Eco-Smart Products That Make a Difference

Taking care of the planet really matters to me, so I’ve been trying to make small changes in my life over time. I first drove hybrid cars, like the Honda Insight and later the Prius Prime, which worked great for everyday driving. A few years ago, I made the jump to a fully electric car—and honestly, I love it! At home, I’ve been swapping out old products for eco-friendly ones, step by step.

I bought my current home about three years ago, and though it’s been a financial stretch, my boyfriend and I invested in solar panels, a heat pump system (for heating, cooling, and hot water), and an induction stove. We’re thrilled with these upgrades, even though we couldn’t afford a backup battery for the solar power. In addition, last year we also bought a second electric car thanks to instant rebates!

Likewise, I focus on using energy wisely. I’m careful with my electricity, turning off lights and unplugging things when I’m not using them. I’ve switched to energy-efficient LED bulbs and use a programmable thermostat, which helps reduce my energy use and my carbon footprint. With all these changes, my electric bill is under $16 a month!

Reducing plastic waste is another priority, although it’s tough with all the packaging out there. I use reusable bags, bottles, and containers as much as possible, and I look for products with minimal packaging or eco-friendly materials. When I give gifts, I try to choose things that encourage others to be eco-friendly too.

Most importantly, all these eco-friendly choices may seem small, but I believe every little bit helps. Do what you can. Together, these efforts let me live a greener life and make a positive impact on the planet. As I share my tips and choices, I hope you will share yours, too!

Here’s a starter list of eco-friendly products for your home:

Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent

These are all PVA-free!

• Blueland laundry detergent tablets – 100% plastic-free tablets in eco-friendly packaging; certified cruelty-free
• Ultra-concentrated liquid laundry detergent with dosing cap – 98% plant-based, efficient, eco-friendly packaging, certified cruelty-free
• Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster – stain and odor removal; certified cruelty-free, EPA safer choice, BIPOC-owned or founded business, certified biobased, recyclable packaging
• Molly’s Suds Detergent Powder – simple, plant-based ingredients and the absence of harsh chemicals, finding it safe for sensitive skin and families. 
• Proofed Laundry Detergent Sheets! – first microplastic-free laundry sheet that eliminates all plastic waste, optical brighteners and harsh chemicals from your laundry and our water systems. 

Dryer Sheets and Balls

• Grab Green Stoneworks Dryer Sheets – comes in fragrance-free and scented; biodegradable and compostable
• Grab Green Newborn Baby Dryer Sheets
• Vove hemp dryer balls – My new favorite. I gave these as stocking gifts in 2024. Cruelty-free, hypo-allergenic, 5X more absorbent than wool and chemical-free
• Wool dryer balls – 100% sheep wool. No Chemicals or Synthetics.
• Friendsheep dryer balls – cute colors and faces!

Washing Bags

• Guppyfriend microwaste washing bag – keep microplastics out of the ocean and the food chain!

Gardening

• Terracotta watering spikes – two-pack of ollas for hands-off sustainable watering; comes with a “root dibber” installer and in mostly recyclable packaging.
• Large terracotta watering pot – beautiful large olla for hands-off sustainable watering; comes with mini trowel and rake and in mostly recyclable packaging.
• Bamboo nitrile gloves
• Steel gardening tools with wooden handles – These are just examples; you can find some from a different company if you’d prefer.

Kitchen

Food Prep

• Silicone cupcake liners
• Ecos Fruit and Vegetable Wash
• GREENER CHEF Organic Bamboo Cutting Board – 100% free from Phthalates, BPA, BPS or BPF.
• Cutting board choices

Food Transport

• Bentgo steel lunchbox

Lids, Wraps, Bags, & Food Storage

• Silicon stretch lids
• Beeswax food wraps
• Cotton mesh produce bags
• Glass Food Storage Containers with Bamboo Lids – Plastic and BPA free, non-toxic
• If You Care Recycled Aluminum Foil – 100% recycled aluminum foil that uses 95% less energy to produce. 

Eco-Friendly Dishwashing

• Plastic-free dishcloths
• Biodegradable sponges – 100% plant cellulose and typically biodegrades in 2-6 weeks!
• Dish washing block – an alternative to dish soap in plastic bottles
• Dishwasher detergent tablets – skip the plastic and the toxins
• The Roundup.org – great list of eco-friendly dish soaps
• Reusable un-paper towels – can also use as hankies!
• ZeroWasteStore Reusable “Paper” Towels – 10×10, comes in different colors, 100% organic cotton

Eco-Friendly Bathroom

• Plaine Products – all kinds of bath products in aluminum containers that can be returned, 100% recycled packaging
• Kitsch Rice Water shampoo bar – vegan, paraben, silicone & sulfate-free
• Hello HiBAR Volumize shampoo vegan, cruelty-free, FSC® certified packaging
• 100% bamboo toilet paper – 100% renewable and sustainable bamboo, plastic-free, biodegradable
• Organic bath towels – natural, pesticide-free materials, fair labor
• Toothpaste bits – comes with or without fluoride, refillable glass jar

Sustainable Clothing Brands

• Girlfriend Collective – ethically made activewear using recycled materials
• Reformation – certified climate-neutral company, made from low-impact fabrics, dead-stock materials, or repurposed vintage wares in sustainable facilities 
• Outerknown – eco-friendly materials including Econyl (which turns fishing nets and other plastic waste into regenerated fibers), organic cotton, and ocean plastic buttons in the denim. The company supports Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC®) practices and promotes the highest labor standards.

If you’re interested in sustainable fashion, you might enjoy this story the high cost of cheap clothing.

There’s so much more to come, so check back soon!