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As consumers, we hold the power to change this vicious cycle - buy, use, discard by choosing more sustainable purchase options. But what does a truly sustainable phone look like and what should you pay attention to when looking for one?
Well, a sustainable smartphone is more than just a buzzword. When we think about a sustainable mobile phone, it means durability, repairability, ethical sourcing and recyclability of components at the end of a handset's life. In this blog we’ll explore the key features that make a smartphone sustainable, brands who are leading the way and show how you can play a role in shaping a greener tech future.
When shopping for a sustainable smartphone, we advise looking beyond sleek designs and what’s trending, because you can still get your hands on a sustainable device with cutting edge features. Here’s what you should be looking out for when buying a sustainable smartphone:
✅Durability - so that you have a mobile phone that is built to withstand wear and tear with extended lifespans supported by software updates that will keep your phone functional for years. Most top tier smartphones are equipped with Gorilla Glass screen protection, a scratch resistant and durable material to make your phone durable.
✅Repairability - did you know that when you buy a smartphone, you can check its repairability score through iFixit? A good repairability score should be anything above 6 because it means that the device has been designed with easy repairs in mind for the customer.
✅Materials - pay attention to the materials used. Look for smartphones with recycled or ethically sourced materials such as recycled metals and plastics. It’s even worth checking for certifications that vouch for the device’s environmental credentials. Labels like TCO Certified or Fairtrade Electronics signal responsible practices in manufacturing and design but at the time of writing this blog, the only smartphones that have either of these is the Fairphone 3.
✅Circular Economy - look out for brands that participate in the circular economy, meaning they offer trade-in programs or ensure recyclability at the end of the phone’s life. It always helps if the brand you’re buying from is a step ahead in making your tech choice a sustainable one.
✅Carbon Footprint - pay attention to what the carbon footprint of your smartphone is. Where possible, find out the carbon footprint of a smartphone and see whether or not it is worth investing your money. Companies such as Apple, Samsung and Google all disclose this information about their smartphones which can be a helpful tool for consumers.
In the push for a sustainable tech future, there are a handful of smartphone brands that are leading the way. Our first choice is of course Fairphone because they continuously stand out, offering modular smartphones designed for maximum repairability as well as built with ethically sourced materials. Not only this, but as a company they are extremely transparent with their supply chain and have a focus on longevity. So for us, Fairphone sets the gold standard for eco-conscious smartphones.
The Nothing Phone also follows closely behind with one of the main features being the fact that it does not include any landfill manufacturing meaning that there is zero waste from the assembling process that ends up in landfill. The Nothing Phone 2 has one of the lowest in the industry carbon footprints of 53.45kg and over 80% of plastic parts are made with recycled and bio-based materials.
Apple has also made positive strides towards sustainability over the years, providing the public with their yearly iPhone environmental reports and committing to carbon neutrality across its products by 2030. With each new product, they work to introduce as much recycled materials as possible like aluminium and rare earth elements but they are yet to reach the modularity of Fairphone products. However on the repairability front, iPhones are notoriously difficult to repair and Apple charges huge amounts of money for iPhone repairs, often adding up to the price of the phone itself.
In the Android realm, Samsung has introduced repairable designs and recycled materials in its Galaxy series while expanding trade-in and recycling programs. Google has emphasised repairability in its Pixel phones and partnered with companies such as iFixit to provide phone parts and guides for easier maintenance and repairs. All of these brands demonstrate that sustainability is in fact achievable without having to compromise performance or innovation.
The environmental impact of smartphones extends far beyond what meets the eye. Every device is a product of an intensive manufacturing and material extraction process of scarce materials such as cobalt and lithium which, not to mention, are mined under questionable labour and environmental conditions.
Once in our hands, the average smartphone is replaced in just under 2.5 years, contributing to a staggering 62 million metric tonnes of e-waste annually. This e-waste often ends up in landfills, leaching toxic chemicals into soil and water. So as consumers, our demand for sustainable alternatives can send a powerful message to manufacturers, pushing the industry to prioritise durability, repairability and ethical sourcing.
Buying a refurbished phone is the perfect example of what a sustainable phone looks like because it extends the lifecycle of already-manufactured devices and reduces electronic waste.
By choosing a refurbished smartphone, you will prevent devices from ending up in landfills where harmful chemicals leak into the environment. Refurbished smartphones are carefully restored to ensure functionality, making them an excellent alternative to manufacturing a new smartphone. Buying a refurbished smartphone supports a circular economy, whilst also allowing you to save money on the latest phones on the market embodying sustainability by conserving materials and promoting environmental responsibility.
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