If someone wants to minimize their carbon footprint, he must need to avoid using harmful conventional products and embrace eco-friendly products in their daily lives.
It’s because many traditional products are typically more harmful (to both health and the environment) compared to products that are environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly products are products that are ethically manufactured, meaning, they are produced by incorporating eco-friendly materials, leverage renewable energy sources, and doesn’t involve in labour exploitation.
However, using eco-friendly products only doesn’t make you green, you must need to adopt a green lifestyle and practice eco-friendliness in your day-to-day life.
Although it is great to start thinking about the planet by choosing sustainable products. If you’re confusing how to start, here are 100+ examples of eco-friendly products to choose from.
Page Contents
How To Identify Eco-Friendly Products?
Yes, not all products that are claiming eco-friendly are actually eco-friendly. Many brands trick people by making conventional products look eco-friendly.
They tend to package, label, and market as eco-friendly products to attract eco-conscious buyers. This negative marketing tactic is known as Greenwashing.
That’s why it is crucial to know how to identify eco-friendly products to avoid getting trapped in greenwashing. These are 10 points on identifying the best eco-friendly products in India:
1. Check for Certifications
A brand that holds an authorized certificate is always more trustworthy. If you’re a company owner then you can register your product to Aleph India testing centre and earn an eco-mark.
For users or customers it is recommended to see authorized ecolabels with products they will buy in the future. This is the easiest way to avoid greenwashing.
Some examples of Best Sustainability Certifications are The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fair Trade, Green Seal, Positive Luxury, Ecolabel, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEXÒ, 1% for the Planet, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), USDA Organic, The Green Business Bureau, Leaping Bunny, Certified B Corporation, Rainforest Alliance Certified, etc.
2. Read the Ingredients or Materials List
Materials that have been used tell a lot about the product. Eco-friendly products are typically made of recycled, biodegradable, or renewable materials. You can avoid products that include chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Opt for those that are made of natural materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp cotton, reusable and recycled materials, etc.
3. Evaluate the Product’s Lifecycle
Identifying the product lifecycle and what will be the ending part (is it recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, or reusable?) could be a smart step when choosing earth-friendly products.
This avoids buying such products that are not recyclable, biodegradable, and reusable. This only increases pollution and decreases resources.
4. Assess Packaging
No wonder how packaging can differentiate conventional and eco-friendly products. Sustainable items usually contain minimal packaging and many are biodegradable and don’t take up space in the landfills.
On the contrary, traditional products typically contain multiple packaging and use attractive plastic wrappers only for selling perspective.
5. Look for Quality
Assure quality, as quality products last longer so you don’t need frequent replacements. This can reduce waste creation and promote resource conservation.
You can also choose timeless products that are not trend-driven and can be used for years.
6. Reusable or Recyclable
Some items like single-use plastic polythene, plastic bags, plastic water bottles, plastic packaging, plastic straws, single-use coffee cups, and more are not either reusable or easily recyclable.
That’s why it could be a great step to avoid using these products and start embracing reusable and quality product for longevity.
7. Locally Sourced
Whether it is materials or workers prioritizing local resources is good for society and the local economy. Many eco-friendly brands locally source materials (eg. from farmers), prioritize local workers and partners (create job opportunities) and support skillful but underrated housemakers.
You should check brand’s initiatives towards development of local society and economy.
8. Organic and Chemical Free
Organic is another huge term in the industry of eco-friendliness. As use of harmful chemicals like organophosphates, flame retardants, phthalates, and Bisphenol A (BPA) (commonly found in food, plastics, furniture, food wrap, carpets, electronics, shampoo, etc.) are not only harming our health but they’re also toxic to the environment.
So, check the product’s specification whether it is not made use of harmful chemicals. You choose a product made of organic and renewable materials like natural colours, hemp cotton, bamboo, etc.
9. Avoid Products Made Of Animal Ingredients
As an eco-friendly human being we should respect and be kind to the Earth, trees, animals, birds, and everything to preserve the biodiversity. We should not be the part of animal exploitation and discard those brands that do so.
Some materials derived from animals and uses (which you should avoid) are:
- Leather: Shoes, bags, belts, jackets, furniture, car interiors, etc.
- Gelatin: Food products (jelly, marshmallows, gummy candies), pharmaceuticals (capsules), and cosmetics.
- Keratin: Hair care products, skin treatments
- Ambergris: High-end perfumes and fragrances
- Stearic Acid: Candles, soaps, lubricants, cosmetics
10. The Brand Prioritizes Ethical Labouring
Ethical labouring means the practices that doesn’t not promote discrimination, harassment, and abuse based on their gender, status, religion, age, etc.
You should prioritize brands that prioritizes fairness in their business operations by practising fair wages, prohibiting child labouring, and providing favorable working conditions.
This may not directly benefit you but it aids to shape a healthy society.
