Whether it’s organic linen, a solar-powered computer by Iameco, or reusable straws from Flip & Tumble, many brands are producing environmentally friendly products. They may even be using recycled plastics and ethically sourcing materials, like lyocell or bamboo.
It’s easy to reduce your waste by switching to reusable items. Here are 6 Eco-Friendly Products That Will Help You Protect The Planet:
1. Reusable Water Bottle
One of the easiest things to do for the environment is to invest in a reusable water bottle. Producing and transporting plastic bottles uses up valuable oil and releases harmful emissions. According to Biofriendly Planet, it takes 17 million gallons of oil to create 50 billion disposable water bottles each year. The majority of these ends up in landfills and only a small percentage gets recycled. The rest ends up in the oceans where it can leach chemicals into water and harm marine life.
Using a glass or stainless steel bottle will drastically cut down on plastic waste and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, it will save you money over time.
2. Reusable Lunch Bag
It’s a simple swap, but one that’ll help keep hundreds of plastic baggies from ending up in landfills and oceans. These sustainable storage bags are leak-proof, microwave-safe and easy to clean.
For a quick, on-the-go meal, skip those convenient pre-portioned food trays that create a lot of waste and instead use this eco friendly lunch box. It includes reusable ice packs to keep meals and snacks cool and a silicone lid for spill-proof storage.
This sweatshop-free company uses ethical materials to make this vegan lunch bag. It’s made from GOTS certified organic cotton and has an insulated pouch for drinks and a water-resistant recycled lining.
3. Reusable Coffee Mug
If you’re a coffee lover, then this sleek reusable cup is for you. Not only does it keep your drinks hot or cold, but it also helps curb environmental pollution.
Paper cups contain plastic linings and can’t be recycled. They take decades to decompose in landfills, causing pollution and harming wildlife.
By bringing your own eco-friendly mug to the cafe, you’ll reduce this environmental damage and help save money for both you and the coffee shop owner. These mugs come in a variety of sizes, colors and materials to suit your taste. Some even have a thermal insulation to keep your beverage at the right temperature for longer.
4. Reusable Shopping Bag
Generally, reusable bags are made from recycled or sustainable materials like jute, hemp and cotton. These materials are more renewable than plastic grocery bags and help convert greenhouse gases into breathable oxygen. However, some reusable bags are made from plastics such as high density and low-density polyethylene, which are derived from petroleum.
Paper bags are a common alternative to plastic shopping bags, but they require a lot of water, fuel and cut-down trees to produce. Plus, they are often left unused because consumers forget them. Luckily, some stores are encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags with a small fee or reward system.
5. Reusable Stationery
Reusable pencils, pens and notebooks are a great first step towards a zero waste lifestyle. They also make great eco friendly gifts.
This reusable stationery company offers FSC certified notebooks, notepads and cards that are made from recycled paper with a natural glue and biodegradable cardboard wrap. They also offer plastic free tape made from renewable, organic cotton with a natural adhesive.
They also make non toxic art and craft supplies, including playdough and crayons with food safe, natural ingredients. Their Sprout World pencils have a sustainable PEFC-FSC wood core, capped with a plantable seed capsule that grows when you’re done using it!
6. Reusable Makeup Bag
Whether it’s plastic packaging, paper towels, or produce bags, people go through an alarming amount of single-use products every week. Reusable makeup bags help reduce this waste.
Unfortunately, not all eco cosmetic bags are made equal. They may seem like an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional plastic bags but, depending on their composition, they could be difficult to recycle or deconstruct.
This is why it’s important to buy wholesale eco friendly makeup bags that are sustainable and recyclable. Look for companies that use organic cotton, recycled materials, or natural cork. Buying locally is also a great way to support small businesses that uphold environmental conscious policies.
