The CTIA wireless association endorsed a plan to create a common format for all cellular phone chargers.

The plan, known as Universal Charging Solution, aims to have the majority of all new mobile phones use MicroUSB as a common charging interface. This would potentially lower the costs for end users because they could use the same charger for future handsets.

For the cell phone makers, the plan could lead to reduced research and development costs, as well as lower manufacturing costs. Additionally, CTIA said having a universal charging connector would lead to 50% fewer chargers being manufactured, which would help reduce greenhouse gases.

"Earth Day serves as a great reminder that the wireless industry and all of us have a role to play when it comes to taking care of our planet," said Steve Largent, CEO of the CTIA, in a statement. "We recognize the need and the responsibility we have to help create a low-carbon economy, and the initiative to adopt a 'Universal Charging Solution' is an important step in the right direction."

The UCS plan was first introduced in February by the GSMA trade group, and it was backed by companies like AT&T, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia, T-Mobile, Samsung, Vodafone, and other major players. The companies intend to implement this plan by 2012.

This is just the latest move by cell phone manufacturers to change the way consumers buy chargers. Last November, the major cell phone manufacturers launched a common energy rating system for chargers that's designed to enable customers to choose the most energy-efficient charger.

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