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5 Best Ways to Combat Invasive Alien Species in Your Garden (2022)
There’s a growing problem in our gardens and yards – quite literally – and that’s in invasive species. By invasive species, we mean not native plants and animals establishing themselves in ecosystems where they don’t become initially.
Why is this such a problem, you might ask?
Well, when non-native species end up in your local ecosystem, they can potentially outcompete existing native species and dislodge them. Invasive plant species, for example, can degrade the soil and lead to erosion, which can, in turn, lower our water quality.
What’s more, they can cause overcrowding that kills essential native plants and trees that provide carbon storage, shade, and habitats for wildlife. Non-native plants can also increase the risks of bushfires.
One of the best ways to stop invasive species is prevent their arrival in the first place. In this article, you will learn five great ways to combat invasive species in your garden.
So, without further ado, let’s look at how to prevent invasive species from spreading!
5 Ways to Combat Invasive Species in Your Garden
In order to effectively control and combat invasive species, you need to know what it means for a species to be an invasive species, and why they are harmful.
This video by NYSDEC provides a quick overview of invasive species and how they impact the environments they’re introduced to:
youtube
So, how can we stop invasive species from taking hold in our gardens?
Here are five easy ways to stop invasive species and limit the spread from one area to another:
1. Check Plants Before You Buy Them to See If They’re Invasive
If you familiarize yourself with the plants that are considered invasive, you’ll know whether or not you’re harming your local ecosystem when you visit a garden center.
If you find out your garden is home to some of these invasive species, try to replace them with non-invasive alternatives. Ask nursery staff in your area what the best things to plant are instead.
Bear in mind that invasive alien species of plants aren’t necessarily ugly. In fact, lots of them were brought to non-native locations because of their attractiveness or because they were fast-growing and influential groundcovers.
For instance, the Lantana plant might be pretty, but it forms thickets that are impenetrable as it grows. These thickets grow and grow until they take over vast swathes of native pastures and bushland.
Whether a plant is classified as invasive is complicated because it might grow non-invasively in one area but invasively in another.
English Ivy, for example, is well-liked in lots of areas in the United States, but in coastal areas, they’re particularly invasive and problematic.
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
If you’re really into learning more about invasive species, get inspired with invasive species essays and check other people’s thoughts on the topic.
These essay samples include topics like how marine invasive species affect global biodiversity, how certain parks plan invasive species management, and even essays exploring invasive species as a significant environmental threat.
It’s great that teachers are encouraging students to write about such topics! Now you can read all about it and protect your garden in the right way!
2. Clean Boats After Use
When you’ve used your boat, you should clean it thoroughly. This involves removing visible plants, mud, animals, and fish from the boat. You also need to clean everything else you’ve used like fishing gear, clothing, trailers, and even dogs!
You should be sure to drain your boat of all water from transom wells, live wells, and hatches before you leave the launch site. Simply remove your drain plug before towing it and allow the complete drain to happen. You should never move anything alive from one body of water into a different one, even if they’re pretty close by.
As well as removing water, you need to remove any visible plants and vegetation from the propeller and anchor. You should also flush the wells with hot water to ensure they’re clean. Spraying your entire boat with a high-pressure hose is useful.
Finally, if you’re going to enter a different lake or body of water, you should let all of your equipment and your boat dry out for five or more days before you enter the water of the new place.
Invasive species are problematic in bodies of water. If they have no natural predators, they can cause damage to the native species by introducing disease, competing for space and food, and even by consuming the native species themselves. Once established, it’s pretty impossible to eradicate an alien invasive species.
3. Clean Your Boots, Clothes, and Gear After a Hike
When you’ve been for a walk, you’ve likely picked up a lot of dirt and mud. What’s more, you could have picked up pathogens or weed seeds.
Any visible seeds should be moved from clothes and shoes, and make sure you don’t have any hiding on straps, laces, or pockets.
When the ground is wet especially, you should stick to designated footpaths and trails to prevent spreading any diseases. Fungal disease like Chytrid is easily transported and has linked to frog extinctions across the world.
Something else that’s dangerous to plants is Phytophthora, which is a type of root rot that can come back on your shoes and destroy native plants. It’s also spread on dirt and mud on vehicles and bikes.
After spending our hard-earned cash on outdoor gear like shoes and tents, it makes excellent financial sense to maintain them and keep them clean. As well as this, it makes environmental sense because it extends their life (resulting in less going to landfill), but it also saves the lives of native animals and plants.
4. Don’t Accidentally Transport Pests When You Travel
If you’re moving between states or regions, you should be extra careful with what you take with you. Even fruits and vegetables can carry pests, including insects.
One big no-no is moving firewood. Firewood is notorious for harboring pests. Even seasoned firewood from healthy trees is still a home to many invasive species when it’s stored outdoors.
It’s tough to detect larvae and small eggs of invasive species, and they can lay dormant or hide under or on bark or even in the wood, thus escaping detection. If you move this firewood, you risk spreading an invasive species into a new area.
To prevent this from happening, either buy heat-treated firewood, gather it on-site (if permitted), or buy it in the location you’re going to burn it. That is one of the simplest ways to stop invasive species from coming along with you on your trip!
5. Fish Using Native Bait If You Can
Consider what bait you’re using wherever you go fishing in your local creek, river, or stream. If you use a fish or worm as bait, you might be introducing an invasive species to the area.
Be sure to seek out what native bait can be used in that area. And, of course, never dump any leftover bait into the river or stream when you’ve finished fishing for the day.
In the United States, for example, most states forbid the use of live baits. Live bait is typically tiny minnows, worms, nongame fish, crayfish, frogs, and freshwater shrimp. However, if you catch live bait yourself from the body of water you’re fishing from, you’ll have no problems.
Live bait usage is forbidden in many places because of the damage it causes to native ecosystems. If your live bait escapes, it can invade the water and damage the ecosystem there. Instead of living bait, you can use dead bait of these species or artificial bait.
Examples of Invasive Species Wreaking Havoc
We’re heading for ecological disaster if we don’t follow these examples. Globally, there are many examples of how invasive alien species have pushed out native species, and the rate of spread is alarming. Here are some examples:
Burmese Pythons – these snakes are native to Southeast Asia, and were brought to North America during the 1990s as pets. However, when some of these pets escaped, they bred. It was in the year 2000 that the first populations were established. Now, these snakes are quite literally eating their way through native species in Florida. They’re huge too and can grow up to 20 ft long.
Cane Toads – are arguably the most infamous of invasive alien species. Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) were brought to other regions, including Florida, the Caribbean, and the Philippines, from South and Central America, where they originate from. The idea was that they would kill local sugarcane pests. Instead, however, they became a pest themselves.
Check out this video by ExpertVillage Leaf Group to learn more about Cane Toads:
youtube
Gray squirrels/Red squirrels in the U.K. – In pre-victorian times in the United Kingdom, you’d only see red squirrels. This is because it wasn’t until Victorian times that gray squirrels were brought over from North America. Gray squirrels are much more complex than their gray cousins and can live in various habitats. They can also carry a virus that kills red squirrels but doesn’t kill them.
Final Thoughts on Ways to Stop Invasive Species
Alien invasive species are a huge environmental challenge and have become the greatest threat to biodiversity in local ecosystems.
What’s more, there are huge costs involved in managing invasive species. If we are to avoid invasive species overtaking native species, we need to be proactive and mindful of how we go about our daily lives.
Buying native plants, washing down boats, clothing, and gear, not transporting firewood, and using native bait are all things we can do to prevent the spread of non-native species in our environment!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alien invasive species?
Any organism that is able to establish, grow and spread in an area it is not native to can be considered an invasive alien species if the manner in which it spreads causes harm in the new environment. Most non-indigenous species are not harmful and are not considered invasive species, which are only those that damage the ecosystem they're introduced to. Read the full guide to learn more about invasive aliens species.
Are all exotic/non-indigenous species invasive?
No. Many exotic/non-indigenous species are not harmful to the environment they're introduced to, and may even be beneficial. Alien invasive species refers to the plants, animals and other organisms that do cause harm to the environment they're introduced to. Learn more about invasive species in the full guide.
What should I do if I find invasive species in my garden?
This depends on the type of invasive you find. There are local and national resources that will tell you how much of a threat the species poses to the local environment, and what the appropriate action to take is. In most cases, they can be controlled but some may need to be eradicated. Read the full guide to find out more on how to prevent invasive species in your garden.
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12 Eco-Friendly Deodorants that Work & Smell Great [2022 Vegan Review]
As we all shift towards more considered, thoughtful, and environmentally conscious ways of living, it is important to consider the impact – on ourselves and the planet – of the items we use every day.
A good eco-friendly deodorant is essential!
Conventional deodorants and antiperspirants contain a host of undesirable ingredients (think aluminum, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, preservatives, synthetic dyes, and fragrances) and generally come packaged in excessive amounts of plastic.
Many are made by big-name brands that test on animals, use unethical labor practices, and do not source their materials responsibly.
We use it daily – consider the impact of your choice of deodorant over a lifetime!?
Thankfully, there are now some truly sustainable and ethical brands making highly-effective natural deodorants!
And, today, we’re looking at some of the best eco-friendly deodorants for you to try!
Our selection includes vegan, cruelty-free, organic, and zero-waste deodorants, that smell amazing, and are made by genuinely ethical and eco-conscious brands!
Let’s dive right in!
The Best Eco-Friendly Deodorants
Here is our shortlist of the best natural, ethical, zero-waste, and eco-friendly deodorants:
Best Ethical and Fair-Trade Deodorant: Kutis
Best Unisex Solid Deodorant Bar: Ethique
Best Naked Deodorant Bar: No Tox Life
Best Probiotic Deodorant: Native
Best Zero-Waste Deodorant: Meow Meow Tweet
Best Organic Deodorant Cream: Little Seed Farm
Best Essential Oil-Free Deodorant: Booda Organics
Best for Natural Deodorant for Sensitive Skin: Ben & Anna
Best Handmade Eco-friendly Deodorant: Bai-li
Best Magnesium-Based Spray Deodorant: Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
Best Extra Strength Natural Deodorant: Woohoo
Best Certified Cruelty-Free & Vegan Deodorant: The Natural Deodorant Co
We have reviewed each of these eco-friendly deodorants in more detail below, but first, let’s take a look at how we selected the best brands, and what we were looking for:
How We Selected the Best Eco-Friendly Deodorant Brands
When you’re looking for a great eco-friendly deodorant, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, it needs to really work! It also needs to be safe and non-irritating for your skin.
Additionally, we value supporting brands and products that are eco-friendly, zero-waste, and ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible.
As an individual consumer, every cent you spend is a vote for the kind of products you want on the market and the kind of businesses you want in your economy!
So, with that in mind, these are the things we looked for when choosing the brands to review:
Effective and backed by genuine user reviews
Simple, safe, and mainly natural ingredients
Aluminum, Paraben and Phthalate Free
Options with and without sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which is a base/alkaline that can be very irritating for sensitive skin, so many prefer options without it
Responsible packaging, including plastic-free, zero-waste, refillable, biodegradable and compostable, or fully recyclable packaging
Vegan and Cruelty-free
Eco-friendly, ethical, and socially responsible brands that are transparent about their sustainability efforts
Based on the criteria above, we found some great eco-friendly deodorants and selected the best ones to review!
Here is our selection:
12 Eco-Friendly Deodorants That Really Work & Smell Great
1. Kutis – Lavender & Geranium Plastic-Free Vegan Deodorant
Kurtis is a brand from the UK, which makes natural, eco-friendly deodorants and skincare. Their products are mainly vegan and always cruelty-free.
Kurtis only uses ingredients that have been responsibly sourced, and most are certified organic and fair trade. All their products are preservative-free and contain no fillers or stabilizers.
Kurtis’ Lavender & Geranium Plastic-Free Vegan Deodorant is handmade in Wales and comes in a 100% biodegradable paperboard push-up tube.
The formula is aluminum-free and contains sodium bicarbonate, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and organic essential oils. Kurtis made both vegan and non-vegan natural deodorants, but their vegan options include Lavender & Geranium, Grapefruit & Mandarin, and an Unscented one.
Amazon Customer Review Score: 4/5
Ingredients: Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil**, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter**, Helianthus Annuus (sunflower) Wax, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil, Citral*, Geraniol*, Citronellol*, Limonene*, Linalool*. (Key: **Organic Ingredient, *Naturally occurring components in essential oils)
Price: £6.50
Where to Buy: Amazon (UK) │Kurtis Skincare UK
2. Ethique – Botanica Solid Deodorant Bar for Men & Women
Ethique is a brand from New Zealand, which makes a huge range of ethical, eco-friendly, zero-waste, vegan, and cruelty-free personal care products.
Ethique’s packaging is plastic-free, all their ingredients plant-basted, natural, and non-toxic, are fairly traded and responsibly sourced. They also partner with and contribute to several social and environmental organizations that are making a difference.
Their Botanica Solid Bar Deodorant is sodium bicarbonate and aluminum-free and made with Bamboo, Magnesium hydroxide, Zinc Oxide, Jojoba, and Sweet Almond oils. It is fragranced natural vanilla and Lavender essential oil. It comes wrapped in paper, which is home compostable.
Amazon Customer Review Score: 4.2/5
Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, tapioca starch, brassica alcohol, magnesium hydroxide, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Euphorbia antisyphillitica (candelilla) wax, silica, Bambusa arundinacea extract, jojoba esters, zinc oxide, tapioca starch polymethylsilsesquioxane, fragrance (certified natural) Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil
Price: $13.00
Where to Buy: Amazon │ Ethique
3. No Tox Life – Desert Rose & Citrus Extra Strength Zero-Waste Deodorant
No Tox Life is a small mother-daughter business based in Austin, Texas. Their vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly products have become well-known internationally, especially their zero-waste Dish Blocks and natural zero-waste deodorants.
No Tox Life uses only natural ingredients that are verified as non-toxic, and all their products are vegan and cruelty-free. Most of their ingredients are organic, and all are sustainably sourced. No Tox Life sells most of its products naked or packaged in paper. They ship 100% plastic-free.
Their Desert Rose & Citrus Zero-Waste Deodorant is an ‘extra strength’ formula for odor control, which is free of aluminum, sodium bicarbonate, and parabens. Instead, it contains natural enzymes to combat odor-causing bacteria and tapioca starch to absorb moisture. It comes packaging-free and needs to be kept in an airtight container.
No Tox Life Customer Review Score: 5/5
Ingredients: Bamboo extract powder, Aloe vera juice (organic), Tapioca starch (modified), Natural enzymes, Dipropylene glycol, Golden Jojoba wax, Silica microspheres (mineral-derived), Sodium stearate, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Cyclomethicone, pure essential oils, phthalate-free premium aroma isolates.
Price: $7.98 – $14.98
Where to Buy: No Tox Life
4. Native – Cucumber & Mint Plastic-Free Vegan Deodorant
Native (owned by P&G) is an American brand of natural personal care products. They make soaps, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, and, of course, deodorant.
Their Cucumber & Mint Plastic-Free Vegan Deodorant comes in a 100% plastic-free paperboard tube. It is also vegan (although the sensitive versions do contain beeswax), cruelty-free, and made with naturally derived ingredients, that are mainly plant-based.
It is made with sodium bicarbonate, tapioca starch, probiotics, and magnesium hydroxide to reduce odors and keep you feeling dry, without impeding your natural sweating. It contains no aluminum, phthalates, or talc, and no synthetic fragrances.
Native Customer Review Score: 4.2/5
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Baking Soda, Tapioca Starch, Probiotics, Ozokerite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Hydroxide, Cyclodextrin, Glucose.
Price: $13.00
Where to Buy: Amazon │Native
5. Meow Meow Tweet – Cedar Spruce Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick
Meow Meow Tweet us a US brand of handmade, ethical, vegan, eco-friendly, and low-waste personal care products. As a company, they have some impressive green credentials – certified climate neutral, plastic negative, and cruelty-free. They also use certified organic, non-GMO ingredients, and their packaging is either fully compostable or zero-waste and closed-loop.
Meow Meow Tweet’s Cedar Spruce Baking Soda Free Deodorant Stick is great for sensitive skin and formulated with a blend of oils, waxes, and essential oils to be gentle and nourishing. It also contains arrowroot powder to absorb moisture and magnesium hydroxide to limit any odors. The formula contains no Palm Oil, Gluten, or Aluminum.
Earth Hero Customer Review Score: 4.1/5
Ingredients: *+cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, *maranta esculenta (arrowroot) powder, magnesium hydroxide, *+theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, *+butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, *cedrus atlantica (cedarwood) oil, *picea mariana (spruce) oil, *vetiveria zizanoides (vetiver) oil (Key: *certified organic / +fair trade)
Price: $14.00
Where to Buy: Meow Meow Tweet │Earth Hero
6. Little Seed Farm – Organic Jasmine & Green Tea All-Natural Deodorant Cream
Little Seed Farm is a brand of all-natural skincare and personal care products from Tennessee. Their products are made with certified cruelty-free, organic ingredients that are responsibly sourced.
All their packaging is zero-waste, widely recyclable, or compostable. They use 100% solar power to process and manufacture all of their products.
Little Seed Farm’s Organic Jasmine & Green Tea All-Natural Deodorant Cream comes in a glass jar with an aluminum lid, and a wooden applicator. The ingredients are mainly plant-based, except for their organic beeswax. It contains no sodium bicarbonate, aluminum, synthetic colors, or fragrances.
Amazon Customer Review Score: 4.6/5
Ingredients: Organic Arrowroot Powder, Food Grade Magnesium Hydroxide, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Vegetable Glycerine (non-GMO & Kosher), Organic Jasmine Oil, Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract, Activated Charcoal Powder
Price: $11.99
Where to Buy: Amazon│ Little Seed Farm
7. Booda Organics – Booda Butter Cream Deodorant
Booda Organics is based in Washington and makes a small range of all-natural, organic, non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare and soaps.
Their products are handmade in small batches, using only certified organic ingredients. Booda Organics’ Booda Butter Cream Deodorant is vegan, cruelty-free, certified organic and contains no aluminum, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, propylene glycol, soy, gluten, or synthetic fragrances.
The Booda Butter five-ingredient formula contains sodium bicarbonate and tapioca flour, to combat odors and keep you feeling dry, and organic oils to moisturize and protect your skin. It comes in a reusable and recyclable glass jar, with a metal lid.
Booda Organics Customer Review Score: 5/5
Ingredients: Pure Baking Soda, Shea Butter*, Organic Tapioca Flour, Virgin Coconut Oil* & Cocoa Butter* (*Certified Organic & Fair Trade).
Price: $7.95
Where to Buy: Booda Organics
8. Ben & Anna – Japanese Cherry Blossom Sensitive Deodorant Stick
Ben & Anna is a German brand that makes all-natural, certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free bath and body products. They do not use plastic in their packaging and carefully source all their ingredients from responsible, certified organic suppliers.
Ben & Anna’s Japanese Cherry Blossom Sensitive Deodorant Stick is aluminum-free and sodium bicarbonate-free, which makes it a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin. The formula contains a blend of essential oils that give it a unique fragrance (there are three different options to choose from if this one is too floral for you). The packaging is paperboard, which can be composted or recycled.
Ethical Superstore Customer Review Score: 4/5
Ingredients: Talc, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Zea Mays Starch, Helianthus Annuus Seed Cera, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Cera, Shorea Robusta Resin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Glyceryl Caprylate, Magnesium Chloride, Citrus Limon Fruit Oil, Parfum, Limonene, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citral, Linalool, Geraniol, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Price: £10.95
Where to Buy: Ethical Superstore │ Ben & Anna
9. Bai-li – Organic Lemon & Bergamot Deodorant
Bai-li is a small brand from Los Angeles and their deodorants were developed in the founder’s kitchen, where she made her own natural deodorant – that actually worked and didn’t irritate her sensitive skin.
Bai-li deodorants are handmade in small quantities, with all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, many of which are certified organic. The packaging is 100% plastic-free paperboard, with sugarcane labels and all their shipping mailers are 100% recycled.
The Organic Lemon & Bergamot Deodorant does not contain aluminum or sodium bicarbonate and is made with magnesium hydroxide and probiotics instead. It also contains arrowroot starch and a blend of wax, oils, and essential oils.
The Waste Less Shop Customer Review Score: 4.5/5
Ingredients: *coconut oil, *shea butter, *arrowroot starch, magnesium hydroxide, candelilla wax, essential oils, *jojoba oil & shelf-stable probiotics (*certified organic)
Price: $16.00
Where to Buy: The Waste Less Shop │Bai-li
10. Dirty Hippie Cosmetics – Toxin-Free Spray on Deodorant
Dirty Hippie Cosmetics is a family business from Bemboka NSW, Australia, that makes a lovely range of all-natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and zero-waste cosmetics and skincare.
They use ingredients that are ethically sourced and many are fair trade and organic certified. All their products are produced in a facility powered by green energy. Products are packaged in sustainable materials like glass, tin, or paper. They use recycled paper for their shipping and offer refills and empty container returns too.
Dirty Hippie’s Toxin-Free Spray on Deodorant is a Magnesium Sulphate based formula, that contains no alcohol, no aluminum, no sodium bicarbonate, and no synthetics of any kind.
Etsy Customer Review Score: 5/5
Ingredients: Demineralised water, Witch hazel extract*, Magnesium Sulphate, Tea Tree Extract, Natural Vitamin E, Jojoba Carrier Oil*, Essential Oils. (Certified Organic*)
Price: $14.25
Where to Buy: Esty │Dirty Hippie Cosmetics
11. Woohoo – Tux Extra Strength All-Natural Deodorant Paste
Woohoo is an Australian brand that makes natural, vegan, cruelty-free, zero-waste deodorants and skincare.
All their products are handmade, using only natural ingredients, many of which are certified organic. Woohoo is also certified cruelty-free and vegan, plastic negative, and members of 1% for the Planet.
Woohoo’s Tux Extra Strength All-Natural Deodorant Paste is aluminum-free comes in a reusable, recyclable tin. It contains sodium bicarbonate to neutralize odors, and tapioca starch and diatomaceous earth clay to absorb moisture. The fragrance is sweet, spicy, and woody, from a blend of organic essential oils.
Whooho Customer Review Score: 5/5
Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tapioca Starch, Sodium Bicarbonate, Solum Diatomeae (Diatomaceous Earth) Clay, Isoamyl Laurate, Triethyl Citrate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla) Wax, Zinc Oxide, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil – bergapten free, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Wood (Cedarwood Atlas) Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil (*Certified Organic Ingredient)
Price: $16.95
Where to Buy: Woohoo Body
12. The Natural Deodorant Co – Grapefruit & Mint Clean Deodorant Balm
The Natural Deodorant Co is a UK brand, that is certified cruelty-free and vegan. All their products are made with 100% natural ingredients and contain no preservatives, alcohol, artificial fragrances, or palm oil.
They make several different zero-waste deodorants, with and without sodium bicarbonate, that are packaged in glass tubs with metal lids.
The Natural Deodorant Co’s Grapefruit & Mint Clean Deodorant Balm does contain sodium bicarbonate but it is aluminum-free and made with certified organic oils, essential oils, and shea butter. It also contains arrowroot powder and magnesium oxide for a little extra dryness and freshness.
The Kind Store Customer Review Score: 4.8/5
Ingredients: Maranta Arundinacea Root (Arrowroot Flour) Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil)*, Sodium Bicarbonate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Olea Europea (Olive Oil)* Magnesium Oxide, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil* (*certified organic)
Price: £10.42
Where to Buy: The Kind Store │ Natural Deodorant Co
DIY Eco-Friendly and Zero-Waste Deodorant Recipe
If you would like to make your own vegan, all-natural, eco-friendly, zero-waste deodorant at home… We have a great DIY recipe for you to try!
We love this recipe for homemade deodorant by Our Oily House. It does not contain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) which is a base/alkaline that can be irritating for the sensitive skin under your arms.
Our Oily House provides a few different essential oil combinations you can try for different scents and beneficial properties you would like to focus on.
Watch the video by Our Oily House here (recipe and instructions below):
youtube
A note for vegans – this recipe contains beeswax but you can use candelilla wax as a vegan alternative that is just as effective.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons mango butter
2 tablespoons beeswax
5 drops vitamin E oil
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
Essential oils of choice, check out my favorite blends above
Deodorant container (you can also use a glass jar or aluminum tin)
Instructions:
Use a double boiler (or a glass dish or smaller pot over a larger pot boiling water) to melt the beeswax/candelilla wax, mango butter, and coconut oil.
When it is fully melted, take it off the heat and add the essential oils, vitamin E oil, and the arrowroot powder. Combine the ingredients so that the oils are evenly distributed.
