Eye-Catching Designs Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
The company sells a range of eco-friendly items like leggings, rash guards, and board shorts that are made using recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. There are currently 16 causes represented by distinct marine-life patterns, from whale shark research and invasive lionfish removal to sockeye salmon monitoring and abalone restoration.
One such organization is Get Inspired, a nonprofit that specializes in ocean restoration and environmental education. Get Inspired founder, marine biologist Nancy Caruso, says supporting on-the-ground efforts is one thing that sets Waterlust apart, like their apparel line that supports Get Inspired abalone restoration programs.
"All of us [conservation partners] are doing something," Caruso said. "We're not putting up exhibits and talking about it — although that is important — we're in the field."
Waterlust not only helps its conservation partners financially so they can continue their important work. It also helps them get the word out about what they're doing, whether that's through social media spotlights, photo and video projects, or the informative note card that comes with each piece of apparel.
"They're doing their part for sure, pushing the information out across all of their channels, and I think that's what makes them so interesting," Caruso said.
And then there are the clothes, which speak for themselves.
Advocate Apparel to Start Conversations About Conservation
Waterlust's concept of "advocate apparel" encourages people to see getting dressed every day as an opportunity to not only express their individuality and style, but also to advance the conversation around marine science. By infusing science into clothing, people can visually represent species and ecosystems in need of advocacy — something that, more often than not, leads to a teaching moment.
"When people wear Waterlust gear, it's just a matter of time before somebody asks them about the bright, funky designs," said Waterlust's CEO, Patrick Rynne. "That moment is incredibly special, because it creates an intimate opportunity for the wearer to share what they've learned with another."
The idea for the company came to Rynne when he was a Ph.D. student in marine science.
"I was surrounded by incredible people that were discovering fascinating things but noticed that often their work wasn't reaching the general public in creative and engaging ways," he said. "That seemed like a missed opportunity with big implications."
Waterlust initially focused on conventional media, like film and photography, to promote ocean science, but the team quickly realized engagement on social media didn't translate to action or even knowledge sharing offscreen.
Rynne also saw the "in one ear, out the other" issue in the classroom — if students didn't repeatedly engage with the topics they learned, they'd quickly forget them.
"We decided that if we truly wanted to achieve our goal of bringing science into people's lives and have it stick, it would need to be through a process that is frequently repeated, fun, and functional," Rynne said. "That's when we thought about clothing."
Support Marine Research and Sustainability in Style
To date, Waterlust has sold tens of thousands of pieces of apparel in over 100 countries, and the interactions its products have sparked have had clear implications for furthering science communication.
For Caruso alone, it's led to opportunities to share her abalone restoration methods with communities far and wide.
"It moves my small little world of what I'm doing here in Orange County, California, across the entire globe," she said. "That's one of the beautiful things about our partnership."
Check out all of the different eco-conscious apparel options available from Waterlust to help promote ocean conservation.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
Eye-Catching Designs Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
The company sells a range of eco-friendly items like leggings, rash guards, and board shorts that are made using recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. There are currently 16 causes represented by distinct marine-life patterns, from whale shark research and invasive lionfish removal to sockeye salmon monitoring and abalone restoration.
One such organization is Get Inspired, a nonprofit that specializes in ocean restoration and environmental education. Get Inspired founder, marine biologist Nancy Caruso, says supporting on-the-ground efforts is one thing that sets Waterlust apart, like their apparel line that supports Get Inspired abalone restoration programs.
"All of us [conservation partners] are doing something," Caruso said. "We're not putting up exhibits and talking about it — although that is important — we're in the field."
Waterlust not only helps its conservation partners financially so they can continue their important work. It also helps them get the word out about what they're doing, whether that's through social media spotlights, photo and video projects, or the informative note card that comes with each piece of apparel.
"They're doing their part for sure, pushing the information out across all of their channels, and I think that's what makes them so interesting," Caruso said.
And then there are the clothes, which speak for themselves.
Advocate Apparel to Start Conversations About Conservation
Waterlust's concept of "advocate apparel" encourages people to see getting dressed every day as an opportunity to not only express their individuality and style, but also to advance the conversation around marine science. By infusing science into clothing, people can visually represent species and ecosystems in need of advocacy — something that, more often than not, leads to a teaching moment.
"When people wear Waterlust gear, it's just a matter of time before somebody asks them about the bright, funky designs," said Waterlust's CEO, Patrick Rynne. "That moment is incredibly special, because it creates an intimate opportunity for the wearer to share what they've learned with another."
The idea for the company came to Rynne when he was a Ph.D. student in marine science.
"I was surrounded by incredible people that were discovering fascinating things but noticed that often their work wasn't reaching the general public in creative and engaging ways," he said. "That seemed like a missed opportunity with big implications."
Waterlust initially focused on conventional media, like film and photography, to promote ocean science, but the team quickly realized engagement on social media didn't translate to action or even knowledge sharing offscreen.
Rynne also saw the "in one ear, out the other" issue in the classroom — if students didn't repeatedly engage with the topics they learned, they'd quickly forget them.
"We decided that if we truly wanted to achieve our goal of bringing science into people's lives and have it stick, it would need to be through a process that is frequently repeated, fun, and functional," Rynne said. "That's when we thought about clothing."
Support Marine Research and Sustainability in Style
To date, Waterlust has sold tens of thousands of pieces of apparel in over 100 countries, and the interactions its products have sparked have had clear implications for furthering science communication.
For Caruso alone, it's led to opportunities to share her abalone restoration methods with communities far and wide.
"It moves my small little world of what I'm doing here in Orange County, California, across the entire globe," she said. "That's one of the beautiful things about our partnership."
Check out all of the different eco-conscious apparel options available from Waterlust to help promote ocean conservation.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
First, let's start with the basics: what is sustainability, and why is it important?
To our team here at Charlotte's Web, sustainability means behaving responsibly to avoid the depletion of our natural resources. It means maintaining an ecological balance. It means acting in harmony with nature to help preserve our precious yet fragile environment to ensure that our grandchildren will have a suitable world to live in, just as we did.
After all, nature provides and does so much for us. The least we can do is pay our dues and reestablish a symbiotic relationship with our environment. It's time we take on the role of stewards and guardians of this beautiful emerald planet.
Achieving that goal starts with education and knowing which agricultural practices help reduce our carbon footprint, and which ones make it worse. So with that in mind, here are 10 things you probably didn't know about sustainable hemp farming.
#1: Many CBD companies purchase hemp from overseas.
It's vital to know your source. Many CBD companies buy their crops from overseas to cut down on costs. As a result, they're unsure of the integrity with which their hemp was grown. From unsustainable plastic mulching to the possible use of pesticides and other harmful practices, there are a variety of ways that hemp cultivators can cut corners.
At Charlotte's Web we grow all of our plants here in the US on our own or family-owned farms. We do this so that we can make sure every single step of the process is done right. We plant by hand on 100% of our farm acreage, using only sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
Our goal is to make the soil and land we farm richer and healthier than it was before we touched it. These practices promote biodiversity, protect the ecosystem, and help us to take good care of our planet just as it takes care of us.
#2: Soil is not an unlimited resource.
Healthy soil is one of our most precious natural resources. It supports the production of food and fuel for humans, and is also a crucial component for countless other natural processes in the environment.
But what many people don't realize is that soil is not an unlimited resource. It can be degraded or eroded through irresponsible farming practices. And when that happens, it's not easily recovered.
This is an under-appreciated yet vital fact that our society must come to terms with in the coming years. And that's why we put such great care into protecting and enriching our soil.
After we harvest our plants, rather than leaving the soil bare over the winter, we plant what are known as cover crops. These crops improve the soil's health by protecting it from erosion, making it more nutrient dense, and reducing the need for pesticides.
As a result, our soil is always in great condition when spring rolls around. This not only helps protect the quality of our soil—it also means our hemp plants reap the benefits of richer, more nutrient-dense soil.
#3: Keeping the land contaminant-free requires constant testing.
Keeping the land clean and healthy requires constant vigilance. In these times, you can't just assume that your soil or irrigation systems are free from things like heavy metals or pesticides without regular laboratory analysis and testing.
Complicating matters is the fact that hemp is a bioaccumulator, which means it can absorb things like heavy metals, herbicides, and fuels from the soil.
