Daily, there are hundreds of mobile phones that are tossed out and replaced with newer models, but as the 'Social Butterflies' of the Natural History Museum London show, old phones can be put to better use.
The exhibition was revealed ahead of World Environment Day at the museum's Butterfly House. As well as being pretty neat to look at, the butterflies can be interacted with too. Each upcycled cell phone butterfly comes with its own phone number, which can be called to have it spread its wings.
The butterflies made from old mobile phones were commissioned as part of the O2 Recycle campaign, which trades unwanted gadgets like phones, tablets, MP3 players and cameras for up to £260—an offer that's available to both O2 and non-O2 customers. Since 2009, the O2 Recycle program has given £77 million to customers in exchange for trading in their old tech.
Mobile Phone Butterflies
The Natural History Museum London Has Some Interesting New Butterflies
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling Electronics - The trend of upcycling electronics, like old mobile phones, is gaining momentum as businesses and consumers look for sustainable ways to reduce electronic waste.
2. Interactive Art Exhibitions - Interactive art exhibitions are becoming increasingly popular, creating immersive experiences for visitors and allowing them to engage with the artwork in unique ways.
3. Trade-in Programs - Trade-in programs, like the O2 Recycle campaign, are growing in popularity as consumers seek financial incentives to recycle their old gadgets and upgrade to new ones.
Industry Implications
1. Electronics Recycling - The electronics recycling industry has the opportunity to leverage the growing trend of upcycling electronics as a means to reduce e-waste and minimize environmental impact.
2. Art and Museum - The art and museum industry can capitalize on the trend of interactive art exhibitions to create engaging and memorable experiences for visitors, fostering a deeper connection with the artwork and the institution.
3. Telecommunications - The telecommunications industry can explore trade-in programs similar to the O2 Recycle campaign to encourage customers to recycle their old devices, while also driving customer loyalty and new device sales.