We just hit the six-year mark for iPods. Remember life without them--when joggers had to look for "non-skip" portable CD players, and people on the subway read newspapers?

Well, now you've got your iPod... possibly a collection of them. And let's face it: One way to make an iPod greener is to make it last as long as humanely/technologically possible. Chances are you've already got a herd of cases in which to gently swath your iPods. In that case, buying more cases--no matter how "green" they are--is not that good an idea.

But in case you're in the market, below is a rundown of eco-friendly (or at least made from recycled material) iPod cases.

First up is 45 iPod Cases (pictured), where you can juxtapose your space-age classic iPod with the retro confines of vinyl and Billy Idol (or any one of dozens of artists). And if you've got a nano, the cases are made from cassette tapes--brilliant! Both designs are, appropriately, $45.

Passchal has a history of good reviews for its extensive line of bags and cases made from recycled tires. They're currently in "redesign"--new designs for new models, perhaps? But it's worth bookmarking and checking back. (The same goes for Peter Kinne's gorgeous wooden cases--let's hope he comes off hiatus soon!)

If you'd prefer a standard sort of plastic case, Nigel's Eco Store offers a variety of colors in recycled plastics.

And you could always make your own case, out of a sock or similar. (You could even knit it yourself!)

Post by Katherine Montgomery