Laatste update: 21 juli 2026

Buying a sustainable phone saves 100 liters of water per device

Why refurbished is the smart choice

Need a new phone? Then you're facing the familiar dilemma. You want the latest features, but you also know that production consumes resources. It takes 100 liters of water to make one iPhone. That's more than two showers. Still, you'll probably just buy new again, because secondhand feels like a gamble.

But here's what no one tells you: refurbished iPhones are no longer discarded devices. They're professionally refurbished, come with a two-year warranty , and work like new. The price difference? Hundreds of euros. The savings on water and resources? Enormous.

The secret to refurbished isn't compromise. It's smart choices. While you're walking around with a top-of-the-line device, the planet saves resources. Win-win, without the green thumb.

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The hidden costs of a new phone

When you think about buying a new phone, you probably think about the price tag. But the actual cost is much higher. A whopping 100 liters of water are used to produce a single iPhone. That's more than twice the amount of water used in an average 40-liter shower.

These figures clearly show that our hunger for the latest technology has a significant impact on the environment. Fortunately, there's an increasingly popular alternative: refurbished devices. These refurbished devices offer the same functionality as new models, but without the environmental impact of new production.

What does refurbished actually mean?

Refurbished is more than just "used." It's a professional process where used devices are fully inspected, repaired, and cleaned. At leapp, these devices undergo a strict inspection process:

  • Purchase of used equipment : Careful selection of quality equipment
  • Technical inspection : Each component is checked for functionality
  • Repairs where necessary : ​​Defective parts are replaced with original or high-quality alternatives
  • Thorough cleaning : Both inside and out
  • Quality Guarantee : Two-year warranty on every device sold

The difference with just second-hand

While buying secondhand through Marktplaats carries the risk of hidden defects, a refurbished device offers peace of mind. The professional inspection and warranty make all the difference. You're essentially buying the security of new, but at a lower price and with a positive impact on the environment.

The circular economy in practice

The concept of circularity revolves around the reuse of products and materials. Instead of the linear model of "make, use, dispose," we opt for a cycle in which products remain in use for as long as possible.

In the case of telephones this means in concrete terms:

  • Less extraction of rare earth metals
  • Lower CO2 emissions due to reduced production
  • Less electronic waste in landfills
  • Saving water and energy

Every refurbished phone sold means one less new phone needs to be produced. This not only saves the 100 liters of water used per device, but also the mining of valuable raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals.

Financial benefits without compromise

Besides the environmental benefits, there are also clear financial advantages. A refurbished iPhone can save you hundreds of euros compared to a new one. This price difference isn't due to inferior quality, but because the device has already had a first owner.

What do you get for your money?

For a lower price you get:

  • A fully functioning device
  • Two-year warranty
  • Support for problems
  • The latest software updates
  • A clear conscience

The only difference from a new device is often just the packaging. The device itself works identically to a new one.

Practical tips for the transition

Convinced but not sure where to start? Here are some practical tips:

  • Determine your needs : Not everyone needs the latest model. A refurbished device from one or two generations old often offers more than enough functionality for everyday use.
  • Check the warranty terms : Reliable suppliers offer a standard two-year warranty. This gives you the same peace of mind as with a new purchase.
  • Compare specs : Carefully consider your actual needs. Often, a slightly older model with the same specs is a much better deal.
  • Protect your investment : A good screen protector and case significantly extend the life of your device.

The future is circular

The movement toward a circular economy is unstoppable. More and more consumers are making conscious choices that benefit both their wallets and the environment. By choosing refurbished, you directly contribute to this positive change.

Every time someone chooses a refurbished device instead of a new one, the demand for new production decreases a little. These small steps together make a big difference. With every refurbished phone, we not only save 100 liters of water, but also energy and raw materials, and reduce the mountain of electronic waste.

Choosing refurbished is no longer a compromise, but a smart decision. You get top-quality technology, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable world. That's truly smart shopping in the modern era.

The logical choice

Buying a new phone might seem like the obvious choice, but the numbers don't lie. With a refurbished iPhone, you'll save 100 liters of water , hundreds of euros, and you'll get a two-year warranty. The device has been professionally refurbished and works like new.

The choice is actually simple: why pay more for the same result? Choosing wisely these days doesn't necessarily mean buying new. It means choosing quality that suits your budget and your values.

Do you like reading about Apple products? At leapp we have more fun blogs for you. For example, check here pair Apple Watch with new iPhone and iPhone SE 2022 refurbished .

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