UPDATE 4/22/2020: Happy Earth Day! Hope you’re all doing well and staying healthy out there! I wanted to update a few goodies in this blog post, so keep an eye out for the updated sections (they’ll be labeled, such as this one) and happy shopping/learning! Remember, let’s treat the earth kindly everyday!
BONUS: I had the absolute pleasure to chat all things sustainability and beauty, and of course, Enneagram…with one of my longtime gal-pals Molly (@maisonpur) of Maison Pur! We had a lot of fun with this Girl Talk Episode! Hope you enjoy it! LISTEN HERE!
This post is a long time comin’! I’ve got that highlight on my Instagram called “waste-free” that’s a huge hit, but let’s be real, this is long overdue! I don’t want to gab too much on what I’m about to share – cus, well, you know by now that I’m a big advocate for sustainable living. Whether that be conscious, ethical shopping and slow fashion, limiting consumption of single-use plastics (I say completely eradicate it), composting and recycling properly and other zero-waste lifestyle changes – I am ALL ABOUT IT. We need to respect the earth we live on and be good stewards of our actions and lifestyles.
So I wanted to share some of my faves ranging from home to food + drink to beauty and more! I hope you take away something from this post and practice sustainable living as best as you can! Let me know in the comments what you think and if there are any practices or even brands I missed and should know about! Happy browsing!
Choosing products in packaging that is sustainable is a surefire way to cut back on the amount of plastic that ends up in our landfills, and it’s a great way to avoid toxic chemicals!
The following materials are great to pick from when choosing sustainable products/packaging!
- Bamboo
- Strength and Durability – Bamboo is a durable material that can withstand great amounts of stress, having mechanical properties 2 to 3 times better than traditional timber. Your sustainable bamboo packaging can and should be reused!
- Quick Growing – Bamboo grows much faster than real wood, making it much more renewable and requiring less land and resources to produce. Among the world’s fastest growing plants, bamboo can grow one inch (2.5 centimeters) approx. every 40 minutes!
- Locally Sourced – Bamboo grows in many different parts of the world, and as a result, packaging produced with bamboo is often locally sourced. This is much more eco-friendly, limiting transportation costs and carbon footprints.
- Earth Friendly – Bamboo is a hardy, easy-to-grow grass that helps promote healthy soil and doesn’t require replanting after harvesting. Bamboo packaging is biodegradable and can be composted. CLEARLY A WINNER!
- Compostable/Biodegradable Cardboard
- Renewable resource – since it’s made from recycled paper pulp, when properly manufactured and disposed of , it’s considered a renewable resource.
- Renewable resource – since it’s made from recycled paper pulp, when properly manufactured and disposed of , it’s considered a renewable resource.
- Glass & Metal
- 100% Recyclable! FOR THE MOST PART. Unfortunately, different glass has various melting points, meaning they can’t usually be processed for recycling together without the risk of them damaging equipment or contaminating each other and compromising the structural integrity of the recycled glass — and after all, you wouldn’t want a recycled drinking glass to crumble in your hands. Now, this doesn’t mean that all of those other types of glass aren’t recyclable at all. It just means that they’re usually not all accepted together in a curbside recycling program — if your city accepts glass for recycling, they most likely stick to accepting glass bottles and jars that held food and drink. So what to do with a non-container glass? As always, reusing is a smart choice if your old glasses, vases, and dishes are in good shape. Donate them to charity or a thrift store, or pass them on to family and friends who may want them. Window glass can also be reclaimed and reused by businesses or charities!
- Glass Bottles & Jars – These can typically be infinitely recycled into new packaging! No loss of quality. Interesting fact, though, Frosted Glass typically cannot be recycled!
- Repurpose – One of my favourite ways to recycle glass is to repurpose it! Either for food storage, transform it into a vase or even a drinking glass…whatever your heart desires!
- INTERESTING FACT – It does, however, take 1 million years to biodegrade, which technically is the longest-lasting man-made material. BUT, its still better than plastic because it doesn’t leach or have BPA. And again, it is super easy to recycle.
(source: https://livegreen.recyclebank.com/column/because-you-asked/what-kinds-of-glass-can-i-recycle)
- Silicone
- Eco-Friendly – Silicone is a manmade substance and it’s not biodegradable, and because it’s more resistant to heat it may even take longer than plastic to breakdown naturally if it ends up in landfill. BUT, although silicone isn’t biodegradable, it can technically can be recycled, however, it’s currently pretty difficult to find somewhere to recycle silicone products. Local waste collection services don’t usually accept silicone for recycling, although you could contact them to find out if any recycling options are available. Alternatively, you could try a program such as Terracycle’s Zero Waste Kitchen Box service. It isn’t a cheap recycling option but you could always get together with a group of friends or work colleagues and share the cost of recycling your old silicone products.
