We all love shiny new electronics. But every new smartphone or laptop comes with baggage. Weighing climate dread , terrible working conditions , energy usage , and worries over hellish e-waste graveyards can quickly kill your excitement about shopping for a new gadget. None of us wants to be complicit, but what can we do if these issues concern us?

Sadly, there’s no easy way to find ethically manufactured and eco-friendly electronics. But there are things you can do to reduce any negative impact your purchases may have. Here are a few ideas we’ve compiled, with the help of Alex Crumbie, writer and researcher at Ethical Consumer , a UK magazine that ranks brands across various categories, from environmental reporting to workers’ rights.

Updated March 2026: I've conducted a new expert interview, added options for buying used or refurbished, added Framework laptops, and removed some older picks.

Repair What You Have

Buy Used or Refurbished

Do Your Research

Standards to Look For

Consider Energy…