Sprint touts ecocentric LG Optimus Elite

Apple likes to boast about its Earth-friendly products that it strives to build with minimum impact to the planet. Sprint's new LG Optimus Elite, however, could give the iPhone a run for its money -- at least in the green department. LG claims the Optimus Elite uses a casing that's crafted from 50 percent recycled plastic and is ULE Platinum certified, the most stringent label awarded by the UL environmental body. The company also says the handset doesn't contain harmful materials such as PVC plastics, phthalates, halogens, or Mercury. Besides its environmentally oriented credentials, the Optimus Elite looks to be a credible Android smartphone as well. It runs Gingerbread (Android 2.3) with a 3.5-inch screen plus is equipped with an NFC chip for Google Wallet mobile payment support. The phone's other specs, such as a single-core 800MHz processor, 3G data connection, and 5MP camera won't impress power mobile users though. That said, for a low $29.99 (after $50 rebate and two-year contract) I suppose you can't expect the world, just try to save it perhaps. Expect the LG Optimus Elite to hit stores just in time for Earth Day on Sunday April 22.