8 Cool Eco-Friendly Vegan Products To Try On Earth Day!
What are your eco-friendly goals for this year? Maybe you'd like to start using less plastic in your everyday life, start incorporating more plant protein in your diet, get involved in climate change activism, or simply reduce your overall carbon footprint as much as possible.
Luckily, there are small changes and swaps you can make in your daily life to give Mother Nature the love she deserves. Making small efforts to take care of the planet we call home can collectively make a huge difference! However, finding the right products for your specific needs and eco-friendly standards can sometimes be tricky. With all the companies accused of greenwashing, and the green revolution conquering supermarket shelves, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal.
From water bottles to dental floss, keep reading to discover our top eco-friendly picks and a quick guide to finding products that are kinder to our planet and the animals!
Our Eco-Friendly Standards
Check out what we look for in the products we recommend as "eco-friendly" or "sustainable"!
Minimal, Recycled, or NO Plastic
We're against the liberal use of plastic for many reasons, but mainly because it's petroleum-based and takes hundreds of years to decompose, all the while emitting harmful carbon emissions and GHGs into the atmosphere. The best option is to go for plastic-free alternatives that will easily biodegrade or decompose, like biodegradable bio-based plastics or carton packaging when possible. If you must go for a product packaged in plastic, make sure it's one hundred percent recyclable, and whenever possible, made from post-consumer recycled plastic.
Go For Organic Textiles When Possible
When it comes to clothing and accessories, organic cotton, linen, hemp, or other organic textiles are excellent alternative materials, especially when compared to leather and polyester. This assures us that the raw materials used to create our garments, bags, scarves, and other clothing were made without the use of pesticides, and from totally renewable sources. Why is this better for the planet? Well, pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers tend to seep into the soil, contaminating our groundwater and carrying these harmful chemicals throughout our waterways. So in short, going organic benefits us all, and keeps our planet much cleaner!
Gives Back To The Planet
If a company boasts low carbon emissions, uses biodegradable or plastic-free packaging, and gives back to an eco organization, you can feel amazing about your purchase! Some organizations to look out for among their partners may be 1% For The Planet, One Tree Planted, Rainforest Alliance, WWF, Lonely Whale Foundation, The Soil Association, and others.
Reusable or Refillable
If the product you're eyeing is reusable or comes in a refill set, you're likely good to go! However, try to make sure the refills come in eco-friendly packaging or in bulk. Otherwise, it beats the point of purchasing refills! This is a silly mistake we've seen a couple times throughout our product research, and we are inclined to label this approach as greenwashing.
Eco Certifications Are a Plus
Although certifications are not always a 100% guarantee that your product is eco-friendly, it's much more likely that certified products will be better for the planet than those that do not boast certifications. Why is this? When a product is eco-certified, it typically means it's gone through a rigorous and costly third-party evaluation to assess the product's life cycle, or its raw materials' emissions.
These tests are often conducted periodically to ensure that the company does not swap out the ingredients for cheaper alternatives as soon as they gain the certification. So, you can rest a bit easier knowing there is a third-party organization monitoring each product.
Certifications To Look For:
Wondering which certifications are the most reliable? Check out some of our go-to logos to look for below!
USDA Organic Certified
According to the USDA, this certification ensures us that the crops we are purchasing "have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for over three years." These prohibited substances consist mostly of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. When it comes to formulas or multi-ingredient foods, no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors are allowed, and at least 70% of the ingredients must be organic for the product to receive this certification.
GOTS/GOLS Certified
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certifications are given to organic products that meet their globally recognized standards of harvesting, manufacturing, and labeling. GOTS is used to certify textiles produced from natural fibers, while GOLS certifies materials made with natural rubber.
Eco INSTITUT Tested
The widely recognized Eco-Institute of Germany with over 25 years of experience testing products, offers certification for flooring, mattresses, bedding, furniture, textiles, and more. This label ensures consumers that their product does not contain ANY hazardous chemicals and will not emit toxic gases that can contaminate their homes. These products are tested by independent third parties as well as by the Eco-Institute themselves, leaving no room for funny business.
Certified B Corporation
A Certified B Corporation is a mission-driven company, focused on people and the planet over profit. Each one undergoes a rigorous B Impact Assessment which measures its impact on workers, community, the environment, customers, and company structure.
Certified Palm Oil Free
When you see this label on a product, it means it was made with zero palm oil, including its hundreds of derivatives. This is super helpful, as it can be difficult to recognize which ingredients have been derived from this problematic ingredient. So, why does palm oil cause so much trouble? More on this here!