Store in an airtight container, like a glass jar or aluminum tin, or reuse an old stick deodorant container.
Tips to Store Your Eco-Friendly Deodorant:
Coconut oil melts at around 25°C/77°F so if your ambient temperatures are warmer than that, it is best to keep it somewhere cooler or in the fridge.
If you will be carrying it with you or traveling with it, make sure it is a tightly sealed, airtight container.
Final Thoughts on Selecting the Best Eco-friendly Deodorant for You
There are few things more personal than your choice of deodorant!
It’s something you use every single day, and something you buy many, many times over in your lifetime, which is why it’s important to find one that works for you and aligns with your values too.
Today, we have reviewed some of the best brands to try – brands that really work, smell great, and are made by ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible brands.
No matter what your needs or your most important values are, we’re confident that the perfect eco-friendly deodorant for you is on this list!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eco-friendly deodorant also antiperspirant?
No. Antiperspirants contain aluminum, which soaks into and blocks pores, preventing perspiration from escaping and stops you sweating. Natural and eco-friendly deodorants, on the other hand, do not prevent you sweating. They do however contain ingredients that neutralize the odors, and absorb sweat to keep you feeling dry. Read the full review for more on how eco-friendly deodorants work and the best ones to try.
Are natural deodorants better for the environment?
Generally, yes. They contain 'natural' ingredients and generally do not contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances or dyes, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, ammonia or aluminum. Most are made with plant based ingredients like plant-oils and starches, and safer ingredients like baking soda or magnesium. Read the full review to learn more about the ingredients used to make eco-friendly deodorants.
Can I use a natural deodorant made with baking soda on sensitive skin?
No. Many aluminium-free deodorants contain baking soda (sodium bocarbonate), which a base/alkaline substance that many people react badly to. As a substance, it is very safe and used in many household applications, but on your skin it changes the skin's pH from mildly acidic to alkaline, which causes irritation that can be quite severe. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to do a patch test before using a deodorant with baking soda in it, or to use a baking soda -free alternative. Check out the full review for some great options to try.
References
Healthline: Baking Soda as a Deodorant: What Are the Benefits and Side Effects?
Healthline: Benefits and Risks of Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants
Medical News Today: Is There a Link Between Deodorant and Cancer?
National Cancer Institute: Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer
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12 Green Living Tips for College Students to Live Sustainably (2022 Guide)
Early morning and late-night classes, eating at the dining hall, chaotic schedules, trekking around the campus no matter the distance, staying late to write my assignments, looking for quick results and grades, we’ve all had our share of the college!
But when trying to live a green and zero-waste lifestyle at school, things become more challenging. Without proper planning, will you practice the sustainable lifestyle you envision?
Admittedly, there is no way you can have a 100% eco-friendly lifestyle in college. You still have to use buses for transportation, toss the occasional Starbucks coffee cup, or trash papers after solving pages upon pages of math.
So, how do you live sustainably in college?
Luckily, you can become much more eco-friendly just by taking little steps!
Today, we’re looking at some simple green living tips to live a more sustainable lifestyle amid the campus chaos.
Let’s jump right in!
12 Easy Green Living Tips for College Students
1. Become An Avid Recycler
One of the simplest green living tips for college students is to dust off your laziness and get into the habit of active recycling. Most schools have recycling programs and your little acts can determine whether your waste may be recycled or not.
Tips for recycling:
Tinfoil should be recycled in bulk because small amounts of tinfoil won’t weigh into the amount required for recycling
Black plastics (like the ones microwave meals come in) are not recycled as they are invisible to many recycling scanners. Choose options that do not use this kind of plastic.
Your recycling must be clean before you put it into the recycling bin. Contaminated recycling is segregated and sent to landfills.
Check which types of plastic your local recycling center accepts and try to only use those types of plastic.
By recycling properly, you are actively supporting the green planet cause and fighting the plastic waste crisis!
Check out this video by Make A Change to learn how to recycle properly:
youtube
2. Compost Your Food Waste
Another way to ensure you support a greener planet is using compost. Many schools have compost systems or a community garden to compost waste.
If your school has composting system, food leftovers and scraps can be composted instead of being sent to landfills with the garbage.
However, if your school doesn’t have composting system, you can make your own in the garden or you can use a composting appliance or worm farm to decompose your food waste and turn it into compost.
Composting eliminates the greenhouse gasses (methane) that are emitted when food rots in a landfill. Methane is greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change.
This video by Our Changing Climate provides more insight into this:
youtube
3. Use Reusable Water Bottle and Cup
Plastic is a major material militating against a greener planet. As they don’t decompose easily, they end up causing problems to natural habitats and the sea.
You can live a greener lifestyle by getting a permanent and durable water bottle. It could be a plastic, glass, or stainless-steel bottle that you can refill and use instead of single-use plastic water bottles.
A reusable coffee cup will help you avoid single-use plastic coffee cups from Starbucks or campus cafes. An insulated steel tumbler will keep your coffee or tea temperature regulated throughout the day, thereby providing a better alternative to buying single-use cups.
4. Make a Zero-Waste Kit to Carry with You
Instead of using single-use plastic materials, why not get a zero-waste kit for all your essentials?
In the kit, you may have your reusable cup, reusable bottle, a cloth napkin, a reusable straw, stainless and microwavable food containers, your signature cutlery, a reusable tote bag, and anything else that will help you eliminate disposable and single-use plastic items from your day-to-day life on campus.
Analyze where you’re creating the most waste, and work out how to change that and add what you need to your zero-waste kit.
5. Use Eco-friendly Textbooks, Notebooks, Handouts, and Planners
We all know one thing that puts a significant threat to our eco-friendly cause is books. How will we manage handouts, textbooks, and stationeries to avoid global waste?
You can start by buying secondhand textbooks and recycled paper stationery. Choose items that you can re-sell or recycle when you’re done with them. You should opt for wooden stationery over plastic, and choose items that can be repurposed.
Go paperless as much as possible – use the digital version of your textbooks, take notes electronically, and submit as many assignments by email as possible.
Apart from going zero waste, you are actively reducing paper usage, which reduces the impacts of commercial forestry and the papermaking industry.
This video by tbhstudying goes into more detail on the benefits and drawbacks of going paperless in college:
youtube
6. Reduce Your Transportation Impacts
Cars and busses are major sources of carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change. Choose to walk or ride a bicycle instead. Bicycles are a very campus-friendly alternative to taking taxis. They contribute nothing to global emissions and they will save you a lot of money in the long run too.
If you do need to use a car, cab or taxi service, car pool and ride share as much as possible. If three of you use one car instead of three separate cars, that is one third of the emissions to achieve the same thing!
7. Take a Minimalist Approach to Buying Things
One of the most overlooked green living tips is to simply buy less. The most eco-friendly and sustainable item there is, is the one you already own.
Reuse things, upcycle them and extend their lifespan. This applies to everything from household furniture to clothing! Don’t buy something new if you don’t need it.
8. Buy Cleaning Products and Toiletries in Bulk
One seemingly counterintuitive green living tip is to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk saves money and reduces the amount of packaging you use and reduces the environmental impact of multiple trips to the store to buy things.
Buy bulk of the non-perishable items you will definitely use regularly – laundry detergent, dish soap, bath soap, shampoo and conditioner etc.
These products keep for a long time, and you can refill smaller containers from the bulk ones. It is much easier to clean and recycle one large container than it is to do the same for 12 small ones!
9. Don’t Buy Excess Perishables
Don’t buy excess food or anything that will spoil before you can use it all. Most students live on a budget, so this favors you. Leftover food and drinks often end up in the trash and not your stomach, which is a waste of money as well as food!
Plan your meals and buy only what you need. If you have leftovers or excess ingredients, plan meals that will use up those items.
10. Say No to the Freebies
Yes, students jump at freebies. Well, who doesn’t want free things? However, it could prove detrimental to your zero-waste cause.
Ask yourself if you really need or like an item, and if you will really use it, before you take it. It might be tempting but if you won’t use another plastic water bottle or you know you won’t wear that cap… Don’t take them!
If you must take them, donate or give them away to someone else who will use it. Otherwise, it will just end up in your trash.
11. Buy Vintage and Secondhand Clothes
Apart from saving tons of cash, you will divert a huge amount of waste from going to landfills! Fast fashion sends billions of tons of clothes to landfills every year.
So called Slow Fashion is a more thoughtful and sustainable alternative. You can get great clothes that have been lightly worn, or repaired for re-sale.
One notable ‘worn wear’ brand is Patagonia, they have a whole section for clothes that have been repaired to be resold at a discounted price.
However, if you don’t like the idea of buying worn and repaired clothes, you can shop for cheap clothes at local charities and vintage shops. eBay and Depop are also good places where you can buy good clothes.
Check out this video by Chloe Lajoie for some great online stores for pre-owned and vintage clothing:
youtube
By buying worn and vintage clothes, you save the landfills of huge unworn clothes that pollute the environment.
12. Change Your Eating and Cooking Habits
One other way to live a zero-waste lifestyle in college is by upscalíng your cooking and eating habits. There are a few changes you can make to your eating habits that will help you live a more-eco-friendly lifestyle and reduce waste. They include:
Cook for Yourself
Instead of buying takeout or pre-packed foods in plastic or styrofoam, you can make a difference by cooking yourself. You can buy whole foods and raw foods at groceries and cook them yourself. This is heathier, more cost-effective and it is much better for the environment!
Have A Modest Table
Don’t buy or cook food that you cannot eat. Excess food and drinks end up in the trash can thereby, adding to global wastage. You can make a difference by buying the right amount of food that you can eat. Additionally, it would save you some extra bucks.
When food goes to landfills, it rots and produces methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas and is a significant driver of global warming. Choosing to buy only as much as you need reduces the amount of food you will potentially waste.
Use a Food Flask or Sealed Microwavable Dish with a Lid
You could keep your excess leftovers in flasks or microwavable dishes. Sealed containers keep food fresh for longer, and you can heat leftovers up and eat them again. These containers are usually made of silicone, glass, or steel, and will easily fit into your school bag. You can put your food or snacks in them, or your leftovers.
Conclusion
Green living in college is both super easy, and super hard. You have to build a pattern of behaviors that ensure you don’t generate excess waste and limit your contributions to climate change.
Luckily, the simple green living tips we have covered here today will help you do just that – one small step at a time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much plastic waste does a college student produce?
The research established that an average college student accounts for 640 pounds of trash annually. This trash accumulates more during the end of the session. Check out the full guide for ways to reduce the waste you produce in college.
What are greening initiatives in colleges and universities?
Greening initiatives are green project ideas by colleges aimed at students to take active roles in protecting the ecology. It may include planting trees creating green living awareness, and campaigns, amongst others. Check out the full guide for more geen living tips.
How can college students reduce waste on campus?
Students can reduce waste on campus by implementing some or all of the following.
● Promote usage of recyclable papers, cardboards, plastic, cans, and glass
● Go paperless and use digital alternatives
● Promote waste reduction and incentivize students about going zero waste
● Rally against food wastage
● Create decompose system
● Go biking or trekking.
Check out the full guide for more easy green living tips.
What are the best green living tips for students?
Students can live a greener lifestyle on campus by doing the following.
● Taking notes electronically
● Using reusable bottle waters and cups
● Recycling wastes
● Buying in bulk
● Buying less and borrowing more
● Trekking or going biking instead of taking cabs
● Avoid using single-use utensils
Check out the full guide for more easy green living tips for college students.
References and Useful Resources
US Environmental Protection Agency: Recycling Basics
The Atlantic: Online Shopping and Accumulation of Junk
Eco Friendly Habits: How to be Eco-friendly
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9 Dentist-Approved & Eco-Friendly Toothpastes to Use in 2022 (Review)
Eco-friendly toothpaste is something we all need to be using – for the planet, and our health!
Conventional toothpaste is full of unnecessary ingredients that are often harmful to our health, and the environment. Foaming agents like SLS, preservatives, thickeners, artificial flavors, and fragrances… The list is long, and hard to pronounce!
None of those ingredients have anything to do with actually cleaning your teeth. They’re just there to make the paste taste and feel nice, artificially creating that ‘clean’ feeling.
Aside from the pointless chemicals, there is an unbelievable volume of non-recyclable, single-use plastic from toothpaste tubes.
The UK alone sends 300 million toothpaste tubes to landfills every single year. That is enough plastic to circle the whole planet, twice!
Globally, around 20 billion tubes of toothpaste are used and discarded every year. In landfills, toothpaste tubes take more than 500 years to degrade.
There has to be a better way, right?
Thankfully, there are some really great brands making awesome eco-friendly toothpaste alternatives!
Today, we’re looking at some of the best eco-friendly toothpaste options out there. They’re all safe, sustainable, and ethical choices. They’re also all completely safe for your teeth, and your overall health.
Let’s bite right in!
Shortlist: Best Eco-friendly Toothpaste Brands
Here is our shortlist of the best zero-waste and eco-friendly toothpaste alternatives that we have reviewed in more detail below:
Best Non-Toxic: Butter Me Up Organics – Tooth Powder
Best Flouride Tooth Tablets: Denttabs – Toothpaste Tabs
Best Plastic-Free: Bite – Toothpaste Bits
Best Remineralising: Battle Green – Mineral-rich Cinnamint Natural Tooth Powder
Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free: Unpaste – Tooth Tabs
Best for Gum Health: Weldental – Chewtabs
Best for Zero-Waste: Dirty Hippie – Mint Vegan Tooth Powder
Best for Sensitive Teeth: Davids – Sensitive & Whitening Premium Toothpaste
Best Organic: Scentcerae – Matcha Mint Natural & Organic Tooth Nibs
Selection Criteria: How We Chose the Best Brands
When we selected the brands on this list, we looked for brands that meet as many of the following criteria as possible:
Non-toxic ingredients (e.g., no triclosan)
Responsibly sourced ingredients
Natural ingredients – no synthetic flavors or fragrances
Palm oil-free or certified as responsibly sourced Palm oil
Zero-waste packaging that is reusable or recyclable
Sustainable shipping materials that are plastic-free, biodegradable, or compostable
Refill options
Concentrated formulas with a lighter impact from shipping and transportation
Vegan and/or cruelty-free options
Brands that are actively managing, reducing, and mitigating their impact on the environment
Socially responsible and ethical brands
We have chosen a variety of shapes, forms, flavors, and textures – so there is bound to be something for every preference on this list!
When it comes to toothpaste, fluoride is a contentious topic. However, the general consensus is that fluoride in toothpaste is completely safe and that it is highly beneficial for preventing tooth decay.
That said, we have included both fluoride and fluoride-free toothpaste options so you can choose for yourself, based on your preferences and your unique oral hygiene requirements.
Before we get into the reviews, let’s take a quick look at a short video by Life Cycle Thinking & Environmental Management to see the life cycle of a conventional tube of toothpaste:
youtube
As you can see, there are much better ways to brush your teeth!
The following eco-friendly toothpaste options are safer for you, do not use unrecyclable plastic tubes, and are made by eco-conscious brands that care about the environment:
9 Eco-Friendly Toothpaste Options for a Bright Eco-Smile
1. Butter Me Up Organics – Bentonite Clay, Cinnamon & Charcoal Tooth Powder
Butter Me Up Organics is a zero-waste business, and all products are made with natural, responsibly sourced ingredients. Most of their products are certified organic, cruelty-free, and fair-trade.
They use only sustainable packaging materials for their products, and their shipping materials are all 100% plastic-free, recycled, and recyclable.
Butter Me Up Organics’ all-natural, vegan and cruelty-free Bentonite Clay, Cinnamon & Charcoal Tooth Powder is made with organic essential oils, Kaolin clay, Bentonite Clay, activated charcoal, and baking soda. It does not contain fluoride.
The proprietary ayurvedic formula cleans, polishes, and remineralizes teeth while promoting gum health and freshening breath.
Ingredients: Kaolin Clay, Bentonite Clay, Activated Charcoal, Organic Ceylon Cinnamon, Sodium Bicarbonate, Non-GMO Calcium Carbonate, Organic Peppermint, Myrrh, and Clove Essential Oils.
Butter Me Up Organics Customer Review Score: 5/5 Stars
Price: $15.95
Where to Buy: Butter Me Up Organics
2. Denttabs – Mint Toothpaste Tabs
Denttabs is a Berlin-based brand that makes sustainable oral hygiene products, including toothpaste tablets for adults and children, and bamboo toothbrushes.
They first developed their Denttabs as a way to eliminate all the unnecessary and potentially unhealthy ingredients in conventional toothpaste.
They kept only the ingredients necessary for tooth and gum health, and ditched the rest!
Circla
Denttabs Mint Toothpaste Tabs contain plant cellulose, which acts as a very gentle abrasive and polishes your teeth while you brush! They’re also vegan, naturally minty-fresh, non-foaming and they do contain fluoride.
Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate, Silica, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Magnesium Stearate, Organic Aroma (Natural Mint Flavour), Menthol, Xanthan-Gum, Stevioside, Citric Acid, Sodium Fluoride, Eugenol (Naturally Occurring)
Denttabs Customer Review Score: 5/5 Stars
Price: £4.99
Where to Buy: Circla (London) or Denttabs
3. Bite – Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits
Bite is a plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free brand that makes toothpaste bits (and other oral hygiene products) using only safe, natural ingredients. Their products contain no harsh chemicals, no SLS, and no Palm oil.
Bite is strictly plastic-free and none of their packaging, or their shipping materials, contain any plastic. They use glass and aluminum, and fully recyclable or home compostable materials only.
Bite’s Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits do not contain fluoride and are fortified with calcium carbonate, zinc, and nano-hydroxyapatite to protect and strengthen enamel, while effectively cleaning and brightening your teeth.
You can also get Bite Toothpaste Bits as a zero-waste refill subscription service!
Ingredients: Erythritol, Xylitol, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor (peppermint), Hydroxyapatite (nano), Sodium Bicarbonate, Guar Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Zinc Citrate, Silicon Dioxide, Menthol
Bite Customer Review Score: 4.9/5 Stars
Price: $12.00
Where to Buy: Bite
4. Battle Green – Mineral-rich Cinnamint Natural Tooth Powder
Based in North Wales, Battle Green stocks a wide range of eco-friendly, plastic-free, and zero-waste products.
Every product they sell is certified vegan and cruelty-free, and they focus on products that are safe, natural, and non-toxic.
Battle Green is a zero-waste store their products can be bought naked or packaged in glass or recycled paper. They use plastic-free, compostable, and recyclable packaging for shipping. Battle Green also offers refills and bulk purchases.
Battle Green’s Mineral-rich Cinnamint Natural Tooth Powder is made with Bentonite clay, Calcium, and Sage to clean and polish teeth, while soothing gums and balancing the pH in your mouth to protect the enamel from the effects of overly acidic food and drinks that we all love.
It contains no fluoride, no SLS, and no Palm oil.
Ingredients: Bentonite, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Chloride, Xylitol, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Oil
Etsy Customer Review Score: 4.9/5 Stars
Price: £6.65
Where to Buy: Battle Green or Etsy
5. Unpaste – Tooth Tabs
Unpaste Tooth Tabs are vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and contain no artificial flavors, colours, SLS, sodium saccharin, preservatives, aluminum, or nanoparticles. They make them with or without fluoride, so you can choose your preference.
Unpaste Tooth Tabs are completely plastic-free and they come in sachets printed with soy ink, on recycled paper, and lined with a fully compostable non-GMO lactic acid biofilm.
They’re FDA approved, and they’re made in Europe and meet strict European health codes. The ingredients that use are chosen to make your teeth as healthy as possible, while also whitening and polishing your enamel.
Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), silica, Amisoft (sodium lauryl glutamate), Magnesium Stearate, Natural Mint Flavour from essential oil, Menthol, Xantham Gum, Stevia, Citric Acid, Sodium Fluoride
EarthHero Customer Review Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Price: $8.99
Where to Buy: EarthHero
6. Weldental – Chewtab Gentle Whitening Toothpaste Tablets
Weldental makes a variety of dentist-approved oral hygiene products, including a range of eco-friendly, zero-waste products!
Their toothpaste tablets are designed to balance the alkalinity in your mouth and promote the growth of healthy bacteria while killing the unhealthy bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
They do not contain any ingredients that promote inflammation, they’re completely enamel-safe and they contain no SLS, fluoride, or silica.
Weldental Chewtab Gentle Whitening Toothpaste Tablets are available in several flavors, and come in a reusable glass jar that can be ‘refilled forever’. Refills come in cardboard and plastic-free compostable bio bags.
Ingredients: Xylitol, Natural Peppermint Flavor, Calcium Phosphate, Calcium Stearate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Xanthan Gum, Quillaja Saponaria Extract, Stevia
Amazon Customer Review Score: 4/5 Stars
Price: $11.95
Where to Buy: Amazon or WELDENTAL
7. Dirty Hippie – Mint Tooth Powder
Based in Waipu, New Zealand, Dirty Hippie sells a wonderful range of personal care products, including natural soaps, zero-waste shampoo bars, and, of course, tooth powder and eco-friendly floss.
Their products are handmade and contain only safe natural ingredients. Most of their products are vegan, and most contain organic ingredients.
Dirty Hippie’s Mint Tooth Powder is vegan, and made with Bentonite clay and activated charcoal for whitening and remineralizing your teeth. The minty flavor is from ground mint rather than essential oil, which makes the flavor mild and suitable for kids.
Ingredients: Organic Bentonite Clay, Organic Baking Soda, Himalayan Sea Salt, Activated Charcoal, Ground Organic Peppermint
Dirty Hippie Customer Review Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Price: $17.00 (40g in glass jar)
Where to Buy: Dirty Hippie
8. Davids – Sensitive + Whitening nano-Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste
Davids uses only ingredients that are sourced and derived from nature. They’re vegan and cruelty-free and contain no SLS, fluoride, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or sweeteners.
Unlike most eco-friendly toothpaste alternatives, Davids comes in a tube. However, the tube is made of recyclable metal and comes with a key to roll the tube and get every last bit out – no wastage, and easy to clean and recycle!
Davids Sensitive + Whitening Premium Toothpaste is made with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) to repair sensitive teeth and help remineralize the enamel. It is naturally whitening, without any harsh chemicals, and flavored with soothing natural peppermint oil.
Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate (Limestone Abrasive), Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Xylitol (Birch Derived), Hydrated Silica, Hydroxyapatite, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Carrageenan (Seaweed Derived), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil), Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) Seed Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen) Leaf Oil, Stevia (Leaf Extract).
Amazon Customer Review Score: 5/5 Stars
Price: $9.95
Where to Buy: Amazon or Davids
9. Scentcerae – Matcha Mint Natural and Organic Tooth Nibs
Scentcerae is an eco-friendly, zero-waste brand that makes a variety of self-care products. They use minimal packaging, and source products from only sustainable and ethical suppliers.
Scentcerae uses clean, plant-based ingredients and does not use any triclosan, SLS, SLES, petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, palm oil, gluten, synthetic fragrances. All their products are vegan and cruelty-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
Scentcerae’s Matcha Mint Natural and Organic Tooth Nibs are packed full of beneficial ingredients like coconut oil, mineral clays, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and botanical extracts and essential oils. The formula is non-abrasive, remineralizing, and promotes the right pH balance in the mouth.
Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera, Matcha Leaf Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, White Kaolin Mineral Clay, Illite/Sea Mineral Clay, Organic Birch Xylitol, Organic Pure Peppermint, and Spearmint Essential Oils, Menthol
Etsy Customer Review Score: 5/5 Stars
Price: $5.40
Where to Buy: Esty or Scentceare
Final Thoughts on Zero-Waste and Eco-Friendly Toothpaste
Conventional toothpaste often contains undesirable ingredients and comes in non-recyclable plastic tubes.
Not only do plastic toothpaste tubes go straight to landfills after use, but it is also difficult to get all the toothpaste out of them, causing unnecessary wastage.
Luckily, there are now many great alternatives that are healthier, more eco-friendly, and zero-waste. From powders to tablets, soft nibs to pastes, there is something perfect for everyone!
Which one is your favorite zero-waste, eco-friendly toothpaste?
We’d love to hear from you, so let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my toothpaste contain fluoride?
It depends. Fluoride is the 'gold standard' when it comes to cavity prevention and strengthening tooth enamel. Dental associations will not endorse toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. That said, many dentists feel that fluoride is only needed for patients who are prone to tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride-free toothpaste is fine for people who do not have such a susceptibility. Take a look at the full review for the best fluoride and fluoride-free options.
What are toothpaste tablets?
