This is post is by request of my dear bandmate Allison, who is helping one of her friends on a quest for a totally ethical phone cover. She specifically wants a case that can be fully traced as ethical (as opposed to a mass-produced case with a few rhinestones glued on that then gets labeled as “handmade”). I put on my Googling hat and got to work!
Not knowing anything about the actual phone in question, I chose a smattering of different sizes to show. Most of the brands/makers shown below have cases for other phone sizes as well, so definitely click through to find other options if you’re in the market.
Fair trade phone cases
Made by artisan groups for fair pay in good conditions.
- Fair Trade Cell Phone Bag with Strap – Organic Stores/Bridge of Hope
- Made fairly in Peru
- Oriental Rug Designed Cell Phone Case – Miami Fair Trade
- Made fairly in Turkey
Eco-friendly phone cases
Made in developed countries out of sustainable materials.
- Biocase for iPhone 4/4S & 5/5S – Nite Ize
- Made in USA out of certified compostable and biodegradable Bio Resin
- Pars Paper Nomad Sleeve for iPhone 5/5s/5c – Griffin Technology/Paper Nomad
- Made in Europe out of sustainable materials
Handmade phone cases
Made by individuals or small businesses in developed countries.
- iPhone 5/5S Case Handmade from Cork – Handmade in Portugal out of cork and poly/cotton fabric lining
- Galaxy Note Monster Case – Handmade in Germany out of 100% wool
- Maroon and Pink iPhone 5 Case – Handmade in Portugal out of 100% cotton yarn
I’m not sure what’s up with Europe making so many dope phone cases, but I love all of the handmade ones, especially those little monsters! Which case is your favorite? How do you prefer to protect your phone?
P.S. On a phone-related note, the Fair Phone has actually been produced now! It’s only available in Europe, but I’m stoked that a company is making serious strides toward ethical phone production. Read about their current projects, from conflict-free mining to extending the smartphone’s lifecycle, on the Fair Phone roadmap.
Julia, this is wonderful! Thank you! I can’t wait to share it with my friend :)
Wait; you’re in a band?!
Yup! That’s why I was curious about the banjo. I play guitar and mandolin now but the banjo has always intrigued me too.
Europe is basically several steps ahead of us in all things. I’ve just come to accept it, ha.
My phone case isn’t ethically produced (I know, I know), but Nate’s is from a small business that makes them in the US. http://www.carved.com/our-story
In Indiana, no less! Thumbs up!
Oh man what great timing! I just got a new phone…I miss the old phone case I have which was made in the us and of recycled plastic, but sadly the company is not making them for the 6 yet. I’ve been tooootally looking the interwebs for an ethical case. My fave here is probably the little monster too, more because I LOVE the name! All our phones have become little monsters.
Also so true re: Europe being just so far ahead of the US…hope the fair phone inspires other phone companies to get more ethical.
Ah, so true! I hadn’t thought about the metaphorical significance of the monsters!
Also..heart heart heart heart you in a band :D.