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Consumers in general are increasingly making ethical and responsible purchases and enthusiastically embracing more sustainable shopping. Many are now turning their attention towards their smartphones. Smartphones will also follow the sustainability trend as other categories of emissions are reduced and recycled materials are made more accessible. The signs of this shift are already apparent as eco-friendly phones are becoming increasingly popular.
Achieving sustainability with smartphones will entail tremendous efforts to ensure appropriate disposable or recyclability for devices. It will also entail more production of bio-based components and more durable batteries that use less energy. The best course of action if you want to be environmentally conscious is to keep your smartphone until it is no longer functional. Don’t purchase a new gadget every year like many others do.
However, since many people are heavily using their mobile devices nowadays, it is almost a given that you will eventually need to replace yours soon enough. Thankfully, there are a few good options if you are looking for a sustainable smartphone. This post explores some of the best eco-friendly smartphones available.
1 Fairphone
Established in 2013, the Fairphone is the only certified environmentally friendly phone available. The makers of this phone have both B Corp and Blue Angel certifications. The company uses aluminum that has been sourced responsibly and approved by the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative. Its rear cover is composed entirely of recycled plastic, and it recycles the same volume of e-waste for each phone that is made. The Fairphone boasts two cameras, an HD display, and 5G compatibility—all the things you’ve come to expect from a smartphone.
The makers of this phone offer repair kits for small problems that can be fixed at home. The phone has a five-year warranty, which is roughly twice as long as the typical phone’s lifespan. The coming Fairphone 5 will have some improved design features that compete with popular Android phones. Right now, they are only available in Europe, but they will be available in the U.S. soon.
FAIRPHONE 5, iFixit screwdriver bundle 5GB (6GB 128GB Green)
2. iPhone 14 Pro
As it moves closer to its 2030 carbon-neutral target, Apple is adding sustainability measures with every new iPhone. Ninety-nine percent of the tungsten (also known as wolfram) and 98 percent of the other rare earth components used in the iPhone 14 Pro are recycled.
Apple’s promise to use 100% certified recycled gold in the main board was fulfilled by the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 14 Pro goes a step further, by using recycled gold in the camera wiring.
The iPhone 14 Pro has its total energy consumption cut by half, compared to its predecessor. Its overall life cycle carbon footprint is approximately 65 kg.
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - (Renewed)
3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Series
The S23 series is evidence of Samsung’s innovative endeavors. It is the company’s most environmentally friendly model, comprised of recycled paper, metal, glass, and plastic. The tech corporation claims to have taken environmentally friendly actions throughout the whole product life cycle. It says the sourcing, production, distribution, usage, disposal and recycling of this were done with consideration to the environment. The Galaxy S23 has earned the UltraECOLOGO certification from UL and the Carbon Footprint accreditation from Carbon Trust. The company is making good progress toward its 2025 landfill-free target. It recently unveiled a range of eco-friendly phone covers and vegan smartwatch bands, in collaboration with designer Sami Miro.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Lavender 6.1" 256GB 5G Unlocked & SIM Free Smartphone
4. Motorola Edge
Perhaps it is time to return to Motorola. Do you recall their phones back in the day? They are getting closer to sustainability. Although most of their products might not be the most environmentally friendly choice, the Motorola Edge stands out as an eco-friendly phone.
Lenovo, the parent company of Motorola, is striving to meet the climate goals of 2030. Motorola has already eliminated mercury and cadmium from all phone batteries and substituted dangerous plastics like PVC and BFR, which are a combination of artificial chemicals. The Edge uses less energy because it can run for two days on a single charge. It has other familiar features too: it comes with three cameras, a 144Hz display, and great storage options.
Motorola Edge50 Fusion Forest Blue
5. Google Pixel 7
Google has made no secret of its commitment to sustainability. The company may not be quite visible in the phone market; however, since 2020 it has been implementing reforms throughout its value chain. The aluminum case of Google’s Pixel 7 phone is composed entirely of recycled materials, which lowers the enclosure’s carbon footprint by almost 35%.
The tech behemoth has also committed to replenishing 120 percent of the water it uses for production by 2030. The company last year announced a collaboration with iFixit to offer authentic Pixel spare parts, tools, and documentation for models dating back to the Pixel 2. This is done to promote repairs over replacements. Google also said that it is designing its devices to last longer so that they may “grow” with the user over time.
Google Pixel 7a and Pixel 30W Charger Bundle Unlocked Android 5G Smartphone with Wide-Angle Lens and 24-Hour Battery - Charcoal
6. Teracube 2e
Credit: Teracube
Choosing a phone from a less well-known company can be unsettling, but Teracube is one phone that might beat your expectations. Its most recent smartphone comes with a biodegradable phone case and is composed of 25% recycled polycarbonate. It also has a replaceable battery, requires half as much packaging as its competitors, and allows the user to perform simple repairs. It is like the Fairphone in several ways. All the usual benefits are included, including a four-year guarantee, two cameras, and an HD display. Additionally, Teracube is vibrant in charity: through its One Tree Planted partners, it plants a tree for each phone sold.
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