These eight iPhone 4S cases (which work for the iPhone 4 as well), are both eco-friendly and stylish.
Everyone has had the moment of total panic that comes with dropping their smartphone on the floor, fearing that this will be the time it shatters into a million little spider-webbed pieces. Before this happens to you, get a case. Here are the top eight eco-friendly options we found for the iPhone 4S (which will also work for the iPhone 4 as well).
Laser-Etched Natural Bamboo Case by Grove
These all-natural bamboo cases are entirely hand-made in Portland, Oregon. The company doesn’t outsource, but creates everything, down to the packaging and website, on-site. Production is kept small-scale and limited and Grove believes in slowing down their production in order to maintain the highest quality product. What really makes this one special, though, is the wide range of beautiful laser-etched designs available. You can even design your own.
$89-$119, Grove
Re-Case by Miniwiz
Made entirely from “trash” as they say on the case, this option really walks the talk. Rice farming by-products, usually discarded as agricultural waste, are reprocessed and added to post-consumer thermo-plastics to form a highly durable material of architectural grade. It is also recyclable and able to be manufactured at an unbeatable minimum of CO2 emissions.
$24.95, Miniwiz
Case-Mate Jett Metal Case
Machined from a single block of aircraft billet aluminum (a sustainable metal that can be recycled over and over), this sturdy metal case is for those of us who need some serious protection. Without changing the design profile, it completely encases your phone for optimal protection and even comes with a tool set for assembly.
$50, Case Mate
Ribandhull Bridle Wallet/iPhone Case
This tan leather bridle wallet not only holds your cash and cards but your iPhone too. How stylish is that? Entirely handmade in Warsaw from premium Italian vegetable tanned bridle leather, this case will only grow more beautiful with age.
$95, Etsy/ribandhull
Shannon South ReMade USA iPhone Sleeve
If you still like your phone un-cased as you use it, a sleeve is a good way to protect it from being scratched and damaged in transit. This simple, stylish idea by ReMade USA comes in black or brown and is made entirely from recycled leather jackets.
$29, Shannon South/ReMade USA
Felt iPhone Cozy
Boasting some serious personality-traits, this felt cozy is for those of you who like to give your electronics names (you know who you are). Hand sewn with 100% Eco-fi Polyester Felt Fabric (which is entirely made from recycled bottles) and in double layers for extra protection, this mustached option is fade-resistant and washable. The cozies are made to order in the color of your choice, and you can get them adorned with your initials instead of facial hair.
$7, Etsy/ILOVEfelt88
Wood Camera iPhone Case
This one is for you hipstamatic-addicts out there. In addition to your snapshots looking like old photos, now your phone itself can look like a vintage camera. Each case is made using sustainably harvested walnut wood (lined with felt to prevent scratching) and surface-engraved using lasers.
$42, Photojojo
Eco Wool and Brown Vegan Leather iPhone Wallet
This wool felt cell phone case is handcrafted using dark gray wool made from recycled PET bottles. Your phone is held in place by a faux (vegan) leather strap with a snap closure (the snap is lined on the inside to prevent it from scratching the glass). There are also two inside pockets for stashing your cash and cards.
$20, Etsy/Cartergray