological metals, manage humanitarian actions and take care of the environment.
It started in Basque Country and Navarra and was spread to other Spanish regions: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Aragón and Valencia Community.
The information was also disseminated to citizens through TV programmes: Salvados in La Sexta (national) and EITB (regional); national and regional radio stations and several newspapers.
It promotes a new national law for companies and public institutions for a responsible purchase free of conflicts, respecting human rights and environment.