That's why we take care to test extensively. We test our water for microbes and we monitor our irrigation systems to ensure that they stay free from pesticides and contaminants. We also test the soil for nutrient content and heavy metals. And of course, we test our actual hemp plants at multiple stages throughout the production process.
By the time a Charlotte's Web product arrives at your front door, it will have been carefully tested over 20 times to make sure it meets our strict standards for quality. And all this testing also helps ensure that our farms remain sustainable and eco-friendly.
#4: Compliance with regulatory guidelines is key.
Farms, manufacturers, and other organizations have regulatory guidelines for a reason. Unfortunately, not every company is compliant with the most important regulations.
Here at Charlotte's Web, we take great care to maintain compliance with all major environmental guidelines such as those suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prop 65, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).
#5: Creating a GMO plant is expensive.
GMO crops are more common than ever. However, you might be surprised to learn that GMOs are extremely difficult, time consuming, and expensive to make.
The average cost for producing a new GMO plant is well over $100 million (and sometimes it cost much more than that). This is why you'll typically only see GMOs developed by massive, multinational companies.
As far as we know, no GMO varieties of the hemp plant have been developed anywhere. Developing a GMO hemp crop would be beyond our ability, and we would never have any desire to do so anyway.
We value the fact that our plants are natural and sustainable. Besides, our hemp is perfectly wonderful just the way it is! Our main hemp variety, often called "Charlotte's Web," was developed years ago by The Stanley Brothers. The seeds have been developed domestically and adapted to the Colorado climate. We take meticulous care of these plants to ensure the highest quality and consistency anywhere.
This is one more reason you can trust that we will always use natural, non-GMO plants for our hemp products.
#6: Consider the company's partners and associates.
If a company claims to be sustainable, but they support and rely on a bunch of companies that are polluting the environment, are they really acting in an environmentally responsible manner?
We don't think so. We believe that the people and companies you associate with makes a difference. That's why we only support like-minded organizations that choose to champion and restore sustainable farming in the United States.
Denver Urban Gardens is one organization we believe in. Their mission is to cultivate gardeners, promote healthy living, and nourish communities through growing food.
We're also proud to support the Rodale Institute of New York, whose mission is to assist farmers in successfully transitioning to organic practices. They conduct important research on the potential impact of organic farming methods.
#7: Organic is great, but not essential.
Organic is wonderful, but it's not a requirement for sustainable farming. Getting certified as organic requires jumping through hoops that can be difficult and expensive for many companies. So even if you don't see that organic seal, it doesn't necessarily mean the product wasn't made in a sustainable, eco-friendly way.
For instance: there are many Amish farmers who aren't certified organic, even though their farming practices go above and beyond what is required to be "organic."
While Charlotte's Web is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, we're already practicing organic and sustainable cultivation techniques on 100% of our farms. These techniques actively enhance the overall health of the soil and our crops.
For example, rather than using toxic pesticides, we actually encourage and support natural predators of common hemp pests (an army of vicious ladybugs). We also tend to all of our plants by hand, and plant cover crops during the winter rather than leaving the soil bare.
We avoid the use of all harsh chemicals and fertilizers. We never spray our plants with anything nasty or unnatural, and we never use anything that's been regulated by the EPA.
#8: One quick rule of thumb: look for Certified B Corporations.
Want to get a quick idea of a company's sense of social responsibility? Look for this symbol on their website:
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
B Corporations are held extremely accountable for their actions. They're expected to positively impact the environment, as well as their employees, customers, and community.
When you see that a company is B certified, you can feel confident knowing that they walk the walk. And after months of diligent work to finish the B Impact Assessment, we're very proud here at Charlotte's Web to be a part of the B Corp community!
We understand that our problems can't be solved by nonprofits and governmental policies alone. The B Corp community bands together to preserve our environment, empower our communities, and reduce inequality, all while providing meaningful and dignified jobs.
#9: Don't forget about packaging!
When looking at the ecological impact of a product, we can't overlook the importance of packaging.
Regardless of how sustainable a product itself is, the excessive use of plastics and non-reusable materials in the packaging is not sustainable. Single-use plastics have wreaked havoc on our ecosystems, which is why eco-friendly packaging is so important.
Thankfully, we are finally starting to collectively wise up. At Charlotte's Web, our packaging is designed to have a neutral or positive environmental impact. And we hold our partners and our suppliers accountable to the same high standards.
#10: You can tell a lot from a company's mission.
Do they have a strong mission?
Here at Charlotte's Web, our mission is twofold:
- To promote natural wellbeing and good health among people.
- To empower and protect nature.
Health is wealth, and by serving as nature's respectful stewards we can continue to heal and empower ourselves and our fellow man while also benefiting our environment.
We are full of love and respect for humanity and nature, and full of hope for our planet's future. This is why we're setting the gold standard for sustainable practices in the hemp industry.
We hope you'll join us in spreading this important message and helping to protect and care for our precious planet.
- Best Hemp CBD Flower Strains: Top Brand of 2021 - EcoWatch ›
- Is Hemp Really a Green Miracle Plant? - EcoWatch ›
- Industrial Hemp: The Answer for a Greener Future - EcoWatch ›
- The Best Organic CBD Oils Available in 2020 - EcoWatch ›
- 6 Reasons Why You Should Eat Hemp Seeds - EcoWatch ›
- 5 Great Ways to Include Hemp Seeds in Your Daily Diet - EcoWatch ›
- 4 Best Reasons to Legalize Hemp - EcoWatch ›
Our Picks for the Best Earth-Friendly Cleaning Product Subscriptions
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Cleancult
- Best for Dishes - Dropps
- Best Zero Waste Kit - Package Free
- Best Transparency - The Honest Company
- Best Biobased Products - Seventh Generation
- Most Affordable - Grove Collaborative (Mrs. Myers)
- Best Packaging - Blueland
- Best Disinfecting Ingredients - ThreeMain
- Largest Selection - MightyNest
- Best Doctor-Developed - Puracy
- Best Sustainable Refills - MyGreenFills
- Best Curated Box - greenUP
How We Chose the Best Green Cleaning Subscriptions
There are a number of factors that help separate the truly great cleaning subscription boxes from the merely good ones. Here are some of the aspects we considered for green cleaning products.
Variety of Cleaning Products
"Cleaning products" is a broad term, and there are plenty of different types of cleaners you might need to keep your house looking and smelling its best. We've tried to place an emphasis on subscription services that allow you to pick from a wide range of products, so that you can stockpile your cleaning supplies with just one single subscription.
Ingredients
When it comes to earth friendly products and cleaning supplies, one of the most important considerations of all is the ingredient list. We always recommend carefully reviewing ingredient lists to ensure that the product in question only uses earth biodegradable, water-soluble, cruelty-free, vegan, plant-based, and all-natural materials.
Non-Toxic
It's also important to double-check that the products you buy are made without any chemicals that could potentially be harmful, abrasive, or toxic. Specifically, keep an eye out for products made with parabens, phosphates, and sulfates, all of which can have a harmful effect on the environment. The subscription services we've listed showcase cleaning products that are free from these toxins.
Certifications
If you really want to ensure that the product you're getting is eco-friendly, check for important certifications or seals of approval. Some of the most important ones include the EPA Safer Choice Standard, USDA Certified Biobased Product, and Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free.
Packaging
As you seek cleaning products that are good for the planet, a central concern should be products that are packed and delivered in an environmentally friendly way. This might mean packaging that's recycled, recyclable, biodegradable, or even compostable. The important thing is to get cleaning products that won't create a lot of new plastic waste for landfills.
Price Point
How much are you willing to spend on your household cleaning products subscription? For our list, we've tried to prioritize subscription services that maximize value.
The Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Product Subscriptions
We've vetted many of the top household cleaning subscription services, and these are the eco-friendly ones that impressed us the most.
Cleancult
cleancult.com
Cleancult has risen to be one of the most recognizable and reliable names in eco-friendly cleaning products. We love that they have sustainability built into their packaging, their products are all made with plant-based ingredients, and they offer such an incredible range of cleaning products, including hand soap, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Cleancult promises "a new way to clean," and, in our opinion, they more than live up to that mission statement.
Why buy: Looking for all-natural, zero-waste cleaning products? You simply can't ignore Cleancult. We like their All Purpose Cleaner Bundle that includes a refillable glass bottle and recyclable refills.
