A good case can protect your phone and its fragile display from breakage, scratches, and other damage in your purse or pocket or when dropped. But did you know that there are phone cases that can also help protect the environment? Just like in the fashion and other industries, manufacturers of mobile accessories have begun to use sustainable materials in their products in an effort to reduce waste and other forms of pollution. Today, we take a look at some of the best eco-friendly iPhone cases available, with options for every style and budget.
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Best eco-friendly iPhone cases April 2023
Pela iPhone case with MagSafe module
To be honest, we could probably fill this entire review with Pela cases. The company makes dozens of different iPhone cases in a variety of designs and patterns, using a proprietary blend of biopolymers and Canadian prairie flax. This means that the boxes are free of lead, cadmium, BPA and phthalates and are 100% compostable. This particular model has a built-in magnet so it’s guaranteed to work with your MagSafe chargers and accessories.
Other iPhone models:
WOODCESSORIES iPhone case
This WOODCESSORIES case is Climate Pledge Friendly certified by Amazon, which means it meets certain sustainability standards. It is made from a wheat blend and organic plastic and is BPA free. This case is MagSafe compatible, meaning your phone should still work with your chargers and accessories, but it doesn’t have a built-in magnet for added reassurance. However, there is a bonus: for every product sold, the company will plant a tree!
Other iPhone models:
Inbeage Bio iPhone case
Going green doesn’t have to be expensive. Inbeage has their own Bio Case for under $20. It is made from plant biopolymers and harvested plants and is free of lead, cadmium, BPA, phthalates and other toxins. They advertise the case as 100% biodegradable and compostable, and the reviews on Amazon, while few, seem pretty solid. The only downside here is that it doesn’t seem to support as many iPhone models as other cases.
Other iPhone models:
Mobile phone case Explanita Eco
Explanita has been making eco-friendly accessories and products for several years, and also offers an affordable and eco-friendly iPhone case. They don’t break down exact percentages, but Eco is made from a mixture of biodegradable properties like wheat straw and fibers and recyclable TPU. The case comes with a 12-month warranty, great reviews on Amazon, and a FakeSpot “A”rating.
Other iPhone models:
Eco-Friendly Granola Gear iPhone Case
Here is another famous case brand that has been making iPhone cases since the 6 series. Granola Gear’s eco-friendly iPhone case is a great mid-range option for those looking for 100% compostable. Seriously, once you’re done using this suitcase, you can just toss it in the compost heap. The company says it will break in just 3 months – that’s because it’s made from plants and is completely free of plastic, just like its packaging.
Other iPhone models:
FAQ
What does environmentally friendly mean?
Sustainability is a broad term used to describe various products and practices, but the general definition is “does not harm the environment.”There are several ways to consider products as sustainable, including the use of biodegradable, compostable, sustainable, and recyclable materials. Others will use 100% recyclable or compostable materials in their packaging. Some companies will claim that their products are environmentally friendly because they donate a portion of every sale to environmental initiatives or organizations – again, the range is extremely wide. However, for the purposes of this review, sustainability means that the case is made from all, or at least some, biodegradable materials. So you know
Why is sustainability important?
The challenge for a number of companies, including Apple, is to become greener as they strive to minimize waste and pollution in the mobile industry. To better understand this, let’s try a little exercise. Think of all the cases you’ve had, all the mobile phones you’ve ever had, and imagine them stacked with their packaging on the ground in front of you. Now it’s just your waste. Imagine this heap multiplied by 8 billion times. Most of this waste will not decompose, meaning it will just stay there, in a landfill or somewhere in a landfill (or worse, in the ocean), forever. Obviously, this is not sustainable, which is why many companies are looking for ways to change course.
Are biodegradable phone cases really biodegradable?
Short answer: yes. If a company claims that their cases are 100% biodegradable, you can assume that they are, but you can always check the materials to confirm this. If you see mention of TPU or plastic, then it should probably be an asterisk, since regular plastic is not biodegradable. You can use recycled plastic which is definitely better than nothing and I believe there are some bio and organic plastics that degrade now but for the most part plastic = bad. Examples of biodegradable materials include, but are not limited to, biopolymers, flax shavings, wheat mixture, straw, and fibers.
What is the difference between compostable and biodegradable?
The difference between biodegradable and compostable products is very simple: the former promises to break down into smaller pieces over time, that’s all. The latter promises to break down quickly, without releasing anything harmful into the environment, and also provide nutrients. All biodegradable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable products are compostable.
What is BPA and why is it bad?
You will see the BPA Free label on many of these cases and on products in general. BPA is the abbreviation for the industrial chemical bisphenol A, which has been widely used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins for the past 60 years. Why is BPA bad? Well, for one thing, it has been linked to certain types of cancer, hormonal imbalances, and various other health issues. It is also a persistent chemical, meaning that it cannot easily degrade in the environment. BPA will actually accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms over time, which in turn leads to higher concentrations throughout the food chain. It’s called bioaccumulation, and it’s… not very good. You’d be surprised how much plastic we unknowingly consume on a regular basis.
What toxic chemicals besides BPA should you beware of?
You’ll notice that many of these and other eco-friendly products proudly claim to be free of lead and other toxic chemicals. Lead is bad because it is a highly toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems, and like BPA, it can bioaccumulate in plants and animals, leading to higher concentrations in the food chain. Then there’s cadmium, which is harmful for the same reasons, and phthalates, which are a group of chemicals used as “plasticizers”in various foods. They are also highly toxic and can be released from foods into the environment. Ugh. Bottom line: It’s great if a product claims to be free of these chemicals.
What are sustainable materials?
Sustainable materials are materials that have a lower environmental impact than traditional materials. These materials are mined, produced and used in a manner that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, human health and resource depletion. Sustainable materials you may see in phone cases or packaging include bamboo, cork, mycelium, recycled materials and bio-based plastics.