Here we are again, in the middle of annual Black Friday madness. It’s hard to pass up a good deal this time of the year, isn’t it? However, for me, it really is time to take a good, hard look at this industry we’re a part of. An industry that’s trying to sell us all on “saving by spending like crazy” every November. An industry that’s been dragging its feet, not tackling the environmental and social challenges that threaten our future. An industry that needs meaningful action to change.

Shifting the perspective

Many companies advertise their small steps toward sustainability as world-changing progress in their big-budget marketing campaigns. But I’ve seen little action when it comes to improving the lives of factory workers and miners, or slowing our wholesale consumption of natural resources. Many solutions already exist, but what’s really lacking is the will to make them happen. We need a genuine readjustment of priorities. 

We can’t keep wasting time on empty promises and must hold the system accountable. It’s not about surface-level commitments. We need to rewire businesses from the core.

Even at Fairphone, we’re still a long way from the goal of a phone that’s fair and ethical through and through. Crafting fairer phones wasn’t just about setting an example; it was about proving that a market for fairer electronics could exist, creating positive impacts, and forging new relationships between people and their tech. What goes into our phones can’t keep being only about specs and features – it should be about the impact on our planet and the people. We care about what we put into our phones, about long-lasting products, and we’re betting that you do, too. 

We can’t recycle our way out of this

Looking back at this month of bargains, deals and upgrades, it’s easy to forget the environmental and social challenges our industry is dodging. We can’t afford that, though. That’s why we’re working in areas where we can make the most significant impact. That’s why we partner with initiatives that invest in transparent supply chains for essential minerals and push longevity for our products. Ignoring the systemic issues or claiming that we can somehow recycle our way out of this raw materials‘ crisis will only worsen the problems. With the public demand for supply chain transparency becoming louder and louder, this is the time for our industry to face the challenges head-on, pushing for sustainable, ethical, and transparent operations. 

For the past ten years, we’ve been gathering momentum to change things from the inside. We are no longer just shouting into the tech void.

We’re slowly but steadily cutting through the noise, thanks to more people like yourself willing to listen to what we have to say. Together, we’re peeling back the curtain on the invisible harm of electronic devices. It’s a story of doing our best, being honest about our failures, and proving that a more ethical phone wasn’t just a pipe dream. 

Keep Pushing

We’re stubbornly pushing for change, urging our industry colleagues to create more ethical products, amplifying the message with our community, and proving that there’s demand for products that embrace social and environmental responsibilities. 

In the palm of your hand, Fairphone stands as a rebel, proving that a journey toward circularity, sustainability, and a fairer world isn’t just a utopian dream – it’s even profitable. Brands embracing these values aren’t just grabbing attention; they’re capturing the hearts of all who refuse to accept that exploitation is just the natural cost of doing business in today’s world.

Today, Fairphone might be the exception, but let’s not settle for exceptions. We’re working towards the tipping point where being ethical becomes the norm. It’s not just wishful thinking; it’s a matter of common sense. Join us on our journey towards making fair the new normal.

Are you in?

Black Friday and the ensuing shopping frenzy has always been something Fairphone has taken a stand against. See what we mean here.