Dropps
dropps.com
Dropps offers natural cleaning products that can clean tough messes while being gentle on the environment. Their dishwasher detergent pods are made with natural minerals and plant-based ingredients, and the pod membrane itself dissolves when it comes in contact with water and is then consumed by microorganisms. These dishwasher pods are free from phosphates, phthalate, chlorine, and dyes. Dropps also offers reusable dish cloths that are biodegradable and compostable.
Why buy: Dropps dishwasher pods make it easy to keep your dishes clean while keeping harmful pollutants out of our water. We also love the compostable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.
Package Free
packagefreeshop.com
Package Free provides zero waste solutions for everything from home cleaning and laundry to health and beauty products. Their Zero Waste Cleaning Kit is a perfect way to overhaul your approach home cleaning. It includes a reusable dish brush, spray bottle, copper pot scrubber, UNpaper towels, and a mason jar soap dispenser that comes in a reusable produce bag. The spray bottle even features five different natural cleaning solution recipes with measurements printed on the bottle.
Why buy: The Package Free Zero Waste Cleaning Kit is a great way to start cleaning with less plastic, less chemicals, and less waste. They also offer wide selection of other zero waste household kits and products.
The Honest Company
https://www.honest.com/
The Honest Company furnishes everything from baby products to beauty supplies, as well as many household cleaners. Their claim to fame is incredible transparency about their ingredients and packing materials, which attest to a real commitment to eco-friendliness. In addition to an impressive product variety, they also do a good job of keeping their price points low.
Why buy: The Honest Company can be counted on to provide effective products made with natural ingredients, all available for an affordable price. We love their refillable Clean Vibes Kit.
Seventh Generation
seventhgeneration.com
Seventh Generation is a big name within the sustainable cleaning products movement. Their products are notable for their plant-based formulations, emphasis on recycled packaging, and complete transparency about the ingredients they use. We love so many of their products, including both household cleaners and laundry detergents.
Why buy: Seventh Generation is easy to recommend thanks to their world-class, all-natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. Their all-purpose cleaners are a great biodegradable and bio-based option.
Grove Collaborative (Mrs. Meyers)
mrsmeyers.com
We're big fans of the Mrs. Meyer's product line, available from Grove Collaborative. Mrs. Meyer's products are made with natural, botanical ingredients and pleasing scents from essential oils. They are all designed without any cruelty to animals, and they come in recyclable packaging.
Why buy: Mrs. Meyer's excels thanks to its ingredient list, garden-inspired scents, and smart packaging. Check out the Kitchen Basics Sets, available in multiple scents.
Blueland
blueland.com
At Blueland, you can get complete cleaning kits, supplying you with everything you need to maintain a tidy home. That includes powder dish soap, dishwasher tablets, reusable spray bottles, and beyond. Their products marry incredible cleaning power with eco-friendly packaging, green ingredients, and a very affordable price point. Blueland may be the one-stop-shop you've been looking for, and we are happy to recommend their refill-based product line.
Why buy: For green cleaning kits packaged in very stylish reusable bottles and containers, look no further than to Blueland. We love their Clean Essentials starter kit.
ThreeMain
threemain.com
We like ThreeMain for their straightforward focus: to create simple, sustainable, and effective household cleaning products. We also love their emphasis on sanitization, something that many of us are more cognizant of post-COVID. Also note that their approach to eco-friendliness includes refillable bottles, a packaging solution that we endorse. There are some great options available from ThreeMain, and they are also carbon neutral and donate 3% of profits to organizations that work to protect and clean our oceans.
Why buy: ThreeMain lives up to their mission of providing simple, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Their Clean Green Starter Kit is an excellent choice.
MightyNest
mightynest.com
Next on our list is MightyNest, a company that delivers healthy and eco-friendly cleaning products that arrive each month in a single, well-packed box with minimalist packaging. Their website is also well-designed to help you discover the specific products you'd like to be included in your monthly box. MightyNest is definitely a cleaning company that gets the subscription model right, especially with their Refillable Zero Waste System starter pack.
Why buy: We like MightyNest for their eco-friendly packaging, their assortment of green and non-toxic cleaning supplies, and also the savings available to subscribers.
Puracy
Puracy is a company specializing in natural and organic products for your home, including everything from hand sanitizers to stain removers. We love their commitment to all-natural ingredients, and that their products are made with the input of doctors, helping ensure the highest standards of sanitization and non-toxicity. The offer an amazing variety of products, including a really impressive line of eco-friendly baby supplies.
Why buy: We like Puracy because they have such a long list of products, including their Home Cleaning Box, all designed by doctors and made with household health and cleanliness in mind.
MyGreenFills
mygreenfills.com
MyGreenFills is another company that enjoys a great reputation among shoppers who value eco-friendliness. For more than five years now, the company has been a dependable supplier of all-natural cleaning products, delivered in refillable and sustainable packaging. They've helped countless homeowners "go green" with their cleaning supplies, and we admire their product quality, sustainable packaging, and cost savings.
Why buy: MyGreenFills is a relatively small company that has had a massive impact on the green cleaning industry. Start with their Truly Free Everyday Cleaner and add other products as you go.
greenUP
greenupbox.com
The greenUP company is on a mission to minimize plastic waste; you can join the cause simply by signing up for one of their subscription boxes. They send their sustainably crafted boxes every other month, always chock full of potent, eco-friendly cleaning supplies. We encourage you to learn more about these great boxes.
Why buy: Ready to ditch plastic packaging? Then greenUP is a subscription service you need to know about. They also donate 3% to organizations cleaning up plastic from the oceans.
How Does an Eco-Friendly Subscription Box Work?
With a subscription service for household cleaning products, you begin by selecting the specific cleaning products you need for your home, and also noting the frequency with which you want to have those cleaning supplies delivered.
In your first box, you will usually receive refillable spray bottles and other containers. Then, subsequent deliveries can provide you with cleaning product refills, minimizing the need for additional packaging and also cutting waste.
Naturally, you can augment or revise your subscription whenever you need to.
What are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Made From?
As you consider environmentally friendly cleaning products, one of the most important factors of all is the ingredient list.
The best eco-friendly cleaning products include powerful ingredients that are all found in nature. These are frequently plant-based, but may also include minerals or essential oils. These ingredients tend to be biodegradable, which means they leave little or no ecological impact.
By contrast, artificial chemicals, like the ones used in more conventional cleaners, may linger for a long time in the water supply, in the ground, or in a landfill somewhere, and can potentially have a hazardous effect on the earth and its inhabitants.
Subscribe to the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
As you seek to live a greener, more eco-conscious life, one of the smartest and most impactful things you can do is to sign up for a subscription service to make certain all your cleaning supplies are made with planetary concerns in mind.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
Our Picks for Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Subscriptions
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Cleancult
- Best Packaging - Dropps
- Best Plastic-Free Option - The Simply Co.
- Best Selection - Seventh Generation
- Most Detergent Options - Biokleen
- Best Scents - Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day
- Best for Giving Back - Frey
- Best Laundry Strips - Tru Earth
- Best Hypoallergenic - The Honest Company
- Best Reusable Option - Eco Nuts
How We Chose the Best Green Laundry Detergent Subscriptions
Before we provide our list of recommendations, it may be helpful to consider some of the specific factors that separate eco-friendly laundry detergents from traditional options. Here are some of the ranking criteria we used.
Type of Detergent
Do you prefer using liquid detergent? Or how about laundry powders, laundry detergent pods, or strips? Some subscription services allow you just one option, while others will let you choose the medium that's right for you and your washing machine.
Ingredients
As you seek ethical and eco-friendly laundry detergents, it's always wise to consult the ingredient list. For our choices, we have sought to celebrate detergents that feature biodegradable, water-soluble, cruelty-free, vegan, and all-natural ingredients. We've tried to choose laundry detergents that are hypoallergenic, as well.
Toxicity
We have also prioritized detergents that are non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals. Some detergents are made with harsh or abrasive chemicals, including phosphates, sulfates, phthalates, dioxane, surfactants, and parabens. We've tried to include detergents that do not feature these chemicals.
Key Certifications
Many laundry detergents come with meaningful seals of approval. For our list, we've tried to celebrate products certified via EPA Safer Choice Products Standards, USDA Certified Biobased Product, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, high-efficiency (HE) washer safe, etc.
