Eco-friendly products
Courtesy : www.goodhousekeeping.com
The average person in the U.S. produces about 4.9 pounds of waste each day, according to a 2018 study by the EPA — that adds up to over 292 million tons of trash per year. If you’re trying to be mindful of your environmental impact, it makes sense to look for eco-friendly products as alternatives to single-use, disposable items. But since so many products from cleaning supplies to sheet sets have “green” claims on their packaging, it can be hard to recognize which ones are truly sustainable.
It’s much easier to adjust to an eco-conscious lifestyle than you think (and there’s more to it than recycling your plastics and composting at home). Here are a few tips from our environmental experts:
- Prioritize reusable items over single-use ones. Even small swaps, like using a reusable bag when you go grocery shopping, can make a difference to your environmental impact.
- Opt for products made of recycled materials. For clothing, bedding and other textiles, our pros recommend looking for fibers like Tencel and organic cotton if buying second-hand products isn’t an option.
- To ensure ingredient transparency and integrity in products, look for established, third-party emblems such as EcoCert Cosmos for organic cosmetics Fair Trade Certified ingredients.
FYI: Our environmental experts prefer to use the term “sustainable” rather than “eco-friendly” because the latter implies that a product has no negative impact on the environment. It’s also considered a greenwashing term, and the FTC has strict guidelines on eco-friendly claims. For more information, check out our eco-friendly guide.
These are the eco-friendly products you should buy in 2022:
REPLACES PLASTIC BAGGIES
Silicone Reusable Food Bag
STASHER
NOW 25% OFF
Stasher’s reusable sandwich and snack bags are great because they take the place of single-use plastic baggies that would likely end up in landfills and oceans. They come in multiple sizes, ranging from small pocket-size bags that are perfect for snacks to a half-gallon size that fits up to two strip steaks. Plus, these bags are safe for use in the dishwasher, microwave and freezer.
RECYCLED PAPER BOX
Joy Shampoo Bar & Bar Soap
THE RIGHT TO SHOWER
Not only does this multi-tasking bar soap clean your entire body, but buying it will also give back to the community — the proceeds help create mobile showers for people experiencing homelessness. It comes in a no-frills box made of recycled paper, and the open window on the front means it uses fewer materials. Plus, it’s made with Rainforest Alliance Certified palm oil, meaning it’s harvested in a way that won’t destroy forests.
REFILLABLE DEODORANT
The Clean Deo
BEAUTYCOUNTER
This 2021 GH sustainability award winner also made it into our best natural deodorant roundup thanks to its sleek, chic refillable containers that minimize the amount of single-use plastics in landfills. The company also regularly audits its mica suppliers to assess the humanitarian impact of the ingredient.
WASTE-CUTTING CLEANING CONCENTRATE
Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate + Twist & Slide Glass Spray Bottle
GROVE CO.
Grove Collaborative is all about cutting down on waste: it packages plant-based cleaners in easy-to-recycle mini glass bottles with aluminum caps. You simply mix the cleaner concentrate with water in the pre-labeled reusable glass spray bottle, which comes with an easy-grip silicone sleeve.
REUSABLE SPONGE ALTERNATIVE
Cleaning Cloths
GH Cleaning Lab Director Carolyn Forte says these Swedish dishcloths, which are made of cotton and cellulose, “are an alternative to paper towels and germy sponges that get thrown out after only a few uses.” They can be washed and reused multiple times for things like washing dishes or cleaning spills.
BETTER SINGLE SERVE
Chocolate Fudge
You don’t have to swear off your single-serve coffee maker to be more eco-conscious. Just ditch the plastic pods and opt for Nespresso’s recyclable coffee capsules made from aluminum. Even better, you can package them up and drop them off at a UPS for recycling. Our Lab experts love the coffee’s rich, full-bodied taste and also applaud Nespresso’s plans for switching over to recycled aluminum content in their pods.
MAKES COMPOSTING EASY
Sort & Go Waste Bin
BRABANTIA
Composting can really help reduce the amount of garbage that goes to a landfill. “I keep this on my countertop for used coffee beans, which stink up my regular pail,” says Nicole Papantoniou, GH Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab Director. Plus, the brand also makes other waste bins that can be mixed and matched in color and size to make sorting recyclables a breeze.
