MobileManDan
UK consumers are more conscious than ever about reaching their green goals, with new research released on Earth Day revealing that 68% of Brits have done more to bolster their eco-friendly efforts over the past two years, with reducing food waste (46%), planting a tree (39%) and walking or cycling for short trips (38%) considered the easiest and more impactful ways to reduce carbon footprint.
However, despite an increase in demand for refurbished mobile devices – illustrated by a 83% increase in sales of Vodafone refurbed devices, general awareness of the eco benefits of buying refurb is low with half of Brits (50%) unaware of the added carbon (and cost) savings that can be made by buying a refurbished phone.
In fact, Vodafone has revealed that if 50% of Brits who are considering purchasing a phone this year opted for a refurbished device, they could save 63,750,000kg of carbon – the equivalent to powering 88,174 three to four bedroom houses for a year.
- UK consumers are making more conscious shopping decisions than ever before with almost half (45%) considering their impact on the planet before purchasing new items.
- Yet seven in 10 (70%) are still searching for easier ways to help the planet.
- The switches consumers consider having the most positive impact on the planet are reducing food waste (46%), planting a tree (39%) and walking or cycling for short trips (38%), but there is also a growing trend towards choosing refurbed mobile devices in a bid to help the planet.
- This increasing demand is supported by the 83% increase that Vodafone has seen in refurbished sales over the last year.
- 79% of Brits purchasing a new phone this year would consider a refurbished device to save money (42%) or to help the environment (27%).
- Yet if just 50% of Brits switched to a refurbished device in 2024, an astonishing 63,750,000kg carbon could be saved, enough to power the equivalent of 88,174 family homes across the UK for a year.
Vodafone wants to encourage the nation to consider a refurbished device when looking to upgrade their phone in 2024, which reduces their carbon footprint but still helps them upgrade their smartphone to the latest Apple and Samsung models including the iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23.
With climate change an immediate threat and daily stories around potential solutions dominating the news agenda, the research also revealed that almost half (49%) of people are overwhelmed by climate change discussions but would do more to become greener if they knew how (70%).
With 27% of Brits turning to refurbished devices due to the environmental benefits and 42% for cost savings, the third (30%) who wouldn’t consider a refurb phone are most concerned by poor battery life (64%), the longevity of the phone (57%) and having a faulty device (56%).
Vodafone is challenging this with its market leading Lifetime Service Promise offering on Vodafone EVO, meaning every new and refurbished phone comes with Battery Refresh and Lifetime Warranty, so phones last longer with Vodafone, at no extra cost.
What’s more, all refurbished phones are available on Vodafone EVO, the smart way to buy a smartphone. With interest-free (0% APR), 3-36 months phone contracts, flexible upfront costs and upgrades as early as 3 months into the plan. This flexible mobile offering lets customers get smartphones at a price that suits them best.
Kester Mann, Director, Consumer and Connectivity at CCS Insight, said: “It’s great to see Vodafone accelerate its efforts around refurbished mobile phones. Buying pre-owned rather than brand new can significantly reduce carbon emissions at a time when protecting the planet has never been higher up the agenda. CCS Insight’s recent consumer research for the UK shows that the share of people using a refurbished mobile phone as their primary personal device has more than doubled over the past five years to about one in ten. And encouragingly for future adoption, more than half expressed interest in taking a refurbished mobile phone next time they change or upgrade.”
A Vodafone spokesperson commented: “Our research and the 83% increase that we’ve seen in our sales of refurb devices shows consumers are seeking out alternative ways to be green and this is being extended to their tech shopping habits. By highlighting the huge environmental impact buying second-hand can make, we hope to encourage more of the nation to lean into the benefits of buying a refurbished device.”
Customers interested in buying a refurb device, can pick up the latest devices from Apple and Samsung on Vodafone’s reliable, award-winning network** such as the iPhone 15 from £31 per month (£20 upfront cost) with 8GB data and the Samsung Galaxy S23 from £36.50 per month (£20 upfront cost) with 3GB data.
Vodafone’s refurbished range comes fully tested with a 32-point health check and all data wiped. Devices are more affordable and have a lower carbon footprint than buying a new device. They’re fully sanitised and for complete peace of mind, there’s a 14-day no quibble return policy too.