Packaging
If you're mindful of ecological stewardship, then you'll naturally want to seek laundry detergents that are packaged with recyclable, recycled, reusable, or compostable materials. The best laundry detergent subscriptions help you get closer to a zero waste laundry room as possible.
Pricing
Last but not least, we recommend comparing price points for different laundry detergent subscription services to find one that will work for you.
These are just some of the core considerations to make as you search for the best laundry detergent subscription service.
The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Subscriptions
One thing to note about these laundry detergents: Some of them offer their own subscription models and some do not, but you can subscribe to any of them via Amazon. With that in mind, these are our picks for the top 10 eco-friendly laundry detergent subscriptions of 2021.
Cleancult
cleancult.com
Cleancult has long been one of the leading names in eco-friendly laundry detergents. Not only do they have a range of products, but they do an outstanding job of shipping everything carbon neutral in eco-friendly, plastic-free containers. We also recommend Cleancult to anyone who really wants their detergent to be fragrance-free and accommodating to sensitive skin.
Why buy: We recommend Cleancult because of their industry-leading approach to eco-friendly packaging that includes zero waste refillable glass bottles.
Dropps
dropps.com
Dropps claims to make laundry detergent that contains potent cleaning properties without any "bad stuff." We're happy to say that they live up to this mantra. Their products are made to minimize pollution, animal cruelty, and plastic waste. You can subscribe to save up to 25% on their laundry pods and other products. If you enjoy your Dropps laundry detergent, you might also consider checking out their dishwashing products.
Why buy: We recommend Dropps for their strong stance against "bad stuff," including plastic waste and animal cruelty. We love their compostable packaging and carbon neutral shipping.
The Simply Co.
packagefreeshop.com
The Simply Co. offers "the only laundry detergent you will ever need." Their product is made from organic and natural ingredients, including baking soda, washing soda, and organic castile soap. It's 100% biodegradable, septic safe, and works with HE washers. Best of all, it comes in a recyclable glass jar with recyclable lid, making it completely plastic free.
Why buy: The Simply Co. laundry detergent is a great way to cut plastic out of your laundry routine, while also using an all-natural and biodegradable detergent.
Seventh Generation
seventhgeneration.com
Seventh Generation does just about everything right. They provide products that offer real cleaning power with a triple enzyme formula. They also invest a lot of time and effort into ensuring that their products are made largely from plants and other renewable ingredients. In fact, their liquid laundry detergent is 100 percent biodegradable. There are plenty of sensitive-skin free & clear options, too, making Seventh Generation a lineup that should appeal to pretty much anyone.
Why buy: We recommend Seventh Generation for their powerful products, like their concentrated formula detergents, and their commitment to ecological stewardship.
Biokleen
biokleenhome.com
Biokleen goes out of their way to minimize packaging, physical waste, and even undue energy use by manufacturing their products with cold water. Their cleaning products employ natural ingredients, including plants and minerals, to provide powerful stain removers and odor eliminators. Also note that this is a laundry subscription service where you can take your pick between liquids and powders, simply depending on your preference.
Why buy: We recommend Biokleen because they offer a number of laundry products that are powerful but also incredibly eco-friendly, something evident in their ingredients and manufacturing processes.
Grove Collaborative (Mrs. Meyers)
mrsmeyers.com
Grove Collaborative is the company behind the excellent Mrs. Meyers line. You can pick from a number of great household products from Grove and Mrs. Meyers, including hand soaps, dish soaps, multi-surface cleaners, and of course laundry detergents. The Mrs. Myers Clean Day detergents are all made with a balance of essential oils and plant-based ingredients. Many of them offer lovely, subtle scents, and all of them provide all-natural cleaning prowess.
Why Buy: We recommend Mrs. Meyers from Grove Collaborative because of the emphasis on natural, garden-fresh ingredients and biodegradable formula.
Frey
frey.com
Much of Frey's reputation rests on their fresh, enticing scents. That's certainly a cool feature, but it's not what makes their laundry detergents so great. What we love about them is that they are another great example of designing household products in an eco-friendly way, drawing from high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Also note that the Frey team plants a tree for every order you place.
Why Buy: We recommend Frey for their aromatic scents and for the innovative ways they give back on every order, like planting trees and the Wash for Wash program.
Tru Earth
tru.earth
If you're looking for eco-friendly laundry strips, your best bet is probably Tru Earth. They showcase an eco-friendly, fully-dissolving, low-sudsing strip that works well in any kind of laundry machine, including high efficiency (HE) units. These strips are simple, sensitive, hypoallergenic, made without abrasive chemicals. We also love that they are lightweight, which dramatically reduces the amount of fuel used to transport them to market.
Why Buy: We recommend Tru Earth for their high-quality, lightweight, eco-friendly laundry strips, made with plastic-free packaging.
The Honest Company
honest.com
At Honest Company, you'll find a number of safe and non-toxic products for use around your home, including laundry detergent. True to their name, this company is always very clear about the ingredients used in their products. Their Baby Laundry Detergent is hypoallergenic and is an EPA Safer Choice and USDA Biobased product.
Why Buy: We recommend Honest Company because of their total transparency about the ingredients in their award-winning laundry detergent.
MyGreenFills
mygreenfills.com
MyGreenFills designs soaps and household cleaners that get the job done without requiring any harsh or abrasive chemicals. They also utilize refillable jugs and recyclable packaging, really setting a high bar for eco-friendly distribution. And, they have a really appealing, cost-effective subscription model, making it easy to find a unique solution for your home.
Why Buy: We recommend MyGreenFills because they provide eco-friendly cleaning products with great packaging, including a refillable jug that we especially love.
Eco Nuts
econutssoap.com
Eco Nuts is a company that is well-regarded in eco-friendly circles and offers a USDA organic laundry option. For a top-notch sustainable laundry detergent, these "soap nuts" get your clothes clean without a lot of waste or a lot of harmful chemicals. You can reuse these ethically harvested soap berries up to 10 times, and they come with a cloth bag that can be reused hundreds of times.
Why Buy: We recommend Eco Nuts soap nuts detergent because they represent a truly innovative way to get the laundry done, without the need for harsh or hazardous chemicals.
Do Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Really Work?
Hopefully, our list gives you some good ideas for your next organic laundry detergent purchase. But do these products actually work the way they say they do?
Let's take a look at this question in two parts.
First, do eco-friendly laundry detergents actually clean your laundry, leaving your clothing soft and stain-free? The ones we've listed in this article certainly do. That's because they harness the potency of natural ingredients, including botanicals and minerals, which are as effective as any artificial chemicals. Also note that most eco-friendly detergents are highly concentrated, so not only do they work well, but they actually enable you to get your laundry done while using far less of your detergent.
Second, do these products really display the environmental sensitivity that proponents say they do? Again, the answer is a resounding yes, and it's precisely because they do not include the kinds of chemicals that tend to linger in the soil or in the water; rather, their ingredients are made to be naturally biodegradable, significantly reducing total environmental impact.
A big problem with traditional laundry detergents is that they come in plastic containers, which means lots of physical waste that ends up in a landfill somewhere. Again, we want to emphasize that the products we recommend in this article all come in packaging that's either recycled, compostable, or at the very least made from recyclable materials.
Other Eco-Friendly Laundry Products
Getting an organic laundry detergent subscription is a meaningful first step toward greater environmental stewardship, but what about other green products for use in the laundry room?
There are plenty of accessories you can invest in to make your laundry process even "greener," including some that are available from the brands we listed above. Examples include:
- Wool dryer balls
- Biodegradable dryer sheets
- Guppyfriend wash bags
- Lint brushes
- Lines for hanging your clothing to air dry
Consider adding a few of these items to your shopping list!
Make Your Laundry Cleaner for the Environment
Laundry is an inevitable part of life, and often, it can seem unending. One way to reduce a small part of your laundry burden is to sign up for a subscription detergent service. And, by choosing organic or eco-friendly products, you can also play your part in creating a better world.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
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Our Picks for Best Bamboo Toothbrushes
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Brush with Bamboo Toothbrush with Plant-Based Bristles
- Best Dentist-Designed - The Humble Co. Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush
- Best Charcoal Toothbrush - Isshah Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrush
- Best for Kids - Darlyng & Co. Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush
- Best for Travel - SmartLifEco Bamboo Toothbrushes, Toothbrush Holder & Travel Case
Why Switch to a Bamboo Toothbrush?
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. That means people in the U.S. alone would use over a billion toothbrushes per year, most of which are made from plastic.
