Scientists make phone cover that turns into flower

[fryguy]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/12/06/cellphonecover.sunflower.reut/index.html

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Reuters) -- Scientists said on Monday they have come up with a cell phone cover that will grow into a sunflower when thrown away.

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Researchers at the University of Warwick in Britain then helped to develop a phone cover that contains a sunflower seed, which will feed on the nitrates that are formed when the polyvinylalcohol polymer cover turns to waste.

"It's a totally biodegradable and non-toxic plastic," said Pvaxx spokesman Peter Morris.

<snip>

Some 650 million mobile phones will be sold this year, and most of them will be thrown away within two years, burdening the environment with plastics, heavy metals and chemicals. A biodegradable cover can offer some relief for nature, Warwick University said.

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[Q3JR4]

1. That's very cool....

[Q3JR4]

2. Why didn't they think of it before I wonder?