A new California law, set to go into effect tomorrow July 1, mandates that all drivers use a handsfree device while talking on their cellphones (’cellphone’ or ‘cell phone’? you decide).  The state of Washington has a similar handsfree cellphone law also going into effect tomorrow. In addition to benefiting public safety, the new laws are providing a sales boost to cellphone accessories retailers, like Santa Cruz California based Plantronics (feel free to leave any conspiracy theories in the comments).  In addition to keeping you focused on the road, recent research suggests using your cellphone may give you brain cancer, so it’s probably best to keep the phone away from your head anyway.  Check out our socially responsible ways to transition to a handsfree cellphone existence after the jump…

Learn the facts: the California DMV has a surprisingly easy to read fact sheet on the new law

Just top talking: if you’re not using your phone at all, you can’t be violating the law. California and Washington are both beautiful states - focus on driving the and enjoy the view!  Feel free to use your new appreciation of the environment as inspiration to be more carbon neutral.

Upgrade your cellphone plan: new cellphone plans ofter the best cell phones with new safer features like Bluetooth headset capability and voice dialing.

takepart: and recycle your old cellphone - or even better -  donate your old cell phone to victims of domestic violence or soldiers overseas so that they have a lifeline to the support they need.