100+ Examples of Eco-friendly Products In India:
Here are more than 100 examples of eco-friendly products in different categories like kitchen, bathroom, self-care, fashion, travel, pet care, and more.
1. Kitchen Products
What makes the kitchen eco-friendly is one of the most asked questions by homemakers. As a mother and cook, it gives you the responsibility to operate your kitchen works without harming the environment. However, there is no rocket science for that, it is just a responsible choice of eco-friendly kitchen products and practices.
Here are some examples of eco-friendly kitchen products:
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Stainless Steel Straws
- Beeswax Food Wraps
- Bamboo Kitchen Utensils
- Reusable Food Storage
- Biodegradable Sponges
- Compostable Trash Bags
- Stainless Steel or Bamboo Straws
- Bamboo Cutting Boards
- Cloth Napkins
2. Bathroom Products
Here are some examples of eco-friendly bathroom products:
- Bamboo Toothbrushes
- Biodegradable Dental Floss
- Organic Cotton Towels
- Natural Shampoo
- Chemical Free Bathing Soap
- Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper
- Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
- Reusable Razor
- Refillable Soap Dispensers
- Biodegradable Soap Bars
3. Grooming Products
Here are some examples of eco-friendly grooming products:
- Organic Skin Care Products
- Biodegradable Cotton Swabs
- Refillable Perfume Bottles
- Bamboo Hair Brushes
- Natural Deodorants
- Eco-Friendly Hair Ties
- Reusable Menstrual Products
- Natural Hair Oil
- Eco-Friendly Body Wash
- Plastic-Free Lip Balm
4. Fashion Products
Here are some examples of eco-friendly fashion products:
- Organic Cotton T-Shirts
- Recycled Polyester Activewear
- Second Hand Clothes
- Hemp Clothing
- Vegan Leather Bags
- Sustainable Sneakers
- Eco-Friendly Sunglasses
- Biodegradable Underwear
- Eco-Friendly Swimwear
- Eco-friendly Bracelets
5. Home Improvement Products
Here are some examples of eco-friendly bathroom products:
- Eco-cleaning home Products
- Water-Saving Fixtures (showerheads, faucets)
- Water-efficient Appliances (dishwasher, washing machine)
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems
- Dual-flush Toilets
- Solar Panels
- Low-VOC Paint
- LED Lighting
- Eco-Friendly Cabinets
- Natural Fiber Rugs and Carpets
6. Food/Drink:
Here are some examples of eco-friendly food products:
- Organic Fruits and Vegetables
- Plant-Based Proteins
- Sustainable Seafood
- Organic Dairy Products
- Eco-Friendly Packaging
- Whole Foods
- Sustainable Pet Foods
7. Baby/Kids:
Here are some examples of eco-friendly bathroom products:
- Cloth Diapers
- Biodegradable diapers
- Organic Baby Clothing
- Natural Baby Skin Care Products
- Eco-Friendly Baby Bottles
- Organic Baby Food
- Sustainable Toys
- Eco-Friendly Strollers
- Organic Cotton Swaddles and Blankets
- Reusable Baby Wipes
8. Office/School Supplies:
Here are some examples of eco-friendly Office/school products:
- Recycled Paper Products
- Reusable Notebooks
- Eco-Friendly Pens and Pencils
- Recycled or Biodegradable Binders
- Sustainable Staplers and Staples
- Eco-Friendly Highlighters
- Recycled Content File Folders and Envelopes
- Sustainable Desk Accessories
- Non-Toxic Whiteboard Markers
- Recycled or Biodegradable Tape
9. Travel Products
Here are some examples of eco-friendly travel products:
- Reusable Water Bottles
- Solar-Powered Chargers
- Eco-Friendly Toiletries
- Reusable Travel Utensils
- Eco-Friendly Luggage
- Eco-Friendly Travel Pillow
- Eco-Friendly Travel Towels
- Sustainable Portable Water Filters
- Solar-Powered Lanterns
- Natural Fiber Travel Hats
10. Outdoor/Garden Products:
Here are some examples of eco-friendly garden products:
- Compost Bins
- Rain Barrels
- Solar Garden Lights
- Organic Fertilizers
- Natural Pest Control
- Eco-Friendly Garden Tools
- Solar-Powered Water Features
- Recycled Plastic Fencing
- Eco-Friendly Garden Hoses
- Natural Fiber Garden Gloves
11. Others
- Vegan Leather Tote
- Sustainable watches
- Stainless steel pegs
- Reusable Baking Mats
- Sustainable Umbrella
- Vegan Shoes
- Wool Dryer Balls
- Eco-friendly Pet Toys
- Sustainable Pet Grooming Products
- Eco-Friendly Cat House
- Sustainable Pet Clothes
- Sustainable Furniture
- Secondhand Furniture
- Eco-friendly Backpack
