While introducing the MacBook Air at MacWorld last month, Steve Jobs enthusiastically stressed the “greener” aspects of the device. The highlights- an aluminum case that is easy to recycle, Mercury and Arsenic-free display, PVC and BFR-free circuit boards and 56% less packaging.

It is good to know that environmental responsibility is in fashion in the technology world today. It is even better to see that people are finally realizing that good social practices can also be good business. Case in point–The new iPod Cases from Imoeba.

Imoeba isn’t really about being green as much as it is about being socially responsible. Thus Lawrence Leung, the company’s chief executive, states,

“Our Alpine iPod cases are ideal for consumers wanting to make more green lifestyle choices. The look, feel, quality and durability of the cases is as close to genuine leather as you can get, does not hard animals and are incredibly stylish. To top it all off, the packaging is made from 90% recycled and/or recyclable paper, making Alpine cases better for our planet overall.”

Moreover, the company website has an eco tip of the day. A nice touch.

The company uses bonded leather, a man-made material consisting of recycled leather scraps that would otherwise make their way into landfills. Moreover, since no plastic is used for packaging it is 100% recyclable. Personally I like knowing that I am dealing with a company that treats employees well and considers their product’s impact on the environment.

That noted however, if the products aren’t any good all of the other things won’t matter since people aren’t going to purchase from them. So what about the cases?

I have been using the Imoeba case for my iPod Classic for a couple of weeks now and my overall impression is quite positive.

As noted, the cases come in boxes made of recycled paper. In this world of sleek over packaging I was a bit surprised by the “rustic” feel of the box at first. Then again when I get something I open it up and throw whatever portion of the package is recyclable into our recycling bin. In this case the entire package was recycled. One point for Imoeba.

My first impression of the case wasn’t all that positive. I tend to like fine, black leather cases and this was neither fine leather nor black. Beauty, however, is in the “eye of the iPod beholder”. When my wife saw it she observed, “Now that’s a nice case.” So there you have it- and since she tends to have far better taste than I do I would suggest going with her impression of it.

The outside of the case is smooth, bonded leather (read synthetic) with an embossed company logo. The inside is made from a softer cloth-like material. To its credit, the case feels well made and has shown itself to be quite durable thus-far. My iPod Classic fit into the case perfectly. It is the type of fit I want in a case- tight enough to know my device is held securely but loose enough to easily remove it without scratching. Moreover, the case is well thought out. All the controls remain easily accessible. The flip cover is held tightly by two hidden magnets that are strong enough to hold the top down securely while still allowing quick access to the iPod. A permanent swivel belt-clip on the back feels strong and secure.

I like the idea of using a case that is made from recycled materials but in using the case I came to realize that the most environmental aspect isn’t in the materials and packaging. No, the most environmentally friendly aspect of the case is the fact that it does an excellent job protecting a relatively delicate device. When my iPod is in the case I am confident that it is safe and secure. And while I wouldn’t go throwing it at a brick wall, I am less concerned with how I handle it now- a good thing since I am prone to devices slipping from my hands more often than I would like to admit. All that translates into increased longevity for the device which means it keeps working longer. One less iPod into the iPod graveyard. NOW THAT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY!

Imoeba currently has cases for the iPod Classic and the iPod nano and are available in Green and White.
The website suggests that cases for the shuffle and iPod touch are coming soon.

The cases are available at BestBuy or Fry’s Electronics.

$19.99 of your green gets you the iPod Nano Case while the iPod Classic cases go for $24.99

Imoeba

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