Choosing Eco-Friendly Products and Businesses: Where and What to Shop

YOU Make a Difference

Being eco-friendly is more important than ever as our planet faces serious environmental challenges. Climate change is causing rising global temperatures, more extreme weather events, and melting ice caps, threatening ecosystems and communities worldwide. Pollution, deforestation, and overuse of resources are depleting the Earth’s ability to sustain life.

First, Why Should You Care?

By adopting eco-friendly practices–like reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable products–we can slow harmful trends, protect biodiversity, and ensure a healthier planet and improve our own health too… now and for future generations. Every action we take today helps build a more sustainable and healthier tomorrow.

Microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size have become a pervasive environmental concern, and recent research shows they are now being significantly found in the human body. These particles, originating from the breakdown of larger plastics and from products like microbeads in cosmetics, have been detected in human blood, lungs, and even the placenta. Scientists are investigating their potential health impacts, as microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and may contribute to inflammation or disrupt biological processes. The presence of microplastics in our bodies highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and find sustainable alternatives.

Chemical pollution from various industries, including the textile sector, is a growing threat to human health and the environment. The textile industry alone releases harmful substances like dyes, pesticides, and heavy metals into water systems, contributing to contamination that has been linked to cancers, hormonal disruptions, and chronic illnesses. Additionally, agricultural runoff introduces fertilizers and pesticides into waterways, while pharmaceutical and personal care products often end up in water supplies, further exacerbating pollution. Heavy metals from mining, as well as industrial chemicals from factories, add to this toxic mix. These pollutants not only harm aquatic ecosystems but also deplete clean water resources essential for human and environmental health. Addressing this crisis requires sustainable practices, stricter regulations, and advanced wastewater treatment technologies to safeguard public health and preserve vital water systems.

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Eco-Friendly Products and Businesses:

Supporting eco-friendly products and businesses is a great way to align your values with your spending habits. Here are some recommendations for products and companies committed to sustainability (most can be found on Amazon too):

1. Reusable Items
   • Beeswax Wraps: Replace plastic wrap with brands like Bee’s Wrap (there are vegan ones too)
   • Silicone Food Bags: Alternatives to plastic zip bags (e.g., Stasher, Rezip).
   • Stainless Steel Straws: Reusable drinking straws like those from ecotribe. 
2. Sustainable Personal Care
   • Zero-Waste Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: Brands like Ethique, HiBAR, or refillable brands
   • Bamboo Toothbrushes: Such as Brush with Bamboo, Humble Co.
   • Refillable Hair Products: Like those from amika, Plaine Products, HAIRSTORY, and SEEN.
3. Clothing and Accessories & Ethically Made Apparel:
   • Brands like Patagonia, Pact, tentree, Industry of All Nations, Cozy Earth, Eileen Fischer, Immaculate Vegan, Ecoalf, Harvest and Mill, Cottonique, Zestt Organics, Jenni Kayne, Mate the Label, Frank & Eileen, People Tree, Indigenous, Organic Basics, Haven Well Within, and many more.
   • Secondhand Fashion: Through platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, or local thrift stores.
4. Sustainable Footwear:
   • Brands like Cariuma, TOMS, Saola, PAWJ, Lane Eight, Hylo Athletics, atoms, Thesus, Immaculate Vegan, Vegan Style, Nothing New, Thousand Fell, Thred Up, and many others.
5. Home Essentials
   • Kitchen Products: Available from Grove Collaborative, Full Circle, EcoCoconut, If You Care, No Tox Life, Earth Hero, Net Zero Company,
   • Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs: LED bulbs like Philips Hue or Cree.
   • Organic Cleaning Products: From Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner’s, Dropps, Earth Hero, No Tox Life, Clean Cult.
6. Pet Essentials
   • Dog Food: Products in the pet industry can help you reduce your environmental impact as well as find cleaner food that is less processed with fillers in them such as Wild Earth, V-Dog, PawCo, and Bramble.
   • Plant-based Pet products: Your pets can thrive on a plant-based diet for the same reasons we thrive– plant protein gives dogs all the amino acids and nutrients they need — in fact, more! — without the contamination risks and diseases associated with animal products and highly processed dog foods.
7. One-Stop-Shops and Universal Products
   • Online Variety Stores: There are many stores online that carry a multitude of products such as Earth Hero, Zero Waste Store, Package Free Shop, Wild Minimalist, Life Without Plastic, Green Eco Dream, and Ecological Market.
   • Reusable Water Bottles (try to avoid microplastics or plastic bottles).
   • Travel Utensil Kits: Try metal or bamboo, or have fun and try chopsticks!

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What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Businesses: Certifications and Standards 

When supporting eco-conscious businesses, certifications and standards provide assurance that the company is truly committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Here are key certifications and labels to look for:

General Sustainability Certifications

1. B Corporation – Businesses certified for meeting high social and environmental standards.
2. One Percent for the Planet – Companies commit 1% of annual sales to environmental causes.
3. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) – Promotes transparency in sustainability reporting.

Environmental and Product Certifications

4. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – Ensures sustainable forestry practices for wood and paper products.
5. Rainforest Alliance – Supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.
6. Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) – Promotes responsible forest management.
7. Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute – Recognizes products designed for a circular economy.
8. Energy Star – Identifies energy-efficient appliances and systems.
9. Green Seal – Certifies environmentally responsible products and services.
10. Greenguard Environmental Institute – Certifies products for low chemical emissions, ensuring indoor air quality.

Textile and Material Standards

11. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Ensures organic fibers are sustainably produced.
12. Oeko-Tex 100 – Tests textiles for harmful substances.
13. TCO Certification – Focuses on sustainability and ergonomic design for IT products.

Ethical and Cruelty-Free Standards

14. Fair Trade Certification – Promotes ethical trade, fair wages, and sustainable development.
15. Leaping Bunny – Certifies products as cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Organic Food Standards

16. USDA Organic –Guarantees products are grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs.
17. Climate Neutral –Certifies businesses that offset their carbon footprint.

By choosing these products and businesses, you help promote sustainable practices and support companies dedicated to environmental stewardship. Which of these areas align with your current needs?

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Let’s Make a Difference Together!

Sincerely,

Jami Streyle

RN, MS, HWNC-BC, HNB-BC, Nurse Coach

jami@bodyofgraceliving.com