Toothpaste tablets are small concentrated tablets that you crush in your mouth to make a paste and then use to brush your teeth. Toothpaste tablets are a safe, plastic-free alternative to conventional toothpaste. Most are made with minimal, natural ingredients and come in zero-waste packaging. Check out the full review for the best eco-friendly toothpaste tablets to use.
Are toothpaste tubes recyclable?
No. Most toothpaste tubes are made from combination plastics that cannot be recycled. This results in around 20 million plastic toothpaste tubes going to landfills around the world every year. However, some conventional brands are now making recyclable toothpaste tubes out of HDPE, which is widely recycled. If you prefer a natural, eco-friendly toothpaste, there are some great options in our full review.
References and Useful Resources
American Dental Association: Toothpaste
Brightly: 6 Things to Consider About Zero Waste Toothpaste
Brightly: From Toothpaste to Floss, This Low-Waste Oral Hygiene Routine Is Dentist-Approved
Earth 911: How Clean Is Your Toothpaste?
Healthline: Should You Be Worried About Fluoride Toothpaste?
Insider: What Should You Look For in a Toothpaste? The Best and Worst Ingredients, According To Dentists
Medical News Today: Why Do We Have Fluoride in Our Water?
Nature: British Dental Association – 300 Million Toothpaste Tubes Go To Landfill
Reusable Nation: Is Your Homemade, Zero Waste Toothpaste Ruining Your Teeth: How Effective Is Homemade Toothpaste?
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18 Zero-Waste Tips to Implement in the Workplace (2022)
There’s quite a bit of advice and encouragement that exists to make our home lives more sustainable and capable of producing zero waste–but what about at the office?
Keeping up these habits in an office environment can be challenging amid a lack of resources, but there are plenty of zero-waste tips available to make this transition smooth and efficient.
Small tips and lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on the environment and sustainability as a whole. Encourage coworkers to share your zero-waste mindset to make this impact even more effective.
Employers can create the largest change by implementing new norms and standards of operation. Once in place, their business will benefit both monetarily and in overall productivity.
Let’s take a look at why you should go zero-waste in the office:
Why You Should Go Zero-Waste in the Workplace
Regardless of who you work for (even if it’s for yourself) waste ends up in a landfill. Oftentimes it ends up sitting there for hundreds of years, affecting our planet’s natural systems.
It’s a discouraging fact but it’s extremely hard to reverse this inevitability.
Since offices and workplaces contribute so heavily to landfill waste, it’s a great idea to effect changes-even if it’s only the beginning of many more changes that need to happen.
This TEDx Talks video of the iconic talk by Lauren Singer gives you great insight into why we should all go zero-waste or low-waste:
youtube
Sustainable practices at work won’t just help the planet, they will also save you money. Make the effort to forgo take-out and trips to Starbucks to reduce your overall waste and keep more money in your wallet.
If it’s too much to ask every day – why not start with one day a week to kick things off as a manageable practice?
You’ll also save on office supplies when purchasing items you can reuse, and/or just use longer.
Additionally, committing to a zero-waste lifestyle at work can create an impact on your whole floor and hopefully your building.
Does the phrase “lead by example” sound familiar? Just by simple observation and human curiosity, people will see your efforts and hopefully move them one step closer to practicing sustainability.
Be encouraged by this! Every action makes a difference, no matter how small, whether you’re an employee or an employer.
To get you started, here are some simple zero-waste tips to help you start reducing waste at work, and on the go:
9 Zero-Waste Tips For Employees
1. Reduce food waste
Reducing food waste doesn’t end when you leave the house. Start a company compost container that you volunteer to empty out. Let the entire office know there’s a basket for unused food that you’re willing to take to a shelter on a nightly basis.
Look for ways you can continue to reduce the food waste you’re contributing to as an office or workplace and be the pioneer to set the standard.
Proposing and executing an idea that benefits your community, city and ultimately, the entire world doesn’t have to come from head office. As long as you’re willing to give the time and effort your ideas should run unopposed.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
This first zero-waste tip is an easily implemented way to cut out plastic and paper in the form of water cooler cups. Getting into the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle will benefit you beyond the workplace.
Keep one by your side at home, in the car, or at the gym-you may even end up drinking more if you like the design!
3. Reusable Cutlery, Plates, and Napkins
Replacing take-out with a meal from home only gets better with reusable containers and cutlery. Pieces of cloth or old tea towels function beautifully as napkins, keeping bleached paper napkins out of landfills and waterways.
And if you don’t fancy carrying around clunky metal cutlery, opt for reusable, sleek bamboo pieces. There are many safe, sanitary products available to help you implement this.
Take a look at this video by Lynette Alegria for some great zero-waste tips and ideas:
youtube
4. Recycle Consciously
Knowing what’s okay to toss into a recycling bin will greatly assist your workplace’s garbage collection services. For example, a plastic cup or food container should be rinsed before it gets tossed.
This will streamline recycling efforts and speed up the process with fewer sorting mishaps, leading to greater efficiency. Take a moment and familiarize yourself with what can and can’t be recycled, and then choose the options that can be going forwards.
5. Swap Paper Notes for E-Notes
In this age, nearly every piece of technology has some form of writing app built-in or available to download. Leverage this feature on your computer, phone, or iPad and see how much paper you can keep out of the trash. It’ll likely be more than you think!
Additionally, many work and social platforms have note-taking capabilities designed to be close at hand. If you do need to manually write something down, use something that would otherwise be thrown away, like a brochure.
6. Use Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
There are many easy eco-swaps for common plastic office supplies, like a colored pencil for a plastic-bound highlighter.
Switch metal staples for reusable paper clips or pins. A bucket of cheap pens can be replaced with a single refillable fountain pen or a box of wooden pencils. For tape, switch from plastic cellophane tape to paper tapes with dissolvable materials.
7. Print Sparingly
Thanks to modern technology, we now have very little need for printers at work. There’s little that can’t be emailed or otherwise shared electronically. Consider this next time you want to print–more often than not, an email will suffice.
If it does not, be sure to use a smaller font, and print double-sided to cut your paper needs in half. The number of paper copies made per individual sits at a daunting 10,000, but this is easy to reduce. And with everyone in the office on board, the savings and environmental impact will be huge.
8. Consider Your Commute
Car emissions don’t fare well in the atmosphere, leading to a myriad of health and environmental concerns. Carpooling is a great way to cut these fuel emissions by keeping more cars off the road.
And, if you’re able, walking or biking is the best alternative to any type of vehicular transportation.
9. Switch Off Electronics
Making a habit of turning off your lights, devices and desktop computer will save plenty of electricity over time. And if your whole office joins in, the savings and benefits will only grow. Make sure to also unplug devices like printers, as these use energy even when not in use.
9 Zero-Waste Tips For Employers
1. Establish Visible Recycling/Composting Bins
Place a clearly-marked bin in break rooms, near bathrooms, or anywhere with high traffic. Composting bins are great to place in break rooms, offering employees the chance to discard food waste in a beneficial way.
Be sure to attach a list of what can and cannot be recycled, as this will again help your garbage collection service with sorting and disposal.
2. Encourage Employee Ideas & Opinions On Sustainability
Collective brainstorming is one of the best ways to create zero-waste tips and solutions that last. Ask your employees how they think zero-waste practices could be incorporated – the effectiveness may surprise you.
Encouraging participation in the process will also instill a genuine desire for success on an individual level.
3. Encourage Customers to Make Meaningful Changes
Many companies are in a position to influence their customer’s lifestyles because of the role they play in their lives. Making a stand for the future of our environment can be something your company does that complements the product or service that’s being offered.
Garbage collection companies like WM, Budget Dumpster, and Frontier Waste Solutions publish articles on their blogs that educate readers on sustainability, zero-waste tips, reducing food waste, and the correct way to dispose of items that negatively impact the environment.
Create awareness of the issues and what can be done about them in a way that blends these beliefs into your corporate culture.
4. Educate Employees On Waste Reduction
Not every person will know how to recycle and reduce waste correctly. Taking the time to properly educate on zero-waste initiatives and programs will make the overall effort more effective.
Set aside a group to inform and educate using encouraging language and tactics. Otherwise, a simple list dictating what goes into recycling and what doesn’t will do a world of good.
5. Create Lasting Initiatives
Spurring a zero-waste movement with quality, enjoyable initiatives is a great way to get the movement running. Keep it going all year round by creating competitions, offering prizes, and with regular sustainability brainstorming.
Really take time to ensure each person is invested and interested in the cause. Lighthearted challenges are a fun way to incorporate this – like seeing who can be the last to fill their trash bin.
6. Set Up Zero-Waste Programs
This zero-waste tip helps keep what you’ve already implemented going. Assigning a person or group to lead a zero-waste program will strengthen the movement and make it much more pleasurable within the office community.
These programs can offer advice, encouragement, and alternative eco-friendly options for common items around the office. This group may also help sustain the movement long after work as they lead by example and provide inspiring advice.
7. Use Recycled Plastics
Many companies have started selling zero-waste, eco-friendly substitutes for everyday office items. Recycled paper is a simple, impactful item that’s easy to source. Take it up a notch by furnishing the workplace with furniture made from recycled plastic. Did you know that currently only 10% of plastic is recycled?
You can make it a point to purchase chairs, stools, tables, and benches for both inside and outside the building. The benefits of eco-friendly furniture include reducing the amount of plastic in landfills, owning long-lasting durable furniture, and saving money on inexpensive furniture.
When you buy eco-friendly furniture such as recycled plastic you’re buying a product that’s produced with little to no volatile organic compound emissions.
Reducing the number of noxious fumes released during production is another huge benefit. Any support towards eco-friendly businesses and companies trying to reverse environmental damage will benefit and support environmental change.
8. Donate or Sell Old Electronics Only if they’re Unfixable
There’s a very real temptation to toss electronics once an updated version hits the market. This only leads to unnecessary electronic waste, waste that is very difficult to properly dispose of.
Using electronics until they completely wear out is a simple way to mitigate this issue. If you really need to get them off your hands, consider donating or even reselling them online.
9. Post Reminders And Encouragement
Sometimes our efforts only last as long as our memory – solve this with a weekly ‘zero-waste tips’ email or a flier posted to your news bulletin.
Encouraging eco-friendly behaviors and habits will also enforce repeated actions, likely even better than a reminder. If you notice zero-waste protocols not being followed, be sure to react appropriately. Understandably, judgment or berating will only turn people away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can small zero-waste changes really make a noticeable impact?
Yes, more so than most of us would think. Consider just the amount of paper one office employee goes through (10,000 pieces!) and how much solid waste could be kept out of landfills by lowering paper use alone. Combined with other zero-waste tips, the impact is impressive. Read the full article for more zero-waste tips for the workplace.
How can I convince my boss to go zero-waste in the workplace?
With the amount of money saved by cutting waste and energy, business leaders would be foolish to refuse your ideas. Incorporating the cost benefits along with the environmental benefits should win over any boss. Read the full article for more reasons to go zero-waste at work and present your case to your boss.
How do I convince others to share my zero-waste goals?
It is best to lead by example. Flaunt your reusable cup, plates, and utensils whenever possible. People are sure to ask questions, and from there, you can highlight the benefits and impact of your eco-friendly habits. Reads the full article for more on why people should go zero-waste.
References And Useful Resources
Zero Waste: How to Engage Employees in Zero-Waste Programs
Going Zero Waste: Tips for Staying Zero-Waste at Work
Earth 911: Tips for a Waste-free Workplace
EcoMastery Project: Zero Waste Office Ideas
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16 Super Cool Recycled Plastic Products You Must See [2022]
Plastic waste is a global crisis, driven by the endless production of new plastic and the limited recycling of the billions of tons of plastics we have already created.
Recycled plastic products are a great way to get all the many benefits of plastic as a material, while also combatting plastic waste and supporting sustainable businesses.
Let’s take a look at what recycled plastic is, the pros and cons of recycling plastics, and some of the best recycled plastic products on the market.
From shoes to yoga mats, children’s toys to designer sunglasses, there is something for everyone on this list!
Let’s dive right in!
What is Recycled Plastic?
Recycled plastic is plastic made from waste plastic, which has been recovered and processed into a material that can be re-used to make new plastic products.
In the simplest terms, when plastic is recycled, plastic items are collected, sorted, cleaned, shredded, separated into types, and then melted down and compressed into plastic pellets. Those pellets are then used to make a new plastic item.
Take a look at this video by NowThis News to see the recycling process in more detail:
youtube
Recycling might seem like the perfect solution to the ever-worsening plastic waste crisis. However, many challenges prevent recycling from completely solving the problem.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of recycling plastic:
Pros and Cons of Recycling Plastics
Mass-produced plastic has only been around for about 80 years but in that time we have produced close to 9 billion tons of plastic.
Sadly, less than 10% of all plastic is recycled, and the remaining 90%+ is sent to landfills or incinerated.
There are several reasons for this, which are too complex to go into here, so let’s look at the pros and cons in brief:
Pros of Recycling Plastics
Recycling diverts plastic from landfills, incineration, or environmental pollution
It reduces the need for virgin plastic production, lessening environmental impacts
Single-use recycled plastics are often converted into re-usable items, keeping that plastic out of the waste stream for many years
Recycling and a market for items made from recycled plastics give economic value to an otherwise worthless form of waste
The recycling industry contributes to job creation and local, and global, economies
Recycling plastics reduces the amount of plastic waste that may end up polluting the environment, especially watercourses and the ocean
Cons of Recycling Plastics
Only a small percentage of plastic types are valuable as a recycled material
Recycling is a complicated and expensive process, which makes the production of virgin plastic more economically appealing for many industries
Contamination at recycling plants is a huge challenge as mixed plastic types do not work well
Most recycled plastics cannot be re-used to make the same products as they were before, because the quality of the plastic is not as good after it has been recycled
Recycled plastics degrade a little every time they’re recycled, which means they can only be recycled a few times before being disposed of
Current recycling technology cannot completely close the loop because the quality degrades in each cycle, so even if 100% of current plastic production is recycled, there will always be a market for virgin plastic.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to recycling plastics, and significant challenges to be overcome. Like many of the severe environmental issues we’re faced with, governments and global policies need to change before these challenges can be overcome completely.
That said, your actions as an individual consumer DO make a difference!
When we choose to live more sustainably, and produce less waste or even go fully zero-waste, we not only reduce the impact we have on the environment (which, over a lifetime, is more significant than you think!), we also contribute to the social, political and economic context around us.
Choosing to buy eco-friendly products creates a demand and a market for more sustainable goods.
When we choose to buy products made from recycled plastics rather than virgin plastics, we’re creating a market and a demand for them. And that is how change happens!
16 Great Recycled Plastic Products
1. The Sak – Back to Bali Crochet Crossbody Bag
The Sak makes a wide selection of bags out of recycled plastic made from plastic waste collected from the ocean or picked up on its way to the ocean in Bali.
The Sak partners with Oceana, Oceanworks, Plastic Bank, and several other organizations to rid the planet of plastic pollution and turn it into something beautiful, useful, and durable.
Location: USA and Indonesia
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
Lightweight but sturdy and well-made
Fabric-lined and inner pocket has a zip to close
Size is big enough to be very versatile, without looking like an ‘oversized tote’
Cons
The lining is thin and tends to fray at the seams
Some reviewers found it to be too big and cumbersome
Some reviewers found the strap to be uncomfortable
Where to Buy: The Sak on Amazon
2. Patagonia – Nano Puff Jacket
Patagonia needs no introduction when it comes to sustainable brands. Their Nano Puff Jackets are made with 87% recycled materials, including 100% postconsumer recycled polyester for the lining, stuffing, and shell. It is also made Fair Trade certified, and produced with reduced emissions technology.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
Very light but warm enough for an NYC winter
Wind and waterproof
Versatile style can be layered and great for general wear or hiking etc.
Cons
Not warm enough for winter in Alaska
Light-colored option discolored inside the neck due to oily skin
The fit is not great for those with very wide shoulders and a small waist
Where to Buy: Patagonia
3. West Paw – Zogoflex & Seaflex Dog Toys
West Paw makes eco-friendly dog toys out of recycled plastic. They use recycled ocean-bound plastic and plastic that is diverted from landfills. West Paw’s soft toys are made with recycled polyester.
Their Zogoflex and Seaflex bouncy chew toys are made to last for many years, and can then be returned to West Paw to be recycled and made into new toys. All West Paw’s toys are non-toxic and BPA-free.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):
Pros
Super durable and long-lasting, even for dogs that quickly destroy other toys
You can put treats inside for then gradually work out of the toy as they chew
Shape makes it bounce randomly, which makes it more fun and keeps the dog occupied
Cons
Food falls out of the openings for stuffing teats, so some reviewers used wet food and froze it first
It is very hard and some felt it was damaging their floors
Dogs that don’t usually chew much didn’t enjoy it
Where to Buy: West Paw on Amazon
4. Suga – Yoga Mats
Suga makes yoga mats out of 100% recycled neoprene wetsuits. They’re durable, non-slip and the texture of the material prevents it from picking up dirt, grime, and bacteria from the floor.
Suga mats are 5mm thick, but they provide more cushioning than other mats of the same thickness.
Suga – Instagram
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):
Pros
Non-slip and good for hot yoga and more vigorous classes
Thicker and more comfortable than most yoga mats
Attractive design, with rounded corners and small flecks of color in the mainly black material
Cons
Sheds some small black fibers with regular use
The pebbled texture was uncomfortable for some
Where to Buy: Suga on Amazon
5. Preserve – POPi Safety Razors
Preserve started the Preserve Ocean Plastic Initiative (POPi) to work with partners cleaning up beaches and removing plastic from the ocean. They then use that plastic to make toothbrushes, razors, and tableware.
Their razors are unisex five-blade razors, with replaceable heads, and they’re completely recyclable through Preserve’s mail-back recycling program.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
Effective and long-lasting
Blades are nickel-free and good for those with allergies
Works just as well as big-brand multi-blade razors
Cons
Head, where the blade cartridge attaches, can become loose
Some reviewers had problems with the lubricating strip being too sticky
Some reviewers found the blades rusted quite quickly
Where to Buy: Preserve on Amazon
6. Polywood – Classic Adirondack Chair
Polywood makes outdoor furniture from a blend of recycled HDPE and other plastics, including milk jugs and detergent bottles.
Weather-resistant, and extremely hard-wearing, their furniture is made to last for many years (they offer a 20-year guarantee), with little maintenance.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.7/5 Stars):
Pros
Durable and weather-resistant in full sun
Easy to assemble
Very comfortable
Cons
Smaller than traditional wooden Adirondack chairs
No written assembly instructions and you need your own wrench
Do not fold up
Where to Buy: Polywood on Amazon
7. Green Toys – Recycled Plastic Seaplane
Green Toys is a USA-based company that makes children’s toys out of 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. Their toys are bright, durable, and interactive for imaginative play.
Green Toys products are non-toxic, BPA free and FDA-approved for safe contact. They’re also dishwasher safe!
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.8/5 Stars):
Pros
High-quality and well made
Easy to clean (water drains out easily and they dry completely)
BPA free and non-toxic so a good choice for teething babies
Cons
Too large for playing in the bathtub
Tends to fill with water from the drainage ports and then lists or sinks a bit
Where to Buy: Green Toys on Amazon
8. Bureo – Costa Del Mar x Bureo Victoria Sunglasses
Bureo makes jackets, accessories, and skateboards out of recycled fishing nets. They partner with local communities and conservation organizations to collect discarded fishing nets from coastal areas in South America.
Their Victoria sunglasses are polarized and offer 100% UV protection. The frames are lightweight and comfortable, with padded nose supports. At the end of their lifespan, they’re fully recyclable through Bureo’s recycling program.
Location: USA and Chile
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Star rating only – no reviews available
Where to Buy: Bureo or Costa Del Mar
9. Team Timbuktu – Activewear Leggings
Team Timbuktu makes activewear and waterproof jackets out of recycled plastic bottles and recycled fabric. They also plant trees for every order, are an ethical and fair labor company, and use compostable packaging instead of single-use plastic.
Their activewear leggings are designed to be hardwearing, comfortable, breathable, and have pockets!
Location: Australia
What the Reviews Say (4.9/5 Stars):
Pros
Very comfortable to wear
Pockets
Adjustable waistband for the perfect fit
Cons
Waistband too small for some body shapes
Where to Buy: Team Timbuktu
10. Rothys – The Flat Ladies Pumps
Rothys makes men’s and women’s shoes and bags out of recycled plastic bottles, which they convert into yarn. The yarn is then 3D knitted to form the shapes they need, which reduces waste. Rothys’ is aiming for a fully circular business model by 2025 and is fully zero-waste in 2022.
They offer recycling for your old Rothys shoes and their new product lines include materials that are twice recycled.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
Very comfortable and do not need to be worn in
Available in half sizes
Many color options are available
Cons
Sizing is a challenge because they don’t stretch much but they do have half sizes
Where to Buy: Rothys
11. Fab Habitat – Cairo Recycled Polypropylene Rug
Fab Habitat makes rugs and other soft home furnishings out of recycled materials. Their rugs are made with recycled plastic, either PET from soda bottles or Polypropylene from food and medicine containers.
Fab Habitat is also a Fair Trade and Good Weave certified company.
Location: USA and India
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Pros
Comfortable underfoot
Hardwearing and easy to clean
Weatherproof for outdoor spaces and do not fade in the sun
Cons
The black in the ‘natural and black’ Cairo rug is more grey than black
Where to Buy: Fab Habitat
12. Recover – Sport Collection T-Shirt
Recover makes men’s and women’s clothing out of recycled materials, including recycled cotton and polyester made from recycled plastic bottles and packaging.
Their Sport collection is made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic waste. Recover’s Sport t-shirt is soft, comfortable, breathable, and suitable for every activity.
Location: USA and Guatemala
What the Reviews Say (4.5/5 Stars):
Pros
Comfortable fit and soft fabric
High-quality at a low price point
Great for outdoor sports and hiking
Cons
Only a small range of colors is available
Shoulder seams are uncomfortable for trail running with a water pack
Where to Buy: Recover
13. Noho – Move Chair
Noho makes stylish, ergonomic chairs out of recycled ECONYL nylon, which is made from recovered ghost fishing nets and post-consumer waste carpeting.
Their chairs are ergonomically designed to move and flex with your body for comfort and support. Optional cushion toppers are also available.
Location: New Zealand
What the Reviews Say (4.7/5 Stars):
Pros
They’re light and easy to move around
Comfortable as a desk or dining chair/suitable for all-day use
Easy to assemble and sturdy
Cons
Chair height is tall and not adjustable
Some reviewers found the forward tilt to be uncomfortable
One reviewer found the finish to be less refined than desired
Where to Buy: Noho
14. Hakea Swimwear – Juniper Maillot
Hakea is an Australian brand that makes high-quality swimwear from recycled nylon, including ECONYL, which is made from ghost fishing nets and plastic removed from the ocean, and fabric mill waste.
Their swimwear is more durable than most nylon swimwear, UPF 50+, and free from all harmful chemicals. Hakea uses energy and water-efficient production methods, and plastic-free packaging.
Location: Australia
What the Reviews Say (/5 Stars):
No reviews available
Where to Buy: Hakea
15. Buffy – Cloud Comforter
Buffy makes vegan, cruelty-free bed linen, comforters, and pillows using filling made from recycled plastic bottles instead of virgin polyester. They use natural fibers and sustainable materials for their fabrics, sheeting, and covers.
Buffy is a sustainability-focused brand doing many things to lessen its impact on the planet, including offsetting all the carbon emissions from its shipping.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):
Pros
Light and soft, very comfortable on your skin
Regulates temperature very well – keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it is cold
Machine washable
Cons
Some reviewers felt it was too warm and not breathable enough
Inside a duvet cover, it becomes very warm
Some older reviews noted the filling bunching up in the corners
Where to Buy: Buffy on Amazon
16. Re-Play – Recycled Plastic Bowl
Re-Play makes bowls, plates, and utensils out of recycled plastic. Their recycled plastic products are colorful, high-quality, and long-lasting.
They’re 100% non-toxic and contain no BPA, Phthalates, PVC, or Melamine. Re-Play products are great for kids and adults alike.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.9/5 Stars):
Pros
Do not stain or scuff easily
Very hardwearing
Machine washable and microwave safe
Cons
Bowls are on the small and shallow side
One reviewer noted that their bowl warped a little in the microwave
Some reviewers noted stains from spaghetti sauce
Where to Buy: Re-Play on Amazon
Final Thoughts on Recycled Plastic Products
There is a huge variety of recycled plastic products on the market, which shows just how versatile and valuable waste plastics can be.
As consumers, our choices influence commerce, and the industries that produce the goods we buy.
