Reduce your environmental impact with reusable straws, solar-powered gadgets and eco-friendly shoes.
This story is part of the CNET Zero series documenting the effects of climate change and exploring what is being done to address the issue.
I recently decided to ditch disposable dryer pads and switch to wool dryer balls. I thought this would be a small step for me to live more sustainably as they are reusable, eco-friendly and save energy by reducing drying time. However, since I live in a poor area, I had to turn to Amazon to do my shopping. Of course, when my new wool drying balls were packaged in a giant cardboard box, I was overcome with guilt and anxiety. Is it worth it in the long run? Certainly. But it reminds me that it’s important to consider the entire life cycle of a product every time you make a purchase.
Trying to shop more sustainably is a worthwhile endeavor, but it can also be tricky and confusing. Even when you buy products labeled as eco-friendly, you are still buying new products, which means that raw materials, water and energy are used to produce and transport them, which in itself has a negative impact on the environment. Not only that, in a world where corporations and governments are responsible for most of the emissions, it can be hard to know which brands to trust. There are a growing number of companies guilty of greenwashing—spreading false or misleading environmental claims—so it’s important to do your own research.
Your best bet for sustainable shopping is to shop locally, buy used items, and reuse and repurpose old items instead of throwing them away. However, depending on your lifestyle, budget, and where you live, this may not always be possible. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of products that can in some way help you create a greener home and maybe even minimize your long-term environmental impact. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, save energy, or lead a healthier lifestyle, these products can help you take small steps towards a more sustainable life.
This might be one of the most stylish reusable lunch bags we’ve come across. It has a practical shoulder strap and is not too bulky but big enough to hold a lunchbox, snacks, ice pack and water bottle. It is made from recycled plastic bottles and is free of BPA and phthalates. Plus, the insulated fabric lining helps keep food cold or warm for hours – perfect for bringing food to the office or school, especially when your kids are past the Paw Patrol Lunch Box milestone.
There are many wool drying balls available, but I’m drawn to these “smiling sheep”. Not only are they ridiculously cute, but they get the job done. They really cut down on drying time, especially when I need to dry my towels or sheets. If you want to spend a little less, a six-pack of Smart Sheep Plain White Dryer Balls is $17 on Amazon. Tip: I like to use them with a lavender essential oil spray to give my bedding a light, fresh scent.
These sheets are not cheap but they are super breathable with luxurious quality and feel. They are made from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton from India without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. You’ll sleep better knowing your sheets are chemical-free, non-toxic and responsibly sourced. Pricing starts at $98 for a 400 gauge double weave single ply. A set of 600-thread-count queen-size sheets is $206.
As someone who loves their daily Starbucks iced tea, these stainless steel straws are a worthwhile investment. They are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable plastic straws and are much nicer to taste and feel than paper straws. Oxo reusable straws are strong, lightweight and feature a removable silicone tip for easy cleaning. The kit includes a small brush – a necessary thing if you want to completely get rid of this unpleasant residue.
No need to use a lot of parchment or aluminum foil in the kitchen. Made from fiberglass mesh with non-stick silicone coating, this reusable Silpat baking mat is a great eco-friendly product. It withstands oven after oven and saves you the hassle of greasing the baking sheet. I use Silpat in the kitchen almost every day when I’m baking cookies, frying vegetables, or using it as a non-stick mat when kneading dough.
If you or your loved one loves sparkling water, SodaStream may be a smart investment. Not only will this help you cut costs, but it will also reduce your use of cans or single-use plastic, which is especially important given how much waste ends up in landfills. With an easy to use hand pump and compact design, SodaStream Terra is CNET’s top choice as the best soda maker for most people. (And yes, you can increase your savings and sustainability by choosing a different brand and using a refillable CO2 tank, but that takes some knowledge and effort.)
These leggings are indispensable during training or leisure. The Girlfriend Collective leggings are made from 79% recycled water bottles and 21% spandex for comfort and stretch in the era of sustainable fast fashion. Amanda Capritto of CNET said, “I have these medium sized leggings, so while I can’t vouch for other sizes, I can imagine leggings for everyone, mostly because girlfriends emphasize body portability.”
