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37 Comments on What do you think about cell phones? Should I switch to Credo?

Kate on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 1:48 pm


Silly cell phone companies and their silly rules. I am an AT&T customer too…and I agree…I don't think I am going to give up my perfectly good phone. But I am glad this Credo program exists!

nollij on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:28 pm


I've been in the same moral quandry for quite some time. I was dissapointed when I found out that my working assets/credo credit card was managed by MBNA (now Bank of America), neither of which hold the same values as me. Calculating the footprint of both decisions could cost you much time and agony, but lord knows I've done that kind of weighing myself. I've decided that when my Treo 700p final craps out, I'll switch to Credo and pray that they have a Palm compatible smart phone at that point. I would like to do away with it all together, but I'm not willing to give up the cell phone… yet. I'm still trying to figure out what it's gonna take for me to say "enough is enough".

Robj98168 on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:45 pm


Excuse my ignorance- What is credo?

Michael on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:49 pm


Definitely understand the dilemma and I must admit I am biased as I am a CREDO employee– which would be to make the switch.

It sounds like our plans and service is not the issue, but phones.

As far as switching to a new phone, we do have a great recycling program which you already mentioned (checkout: http://www.collectivegood.com/partners/index.aspx?organization_id=2).

We also have a selection of refurbished flip phones, but if you wanted to switch to a smartphone, we do have a small qty of refurbished Motorola Q9C (all compatible with outlook or gmail contacts to migrate from Palm).

If you are interested, let me know and we can work something out and as always feel free to contact me directly with any and all questions.

Cheers,

Michael Weston
mweston@credomobile.com

Michael on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:49 pm


Definitely understand the dilemma and I must admit I am biased as I am a CREDO employee– which would be to make the switch.

It sounds like our plans and service is not the issue, but phones.

As far as switching to a new phone, we do have a great recycling program which you already mentioned (checkout: http://www.collectivegood.com/partners/index.aspx?organization_id=2).

We also have a selection of refurbished flip phones, but if you wanted to switch to a smartphone, we do have a small qty of refurbished Motorola Q9C (all compatible with outlook or gmail contacts to migrate from Palm).

If you are interested, let me know and we can work something out and as always feel free to contact me directly with any and all questions.

Cheers,

Michael Weston
mweston@credomobile.com

Erin on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:55 pm


My vote would be make the switch, opt for a refurbed phone, and then donate your old one rather than recycling it. A phone with no service plan can still call 911, so there are several organizations who take these phones and give them to people in domestic abuse situations. In my area there is a dropbox for this in Officemax. Seems to me a better option than shipping it off to god knows where for downcycling.

Tameson on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:56 pm


Where I live the ONLY cell phone question is "can you get service at your house?" There are only 2 options, the one that gets service or landline only.

Michael on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 2:58 pm


CREDO uses the Sprint network, so depending on where you live coverage should be pretty solid.

Pure Mothers on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 3:24 pm


I just got a flyer in the mail from Credo and was thinking about switching too. I already have Sprint as my carrier and get good service, but like Credo's values. I say, donate your current phone to a program that you know will get your phone to someone in need and get the upgraded phone with Credo. You should be able to check emails and blog when away from home. You have important information to share and need access to spreading it!

Kathy G on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 5:03 pm


I wasn't aware of Credo Mobile. Thanks for the information.

I don't know if it would be a viable choice for me at this point. Our account (through AT&T) has four lines: me, DH, and two of our children. Each of us buying even an inexpensive Credo phone would add up to a big chunk of change!

Michael on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 5:19 pm


Just as an FYI CREDO has a selection FREE phones and would "buyout" your current contract– crediting your account with up to $200 for each line, up to 3 lines.

Academic2 on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 5:36 pm


I have Credo and have for the last 8 months. I switched from a Cricket plan.

I have the Motorola Q specifically because I wanted to hook up to my email. I was never–despite more than a cumulative 10+ hours on the phone with them–able to do so. NEVER NEVER NEVER. CSRs read from a script, tried to set me up with a forwarding account, and asked about 10 times if I was tryign to forward a hotmail account.