According to Library of Congress records, nylon bristles were invented in 1938 as part of the consumer-driven plastic boom that occurred in the early decades of the 20th century. Since then, the production, use, and disposal of toothbrushes with plastic-molded handles and nylon bristles have steadily increased.
Although there are plenty of ways to reuse your sanitized toothbrush after it's no longer effective for cleaning your mouth, most end up in the trash sooner or later. And from there, many end up in our oceans and waterways.
Just a couple of years ago, an estimated 373,000 toothbrushes were picked off the coasts of the remote Cocos archipelago (which is home to only about 600 people). And those were just within the top four inches of sand.
If you adhere to the ADA's recommended schedule, you'll go through about 300 toothbrushes in your lifetime. But there are ways to avoid contributing to this waste stream, such as switching to a bamboo toothbrush. They're made from natural materials, so they can be tossed in your compost bin after you're done using them.
5 Best Bamboo Toothbrushes
Based on our market research and firsthand use, these are the five best bamboo toothbrushes available on Amazon:
Best Overall: Brush with Bamboo Toothbrush with Plant-Based Bristles
brushwithbamboo.com
Brush with Bamboo's bamboo toothbrushes come in a pack of four, which should last you about a year according to the ADA's recommendations for replacing your brush. Although many bamboo toothbrushes are made from a wooden handle and nylon bristles, Brush with Bamboo's products have bristles made from 100% plant-based castor bean oil.
While this makes them the most sustainable toothbrushes on our list, the bristles aren't certified for home composting, so they should still be removed with pliers before tossing your bamboo handle in a personal compost bin (though, if you drop your food scraps and other compostable materials at a municipal facility, they'll break down just fine).
Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why buy: USDA Certified Biobased bristles; Compostable packaging; Green America® certified business; Plastic Pollution Coalition member
Best Dentist-Designed: The Humble Co. Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush
thehumble.co
You can feel good about the effectiveness of The Humble Co.'s Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush, as it was designed by dentists in Sweden. You can also feel good that, for every toothbrush sold, The Humble Co. donates an oral care product to a child in need.
These bamboo toothbrushes come in a pack of five and are made with BPA-free nylon bristles, which means they're not 100% biodegradable — the bristles will need to be removed before composting the handle. The nylon bristles can, however, be placed in a larger plastic bottle or container and tossed in your curbside recycling bin. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified packaging that the brushes come in can also be composted.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 600 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: BPA-free bristles; Dentist-designed; Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified packaging; Buy-one-give-one social responsibility business model; Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified business
Best Charcoal Toothbrush: Isshah Bamboo Charcoal Toothbrushes
isshah.com
Looking for a toothbrush that can help you get a naturally brighter smile? Check out Isshah's bamboo charcoal toothbrush, which comes in a pack of four and is packaged in 100% recycled craft paper.
These toothbrushes have nylon bristles treated with activated charcoal, which studies have shown may remove surface stains from your teeth, remove oral bacteria, and remove more plaque than standard nylon bristles. However, some dentists recommend avoiding charcoal, as it can be especially abrasive.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 9,500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: BPA-free bristles; Charcoal-treated for natural whitening; Well-reviewed; 100% recycled, biodegradable packaging
Best for Kids: Darlyng & Co. Biodegradable Bamboo Toothbrush
darlyngandco.com
Your little brushers will love the colorful bristles of Darlyng & Co.'s bamboo toothbrushes. Each brush is made with a bamboo handle and BPA-free nylon bristles that are soft enough to be gentle on kids' gums yet still provide a thorough clean. As with all nylon bristles, they will need to be removed before composting the toothbrush handle.
Darlyng & Co. was founded by Carl and Tara Darnley, parents who started their business after inventing a teething mit for their two-month-old whose baby teeth came in early. Today, the company offers a variety of child-focused products, from sippy cups to shampoo to nightlights.
Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars with less than 10 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: BPA-free bristles; Black-owned business; Plastic-free packaging; Smaller size for child use
Best for Travel: SmartLifEco Bamboo Toothbrushes, Toothbrush Holder & Travel Case
smarterlifeco.com
The SmartLifEco bamboo toothbrush set comes with four toothbrushes as well as a bamboo travel case and a holder that you can keep on your bathroom counter, which means you can say goodbye to that less-than-stellar communal toothbrush cup. The travel case and everyday holder have drainage holes that allow moisture to escape, keeping your toothbrush mold and bacteria-free.
While the toothbrush handle is made from bamboo, the bristles are BPA-free nylon, so they'll need to be removed before composting the handle. The bristles are, however, treated with charcoal for natural whitening, which is a nice feature.
Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 stars with less than 10 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: BPA-free bristles; Charcoal-treated for natural whitening; Comes with travel case and countertop holder
FAQ: Bamboo Toothbrushes
How long do bamboo toothbrushes last?
The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles have frayed. Bamboo toothbrushes easily last this long.
Are bamboo toothbrushes hygienic?
Yes, bamboo toothbrushes are completely hygienic. However, you'll want to make sure they dry properly and not stored in a damp place. (We will note that some "eco-friendly" toothbrushes use animal hair for bristles. While this is a truly natural option, the hair can harbor bacteria that makes it unhygienic.)
Do dentists recommend bamboo toothbrushes?
As long as your bamboo toothbrush has soft bristles, it's ADA-compliant, which means it's got the seal of approval from dentists in the U.S. Both plant-based castor bean oil bristles and nylon bristles fit this description.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
Our Picks for the Best Portable Solar Generators
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
- Best Overall - Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
- Best High-Capacity - MAXOAK Bluetti EB150
- Best Expandable Power - EcoFlow RIVER Pro
- Best Compact Design - Renogy PHOENIX 300
- Best Portability - Suaoki S370
- Best for Camping - Jackery Explorer 300
- Best Price - Westinghouse iGen200s
How We Reviewed Portable Solar Generators
A good portable generator will offer you backup power in a convenient and reliable way. We have reviewed some of the top models on the market today, and arrived at a few that we think stand out from the rest.
To rank the best solar generators, we considered the following criteria:
- Size and weight. Smaller, more lightweight units offer much greater ease of use. We sought portable solar generators that aren't too challenging to lug around your home, or take with you when you go camping.
- Battery storage capacity. While your generator absorbs light through a solar panel, that energy is ultimately stored in a battery. The battery storage capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh) determines how long you can use the generator before it requires a recharge.
- Inverter rating. Basically, inverter rating refers to the total number of watts that the solar generator can extract at any given time. Inverter rating, along with battery capacity, determine the wattage and power output of your generator.
- Expandability. Some generators come with a predetermined number of solar panels, while some allow you to add more solar panels as needed. This is an important feature to consider when looking for generators.
- Price point. Naturally, when looking for a new solar generator, staying on budget is always going to be a factor. We chose generators that are competitively priced.
The Best Portable Solar Generators
With these ranking factors in mind, here are our picks for the best portable solar generators available in 2021.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X
goalzero.com
Goal Zero's line of Yeti portable power stations are well-suited for a wide range of off-grid uses, including emergency power, camping trips, and more. The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X is their most-popular large power station with enough power for everything from cell phones and laptops to medical devices like CPAP machines and even full-size refrigerators.
Why buy: The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X includes a 2000W AC (3500W Surge) inverter giving you the equivalent of a wall outlet power supply on-the-go. It also has seven different port options and a top-of-the-line app that makes it easy to monitor and manage your solar powered generator, no matter where you are.
MAXOAK Bluetti EB150
maxoak.net
For a high-capacity power station, check out the Bluetti EB150 from MAXOAK. Though it's not the most affordable option, you'll get a lot of features and utility for your investment. It includes a lithium ion battery capacity of 1500 Wh. When connected to three 150W solar panels, it can be recharged in about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Why buy: For a portable solar generator designed to power most household appliances under 1000W, the high-powered Bluetti EB150 is a great choice. MAXOAK also backs their product with a 24-month replacement or maintenance warranty.
EcoFlow RIVER Pro
ecoflow.com
EcoFlow boasts an impressive catalog of portable power stations, as well as reliable solar panels. We like the EcoFlow RIVER Pro power station because its technology enables incredibly fast recharging; you can connect it to two 110W solar panels to recharge in as little as 4.5 hours.
