Gorillas and Cell Phones

Cell phones are in hot demand and as the demand increases, so does the impact on gorillas habitat in the Congo.

Cell phones contain a rare metal ore called Coltan. Coltan is used as a semiconductor. Coltan is found in Central Africa. Increased mining operations of coltan means habitat loss and increased hunting pressure on gorillas and other wildlife.

Cell phone popularity over the past five years induced a flood of more than 10,000 illegal miners into the "protected" parks. Needing food, some of the illegal miners have hunted and killed gorillas and elephants to near extinction in these areas.

What can you Do To Help?

Recycle your old cell phone. There are more than 150 million cell phone users in the United States. Each year, more then 100 million cell phones are thrown away or stuffed in a drawer.

Recycle your cell phone and help someone

Donating your cell phone also benefits your community. When cell phones and accessories are in good working condition, some programs donate them to a number of worthy charities or provide them for discounted sale to those who need them. In addition, many recycling programs use the proceeds to raise funds for charitable organizations, schools, churches and other social causes. In some cases, programs buy the phone back from the consumer.