The Best Eco-Friendly and Ethical Phone, Laptop, and Tablet Cases to Protect Your Tech
- by Alden Wicker
- Jan 10, 2019
- 29 Comments
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There are some products (*ahem, clutches and pouches*) that the ethical and sustainable fashion world has enough of… tech gear is not one of them. It’s actually relatively difficult to find ethical and eco-friendly phone cases and laptop covers. But don’t worry; we did the digging for you!
Sure, you’ll be able to find an assortment of beautiful, wooden phone covers on Amazon. And although buying cases made from natural wood is better than plastic, most of these brands that sell only on Amazon are very unclear about how their wood is sourced and processed, and whether or not the people making those cases are being treated and paid fairly. Plus, many of these wooden cases have plastic in them as well. And we can say from experience they’re actually quite brittle.
Most of the cases and covers below are handmade, and they all use natural and biodegradable materials—from wood to leather to innovative, plant-based bioplastic. They’re all thoughtfully-designed, too, because who wants to walk around posting Stories with an ugly case on their phone?
Of course, you want your eco-friendly phone and laptop case to actually protect your tech, too (or else, what’s the point?). These brands make cases that provide varying levels of shock absorption, water resistance, and/or general durability so that you don’t have to buy a new case every six months because it starts falling apart from daily use.
[If you’re in the market for eco-friendly backpacks too, check out this post. For luggage, click here.]
Pela Case
Pela Cases are made from an innovative and completely plant-based material that’s not only shock-absorbing also totally biodegradable—even in your backyard compost. Plus, they come in a variety of gorgeous colors. They now have their Griply to go on the back of your phone too (pictured above, in the middle). With a comfortable and adjustable loop, this little lifesaver secures firmly to your Pela Case and protects your phone from accidental drops. It also does double-duty as a stand for horizontal viewing on the go.
For: All popular cell phones (iPhone and Android)
InCase
You’re probably familiar with InCase. Not everything they make is eco-friendly, but they do have a couple of collections that use recycled and/or responsibly sourced materials. The selection of laptop cases above is part of their Ecoya collection, which is made from fabric created through an eco-dyeing process that introduces coloration in the raw material stage instead of at the yarn phase (when traditional yarn dyeing occurs). This reduces CO2 emissions and uses 89% less water than conventional yarn dyeing methods while also creating a more colorfast fabric that stands up better to light, water and washing. They also have duffels and backpacks made out of eco-conscious materials.
For: Laptops of various sizes
House of Marley
House of Marley implements sustainable materials into their tech like various recycled textiles, FSC-certified wood, cork, and more. But in doing so, they don’t sacrifice any of the quality and design that the brand is known for. Shop from Bluetooth, noise-canceling headphones, portable wireless speakers, and classic turntables to embrace the music in your life while keeping things eco-conscious.
For: Headphones & speakers
Parker Clay
Parker Clay is a socially-focused lifestyle brand that handcrafts luxury leather goods in Ethiopia, where they employ over 100 artisans. As a Certified B Corporation, they are dedicated to providing dignity and empowerment for their employees, as well as producing the highest quality products for their customers. Their tech accessories are made from full-grain leather that’s produced in a metal-free tanning environment that is part of the international Green Tannin Initiative (which means it’s produced using less water, energy, no chrome or metals, and no sulfide). They’re actively working towards transitioning to “fully green leathers” while continuing to source locally.
For: 13-16 inch laptops, and headphones/cords
Pad & Quill
Pad & Quill cases and covers are all handmade from natural, eco-friendly materials like FSC certified hardwood, full-grain leather, and high-quality linen.
For: iPhone, iPad, and laptops of various sizes
Issara
These zippered laptop sleeves are handcrafted by artisans in India. They use natural leather on the outside and cotton for the inner lining.
For: Laptops of various sizes
BlueLounge
This durable, water-resistant carry-all tech case is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. It can organize all of your tech gadgets and fold up securely.
For: Tablets and laptops of various sizes
Grovemade
Grovemade’s iPhone cases are designed, manufactured, and hand-finished in Portland, Oregon. They’re made out of wood and finished with a vegetable based oil. If you’re looking to seriously upgrade your entire workspace, you should definitely check out Grovemade. They have everything from wireless chargers to computer stands and other accessories—and it’s all super sleek and made from natural materials.
For: iPhones
MZ
These MZ fair trade laptop sleeves are artisan-made from natural leather and wool. They are hand dyed and hand woven using a process used by the Zapotecs for centuries. They also have an outer pocket for a notebook or other accessories.
For: 13 inch laptop or tablet
MANIWALA
MANIWALA’s laptop case is made in the USA from eco-friendly Piñatex and natural hemp fur for the inner lining.
For: 13 inch laptops
Native Union
These gorgeously designed and shock resistant iPhone cases are made from wood, leather, canvas fabric, and marble(!).
For: iPhones, tablets, and laptops
Pochette Gavotte
These are handmade out of natural cotton and come in a wide variety of different patterns, whether you’re going for something simple and minimalistic or playful and fun. You can request it without the logo, too.
For: Laptops and phones (sleeves) of various sizes
Beklina
These handmade and hand printed covers are lined with real silver fabric to help combat radiation.
For: Most phones
Sons & Daughters
These cases are handcrafted in Portland, Oregon out of all natural leather.
For: 13 inch laptop and small phones
Toast
With tons of phone covers and laptop cases, Toast probably has the widest variety of options out of all of these brands. They use top grain leather and responsibly grown wood and bamboo. Their factory in Portland, Oregon runs on 100% renewable energy and uses streamlined processes that reduce waste. They’re also a member of 1% For the Planet and Trees for the Future. Plus, they have a lot of customization options.
For: Various phones, laptops, tablets, gaming systems, and tech accessories
KANCHA
KANCHA’s laptop sleeves are handcrafted out of 100% natural materials such as leather and wool.
For: Laptop of various sizes
Akelei Designs
These sleeves are handmade in Berlin out of felt and hand printed with water based, GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified paint.
For: Laptops of various sizes
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