Why buy: The EcoFlow RIVER Pro includes a wide range of best-in-class technologies. Offering 720 Wh of power with three pure sine wave AC outlets, and weighing only 15.9 pounds, these units are well-suited for camping and hiking, as well as use around the house. You can also add an additional EcoFlow battery pack to upgrade the power of your generator as needed.
Renogy PHOENIX 300
renogy.com
Renogy produces several different power stations and chargers, but we especially like the PHOENIX 300, a solar power solution that's extremely lightweight and compact. It comes with an easy-grip handle and only weighs 6.4 pounds, making it one of the most portable solar generators around while still offering up to 200W of AC power for off the grid activities.
Why buy: The PHOENIX 300 can provide 337 watt-hours for up to 8 hours of AC continuous power without the noise or fumes associated with gas generators. It includes a number of the most common charging ports like two AC adaptors, a USB-C, USB-A, USB, and a D-Tap port for photography equipment.
Suaoki S370
suaoki.com
Suaoki is a company that's known for simple, functional, reliable technology. Their S370 portable solar generator isn't necessarily flashy, but it's an extremely lightweight option, perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. It includes 14 outlet ports and a pure sine wave inverter, making it a versatile power option.
Why buy: This is one of our top picks for camping and hiking, though it may also serve your needs as a backup power station for small appliances and electronics. A lithium-ion battery gives this generator an incredible capacity battery life, particularly in relation to its compact size.
Jackery Explorer 300
jackery.com
Jackery's portable power stations are ideally suited for camping and hiking. The Explorer 300 offers great portability and fast rechargeable power at an affordable price. It includes two AC outputs, a USB-C, USB-A, USB ports, and a 12-volt car port.
Why buy: The Explorer 300 generator is a good option for those who are new to solar power, thanks to its low price and easy-to-use controls. Jackery offers a number of portable solar panel options, and the power station's MPPT technology means that it can be recharged from the sun in just 5.5 hours.
Westinghouse iGen200s
westinghouseoutdoorpower.com
There are plenty of reasons to consider the Westinghouse iGen200s portable generator. This is one of the more affordable options on the market today, which makes it a good entry-level solar power solution. The unit offers four charging options. You can recharge with solar panels, with the power from your vehicle, with a household power outlet, or with a separate generator.
Why buy: For a simple and inexpensive solar power generator, Westinghouse makes an outstanding product. You can charge up to nine devices at a time; and, depending on how you use it, you can potentially get more than 40 hours out of your generator.
What Types of Batteries Do Solar Generators Use?
It's important to note that solar power generators may employ different kinds of batteries. The most common option is the lithium-ion battery. These tend to be more expensive than lead-acid batteries, at least on the front end. With that said, a lithium-ion battery will prove more durable, which usually makes it the smarter investment in the long run. Solar generators include charge controllers, which regulate the volts of energy coming from the solar panels to the battery to make sure the battery isn't overcharged and damaged.
The energy stored in the battery is converted from DC power into AC power using an inverter or adapter.
What Can You Power With a Portable Solar Generator?
There are different types of solar generators. A backup generator is primarily used to power your home, should your electricity go out. In this article, we focused on portable generators, which are mostly used for hiking and camping. With that said, a portable generator can also be really useful during power outages, potentially keeping your lights, electronic devices, and small devices or appliances on for several hours. Depending on the watts of power your solar system generator kit can support, you can use it to power things like phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, coffee makers, a mini-fridge, certain medical devices, and most anything you would plug into a car charger.
Some of the generators we've listed here can be charged by solar energy or via other sources, including vehicles and power outlets. These different charging solutions make a generator more versatile, though of course, solar energy is what you'll want to use if staying away from fossil fuels is your goal.
What are the Benefits of a Portable Solar Generator?
There are a number of reasons why you might consider a portable solar generator:
- These units are ideally suited for camping and hiking. The ones on our list range in weight from under 10 pounds to over 50, but they are all fairly easy to cart around as needed, or to keep in your camper or RV.
- Though they are not primarily intended to be emergency backup generators, they can certainly be used in that capacity. In particular, they can provide emergency power to important medical devices as well as phones and computers.
- Unlike gas generators, portable solar generators offer power without making a lot of noise or creating a lot of fumes. This makes them much more appealing for campsites.
- Portable solar generators are better for the environment, since they don't rely on gas or diesel fuel to run.
- Using a solar generator is ultimately more cost-effective as you will never need to purchase fuel to recharge it.
Solar Power Can Take You Further
Solar power is one of the best options for dependable, renewable energy. Not only can it help power your house, but you can use these portable generators to carry that power with you, wherever you may go.
There are clearly lots of options on the market today. We hope our guide is helpful to you as you assess our own backup power needs, and as you determine which portable solar generator will give you the greatest value. Note that you can find many of these solar power options through third-party retailers like Amazon. Do your due diligence as you seek the perfect, portable solar solution for you and your family.
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Best Overall: Green Estate Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
GreenEstateGoods.com
The super soft Green Estate Reusable Makeup Remover Pads are designed with a dark side for removing makeup and a light side for applying toner or moisturizer. This way, you won't see stains as easily, making them look newer for longer. Additionally, you don't need to use a facial cleansing product with these. Just wet with warm water, and makeup wipes away, which is great for sensitive skin.
These microfiber reusable cotton rounds come in packs of 14, and with each purchase Green Estate plants a tree through partner Eden Reforestation Projects. To date, the company has planted more than 55,000 trees, which has provided over 550 days of reliable work for people living in extreme poverty.
Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with almost 4,000 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Machine washable; Includes zippered pouch for washing; Tree planted for every purchase; Plastic-free shipping when purchased from manufacturer
Best Basic Option: Paula's Choice Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
PaulasChoice.com
If you're looking for a basic option, try Paula's Choice Reusable Makeup Remover Pads, which are made from a 70% bamboo/30% cotton material. Paula's Choice is a Leaping Bunny-certified, 100% cruelty-free skincare brand that works with Terracycle® to recycle its bottles, tubes and other containers after you run out of product.
Many brands include a drawstring cotton laundry bag for washing and drying, but based on our experience, even when the strings are knotted, these can still open and allow the rounds to escape. We like that the Paula's Choice 10-count reusable cotton rounds come with a zippered pouch, which is less likely to open up in the laundry.
Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 10 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Machine washable; Leaping Bunny-certified brand; Includes zippered pouch for washingBest Textured: LastRound Reusable Cotton Pads
LastObject.com
LastRound Reusable Cotton Pads divert waste from entering landfills and waterways in more ways than one. Aside from having an average lifespan of 1,750 uses, the production of the pads and convenient case utilizes cotton and plastic that would otherwise be trashed.
The textured pads are made from a blend of 70% Scandinavian wood fibers (locally sourced by the Denmark-based company) and 30% cotton fibers that are too short to be used in standard textiles. There are two versions of the case that holds seven pads — one is made from plant-based materials and the other is made from recycled ocean-bound plastic in collaboration with ReSea Project.
Customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars with almost 10 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Machine washable; Case made from plant-based material or recycled ocean-bound plastic; Plastic-free packaging
Best Handmade: Marley's Monsters Reusable Facial Rounds
MarleysMonsters.com
Marley's Monsters made a name for itself with its UNpaper® towels, which take the place of traditional paper towels, and it's since branched out into other home and beauty products. The company's 20-packs of Reusable Facial Rounds are handmade in Eugene, Oregon, with two layers of 100% cotton flannel for durability and long-term use.
One thing we like about Marley's Monsters is its commitment to local sustainability. It's BRING rethink-certified, a designation given by a nonprofit recycling company in Eugene to companies that practice conservation in the realms of materials and waste, energy, water and supply chain management. Marley's Monsters also won the 2021 Bold Steps Award, which recognizes eco-friendly Eugene-based businesses.
Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with almost 10 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Handmade; Machine washable; BRING rethink-certified; Includes mesh drawstring pouch for washing; Recyclable and compostable shipping when purchased from manufacturerWhy Make the Switch to Reusable Cotton Rounds?
There are a few reasons we recommend switching to reusable cotton rounds versus single-use cotton pads, cotton balls or makeup wipes.
First, non-organic cotton is considered the "world's dirtiest crop" due to its heavy use of pesticides. According to the Environmental Justice Foundation, cotton production accounts for 2.5% of the world's cultivated land but 16% of global insecticide releases — $2 billion worth of chemical pesticides are sprayed on the crops each year. Although cotton undergoes a washing process before it's manufactured into goods, that cheap sleeve of cotton pads you get from the grocery store is still likely to contain harmful chemicals.
