Green is definitely in, and AT&T plans to get on the bandwagon with new initiatives focused on reducing wasteful packaging and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing requirements. In the end, the carrier hopes to encourage recycling, improve energy efficiency and, of course, help its bottom line. These new requirements include:

• Suppliers will be required to reduce packaging, use non-petroleum based inks and use recycled materials for in-box documentation of new devices.
• Seventy-five percent of new devices will be at least 65 percent recyclable. By weight, most of the new phones AT&T sells will be made of materials that can be recycled when the phones are retired.
• A majority of new devices will comply with the GSMA Universal Charging Solution. This will allow consumers to use a single, more energy-efficient charger with most new devices.
• All new devices will be compliant with the European Unions' Restriction of Hazardous Substances mandate. This directive restricts the use of lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials used in electronic equipment.
• Suppliers will be required to assert that all devices delivered to AT&T have avoided virgin materials mined in conflict zones within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

By slimming down clamshell packaging for phone and chargers and replacing it with small, recyclable paper boxes for batteries and data cables, AT&T hopes to eliminate 60% of the paper and 30% of the plastic previously used for accessory products.

The plans will be set in motion this year with full implementation expected by the end of 2011.