When we buy recycled plastic products, we’re contributing not only to the reduction of virgin plastic production but also to strengthening the market for recycled plastics.
On top of that, we lose nothing in terms of quality or longevity by choosing recycled plastics instead of virgin plastics – they’re just as good!
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are made from recycled plastic?
Most plastic products can be made from recycled plastic. Common products made from recycled plastics include recycled polyester clothing, plastic toys, tableware, shoes, bags and home furnishings like chairs and rugs. Read the full article for a list of some of the best recycled plastic products available.
Are recycled plastic products good?
Yes. In terms of quality, recycled plastic products are just as good as products made from virgin plastic., and in terms of the environment it is much better to use recycled plastic than it is to make new plastic out of oil. Read the full article for more on recycled plastic products.
Are recycled plastic products safe?
Yes. If the plastic recycling process is done properly and the final product meets the necessary safety standards, the fact that the plastic is recycled makes no difference to the safety of the item. Always read labels and check that products are approved, regardless of the origin of the plastic. Read the full article for more on recycled plastic products.
References
Government of Canada: Government of Canada Moving Forward with Banning Harmful Single-Use Plastics
National Geographic: The Challenge of Recycling
NPR: How Big Oil Misled the Public into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled
RTS: Is This Recyclable?
RTS: The Complete Plastics Recycling Process
RTS: The State of Recycling Today – 2022 Recycling Trends + Beyond
The Guardian: Americans’ Plastic Recycling is Dumped in Landfills, Investigation Shows
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5 Eco-Friendly and Ethical Jewelry Designers to Know Now (2022)
Ethical business and sustainability are on everyone’s mind these days. We’ve all heard about the perils of fast fashion in the context of clothing: the waste, the unsafe working conditions, the overuse of precious resources like water and petroleum.
But what does eco-consciousness mean when it comes to jewels like black gemstones or pearls?
Unfortunately, in the case of jewelry production, all that glitters is not gold. Many of the manufacturing practices are downright dirty.
Read on to learn about 5 eco-friendly and ethical jewelers who are doing their part to make the world a healthier, cleaner, better place!
Why Ethical Jewelry Matters
Ethics means behaving in a way that does not cause harm. Making ethical jewelry means that the steps in the supply chain do not hurt humans or the planet. This includes everything from obtaining the raw materials like metals, gems and mother of pearl to shipping methods. Employees all along the chain should receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.
Take a look at this informative TEDx Talks video to understand more about the complexities of sustainable and ethical jewelry design and manufacture:
youtube
Jewelry supply chains tend to be extremely complex, making transparency difficult to achieve. Gold will be mined in one country, the gemstones in another, and assembly will likely occur in yet another place. The item is then sold in a country that may well be on the opposite side of the planet.
That’s a lot of steps to keep track of. And it offers a lot of opportunity to get away with less than golden standards. In the case of many brands, there is simply no way to know where the raw materials like gold and diamonds come from, much less the actual conditions within the mine. This is what makes seeking out ethical jewelry makers all the more important.
With the above in mind, here are five ethical jewelry makers to support instead:
5 Ethical Jewelry Makers
1. Catbird
Catbird is a NYC-based brand created and run by women. It makes all of its pieces in-house from either recycled materials or responsibly-sourced, no-conflict gems.
Catbird actively supports diversity and the BIPOC community, both through hiring practices and expanding its third-party brand offerings in its shop. Additionally, the company donates a percentage of its sales to charities such as the Food Bank of New York City and the ACLU.
Catbird
2. SOKO
San Francisco-based SOKO is also led by women and takes a people-first approach to business. The platform uses modern technology to connect marginalized artisans in Kenya with the rest of the world.
Rather than be forced to commute or live in a central location, mobile technology allows the artisans to stay within their community. Thoughtful and effective production leads to a higher income without compromising sustainability. Fair prices for their work also preserve personal dignity.
SOKO is a certified B-Corporation. This means it meets high standards for accountability, transparency, and social and environmental performance throughout its supply chain.
SOKO
3. ABLE
ABLE is a brand of ethical jewelry that has the goal of empowering women and breaking the cycle of poverty. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, artists make jewelry by hand from a range of sustainably-sourced materials.
The company is highly transparent and publishes the salaries of its entire staff which is 95% female. ABLE is committed to offering fair wages and treatment that reflect the workers’ inherent dignity and worth.
ABLE
4. Joi De Viv
Feminine yet fierce, designer Vivian Wyell’s approach to ethical jewelry means growing diamonds in a lab. Joi De Viv’s luxurious yet sustainable line of ethical jewelry is produced by an ethically-treated labor force which employs environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes.
Each diamond is made in the US and comes with an IGI certificate. Metals used in pieces are either recycled, reclaimed or responsibly-sourced.
Joi De Viv
5. Mejuri
The Canadian brand Mejuri offers a range of ethical jewelry pieces including wedding bands. All are made from recycled or fairly-mined base materials with a traceable supply chain. Another essential component for the brand is affordability, making it very popular. ‘Everyday fine jewelry’ is its slogan.
Mejuri
Typical Problems with Unethical Jewelry Creation
There are many complex and interrelated issues that make jewelry unethical, and unsustainable. Here are the most important issues to consider:
Environmental Impact
Strip mining, as its name implies, has a significant environmental impact. Entire ecosystems may be destroyed in the quest for precious metals and gemstones. It is estimated that 250 tons of soil are moved to find a single carat of diamonds! With almost 150 million carats being mined annually, that’s a lot of earth upset. These mines are so huge, they can be seen from outer space.
Deforesting is another threat with mining. Waterways also get polluted due to contamination by deadly chemicals used in the mining process.
These toxins also sterilize the soil and the ecosystem may not recover for decades or centuries. The noise alone drives away wildlife. The overall impact can turn the local environment into an uninhabitable wasteland.
Health & Safety Issues
As mentioned above, mining is a very dirty business. But it is growing fast in developing countries, as much as 20% a year. Oxygen is often limited in mines. Dangerous particles hang in the air and get inhaled. Miners rarely have all the protective equipment they need. Another hazard miners face is cave-ins. Mining can be a deadly job.
Exploitation and Child Labor
Gems and precious metals frequently come from nations that do not have strong labor laws. Working conditions are miserable and often downright dangerous.
Employees usually do not receive safety training and are inadequately equipped for the work. Add to this, many workers barely earn a living wage.
Safety nets like disability insurance are nonexistent. The human impact alone is a strong reason to choose ethical jewelry.
Worse, in many countries, forced child labor is used to mine diamonds, gem stones and precious metals.
This TEDx Talks video delves into how diamond mining impacts children:
youtube
Fueling Conflict
The film Blood Diamonds brought attention to the fact that many gemstones are mined in countries where the funds fuel conflict. It is estimated that up to 20% of the diamond market may be guilty of this practice.
Countries that have had their diamonds banned for this reason include Angola, the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. If you want to be sure your gems aren’t contributing to human suffering, buy ethical jewelry.
Use of Toxic Substances
As mentioned above, miners often suffer terrible working conditions and hazards. The poisons mercury and cyanide are used in nearly all gold mining. Mercury poisoning has some pretty awful effects, including:
loss of coordination
loss of peripheral vision
impairment of hearing, speech, and walking
muscle weakness
memory loss
headaches
tremors
insomnia
These toxins don’t only harm the workers who handle them. The poisons are released into the air and water and do untold damage to the environment and all living beings in the surrounding area.
Community Impact
Unethical practices like diamond smuggling doesn’t only incite and sustain war. It also steals millions of dollars from some of the poorest people in the world.
Indigenous people regularly have their land taken away from them or destroyed for mining. They have no legal recourse. While some progress has been made in this area, there is still a long way to go. The only way to know for sure you’re buying ethical jewelry is to do your research.
Final Thoughts – The Steps You Can Take
Studies show that four out of five consumers are willing to pay more for conflict-free jewelry. As a customer, you have the power to make a difference. Don’t fall for the advertising of the ‘You’re Worth It’ variety. There are plenty of ways to treat yourself without harming the planet.
Before you buy, consider whether you really need more. If the occasion calls for something you don’t already own, you can:
Borrow
Rent
Shop secondhand/vintage
When buying new, always research the company. Look out for greenwashing. Unscrupulous sellers know that items with an environmental label are in high demand and will go a long way to make their product sound eco-friendly.
Ethical jewelry is still in its infancy, but demand is driven by consumers. The more questions shoppers ask about the origin of their jewelry, the more designers will listen. This will create a positive cycle, and lead to a healthier, happier planet and population.
About the Author
Sue Seabury is passionate about all things fashion and the Earth. She is a regular contributor to the blog for the ethical pearl e-tailer, The Pearl Source.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell if a Jeweler Is Using Ethical Practices?
Ethical jewelers are usually very proud of their work and tend to be explicit as to their sourcing, processes, and other parts of ethical jewelry production, including eco-conscious shipping methods and recyclable packaging. Read the full article to learn more about how to know if jewelry is ethical or not.
What’s the Difference Between Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry?
The two may be used interchangeably. Sustainability refers primarily to environment practices, such as not dumping chemicals or employing slash-and-burn techniques. Ethical jewelry is made without harming the environment or the workers involved in its creation. Read the full piece for more on ethical and sustainable jewelry production.
Which Is the More Ethical Jewelry: Recycled or Eco-Friendly?
Both can be ethical. Recycled means the base materials are being reused, whereas eco-friendly means that the jewelry was produced without harming the environment. But read the fine print. And be wary of greenwashing, aka, making a product sound more environmentally-friendly than it actually is. Read the full article for more on the virtues of recycled and eco-friendly jewelry.
References and Useful Resources
Ethical Consumer: Search Tool for Ethical Products
Ethical Making: The Ethical Making Resource
Ethical Metalsmiths: Resources
Forbes: The Challenge of Creating Responsible Jewelry
Forbes: Meet Joie de Viv a Diamond Industry Disruptor and Environmental Advocate
Science Direct: Social Impact Assessment in the Mining Sector: Review and Comparison of Indicators Frameworks
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How to Organize Your Life to Live More Sustainably (2022)
Sustainable living is an idea of reducing the consumption of natural resources. Unfortunately, overconsumption, the irresponsible extraction of materials and burning of fossil fuels has brought about global warming.
Also, there are a lot of different threats that the planet experiences because of unsustainable living. For example, excessive consumption has promoted deforestation, desertification, and pollution of natural resources.
If you don’t want to encourage manufacturers to extract more resources, you have to learn how to consume food and use different products and items responsibly.
But, unfortunately, the lives of modern people comprise a lot of plastic, disposable items, and waste. Therefore, you will likely be required to organize your life in a different way to live more sustainably.
It might sound like an overwhelming task to reorganize your life but luckily, there are simple things you can do to set yourself up for (sustainable) success!
In this guide, we’re covering how to organize and change your lifestyle.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Organize Your Home to Save Natural Resources
The first thing to do as you start living more sustainably is to start saving energy. Unfortunately, people waste a lot of energy. However, factories burn fossil fuel or install more green energy-generating items to produce it. Windmills and solar panels also need natural resources extracted for being produced.
There is no need to refuse to spend electricity and compromise on your comfort. Nevertheless, you can optimize a lot of processes to consume less energy.
For starters, it’s recommended to install led light bulbs. They release plenty of light, consuming less energy. Also, unplug devices that you don’t use and install light sensors in a garage or attic. It will help you save energy if you forget to switch it off.
Finally, if you want to consume less energy generated by power plants, feel free to install solar panels or windmills to generate electricity yourself.
The same attitude should be applied to other resources like natural gas and water. To save water without compromising your comfort, feel free to install a sink hose sprayer. It will help you spend less water when washing your hands or dishes. Also, by installing a smart thermostat, you will start spending less on heating or cooling.
Take a look at this video by No Nature No Future for some more tips on conserving natural resources at home:
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2. Set Up Your Reuse and Recycle System
Unfortunately, it is tough to stop producing waste. People toss a lot of plastic packages, paper bags, and other items daily. If you want to live sustainably, you have to start sorting your waste to recycle it.
Get separate trash bins for plastic, biodegradables, metal, and glass. It will help reduce the need for raw material extraction to impact the planet positively. Also, it will help if you dispose of any electronic devices, like vapes and batteries responsibly. Note, it’s forbidden to toss them in the trash. Instead, you should give batteries and other devices to certified e-waste recyclers.
Besides, it’s recommended to minimize the waste you toss in the trash. It’s advised to learn to reuse different items to achieve this goal. For example, if you have damaged apparel, feel free to donate it. Do not be shy about purchasing items made of recycled materials to contribute to sustainable living.
Also, learn to use paper responsibly. For example, if you make notes, explore the best essays on organizational behavior online, use both sides of the paper to reduce waste. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to go paperless and stop using paper. Fortunately, these days, there are a lot of note-taking alternatives on desktops and smartphones.
3. Learn to Plan Ahead
Unfortunately, it’s tough to switch to sustainable living fast because people already have developed habits that need to be changed.
If you want to start consuming fewer resources and utilizing products responsibly, you have to build a plan on reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the global warming fight.
Install a planning app on your smartphone or desktop to not use paper. Then you have to create a list of the most significant points that will help you organize your life for more sustainable living. For instance, create a detailed plan with steps to spend less energy and produce less waste. Then, follow them strictly to develop a habit or get used to utilizing more efficient tools. Then, add more items to the list to save the planet.
This video by kübriela offers some insight into how to plan and organize your life to make lasting changes:
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4. Reconsider Your Nutrition
The problem with food waste can be easily resolved by opting for groceries upon the need. However, to live more sustainably, it’s also required to reconsider your nutrition.
It’s advised to get rid of prepared products and use fresh food. It will help you get rid of a large number of plastic and cardboard packages.
Also, it’s recommended to reduce the consumption of meat in your daily diet. This is because farmers need to spend a lot of water and grain to produce meat. On average, 1 pound of beef requires 2.5 pounds of grain and a lot of water. Besides, livestock is a significant source of greenhouse gas. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reconsider your diet to switch to more sustainable living.
A vegan lifestyle is a great for sustainability, but its not for everyone. You can also reduce the amount of meat you eat. To get the required amount of protein, you need to supplement your diet with products like vegan burgers, beans, nuts, and mushrooms.
5. Pay Attention to Transportation
These days, the electrical vehicle segment develops at a high pace. and many manufacturers are now producing green cars with zero emissions. Meanwhile, a lot of countries are about to ban gas cars shortly. It’s a significant trend that will help fight global warming.
Nevertheless, the majority of vehicles on the road burn fossil fuel. Therefore, don’t hesitate to pay close attention to transportation. Indeed, all people have different needs that shouldn’t be compromised. However, there are a few ways to start living more sustainably.
Check out this video by EcoMastery Project for a snapshot of more sustainable transportation options around the world:
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In case you live in a highly-populated city and don’t need to travel long distances, feel free to use a bike or electric scooter. Also, you can share rides with other people by using shuttles or public transport. It will help you almost erase the need to drive a car.
If you live further out, you can switch to driving an electric vehicle or start sharing rides with other people. For example, you can take your neighbors or family members to particular locations. Also, you may get additional benefits. Some states offer dedicated fast lanes for cars that drive more than one person. It’s a perk that those who are dedicated to sustainable living use.
Conclusion
Sustainable living looks a little different for everyone but the five areas set out above create a solid foundation for you to build the sustainable lifestyle of your dreams!
If you incorporate aspects from each of these key areas, you will be able to use fewer natural resources, create less waste, contribute to a more circular economy and live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
About the Author
Henry Taylor is an expert on the eco-friendly ways of living. He is concerned about environmental problems and is always in search of the best solutions. Henry is a researcher who learns more about global warming and other issues. He does his best to live more sustainably and likes sharing the best recommendations with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to start living sustainably?
Sustainable living is essential for keeping our planet safe from severe changes. The excess consumption and irresponsible use of materials lead to global warming, environmental pollution, droughts, and other problems. Those who consider living more sustainably help fight global warming and other serious issues that negatively affect the environment and climate. Read the full guide for more tips on organizing your life to live more sustainably.
What is the best way to live more sustainably?
There is no solid plan to organize your life to live more sustainably. Switching to sustainable living is a set of different actions to help you spend less natural resources, food, and items. Nevertheless, first of all, you need to create a responsible consumption mindset to change your habits. The best way is to choose the aspects you maintain long term. Check the full guide for tips on how to live more sustainably.
How many people live sustainably?
Unfortunately, there is a lack of research worldwide to discover how many people are concerned about environmental problems. However, according to recent surveys, nearly a third of US residents state that they are eco-friendly. Roughly 34% of people say that they consume resources wisely. Read the full guide for more info and actionable tips.
References and Useful Resources
WessexWater: 14 ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle
TheGuardian: 50 simple ways to make your life greener
TheMinimalistVegan: 100+ Simple Tips To Live a More Sustainable Lifestyle
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10 Simple Ways for Students to Adopt a Low-Waste Lifestyle (2022)
Living a low-waste lifestyle is one of the best ways to reduce our personal impact, and our personal contribution to the global waste and climate crisis.
Pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues we need to address. It is crucial for the climate too.
Thankfully, many adults, students and youngsters are adopting a more sustainable lifestyle by making changes to how they live, the transport they use, and what they eat and what they buy.
While there is greater awareness of issues like climate change and ocean plastic pollution, few people are aware of the impacts of the waste we generate at home, once it is whisked away by the garbage truck each week!
This lack of awareness prevents people from understanding why we all need to produce less waste. Garbage in landfills piles up, emitting greenhouse gases, which, in turn, contribute to climate warming.
However, we can look ahead with optimism. Change is in everyone’s power. And even though some negative habits are deeply rooted in our behavior, we can change them.
Becoming aware of the habits that affect the environment is the first step. Making small changes is the second.
So, here we will share 10 simple sustainable ways to students and everyone else to adopt a low-waste lifestyle:
Why It’s Important to Live More Sustainably and Adopt a Low-Waste Lifestyle
Climate change is a real problem, even though many people advertise it as a hoax. Protecting the planet is something we all should do.
Climate change was triggered by human actions. Since the industrial revolution, people’s actions have emitted about 375 billion tonnes of carbon. And the effects are easily visible.
Even though people who do not live in coastal areas might not feel the effects of the weather warming and climate change, they are still present.
Recent years have been among the warmest ever recorded, and are more extreme weather events around the globe. The intensity and frequency of wildfires have risen. The same goes for hurricanes, which nowadays mainly affect the USA.
Climate change comes with many negative effects on humanity and our lifestyle. The production of food is also in danger. There are more and more people on the planet and sustaining them all is challenging.
Even though coastal areas are among the first visibly affected by climate change, all people on Earth are surely already experiencing it one way or another. If not all are affected by the levels of the sea rising, they have likely experienced heatwaves. Or they have noticed that winters are not as cold or long they used to be.
And all these changes have a negative effect not only on humanity but on nature and animals too. They are more sensitive than us to rising temperatures. The oceans are also getting more acidic and food in the sea is scarce.
So, how does waste contribute to climate change? There are many complicated relationships between, manufacturing, waste, pollution and climate change.
Take a look at this video by Center for International Environmental Law to see how plastic alone contributes to climate change:
youtube
Faced with such massive issues, it can feel like you, as an individual, do not have the power to change things. However, the small steps we take and the changes we make as individuals do make a difference!
So, here are 10 small steps you can take to make a difference:
10 Simple Ways for Students to Adopt a Low-Waste Lifestyle
1. Minimize Food Waste
We need food and water to survive. Becoming aware of the cycle your food goes through will help you minimize food waste. This is because there are a lot of greenhouse gasses emitted from the production, packaging, and transportation of food.
Take a look at this video by Bloomberg Quicktake: Explained for a snapshot of how food waste contributes to climate change:
youtube
Food production contributes to around 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Which is huge. On the other hand, food waste contributes to around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In total, food (production and losses) accounts for almost 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is why it is so important to minimize food waste. Look for creative ideas to use leftovers. Have shopping lists with you to avoid buying things you do not need. Organize the shelves of your fridge and store food appropriately. This way, it will last longer and less will end up in the garbage!
2. Replace Plastic Bags with Reusable Ones
Another technique students are using to adopt a low-waste lifestyle is avoiding plastic bags. Not everyone knows that plastic is made of oil. Companies that are drilling for oil are destroying natural habitats and the environment. All these while contributing carbon emissions and polluting the environment.
Moreover, many types of plastic bags cannot be recycled. So, they end up in a landfill, where it takes 1000s of years to degrade. Replace plastic bags and any kind of plastic packaging. Convert some tote bags to shopping ones. They can be used many times, washed, and reused, say experts from an essay writing service.
3. Choose Second-Hand Clothes
Fast fashion is another trend that is contributing to climate change. People are presented each year with hundreds of new fashion trends. There are new clothes of new colors you are encouraged and urged to buy, but people only wear a limited amount of clothes.
So, there is no need to have closets full of shoes and clothes. Moreover, this trend of fast fashion contributes to around 4% of global greenhouse gases. Choose to buy natural fibers, second-hand. Also, donate or sell the clothes you are not wearing. Like this, they will have a new life instead of degrading in a landfill. Textiles take up more than 200 years to decompose.
4. Compost
Composting is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. And you do not need a lot of things. All you need is to place the vegetable and fruit scraps in a composting bin. You can also add eggshells, unbleached paper, and many more.
In the end, you will have nutritious soil for your plants. And you will also reduce the amount of garbage generated, and eliminate the harmful methane produced by your food waste when it goes to landfills.
5. Recycle
When you cannot reuse or repurpose the things you have, you can recycle them. Even though many people promote recycling as the best solution to reduce waste, it isn’t. In fact, recycling is difficult. There are too few recycling centers for the number of recyclables people generate.
Moreover, there are a lot of different plastic types. They cannot be recycled together, as each of them has different properties. On top of this, there is a lot of energy and water waste involved, so recycling should be the last step. However, it is better to recycle than to throw your garbage in the trash. Find a recycling center near you and sort your recyclables.
6. Reuse
The internet is full of principles to live by when you care for the environment. A low-waste lifestyle might seem unattainable, but it really isn’t.
Reusing or giving a new purpose to the objects you do not use anymore is the way to go. Like this, you minimize the waste that ends up in a landfill. For example, you can make plant pots from used metal cans, and grow your own herbs.
7. Make Your Own Cosmetics
This idea might sound odd, but it is currently surging in popularity. It is popular especially among students because it helps them save some money, while also protecting the environment.
Many cosmetics companies are still testing the products on animals. Moreover, they use chemicals that might affect your health. Choose to buy or make natural soaps, eco-friendly makeup and vegan and cruelty-free products instead! You can find many DIY cosmetics ideas online, to make your own soap, sanitizer, lip balm, shampoo, and many more.
Try this easy three ingredient lip balm recipe by Bottega Zero Waste to get started:
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8. Order Less Takeout at Home and On the Go
Even though ordering food can’t sometimes be avoided, you should try to do it. Adopting a low-waste lifestyle is difficult, but not impossible.
Try to cook your meals and use reusable containers to take them with you. Like this, you reduce the waste generated by this action.
9. Low-Waste Products
Climate change is a topic of high importance, so people are looking for ways to adapt to it. Choosing low-waste products for your house is another way you can protect the Earth. Many zero-waste stores are producing great eco-friendly, zero-waste products you might use daily.
For example, instead of plastic cotton swabs, you can use bamboo ones. Instead of kitchen napkins, you can use reusable and washable cloths. Instead of plastic sponges, you can use an eco-friendly loofah, advises a climate essay writer.
10. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Plastic bottles can be seen anywhere. And the saddest thing is that they are all over nature, intoxicating it. But they are intoxicating not only the environment but humanity too. The chemicals that degrade enter the soil, and then the groundwater. We drink that water and also eat vegetables grown in that soil. 80% of all plastic bottles end up in landfills. You can use a reusable bottle. Refilling it on the way is eco-friendlier than buying a new one every time you get thirsty.
Conclusion
Adopting a low-waste lifestyle is the solution towards a healthier planet. Even though some changes are more challenging than others, they positively contribute to the health of the planet. The 10 steps detailed here are some of the simplest ways to do this, and the ones most popular among students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the first changes I should make to live a low-waste lifestyle?
All lifestyle changes are important. But firstly, you could focus on getting a reusable water bottle, minimizing food waste, and replacing plastic bags with reusable ones. Check the full guide for more easy ways to live a low-waste lifestyle.
Is it more expensive to live a low-waste lifestyle?
While some eco-friendly products might be pricier than others, living a low-waste lifestyle is very economical and will actually help you save money. Nothing is wasted, and nothing unnecessary is purchased. Check the full guide for more easy ways to reduce waste and spend less.