Second, reusables are much better for the environment. If you use two cotton rounds per day, it adds up to 730 per year. If they're 100% cotton and are only used with natural products, they can be composted. However, if you use them to remove conventional makeup, which can include toxins and plastics, they'll need to go in the trash. Plus, they typically come in flimsy plastic that isn't accepted by most municipal recycling centers.
Additionally, according to the World Wildlife Federation, many experts say cotton uses the most water of any agricultural commodity. One figure even estimates that it takes 20,000 liters of water to create just 1 kilogram of cotton.
Create an Eco-Friendly Beauty Routine With Reusable Cotton Rounds
By switching to reusable cotton pads, you're reducing the amount of cotton you use over time, which equates to less waste and less water used to keep up with your skincare.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
They scoured the vast and various territories of the Soviet Union and tested over 1,000 different species looking for an alternative to the South American rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensi. Eventually, on the steppes of Kazakhstan, they found one.
By 1941, the Russian dandelion, Taraxacum koksaghyz, supplied 30% of the USSR's rubber. During the Second World War, shortages of Havea rubber prompted other countries, including the United States, Britain and Germany, to begin cultivating dandelion rubber.
Once the war was over and supplies returned to normal, these countries — including, ultimately, the Soviets — switched back to Hevea tree rubber because it was cheaper.
But now, with demand for rubber continuing to grow, there is renewed interest in the Russian dandelion, particularly from the tire industry, which consumes 70% of the world's rubber supply.
Diversifying Natural Rubber
Overall, 65% of rubber consumed worldwide is derived from fossil fuels. This synthetic rubber is cheaper and more hardwearing than its natural counterpart. But natural rubber disperses heat better and has better grip, which is why tires are made with a mix of both.
Today, 90% of natural rubber comes from Havea plantations in Southeast Asia, which have been linked to deforestation. And there are commercial as well as environmental reasons the tire industry would like to find an alternative.
Havea rubber trees are vulnerable to a fungal leaf blight that has hit plantations in South America, making some in the tire industry nervous about such dependence on a single crop, with little genetic diversity, grown in a single geographical region.
Developing the Dandelion
Over recent years, projects in both Europe and the US have been taking a fresh shot at making dandelion rubber commercially viable.
Among them is Taraxagum, a collaboration between Continental Tires and the Fraunhofer Institute of Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology in Aachen, Germany.
"Continental Tires tested the performance of the material and said that it was brilliant — in some cases better than Hevea rubber," said Dirk Prüfer, a plant biotechnologist on the Taraxagum team.
Both Continental and competitor Apollo Tyres have used dandelion rubber to manufacture bike tires, and Continental reports "promising" tests on dandelion truck tires.
Apollo was part of the EU-funded DRIVE4EU consortium, a project that ran from 2014 to 2018 and worked on developing the entire production chain for dandelion rubber, starting with cultivation.
Unlike the rubber tree, the Russian dandelion thrives in temperate climates.
"We cultivated the dandelion in Belgium, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan," said Ingrid van der Meer, coordinator of DRIVE4EU, adding that other researchers had previously cultivated the crop in Sweden, Germany and the United States.
Fewer Chemicals and Poorer Soils
The Russian dandelion can also be grown on relatively poor soils, meaning it doesn't have to compete with agriculture. Prüfer said his team was researching whether brownfield land — former industrial sites that may be heavily polluted — might even be suitable.
"There are big areas like this near Cologne or Aachen that could potentially be used for cultivation," Prüfer said.
Once the dandelions are harvested "hot-water extraction" is used to separate out the rubber. "The roots are chopped up mechanically and water is added," van der Meer explained. "It has to be heated up, but no large volumes of chemicals are needed.
This is in contrast to Hevea rubber extraction, which requires the use of organic solvents, resulting in chemical waste that poses an environmental hazard if not disposed of properly.
Environmental Problems Persist
But while the Russian dandelion could make the production of tires greener, it won't improve their environmental impact once they leave the factory.
As tires are used, they shed microplastics, which are then carried on air and end up in oceans. A recent study found that this source of ocean microplastics amounts to 100,000 metric tons each year.
Then, at the end of their life, most tires finish up in landfill, in part because the mix of rubbers make them difficult to recycle.
"Tires are meant to optimize different kinds of properties, so it's not easy to just use one kind of rubber," said Francesco Piccihoni, an expert in rubber recycling at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
"You could make tires from only natural rubber but it degrades faster, meaning you would have to change the tires much more often," Piccihoni added.
Even shifting rubber farming to European wastelands wouldn't automatically avert deforestation in Asia. Georg Cadisch, an expert in tropical agronomy at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, says forests will continue to be felled as long as the land can be used more profitably for agriculture.
"Rubber farmers need to survive, so they would simply produce other crops," he said, adding that rubber plantations in China and Thailand have already been replaced with crops like palm oil or bananas.
Bright Prospects?
Still, proponents of the Russian dandelion argue that as demand rises, we need a source of rubber that doesn't rely on expanding into new areas of forest. Growing it close to European and US tire factories would also means fewer CO2 emissions from transport.
And as far as performance goes, tire makers are impressed.
"The moment natural rubber from the dandelion is available in significant quantities, Apollo will resume using the material and develop other tire products," chief technical officer Daniele Lorenzetti said.
As things stand, though, the supply chain needs some work. "To compete with other rubbers, the production costs of dandelion rubber need to match the market price. This is not yet the case," said van der Meer, who will continue working on optimizing Russian dandelion cultivation.
For now, Europe's wastelands aren't about to be swathed in sunny yellow. But there might just be a bright future for a material that had been consigned to Soviet history.
Reposted with permission from Deutsche Welle.
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Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Best Reusable Produce Bag Set: Eco Joy Cotton Reusable Produce Bags
Eco Joy
If you're making the switch to more sustainable shopping bags and want a variety of products to use, the Eco Joy Cotton Reusable Produce Bags set is a great place to start. The set comes with three mesh drawstring bags, three muslin drawstring bags, a large mesh tote and a zippered sandwich-size pouch.
Each product is made with organic, non-GMO cotton that's ethically sourced in accordance with Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) standards. The cotton comes from India and Turkey, and the bags are hand-assembled in Canada by the owner of Eco Joy, so you can feel good about supporting a small business while reducing your environmental impact.
Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 300 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Zero-waste; Handmade in Canada; WRAP compliant; Machine washable
Best Mesh Bags: Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bags
Organic Cotton Mart
Some shoppers prefer to use mesh bags when shopping for fruits and veggies. We recommend checking out Organic Cotton Mart's Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bags if you're in this camp, as they're made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton.
Mesh reusable produce bags can make the checkout process easier than muslin bags since you can see what's inside them without having to open them up. Plus, the tare weight (i.e., the weight of the empty bag that should be subtracted from the total weight of your produce to make sure you don't pay extra for using your bag) is printed right on the label of Organic Cotton Mart's bags, making everything that much more convenient.
Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with nearly 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why buy: GOTS certified; Machine washable; BiodegradableBest Muslin Bags: Simple Ecology Reusable Produce Bags
Simple Ecology
On the other hand, if you just want to purchase muslin bags, we like Simple Ecology's Reusable Produce Bags, which are also made with GOTS-certified organic cotton. Simple Ecology also has a starter kit that comes with several reusable grocery bags if you're looking for more variety.
The benefit of using muslin reusable produce bags is that, unlike mesh, there are no holes for small items to slip through. This means that in addition to larger produce, you can use them to purchase bulk foods like lentils, beans and rice — or even powders like flour or spices — without worrying about anything leaking. They're also best for keeping leafy greens fresh.
Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with nearly 1,500 Amazon reviews
Why buy: GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable; Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified packaging when purchased from manufacturerBest String Bags: ECOBAGS Market Collection Reusable Bag Set
ECOBAGS
Whether you're buying bread, fresh flowers, produce or all of the above, the ECOBAGS Market Collection Reusable Bag Set is ideal for farmers market shopping or large grocery hauls. The netted bags are durable, flexible, and pack down small so they're easy to keep in your car or purse.
