The green is in the fruit. If for you, the pleasure of giving must be more responsible, it is nevertheless very difficult to find ideas for “tech” gifts that rhyme with “ethical” in the depths of Santa’s sack. Faced with reconditioned and repimped devices, such as smartphones, computers or speakers, the elves of 20 minutes have yet unearthed for you some eco-designed and sustainable nuggets…
Coffee capsules that can be reused again and again: Caps’me
Ready for good “green” resolutions for 2024? What if you started by getting rid of the aluminum coffee capsules that fill your trash? Gold medal at the 2021 Lépine competition, Caps’me had the idea of reusable and refillable capsules for Nespresso coffee makers.
These capsules are filled using a shaker, close with a compostable paper lid (made from corn starch) and… rinse to be reused endlessly! All in fifteen seconds flat. 69 euros per box with a shaker, three capsules, forty-eight lids and 200 g of coffee. Then count 9.90 euros for 100 covers.
Our opinion : Two million coffee capsules are used every day in France (or six tonnes daily). Not content with limiting waste, this system would, according to Caps’me, reduce the coffee bill by around 250 euros per year. And from March 2024, the start-up French company will offer an equivalent for Dolce Gusto coffee makers.
A kettle made in France, without electronics: “Club”, from Vertige
Are you looking for a sustainable gift, in line with your environmental concerns? Eco-designed and manufactured in France, in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire (37), available with a capacity of 1.2 liters or 1.7 liters, the kettle “Club”, from Vertigo is composed of biosourced materials of plant and mineral origin, and guaranteed for 10 years.
Designed without an electronic card (but with a mechanical thermostat), only combining elements that simply assemble and separate, it is the fruit of a young company which has just celebrated its first two candles. In its sights, the design of a toaster and a blender which will meet the same values and the same concern for sustainability. 289 euros (1.2 liters); 319 euros (1.7 liters).
Our opinion : Reminiscent with its large handle and its base (in five colors to choose from: shell, hazelnut, glacier, jade and onyx) of old kettles, and not incorporating plastic from petrochemicals, the device has a beautiful appearance and can even be personalized thanks to a laser engraving carried out on its tank.
An eco-designed and repairable headset: Fairbuds XL, from Fairphone
Do you want to show your eco-consciousness? What if your headphones were a sign of recognition? THE Fairphone Fairbuds XL is made for you !
Containing 100% recycled plastics in all its parts that can accommodate them, 100% recycled aluminum, 100% recycled tin, Fairtrade gold (from production that respects the conditions of workers) and vegan leather, this helmet is modular. So, most of its components and parts can be replaced if defective or broken. Like the battery which can be removed in three seconds and replaced by a new battery sold… for less than 20 euros! 249 euros.
Our opinion : Since 2013, the Dutch firm Fairphone has been fighting, rightly, to try to impose its eco-designed and sustainable smartphones. It is with the same philosophy that this headset shows that another model is possible in audio, which combines greater respect for the environment, better working conditions for the workers who manufacture it, and perfect repairability. And nice surprise: its audio quality is there!
A durable and more responsible Blutooth speaker: Prodige, from A. absolutely
Good big sound with an eco-designed French speaker? Here is the aptly named Start-up prodigy A.absolutely.
The firm, which since 2013 has been modernizing old radios vintage en wanted to create its own Bluetooth speaker, while respecting its values around durability and repairability. Measuring 29 x 20 x 19.5 cm (for 4.65 kg), the device has a recycled aluminum body varnished with organic paint (based on algae and vegetables!), side panels in PEFC birch from French forests and is completely removable. Its electronic part is notably ensured by the presence of three speakers designed in France by Focal. 690 euros.
Our opinion : Although we regret that this strange speaker is only Bluetooth and not Wifi, it remains multipoint and you can connect two readers (smartphone, tablet) at the same time. With a power of 90 watts, it knows how to occupy space. Please note, this is a sedentary model, which has neither a battery nor IP certification for any resistance to rain or dust.