Don’t forget about your favorite furry friends! From beds to leashes, accessories and treats, our pets need a variety of items, but if you shop responsibly, you can reduce their environmental impact. We love The Foggy Dog’s stylish collars and bandanas, but we love the plush squeaky toy the most. Handcrafted from recycled materials and recycled fabrics, this adorable toy is durable and well made. With each order, the company donates half a pound of dog food to rescue shelters.
According to reports, 8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean from land every year, and it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Green Toys makes toys from plastic collected from beaches and waterways that ends up in the water. He also uses 100% recycled plastic to make a variety of other toys, mostly milk containers. This is a stable system. Toys start at $10 and include:
Disposable water bottles have become an environmental plague and Rothy’s has turned them into a range of stylish and eco-friendly products for men, women and children. While plastic water bottles don’t usually come in particularly bright colors, Rothy’s has a tasteful range of shoes for kids starting at $55, men’s and women’s shoes starting at $119. The company says it has repurposed millions of plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Adidas recycles plastic ocean waste found along its coastline and uses it (instead of virgin plastic) across its entire Primeblue clothing line. The company, which currently sells shirts, shorts and shoes made from Parley Ocean Plastic, is committed to eliminating virgin polyester from its entire product line by 2024. Terrex headbands start at $12 and Parley bomber jackets go up to $300.
Nimble makes these crates from 100% recycled plastic bottles and donates 5% of proceeds to a range of environmental causes including Coral Reef Alliance, Carbonfund.org and SeaSave.org. Prices start at $25.
If you’re packing lunches for work or school, you’ve probably used an incredible amount of single-use bags in your lifetime. These reusable silicone stasher bags can withstand the rigors of the microwave and freezer and will happily fit in your lunch box. Put them in the dishwasher for cleaning.
Here’s a slightly different approach to the plastic bag puzzle. These designer bags are made from cotton and lined with food grade polyester. What makes them so intriguing is the design: kitten, squid, turtle and mermaid scales make them environmentally friendly. And yes, they are reusable and dishwasher safe.
Plastic has filled your home with more than just sandwich bags. Grocery bags may look thin and light, but they still cause problems. The Flip and Tumble reusable shopping bag is made from polyester and is machine washable. Transparent mesh allows you to see what’s inside.
While we’re thinking about reducing the use of plastic and harsh chemicals in our packaging, check out these solid shampoos from Ethique. These natural cleansers come in a variety of formulations for oily and dry hair as well as damage control. There is even an eco-friendly dog-only cleansing shampoo. The bars are abuse-free, meet TSA standards and are compostable, the company says. Each bar will help you feel cleaner and should be the equivalent of three bottles of liquid shampoo.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your own beeswax when you’re using beeswax-soaked cling film instead of plastic wrap or bags. These reusable food wraps are made from organic beeswax, resins, jojoba oil and cotton. You heat these biodegradable foods with your hands before wrapping food in them or covering bowls or plates.
Get rid of waste and turn kitchen scraps into gardening gold with a compost bin that can be placed on the countertop or under the sink. This special design does not require the additional cost and inconvenience associated with compostable bags. After throwing the disposable products into the main basket, you can clean them with a simple scraper.
Panasonic eneloop rechargeable batteries are popular for their long life. It may take some time to recharge them, but it’s better than tossing an endless stream of dead batteries into the trash.
Going offline just got a little easier with the BioLite SolarHome 620 kit. It includes a solar panel, three overhead lights, wall switches and a control box that doubles as a radio and gadget charger. The system can be used to illuminate a cab or camper, or as a backup system in the event of a power outage.
If you want to dedicate the world to those who care about our planet, the decorative Mova globe uses solar cell technology to spin silently in any indoor ambient light or indirect sunlight. Batteries and wires are not required.
Post time: Mar-17-2023