The Earth Day sales are kicking off, so if you're looking to pick up some sustainable tech this year, now's the time to buy. Below you'll find the best Earth Day tech deals that are available now, plus we'll share some basic advice and info so you can rest easy knowing that you're truly shopping sustainably and saving some cash in the process.
When it comes to eco-friendly gadgets, you're generally looking at two categories: products constructed from recycled or biodegradable materials (either in-part or entirely), and previously-owned devices that have been refurbished to meet like-new standards. You'll also want to be careful to avoid "greenwashing", a marketing tactic used by some companies to appear environmentally-conscious when, in reality, they're doing very little to reduce their electronic waste or offset carbon emissions.
So, as a consumer, what's the best way for you to shop sustainably this Earth Day? This guide will tell you everything you need to know, plus we'll share links to the best Earth Day prices on the web.
The best refurbished phone deals
Recycled materials and plastic-free packaging are all well and good, but if you really want an eco-friendly gadget, the best thing you could do is buy used or refurbished. Everyone from Samsung to Amazon and Back Market have an excellent selection of refurbished phones and other devices that have been renewed to meet like-new standards. In most cases, they're are also covered by a warranty and are dramatically cheaper than their brand new counterparts.
More Earth Day deals
How to spot greenwashing
As we mentioned above, greenwashing is a deceitful marketing tactic that companies use to make consumers believe that they're supporting a sustainable business, even when they've done very little or nothing to actually reduce their environmental impact. Just about every market is guilty of it nowadays, and it's up to you, the consumer, to spot the sketchy strategy before you spend your hard-earned money.
One piece of advice would be to keep an eye out for companies that use vague buzzwords like "green", "earth-friendly", and even "eco-friendly". Unless they're accompanied with certifications and transparent, verifiable business practices, these claims have no substantial backing.
Similarly, be wary of distractions. A phone shipped out with 100% recycled exterior packaging is great, but it has very little impact when the company takes part in environmentally-destructive practices elsewhere in the manufacturing process. As a rule of thumb, explore the company's website and find their sustainability policies and goals before adding any product to your cart. If they're vague, unspecific, or non-existent, it's probably greenwashing.
Although they don't exactly have a spotless environmental record, you can also take a look at our guide to Samsung's Galaxy For The Planet initiative to see how one major tech company is attempting to tackle the climate crisis.
