November, 2023
Olivia | Author
SUSTAINABLE TECH
Go green with our top sustainable tech
By 2050, there’ll be more plastic than fish in the ocean¹. That’s less than 30 years away. We need to all take steps and play our part in resulting to a better earth. And we can start simple. Avoid single-use plastics. Recycle. Reuse. We’ve all heard it before. But some people are more passionate than others. So, whether you’re treating yourself or getting a gift for a loved one, we’ve put together some of our best eco-friendly products that would be great as a gift.
Now, we’ve gone quite educational so if you’re in a rush, then you can click here and jump straight to what our experts recommended.
Before we dive into our eco-friendly products, first let’s establish the difference between the terms ‘sustainable’ and ‘eco-friendly’. They can get thrown around a lot these days, especially when it comes to products, and it’s good to gain a proper understanding of them both.
Eco-friendly is what it says on the tin. Products that aren’t harmful to the environment and are earth friendly. Meaning from production to packaging, the product needs to be considered safe for the environment.
Sustainability is a much broader term. It relates to the societal goal that we make environmentally consciousness decisions that’ll result in a better planet in the future. A product can’t be classified as sustainable unless it uses less energy during manufacturing and production, it causes no pollution, and it provides environmental, social, and economic benefits.
And it may seem as though not a lot has changed in the world of tech, but you’d be wrong. Miss DVDs? Streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify mean the production of DVDs, CDs and even books have meant that less harmful resources are needed to create the digital versions. Even phones are becoming environmentally friendly. Take Fairphone as the perfect example. With every phone they make, they’re paving the way to a fairer and more sustainable electronics industry. Read all about the Fairphone 5 here.
How has BT contributed?
100%
renewable electricity worldwide
57%
reduction in carbon intensity of our operations
19%
cut in supplier emissions since 2016/17
What about the bigger picture?
Net zero
emissions for 2050 is the UK Government's target
Double
global demand for electricity by 2050
5G
can help to drive positive change and inclusion
Eco friendly products:
Fairphone
We’ve already touched on Fairphone a little. And while it’s an expensive present, they probably deserve it this year. Or maybe it’s for you, in which case, treat yourself. Fairphone’s mission is clear – and brilliant. The following is taken from their website - “From the earth to your pocket, a smartphone’s journey is filled with unfair practices. We believe a fairer electronics industry is possible. By making change from the inside, we’re giving a voice to people who care**.”
Fairphone True Wireless Earbuds and Fairbuds XL Headphones
A less expensive but still eco-friendly gift are the Wireless Earbuds and Fairbuds XL Headphones from Fairphone. Whether your loved one is a fitness-fanatic or studying student who wants lightweight freedom, these are the perfect match. Of course, they're Fairphone so they’re designed with fair and recycled materials, a battery that outlasts your longest playlist and weather resistance for extra peace of mind.
Fairphone 4 Protective Case
Already know someone with a Fairphone 4? Make sure they’re protecting it with Fairphone 4 Protective Case. Just as eco-friendly as the phone. Made from non-toxic 100% pre-consumer recycled material, it wraps carefully around the edges of your screen, absorbing shocks for maximum protection. In colours green, grey and red.
Apple
“The products you love also love the planet***.” Apple are proud of the fact they’ve been carbon neutral since 2020. And they hope, by 2030, all their products will be too. Take the Apple Watch SE. It was made with a new process that meant its carbon footprint was reduced by 80% as well as the case being 100% made with recycled aluminium. From Apples Watches to iPhones. From iPads to MacBooks and Macs to Apple TV, they're all playing their part in taking steps towards a more sustainable future. So, if you know an Apple lover who also loves the planet, we may have the perfect gift for you.
“Building products for the planet. And for everyone.”**** Apple aren’t the only ones trying to do right by the planet. Google have an ambition. They’re designing processes that eliminate waste and pollution as well as reducing their carbon footprint by using recyclable and renewable materials. Since 2020, Google products have been built with recycled materials. By 2025, they’re committing to making their products 100% plastic-free and 100% recyclable. These smart home speakers and displays are a great gift. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a Google Assistant.
Philips B Line 242B1G 24" LED monitor
Philips is committed to using sustainable, eco-friendly materials across its monitor range. All body plastic parts, metal chassis parts and packing materials use 100% recyclable materials. In selected models, they use up to 85% post-consumer recycled plastics. With this monitor, you can even reduce your carbon footprint. At the flick of the 0 watt hard switch you can completely cut off your monitor from AC power. This results in zero power consumption. So, get your green-loving gamer an eco-friendly monitor.
Trade-In
On the topic of being environmentally friendly and doing all we can to keep being sustainable. Consider trade-in. Your old smartphone gets put to good use by being recycled or reused by other customers. If you don’t trade-in, it just gets thrown in landfill. The batteries and other parts can harm the environment which I’d say is the opposite of being environmentally friendly.
At EE Store, we do offer trade-in. Got an old phone, tablet or smartwatch lying around? Get an additional £100 with Google when you do trade-in. You can find all the information here.
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