How do I motivate myself to live a low-waste lifestyle?
Replacing bad habits is always difficult. Change is challenging. But remember that you're doing this not only for the environment but for your health too. We rely on nature to provide us shelter, food, and water. And caring for it means caring for us. Check the full guide for some easy ways to do this that will become habits in no time!
References and Useful Resources
Centre for Biological Diversity: 10 Facts About Single-Use Plastic Bags
Healthy Human Life: Plastic Water Bottle Pollution: Where do all the Bottles End Up?
New Scientist: Food Production Emissions Make Up More Than a Third of Global Total
Roadrunner Waste Management: The Environmental Crisis Caused by Textile Waste
Statista: Historical carbon dioxide emissions from global fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes from 1750 to 2020
Write My Essay 4 Me: Essay Writing Services
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Say No to Plastic at Home: An Easy Guide to Plastic-Free Home (2022)
Why should we create a plastic-free home? These days, we often hear about the dangers of plastic pollution and how using plastic at home is no longer acceptable.
Well, hearing such statements is one thing. But we really have to understand why before we can fully accept this new ‘no plastic’ rule.
This is why it’s essential to learn why you should say no to plastic at home, as well as learn about accessible alternatives to plastic.
So, let’s get into this!
Here is why plastic at home is no longer an option and how to replace it:
Why Plastic is Not the Way to Go
Let’s start with the ‘why’ here. There are multiple reasons why people can and should refuse plastic and transition to a plastic-free home.
Here are just some of those reasons:
All oil-based plastic will outlive your grandchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Overall, the average life of plastic products can be up to a thousand years.
Plastics made from fossil fuels contribute to emissions and climate change.
There is no real solution to deal with the existing plastic waste.
Corporations and governments do a very poor job regulating the environmental crisis we are experiencing. So, it is up to individuals to deal with their own plastic pollution at large.
Recycling can solve part of the problem, but not all plastics can be recycled, and if we continue to produce more and more new plastic, recycling only a portion of it does not solve the problem.
Numerous alternatives can make living in a plastic-free home easy, affordable, and accessible.
Most plastic objects end up in waterways, and eventually, the ocean. So if nothing changes, relatively soon, it will be the dominating ‘inhabitant’ of the sea.
These are just a few reasons you should consider giving a plastic-free home a try!
If you want to delve into some more detailed academic research, data, and studies, you can look at online resources or order essays on the topic.
However, the bottom line is that by saying no to plastic, you are contributing to a healthy environment, learning more about sustainable living, creating less waste, and even making more space in your house!
Let’s take a look at how to tackle the plastic problem at home and how to transition to a plastic-free lifestyle:
Where Do You Have the Most Plastic in Your Home?
So, to start, think about where you have the most significant concentration of plastic in your home?
Usually, it’s in the kitchens and bathrooms that you generate the most plastic waste! Plastic food packaging, bottles of cleaning products, food storage, toiletry packaging, and so on.
Take a good look around these two rooms and notice how much plastic you purchase and throw away monthly and annually. You will be surprised to see the volume of plastic integrated into your life and home!
Take a look at this great video by Exploring Alternatives to see how to do a waste audit and some super simple tips to start eliminating plastic from your home:
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The next step should be changing your habits and being more mindful about your purchases. The less plastic you bring into your home, the better!
Generally, the most plastic found in the kitchen and bathroom is product packaging on:
Fresh foods and dried foods like pasta and rice, crackers and bread, etc.
Cleaning products, especially liquids in plastic jugs
Personal hygiene products, especially soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Toiletries
Tools like brushes, sponges, and scourer scrubbies
You may not eliminate all the plastic from your bathroom and kitchen immediately, but consider which swaps will make the most impact and focus on those first.
The items you use the most and buy regularly are the best places to start. If you use a lotion over several months and only buy a few a year, that generates a great deal less plastic waste than the hand soap you replace every couple of weeks.
Creating a plastic-free home takes time but small changes make a huge difference!
Try the Triple ‘R’ Method: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
The classic “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” method is something we should all incorporate into our lives:
Reduce: Say No New Plastic
Firstly, find ways to reduce your plastic usage and stop buying plastic as much as possible. For example, choose alternative food packaging, shop at local food markets, and avoid plastic bags whenever possible.
Of course, you won’t do it perfectly on the first try. Yet, plastic-free shopping will become a regular routine for you with time. Luckily, many brands offer zero-waste products these days, especially when it comes to groceries, toiletries, hygiene products, and more.
Reuse: Keep and Reuse the Plastic You Already Have
The second lesson is that we shouldn’t hurry to throw away all the plastic containers and other plastic products at home. On the contrary, we should think of ways to prolong their use and reuse them, which keeps them out of landfills, and the environment, for as long as possible. Refill plastic containers and reuse them or upcycle them into something else.
Recycle: If You Can’t Refuse It or Reuse It, Recycle It
Lastly, research recycling options for things you are not keeping. The aim is to send as few items to the landfill as possible by recycling everything you can’t reuse. However, not all plastic is suitable for recycling.
Recycling is a complicated topic, and you should learn more about the recycling industry in your state and whether it is even efficient in the first place.
Generally, recycle as much plastic as you can, avoid bringing new plastic into your home, and check that it is recyclable before you do.
These three simple rules will help you drastically decrease your plastic usage!
What Are the Alternatives?
We rely on plastic so much because, first, we are used to it, and second, because there haven’t been any effective (and cheap) alternatives for many decades.
However, the times have changed now. All over the world, scientists are working on plastic alternatives. Meanwhile, simple plastic-free solutions are already available to people worldwide.
Creating a plastic-free home starts with simple changes, and choosing plastic-free alternatives to the products you use.
For example, one can replace their plastic toothbrushes with bamboo ones. They are eco-friendly, easy to find, and very affordable.
Choose products that are packaged in paper, glass, or stainless steel rather than plastic.
Consider metal or glass food containers. Use beeswax wraps instead of plastic ones. These plastic alternatives are easy to find, reusable, and last a long time.
In fact, most plastic-free options are also perfect for sustainable living, as they will serve you for years and years.
They’re also made with recyclable or biodegradable materials, so when you need to finally dispose of them, they are not bad for the environment.
Check out this video by Shelbizleee to see some of the best eco-swaps you can make to cut out plastic:
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Overall, there are many simple solutions and eco-swaps that can result in a significant plastic reduction in your home!
The Bottom Line
Developing new habits is always challenging at first. Yet, sustainable living and a plastic-free home are easy to achieve with good preparation and motivation. You just need to start somewhere!
Build a better understanding of how such a lifestyle can benefit not just the environment but your household and budget.
See the alternatives you can use in your home. Declutter your house, make better buying decisions and find recycling services in your area. It won’t take long, but what a difference it can make in the long run!
Frequently Asked Questions
ow can I encourage my friends/family to live plastic-free?
First and foremost, you can be the example they will look up to in their plastic-free journey. Awareness and knowledge are essential for breaking bad habits and replacing them with positive ones. So teach them what you already know and explain why you are doing what you’re doing. Check the full guide for more on plastic-free living.
What is bioplastic?
Not all modern plastic is oil-based. Bioplastics can be made from many types of biodegradable materials, such as sugar cane, straw, and corn starch. Scientists are still working on creating environmentally friendly bioplastic that can replace petroleum-based plastic. Check the full guide for more on plastic alternatives.
What happens to recycled plastic?
A small percentage of the recycled plastic gets molded into new products, like bottles or packaging. More recycled plastic is also used in construction, playground equipment, clothes, and more. However, most plastic still ends up in landfills instead of being recycled for various reasons, such as low demand. Take a look at the full guide for better options.
References and Useful Resources
Earth911: Recycling Search Tool
IUCN: Issue Brief – Marine Plastic Pollution
WWF: 24+ Tips for going plastic free from Zero Waste Bloggers
NSW EPA: The Waste Hierarchy
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16 Best Vegan Beauty Products That Will Make You Shine in 2022
The demand for vegan beauty products has grown as more and more consumers shift to better buying habits and choose more sustainable and ethical products.
There are now loads of great vegan cosmetics and skincare options on the market, and you can find a vegan alternative for just about everything in your beauty routine!
However, not all vegan products are made equal, and some contain undesirable synthetic chemicals rather than purely plant-based ingredients.
Others contain no animal-derived ingredients but are not cruelty-free and test animals.
Many are also manufactured in ways that are not eco-friendly and use excessive amounts of plastic in their packaging.
Thankfully, there are some great products that are vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly!
Today, we’re looking at some of the best vegan beauty products on the market, made by ethical and eco-conscious brands.
We’ve carefully selected options that are effective, accessible, and meet all our expectations for a sustainable and ethical product.
Let’s jump right in!
The Best Vegan Beauty Products
When it comes to vegan beauty products, there are loads and loads of options to choose from!
To make it easier to find what you’re looking for, here are our favorite eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan beauty products:
Best Deep Moisturizer: BKIND – Superfruit Face Moisturizer
Best Vegan Gel Cleanser: SeSpring – Cleanse It Out Gel Cleanser
Best Vegan Foundation: MILK Makeup – Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
Best Vegan Lipstick: Bite Beauty – Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon
Best Vegan Eyeshadow: l. f. Cosmetics – Bite-Size Eyeshadow Quad
Best Vegan Exfoliating Facial Scrub: Annmarie Gianni – Ayurvedic Facial Scrub
Best Vegan Sunscreen: Pacifica – Sea & C Mattify & Protect Daily Priming Lotion SPF 35
Best Vegan Facial Treatment: Summer Fridays – Soft Reset Aha Exfoliating Solution
Best Vegan Eye Masks: Nuria – Hydrate Nourishing Under-Eye Masks
Best Light Moisturizer: Youth to the People – Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Best Anti-aging Serum: Herbivore Botanicals – Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum
Best Vegan Micellar Water: Acure – Brightening Micellar Water
Best Vegan Toner: Balanced Guru – Organic Clarifying Facial Toner
Best Vegan Deodorant: Piper Wai – Natural Deodorant Stick
Best Organic Vegan Toothpaste: Terra & Co – Brilliant Black Organic Charcoal Toothpaste
Best Vegan Acne Treatment: Plant Based Beauty – 4 Piece Cystic Acne Treatment Kit
Why You Should Go Vegan for Beauty Products
Vegan brands do not use any animal-derived ingredients, and, for the most part, they’re made by brands that consciously use natural, plant-based ingredients.
Natural and non-toxic ingredients are healthier and safer to use on your skin, and safer for the environment.
If they’re vegan and cruelty-free, they do not use any ingredients that have been tested on animals, making them a more ethical choice too.
For this list, we have specifically chosen brands that are both vegan and cruelty-free and that consider the environment too!
Check out this video by Cityline for a beginners guide to buying vegan and cruelty-free products:
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Selection Criteria: How We Selected Great Vegan Beauty Products
In addition to being 100% vegan, we have looked for products that are eco-friendly and cruelty-free. Specifically, products that are:
100% Vegan
Cruelty-free
High-quality products that last and work well
Highly rated by real-life customers
Use safe, natural, and non-toxic ingredients
Are thoughtfully packaged, using sustainable and recyclable materials
Made by eco-friendly, ethical, and socially responsible brands
With the criteria above in mind… Here are our favorite vegan beauty products!
16 Awesome Vegan Beauty Products
1. BKIND – Superfruit Face Moisturizer
BKIND’s Superfruit Face Moisturizer contains fruit extracts, vitamin C and Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol. The rich and deeply moisturizing formula is excellent for improving skin texture, suppleness, and balancing an uneven complexion.
BKIND is 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free, and they donate a portion of their profits to animal welfare organizations.
Their packaging is all biodegradable or recyclable, and the plastic they use is recovered ocean-bound plastic. BKIND offers bulk and zero-waste options and carbon-neutral shipping with EcoCart.
Ingredients: Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Water, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Glycerin, Ethyl Macadamiate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Astrocaryum Tucuma Seed Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Olivoyl Glutamate, Aqua, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Bakuchiol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Propanediol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Maltodextrin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Malic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.
Reviews: 5/5 Stars from 136 Reviews
Price: $68.00
Where to Buy: bkind.com (and many other retailers)
2. SeSpring – Cleanse It Out Gel Cleanser
SeSpring’s Cleanse It Out Gel Cleanser is a foaming oil cleanser with camellia, lotus, peony, lavender, tea tree, and waterlily extracts. It smells lovely and cleanses gently, without over-drying your skin. As a complete cleanser, it removes dirt, grime, oil, and makeup all at once.
SeSpring is a 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free brand. They use eco-friendly and recyclable packaging.
Their ingredients are EWG certified, which means they’re safe for people and the environment. None of their products contain parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oils, formaldehydes, triclosan, or any of the 1300+ potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in cosmetics.
Ingredients: Water(Aqua), Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium LauroylMethylaminopropionate, Sodium CocoylAlaninate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Sodium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Chloride, Coconut Acid, Potassium Cocoate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.
Reviews: 5/5 Stars from 6 Reviews
Price: $14.99
Where to Buy: sespringskin.com (and at Skin Lab in NY and LA)
3. Milk Makeup – Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
Milk Makeup’s Blur Liquid Matte Foundation is one of the best vegan foundations available. It is a full coverage foundation that is light, blendable, and buildable.
It comes in 24 shades, so there is an option for every skin tone, and you can blend them to get the perfect match. The formula is silicone-free and contains no alcohol, gluten, or soy.
All Milk Makeup products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. They use recycled plastic in their packaging, which is fully recyclable.
Their product packaging and store displays have been designed to use as little plastic as possible, and they’re phasing virgin plastic out of new designs.
Milk Makeup offers a refill service to reuse packaging, and they also provide a return-to-recycle service for all their products.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Limonene, Linalool, [+/- May Contain/Peut Contenir: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)].
Reviews: 4/5 Stars from 381 Reviews
Price: $20.00
Where to Buy: milkmakeup.com (and at Sephora)
4. Bite Beauty – Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon
Bite Beauty’s Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon is a creamy matt lipstick. The vitamin and antioxidant-rich formula contains Pomegranate Oil and Mango extracts. It also contains hydrating Orange Peel Wax. There are 20 different shades, ranging from bright reds and pinks to dark plum and deep brown.
Bite Beauty uses ‘clean’ beauty ingredients, and none of its products contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and many other harmful ingredients. Their products are 100% vegan, and they’re PETA Certified Cruelty-free.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax/Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Cera, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire De Carnauba, Coco-Caprylate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Wax/Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Cera, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Aroma/Flavor, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax/ Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Tocopherol, Punica Granatum Sterols, Rhus Succedanea Fruit Wax/Rhus Succedanea Fruit Cera, Shorea Robusta Resin, Polyglycerin-3, Octyldodecanol Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Momordica Grosvenorii Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral. May Contain [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Red 40 Lake (Ci 16035), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Red 33 (Ci 17200), Blue 1 Lake (Ci 42090), Red 28 Lake (Ci 45410), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Red 30 Lake (Ci 73360), Red 7 (Ci 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Red 6 (Ci 15850), Red 27 Lake (Ci 45410).
Reviews: 4.6/5 Stars from 1314 Reviews
Price: $26.00
Where to Buy: bitebeauty.com (and at Sephora in the US and Boots in the UK)
5. e. l. f. Cosmetics – Bite-Size Eyeshadow Quad
The e. l. f. Cosmetics Bite-Size Eyeshadow Quads are available in 10 different shade combinations. Each has a matt base shade and three shades of shimmer. They’re richly pigmented and easy to apply and blend, with a creamy texture.
All e. l. f eyeshadows are made with no phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone. They’re 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-free.
As a brand, e. l. f. Cosmetics is committed to social justice, equality and inclusivity, animal welfare, and reducing their waste and environmental footprint.
They have designed the bulk of their packaging to use as little materials as possible, reducing waste and removing as much plastic as possible from all their packaging.
Ingredients: Mica, Talc, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Boron Nitride, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Palmitate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Nylon-12, Magnesium Myristate, Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tin Oxide, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Iron Oxides (Ci 77492)
Reviews: 4.7/5 Stars from 889 Reviews
Price: $3.00
Where to Buy: elfcosmetics.com (and at Target, CVS, and other retailers)
6. Annmarie Gianni – Ayurvedic Facial Scrub
Annmarie Gianni’s Ayurvedic Facial Scrub is a powdered exfoliating facial treatment with horsetail, fenugreek seeds, and mineral-rich Rhassoul clay. It is suitable for all skin types, and it gently cleanses, exfoliates, and absorbs excess oils for soft, revitalized skin.
Annmarie Gianni is a vegan, Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-free brand, and they only use MadeSafe Certified ingredients, which are carefully evaluated for their safety for people and the environment.
They’re also conscious of their environmental impact and use sustainable, eco-friendly packaging that is largely plastic-free and recyclable.
Ingredients: *Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed powder, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower, Kaolin (red clay), *Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf powder, *Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaf, *Equisetum arvense (shavegrass) leaf powder, *Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf powder, *Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf powder, *Symphytum officinale (comfrey) root extract, *Citrus limon (lemon) peel powder. *Organically grown or wildcrafted/picked
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 343 Reviews
Price: $33.30
Where to Buy: shop.annmariegianni.com
7. Pacifica – Sea & C Mattify & Protect Daily Priming Lotion
Pacifica’s Sea & C Mattify & Protect Daily Priming Lotion is a SPF 35 sunscreen designed to replace your primer and be worn under makeup. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially oily skin.
The mattifying formula contains Vitamin C, Zinc and Niacinamide, and has a faint citrus scent. It comes in a glass bottle and a paper box made from FSC Certified paper.
Pacifica is vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, and uses sustainable packaging. They offer a packaging recycling service with pre-paid shipping for their packaging. The returned containers are sorted and recycled, non-recyclable plastics are up-cycled into razor handles.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Octocrylene 7.6% and Zinc Oxide 6% Inactive ingredients: Aqua, Coconut Alkanes, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Parfum (Natural), Niacinamide, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Jojoba Esters, Laminaria Digitata (Algae) Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/ Caprate, Coco-Glucoside, Ethyl Ferulate, Glycerin, Montmorillonite, Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sucrose Distearate, Sucrose Stearate, Xanthan Gum.
Reviews: 4.7/5 from 121 Reviews
Price: $16.00
Where to Buy: pacificabeauty.com (and at Ulta, Target and other retailers in the US, and Cult Beauty in the UK)
8. Summer Fridays – Soft Reset Aha Exfoliating Solution
Summer Fridays’ Soft Reset Aha Exfoliating Solution is a powerful overnight serum that contains Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, and Glycolic Acid. It smooths, exfoliates, and minimizes pores while evening skin tone.
Summer Fridays is a vegan and cruelty-free brand. Their products are all paraben and sulfate-free and packaged in recyclable packaging. Summer Fridays offer a free mail-in recycling service for their packaging.
Ingredients: Water / Aqua, Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract/Saccharum Officinarum, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ascorbyl Glucoside.
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 230 Reviews
Price: $56.00
Where to Buy: summerfridays.com (and at Sephora, Cult Beauty, and other selected retailers)
9. Nuria – Hydrate Nourishing Under-Eye Masks
Nuria’s Hydrate Nourishing Under-Eye Masks are perfect for the delicate skin around your eyes and designed to soothe, hydrate, reduce puffiness, the appearance of fine lines.
They’re made with all-natural ingredients, and Nata de Coco, which is a fermented coconut fruit extract that improves the skin’s natural microbiome with “good bacteria”. They contain no Parabens, Sulfates (including SLS and SLES), Phthalates, Formaldehydes, Hydroquinone, Mineral Oil, Coal Tar, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, or Triclosan.
Nuria is vegan and cruelty-free, and they’re mindful of where and how their ingredients are sourced. They use only recyclable packaging, which is manufactured using renewable energy. They’re also fully carbon neutral and offset their carbon in partnership with Cool Effect, which helps schools and orphanages in Malawi install clean cookstoves.
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Betaine, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 1 Review
Price: $20.00
Where to Buy: nuriabeauty.com (and on Amazon)
10. Youth to the People – Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream
Youth to the People’s Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream is a light and fast-absorbing moisturizer that contains ‘superfood’ extracts from kale, spinach, green tea, and alfalfa and is fortified with Vitamins C and E. It is suitable for all skin types but works best for combination and oily skin.
Youth to the People is 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-free. They focus on natural ingredients and botanical extracts, and none of their products contain parabens, phthalates, or dimethicone.
All products are packaged in recyclable materials, and they use FSC Certified paper for their boxes.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Hydroxyethylcellulose, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Kale) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Leaf Extract, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Natural Fragrance/Parfum, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Chlorophyll (CI 75810)
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 619 Reviews
Price: $48.00
Where to Buy: youthtothepeople.com (and at Sephora, Cult Beauty in the UK, and Amazon)
11. Herbivore – Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum
Herbivore’s Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum is an excellent choice for sensitive or mature skin that needs extra hydration, smoothing, and retexturizing.
Bakuchiol retinol is plant-based and completely vegan, unlike the retinol found in most other skincare products.
Herbivore is a vegan and cruelty-free brand, and all of its products use natural ingredients. None of their products contain synthetic fillers, dyes, fragrances, or preservatives. They avoid using plastic in the packaging, using glass and paper instead. When they can’t avoid plastic, they use only recycled and recyclable plastic.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Glycerin (certified organic), Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/ Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Gluconolactone, Amethyst Extract, Sodium Phytate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Reviews: 4.7/5 from 226 Reviews
Price: $54.00
Where to Buy: herbivorebotanicals.com (and at Nordstrom, Sephora, Cult Beauty, and others)
12. Acure – Brightening Micellar Water
Acure’s Brightening Micellar Water is made with probiotics, argan oil, coconut, and resveratrol. These cleansing oils make it an effective cleanser, makeup remover, and moisturizing toner.
Acure is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and its products contain no parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, mineral oils, petrolatum, or silicone. All their packaging is recyclable, and they offer a mail-in recycling service in partnership with Terracycle.
Ingredients: Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate Dexylglucoside Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Allantoin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Xanthan Gum, Resveratrol, Citric Acid.
Reviews: 4.7/5 from 30 Reviews
Price: $9.99
Where to Buy: acure.com (and at Ulta, Target, and other retailers)
13. Balanced Guru – Organic Clarifying Facial Toner
Balanced Guru’s Organic Clarifying Facial Toner is made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients. It is an excellent choice for those with oily or blemish-prone skin and is the ideal astringent treatment to use between cleaning and moisturizing.
Balanced Guru is vegan and cruelty-free and committed to using only natural, organic, and sustainably harvested ingredients. Their packaging is sustainable, too, with containers made from 100% recycled post-consumer resin that is fully recyclable.
Their boxes and shipping materials are made with recycled and recyclable paper, and their labels are biodegradable and non-toxic.
Balanced Guru also partners with local non-profits to launch limited edition product lines and contribute 100% of the profits from those lines to the organization’s social responsibility cause.
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract*, Alcohol Denat*, Aloysia Triphylla Leaf (Lemon Verbena) Hydrosol*, Cymbopogan Flexuosus (Lemongrass) Oil*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract*, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil*, Aqua (Water), Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil*, Cymbopogon Martinii (Palmarosa) Grass Oil*, Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Peel Oil*, Arnica Montana (Arnica) Flower Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil*, Matricaria Recutita (German Chamomile) Flower Oil*. *Certified Organic Ingredients
Reviews: 5/5 from 14 Reviews
Price: $17.00
Where to Buy: balancedguru.com (and on Amazon)
14. Piper Wai – Natural Deodorant Stick
Piper Wai’s Natural Deodorant stick contains activated charcoal, coconut oil, and a host of natural botanical extracts and essential oils. It is aluminum-free, paraben-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Piper Wai is a black- and female-owned brand that is vegan, cruelty-free, and makes gender-neutral products. They use natural, non-toxic ingredients, and their products are packaged in earth-friendly materials.
Piper Wai packaging is either fully recyclable aluminum or recycled and recyclable plastic reclaimed from the ocean.
Ingredients: Tapioca Starch, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Sodium Bicarbonate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Magnesium Hydroxide, Activated Charcoal, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint ) Leaf/Stem Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil.
Reviews: 4.5/5 from 1065 Reviews
Price: $15.00
Where to Buy: piperwai.com (and on Amazon and selected stores)
15. Terra & Co – Brilliant Black Organic Charcoal Toothpaste
Terra & Co’s Brilliant Black Organic Charcoal Toothpaste is fluoride-free and made with activated charcoal, organic coconut oil, and other plant-based ingredients.
It is made to effectively clean and whiten teeth, naturally. It contains no harsh, synthetic chemicals, coloring, or flavorings. The formula has been clinically tested and is completely safe for enamel and gum health.
