Happy Recycle Week! Is it nerdy to say I’m feeling kind of excited about recycling? Because I really am! My latest recycled discovery comes from giffgaff, who gifted me a refurbished phone to trial and see how recycled tech compares!
When it comes to sustainability, recycling takes us one step closer to a circular system. It shows how we can use previously used items, pick them up, and make them new again. Recycling is always best when we can keep items at their highest value, too. For example, selling a piece of clothing as clothing provides much more value than selling it as scrap fabric!
The same goes for phones. Why shell out on a new phone, when you can buy a refurbished one that works just like new? That’s the idea, so I decided to put mine to the test, and see just how good a refurbished phone could be…
Does A Refurbished Phone Work As Well As New?
I’m going to be honest – I’m secretly a techie. (Nerd, techie, whatever next?!) I want to have the best phone, write my blog on the best laptop, and enjoy uploading to my Instagram on the best network. It’s why I was a bit hesitant to try out a refurbished phone from giffgaff – would it be able to handle my tech-heavy lifestyle?
Well, it’s been a week and I can conclusively say yes, a refurbished phone can be as good as new. I’ve been so impressed by my refurbished phone that I’ve switched over to it permanently! Despite being the same age and similar credentials as my existing phone, it runs much quicker, with a longer battery life, making it feel like a brand new phone. Win!
This is most likely down to the work giffgaff does to refurbish its phones – giffgaff certified refurbished phones are guaranteed to run perfectly, with no faults.
On top of this, my phone came looking as good as new: no scratches on the screen or back!
Why A Refurbished Phone Is Better Than New
Having tested out a refurbished phone, I’ve discovered four very good reasons why you should choose a refurbished phone over a new one:
- Refurbished phones are cheaper than new ones
- They come certified to run perfectly without faults
- Refurbished phones reduce demand for new materials and labour
- Buying recycled technology reduces the amount going to landfill
So, you’re saving money, saving time, and saving the environment! Win, win, and win.
6 Recycling More Ideas To Try…
So, to continue on the Recycle Week theme, I decided to share a few more recycling ideas you may wish to try around your house (oh, and did I mention that all of these pics was taken with my refurbished phone?)
1. Upcycle Your Jars
Want a creative, low-impact gift idea? Why not try upcycling a jar! This jar of chocolate brazil nuts was recently gifted to me by a close friend, and I love both the simplicity and thoughtfulness.
2. Recycle Your Birthday Cards
Hands up, who else saves pretty birthday cards? Well, I’ve come up with a great way to enjoy them all year round – display them as pictures! Some of my favourite artwork around my home is actually a card gifted to me by a friend.
3. Choose Second-Hand Clothing
As we’re on the topic of recycling, let’s talk second-hand fashion! Whether you join in with #SecondHandSeptember, or do it all year round, there’s equally great benefits to wearing second-hand clothes, and you could even swap them between friends or family.
4. Repaint Plant Pots
A few years ago I decided to make my home more sustainable, and upcycling plant pots was one simple way I added both style and plants into my space. This one has been with me through a few house moves now!
5. Seek Out Vintage Furniture
Another way I love recycling is going on the lookout for vintage furniture. This chair, and its accompanying set of chairs and table, came from a local flea market, and were far cheaper homewares than anything new.
6. Try A Refurbished Phone
And finally, I have to mention my recycled phone again! Technology is still difficult to navigate when looking for sustainable options, so I’m really pleased to say that I think refurbished phones are the way to go! I love second-hand fashion, vintage furniture, so why not refurbed tech too? Thank you to giffgaff for providing this circular option!