RECYCLED WARM OUTERWEAR
Women’s Downdrift Jacket
PATAGONIA
In an industry that significantly contributes to global carbon emissions and wastewater, Patagonia is often considered one of the best sustainable and ethical clothing companies. Its latest launch of NetPlus designs uses 100% recycled fishing-net fabric sourced from fishing communities in South America. You can read more about Patagonia’s sustainable materials and initiatives here.
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SUSTAINABLE DENIM
Secondhand Program
LEVI’S
Shop secondhand from a brand you can trust: every denim jean and denim jacket listed on this site is verified by the brand, so you can buy a preowned product without the risk that it’s defective or a knock-off. Our Textiles Lab experts enjoy that you can shop Levi’s for a fraction of the original cost, and it’s a more sustainable denim alternative to shopping new.
RECYCLED MATERIALS
Little Green Portable Cleaner
BISSELL
This hardworking machine can easily tackle dirty armrests, carpet stains and more using a combination of water, cleaner and suction. Taking care of your rugs and upholstery means having to replace them less frequently. Our cleaning pros love that the cleaner itself is made from recycled plastic, while the box it comes in uses recycled materials. Plus, Bissell eliminated styrofoam from this product’s packaging, which helps cut down on waste.
100% RECYCLED BOTTLE
Goodbye Stress Mint & Rosemary Aromatherapy Body Wash
KNEIPP
From Stone Paper that doesn’t come from trees to the type of font that requires less printing ink, Kneipp has given a solid effort toward creating a more eco-conscious packaging label for this shower gel. Our pros were also impressed by the selection of 100% post-consumer plastic used in the bottle. Moreover, our Beauty Lab scientists love its herbal fresh scent and find it relaxing and invigorating at the same time.
DIVERTS WASTE
100% Recycled Bath Tissue Paper
SEVENTH GENERATION
During toilet paper testing, this recycled option was one of the top performers among the “green” brands. “Recycled is the most sustainable option for toilet paper because you’re diverting waste and skipping new pulp to create the bath tissue,” says Lexie Sachs, Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the GH Institute.
PRESERVES WATER RESOURCES
2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
LOVE BEAUTY AND PLANET
Designed to add volume to thin hair, this 2-in-1 product reduces the need to purchase shampoo and conditioner separately. Our pros say that bars have much less water content in comparison to liquid shampoo and conditioners, which can contain 50% or more water. Less water content means that it helps preserve water resources and usually means fewer carbon emissions during the distribution of products.
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED
Soothing Bath Treatment
AVEENO
Aveeno’s bath treatments are made of 100% pure colloidal oatmeal, which can help relieve itchy skin to due eczema. Our experts like that the packaging and ingredients are sustainably sourced. Plus, its manufacturing process produces lower levels of greenhouse gases (a factor in climate change) and generates reduced industrial and hazardous waste.
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REUSABLE FOOD WRAPS
Beeswax Food Wraps
BEE’S WRAP
Beeswax food wraps are an earth-friendly replacement for single-use plastic wrap made of cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin. Beeswax wraps are food-safe and can be used over and over again — just rinse them with cold water and mild soap between uses. Just note that they’re not airtight, so they won’t keep highly perishable foods fresh.
REDUCES PLASTIC WASTE
Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
PURIFYOU
A trip to the grocery store means you’ll probably stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, but skip the baggies next time to help cut back on plastic use. Instead, safely store your food in one of these reusable produce bags. This set lists each bag’s tare weight, so you know exactly how much the empty bag weighs.
LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT
Glossy Lipstick
BURT’S BEES
This glossy lipstick is formulated with moringa oil and red raspberry oil, so it’ll moisturize your lips and provide rich color. It doesn’t come with unnecessary packaging like secondary boxes, and the tube is made from 52% recycled plastic. It’s lighter than other lipsticks since the tube doesn’t contain any metals or magnets — that means it has a smaller carbon footprint during shipping.
