In recent years, eco-friendly products have been getting more and more love from society. Environmental concerns have long ceased to be an issue for a few green-minded people and are now a major global political issue. With the climate crisis gaining juggernaut momentum, we all must start taking better care of our planet. One of the best ways to protect the environment is to use eco-friendly products but many people think that such products are ineffective. This is a common misconception as there is a huge range of fantastic products which are not only great for the environment but are even better than traditional, environmentally harmful options.
Here are our picks for the best environmentally friendly products.
1. Handmade Bamboo Sunglasses
Nowadays, the fashion industry is getting more and more sophisticated and designers are not only expressing their creativity but are also using their items to express their political and social feelings. Fashion is not only about how an item of clothing or an accessory looks but is also about the message it conveys. There are so many great eco-friendly fashion items, but bamboo sunglasses have been a favorite of celebrities and influencers for the past few years.
Not only are bamboo sunglasses perfect for spending the day by the beach, but unlike some other eco-friendly products, these glasses are long-lasting due to their frames which are made from sustainable carbonized bamboo. There are so many great options available and you can click here to see one range that we found online. Bamboo sunglasses are flexible and durable and because the bamboo grain is known as a tree’s fingerprint, every pair is unique. Fashion is all about being unique and portraying your individuality and so bamboo sunglasses are fantastic for the environment and a great fashion item. Bamboo is a sustainable resource and so there is a huge trend of bamboo products available these days from sunglasses to toothbrushes. You can also check Ecoy and find some other interesting products available.
2. Toothpaste Tablets
It is inconceivable to think about how many toothpaste tubes each of us throws in the trash during our lifetimes without a second thought. These toothpaste tablets are unrecyclable and the majority of them will end up in our oceans, killing marine life and contaminating our food and water sources. Toothpaste tablets are an environmental revelation and a personal hygiene revolution. These tiny, plastic-free tablets work in the same way as toothpaste but with none of the potential harm to the environment. Just pop one in your mouth with a little water, chew it up, and use a moistened toothbrush to brush your teeth. Whilst toothpaste tablets don’t foam, that doesn’t mean they can’t clean your teeth perfectly. Even better, toothpaste tablets have been shown to freshen your breath for far longer than traditional toothpaste. As well as being plastic-free, toothpaste tablets contain no preservatives, no superfluous dyes, and their packaging is recyclable and compostable.
3. Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags
One-use plastic food storage bags are one of the major contributors to plastic pollution in the oceans. It’s so easy to just grab a plastic bag from the kitchen, pack your food, and then throw the bag away when you are done. Anyone who has seen photos of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch knows exactly how big a problem this contributes to. To reduce the amount of plastic pollution that you produce, switch to reusable silicone storage bags
Silicone is a far superior material than plastic as not only is it water-resistant and airtight, but unlike plastic, it is extremely durable and can be easily washed to be used again and again. Silicone storage bags are suitable for storing both hot and cold food without being structurally compromised or affecting the quality of the food. Unlike glass containers which are often used as an alternative to plastic, silicone is a flexible material so you can easily pop a silicone storage bag in your backpack or briefcase.
4. Organic Cosmetics
Traditional cosmetics were made with formulas that included a whole range of toxic and environmentally harmful ingredients and perhaps worst of all, were tested on animals in extremely cruel conditions. The switch to organic, eco-friendly cosmetics has been long overdue and fortunately, there are now so many products available. When choosing cosmetics, look out for products with natural ingredients especially when it comes to shampoos, conditioners, face washes, and exfoliating scrubs as everything you pour into the drain will eventually find its way into the ocean. In particular, any products that contain artificial scrubbing beads or exfoliants should be avoided as many of these are non-biodegradable and end up in the stomachs of ocean fish.
Organic cosmetics are made from various natural ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and different flowers, all of which pose no threat to the environment and are also great for your skin and hair. Many cosmetic products include chemicals to create artificial fragrances but organic products have natural fragrances from the oils, flowers, and herbs that are used in their recipes. Korean cosmetics have taken the world by storm in recent years and utilize a whole host of interesting natural ingredients like snail slime and bee venom. As modern scientific studies are only just revealing the harmful properties of the traditional cosmetics that were popular with previous generations, it is really important to be mindful of everything that we use on our bodies.
The world is at a critical point and the decisions that we make as a global species in the next few years may decide whether or not we survive long-term. Climate change, global warming, plastic pollution, and water contamination are all issues that pose an existential threat to our lives and our futures. Whilst industries and governments need to do far more to prevent the swiftly impending destruction of the planet, we all need to play our part if we are going to mitigate the damage that has already been done. Be sure to follow this guide and look at simple ways that you can live a more environmentally friendly life.
