Earth Day: best eco-friendly iPhone, AirPods, iPad, smart home accessories
Amber Neely
If you're looking for some eco-friendly gear to add to your collection, check out AppleInsider's collection of thoughtful accessories that are good for the environment.
We're thinking it's time to incorporate more environmentally friendly products into our current stash. So here are some of our top picks for accessories that aren't just good for you but good for the planet.
iPhone and AirPods cases
Keeping your gear safe should be a priority, but there's no reason the case you choose can't be helpful to the environment. Plenty of accessory makers understand that and have come up with clever ways to repurpose plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Core Series by OtterBox
Otterbox's Core Series lineup includes MagSafe-compatible iPhone cases that utilize scrap plastic for a sustainable, fashionable twist.
By utilizing post-industrial recycled plastic for a colorful flair, Otterbox has already repurposed more than 1.4 million pounds of plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills. Its soft, grippy exterior makes it easy to hold, and the colorful plastic flakes add a fantastic texture.
This ultra-slim profile case is available in Funfetti White or Carnival Night Black for $59.95, for the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the iPhone 13 mini.
Disc Case by Nimble
If you're looking for an environmentally-friendly case that blends into the background, Nimble's Disc Case may be the case for you.
Crafted from clear, recycled polycarbonate, the Disc Case easily snaps onto your phone and protects it from drops up to 10 feet. In addition, it features antimicrobial protection and an anti-yellowing agent, keeping your case looking good for years to come.
The Disc Case is available for iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, & iPhone SE 2020. You can pick one up for $39.95.
Eco-friendly AirPods Case by Lifeproof
Built from 75% ocean-based recycled plastic, Lifeproof's Eco-friendly AirPods cases deliver edge-to-edge protection for your AirPods.
Thanks to the quick-clip carabiner, your AirPods stay precisely where you want them at all times. The Eco-friendly case is also wireless charger compatible, so you won't need to remove your AirPods case at the end of the day.
No wireless charger? No worry. A cutout at the bottom ensures you can easily attach a Lighting cable to keep your case topped up.
The Eco-friendly AirPods case is available for the first- and second-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro and comes in various fun colors. Those interested can pick one up for $29.99. Lifeproof also donates $1 to a nonprofit partner after purchase.
Apple Watch gear
Even your Apple Watch band can come from an environmentally-sound source. We've picked a couple of favorites that are sure to fit into nearly anyone's wardrobe.
Apple Watch Band by Pela
Pela started out making smartphone cases, but realized there's likely a market for even more eco-friendly materials, so they branched out into watch bands as well. Pela's Apple Watch band was a hit with AppleInsider staffers.
Pela's products are crafted from Flaxstic, a bioplastic elastomer, and flax straw. So when you've decided you no longer want your strap, it's fully compostable and can break down into its natural components.
In addition to being fully compostable, the Pela Apple Watch band is also very comfortable. Additionally, we loved the unique lugs that can easily be separated from the watch band to be recycled separately.
You can score your own Pela Apple Watch band from Peel's site, starting at $49.95.
Eco-friendly Apple Watch Band by Lifeproof
If you like the feeling and convenience of a fabric watchband, Lifeproof has an environmentally sound option for you.
Crafted from 99% ocean-plastic yarn, Lifeproof's Eco-friendly Apple Watch band is a comfortable and fashionable way to accessorize your Apple Watch.
You can snag your own on Amazon for as low as $24.10 (reg. $39.99), and they come in seven ocean-inspired colorways.
Backpack, bags, and more
Tote your favorite gear around while helping to recycle plastic and vinyl that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Hipsack by Incase x Bionic
AppleInsider reviewed the full Incase x Bionic lineup last year, and we certainly had a favorite — the Hipsack.
You can either wear it on your hip, as the name implies, or sling it over your shoulder for a crossbody bag.
It features two inner compartments with plenty of small mesh pockets that allow you to tuck whatever smalls you need to keep track of safely away. In addition, an internal valuables pocket keeps your most essential items contained.
A detachable key-ring allows you to clip your keys into your bag and easily remove them when needed.
It's crafted from Bionic FLX yarn, a yarn that is spun out of recycled coastal and marine plastic. Each Hipsack contains roughly the same amount of reclaimed plastic as thirteen water bottles.
The Incase Bionic Hipsack is available from Incase and costs $69.95. You can snag your own in two colorways — Baltic Sea or sand.
Maya Crossbody Tote by Rareform
If you're looking to make a statement, look no further than Rareform's collection. Everything Rareform makes features recycled billboard vinyl, ensuring that no two bags are exactly the same.
We've chosen to highlight the Maya Crossbody Tote, an everyday bag with ample space for everything you need. It features a large main compartment perfect for stashing everything you need during the day. It also has an external storage sleeve for quick access and a 15" padded laptop sleeve, perfect for carrying your MacBook Pro.
It also features handles, allowing you to tote the bag briefcase-style. However, you can also switch it up and clip on the included crossbody strap for hands-free convenience.
The Maya Crossbody tote is available from Rareform and costs $160 — though, it's worth looking through their entire collection.
Smart, green home devices
There are plenty of devices out there that can do good for your home and the environment. These smart devices can help you save green while saving the planet.
Eve Energy
One of our favorite HomeKit devices, the second-generation Eve Energy smart plug is certainly worth checking out.
It allows you to automate tasks, such as turning on and off lighting or power-hungry appliances and monitors their energy consumption. This lets you see how much energy your big-ticket items, such as your television or washing machine, are using — and when it may be time to upgrade.
The second-generation Eve Energy is available on Amazon for $39.95.
Philips Hue
One of the most well-known smart lighting solutions out there, the Philips Hue line, can give you incredible control over your home's lighting.
The robust line-up includes smart bulbs, light strips, lamps and lighting fixtures, and even has a fair amount of starter kits that can help you get started.
Automating your lights to turn on only when you need them can help save money — and energy — which is a win for both your wallet and the planet.
As an added benefit, Philips' Hue Bridge was one of the first devices to incorporate HomeKit's Adaptive Lighting feature that rolled out with iOS 14. This allows the Hue Bridge to dynamically change the lighting in your home based on the ambient light.
You can check out the Philips Hue line-up on the Philips Hue website.
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
William Gallagher
