Phones: Whether you'd like to get yours surgically attached to your hand or are always a few moments away from hurling it off the nearest cliff, they're a necessity. Between work, calendars, photos, music, grocery shopping lists, and everything in between, our phones truly do it all.
Unfortunately, they don't last as long as they used to. This leads to issues like the 59 million tons of e-waste in 2020. Sure, that isn't just phones, but we all know the pain of not knowing how to deal with a phone that no longer holds a battery charge.
Luckily, we've got a few recommendations to help you keep old phones and laptops from languishing in the back of your closet.
Aside from e-waste's effect on the planet, it's also a waste of money. Inside all of that e-waste was $57 billion worth of recoverable gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. That's more than the gross domestic product of most countries — and only 17% was recycled.
Nimble — maker of the world's fastest phone charger — is here to try and change how we deal with electronics. The company creates world-class personal tech accessories with the most sustainable materials possible. It's also a certified B-Corp and has an annual Impact Report that you can read here.
Nimble is truly changing the game with cases, chargers, and other products that are:
•Ethically made and carbon-neutral
•Shipped in plastic-free packaging
•Made from certified post-consumer recycled materials
Ready to check out the fastest, most sustainable phone charger on the planet? Check it out below:
CHAMP Lite Portable Charger
Nimble, a Certified B-Corp, creates world-class personal tech accessories with the most sustainable materials possible. Shop now and get an additional 15% off for TCD readers with code FOUNDER15.
$22.46
And before you chuck your old charger, check out a few of our favorite easy e-waste recyclers:
Homeboy Recycling
Why it's cool: An LA-based B-Corp recycling facility, Homeboy is also a social enterprise. The women-led business is a critical gang rehabilitation and re-entry program.
What it accepts: Computers, networking equipment, mobile devices, displays, printers, audio/video equipment, e-bikes and e-scooter parts, electronic toys, Christmas lights, batteries, lamps, large and small appliances (e.g., freezers, refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves, toasters, slow cookers, etc.).
Best Buy Recycling
Why it's cool: The Best Buy recycling program isn't just great because it's run by a widely available company — it also has a calculator that tells you exactly how much money you'll get for your old device.
What it accepts: Cell phones, tablets and e-readers, video games, gaming hardware, computers, cameras and camcorders, wearable technology, smart home, and health and wellness products.
Back Market
Why it's cool: Its tagline says it all: "Like-new devices. Secondhand prices." This company wants to recapture old devices and — instead of sending them to the landfill — give them a new life as someone else's primary device.
What it accepts: Phones, tablets, game consoles, and audio.
EcoATM
Why it's cool: EcoATM has over 5,000 drop-off locations where you can take your smartphone for easy recycling and instant cash.
What it accepts: All smartphones.
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