As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, the importance of being mindful of our consumption habits has become increasingly evident. Consumers now demand that brands step up and offer eco-friendly and sustainable products. A study found that 89% of consumers have shifted their shopping behavior towards buying sustainable products, with Gen Z leading the charge. This presents a feel-good business opportunity and a potentially lucrative one.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what eco-friendly products are in the various categories of sustainable products available and provide you with a curated list of 35 eco-friendly products that are making waves in the market. Whether you want to start a business or make conscious purchasing decisions, this guide covers you.
What are Eco-Friendly Products?
Eco-friendly products meet strict standards for their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing and packaging to delivery, use, and disposal. These products are often certified by third-party organizations that verify their sustainability claims. The terms “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” are interchangeable, and they signify a brand or product’s minimal impact on humans, animals, and the planet. Here are some of the traits that eco-friendly products possess:
- Ethically manufactured
- Fairtrade or fair wages and treatment of workers
- Low environmental impact through waste reduction or use of sustainable materials
- Investment in carbon removal projects
- Low-impact shipping materials and methods
- Use of recycled or reclaimed materials
- Zero-waste alternatives to conventional products
- B Corp certification or other sustainable certifications
- Use of natural, organic, plant-based ingredients
- Donation of proceeds to charities and causes
Now that we understand eco-friendly products let’s dive into the various categories and explore some innovative examples.
Sustainable Technology Devices and Accessories
This site showcases how technology can catalyze positive change, particularly in sustainable technology devices and accessories, rapidly gaining momentum in the gambling industry. Innovations such as solar-powered devices and compostable audio accessories featured on this site are enabling consumers in the gambling sector to reduce their carbon footprint significantly. Here are a few notable examples:
- Compostable audio accessories: Pela Case offers compostable phone cases and AirPods cases that produce fewer carbon emissions and use less water in their production compared to conventional cases.
- Solar energy devices: EcoFlow manufactures clean generators, portable solar panels, and power chargers that use renewable energy to keep gadgets running.
- Sustainable office accessories: Oakywood creates home office tech accessories using natural wood, cork, and wool. For every item sold, the brand plants a tree.
Eco-Friendly Products for Pets
As pet adoption rates soar and pet parents become more conscious of their environmental impact, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly pet products. These products cater to environmentally conscious pet owners, from vegan pet accessories to pet treats from food waste. Check out these examples:
- Vegan pet accessories: Wigglywoos produces pet accessories using animal-free materials like hemp and cork-based vegan leather. All products are made sustainably in small batches.
- Pet toys made from recycled plastic bottles: Harry Barker offers a range of sustainable designer dog toys and accessories. Their products include recycled yarn toys and leashes made from repurposed plastic bottles.
- Pet treats from food waste: Shameless Pets create treats from food rescued from agricultural and production waste streams. They package their treats in post-consumer waste plastic bags and use solar-powered production facilities.
Ethical Apparel
The fashion industry has long been associated with environmental destruction and unethical production conditions. However, sustainable fashion brands are changing the game. These brands are making a positive impact by offering ethical and eco-friendly alternatives. Here are a few examples:
- Ethical basics: Franc produces Tencel and organic cotton basics in partner factories that pay fair wages to production staff. The brand is also B Corp certified.
- Recycled cotton clothing: Pangaia focuses on sustainability throughout its supply chain, using innovative materials like recycled cotton and renewable PLNTFIBER to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Small-batch apparel: Uniform Handmade creates simple, versatile garments handcrafted using linen and natural dyes in a small studio.
Goods for Gardens and the Great Outdoors
With the rise in demand for gardening products and outdoor activities, there is an opportunity to offer eco-friendly options for customers who want to enjoy nature sustainably. These products, from DIY gardening supplies to recycled plastic patio furniture, are designed to minimize environmental impact. Take a look:
- DIY gardening supplies: Orta Gardens makes small-scale gardening easy with self-watering planters, seed pods, and microgreen kits. They also provide helpful advice for waste-free gifting and DIY projects.
- Clean, portable campfires: Radiate offers portable campfires made with recycled wax and multiple paper wicks for clean burning. The outer tin can be reused for storage.
- Recycled plastic patio furniture: Yardbird creates outdoor furniture using recycled ocean plastic, providing a sustainable alternative to natural wicker. They also offset their carbon emissions.
Kind Foods
The food industry is not exempt from the sustainability movement. Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they eat and seeking organic, fair trade, and plant-based options. Here are a few examples of eco-friendly food products:
- Sustainable coffee: Higher Grounds Coffee is a certified B Corp company committed to sustainability throughout its supply chain. They partner with charities, provide fair wages, and deliver beans by bike.
- Repurposed vegetable waste: Pulp Pantry turns perfectly edible veggie pulp from juicing into crispy chips, addressing the issue of food waste.
- Plant-based food supporting animal rescue: Herbivorous Butcher is a vegan meat business that operates a farm sanctuary for rescued animals. Some of their merch proceeds support the sanctuary’s maintenance.
Earth-Friendly Fitness Gear
As the at-home fitness trend continues to thrive, there is a growing demand for sustainable fitness gear. From recycled activewear to yoga gear made from natural materials, these products allow fitness enthusiasts to exercise while minimizing their environmental impact. Consider these examples:
- Recycled activewear: Norm produces sustainable products for active living, including sneakers made from recycled materials and organic cotton and recycled cotton t-shirts. They also recycle well-loved sneakers into new products.
- Sustainable yoga gear: Manduka’s eKO series yoga mats are made from natural renewable rubber and non-AZO dyes. They accept used mats as part of their LiveON recycling program.
- Sportswear made from recycled plastic: Five12 is a performance-wear brand committed to using innovative materials like recycled fishing nets and water bottles to create UV-protected, moisture-wicking shorts and tops.
Clean Beauty and Personal Care
Clean beauty and personal care products have gained significant popularity as consumers become more aware of the ingredients they put on their bodies. Sustainable brands offer alternatives from natural and organic ingredients, often with minimal packaging waste. Consider these examples:
- Personal care without harmful chemicals: Tsuno offers sustainable tampons and products made from bleach-free organic cotton. They also contribute to girls’ education in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
- Dental care without unnecessary waste: VirtueBrush creates toothbrushes and hairbrushes using renewable bamboo and plastic-free packaging. They also offset their impact through a tree-planting program.
- Beauty that reduces single-use plastic: PYT Beauty uses recycled and sugarcane plastics in their packaging and formulates products with safe, clean, vegan products.
- Body goods from nature: Boreal Folk ethically sources botanicals and formulates bath and body goods in eco-friendly packaging, minimizing environmental impact.
Conclusion
As individuals, we have the power to make a difference in creating a more sustainable future. By choosing eco-friendly and sustainable products, we can reduce our environmental footprint, promote responsible consumption, and support companies that prioritize sustainability. The benefits of using these products extend beyond personal advantages, positively impacting the environment, our health, and the economy.
So, let’s embrace this opportunity to make a positive impact, one product at a time. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable world for ourselves and future generations. Let’s choose eco-friendly and sustainable products and pave the way towards a brighter and more environmentally conscious future.