(source: https://naturaler.co.uk/is-silicone-eco-friendly-recyclable)
- Eco-Friendly – Silicone is a manmade substance and it’s not biodegradable, and because it’s more resistant to heat it may even take longer than plastic to breakdown naturally if it ends up in landfill. BUT, although silicone isn’t biodegradable, it can technically can be recycled, however, it’s currently pretty difficult to find somewhere to recycle silicone products. Local waste collection services don’t usually accept silicone for recycling, although you could contact them to find out if any recycling options are available. Alternatively, you could try a program such as Terracycle’s Zero Waste Kitchen Box service. It isn’t a cheap recycling option but you could always get together with a group of friends or work colleagues and share the cost of recycling your old silicone products.
- Recycled Plastic
- Repurposing Plastic – This is probably my least favourite option, but it is one! Some companies repurpose plastic into new packaging or even make clothing out of it! While I don’t love this idea of using plastic at all, and it may not be ideal (in terms of a renewable resource), it can be better than some if the other alternatives.
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UPDATED
Before we dive into my categorized faves, I wanted to highlight an incredible one-stop-shop for all things sustainable: EarthHero!
This online shop has it all, from beauty to clothing + accessories, baby + kids, travel, home, outdoors, even audio + tech…they’ve got the most sustainable finds! Better materials, cleaner production, high quality, a lower carbon footprint and less waste! I ARE HERE FOR IT!
On any given day, I’ve got a 10% off discount code*: HULLOSAM.
But, seeing as how it’s Earth Week, here’s your very own code for 15% off AND they’re donating one meal through Food Recovery Network! Use code EARTHWEEK *Free Shipping on orders $50+, always! (I’ll be highlighting some of my faves in the categories below as well!)
SHOP EARTHHERO HERE!
If you’re looking for more deals today, head to my IG stories for more! I’ll save them in my “waste-free” highlight as well!
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HOME
DRINK
- Klean Kanteen 5 Piece Straw + Brush Set (Silicone + Steel)
- U-Konserve Stainless Steel Straws
- Reusable Glass Straws
- Mason Jars
- Joco Cup 12oz
- bkr Bottle Spiked Prenup Glass Water Bottle
- Hydro Flask 22oz Tumbler
- Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Portable Drinkware 16oz
- Klean Kanteen Classic Insulated Water Bottle 20oz
- Reusable Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Filter
FOOD STORAGE
- Zip Top Containers (100% platinum silicone)
- Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bags
- Pyrex Ultimate Glass Lid 10-Piece Storage and Transport Set
- Abeego Beeswax Wraps
- Reusable Organic/Unbleached Mesh Produce Bags
- Vejibag Organic Produce Storage Bag
KITCHEN
- Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods
- REDECKER Horsehair Dish Brush with Untreated Beechwood Handle
- REDECKER Curved Beechwood Dish Brush
- Reusable Swedish Dishcloth 2pk
- Beechwood Saucepan Brush
- Stonewear Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Natural Home Brands Recycled Glass Soap Pump
- Almond Cow (limits you having to go out to buy nut milks, you can just make it at home and saves you a lot of money/less waste!) (use code hullosam for $15 off and free shipping!)
BATHROOM + LAUNDRY
- Cora Microfibre Laundry Ball
- Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls
- MELIORA Gentle Home Cleaning Soft Scrub
- Full Circle Scrub Queen Toilet Brush Refill
ON THE GO
- Klean Kanteen Sport Water Bottle (Leak Proof)
- Bamboo Utensils Set
- Baggu Reusable Bags
- Baggu Fanny Pack
- Stainless Steel Drinking Jar Lid
- Charcoal Stick Water Filter
- GoPure Pod Water Filter
- Joco Cup
HEALTH + BEAUTY
BEAUTY BRANDS
Definitely going to elaborate a bit when it comes to the beauty section, since this is my favourite! I will say though that back in the day mascara came separate (in a container) from the brush, and people used good brushes, caring for them for a lifetime! The (mostly) mainstream cosmetics/salon and pharmaceutical industries are HORRIBLE when it comes to contributing to plastic waste. There absolutely needs to be a step toward compostable bags for pills and powders. And you can reuse those reusable mascara wands – just wash them instead of continually throwing them out and buying more.
I highly suggest you check the rest of the links and brands I share by clicking the links! Read up on the brand/company and what they’re creating, the packaging information and more!
- Aether Beauty Eyeshadow Palettes – fully recyclable with the removal of the eyeshadow pans and elastic. No magnetic strip or mirror! 10% of proceeds go to The Water Project; which provides clean, safe, and reliable water and sanitation solutions across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Antonym Cosmetics – compacts are made of sustainable bamboo and their paper used is either recycled or FSC (sustainable forest) paper.
- Au Naturale Cosmetics – mostly aluminum packaging and their boxes product comes in are 100% post-consumer waste. They also use sustainably sourced palm oil: Palm Done Right. (HULLOSAM for 20% off the entire purchase.)
- Crunchi Cosmetics – mostly glass and cardboard packaging. Their foundations, concealers, brow pomade are in glass and the rest is mostly recyclable cardboard packaging. Minus their lipglosses/bronzer/powder.
