The holiday season is upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about gifts! If you have someone on your list who is particularly eco-conscious, you may be wondering how to find sustainable electronics that they’ll love. After all, traditional electronics can be notoriously difficult to recycle and often contain harmful materials.
Fortunately, giving thoughtful, sustainable gifts that don’t sacrifice style or function is easier than ever. Here are a few tips to help you shop for the perfect eco-friendly electronics — from tablets to iPhone cases — this holiday season.
Shop Secondhand
While tradition encourages us to buy new gifts for our loved ones, why not go against the status quo? Shopping secondhand is not only more sustainable, but it can also be more economical.
You may be surprised at the high-quality electronics you can find at thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces. Best of all, your loved one will appreciate the thought you put into finding a unique gift that didn’t require any new resources.
To ensure you’re getting a quality product, do your research before making a purchase. Check online reviews, compare prices and make sure the product comes with a warranty or guarantee. Once you’ve found the perfect secondhand item, have it cleaned and polished before wrapping it up — with recycled wrapping paper, of course!
Buy Refurbished Goods
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of giving a used gift, don’t worry — there are plenty of other sustainable options. Buying refurbished electronics is a great way to get a like-new product without the guilt.
When electronics are refurbished, they are thoroughly cleaned, inspected and repaired to ensure they are in good working condition. Many refurbished products come with the same warranty as a brand-new product, so you can shop with confidence.
Buying refurbished helps reduce electronic waste. The world generated a staggering 59 million tons of electronic waste in 2019, which amounts to more than 16 pounds per person. By choosing to buy refurbished, you can do your part to keep these electronics out of landfills.
Look for Energy-Efficient Devices
When shopping for brand-new electronics, always look for energy-efficient options. They may cost a bit more upfront, but it’s worth it in the long run. Energy-efficient devices are designed to use less power than their counterparts, which not only reduces the user’s carbon footprint but also cuts down on energy costs.
To find the most energy-efficient electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label. This label is given to products that meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. While the label is most often associated with large appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, it can also apply to smaller devices that are more likely to be gifted, such as computers, phones, tablets and televisions.
Stick to Sustainable Brands
When in doubt, stick to sustainable brands. These companies have made a commitment to sustainable practices, which means they are more likely to offer eco-friendly products.
Not sure where to start? Look for brands that use recycled materials or are certified by a reputable organization such as the Forest Stewardship Council. You can also check to see if the company has any sustainability initiatives in place, such as renewable resource initiatives.
Whenever possible, choose brands that have a long-standing reputation for sustainability. These companies are more likely to have sustainable practices ingrained in their business model, which means they are less likely to backslide in the future.
Most of these companies are committed to lowering their carbon footprint, so you can feel good about gifting their products this holiday season. For instance, you can find many iPhone 14 cases and Samsung phone cases made with recycled plastics!
Choose Recyclable Options
To be truly eco-friendly, your electronic gift should also be recyclable. This ensures that the product won’t end up in a landfill when it’s no longer needed.
To find out if an electronic is recyclable, check the product’s packaging for a recycling symbol. This symbol indicates that the product can be recycled through conventional means. If you can’t find the recycling symbol, that doesn’t necessarily mean the product can’t be recycled — it just means you’ll have to do a bit more research to find out.
Most electronic devices are recyclable in some way, but it’s not as simple as recycling a plastic water bottle. Many electronics contain harmful chemicals that need to be handled carefully to avoid contaminating the environment. For this reason, it’s always best to recycle electronics online or in person through a certified recycling center. With your gift, consider including a note about how and where the recipient can recycle the device once it’s reached the end of its lifespan.
Aim for Plastic-Free Packaging
Sustainable electronics don’t stop at the product itself — the packaging is important, too. Plastic packaging is one of the biggest sources of pollution, so it’s best to avoid it if possible.
Fortunately, more and more electronics companies are beginning to ditch plastic packaging in favor of sustainable alternatives. Paper, cardboard and even bamboo are all great options that are much better for the environment.
Keep It Eco-Friendly
This holiday season, don’t let sustainability fall by the wayside. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your electronic gifts are eco-friendly and sustainable. Your friends and family will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and the planet will thank you, too.
Article Submitted By Community Writer