By Angelica Guevara

The biggest names in mobile phones are coming together to create a universal phone charger based on a micro-USB connector for all Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG, T-Mobile, Orange, 3, AT&T and Vodafone cellphones.

A universal cellphone charger will be more energy efficient and consume less than 50% of energy in stand-by.  Mitti Storckovius, director of environment, devices at Nokia stated "By supporting this industry initiative on common charging solutions, and enabling consumers to choose if they need a charger with every new device or can re-use existing ones, we can contribute further in improving the industry's environmental footprint."

he majority of new handsets will support the re-charger by 2012 giving an estimated potential elimination of up to 51,000 different recharging units.