ECOBAGS is a woman-owned certified B Corp, which means it uses sound social and environmental practices. These bags come in packs of three or five and have a few different handle lengths and color options, but they're all made with GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Customer rating: Not applicable
Why buy: GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable; Certified B Corp; SA8000 certified for the protection of basic human rights of workers
Why Make the Switch to Reusable Produce Bags?
According to the UN, humans produce 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, and about 60% of the plastic produced since the early 1950s has ended up in a landfill or the natural environment.
Plastic grocery bags and produce bags are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Technically, this type of plastic can be recycled. However, in practice, plastic bags easily clog recycling machinery, so most municipal recycling centers do not accept this type of material.
A study by the EPA showed that only about 6% of the LDPE generated in 2015 was recycled. Other types of plastic, by comparison, were recycled at 18% and 10% rates.
Although some grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling, the easiest way to get around this is to refuse plastic bags in the first place. Many cities have instituted plastic bag bans, but more often than not, it's up to individuals to choose to make the switch to reusable grocery bags in their day-to-day livesMelissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Best Overall: ChicoBag Reusable Grocery Bag
ChicoBag
Standard reusable grocery bags — foldable cloth "green bags" that typically have company logos on them — are bulky, can't be machine washed, and tend to break down after a number of uses. ChicoBag reusable grocery bags solve these problems and more. They hold up to 25 pounds each, can be tossed in the wash, and stuff down into a tiny attached pouch that you can easily keep in your purse or the center console of your car until you need them.
Customer rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 1,000 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Machine washable; Certified B Corp; Climate Neutral Certified; Supports 1% For the Planet; Fair Labor Association memberMost Convenient For Shopping: Lotus Trolley Bags
Lotus Sustainables
If you prefer bigger reusable grocery bags that add convenience to your shopping experience, Lotus Trolley Bags may be perfect for you. These bags fold flat and nestle in your cart so that you can sort items while you shop. There's a large insulated cooler bag, as well as two standard reusable shopping bags and a bag with pockets for wine bottles and egg cartons. Each can hold up to 50 pounds and has double-stitched seams for added durability.
Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 3,000 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Machine washable; Removable rod for non-cart use; Supports 1% for the PlanetMost Popular: BAGGU Standard Reusable Shopping Bag
BAGGU
For another versatile option, try the Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag. This product is modeled after a conventional plastic grocery bag but is made with 40% recycled ripstop fabric. Baggu reusable bags can carry up to 50 pounds but stuff down into a five-inch internal pocket for carrying.
Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 50 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Machine washable; Made with 40% recycled materials; Ethically manufactured; Packaging made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified materialBest Handmade Bag: Ecodunia Canvas Tote Bag
Ecodunia
Ecodunia's reusable bags have a sturdier feel than most products on this list. The canvas used to make each bag is produced from 100% renewable resources and natural cotton, plus they have long handles for comfortable carrying over your shoulder. Ecodunia's fun prints will likely make you want to use these bags for more than carting groceries, but they're great for a weekend trip to the farmers market.
Customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars with under 5 Amazon reviews
Why buy: Made from natural cotton; Machine washable; Handmade; Provides dignified work for communities in Kenya
Best Tote Bag: Simple Ecology Tote Bundle
Simple Ecology
Another canvas bag option comes from Simple Ecology. This brand's eco-friendly grocery bags are made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton and feature pop-out sleeves for more fragile goods and double-stitched seams for extra reinforcement. The large size has about the same capacity as a grocer's paper bag. Simple Ecology also has a reusable bag starter kit that comes with a tote and several reusable produce bags.
Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 900 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: GOTS certified; Machine washable; Biodegradable; Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified packaging when purchased from manufacturerBest Bulk Bags: BagPodz Reusable Shopping Bags
BagPodz
BagPodz Reusable Shopping Bags are all about convenience. You can get a pack of five or 10 bags, all of which fit in a low-profile "pod" that can be stored for use on the go. When at the grocery store, the pod clips to your cart and has an easy-dispense pocket for when it's time to check out. After use, just stuff them back into the pod. BagPodz reusable bags are made with Bluesign® certified materials, which means they're manufactured sustainably.
Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 2,000 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Machine washable; Made with Bluesign certified materialWhy Switch to Reusable Bags?
The UN says people produce 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, and about 60% of the plastic produced since the early 1950s has ended up in a landfill or the natural environment.
Plastic grocery bags are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Technically, this type of plastic can be recycled. However, in practice, plastic bags easily clog recycling machinery, so most municipal recycling centers do not accept this type of material.
A study by the EPA showed that only about 6% of the LDPE generated in 2015 was recycled. Other types of plastic, by comparison, were recycled at 18% and 10% rates.
Although some grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling, the easiest way to get around this is to refuse plastic bags in the first place. Many cities have instituted plastic bag bans, but more often than not, it's up to individuals to choose to make the switch to reusable grocery bags in their day-to-day lives.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
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Why Use Bamboo Utensils?
There are a few reasons we recommend tossing bamboo utensils in your pocket or purse. As takeout and food delivery is becoming increasingly popular, the use (and disposal) of plastic to-go cutlery is on the rise. According to Forbes, in the U.S. alone, it's estimated that 40 billion individual plastic utensils are wasted every year.
Many times, it's not just a single fork or spoon but a whole set wrapped in a disposable plastic bag, complete with a napkin and even single-serve salt and pepper packets. More often than not, people only use the one utensil they need and toss the rest without a second thought.
By carrying reusable utensils with you, you can refuse the single-use cutlery. But with so many options — metal, bamboo, or sturdy plastic — it can be difficult to narrow down the best set for you.
Here are a few reasons we recommend going with reusable bamboo utensils over metal or plastic alternatives:
- Lightweight: Bamboo is lighter than both plastic and metal, making it more convenient to carry for everyday use.
- Odorless: Some materials, especially plastic, can take on the smell of the foods you've eaten. Bamboo doesn't trap odors, so you don't have to worry about them getting funky.
- Compostable and biodegradable: If your bamboo utensils get worn out, they can be composted at the end of their life, so they'll never end up in a landfill or waterway.
Best Bamboo Utensil Sets
Based on our market research and firsthand use, these are the three best bamboo utensils and eco-friendly bamboo cutlery sets available:
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Most Sustainable: To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set With Carrying Case
The To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set includes a fork, spoon, non-serrated knife, and chopsticks. It comes in a handy carrying case that's made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, so not only are you preventing plastic from entering the waste stream, but you're also helping to reduce the amount of existing plastic clogging our landfills and oceans.
The company itself, a certified B Corp, has a steadfast commitment to the planet. Aside from using sustainable materials, it collaborates with eco-friendly brands like Patagonia and 4ocean and has employee programs such as a zero-waste pledge and community clean-ups to reduce its environmental footprint.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 1,500 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Sleeve made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles; Certified B Corp; Climate Neutral Certified; Supports 1% For the Planet; Fair Labor Association memberMost Convenient: Bambu Reusable Bamboo Sporks
If a full bamboo cutlery set is too bulky to carry, consider the compact Bambu Reusable Bamboo Spork. This merges two bamboo utensils into one convenient tool that's small enough to fit in your pocket yet still large enough to hold in your hand and comfortably eat with.
Bambu products are sourced from the "bamboo belt" of Eastern China and sustainably handcrafted in family-operated workshops near the raw material source for minimal environmental impact. It's certified organic by a number of international organizations, including the USDA, LETIS, and CERES.
Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 50 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Certified USDA Organic and Biobased Product; Certified B Corp; Carbonfree® Product Certified; Supports 1% For the Planet
Best For Travel: Waves of Change Reusable Bamboo Utensil Set
The Waves of Change line from Full Circle Home features ocean-inspired products to make meals away from home more sustainable, including insulated lunch bags, sandwich and snack pouches, and a reusable bamboo utensil set.
These eco-friendly bamboo utensils come in a zippered pouch for extra cleanliness while traveling or commuting. Whether you choose the wave or whale design, each pouch is made with a recycled fabric that's produced from plastic waste and certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 200 Amazon reviews
Why Buy: Sleeve made from GRS-certified recycled fabric; Certified B Corp; Plastic Neutral company; Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified; USDA Certified Biobased ProductWhether it be bringing your own utensils, a reusable straw, or a takeout container from home, finding ways to reduce your plastic consumption when out to eat is key to leading a more sustainable life. With any of these three bamboo utensil sets, you can feel good about being able to refuse single-use plastic on the go.
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.