We all spend a LOT of time on our phones. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, texting friends, or researching yet another sustainable product to bring into our lives, our smartphones are basically an extension of us.
…But have you ever thought about what goes into making your phone?
Most smartphones have a massive environmental footprint, from the energy-intensive mining of rare materials to the e-waste problem caused by millions of discarded devices each year. In fact, the average smartphone produces over 80% of its total carbon emissions before it even reaches your hands – and since most phones are nearly impossible to repair, they often end up in landfills way too soon.
That’s where Fairphone comes in – a smartphone brand that’s actually trying to do things differently than all the others.
What is Fairphone?
Fairphone is a company that makes ethical, sustainable, and repairable smartphones. Unlike mainstream phone brands (cough Apple and Samsung cough), Fairphone focuses on fair wages, conflict-free materials, and reducing electronic waste.
In other words, it’s a phone that’s built to last… and built right.
What makes Fairphone different?
Most smartphones are designed to be replaced every few years, which is why tech companies keep churning out slightly upgraded models (with barely noticeable changes) year after year. Fairphone flips this whole system on its head by focusing on longevity, fair labor, and sustainability.
Here’s why it stands out:
🌲 Ethically Sourced Materials – Fairphone works to ensure its materials – like gold, cobalt, and lithium – are mined responsibly, without exploiting workers or funding conflicts.
🌲 Modular & Repairable – Instead of forcing you to buy a whole new phone when something breaks, Fairphone is designed to be repaired. You can replace parts like the battery, camera, or screen yourself – no expertise needed.
🌲 Longer Software Support – While other brands push updates that slow your phone down (sketchy, right?), Fairphone provides long-term software support to keep your device running smoothly.
🌲 Fair Wages for Workers – Electronics manufacturing is notorious for low wages and poor working conditions, but Fairphone partners with factories to ensure better pay and treatment for their workers.
🌲 Recycled & Fair-Trade Materials – Fairphone uses recycled plastics, fair-trade gold, and responsibly sourced minerals to minimize its environmental impact.
Okay, cool. But is Fairphone even a good phone?
The short answer is a resounding YES! …but of course it depends on what exactly you’re looking for.
Fairphone isn’t trying to compete with the latest iPhone or Galaxy in terms of cutting-edge specs. Instead, it’s made for conscious consumers who want a solid, reliable phone that doesn’t contribute to e-waste or exploitation.
If you’re a casual user who texts, browses, and streams videos, Fairphone is more than enough. But if you need ultra-fast gaming speeds or pro-level photography, you might notice some performance differences.
Why Fairphone is the best choice for a sustainable lifestyle
Choosing Fairphone means you’re supporting a company that actually cares about people and the planet. By switching, you’re:
🌲 Reducing e-waste (because your phone lasts longer!)
🌲 Supporting fair labor practices in the tech industry
🌲 Encouraging repairability over disposability
🌲 Investing in a company that prioritizes sustainability
How to get a Fairphone
Right now, Fairphone is primarily available in Europe, but you can sometimes find it through third-party retailers if you’re elsewhere. Check their website to see where it’s available.
The smartphone industry is one of the most wasteful and exploitative on the planet. But companies like Fairphone prove that better options exist. If you’re ready to break free from the cycle of disposable tech and support a phone that’s built to last, Fairphone is the way to go.
What do you think – will you make the switch?