My phone then, after about 6 months–started going ka-flooy. After some negotiation, they sent me a new (used?) phone.

This phone is dropping calls left and right. It is the most annoying thing I have ever encountered. I had lots of trouble getting the bluetooth feature on this to work as well. There is apparently some conflict between Vista and this phone (which annoys me because I got the Q specifically for the smart phone capabilities.)

I love their progressive politics (particularly since my wife works for one of the groups they support), but the phone service (at least for me) has been less than stellar. I think about getting an iPhone all the time, but don't really want to go to ATT.

Oh, and their phone bills are consistently 6+ pages long. (But they are on recycled paper without a plastic window envelope.)

Michael on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 5:53 pm


WOW! This is really shocking to hear… give me call between 9-5pm PST on Monday (415) 369-2023 and we can sort you out with a solution and possibly replace your phone if needed.

Ashlyn on Fri, 12th Jun 2009 9:06 pm


Most of the above points sound great, but I'm very eeeehh about Greenpeace. They seem to put a lot of time, effort and money into some bafflingly crazy stuff that doesn't get the cause anywhere in the long run.

All in all though, I think it sounds like the greenest option in this case is to donate the old phone and get a refurbished one from Credo.

However, Michael, there is such a thing as trying too hard. I'm sure the decision is hard enough without her feeling like there's a salesperson standing over her in her own blog, you know? People get enough of that in-store!

Julie on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 8:18 am


As a former At&T Customer Service rep I feel obliged to inform you that you can call in and get the unlock code for your phone. The unlock code allows it to be used on any network. They usually only give it out if you're going overseas and still want to use your phone (hint) and it can take two weeks to get. If they don't fork it over, you can call the manufacturer and get it from them. That way you can have your cake and eat it too!

mmm…cake

Pheas on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 9:07 am


I would talk to Sprint users in your area before making the switch. I previously had Sprint and suffered frequent dropped calls or total service outage. I never got satisfactory reimbursement for my inconvenience, nor would they let me out of my contract early. At the time, Sprint was rated last by Consumer Reports, so, much as I'd love to support Credo, I won't go near Sprint. I certainly hope service has improved in the last few years, but do check around first if you're otherwise inclined to make the switch.

OldMeriwether on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 10:57 am


So, been with Credo for about a year. Had a phone diverted from a landfill before that. Credo's been pretty good. A bit too political, and don't always agree with how divisively partisan some e-mails can be. Just like anything else, there are tradeoffs. The solar powered phone they offer has not worked well, so have had to charge with electricity. All that said, go with Credo. Best option.

-Graham Meriwether

Anonymous on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 1:58 pm


I'm deaf, so the only phones I can use are Blackberry-type phones with QWERTY keyboards. I LOVE my phone, and use it for extensive web browsing as well as e-mail and text messages. However, I'd caution you against blogging with a Blackberry-type phone, because tendinitis is a very real risk when you use your thumbs for that much typing. I try to limit my typing to short messages that are time-sensitive.

I like to read blogs and other web sites on my phone because the phone uses much, much less electricity than my computer. Unfortunately, a few of my favorite web sites, including Fake Plastic Fish, don't display correctly on my phone's screen. All I see of your blog postings are the first one or two letters of each line. This may not be a problem with some of the newer phones. Anyway, if reducing electrical consumption is a goal for you, choosing a phone that can access the web sites you like to visit may compensate for the plastic-and-toxic-heavy-metal aspect of a new phone.

Like you, I've been thinking about switching phone companies. I'd like to choose one that supports causes I believe in, such as the environment and gay rights. However, I'm 100% opposed to abortion, and could never, ever give money to a company that provides funding to NARAL. If you know of a green phone company that takes no stand on abortion, I'd appreciate a recommendation.

