In today’s world, most people are attached to their smartphones as they would be to an appendage. So, it’s no surprise that smartphone manufacturers keep coming out with new and better phones every year, tempting us to upgrade when our current one isn’t cutting it anymore. However, if you’re looking to save some money and the environment, consider protecting your phone with a green phone case instead of upgrading it to the latest smartphone model.
Phone cases can protect your device from scratches, dust, and impacts, but they also have environmental effects that you may not realize. That’s why it’s important to choose the right type of case to protect your phone. Here are some of the benefits of using green phone cases instead of getting a new phone when yours is outdated or damaged.
Thin, eco-friendly cases that cost less
Before you shop for a phone case, find out which kind of phone you have. If it’s an older model with a user-replaceable battery, go ahead and buy a disposable battery. Apple makes these for its iPhone line, and they’re cheaper than most other models at $20-$30 each. (They also work well if you’re considering going with unofficial aftermarket parts.) Just don’t forget to recycle your old phone when it dies!
If your device is newer or your budget doesn’t allow for wastefulness, look into thin cases that can be purchased online; companies like Amzer sell affordable Eco-Flex options made from recycled materials for as little as $10 each. Samsung introduced a new smartphone accessories range that is both stylish and environmentally friendly on Earth Day 2022. Samsung developed special covers that are printed using environmentally friendly ink, so it was possible to create products featuring beautiful designs while being good for our planet.
Durable and eco-friendly options
One of the best ways to keep your phone safe is with a case, but an important factor to consider when choosing one is whether it’s durable and sustainable. While many smartphones have been able to survive falls and protect our data, cases sometimes break or need replacing. Instead of buying a new plastic cover for your phone every year or two, look for cases made from sustainable materials that can be reused over time, like leather and wood.
These typically come at a higher price point than standard plastics, but you’ll save money in other areas because you won’t have to replace them as often. Be sure that any non-plastic cases are recyclable if you decide they’re right for you!
Minimalistic designs
Simple is always better when it comes to phone cases. There are a growing number of eco-friendly options on the market, like bamboo, cork and recycled rubber, which are stylish as well as sustainable. These materials tend to be lighter than plastic and not only save on shipping but also cut down on waste created during manufacturing.
Depending on your case manufacturer and material choice, some cases have been tested for water resistance or shock absorption; neither feature is vital for a healthy device, but it’s still nice (and environmentally friendly) if you can get them.
Reuse your old case
Before you go out and buy a brand new case, consider whether your old one is good enough. If you don’t feel like it supplies sufficient protection anymore, or if it just doesn’t match your phone anymore, that’s ok. Take an extra moment to look through your phone drawers for a quality case that you never ended up using.
There are tons of cases on Amazon for cheap—I’ve bought numerous that have supplied all-day protection for under $10! Not only will you save some money, but you’ll also help reduce waste in landfills.
Try an alternative to plastic covers (cork, leather, hemp, etc.)
Leather, cork, hemp and other natural phone cases are eco-friendly options. They may be more expensive than plastic covers but they’re often more beautiful and last longer than synthetic alternatives. And if you spend a lot of time on your phone, they can even supply better protection against damage. However, some people worry that leather and cork cases don’t grip as well as plastic ones; they may also cause a build-up of bacteria in sweaty pockets (though these issues can be mitigated with proper care).
If your phone is prone to slipping out of your hands or bouncing off tables (especially phones with large screens), you might want to consider plastic or other protective covers instead.
Check with your company about free case giveaways
If you work for a business, see if it’s possible to offer free cases when you launch a new product or service. If you’re just starting out and can’t afford to distribute free cases, consider partnering with another brand that will give away their excess inventory in exchange for publicity or a shout-out on social media.
It may sound like marketing but trust us: It helps get your name out there. Donate used products: There are plenty of non-profit organizations that can receive help from used phone accessories such as phone cases, batteries and chargers—so donate them! Many local charities also have donation boxes set up at grocery stores and retail shops; check with your community centre or Chamber of Commerce to find out more about available programs.
Conclusion
Taking care of our planet is important, and there are small ways we can do our part every day. By protecting your smartphone with a case that’s made of eco-friendly materials, you can help save some natural resources while also extending its life. When it comes time to replace your phone, think about getting a device that uses recycled materials. It might cost a little more upfront, but when you consider all of the money you’ll save in batteries and cases overtime—not to mention how much more energy-efficient these devices tend to be—it’s worth considering. In order for recycling efforts to work optimally, we need proper education on how one should dispose of an old phone as well as an agreement on what a refurbished product really means.
