The 2024 Guide to Sustainable Commuting – Headphones and ear buds

If you’re worried about the environmental impact of commuting to London, The 2024 Guide to Sustainable Commuting does the hard work for you, by researching planet-friendly options for everything involved with going to the office. From recommending the most ethically produced work clothes and kit to the most sustainable (and hopefully independent)  places to buy coffee, snacks and lunch close to your London office locations.

This month we’re looking at the options for choosing sustainable options for the tech accessory no commuter is seen without – headphones and ear buds.  And yes, there are alternatives to the mainstream brands which are ethically made and more planet friendly options even for tech at most price points.

Eco conscious materials

House of Marley ‘s ethos is to offer premium audio equipment (they offer everything from ear buds to turn tables) which is made from sustainable sourced materials.  Their in-ear headphones (£19.99), ear buds (£49.99)  and headphones (from £99.99) include materials such as bamboo, organic cork, recyclable aluminium and recycled plastics.

Repairable

One of the ways that anything can be a more sustainable purchase is to last a long time.  So, the Bluetooth Fairbuds XL (£219) from fairtrade electronics company Fairphone are worth a mention.  This seemingly ordinary set of headphones can be easily dismantled and repaired, if needed, to increase life span (as well as incorporating recycled materials).

Biodegradable

Majority are a British company, based in Cambridge. Whilst not all of their products are sustainably made, they do offer the True Bio Earbud  (from £34.99) a fully biodegradable wireless ear bud at a budget conscious price.  They are made with 100% compostable plastics, are purchasable direct from Amazon and they also plant a tree for every order they receive.

The premium sound option

The OV21 over ear headphones (£316) from thinksound are made from bioplastics and sustainably sourced walnut and are the ones to choose if sound quality is super important to you, as the company says these are designed for professional use – the wood enhancing the sound.

Social conscience

LSTN Sound were set up in 2012 with the aim to be the world’s first social good electronics company. The sales of their products have contributed towards over 50,000 people receiving hearing aids.  They offer both headphones (from $149) and ear buds ($129) and their headphone pads are made using vegan leather.

If you’re looking for a new London office, get in touch with our Sales team at LentaSpace.  With 13 London locations – all in walking distance of mainline or underground stations – we are sure to be able to help you make a sustainable commuting choice.