Sustainability in Education: A Smarter Approach

Durability That Reduces Waste

One of the biggest contributors to electronic waste in schools is broken and outdated devices. Higher Ground cases are designed to combat this issue by increasing the lifespan of school-issued laptops and tablets.

• Built for Tough Conditions – Made with the same materials used in sports equipment and military gear, Higher Ground cases offer superior durability.
• Low-Maintenance & Stain-Resistant – Unlike traditional fabric cases, Higher Ground’s CleanShell® is easy to wipe clean and remains looking new even after years of heavy student use.
• Long-Term Protection – More durable than hydrophobic treatments, CleanShell® provides long-lasting protection without the need for reapplications.

By investing in tougher, longer-lasting cases, schools can significantly reduce the need for frequent device replacements, lowering their overall tech waste. Read more about CleanShell’s durability benefits here.

Eco-Friendly & Safe Materials

Sustainability also means choosing materials that are better for students and the environment. That’s why we’ve made key product innovations to minimize harmful off-gassing and maximize longevity.

• Safe N Clear Backpack – Made with ROHS and California Prop 65-approved PVC, this backpack ensures lower off-gassing while maintaining exceptional durability. Schools looking for an even more eco-friendly option can upgrade to TPU construction for increased performance and enhanced environmental responsibility.
• ShockGUARD Cases – Designed to absorb impact safely, these cases prevent damage and extend the lifespan of student devices. By reducing breakage rates, schools save money reduce downtime and the need for premature tech replacements. Learn more about our custom-molded protection here.

Recycling Old Tech & Cases

In addition to extending device life, Higher Ground is working with asset recovery and recycling partners to help schools responsibly recycle old tech and cases.

• Schools can recycle their old technology at no charge. (free pick-up)
• Old cases and shells can be recycled for a small fee per unit, or for free if sent alongside devices.
• Higher Ground helps ensure that schools’ end-of-life tech assets are managed efficiently, securely, and with high integrity.

At the Heart of Higher Ground: A Commitment to Sustainability

At the heart of Higher Ground is the desire to do better, and we aim to source our materials responsibly to minimize our environmental impact as the next step in doing better.

We’ve always taken pride in the fact that we design products to last, built from high-quality materials, replaceable parts, and easily repairable designs. Using recycled woven fabrics and eco-friendly coatings keeps excess plastics and waste out of landfills (and oceans), ensuring our products are both good for our customers and the planet.

Ultimately, we strive to reduce our environmental impact and add value where we can—for our customers, partners, and planet—maintaining that value for the lifetime of the product itself.

Sustainability = Cost Savings

Beyond environmental impact, sustainability initiatives also bring financial benefits. By protecting devices more effectively with Higher Ground’s cases:

• Schools lower repair and replacement costs.
• IT teams spend less time managing broken devices.
• Longer-lasting devices mean fewer new purchases, contributing to reduced e-waste and budget savings.
• Higher end-of-life value for devices

Building a Greener Future Together

At Higher Ground, we believe sustainability and education go hand in hand. By choosing durable, protective solutions and responsible recycling programs, schools can make a lasting impact—not just for their students, but for our planet.

Join us in making smarter, greener choices for the future of education. For more information on our sustainability initiatives, contact us today!