Terra & Co is a woman-owned business that is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. They use sustainable packaging, and their recyclable toothpaste tubes are made with bio-based resin, a by-product of the sugarcane industry.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Diatomaceous Earth, Xylitol, Sodium Bicarbonate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Citric Acid, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Xanthan Gum, Charcoal Powder
Reviews: 5/5 from 42 Reviews
Price: $20.00
Where to Buy: terraandco.com (and many other online and offline stores)
16. Plant Based Beauty – 4 Piece Cystic Acne Treatment Kit
Plant Based Beauty’s 4 Piece Cystic Acne Treatment Kit includes an Acne Spot Treatment, a Moisture Control Lotion, an Oil Control Powder, and a Cystic Acne Overnight Serum.
The kit provides everything you need to treat and prevent cystic acne without the harsh chemicals that dry out, irritate and stress your skin. The ingredients are non-comedogenic, all-natural, and encourage healthy skin processes.
Plant Based Beauty only uses all-natural ingredients, which are mainly organic. They’re mindful of the waste associated with their packaging and have transitioned to 95% plastic-free glass packaging. They’re in the process of phasing out plastic lids and spoons too. Shipping materials are recycled and 100% biodegradable.
Ingredients (for all products in the kit): Acne Spot Treatment: Organic jojoba oil, organic therapeutic grade tea tree essential oil Moisture Control Lotion: Pure unrefined shea butter, organic castor oil, organic arrowroot powder, organic therapeutic grade lavender essential oil, organic therapeutic grade geranium essential oil, organic therapeutic grade patchouli essential oil, organic therapeutic grade ylang ylang essential oil, organic therapeutic grade clary sage essential oil, organic therapeutic grade neroli essential oil, organic therapeutic grade blue tansy essential oil Oil Control Powder: Organic arrowroot powder, organic therapeutic grade tea tree essential oil, organic therapeutic grade cypress essential oil, organic therapeutic grade rosemary essential oil, organic therapeutic grade juniper berry essential oil, organic therapeutic grade cedarwood essential oil Cystic Acne Overnight Serum: Organic castor oil, organic therapeutic grade cypress essential oil, organic therapeutic grade cedarwood essential oil, organic therapeutic grade rosemary essential oil, organic therapeutic grade tea tree essential oil, organic therapeutic grade juniper essential oil, organic therapeutic grade sweet marjoram essential oil, organic therapeutic grade myrrh essential oil, organic therapeutic grade frankincense essential oil, organic therapeutic grade sandalwood essential oil
Reviews: 5/5 from 20 Reviews
Price: $59.00
Where to Buy: shopplantbasedbeauty.com (and at many retail stores in the US)
Final Thoughts and Our Two Top Picks
As you can see, there are some great vegan beauty products that are not only 100% vegan but also cruelty-free and more eco-friendly than their conventional counterparts.
While we love all the products on this list, two stood out as particularly good choices. Here are our top picks:
Top Pick #1: BKIND’s Superfruit Face Moisturizer
We love that the product, which contains a combination of fruit extracts, vitamins, and plant-based retinol, is so effective and well-liked by the people who use it (all 136 reviews raved about it!).
We also love that BKIND goes the extra mile to ensure that its products are ethical, safe, and eco-friendly.
They’re Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free, donate to animal welfare organizations, offer bulk and zero-waste options to their customers, use sustainable, recyclable packaging, and provide carbon-neutral shipping – that is the whole package, really!
Top Pick #2: Annmarie Gianni’s Ayurvedic Facial Scrub
We love that this powdered exfoliating facial treatment is made with simple, natural ingredients that are MadeSafe Certified. With over 300 5-star reviews, it is safe to say that everyone else loves it too!
We also love that Annmarie Gianni is a 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-free brand. They’re also MadeSafe Certified, which means they only use ingredients that MadeSafe has approved and do not build up and harm human health or the environment.
Annmarie Gianni also uses mostly plastic-free and recyclable packaging, reducing the amount of waste they generate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vegan makeup cruelty-free?
Not always. A vegan product contains no animal-derived ingredients, but it may have been tested on animals. Even if a product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients it is not cruelty-free if it has been tested on animals. As such, a product may be vegan, vegan and cruelty-free, or just cruelty-free but not vegan. Check out the full article for more on vegan and cruelty-free beauty products.
Are vegan beauty products sustainable and eco-friendly?
Not necessarily. While animal derived ingredients are often sourced from un-sustainable practices, like factory farming or fishing, eliminating animal products alone does not make a product sustainable or eco-friendly. Look at the ingredients, where and how a product is made, how it is packaged and how it is shipped to get a more holistic idea of it's environmental impact. Check out the full article for more on eco-friendly vegan beauty products.
What cosmetics brands are vegan and cruelty-free?
Some of the best vegan beauty brands that are also cruelty-free and eco-friendly are:
- BKIND
- SeSpring
- MILK Makeup
- Bite Beauty
- e. l. f. Cosmetics
- Annmarie Gianni
- Pacifica
- Summer Fridays
- Nuria
- Youth to the People
- Herbivore Botanicals
- Acure
- Balanced Guru
- Piper Wai
- Terra & Co
- Plant Based Beauty
Check out the full article for more on these great vegan brands.
References and Useful Resources
Allure: It’s Time to Get Serious About Beauty’s Packaging Problem
Ethical Elephant: Cruelty-free vs. Vegan – What’s the Difference?
Environmental Working Group (EWG): Skin Deep Database of Ingredients
MADE SAFE: Certified Products Database
One Green Planet: 10 Common Cosmetic Ingredients that are Derived from Animal Products
Red Orange Peach: Animal Testing Statistics (2021)
Shop Like You Give a Damn: A Vegan Guide: 25 Animal Ingredients in Cosmetics
US Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Animal Testing & Cosmetics
Cruelty-free International: Search for Cruelty-Free Products Tool
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5 Eco-Friendly Meal Kits for Convenient Sustainable Cooking (2022)
Meal kit delivery services are a type of subscription service where members receive packs of pre-portioned, and sometimes partially cooked or prepared, ingredients to cook themselves.
This takes the stress out of food prep and makes it quick and easy to eat delicious, healthy meals at home.
Eco-friendly meal kits are not only convenient but they also make cooking fun and easy – without harming the environment!
What Are Eco-Friendly Meal Kits?
Ideally, meal kits provide a way for people to eat healthy without worrying about meal planning and grocery shopping.
Sustainable meal delivery services deliver ready-to-cook meals to your door. The ingredients are pre-portioned so that everything you need is right there and you can begin cooking with next to no prep time!
Sustainable meal kits are bundles of ingredients to make your own meal, whenever it is most convenient for you. A fresh, homemade, healthy meal – with none of the hassle!
Some meal kit delivery services offer pre-cooked or partially cooked meals, but the idea is that these are not takeout or frozen ‘heat ‘n eat’ meals.
This kind of delivery service is steadily growing in popularity, especially now that people are encouraged to stay home due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Take a look at this video by CBC News to see exactly how sustainable meal kit delivery services work, and why people love them:
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What makes these meal kits healthy and eco-friendly is that they’re nutrient-dense and they come in exactly the right proportions.
People no longer have to worry much about shopping for ingredients, planning meals around excess ingredients, calorie intake or food wastage!
What Makes a Meal Kit Eco-Friendly?
When consumers are focused on sustainability, they only care about paying for eco-friendly products and services. This then becomes a growing requirement for businesses to deliver tasty nutritional food, on time, while not compromising on eco-friendliness.
Let’s take a look at why lots of people prefer meal kits and what, exactly, makes them eco-friendly:
1. Recycled and Recyclable Packaging
The packaging used for eco-friendly meal delivery kits is biodegradable, compostable, recyclable or made from recycled materials that can be recycled again.
Sustainable packaging is great for the planet. More and more sustainable meal kit delivery services are taking their packaging impact into consideration, and they’re using better materials and using less packaging all together.
The packaging used is completely minimized especially if the meals come pre-cooked and just need to be reheated before eating. This is almost impossible if the uncooked ingredients must be bought and kept separately before cooking.
2. Less Food Waste
If you’re wasting food, you need to think about it and reconsider your actions. When you’re at the grocery store, only buy food that you can manage to eat on or before the expiry date. Many people make poor buying decisions and buy food items that they don’t really need.
With proper meal planning, which is a huge advantage associated with eco-friendly meal kits, the risk for food wastage is significantly reduced. When you look at it this way, it makes meal kits cheap too!
Meal kits also provide precise portions, so you don’t end up with excess pasta (and no sauce) that end up going to waste.
Check out this super quick video by the UN Environment Programme on food waste and how to avoid it:
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3. Fewer Carbon Emissions
Carbon emissions occur from the farm level during food production to subsequent levels like processing and distribution. Overall, meal kit delivery services go a long way in reducing carbon emissions.
Only fresh and ready-to-cook ingredients that take minutes to prepare are used. The food is usually produced and consumed locally, taking very little time between food production and consumption.
Thanks to an effective short supply chain, less energy is spent on transportation and refrigeration. Sometimes cooling packs are used to keep the meal kits fresh before they reach their destination. These cooling packs have a minimal environmental impact as compared to refrigerated trucks and supermarket shelves.
4. Highly Convenient
What do you do after a long day at work when you crave a nice homemade meal but you don’t have the energy to cook? That’s where meal kits come in – helping you put together great meals without the hassle of preparing all the ingredients from scratch.
The pre-portioned ingredients and pre-cooked food usually take about 3-5 minutes to reheat. The meals are also calorie-controlled thus eliminating the need for you to keep counting how many calories each ingredient has.
Additionally, the meal kits get delivered to you eliminating the need to make multiple trips to the supermarket to get various ingredients. At the end of the day this also greatly reduces the environmental impact.
5. Eliminates the Risk of Overbuying
When you walk into a supermarket, the chances of you buying items that aren’t required are very high. A large portion of all the food you buy doesn’t make it to your plate and this accounts for a large percentage of global emissions.
Your poor purchase decisions lead to a few of the items being used and more of them ending up in a landfill later on, which is terrible for the environment.
Many impulse and unplanned buys are not enjoyed much when we leave the store. Eco-friendly meal kits take away the potential for confusion over what to eat, which leads to overbuying. Ultimately, there will be less wastage.
The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Meal Kits
In as much as you may love cooking, the idea of shopping for food, and cooking items from scratch, isn’t always very appealing, especially if you’re short on time to prepare. Eco-friendly meal kits are great for those days as they’re easy and quick, but still healthy and eco-friendly!
They’re less wasteful compared to an equivalent meal prepared from scratch with supermarket products.
There are numerous direct and indirect benefits of eco-friendly meal kits to the consumer and the environment compared to conventional alternatives.
Let’s take a closer look at these benefits:
Allow you to prepare and eat healthy meals to cater to different nutritional needs
They save you so much time allowing you personal time to do other things and better yourself
The streamlined supply chain translates to a significantly lower overall carbon footprint
The foods are grown following mindful and sustainable gardening methods so the greenhouse gas emissions are significantly lower
Packaging is minimal, recycled and/or recyclable
Exact portions and no wasted ingredients, which means less food waste
Where to Buy Eco-Friendly Meal Kits
As more and more people embrace staying home and eating homemade meals, business-minded people have grabbed this opportunity for the long term. There’s a wide range of companies that offer sustainable meal kit delivery because who wouldn’t want pre-portioned ingredients delivered to them?
When looking for a good company that provides eco-friendly meal kits, focus more on companies that seem to be making an effort towards being more sustainable, as well as providing healthy and nutritious meals.
Here are some of the places where you can buy eco-friendly meal kits that best suit your needs:
1. Sunbasket
Sunbasket offers its customers a wide range of options to choose from and allows them to further customize their orders. The meals are not only fresh and flavorful but also fun to cook.
One thing we love about Sunbasket is that they focus on making their materials 100% recyclable or compostable including the icepacks, insulation materials, etc. They are also straightforward about where their all-organic ingredients are sourced.
2. HelloFresh
HelloFresh is another great company if you’re looking for healthy meals that are sustainably sourced. It places a huge emphasis on recyclable packaging and provides clear details about how you can recycle the various packaging components.
Their eco-friendly delivery box comes with built-in insulation that guarantees the freshness of the ingredients. The different meal plans available at HelloFresh include Veggie, Classic, and Family Plans, so there is a range of options to suit your preferences.
3. Green Chef
Green Chef takes green innovation seriously! Having prioritized sustainability, Green Chef offers USDA certified organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
Their ingredients are sourced from local farmers who have embraced environmentally friendly practices. The packaging is recyclable, reusable, and compostable. The Green Chef website provides details about the individual packaging materials and other ways shoppers can reuse them.
4. Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot only offers plant-based meal kits. These are ideal even if you’re following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, plus plant-based meals are generally great for our health and have a lighter environmental impact too.
Apart from caring for our health, Purple Carrot also takes environmental concerns seriously. Most of the packaging materials used are either recyclable or biodegradable.
With Purple Carrot, you never have to worry about the meals being boring or repetitive. There are numerous options made available to consumers every week.
5. Blue Apron
Blue Apron was one of the first meal kit services, and they have continued to be popular, which is not surprising at all. They have consistently provided high-quality recipes alongside tasty ingredients.
Additionally, with Blue Apron you never have to worry about the meal kit delivery packaging adding to the deep landfill issues. Their packaging is more than 85% recyclable by weight.
The only problem with Blue Apron is that they don’t cater to specific dietary needs, like gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts on Eco-Friendly Meal Kits
Eco-friendly meal kits deliver portioned ingredients and are no doubt the future of food. They’re designed for minimal waste and environmental impact. Today’s generation is “woke” and for the majority, sustainability is a priority.
In the past, there were concerns that meal kits are very wasteful but over time this misconception has changed as studies prove that these services produce fewer emissions compared to shopping at the grocery store.
The packaging materials that they come in are recyclable i.e., the box, food protector, and paper cooler. These go a long way in reducing ice usage and shipping weight as well as lessening the overall carbon footprint.
Understandably, people have concerns about whether or not companies have made environmentally friendly practices a priority. They want to buy food from companies that go the extra mile for the environment – and the five companies we recommended do just that!
About the Author
Dorine Njatha is a passionate writer who has, for the past four years, enjoyed writing authentic content that captivates readers and delivers her clients’ vision into words – but never at the expense of providing an entertaining read! A lot of her SEO articles focus on balancing an informative aspect with SEO to help her client’s Google search rankings surge.
References and Useful Resources
EcoWatch: The Case for Meal Kits: Environment’s Friend or Foe?
Healthline: Sustainable Meal Delivery Services
Meal Matchmaker: Best Eco-friendly Meal Delivery
Table Debates: Environmental Impacts of Meal Kits Versus Grocery Store Meals
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose an eco-friendly meal kit service?
The most important thing to look at is whether or not they prioritize implementing good environmental practices. Check what kind of material they use to make the box and how effectively it insulates the food. What kind of cooling agent do they use – ice packs or gel packs? Do they use paper or plastic packaging? Check out the full guide for more info.
How are the ingredients in eco-friendly meal kits kept fresh?
For starters, the ingredients are consumed locally thus eliminating the need for long-distance transportation which requires refrigeration. For the duration between production and consumption, the ingredients remain inside their boxes which keep them cool and fresh. Take a look at the full guide for more info on eco-friendly meal kit services.
Are the consumers’ dietary requirements taken care of in meal kits?
Yes. Most delivery services put the customers’ needs into consideration when putting together their meal plans. Depending on what your dietary needs and health goals are, you’ll get help putting together a comprehensive meal plan. People can also specify what they do not eat and it will not be delivered. Check out the full guide for more info.
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11 Zero-Waste Dish Soap Bars that Actually Work! [2022 Review]
Conventional dish soap might leave your dishes squeaky clean, but it’s far from a clean, healthy, or eco-friendly solution!
Most are mass-manufactured, packed full of harmful ingredients, packaged in tons of plastic.
If you’re looking for an effective, safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly alternative to conventional dishwashing liquid, solid dish soap bars are the way to go!
In this review, we have selected the best natural, non-toxic and zero-waste dish soap bars to try in your kitchen.
They’re all highly effective and made by brands that take human health and environmental sustainability into consideration.
Let’s jump right in!
11 Best Dish Soap Bars: The Shortlist
Here is our selection of the best solid dish soap bars:
Best for Grease and Stains: One Eco Store – 2 in 1 Dish Wash & Stain Removal Bar
Best for Economical Use: RFRESH – Natural Solid Dish Soap Bar
Best for Low Impact Ingredients: Best Meliora – Lemon Dish Soap Bar
Best Vegan & Cruelty-free: No Tox Life – Vegan Dish Block
Best Unscented: Plantish – Vegan, Zero-Waste Solid Dish Soap Bar
Best Organic: Brooklyn Made Natural – Solid Organic Dish Soap
Best for Glasses: Sea Witch Botanicals – Canary Clean Zero Waste Dish Soap Bar
Best Multipurpose: Battle Green – Lemon & Eucalyptus Organic Dish Soap Bar
Best Scented: Lora’s Beauty – Solid Round Dish Washing Soap with Essential Oils
Best Soap & Scrubbie Combo: W.E. Sheep – Zero Waste Dish Soap and Wool Scrubbies
Best Concentrated Formula: Tiani Body Care Co. – Lemongrass Concentrated Dish Soap Bar
Why Use Natural Dish Soap?
Switching to more natural, eco-friendly dish soaps is an excellent choice. Conventional dish soaps, especially liquid ones, contain a host of chemicals that are not only bad for our health, but the environment too.
From solvents and surfactants to synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and caustic ingredients, they’re laden with substances that harm everything from how our hormones and immune systems function, to aquatic life and water quality.
Take a look at this video by EcoMastery Project for a snapshot of what is the dish soaps and detergents we use every day:
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Conventional liquid dish soaps and detergents are also mass-manufactured in ways that harm the environment and come packaged in tons of unnecessary plastic!
Thankfully, there are some great solid dish soap bars that are thoughtfully made with natural, non-toxic ingredients and come in plastic-free, zero-waste packaging!
They’re also super effective and work just as well as conventional liquid dish soaps – without any of the harmful chemicals, and no waste. What’s not to love?!
Selection Criteria: How We Selected the Best Natural, Zero-Waste Dish Soap Bars
So, how did we choose the natural, zero-waste solid dish soap bars on this list? We looked specifically for options that are:
Highly effective, even on greasy dishes and food-stained containers
Use safe, non-toxic ingredients
Zero-waste and packaged plastic-free (product and shipping)
Made by eco-friendly, ethical, and socially responsible brands
Vegan and/or cruelty-free
Handmade, by small businesses that support local economies
Long-lasting and economical to use
Highly rated by real-life customers
Certified by third-party sustainability certification organizations
Right, let’s take a look at our selection of the best natural, zero-waste, and eco-friendly dish soap bars:
11 Best Zero-Waste Dish Soap Bars
We chose these brands with our selection criteria in mind, and they’re all great options that tick most if not all of our checkboxes:
1. One Eco Store – 2 in 1 Dish Wash & Stain Removal Bar
One Eco Store is a zero-waste store for safe, non-toxic personal care and cleaning products. Their range includes zero-waste shampoo and conditioner bars, and of course, zero-waste dish soap bars!
One Eco Store only stocks effective and economical products. Most of them are plastic-free, vegan, cruelty-free, natural, safe, and non-toxic.
In addition to stocking truly eco-friendly products, they also offer a take-back and refill service, for a truly zero-waste solution.
One Eco Store’s 2 in 1 Dish Washing and Stain Removal Bars are multipurpose, zero-waste soap bars that contain no palm oil and are both vegan, and cruelty-free.
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Purified Water, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sea Salt, Sodium Hydroxide
Price: $9.50 / 6 oz or $20.00 / 13 oz
Customer Review Rating: 5/5 Stars (2 reviews)
Where to Buy: One Eco Store
2. RFRESH – Natural Solid Dish Soap Bar
RFRESH Soap is a small business based in California. They make natural, eco-friendly, and zero-waste soap products for personal and household use.
RFRESH Soaps are made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are safe and non-toxic. They contain no palm oil, parabens, mineral oils, petroleum products, SLS, phthalates, dyes, or synthetic fragrances.
All their products are cruelty-free and vegan (aside from a few that contain beeswax).
Most of their products are zero-waste. They use compostable packaging for products and shipping and also sell naked soaps with no product packaging at all.
RFRESH dish soaps are cold-pressed and cured for 4 to 6 weeks, which makes them long-lasting and economical. Their natural solid dish soap bars are available as unscented, orange bliss, or lemon zest scented. Saponified coconut oil makes them later well and they’re great for greasy dishes.
Ingredients: Saponified Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Sodium Lactate, and Essential Oils
Price: $8.80
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (232 reviews)
Where to Buy: RFRESHSOAP on Etsy
3. Meliora – Lemon Dish Soap Bar
Meliora is based in Chicago and makes a full range of home cleaning products that are effective and safe for people and the planet. All their products are Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and they only use ingredients that are MadeSafe approved.
As a B Corp Certified company, they’re dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. They’re also members of 1 for the Planet and Women’s Voices for the Earth, and contribute 2% of their annual revenue to charities and non-profits.
Meliora’s Lemon Dish Soap Bar is cruelty-free, 100% plastic-free, made with organic ingredients, and contains no palm oil, dyes, preservatives, or synthetic fragrances.
Ingredients: Vegetable Soap Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Sunflowerate, Glycerin, Water, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Organic Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil
Price: $7.50
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (3 reviews)
Where to Buy: Amazon
4. No Tox Life – Vegan Dish Block
No Tox Life is a small family-owned, dedicated cruelty-free, and vegan brand. They make eco-friendly products for personal, home, and kitchen use.
All their products are handmade and, as their name suggests, they use only non-toxic, natural, plant-based ingredients that are safe for personal and household use.
No Tox Life is a low-to-no-waste brand, and they use plastic-free, recycled packaging, most of which is home compostable. They also offer refills from their store in Los Angeles.
The No Tox Life Dish Block is vegan, cruelty-free, phosphate-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free. fragrance-free, dye-free, gluten-free, safe for septic tanks, and contains no palm oil.
Ingredients: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Carbonate, Quillaja Saponaria organic, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice organic
Price: $9.98
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (331 reviews)
Where to Buy: No Tox Life on Etsy
5. Plantish – Vegan, Zero-Waste Solid Dish Soap Bar
Plantish is a small Canadian brand of plastic-free, vegan, and zero-waste products for personal care, home, and kitchen.
All their products are selected to be plant-based, low-impact alternatives that perform better than plastic. They choose simple, natural materials and ingredients that are sustainably sourced and responsibly made.
Their solid dish soap bars are made with just four natural ingredients. They contain no fragrances, preservatives, additives, or palm oil, and are packaged plastic-free. It is also vegan and 100% compostable.
Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Aqua (Water), Sodium Hydroxide
Price: $8.99 (CAD)
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (97 reviews)
Where to Buy: Plantish on Etsy
6. Brooklyn Made Natural – Solid Organic Dish Soap
Brooklyn Made Natural is an all-natural brand that makes products for personal skin and hair care, as well as household and kitchen, and essential oils.
All their products are handmade, using natural ingredients. They contain no chemicals, preservatives, or synthetic intranets of any kind. Most of their ingredients are organic and their products are zero-waste, packaged in reusable, refillable, and recyclable tins.
Brooklyn Made Natural’s Solid Organic Dish Soap Bar is made with all organic ingredients and uses orange and lemongrass essential oils for fragrance. It lathers well and can be used as an all-purpose cleaning soap that is gentle on your hands, while still highly effective.
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Water, Lye, Organic Orange Essential Oil, Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil
Price: $10.00
Customer Review Score: 5/5 (361 reviews)
Where to Buy: BrooklynMadeNatural on Etsy
7. Sea Witch Botanicals – Canary Clean Zero Waste Dish Soap Bar
Sea Witch Botanicals is a vegan, zero-waste brand for all things home, personal care, and self-care. Their ranges include everything from clothing to incense and skincare to household cleaning products.
They’re based in Washington and are dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility. They’re B Corp Certified and certified vegan, members of 1 for the Planet and donate to various other organizations and charities.
Sea Witch Botanicals’ Canary Clean dish soap bars are made with all-natural ingredients, that are non-toxic and contain no phthalates, parabens, SLS, petroleum products, and no synthetic fragrances. As they put it, “no need to send a canary into your home to test for toxins”!
They’re also vegan and completely biodegradable, and their zero-waste packaging can be composted or recycled. Canary Clean dish soap bars are also multipurpose and are great for general cleaning, including glass and other surfaces.
