If you were smart and ahead of the game, it’s possible you’re reading this stance on your brand spankin’ new iPhone 4.

Try not to let the drool drip on your new screen, even though we’re positive there’s an application that can wipe that up for you.

Thursday is a momentous day for all of Steve Jobs’ minions, because many people felt that it was time for a new phone.

Not out of necessity, but out of sheer want.

Nobody can resist the temptation of newer, faster technology.

It’s completely natural to want the latest gizmo or gadget that Apple or any other company has to offer.

And with the way technology is advancing, we’re only going to replace our electronics faster and faster each year.

What’s the expression? Gotta keep up with the Jones’?

No harm in that.

While you download all your new apps, music and phone numbers, we do have a request.

If you have yet to do anything with your old phone, we ask that you dispose of it responsibly.

Ensure that it is being recycled or, if it is still working, being put to use by someone who is in need of a cell phone but may not have the means to buy a $400 phone that can do everything, anything and then some.

Cell phones are made from materials that can be harmful to the environment when they are not disposed of  properly.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling cell phones saves energy by keeping usable materials out of landfills.

Cell phones are made from materials like metals, copper and plastic.

These materials require energy to mine and manufacture. When cell phones are recycled, they are conserved so that new products may be made.

Recycling your cell phone will also help reduce greenhouse emissions and conserve natural resources.

Just because we are a nation of materialism does not mean that we have to be one of waste.

Recycling or donating your phone is such an easy way to help the environment that we can’t help but wonder why someone wouldn’t do it. It’s almost as bad as people who will throw trash or cigarette buds on the ground when there’s a trash can three feet away. The little things make all the difference.

Recycling your cell phone is definitely a less time consuming — and cheaper —way to be green than to change every light bulb in your house or buy all-natural cleaning products.

If you’re lucky enough to afford an iPhone, then it’s not going to hurt you to make this one simple step for Mother Nature.

We don’t want to sound pushy, we just think it’s silly to be wasteful.

There are a myriad of websites for which one can use to recycle his or her phone or donate it to a charity that gives cell phones to the needy. The resources are there, all it takes is a little initiative.

Be careful though — some of these websites are scams that just want to sell the guts of your old phone.

Some legit ones are: www.eco-cell.com or www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

It’s likely that your current or previous cell phone company works in conjunction with a program that will recycle your phone.

All it takes is asking.