Vodafone and WWF Launch Creative Campaign to Encourage Phone Donations for Global Conservation

Vodafone and WWF Launch Creative Campaign to Encourage Phone Donations for Global Conservation

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone and WWF have launched a new campaign featuring animal characters like Po the panda and Obi the ostrich to encourage people to donate unused phones for responsible recycling. The initiative, part of the One Million Phones for the Planet campaign, promotes reducing electronic waste and generating funds for global conservation projects. More than half a million phones have already been donated, each contributing to WWF’s work in addressing the climate and nature crises. Vodafone’s ongoing partnership with WWF includes efforts in various countries to support sustainable solutions, including AI-based systems for wildlife protection.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERKSHIRE, 5-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Vodafone and WWF’s latest installment in the One Million Phones for the Planet campaign brings to life a playful and engaging call to action, featuring Po the panda peeking into a cupboard, Obi the ostrich rummaging through a drawer, and Gertrude the giraffe exploring an attic. This creative collaboration aims to inspire individuals to find and donate their unused mobile phones, promoting responsible recycling while raising awareness for environmental protection.

The campaign encourages the public to take a cue from these animals and “explore every drawer” in their homes to discover and donate forgotten devices. By doing so, participants will contribute to the effort of reducing electronic waste and supporting WWF’s global conservation initiatives.

“The concept behind this campaign is lighthearted but tackles a significant environmental issue,” said Anne Stiling, Head of Brand & Media at Vodafone Group. “We want people to realize the environmental value of their old phones, which can be recycled to benefit the planet. We hope our animal characters inspire joy while motivating people to take action and donate their devices to WWF’s cause.”

Kate Norgrove, Executive Director of Conservation, Advocacy & Policy at WWF UK, also emphasized the importance of donating old phones: “It’s a simple yet impactful way to lessen the environmental footprint of our technology. Each donated phone helps fund WWF’s conservation projects around the world, which are crucial for preserving ecosystems and wildlife. We encourage people to search for unused phones and contribute to our goal of reaching one million devices for the planet.”

This creative initiative was developed by Design Bridge & Partners and Garrigosa Studio under the campaign’s slogan “We need the phones you don’t.” Vodafone and WWF have collaborated since November 2022, leveraging technology to address sustainability and conservation challenges, with the One Million Phones for the Planet campaign serving as a flagship project. The initiative responds to the staggering number of 5 billion unused phones worldwide, promoting a circular economy focused on reducing waste and encouraging recycling.

More than half a million phones have already been collected, each one generating £1 for WWF’s conservation efforts. These funds are supporting global projects dedicated to tackling the climate and nature crises, including WWF’s work with Vodafone in Germany, South Africa, Greece, and the UK. Notable projects include tackling human-wildlife conflict and implementing AI-based systems to protect whales in South Africa.

To participate, individuals can donate their unused phones through Vodafone’s recycling, donation, or trade-in programs at participating stores.

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SOURCE: Vodafone Group