- Elate Cosmetics – bamboo packaging from China. However, they work closely with a green-certified, fair-trade manufacturer. All of the bamboos are water processed, not chemically treated and their products – such as their powders – are sold separately from the compact so you only have to buy it once and refill the insides. I love that their refills are packaged in seed paper which can be planted in your garden! Another great thing Elate does is any plastic that comes with shipping boxes is always reused by their company and never purchased. You can also let them know at the checkout if you’re wanting to do plastic-free and they’ll curate it to your needs!
- Faraday Face – 100% zero-waste makeup line! The makeup is compacted into thin aluminum pans and placed in recyclable cardboard palettes, then fastened with a ribbon made of untreated Japanese linen (as opposed to magnets which can redirect packaging to landfill). AMAZING.
- Good Medicine Beauty Lab – a lovely line of natural skincare products and pretty botanical perfumes packaged in glass.
- ILIA Beauty – products are housed in glass and/or recycled aluminum cases.
- Kari Gran – they use Miron glass which is a very cool 100% recyclable dark violet glass that blocks the complete spectrum of visible light. This eliminates the need for preservatives.
- Kjaer Weis – they use a refill system. The product (even their mascara) is housed in a weighty and luxurious metal compact that pivots/slides open.
- Leahlani Skincare – mostly glass packaging, although it is frosted glass, so check to see if your local recycling center recycles this type of glass. Better yet, see if your local clean beauty shop has a recycling program!
- Mahalo Skin Care – bamboo packaging and you can get an “imperfectly packaged” product at a discount!
- Osmia Organics – skincare products are housed in glass with EcoCert-approved recyclable pumps or 100% recycled cardboard tubes with recyclable metal tops. All of the boxes they use are made with recyclable, FSC certified paper and printed with non-toxic, soy-based ink. Their amazing organic soaps come in partially recycled, chlorine-free watercolor paper.
- Province Apothecary – all glass or paper packaging! They also accept returns of their primary packaging as an effort to increase sustainability and recycling efficiency. They make sure it’s recycled properly, or given the chance to be used again. (I believe it must be local though – not entirely sure!) (Use code HULLOSAM for 15% off – excluding custom serums, gift cards, and treatments.)
- rms Beauty – minimal packaging; most products are in glass and all of it is biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable.
- Sappho New Paradigm – a fellow Canadian company (WOO!) using glass, metal, and cardboard packaging. Even their CC tubes, Primer tubes, and sample tubes are treated with a special compound made in the U.S. that renders them biodegradable in a landfill in 2-7 years!
- Tata Harper Skincare – the majority of their packaging is made of glass. If using plastic, it’s for the function of the packaging and is as eco-friendly as possible. The plastic resin for their tubes is derived from corn – so it’s made from a renewable resource instead of petroleum. The cartons they use have the Sustainable Forestry Initiative label. They also use recycled cardboard and print with soy-based inks.
- Vapour Organic – mostly aluminum and glass packaging. Their product boxes are made from post-consumer recycled paper printed with soy ink. Their lab uses a flood-fill system to reduce waste. An extra tidbit (aside from their product) that’s cool about Vapour is that they use passive-solar and wind power in their offices, warehouse, and lab. (HULLOSAM for 10% off your order)
PERSONAL CARE
- Reusable Organic Cotton Facial Rounds
- Marleys Monstors Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
- The Humble Co. Biodegradable Cotton Swabs
- Patch Biodegradable Natural Adhesive Bandage Strips
- David’s Natural Toothpaste
- Package Free Shop Shampoo Bar (one of my faves is their hydrator)
- HiBar Moisturize Shampoo Bar
- Human Kind Refillable Deodorant
- Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant
- Leaf Shave Pivoting Razor
- Saalt Menstrual Cup (my personal favourite)
BATHROOM
- Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper (Use code SAMIN for $10 off your first box of a subscription!)
- Kosmatology Hand Soap (HULLOSAM for 15% off entire purchase.)
COMPOST + RECYCLING
- Stainless Steel Compost Bin with Charcoal Filter
- Welded Cage Wire (to create your own compost “bin” – this is how we did ours in our backyard)
RESOURCES FOR COMPOSTING
- What you can and can’t compost
- Things You Shouldn’t Compost
- Cooking Oil Down The Drain or in the Compost Bin?
RESOURCES FOR RECYCLING
- Different Types of Plastic Film
- How To Recycle Bubble Mailers
- Plastic Film Recycling – Find A Drop-Off Location
- What To Do With? Find A Recyclable Item
- Recycle Guide To Caps, Lids and Tops
- The 7 Types of Plastic and What They Do To Your Health
- Recycling Guide
- TerraCycle Free Recycling Programs
CHARLOTTE, NC RECYCLING
- Residential Recycling Services
- I Was Recycling Wrong, and I Bet You Are As Well
- Full Circle Recycling and Disposal Centers
- Wipe Out Waste Guide
- Solid Waste Services
- The Toss Is Right!
xo
This post contains affiliate links + promo codes, which means that I receive a percentage of commission if any products are purchased through my links. As always, these are companies I have used personally, believe in and support. Also, thank you for supporting me, hullosam through your purchases. :)
Lois says
Sam! This is unbelievable!!
Wow wow wow. ???????