Ingredients: Saponified Organic Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Orange Essential Oil (Citrus sinensis), Kaolin Clay
Price: $6.00
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (107 reviews)
Where to Buy: SeaWitchBotanical on Etsy
8. Battle Green – Lemon & Eucalyptus Organic Dish Soap Bar
Battle Green is based Snowdonia, Wales, and sells a range of eco-friendly alternatives to the plastic products we use every day.
All their products are certified vegan and cruelty-free. As a zero-waste store, they use minimal packaging and offer refills and bulk purchases.
Most products can be bought packaged in recycled paper, or naked if you prefer, and they ship using only plastic-free, compostable, and recyclable packaging.
Battle Green Lemon & Eucalyptus Organic Dish Soap Bar is a multi-purpose soap bar. It is cruelty-free, vegan, and made using only plant-based and natural ingredients, that are non-toxic, biodegradable, free from palm oil, SLS/SLES, and synthetic fragrances.
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, White Kaolin Clay, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Plant-Based Sodium Lactate
Price: $4.10
Customer Review Score: 5/5 (61 reviews)
Where to Buy: BattleGreenBox on Etsy
9. Lora’s Beauty – Solid Round Dish Washing Soap with Essential Oils
Lora’s Beauty products are all thoughtfully made in the Pacific Northwest, with sustainability in mind.
Their artisanal body soaps, shampoo and conditioner bars, and dish soap bars are made using locally sourced, organic ingredients, and contain no palm oil.
They’re packaged plastic-free and shipped in reused packaging that can be recycled.
Lora’s Beauty Solid Round Dish Washing Soap Bars are made with only five, plant-based, ingredients and contain pure essential oils for fragrance. They contain so synthetic ingredients, preservatives, or additives.
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, and Pure Essential Oils.
Price: $7.50
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (193 reviews)
Where to Buy: Lorasbeauty on Etsy
10. E. Sheep – Zero Waste Dish Soap and Wool Scrubbies
W.E. Sheep soap, lotions, and felted wool scrubbies are handmade on a sheep farm in upstate New York.
They’re made using only natural ingredients and contain no synthetic fragrances or other chemical additives.
Their soaps contain lanolin, a by-product of wool processing, which makes them especially moisturizing and great for those with dry or sensitive skin.
W.E. Sheep’s cute felted wool scrubbies are handmade using wool from their farm and hand-decorated with needle-felted wool, making each scrubbie unique.
As they’re pure wool, they’re very durable, do not fall apart, and are completely compostable. A great zero-waste alternative to plastic sponges and scrubbies!
Ingredients: Pure Coconut Oil, Lanolin, Lemon Essential Oil, Lye, and Castor Oil
Price: $3.00
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (79 reviews)
Where to Buy: WESheep on Etsy
11. Tiani Body Care – Lemongrass Zero-Waste Concentrated Dish Soap Bar
Founded by a biochemist, Tiani Body Care Co. is a small family business from Dexter, Michigan. They make soaps and personal care products, as well as highly concentrated sold dish soap bars!
Their soaps are all handmade with safe, non-toxic, plant-based ingredients that are locally sourced. They use pure essential oils to scent their products, instead of synthetic fragrances, and their soaps contain no synthetic additives or preservatives.
Their Lemongrass Concentrated Dish Soap Bar is suitable for sensitive skin, vegan, and completely zero-waste. The concentrated formula is great for extra greasy dishes too.
Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Lemongrass Essential Oil, Rosemary Extract, Vitamin E
Price: $10.00
Customer Review Score: 5/5 stars (33 reviews)
Where to Buy: TianiBodyCareCo on Etsy
Final Thoughts on Using Natural Dish Soap Bars
Natural dish wash bars are a great alternative for conventional, liquid dishwashing soap. They’re made with natural ingredients that are safer for us, and more environmentally friendly.
Zero-waste dish soap bars are packaged without plastic and most are shipped in sustainable shipping materials.
Solid bars are lighter and more compact, which makes them more economical to ship and reduces the emissions associated with distribution.
All in all, if you’re looking for a safe, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and zero-waste solution that actually works – solid dish soap bars are the way to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solid dish soap bars work as well as liquid dish soap?
Yes! A good dish soap bar will work just as well as it's liquid dish soap counterpart. Many dish soaps are highly effective because they contain harsh chemicals and surfactants but a good quality solid dish soap bar made with natural ingredients will be just as effective, and contain no toxic and environmentally harmful chemicals. Check out the full review to learn more.
What are the best solid dish soap bars?
The best solid dish soap bars to try are:
1. One Eco Store - 2 in 1 Dish Wash & Stain Removal Bar
2. RFRESH - Natural Solid Dish Soap Bar
3. Meliora – Lemon Dish Soap Bar
4. No Tox Life – Vegan Dish Block
5. Plantish – Vegan, Zero-Waste Solid Dish Soap Bar
6. Brooklyn Made Natural – Solid Organic Dish Soap
7. Sea Witch Botanicals - Canary Clean Zero Waste Dish Soap Bar
8. Battle Green - Lemon & Eucalyptus Organic Dish Soap Bar
9. Lora’s Beauty - Solid Round Dish Washing Soap with Essential Oils
10. W.E. Sheep - Zero Waste Dish Soap and Wool Scrubbies
11. Tiani Body Care – Lemongrass Zero-Waste Concentrated Dish Soap Bar
Check out the full review to see why these are the best, the ingredients they use, and where to buy.
How do you use solid dish soap?
There are two ways to use solid dish soap bars: you can swish them through a sink full of hot water (in a net bag, strainer or soap cage if you have one, or just in your hands) to dissolve some soap into the water and from a lather; or you can simply use your wet brush, sponge or cloth and rub some soap directly onto it before you use it to wash your dishes. Check out the full review for more on how to use solid dish soap.
References
Apartment Therapy: Should You Switch to Solid Dish Soap? We Asked 5 Experts
Earth911: Dish Soap: The Environmental Impact of Washing Dishes
Ecos: Detox Your Home: 5 Common Toxins Found in Dish Soaps
Healthline: Accidental Poisoning by Soap Products
WWF: Washing Dishes Can Be Bad for Your Health
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6 Ways to Make Vaping More Sustainable & Recycling Vape Parts (Guide)
Did you know that vaping can have a negative environmental impact?
We are talking about the materials used to create e-liquids, the energy and resources required for manufacturing and disposal (including e-cigarettes), and toxic byproducts that come from nicotine production.
The good news is: there’s no need to fret! There are ways to minimize the carbon footprint from vaping.
Read on below for some tips on how you can vape more sustainably, and how to recycle your vape parts:
6 Ways to Make Vaping More Eco-Friendly
How do you vape responsibly?
There are many ways to be more eco-friendly with your vaping habits. Whether it’s choosing the right device, knowing how to charge your battery, or remembering to recycle—you can reduce your environmental impact by making some changes!
1. Use Organic Vape Juice
E-liquids contain nicotine, flavoring, water, and a glycol-based substance. Organic vape juices have vegetable glycerin (VG) while the inorganic ones contain the synthetic substance, propylene glycol (PG).
VG comes from vegetables and the liquids are considered organic if those vegetables are grown and processed by meeting the standards set by the respective authorities.
What’s the advantage? It helps cut down on pollution from production processes as well as reduces landfill and waste disposal impact since it uses biodegradable materials.
2. Avoid Using Disposable Vape Pens
Non-rebuildable atomizers are embedded with a coil that is not meant to be replaced by the user. They’re sealed and disposable, which means more waste from production as well as post-use disposal costs.
The good news is that there are now many affordable, re-usable vape pens on the market. These pens allow you to reuse your coils, saving resources and money in the long run. Just be sure to properly recycle or dispose of your old coils!
You can further reduce your carbon footprint and save money by making your own rebuildable coils. The process of rebuilding your own coils means there are fewer waste materials because you will simply use new wire and cotton instead of discarding a whole ready-made coil. If you like to go the extra mile, use 100% organic cotton for the homemade coils.
3. Switch to Glass Cartridges
Replace plastic cartridges with glass ones. Plastic components are made by using petroleum, a non-renewable resource. These cartridges are heat-safe, but heated plastic can still release harmful chemical compounds.
Glass is a sustainable material that does not contain any toxic substances that could leak out in landfills or waterways as plastics do. Also, glass materials can be recycled again and again without breaking down into harmful chemicals. When it comes to recycling vape cartridges, glass ones are the best option to choose!
4. Use a Vape Battery with a Long Life
The more times a battery can be recharged, the fewer resources that are required to make it. Replacing batteries frequently also harms the environment because more dead batteries then end up in landfills.
If you like taking care of our planet and saving some money at the same time, buying a long-lasting battery is an option worth exploring!
Also, these are lithium-ion batteries and lithium mining is extremely detrimental to the environment. The chemical-intensive process can disrupt the local ecosystem too.
5. Recycling Vape Parts and Safe Disposal of Non-Recyclable Parts
You should not throw out any vape parts in trash bins because they may contain harmful materials. How can you recycle or dispose of various vaping components without having negative consequences for the environment?
This video by West Coast Clouds goes into more detail on the recycling of vape cartridges, batteries and other components:
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Be responsible when disposing of your e-liquids, batteries, and coils. When it comes to parts that are not intended to be re-used, for example when you’re recycling Juul pods, you may have to break them apart and recycle the components separately.
Let’s see how you can get rid of vape parts without causing pollution:
– Recycling Vape Batteries
Batteries are a key component of vaping, and it’s critical to recycle vape batteries or dispose of them properly. You can’t just throw them in the trash, as they can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Dead batteries can even catch fire or explode if they are not handled carefully.
Many e-cig retailers now accept used vape batteries for recycling. So make sure to contact your favorite vape shop and ask where you can drop off the dead batteries.
If you don’t want to visit an e-cig retailer, then you’ll have to turn them in with a local recycling company that accepts e-waste or take them to an electronics recycling hub in your area.
– Recycling Vape Coils
Coils are another important part of vaping, and they need to be disposed of properly too. You can’t just throw them away, as the metals they contain can leach into the environment and cause pollution.
Coils should be recycled at an e-cig retailer. If you don’t have an e-cig retailer near you, then check if there’s a recycling depot that accepts small metals.
You can clean and re-use your coils, although it won’t last more than a few days. Just make sure you have the right equipment for this job!
– Recycling Vape Juice Bottles
E-liquid bottles are usually made from plastic, which is not biodegradable. So, when disposed of improperly, they can end up in landfills or the ocean where they will take centuries to break down.
Most people who vape should be aware that it’s important to recycle the plastic bottles that their e-juice comes in. If you live near a recycling center for glass and plastics, this is often as simple as leaving your used bottles to their designated booths for collection.
If you can’t find a recycling center, wash them properly to clean the e-liquid residue. Then, leave the bottles in the beans designated for plastic recycling.
– Safe Disposal of E-liquids
There are different e-liquid flavors, and you may not like each one. Most people will then toss the bottle in the trash can, which will only add to the pollution.
You should never dump it down the drain or flush it down the toilet, as this can contaminate water supplies. Also, spilled liquids in the trash can kill wildlife and stray animals.
The safest way is to pour it into sawdust or cat litter and let it dry out. These absorbent materials will soak up the liquid quite nicely. Once it’s solid, you can put it in a compostable bag and dispose of it in the trash.
6. Buy Locally-Sourced E-liquids and Hardware
The vape industry has grown rapidly in recent years, but resources are not infinite. Buying local products helps avoid the cost of transportation and reduces environmental impact. It will also reduce waste from shipping materials across the world.
This helps in cutting down on air shipping and contributes to the reduction of overall carbon emissions. By doing this, you will also promote local sellers and manufacturers. These products also comply with the country’s regulations and standards.
Conclusion
There are many ways to make vaping more sustainable. Remember that although vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, it’s still not devoid of impact on the environment. So do your part and make choices that will help reduce the overall negative impact. Let’s work together to make vaping more sustainable for generations to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vaping more eco-friendly than smoking cigarettes?
Yes. Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter on earth, and each one takes about 18 months to 10 years to decompose. And, they release many toxins into the soil. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 known carcinogens. E-liquids contain only a few of the harmful chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke. If vapes are correctly used and disposed of, they're a healthier option can reduce waste - read the full guide to learn more.
Are all vape parts recyclable?
No. Not all vape parts are recyclable, but most of them are. The key components that need to be disposed of and recycled properly are the e-liquid bottles, batteries, coils, and cartomizers. However, it can be difficult to sort them out for recycling because vapes are made of a combination of metal, glass, and plastic. Read the full guide for more info on recycling vape parts.
When should you throw out a disposable vape?
Disposable vapes should only be thrown away when they are no longer usable. This usually happens when the battery dies or the coil burns out. You can usually tell when it's time to get a new one because the vapor will start tasting bad. It's also evident when the tip no longer lights up at the time of taking a puff.
If you're not sure whether it's time to throw out your disposable vape, then try cleaning it. If that doesn't work, then it's probably time to get a new one. In fact, a disposable vape pen only lasts for around 400 puffs. Read the full guide for more on how to dispose of vapes responsibly.
References
ABC News: E-cigarettes Highlight the Challenges of Dealing with Plastic Waste
Earth 911: Local Recycling Centre Search Tool (US)
Earth 911: How to Recycle Rechargeable Batteries
Recycle Now: How are Electrical Items Recycled?
U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Tips for Safe Disposal of E-Cigarettes and E-Liquid Waste
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7 Awesome Natural Hand Sanitizers & How to Make One Yourself (Review)
Hand sanitizers have become a staple product that we use repeatedly, every single day.
They’re great for keeping us safe by killing germs, bacteria, and fungi, but they are often not so great for our overall health or the health of the planet!
Luckily, many great options are made with human health and the environment in mind. They’re safe, eco-friendly, and do not contain any harmful, toxic chemicals.
So, how do you find the best natural hand sanitizer? What should you look for and what should you avoid?
In this guide, we’re covering some of the problems with conventional sanitizers, why natural hand sanitizers are better, and what to look for when you’re buying an organic or natural sanitizer.
We then review some of the best organic and natural hand sanitizers, made by sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible brands.
Lastly, we learn how to make your own natural hand sanitizer with safe ingredients and organic essential oils.
Let’s dive right in!
The Best Natural Hand Sanitizers
Here is our list of the best organic and/or natural hand sanitizers:
Plaine Products Peppermint Hand Sanitizer
Tints of Nature Organic Alcohol Hand Sanitizer
Naked Bee Orange Blossom Honey Hand Sanitizer
Package Free Zero-Waste Hand Sanitizer
EO Essential Oils Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer
Puracy Citrus and Sea Salt Gel Hand Sanitizer
Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer
These are all great options for your hands and the environment!
We’ll dig into why these brands are so good a little further on, but first, let’s look at why it’s important to use natural hand sanitizers:
Why is Natural Hand Sanitizer Better?
Natural hand sanitizers are better for us and better for the environment. They use safe, non-toxic ingredients and are sourced, made, and packaged in eco-friendly ways.
Harmful Chemical Ingredients vs Natural and Non-Toxic Ingredients
Conventional hand sanitizers contain many undesirable ingredients. A common active ingredient is Methanol (wood alcohol), a highly toxic substance that can be lethal even in relatively small amounts when ingested (as little as 10 ml can be fatal for a child).
Benzene, an industrial solvent that is known to be cancer-causing carcinogen, has also been found in sanitizers. In 2021, the FDA recalled hand sanitizers containing unacceptable levels of benzene, and other chemicals linked to cancer and immune dysfunction.
Take a look at this video by CBS Mornings for more:
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Triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent, is also frequently used. Frequent or overexposure to Triclosan can disrupt hormone function, impact immune function, and make you more susceptible to allergies.
Natural hand sanitizers generally use safer active ingredients, like ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol.
When it comes to inactive ingredients, the undesirable ingredients found in many conventional sanitizers include parabens, Polyethylene Glycol Compounds (PEGs), artificial dyes and phthalates, in synthetic fragrances.
Natural hand sanitizers use safer alternatives, like essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
Many sanitizers also include ingredients to soften or thicken them, and ingredients to add moisture to your hands. These can include undesirable oils like palm oil, or glycerin made from animal or petroleum products.
We use sanitizers daily, and often multiple times a day. Considering how frequently we’re using it, a natural hand sanitizer that doesn’t contain any undesirable ingredients is a much safer option!
Environmental Impact – Packaging and Brand Ethics
In addition to the ingredients, natural hand sanitizers are generally made by eco-friendly brands (all the options listed here are!).
They’re made in ways that limit their environmental impact, from responsible ingredient sourcing, to eco-friendly manufacturing and sustainable packaging instead of plastic.
Let’s look at what to look for when you’re choosing the best natural hand sanitizer for you:
What to Look for When Selecting a Natural Hand Sanitizer
There are a few things to consider when you’re selecting the best natural hand sanitizer to choose.
We like sustainable and eco-friendly products, so we consider the environment as well as our health in our selection criteria:
Type
The best hand sanitizer is the one you will really use! We’ve all bought products only to realize that it’s not quite what we were looking for and it ends up sitting around until it has to be discarded.
To avoid that waste, choose the type of sanitizer that works best for you. You can choose from liquid sprays, gels (flip top/pump dispenser), or foams.
Choose an option that will be easy for you to use, suits your lifestyle and that you like the feel of on your hands.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are in most natural hand sanitizers:
Alcohol: The primary active ingredient in most natural hand sanitizers is alcohol, which is there to kill germs and bacteria. To be effective, the alcohol concentration needs to be at least 60%.
Essential Oils: Avoid anything with synthetic fragrances and phthalates and choose options that are fragranced with essential oils instead. Many essential oils also have beneficial properties like antibacterial, antiviral, soothing, and cooling properties. These make it more effective, and gentler on your hands.
Skin Conditioners: Alcohol is harsh on your skin, especially if you’re using it frequently. Look for sanitizers that contain ingredients to combat this, like natural oils (except for Palm Oil), vegetable-based glycerin, aloe vera extracts, vitamin E, peppermint, and lavender.
Certified Organic Ingredients: Ingredients that are certified organic have been grown with no chemicals and are generally better the environment than their non-organic counterparts
Brand Values: Sustainability and Ethics
Every dollar spent is a vote cast. Choose brands and businesses that are actively pursuing sustainability and ethical business practices.
Check their websites to see what they have to say about their ethics and sustainability, most eco-friendly companies will have this information easily available.
You can also look for any sustainability certifications they have.
Sustainable Packaging
Conventional hand sanitizers come with huge amounts of plastic packaging. It can’t always be re-used or recycled, and it’s often made from virgin plastic instead of recycled plastic.
To skip the waste and the impacts of manufacturing new plastic unnecessarily, look for sustainable packaging options:
Refillable and re-usable
Made from recycled materials
Recyclable
Compostable or biodegradable
Minimal packaging (refills are great for this!)
Sustainably sourced (especially for paper products)
Organic vs Natural Hand Sanitizers
The terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ do not always mean the same thing.
Take a look at this short video by Nature’s Flavors to see why:
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Natural refers to anything (usually plant-based) that is found in nature and is not synthetic or man-made.
Natural products are not synthetic and generally do not contain the many harmful chemicals found in their synthetic counterparts.
However, natural products are often grown and produced in ways that do use synthetic chemicals. In agriculture, crops are usually grown with the aid of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other artificial chemicals.
Organic, on the other hand, refers to natural products that are produced without the use of artificial chemicals.
To be certified organic, a product must meet certain standards for production that ensure that no artificial chemicals, hormones, or additives are used.
So, all organic hand sanitizers are natural, but not all-natural hand sanitizers are organic!
7 Top Natural Hand Sanitizers
Here is our selection of the best organic and natural hand sanitizers to choose from. All the brands on this list are eco-conscious, making high-quality products that are safe and effective:
Plaine Products Peppermint Hand Sanitizer
Plaine Products is a vegan and cruelty-free zero-waste brand. In addition to their natural hand sanitizers, they also make zero-waste shampoos, hair care, and body washes.
They’re committed to creating safe and healthy, with the least environmental impact.
Plaine Products uses only safe, non-toxic ingredients, as per the Environmental Working Group (EWG) standards.
They’re also certified B Corp, vegan, cruelty-free, carbon-neutral, and members of 1 for the Planet. All their products are zero-waste and come in aluminum bottles, which can be refilled or recycled.
Plaine Products’ zero-waste natural hand sanitizer uses non-drying and uses no harsh chemicals. It is made with safe ethyl alcohol (70%), infused with peppermint essential oils for additional antimicrobial and antiviral protection.
It is GMO-free, contains no synthetic fragrances, and is biodegradable. The formula is effective, gentle, and leaves no sticky residue.
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Ethyl alcohol 70%, Other Ingredients: Water, Peppermint essential oil
Price: $15.00 (16 oz)
Plaine Products Review Score: 5/5
Where to Buy: Plaine Products
Tints of Nature Organic 80% Alcohol Hand Sanitizing Spray
Based in the UK, Tints of Nature is a vegan and cruelty-free brand. They make natural and organic products, including vegan hair dyes, hair care, and, of course, natural hand sanitizers.
Tints of Nature uses low carbon, energy-saving production methods and is committed to being low-to-no waste.
They use as little plastic as possible in their packaging, which is all recyclable and mostly made using post-consumer recycled cardboard and plastic. Instead of polystyrene, they use corn-based, dissolvable, and biodegradable packing chips for all their shipments.
Tints of Nature’s natural hand sanitizing spray is made from only natural, plant-based ingredients. The alcohol (80%) and glycerine are organic, and produced in line with the Soil Association Organic Standard, an organic certification that places additional emphasis on animal welfare.
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Alcohol 80%, Inactive Ingredients: *alcohol denat., aqua, *glycerine, hydrogen peroxide *Soil Association Organic Standard
Price: £4.00 (150 ml)
Tints of Nature Review Score: 4.2/5
Where to Buy: Tints of Nature
The Naked Bee Orange Blossom Honey Hand Sanitizer
Based in Texas, The Naked Bee is a brand that operates with the philosophy of giving more than it takes. They make a wide range of personal care products, including hand sanitizers, lotions, balms, sunscreens, and soaps.
The Naked Bee products are all made with the planted and the people in mind, using only safe and responsibly sourced ingredients. All their products are cruelty-free and they use no parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, dyes, or pigments.
The Naked Bee’s Operation Pollination is an initiative to protect and advocate for bees in the USA. Partnerships with retailers across the country help them raise awareness and sell wildflower seeds for planting to support declining bee populations.
Their Orange Blossom Honey scented hand sanitizer uses a moisturizing and soothing formula, made with Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel. The fragrance is phthalate-free.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Alcohol (sd alcohol 40) 70%, Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera Gel, Seaweed Extract, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E, Carbomer, Phthalate-Free Fragrance.
Price: $35.99 (32oz)
Amazon Review Score: 4.6/5
Where to Buy: Baked Bee Online
Package Free Zero-Waste Unscented Hand Sanitizer
Package Free was founded by Lauren Singer, a champion of zero-waste living, and the woman behind Trash is for Tossers.
As a zero-waste company, every aspect of their business is zero-waste, and they aim to make it easy and accessible for others to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle.
Their commitment to sustainability includes products that reduce waste and methane emissions, carbon offset shipping, and a partnership with Pachama to employ thousands of people in communities around the world to restore vital ecosystems.
Package Free uses plastic-free shipping, and the packaging is 100% recyclable and 100% compostable.
Package Free’s natural hand sanitizer is completely compostable and the paper label, glass bottle, and plastic pump are all recyclable.
It is a gentle yet effective formula that is unscented and made with ethanol, peroxide, water, and palm oil-free vegetable glycerin.
Ingredients: Ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, purified water, vegetable glycerin (made without palm oil).
Price: $12.00 (2 oz)
Package Free Review Score: 4.9/5
Where to Buy: Package Free Shop
EO Essential Oils Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer
EO Essential Oils is a family-owned, zero-waste brand from California. They make a range of natural personal care products and essential oils, using mainly organic ingredients.
EO Essential Oils believes in” people, purpose and the planet before profits”. They’re a certified B Corp, and their products are Certified Organic and Leaping Bunny Certified cruelty-free.
All their ingredients are ethically sourced and they are a plastic-neutral company, operating on zero-waste principles.
EO Essential Oils Products also donates to various social welfare organizations and they offer their employees paid leave to volunteer for causes that matter to them.
EO Essential Oils’ organic lavender hand sanitizer is made with organic lavender essential oils and alcohol (62%) derived from sugar cane. It is an effective and soothing formula, with a lavender scent that lingers long after the alcohol has evaporated.
