Small things do matter

Earth Day is a moment to reflect on how we need to make better decisions for the planet. But it’s a big place, and sometimes it’s hard to recognise the impact of smaller sustainability efforts.

Every tiny change Vodafone makes with recycling, refurbishing or switching to smarter tech is a step in the right direction towards helping the planet.

And although each contribution might feel small, together our collective impact can create positive changes.

Collecting one million phones for the planet

The latest collaboration in Vodafone and WWF’s One Million Phones for the Planet campaign brings animals and phones together to encourage people to donate their unused phones for responsible recycling. “We need the phones you don’t” aims to encourage the public to mimic the behaviour of CGI animals that are ‘exploring every drawer’ in their home to unearth and donate unused phones.

Reducing the carbon footprint of Vodafone’s media and advertising

Vodafone’s award-winning Sustainable Media Programme has reduced the carbon footprint of its media and advertising activities by more than a third in a year between Q3 FY23 and Q3 FY24. Vodafone looked at the climate impact of advertising on channels ranging from cinema and TV, magazines and newspapers, to billboards and digital advertising on social, video and search.

Vodafone’s TV set-top-boxes receive TÜV Green Product Mark

Vodafone’s TV 3 (Giga TV Home) and TV PLAY (GigaTV Home Sound) Set Top Boxes are the first to obtain the prestigious Green Product Mark by TÜV Rheinland, helping customers make a more informed choice on their environmental performance. TUV certified that TV 3 is at least 5x more energy efficient and TV PLAY is at least 4x more energy efficient than EU-industry agreement proposals.

The casings for both STBs are made using recycled plastic, with the case for the Vodafone TV PLAY Set Top Box comprised of 99% recycled plastic. Plastic has also been removed on all accessories shipped with Vodafone TV, including the power supply and cables.

Refurbished devices

In many markets, Vodafone offers high-quality refurbished phone handsets backed by a 24-month warranty. Not only does this help our customers save money, but buying and using a refurbished phone over a two-year period avoids around 50kg of carbon emissions compared to a new handset. It also requires the extraction of 76.9kg less raw materials.

eSIMs and Eco-SIM

To reduce the impact of physical SIMs on the planet, Vodafone SIM cards are supplied in half-sized card holders made using recycled plastic. Although most customers are still using a physical SIM card, Vodafone is increasingly offering eSIM by default when customers order their phones online.

Protecting Atlantic salmon from the effects of rising water

Vodafone’s IoT technology is helping to protect Atlantic salmon from the effects of rising water temperatures and changing rainfall patterns caused by climate change. IoT is being used to monitor water quality and temperatures at the River Nith in Scotland.

Helping to cut UK water consumption

Vodafone and SUEZ – a specialist in remote water meter reading – are helping to reduce unnecessary water consumption in the UK and beyond. By remotely reading smart water meters, Vodafone’s IoT technology can monitor usage and detect leaks, potentially helping to lower water consumption by up to 15%.

Testing new technology to prevent wildfires

New IoT technology aiming to protect forests and people against wildfires has been successfully tested in Sardinia, Italy. The technology uses advanced sensors capable of detecting heat, smoke, gas and changing humidity levels to give early warnings of wildfire and alert emergency services before it gets out of control.

Preventing conflict between wildlife and humans in Africa

Vodafone, in partnership with Safaricom and WWF, is leveraging AI and IoT technology to tackle human-wildlife conflict in Africa. The innovative m-Twiga system provides an early warning and deterrent mechanism to help protect both wildlife and local communities.

Helping to protect Mediterranean seagrass

Working with the Oceanus Lab at the University of Patras, Vodafone Foundation Greece is helping to map underwater meadows of Posidonia seagrass using sonar systems, autonomous underwater vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles. Often referred to as ‘the lungs of the Mediterranean’, Posidonia is vital to the sea’s ecosystem.