What does my mobile plan have to do with climate protection?

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Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, browsing, streaming, online banking, and entertainment. Few other devices have changed our lives so fundamentally in such a short time. But while digitalization makes everyday life easier and more efficient, it also impacts the environment and climate.

The production, usage, and disposal of smartphones are extremely resource-intensive. An average device weighing about 80 grams is responsible for around 75 kilograms of resource consumption throughout its life cycle—nearly a thousand times its own weight. Most of this environmental burden occurs before the device is even used: during the extraction of rare raw materials, in energy-intensive production processes, and through complex, global supply chains. Additionally, many phones are replaced early and end up in drawers or as electronic waste. Yet much could be saved through longer usage, repairs, and conscious consumption.

And it’s not just production and disposal that impact the climate—our daily smartphone use does, too. The mobile communications sector requires enormous amounts of energy and thus generates CO₂ emissions—which continue to rise with ongoing digitalization.

Sustainable mobile communication?
Providers like WEtell rely on a truly sustainable business model and demonstrate that digitalization can also work in a resource-efficient way. Learn more now and communicate more consciously!

Energy Consumption & CO₂ Emissions from Mobile Networks

Most emissions in the mobile sector are caused by the immense energy demand needed to operate network infrastructure—such as cell towers, servers, and data centers—and to process large volumes of data. And this demand is steadily growing.

According to the Green Cloud Computing research project commissioned by the German Environment Agency, one hour of HD video streaming over a 4G network emits around 13 grams of CO₂. Even in the more efficient 5G network, it’s still 5 grams. Scaled to millions of daily streams, this results in significant emissions.

If possible, data-heavy applications should be used via Wi-Fi, which is generally more energy-efficient and thus more climate-friendly. Wi-Fi connections are more stable and consume less energy, as they transmit over shorter distances than mobile networks.

What Sustainable Mobile Providers Do Differently

In response to the ecological challenges of the mobile sector, green mobile providers are emerging. They show that digital communication can be more resource-friendly—by using green electricity, climate-neutral data centers, plastic-free SIM cards, and offsetting remaining CO₂ emissions.

Some providers go even further, investing directly in renewable energy projects—not just to offset their footprint, but to actively improve it.

The goal is clear: mobile usage that doesn't come at the expense of the environment, without requiring users to compromise on network quality or service plans. Many of these providers rely on established infrastructures like the D-Netz and offer competitive prices and services.

So it’s worth taking a closer look: those who consider the impact of their mobile contract will quickly realize that a conscious decision is also possible here. You don’t have to switch providers immediately—but it makes sense to reflect on the issue and understand the differences between conventional and sustainable providers.

Rethinking the Economy: The Common Good Economy as a Guiding Principle

Sustainable mobile service is about more than just electricity and CO₂ offsets. It’s part of a fundamentally different understanding of business—centered around the Common Good Economy.

This alternative model of economics prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet over profit maximization. But what does that mean in practice? It translates into fair working conditions, transparent corporate governance, and employee co-determination. It also includes conscious financial strategies: instead of investing in high-return, climate-damaging industries, capital is directed toward renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, or social projects.

The Common Good Economy begins where companies take holistic responsibility for their actions. It’s not just about operating efficiently, but acting ethically and transparently—through fair wages, traceable supply chains, sustainable investments, and a work culture focused on participation and purpose.

Sustainable. Transparent. Fair. – Spotlight on WEtell

The mobile provider WEtell is taking an innovative and intentional approach: they voluntarily undergo Common Good balance sheet assessments to transparently show how their actions impact the environment, society, and employees. Sustainability is embedded in all areas of WEtell’s business—from the office to the supply chain. They avoid CO₂ where possible and offset unavoidable emissions using biochar—a method in which CO₂ is captured from biomass and stored in the soil long-term.

Together with naturstrom and Ecosia, they invest in the construction of solar power systems in Germany—actively contributing to the energy transition. WEtell’s commitment also extends to data privacy: customer data is not sold, and decisions are made transparently—with people and the planet as their priorities over pure profit.

Greenwashing or Real Change? What You Should Look Out For!

Not everything labeled “green” actually is. Some providers promote sustainability without changing their business practices—a classic case of greenwashing. That’s why it’s important for consumers to look more closely:

• Is certified green electricity actually being used?
• Are there verifiable proofs of CO₂ offsetting?
• What happens to company profits—are they reinvested sustainably or funneled into profit-driven funds and traditional financial markets?

Guidance is provided by independent initiatives like EcoTopTen from the Öko-Institut or the Common Good Matrix, which helps assess a company’s social and environmental impact.

You can also gain insights from terms & conditions, company structure, and ownership—to see how genuinely sustainability is practiced.

Real sustainability is reflected not in words but in actions. What matters is how companies take responsibility—for example, in the transparent presentation of decision-making processes and their handling of resources, employees, and profits. This is what separates credible commitment from empty promises.

More Climate Protection in Mobile Communications

In recent years, sustainable mobile communication has moved increasingly into focus—and for good reason. Switching to a green provider is easy, costs nothing, and is a clear step toward a better future.

Because our daily communication consumes energy—whether we’re streaming, surfing, or calling. Those who reflect on their digital footprint and use digital services more mindfully help make the digital world a little more climate-friendly.

With the right mobile provider, you can actively avoid CO₂—or even make your mobile usage entirely climate-neutral. And all that without major effort or higher costs.

If you want to take action yourself, check out our partner!
WEtell is Germany’s first fully common-good-oriented mobile provider. They are climate-neutral by balance, invest in solar energy, and consistently protect your data from commercial use. The company is not owned by a corporation but by itself—placing clear values above profit.

👉 With the 2zero reward, you even have the chance to get your first basic monthly fee for free. Perfect for trying out sustainable mobile service for yourself!