Yet, with a mobile phone ownership rate of 160% or so, many Hong Kongers own more than one mobile phone. Since few humans can conduct multiple conversations simultaneously, it's clear that many of these phones are more fashion-accessory than communication device. Who cares about their OS or even if they have SIM cards--they're essentially bling-bling.

Accessorize how you please (and handset-manufacturers are grateful for the business), but realize that handsets contain various that are valuable, toxic, or both. Recently, "rare earth elements" (unique mineral-substances used in industrial production) have assumed geo-political importance--they're part of the worldwide supply chain. You may never have heard of indium, but it's a key ingredient in LCD screens.

This situation has helped recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) an essential component of national policy rather than a "green" thing-to-do. The New York Times reported in October 2010 that "problems with Chinese supplies of rare earths have sent Japanese traders and companies in search of alternative sources."