They’re 2 oz bottles and come as a pack of 6 – the ideal travel size natural hand sanitizer!
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Organic Ethanol, Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Essential Oil, Organic Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, Tocopherol
Price: $24.85 (2 oz -pack of 6)
Amazon Review Score: 4.8/5
Where to Buy: EO on Amazon or EO Online Store
Puracy Citrus and Sea Salt Gel Hand Sanitizer
Puracy is a brand from Austin, Texas that makes plant-based cleaning and personal care products. They make only safe, non-toxic products that are hypoallergenic and completely safe for use with children and pets.
All their products are biodegradable, and their packaging is recyclable. They also offer refills, which reduce plastic, water, and energy use by 90%.
In terms of social responsibility, Puracy makes a donation to local children and families in need of support with every purchase.
Puracy’s gel hand sanitizer is made with safe isopropyl alcohol (70%), moisturizing plant-based ingredients, and natural fragrances.
The formula is non-drying and contains no nasty chemicals like dyes, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, triclosan, formaldehyde, parabens, and phosphates. It also contains no palm oil or its derivatives and is GMO-free.
Ingredients: Active ingredients: Isopropyl alcohol (70%), Inactive ingredients: Purified water (Aqua, eau), Vegetable glycerin (Plant-based skin softener), Hydroxypropyl cellulose (Plant-derived thickener), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) leaf juice, Tocopherol/Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Caprylyl glycol (Coconut-based preservative), Natural fragrance
Price: $11.99 (12 oz)
Puracy Review Score: 4.8/5
Where to Buy: Puracy
Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizer
Dr. Bronner’s is a very well-known brand when it comes to eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethical practices. Famous for their all-in-one castile soap, they make certified organic, cruelty-free cleaning and personal care products.
They’re a Certified B Corp, and their whole business model is focused on sustainability and ethical, socially responsible practices.
Dr. Bronner’s organic hand sanitizer is made with just four ingredients – organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic lavender (or peppermint) oil, and organic glycerin. Like all Dr. Bronner’s products, it is multi-purpose and can be used as a hand sanitizer, a water-less cleanser for children’s hands and faces, deodorant, and an air freshener.
Ingredients: Organic, Fair Trade Certified Ethyl Alcohol (62%), Water, Organic Glycerin (Soy), Organic Lavender Oil
Price: $4.24 (2 oz)
Amazon Review Score: 4.9/5
Where to Buy: Dr. Bronner’s Online
DIY Sanitizer Recipe: How to Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
Making your own hand sanitizer is easier than it seems and there are many great recipes out there!
That said, your homemade hand sanitizer needs to be safe and effective.
The World Health Organization recommends a simple recipe, which is both safe and effective. It contains only alcohol, peroxide, glycerol, and water.
We love this simple and effective DIY recipe for natural hand sanitizer by Sophie Uliano, which uses the WHO recipe, with the addition of aloe vera and essential oils:
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Sophie Uliano’s DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer Recipe
This recipe, by Sophie Uliano is very easy to make and you can find all the ingredients online or at your local drug store.
We recommend using organic essential oils and using pure aloe vera gel instead of glycerin but if you do use glycerin, just make sure it’s a natural, plant-based one.
Ingredients
1 cup of rubbing alcohol 70% to 99% concentration (or 151 proof grain alcohol)
1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
1/3 cup of water if using 99% alcohol, 1/4 cup of water if using 70% alcohol
1 tsp vegetable glycerine or aloe vera gel
30 drops of essential oils of your choice. She uses 5 drops of Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Cinnamon, Cedar Wood, and 10 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil.
Instructions
Clean and sanitize your workspace and tools
Pour all the ingredients into a measuring jug and mix then well
Divide the mixture into dark glass spray bottles. The spray bottles need to be dark glass or plastic, to limit the light and protect the mixture from degrading.
Tips for to Make the Most of Your DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer
The ingredients may separate a bit in the bottle, so always shake it thoroughly before you use it.
Store your bottles out of direct sunlight
Make sure they’re tightly sealed to prevent any alcohol from evaporating and reducing the efficacy of your sanitizer
Use aloe vera gel instead of glycerin for added conditioning with soothing, healing properties.
Choose essential oils for the properties you need. Here are some popular choices:
Peppermint is cooling and soothing
Camomile, Clove, Geranium, and Tea Tree are good for eczema in a natural hand sanitizer
Lavender, Rosemary, and Tea Tree are soothing and have antiviral and antibacterial properties
Final Thoughts on Natural Hand Sanitizers
There are many great natural hand sanitizers available that do not contain any harmful chemicals and are safe to use repeatedly.
Today, we have covered some of the best options to choose from – and all of them are from sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible brands.
If you prefer to make your own, try the recipe we included above and let us know it came out in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between natural and organic hand sanitizers?
Natural hand sanitizers are made with natural ingredients that are usually plant-based, such as ethyl alcohol and essential oils. Organic hand sanitizers use natural ingredients that have been grown and produced with no artificial chemicals, like chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Take a look at the article for a more detailed explanation.
Can you make your own natural hand sanitizer?
Yes. It is very easy to make your own hand sanitizer at home, with the right ingredients and equipment. It is important to use only safe ingredients and to include a high-enough concentration of alcohol - 60% to 99%, with over 70% being the best recommendation. Take a look at the full article for a DIY hand sanitizer recipe that uses the WHO approved recipe, with organic essential oils.
Why are natural hand sanitizers better?
Natural hand sanitizers are better because they're safe to use, as just as effective as conventional sanitizers. They do not contain any of the harmful, toxic, chemicals used in conventional sanitizers and they're better for the environment too. Read the full review for more info on what makes natural sanitizers safer for you and the environment.
References and Useful Resources
David Suzuki Foundation: The Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and Their Contaminants
Forbes: FDA: Hand Sanitizer Recall Due to Contaminants with Cancer Concerns
Healthline: Essential Oils 101: Finding the Right One for You
Live Science: Dozens of Hand Sanitizers Contain a Toxic Ingredient. How Do You Know If Yours is Safe?
Made Safe: Toxic Chemicals in Hand Sanitizer
Medical News Today: Essential oils and eczema: Effectiveness, Side Effects, and More
News-Medical: What is Triclosan and Why is it Banned?
The Street: 5 Hidden Dangers of Hand Sanitizers
U.S. Food & Drug Administration: FDA Updates on Hand Sanitizers Consumers Should Not Use
World Health Organization (WHO): Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Hand Rub Formulations
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8 Best Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Nappies for Every Eco-Mom in 2022
When I talk about environmentally and socially responsible practices in child-rearing, most parents would think about reusable diapers.
Cloth nappies are cheap but not always a good option for a baby’s delicate skin. Plus, a study revealed that although disposable diapers produce more waste, and their production requires a large amount of wood pulp and bleach, the water and detergent needed to wash a cloth diaper also creates a huge environmental impact.
It is concluded that the carbon footprint we generate by washing the cloth diapers for a child over a period of 2.5 years is equal to driving a car between 2000 km and 3500 km.
Reusable nappies and disposable nappies both have an impact on the environment, in different ways.
What is the solution then?
As parents we have a lot to consider and what we choose to use often comes down to very unique, personal circumstances. What works for one person, won’t always work for another.
Protecting your baby is just as important as preserving nature. Now you can fight against plastic pollution by buying disposable eco-friendly nappies for your baby, without having to use only reusable cloth nappies.
If reusable cloth diapers are not the best option for you, or you’re in an area where excessive water use is a problem, there are some great disposable eco-friendly nappies to choose from!
Conventional Disposable vs Biodegradable Disposable Nappies
When it comes to disposable nappies, the conventional kind have a huge environmental impact. The manufacturing process uses synthetic materials, harsh chemicals to create that super absorbent core and bleach, they’re lined with plastic and they’re used just once and then thrown away.
Soiled baby diapers go straight to landfill, where they do not break down or biodegrade for hundreds of years. Think about that for a second – every diaper, used on everyone you know, is still sitting in a landfill somewhere!
Conventional disposable nappies usually come packaged in plastic too, which adds to the burden on landfills if the plastic is not recyclable.
Luckily, there are now some great biodegradable disposable nappy brands making safer and more eco-friendly alternatives.
Biodegradable disposable nappies are made of natural, plant-based materials and plastic-alternatives that do break down naturally. Some brands are even home compostable!
They use natural materials like bamboo or organic cotton, paper pulp from sustainable sources and non-toxic alternatives to the ‘super absorbent core’ that conventional nappies use.
Eco-friendly nappies are also packaged more responsibly, with less plastic and more sustainable materials like compostable or recycled paper and cardboard.
Most eco-friendly nappy brands are also non-toxic and completely safe for use on your baby’s most sensitive skin.
Let’s take a look at some of the best biodegradable and eco-friendly nappies on the market:
The Best Eco-friendly and Biodegradable Nappy Brands for Babies
I’ve come up with seven eco-friendly diaper brands for babies that are safe for them as well for the natural environment.
1. Ecoriginals
Ecoriginals is an Australian brand, that makes eco-friendly nappies and home compostable wet wipes.
Ecoriginals disposable nappies are made using natural, and mostly certified organic, plant-based materials. They do not use the plastic backing that many ‘eco-brands’ use, and theirs is made from pure cotton and completely biodegradable.
The inner layers of the nappy are also purely plant-based – sustainably sourced wood pulp, tissue paper and non-toxic, plant based absorbent polymers.
Their wet wipes are made from 100% home compostable bamboo fibre and botanical extracts.
Ecoriginals packaging is made with paper and a corn starch lining, which means it is 100% compostable and will leave no trace.
As a brand, Ecoriginals is dedicated to sustainability. For every order, they plant 1 tree, remove 25 items of plastic waste from the ocean and offset all the carbon emitted for that order, which makes them both plastic and carbon neutral!
Price: One pack of nappies costs $19.95 (each pack contains between 19 and 30 nappies, depending on the size selected). They also offer a discounted bundled subscription service for nappies and wet wipes.
2. Happy Little Camper
The eco-friendly diaper brand Happy Little Campers, is a sister company of Veeda, which is popular for its feminine care line. According to their website, all of their nappies and wipes are made from 100% soothing, non-GMO, hypoallergenic cotton.
The nappies are super absorbent, with strong elastic tabs to prevent leakage and blowout. The addition of Aloe Vera and Vitamin E keep the baby’s skin free from irritation and allergies. Plus the absence of dyes and harsh chemicals like chlorine and parabens reduces the risk rashes.
Their eco-friendly nappies come in a very baby-friendly design, keeping them comfortable all day long. The wood pulp and cotton are certified by FSC and Mother Nature and responsibly sourced from credible suppliers.
They are available in five different sizes newborn, infant, crawler, toddler, and walker.
Price: The price for a single newborn diaper pack (36) is $13.20 while for size 5 and 6 the prices are $26.80. If you want to be worry-free for the whole month, then you can pay $79.95 for a customized one month supply.
3. Coterie Eco-Friendly Diapers
Coterie nappies are some of the best eco-friendly nappies and a win for your baby and mother nature!
They have 16 certifications that make them a truly ‘upgraded diaper’ for babies. Their dermatologically tested nappies do not contain alcohol, dyes, latex, rubber, fragrance or parabens. And they’re not tested on animals!
The nappies claim to hold 70% more fluid than rival brands and wick moisture away from the skin in just 15 seconds (4 times faster than other nappies ). Now you can be worry-free, with no chance of leakage.
Unlike other nappies with cute little designs, Coterie has a simple, white, minimalist look designed for modern moms.
Price: The diapers are available at an exclusive price of $95 for six-packs which is equal for one month.
4. The Honest Company
By far, these nappies have the cutest and most adorable print designs! But there are other reasons to appreciate this nappy brand over conventional reusable nappies too.
The box contains super absorbent ultra-soft, gentle, and hypoallergenic disposable diapers with stretchy pants that fit babies of all sizes. The feather-like comfy liner provides the ultimate ease, keeping your baby dry and happy on every day adventures.
The Honest Company not only make eco-friendly nappies, but they also offer a wide range of products for babies and women, like baby personal care, baby clothing, home cleaning options and beauty products all in one place. The website also allows you to select your favorite print, from their super-sweet options.
The brand is very cautious when it comes to ingredient selection and only uses materials derived from plants. They are made without chlorine or fragrances, and their lotions are 100% organic.
Price: These super stylish, affordable eco-friendly nappies are available online and in stores for only $10.95.
5. Pampers Pure Eco-friendly Nappies
A respected, “number one pediatrician recommended” baby care brand is Pampers Pure, a newly launched green line for diapering products.
According to a study by Assignment Assistance, Most infants wearing diapers 24/7 developed diaper rashes characterized by inflamed, red skin caused by many factors such as:
Sleeping in wet diapers.
Not changing the dirty diaper.
Getting a bacterial or yeast infection.
The skin rubs against the hard diaper lining.
This eco-friendly nappy line is an all-in-one solution. It addresses these issues by providing the ultimate skin moisturization, protection, and comfort.
The Shea butter enriched liner leaves the baby’s skin silky smooth throughout the day and night, while fighting wetness.
Plus they are free from all the unwanted ingredients that can react with your baby’s sensitive skin. The big 0% sign on the box indicates that it has 0% chlorine bleaching, parabens, rubber, and latex.
Price: This trusted brand, with fresh-looking packaging, is widely available in your nearest supermarkets and pharmacy stores as well as on Amazon at a discounted price of $0.30 per count/ $59.99 for 198 counts.
6. Seventh Generation
Another brand of eco-friendly diapers on my list is Seventh Generation, a truly green nappy brand with USDA Certification – biobased 30%.
Not familiar with Seventh Generation nappies?
CEO Joey Bergstein believes in reducing the impact on upcoming generations by designing affordable nappies that are naturally skin-friendly. They are made from sustainably harvested plant pulp with 0% chemicals.
Their premium absorbing capacity prevents leaks gives you complete peace of mind no matter if you are at home or out and about.
You can find the nearest retailer around you through its easy-to-navigate website. The brand advocates for climate protection and regularly post blogs about its recent initiatives to encourage visitors to limit their footprint.
Price: It is a cheap diaper brand available for sizes 1 to 6 at a price of $25 for a single packet, but you can find various Amazon deals and buy according to your needs.
7. DYPER
In the US, almost 20 billion dirty diapers are tossed into the trash every year (Fast Company).
If you are an environmentally conscious mother, then Dyper’s Eco-friendly Diapers are a sustainable solution for your home and the environment. This brand claims to be 100% organic and made its diapers from viscose fibers derived from sustainably sourced bamboo.
The company has partnered with waste management company TerraCycle to design its ReDyper initiative, which aims to assist parents to self-compost the nappies at designated facilities.
How does the whole thing work?
You have to subscribe to the ReDyper program, which costs $39 per month. The parents will get bags and specially designed boxes that they can use to store soiled diapers until it gets full. The box will be moved to the composting facilities, where the materials will be turned to compost! The compost can be utilized for highway medians and organic gardening.
Price: If you sign up for a subscription you’ll get one month supply of diapers (depending on the baby size) for $68.
8. Babyganics Eco-Friendly Diapers
I love Babyganics for their skin-love diapers wrapped in clean, fresh, packaging.
What’s inside these safe baby nappies?
They’re made from materials derived from eco-sourced plants, layered with NeoNourish (a seed oil combination of sunflower, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils) for extra moisturization. With a new, improved fit, the diapers are 20% thinner, which means no more thick diaper bootie and more comfort!
The USA based eco-friendly diaper brand comes in six sizes and is totally skin-safe. They are formulated without perfumes, parabens, chlorine or latex.
Price: The starting price for size 1 (232 count) is $57.98 while prices depend on the count and usually increase with an increase in size. The biggest size 6 (116 count) is available for $60.30.
Conclusion
I personally suggest you shift to eco-friendly diapers because they are a much more sustainable option than other cheap, disposable, diapers brands.
The options that I have discussed above can make your search easier as all of them help parents create a surrounding where babies have the freedom to develop boldly.
About the Author:
Claudia Jeffrey is presently working as a Business Executive & Sr. Research Analyst at Dissertation Assistance, a trusted platform to get the best assignments written by professional writers. She often opens up about her efforts to protect the environment. Choosing eco-friendly diapers is a part of her movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my baby from getting rashes?
Almost all mothers have to deal with diaper rash at some of the time. The first thing you should do is to invest in a good diaper brand. Some simple tips to avoid rashes include changing diapers frequently, wash the baby’s back with a chemical-free bottom wash, give them diaper-free time for a bit, and use a good rash cream.
How should I dispose of dirty diapers responsibly?
Dump the diaper’s waster into the toilet and use paper bags to fold the used diaper tightly. Store these wrappers into a separate hands-free bin until it gets full. Remove the garbage bag from the bin and transfer it to a public trash bin for pickup. If you are using compostable diapers, then you can send them back to the brand or composting facilities for composting process.
Do disposable diapers make it hard to potty-train toddlers?
Wearing diapers prevent wetness, but it doesn’t mean that you cant potty-train your baby. Observe signs of readiness as a starting point to train them. These include having regular bowel movements, staying dry for a longer time, and being uncomfortable with dirty diapers. Most parents understand their child’s need to pee or poop by his/her facial expression.
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Causes of Seismic Phenomena: Earth Oscillations from Hurricane Katrina
The destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was unlike anything people had seen in a hurricane before.
One aspect of the storm that often doesn’t get much attention entails the seismic changes that occurred due to the storm and the resultant shift in earthquake frequency and severity in the region.
Hurricanes can produce significant sediment movement, as the immense wind speeds and precipitation associated with the tropical system can blow the sediment in many directions.
Such motions can place stress on fault lines, often causing them to rupture. The fast erosion triggered by a hurricane can produce earth oscillations. These shifts often change the structure of the local area.
Such seismic phenomena can be found in many hurricane systems. Hurricane Katrina is one of the most prominent examples of this point.
However, the causes and consequences of hurricanes can be more dramatic due to thermal power plants. The increasing water temperatures worldwide could also be a problem, as warmer water can make many hurricanes more intense.
So, what are the causes of seismic phenomena? And how do global warming, thermal powerplants and hurricanes impact them?
Keep reading to find out!
Hurricanes and Massive Seismic Changes
A hurricane will trigger the erosion of many surfaces due to the vast wind speeds blowing many items around.
The excess stress can cause active faults to become more active. Massive wind and storm conditions in Taiwan have caused erosion in the country, and the region has become more seismically active, with earthquakes and tremors becoming more frequent and more severe.
Extensive erosion can be a concern, with Hurricane Katrina being a good example of this change. During the storm, seismic activities in the nearby city of Macon, Georgia, were measured to see how they were changing.
The seismic activity became more prominent as the eye of Katrina reached the Gulf Coast. The high wind and rain conditions at the time were causing the earth oscillations to develop.
Many essay samples and studies surrounding hurricanes have focused on the damages caused by the storm. Some hurricane Katrina essays often detail concerns about how the local ecosystem has been damaged.
The changes in soil quality in the area from seismic damages have been dramatic. Future studies may be necessary for reviewing further points on how the environment has changed due to the storm, but current reports have found that seismic changes will make things worse than people might expect.
Oscillations Make It Harder For Some Surfaces To Stay Intact
The increased oscillations from Hurricane Katrina caused many properties to become damaged or destroyed. The damage led to environmental pollution through construction debris.
The most common way construction debris can spread from a storm came from a drop in soil quality.
The top layers of soil are easy to peel off and destroy during a hurricane. It becomes more challenging for the soil to promote stability and to manage healthy water flow.
The risk can cause some properties under construction to shift, as many materials might come loose and slide into the local environment.
The construction debris that comes from a spot will varies, but often includes plastic, wood, metal, chemicals and even small pieces like nails and chunks of insulation. These items clog waterways and may leave materials that will enter a local water supply.
Pollution from construction materials can cause the effects of a storm to become worse than one may expect.
The number of affected people from Hurricane Katrina has been significant, with many of their properties being destroyed.
The seismic phenomena and changes in the area made it harder for many properties to stay intact. The issue could also make it harder for some structures to remain stable and safe.
Seismic Phenomena & Chemical Spread
The new openings produced by seismic phenomena in areas surrounding a hurricane can become areas of concern due to the spread of chemicals in the area.
Chemical and energy production sites produce various toxic compounds which enter the air. However, when they’re flooded or otherwise damaged by a hurricane, the threat of chemicals, fuels and toxic compounds spreading from the site increases.
Seismic changes can increase the severity of these impacts and spread them further afield, through the soil and groundwater.
While Hurricane Katrina caused many chemicals to spread around the Gulf Coast, it is not the only hurricane to impact the area to produce such drastic effects.
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused the release of about a million pounds of toxic materials like benzene. The carcinogenic nature of the material caused the air quality to become dangerous in parts of the Gulf Coast following the storm.
This video by BBC Newsnight shows the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey:
youtube
Thermal Power Plants & Hurricanes
Thermal power plants can also become a problem during a hurricane.
A thermal plants use heat energy to produce electricity. Such plants can also use coal or natural gas to help generate the power necessary for people in a local area.
Hurricanes are often strong enough to damage these power plants and keep them from producing energy.
In addition, these plants may not perform as well if the air pressure changes too much, which it does during a hurricane.
The changes in air pressure from a hurricane can become a dramatic worry on some thermal plants.
The Impact of Thermal Heat Generation & Global Warming
The heat generated from a thermal power plant could also be a significant concern when it comes to the intensity and severity of hurricanes.
Many tropical systems become more intense and dangerous when the air and water conditions are warmer.
Since thermal plants require heat for operation, they are often more likely to produce enough warm air that can trigger hurricanes to be more substantial.
The water temperature in the area will be higher closer to the surface. The water can be around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius in many environments.
The number continues to drop as one gets deeper into the water, eventually reaching near-freezing conditions after getting at least 2,000 meters under the water. The added heat produced by a thermal plant can be hard to manage.
People will often write about how global warming is triggering this concern. While evidence on global warming has been scattered, there has been enough proof that water temperatures worldwide are starting to rise.
The general threat of this change is one of the most dramatic subjects to review surrounding how tropical systems are changing.
Will Hurricanes Become Worse?
There’s a need to look at managing the climate around the Gulf Coast and elsewhere to prevent storms from becoming as strong as Hurricane Katrina. But the timeframe for resolving these concerns is limited.
The increasing water temperatures in the global climate are causing hurricanes to become stronger and more common.
Proper energy control and alternatives for thermal energy are necessary for success. The goal should be to prevent future hurricanes from becoming worse.
Keeping these hurricanes in check is essential for preventing future seismic phenomena, seismic activity and erosion in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere.
How Can We Reduce the Risk of Hurricanes and Seismic Phenomena?
While it is often tough to prevent hurricanes from developing because they form thousands of miles off of the coast and are too massive to corral, people can reduce the risks associated with these hurricanes.
Shifting to cleaner, green energy options and stalling climate change is a key factor in reducing the intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
Part of the work can involve lowering the environment’s reliance on thermal energy in high risk areas and using safer and more natural forms of energy.
Communities can focus on using natural energy as a suitable power source. Hydroelectric power and solar power are among the most valuable solutions to consider.
Wind energy may also work, although its effectiveness will vary surrounding the potential for wind conditions to trigger the turbines.
Other solutions can include producing materials that focus on renewable power instead of coal, natural gas, or other items. Electric cars are useful to find, as they won’t require as many resources to operate.
The manufacturing of more items and buildings that use solar panels can also work. These include massive materials or buildings like lighthouses. These items can reduce energy and heat production, creating a better result for managing power.
About the Author
Michael Fox is a professional ecologist from Raleigh, North Carolina. He has more than ten years of experience studying hurricanes and their impact on human life and nature. Part of his work includes a focus on healthcare and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Seismic Phenomena refer to?
Seismic Phenomena are phenomena related to the shifts and movements of the earth, which are associated with earthquakes and tremors. They're associated with interactions from other processes and result in changes in pressure, composition and alignment of various plates of lithosphere. Read the full article for more on Seismic Phenomena.
What is seismic activity?
Seismic activity refers to earthquakes and their size, severity and frequency in a specific area, over a defined period of time. Read the full guide for more on seismic activity and how it is impacted by severe hurricanes.
How does global warming affect hurricanes?
Increased temperatures and water temperatures at sea are associated with an increase in the severity and intensity of tropical storms. As global temperatures rise, so will the frequency and severity of hurricanes. Check the full article for more on global warming, hurricanes and seismic activity.
References and Useful Resources
Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions: Hurricanes and Climate Change
Science Daily: Strong Storms Generating Earthquake-like Seismic Activity
Science Direct: Thermal Pollution
Science Direct: Seismic Phenomena – An Overview
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