RENEWABLE ENERGY MANUFACTURING
Purclean Plant-Based Laundry Detergent
TIDE
Purclean laundry detergent is Tide’s first plant-based formula, and our home care pros say it cleans very well. What really makes this product stand out is the fact that it’s made using renewable electricity (wind power!) at a site where zero manufacturing waste goes to a landfill. It’s also a USDA-certified bio-based product.
REPLACES SINGLE-USE PLASTIC
3-Pack of Standard Reusable Shopping Bags
Since plastic bags can’t be recycled in your blue bin, bring a reusable bag with you every time you go shopping to avoid wasting single-use plastic bags. This cult-favorite tote is a great option to stash in your purse or car: It’s super lightweight, it comes in fun patterns and colors, and it folds into a compact pouch.
FULLY RECYCLABLE PUMP
Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Body Wash
REN CLEAN SKINCAR
This eco-conscious body wash has an uplifting, herbal scent (a mix of geranium, rosemary and sage), and it’s a favorite of Birnur Aral, Ph.D., director of the GH Institute’s Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences Lab. The bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic — 20% of which is ocean plastic. Since the pump has no metal spring, it’s fully recyclable as-is.
PLANT-BASED CLEANER
Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap
SEVENTH GENERATION
This rockstar dish soap uses plant-based cleaning ingredients, proving that “green” products can actually work well, too! Our Cleaning Lab experts especially like that the brand chooses to list all the ingredients in its products. Its biodegradable formula contains no fragrances or dyes, and it’s also EPA Safer Choice certified. The whole bottle (even the cap!) is made from recycled plastic.
REFILLABLE CLEANER
Glass Cleaner Bottle with 2 Refill Pods
JAWS
With this refillable glass cleaner, there’s no need to purchase an entirely new bottle each time you run out of product. Our Cleaning Lab experts love these reusable bottles from JAWS (the name stands for “Just Add Water System”). All you need to do is fill it with tap water and place a refill pod inside. The brand also makes refillable cleaning products for the kitchen, shower, granite and more.
CONSCIOUS MATERIALS
Women’s Wool Runners
ALLBIRDS
Allbirds are a GH expert and editor favorite because they’re comfortable, lightweight and machine-washable. Our pros like the brand’s sustainable approach to materials: the merino wool is a natural fiber and follows ethical standards, the polyester in the laces is from recycled water bottles, and the packaging is made of 90% recycled cardboard.
REPLACES PLASTIC STRAWS
Reusable Stainless Steel Straws
YIHONG
We all know plastic straws are polluting our oceans, so the best way to make a difference is by opting for reusable straws instead. Our kitchen appliance pros like that this affordable set comes with four straight and four bent straws, so there’s no need to drink from a disposable plastic straw again. It also includes two brushes so they’re easy to clean.
BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS
Recool 16-Quart Cooler
IGLOO
Perfect for picnics, beach trips and tailgates alike, this innovative cooler is biodegradable and reusable — it’s also from the same brand as the best cooler we’ve tested. It’s a great alternative to heavy plastic coolers or styrofoam coolers that are notoriously difficult to recycle.
RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM TUBE
Shea Butter Hand Cream
L’OCCITANE
This classic hand lotion won a GH Sustainable Packaging Award. It’s made with shea butter to nourish your skin and smooth rough patches. We love that the aluminum tube is fully recyclable, unlike plastic tubes that often end up in landfills. Pro tip: squeeze it from the bottom so you can use every last drop.
NO SECONDARY PACKAGING
Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo
AVEDA
For an invigorating shower experience, cleanse your hair with this rosemary- and mint-scented shampoo. The bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic, and it doesn’t have any secondary packaging — unfortunately, common in premium products. Plus, our experts note that the recyclable press caps make it easy to dispense the right amount of product so less goes to waste.
RECYCLED WINDSHIELD PLASTIC
Migrate Duffel Bag
EAGLE CREEK
Great for outdoor adventures and all kinds of travel, this duffel bag from Eagle Creek comes in various sizes and colors. You can easily clean the exterior by hosing it off outside — the water repellent coating is made from recycled windshield plastic, making it durable and sustainable.
