It’s Easier to Be Green 

Until recently, a shopper would be hard pressed to find many options for ecologically-sound necessities. While awareness of certain harmful products such as aerosol and plastic has been common for a few decades now, there have not been many appropriate substitutes to choose from. As concern for the planet increases with each generation, manufacturers have been steadily answering the demand. Whether a few tweaks to an existing product or an entirely new line of products appears, shoppers can now choose wisely from most of their preferred merchants. If you are interested in making the switch to natural products or you would like to expand your current supply, consider the following suggestions for the most commonly purchased items.

Household Cleaning 

If you have ever used a more traditional, mass-produced cleaning product, you have probably noticed that they usually contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to your skin and lung health. Items like window, dish and surface cleaners are used daily by some households, and therefore can increase the risk of ill effects. While some of these products can be replaced with natural do-it-yourself concoctions or store brand versions, you can also shop websites such as myecofix for a great selection of cleaning items to suit your needs. Load up your virtual shopping cart and everything will be conveniently delivered to your door. 

Health and Beauty

It can be troubling when you discover that your favorite lipstick is made with petroleum, or the daily supplement that you have taken for years contains added artificial colors or preservatives. While these ingredients may not seem outwardly nefarious, their production has a big impact on natural resources, and of course on the user’s health over time.  When perusing the store shelves - or the online inventories for cosmetics and health products, be sure to check for labels such as “free of harmful chemicals”. Luckily, these products are becoming quite common and the corporations who sell them are practicing more transparency with their labeling. There are also lists available online of additives to avoid so that you can better familiarize yourself with  which items are safe. The best course of action starts with self-education and - as a result -  empowerment. Your future self will be glad that you made healthier self-care decisions. 

Clothing and Accessories

Recycling is a hot topic, and there are many ways that you can support this popular practice. Second Hand shops are a great way to reuse unwanted clothing, shoes and even school backpacks and women’s purses to outfit your family for much less than regular department store prices. There are even shops dedicated to only selling used children’s clothing, so families can take advantage of  low prices and greater varieties for their rapidly growing offspring. The standards by which most of these thrift shops operate allow only gently used items to be sold, so that the buyer is getting a great deal while helping to reduce the number of perfectly good items placed in trash dumpsters. This way, unwanted items are kept out of landfills and given new life.

Another role that recycling has taken in the clothing industry is the use of recycled materials such as plastic to manufacture textiles. These new products are also labeled as “made with recycled plastic” or “manufactured with recycled materials”. This can mean less plastic in the landfills and oceans, and more durable jeans on the clothing racks. As manufacturers discover more practical and consumer-driven uses for plastic, the level of waste should diminish drastically over the years. Soon we will see an increasing number of other items such as outerwear and even intimates made with reused products. 

Keeping the earth healthy and improving our carbon footprint doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little effort and unity, we can continue to expand our options and improve conditions for generations to come. Long live Earth!