Jen

Fake Plastic Fish on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 7:15 pm


Hi Jen. I'll have to look into why my page doesn't display properly on a mobile device. There is code in the template for mobiles, but since I don't have the kind of phone that displays web sites, I was never able to test it and see if it worked. Oh, also, the transcript for the Oprah video is now up on my site here: http://www.fakeplasticfish.com/2009/04/my-video-thank-you-to-oprah-please-join.html

Everyone else, thanks for your input. Michael, thanks for your explanations. I have to admit though that I did suddenly feel concerned my blog had become a Credo commercial with all your enthusiastic comments. I will certainly call you on Monday to ask about the refurbished Moto Q. Hold one for me. I think that might be my best option. (I don't like to buy new plastic, as you know.)

I know I won't be able to hook up my work email because we use an older version of Exchange. But my Yahoo email should work just fine.

Village Green on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 9:06 pm


I've been on Credo for over two years. I haven't signed on for a new contract yet as I'm checking out those on-demand companies. I think I'm paying way too much for what I get. I've been debating giving up the land line, but it will be a hassle as all personal credit cards, bank accounts and etceteras will need to be contacted to change the phone number.

Beth, as for your concern about switching and having to get a new phone, as long as you are donating the old one to a good cause, then you shouldn't have to sweat it ethically. As for which phone, that is ultimately a personal decision to be based on your particular needs.

Annie on Sun, 14th Jun 2009 9:02 am


My husband and I debated over switching from Verizon for ages, and finally did switch to Credo. However, there was no service at my huband's work (in Berkeley), which meant that the phone was pretty much useless for us. When we called Credo they just said, oh well, you should switch back. We did, and we HATE Verizon, and customer service has been awful, but unfortunately Credo didn't work out. Definitely try to find someone else who has the service to let you use their phone in your usual locations, if at all possible.

ruchi on Sun, 14th Jun 2009 2:25 pm


Can I ask Michael if he's still reading where are these trees planted? I am always extremely hesitant to support companies that plant trees in the South … I know it sounds good, but it can be done in really harmful ways to people's livelihoods and without doing more research on Credo's practices I'd be concerned. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've read about women being forced to walk miles to get firewood to their physical and mental detriment because the forests around them were labeled as "protected."

I'd also like to know what Credo is doing to push phone makers to make more 1) durable phones, 2) to recycle and reuse parts more, and 3) if there are any plans to come up with their own phones made from recycled and reused parts that are ethically manufactured under fair labor practices? Or partner with a company to do these things? Because I would love to support a phone company that supports both livelihoods and the environment with both their phones and their service. It sounds like Credo is currently just using the Sprint phones, but perhaps they are considering their own line in the future?

The Green Cat on Sun, 14th Jun 2009 8:17 pm


Use your current phone until it needs to be replaced and then switch. In the meantime, set aside additional funds to donate to some of the causes Credo supports. Will the Credo service cost you more than your current service? If so, you can set aside the difference to donate. If not, decide how much it's worth to you.

If you feel you MUST switch now, donate your old (usable) phone to someone who will get the most use out of it. Many areas have 911-only programs for at-risk people. Or you could give it away on Freecycle or Craigslist–I don't know about out there in CA, but it seems folks in NY lose or break their phones all the time and are always looking for replacements!

Jennae @ Green Your Decor on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 8:11 am


I've been considering the same thing after I got that email from Green America. I'm with AT&T too, but I just got my iPhone in March, and I'm not willing to give it up. If I could get with as much functionality as the iPhone, maybe I'd switch to Credo and give mine away as a gift. But even then, I think I'd be better off keeping the phone I already have instead of getting a brand new phone. But the fact that Credo is making so many of us think about it is proof they're doing something right.

Michael on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 10:20 am


Just wanted to apologize if I came across as too eager… just want to ensure folks have the info they need to make a decision. As such, folks can feel free to contact me at mweston@credomobile.com and we can take those discussions offline.

Again, my apologies.

-Michael

Laura on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 10:56 am


I work for a company that works with all major carriers for cell phones. The company ports cell phone applications to devices for other developers. From working in this field, I've had to deal with carriers, their devices, the recycling aspects as well as the purchasing of used devices.

Here's what I have to say. If you like your device and it works for you, continue using it. If you plan on working from home, or the Bart or any number of places an upgrade to a Smart phone is always desirable. You can always go on eBay to purchase used refurbished phones for your company (it's really easy with ATT since you just switch out the SIM card, it's much more complicated with BREW carriers aka Verizon, Alltel, US Cellular, etc).