The Vegan Trademark
We love to see this label popping up on more and more products each year! The Vegan Society's Vegan Trademark ensures us that the product does not contain, and has not been produced with, animal by-products or derivatives. It also lets us know that neither the product nor its ingredients have been tested on animals by the company or on its behalf. Great to know!
Signs of Greenwashing To Watch Out For
So, what about the products that seem eco-friendly and boast a couple of certifications, but don't disclose enough reliable information to back their claims? This is often dubbed 'greenwashing', and is very common nowadays! You may see products labeled 'green' or 'clean', without sharing any info about the materials or ingredients on the package or official website. Buyers beware! Keep reading to learn what to keep an eye out for when buying sustainable goods.
Brand Does Not Share Materials Used.
If you're buying something labeled 'green' or 'eco-friendly', but can't find the ingredients or raw materials used anywhere on the packaging or on the brand's official site, the product is possibly greenwashed. An eco-friendly company will be inclined to share its materials, certifications, and possibly even a product lifecycle assessment for its eco-conscious clients! After all, sustainable materials tend to be more valuable and a fabulous selling point during today's Green Revolution.
No Eco Certifications.
A 'green' product with zero eco certifications is not always a red flag, but if a claim is made like 'organic' or 'biodegradable', it can give us more reassurance when it's backed by a USDA Organic, GOTS, or GOLS label. However, some brands add their own branded logos describing different features, like organic, plastic-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and others. Keep in mind that these are not always certifications, and are sometimes simply visuals used by the brand to describe the product.
Non-Scientific Claims Were Made.
If a brand shares tons of statistics and charts about carbon emissions and climate change on their page but does not link their sources, it's possible they're making non-scientific claims to support their product. For example, a cotton clothing brand may share a stat with no reliable sources like, "Did you know that even 'sustainable' textiles like bamboo require over 50,000 tons of pesticides to grow? Meanwhile, even non-organic cotton only needs 10,000 tons."
This type of claim is tricky in two ways. First, no sources were provided, so we have no way of knowing if this is factual unless we put extra effort into researching. Realistically, most would skip this step and take the brand's word for it. Second, it does not share in what amount of time, over what amount of total harvested crops, or in what region this occurs. So, they could mean "Bamboo requires over 50,000 tons of pesticides to grow globally each year, while non-organic cotton requires 10,000 tons of pesticides to grow in America alone every six months." Not such an impressive contrast.
Although most brands are more careful than this, it is a simplified example of how some can manipulate statistics to give us the impression that a product is 'greener' than it really is. So, watch out for companies' tricky scientific claims and try to look for sources or do your own research whenever possible! You can go to official websites by renowned environmental organizations or scientific journals for the best results.
Be Wary of 'Recyclable' Packaging.
Sometimes a product will be marketed as 'eco-friendly' simply because its packaging is recyclable. Because so many factors go into the development of a product, this feature will not make a product totally sustainable. In fact, some types of recyclable packaging are much more difficult to recycle than others. Some materials require special facilities to be recycled properly. So, always double-check the type of material it's made with, and speak with your local recycling centers to make sure they can handle that type of packaging.
Easy Low-Waste Swaps To Go For!
Now that we've gone over which products can be considered eco-friendly or not, let's review some vegan, 100% sustainable swaps that can make your daily life so much greener!
Plastic-Free Deodorant. Our Pick: Ethique
Price | $13.00
Eco Certifications | Certified Climate Positive by EKOS, Certified B Corporation, Leaping Bunny Certified, Certified Palm Oil Free, PETA Approved Cruelty-Free, and Vegan.
Materials | Bamboo Extract, Tapioca Starch, Magnesium Hydroxide, Zinc Oxide, Compostable Carton Packaging.
No baking soda, no aluminum, just bamboo. Ethique's non-toxic and effective deodorant is made with bamboo extract, which absorbs 200% of its weight in sweat and oil! Plus, it uses tapioca starch for its solid base, which is much gentler on the skin than baking soda. In addition, it's palm oil-free, making it the perfect choice for ethical vegans. Try it today!
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Low-Emission Shoes. Our Pick: Native Shoes
Price | $26.00 - $115.00
Eco Certifications | REACH, CPSIA, and Prop 65 Compliant; PETA Approved Vegan.
Materials | EVA, Rise by Bloom Technology, Rubber, Sugarcane-Derived Resin, Recycled PET Yarn.
With a collection made of repurposed algae that clean our air and water, and another made with sugarcane-derived resin, Native Shoe is a brand with a mission! These shoes are made with the planet in mind and come in plenty of different designs and colors to fit your unique style. Plus, they are 100% PETA Approved Vegan, meaning you can shop now with confidence, without having to double-check whether your favorite pair was made with animal derivatives!
