Samsung unveils solar powered mobile phone

Samsung Electronics has unveiled the solar-powered "Blue Earth" touchscreen mobile phone, allowing environmentally conscious consumers to purchase a phone made from recycled parts.

Using solar power, the phone is able to harness enough power so it can place a call anytime anywhere, Samsung said in the press release.  The back of the phone has a solar panel — a 10-minute charge allows the owner to make a call for up to three minutes.

Blue Earth is made from recycled plastic consisting of broken down water bottles, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of Samsung’s manufacturing plants.

"Samsung’s ‘The Blue Earth Dream’ demonstrates our small but meaningful commitments for the future and our environment," said JK Shin, Samsung Electronics Vice President of Mobile Communications.  "We are committed to achieving the highest eco-status with our customers and business partners by providing the best eco-products and promoting eco-activities."

An "Eco mode" interface on the phone allows owners to adjust backlight duration time and other similar features on the phone.

Samsung plans to show off the phone during the Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona, Spain.

There has been a growing movement among consumers to request more environmentally friendly products from manufacturers, so it will be interesting to see what consumers think of this mobile phone.