Nokia offers no charger option on N79 handset

Nokia is strengthening its green credentials with the launch of a handset that can be bought without a charger. The Nokia N79 Eco is part of a trial aimed at saving energy and reducing waste.

The phone, which is the first to be launched with the option, will initially be available only from the UK Nokia online shop, although it is thought it will be made available through other outlets.

The Nokia website asks consumers whether they would like the charger-free option on more Nokia devices. The survey also asks whether buyers would like options to not purchase other accessories that normally come with a handset.

The move is part of Nokia’s power of we: environmental strategy and works on the idea that consumers will retain chargers from previous Nokia phones and use them again. As space is not required for the charger, less packaging is used. The company says that using smaller packages for phones can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of waste, as well as other benefits such as fewer road transport journeys.

Nokia has promised to donate £4 to the WWF for every N79 Eco unit sold. The manufacturer has had a relationship with the charity since 2003 when WWF ran an initiative to raise awareness of environmental issues among Nokia staff.