Now, when it comes to service, do you like your ATT service? If no, why? Can you do anything about dealing with that carrier to make it a better service (carriers especially ATT and Verizon, from my personal experience with them, like to help and see what they can do to make their services better for their customers). If you want to switch, I recommend looking into if they are another carrier that would have their own cell phone towers or if they purchase bandwidth from the main carriers and what your contract will be limited to.

Switching around carriers is definitely a complex issue as well as choosing a cell phone. It really depends on what your desires are and which device works best for you. As stated previously, it's really easy to get a refurbished phone on eBay (that's where my company gets theirs), with that though, make sure to check your seller, etc.

So if it comes down to the carbon footprint, if the other carrier has their own cell phone towers, we're adding more towers to an already stressed market space. If they're purchasing bandwidth from another carrier, say ATT, you will be limited to how much you are given and generally to city areas. However, does the company's means put forward the lifestyle choices that you are making? If it's a no, wouldn't it be better to work with the company to implement those changes? Or is it better to implement those changes by having your dollars do the talking and go to the competition?

Truly, only you can make those decisions and choices. If you have further questions on cell phones and want more detailed information on carriers, please let me know, I deal with them nearly every day.

Di DeSan on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 5:51 pm


ha ha ha I don't know either what Credo is. But if it uses Sprint's network…well.. we used that company before and we didn't have any signal at home or work.

Di DeSan on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 5:56 pm


I checked this Company's Website and is pretty impressive. Pretty cool Company.

http://www.credomobile.com/Mission/Green-Statement.aspx

Pheas on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 7:03 pm


She did explain what Credo is in the post, you know:

For those who don't know, Credo used to be called Working Assets. It's a socially responsible company that gives large amounts of money to progressive causes. In fact, Credo/Working Assets has been my long distance carrier for "16 long years," according to the customer service rep I spoke to this morning, and I've always felt good about this ethical choice. But back when I bought my first cell phone, Credo wasn't in the cellular business, so I went with AT&T (then Cingular.)

Fake Plastic Fish on Mon, 15th Jun 2009 7:16 pm


@Pheas — thanks for stating what I was thinking.

cpcable on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 2:04 pm


Just to complicate matters:

http://sustainablog.org/2009/06/17/a-revealing-look-at-the-conflict-materials-in-your-cell-phone/

The use of conflict materials is what keeps me from replacing my cell phone…or from getting many new electronic devices for that matter.

ariella on Wed, 17th Jun 2009 9:02 pm


how can Credo be donating money to Greenpeace if they don't take any corporate donations?

Britt Bravo on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:46 am


Hi Beth,

I asked a similar question a couple years ago.

You can check out what people said then too:

http://havefundogood.blogspot.com/2007/11/do-you-have-working-assets-cell-phone.html

Yazad Dhunjisha on Sat, 25th Jul 2009 2:04 pm


if u want a really environmentally friendly cell phone, get sony ericsson naite. it uses recycled plastics and has an e-manual in the phone to save power. it also has decent features and uses a low power consuming charger.i has good battery life. visit sony ericsson website to learn more…

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Elizabeth Kansas on Wed, 16th Dec 2009 9:31 pm


I love Credo. They have great beliefs and great customer service. Sometimes there are issues with phones, but that doesn’t make it necessarily the companies fault, that is why there are manufacturer’s warrenties.

So you don’t believe in Abortion, but you believe in all the other stuff! You wouldn’t want to give money to that.

Plus they’ve donated so much. Maybe it is a little more pricey SOMETIMES depends on what you want but they are quite competetive….I was with Verizon and AT&T…I would pay to talk to someone at Credo over ever having to call AT&T again…..I don’t think they even know what polite means.

I agent I got at Credo went out of her way to make sure I understood what I was getting. She was so sweet.

I’d never want to support politicians and all the shit ATT and Verizon do. They give money to the bad guys time and time again…..it’s ridiculous and sad.

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