Shoppers began lining up at Apple’s Fifth Avenue store in New York City over the weekend to be among the first to get their hands on the iPhone 3G, but some of the sidewalk campers had more than just shiny new technology on their minds. Members from an environmental awareness group are hoping to set a record for the longest wait in line for a new product, raise interest in their organization, and even buy new iPhones come July 11, according to Fortune.

The group calls itself TheWhoFarm, and wants to see the 17-acre White House lawn transformed into an organic farm. "We want to bring seeds of change back to the White House," said group organizer Daniel Bowman Simon.

According to Gear Diary, the iPhone 3G line began forming around noon on July fourth -- Independence Day in the United States -- and police and security guards seem fine letting the line grow. Barricades have not been set up yet, but as the waiting line grows, officials will likely set some up to keep the line separate from regular foot traffic.

Apple’s first iPhone launch a little over a year ago drew early lines as well. The first shopper set up his chair at 5AM on June 25, four days ahead of the original product launch. The line for the iPhone 3G is set to break last year’s record since it formed seven days in advance.

Assuming interest remains high, shoppers will have to plan on setting up their camp chairs even earlier when the third generation iPhone launch rolls around. Since the second generation iPhone launch is still a few days away, there is still time for prospective line waiters to stock up on supplies.