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Reusable Coffee Cup. Our Pick: Hunu
Price | $19.50 - $32.49
Eco Certifications | 1% For the Planet Member.
Materials | BPA Free 'World's Safest' Silicone, Recyclable Packaging.
Available in four sleek colors and sizes to choose from, this is the most convenient and reliable reusable coffee cup you'll come across. It's even dishwasher safe! Sip with confidence, knowing it boasts a leakproof and durable design, then washes it out and fold it down to just 3cm! Place it safely in your pocket, and repeat. Take this collapsible cup along on city strolls, weekend getaways, or camping trips!
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Reusable Water Bottle. Our Pick: Hydro Flask
Price | $29.95 - $54.95
Eco Certifications | N/A
Materials | 18/8 Pro-Grade Stainless Steel, Aluminum, BPA, and Phthalate Free Silicone.
Trying to ditch single-use plastics? Hydro Flask is a perfect example of how you don't always need third-party eco certifications to ensure the sustainability of a product. A great alternative to plastic bottles, these pro-grade stainless steel reusable bottles boast a lifetime warranty, making them ultra-sustainable! However, if you ever get tired of your Hydro Flask, you can always recycle it at a metal recycling center or donate it, since it is designed to last a lifetime.
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Refillable Floss. Our Pick: Cocofloss
Price | $9.00 (Initial Single Spool) - $24.00 (3-Pack Refill Set)
Eco Certifications | Wildlife Conservation Network Partners, Oceanworks Partners, Fragrance Meets IFRA Standards and Is In Compliance with E.U. Regulations.
Materials | Floss Made With 85% Recycled Polyester Spun From Recycled Water Bottles, Coconut Oil, Vegan Wax, Backyard Compostable and Renewable Wood Cellulose Refill Bags, Boxes Made From 100% Recycled Paper, Refillable and Recyclable Plastic Spool.
Made with compostable and recycled materials, Cocofloss' luxury woven floss is a great swap for eco-conscious vegans! This brand combats single-use plastics by spinning its floss from 85% recycled water bottles. Their floss is also coated in coconut oil and vegan wax so it can glide effortlessly and gently between your teeth. But, how effective is it at removing plaque? A woven floss, it's made with over 500 textured filaments that will compress between the tightest spaces, and expand, grabbing hold of plaque and scrubbing your teeth clean! Choose your preferred fragrance and get flossing today!
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Reusable Grocery Bags. Our Pick: Organic Cotton Mart Canvas Grocery Tote Bags
Price | $14.97 (1 Bag) - $34.97 (3 Bags)
Eco Certifications | GOTS Certified.
Materials | 100% Unbleached Organic Cotton.
Featuring convenient bottle sleeves, quality construction, and extra-sturdy organic cotton canvas material, these grocery bags are an eco-friendly favorite! Plus, they're washable, durable, and multi-purpose. Boasting a GOTS organic cotton certification, you can shop these bags with confidence, knowing they are totally planet-friendly.
Plant-Based Protein Powder. Our Pick: Complement Certified Organic Plant Protein
Price | $59.00
Eco Certifications | Third-Party Tested by Sora Laboratories, Certified Organic, Prop 65 Compliant.
Materials | Almonds, Chia Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Yellow Peas, 100% Biodegradable Pouch.
Formulated with easily digestible plant-based nuts, seeds, peas, and nothing else, Complement's new protein is the perfect pick for health-conscious vegans! Featuring 15g of protein per 3 tbsp. serving, just 1.5g of fat, less than 1g of sugar, and 55mg of sodium, this protein couldn't be cleaner. It's even third-party tested by Sora Laboratories for protein levels (turns out it actually provides 16.3g per serving), and for heavy metals and pathogens!
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10% COUPON CODE: OOPS
Polyester-Free Backpack. Our Pick: Terra Thread
Price | $59.95 - $69.95
Eco Certifications | Fairtrade Certified, GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, Fair Trade Certified Factory, Certified B Corporation Parent Company, Carbon Neutral Certified, Feeding America Supporters.
Materials | 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, YKK Lead-Free Zippers.
Made sustainably with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton and ethically in a Fair Trade Certified Factory in India, this backpack is a guilt-free option for your little ones, or for yourself! Priced in the same range as the most popular backpack brands, it's an accessible, durable swap made for everyone. Plus, with your purchase, 40 meals will be donated to hungry children and families through Feeding America.
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Ready to do some eco-friendly product swapping? We hope these products are as helpful to you as they have been for us, and we thank you for always browsing the most sustainable vegan options for yourself and for your family. For more tips, advice, and recommendations to help simplify your vegan lifestyle, make sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
