In today’s world, many of us have started becoming more aware of how our daily habits affect our planet. From which products we use to the way we dispose of them, more and more people are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to their everyday products. But sustainability is a big (and sometimes even daunting) topic, and it can be tricky to even figure out where to start on your eco journey. Lucky for you, these days there are plenty of options that will easily replace all those products you use on a daily basis.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of some of our eco-friendly and sustainable products that will help you reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing on quality or convenience.
But first…
Why should I switch to eco-friendly products?
Eco-friendly products have become more and more popular, but sustainability is more than just a passing trend. By switching over to sustainable products, you’ll begin to see countless benefits in your everyday life.
Cut down on waste and emissions
Traditional products often come packaged in disposable, single-use packaging which ends up creating massive amounts of waste that piles up in landfills and oceans. Eco-friendly products, on the other hand, are made of sustainable materials and are packaged with recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials which help you reduce waste and promote a more sustainable way of life.
Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals
Many conventionally made products like shampoos and laundry detergents may contain chemicals that can cause long term damage to your health. Meanwhile, most eco-friendly products actually happen to be made of organic, biodegradable, and/or vegan materials, which help to reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals. By switching over to eco-friendly products, you’ll be healing both the planet and yourself!
Support sustainable businesses
Choosing environmentally-friendly products instead of conventional options can support ethical and sustainable business practices, which helps both the planet and small businesses. With more people making the switch, we’ll also be able to signal to the world that there are people looking and crying out for more sustainable products, which could lead to an increase in eco-friendly businesses and products on the market.
Now that we’ve got that covered, here are some of our best-selling eco-friendly products, perfect for everyday living.
Kilombero White Rice (£3.50)
As the old saying goes, you are what you eat, and if you’re making the move to a more sustainable lifestyle you can easily start by reevaluating your diet. We recommend switching out some of your pantry staples with more environmentally friendly and sustainable options, like this Kilombero White Rice from Maggie’s African Twist. Hand sown in Northern Malawi, this rice is harvested using traditional eco-friendly methods to ensure the rice is good for both you and the planet.
By buying this organic rice, you’ll also be supporting smallholder farmers through their fair trade schemes, helping to create a brighter future for small businesses and their local community!
Bamboo Comb (£5)
If you’re on the look out for sustainable grooming products, these essential oil-infused Bamboo Combs by Muluku Cosmetics will be the perfect addition for your self-care routine. Bamboo is considered to be one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials on the planet. This is because it grows and reaches maturity very quickly, making it a renewable resource.
As an added bonus, bamboo combs are actually much better for your hair health compared to plastic combs, especially if you have a mini afro or beard. They’re naturally static-free and have a much gentler pull to help detangle hair while preventing damage. Before you know it, this comb will quickly become an essential part of your everyday routine.
Satin Face Masks (£6.50)
While we may be moving out of the pandemic, it’s still important to stay safe wherever you go. Masks are an excellent way of keeping safe, but disposable masks can be extremely detrimental to the environment due to the large amount of waste they create. This is why we recommend opting for reusable masks instead, like these Satin Face Masks from Bijou Harding. These masks are hand-washable and reusable, making them a great eco-friendly alternative to single use masks. The satin material also makes these masks extremely lightweight and comfortable to use every day, perfect for keeping you protected throughout the day.
Natural Deodorant Balm (£7.50)
Before you pick up another bottle of deodorant from your grocery store, you might want to have a look through its ingredients list. More often than not, they’ll contain many harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can hurt the environment. If you’re looking for a more sustainable alternative, check out this Natural Deodorant Balm from Restore 2 Nature. This natural deodorant is made of vegan-friendly and organic ingredients including coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and essential oils.
It also comes in recyclable plastic-free packaging to help reduce your environmental impact. Once you’ve used up all the product, you can easily recycle the metal tin or reuse it to store any knick knacks you have lying around.
Furoshiki Wrap Cloth (£9.99)
Wrapping paper has been the go-to way of presenting gifts for years, but what if we told you there are more eco-friendly options out there? Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, typically used to wrap and transport goods, and have recently become a popular sustainable alternative to single use gift wrapping paper.
This Furoshiki wrap cloth from The Copper Fruit is made of 100% cotton and features a vibrant African print, making this a zero waste option that’s both functional and stylish. By opting for these reusable wrapping cloths, you’ll be able to cut down on waste without sacrificing on the quality and look of your gift!
Reusable Bamboo Fibre Coffee Cup (£10)
Moving towards an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up on your daily cup of coffee. Kawah Coffee have released a range of Reusable Coffee Cups that make it easy for you to get your daily caffeine fix while also helping you cut down on waste. These reusable coffee cups are made of bamboo, a highly renewable and sustainable plant, along with several other non-GMO ingredients that help to create a sturdy coffee cup that will keep your latte piping hot.
Unlike plastic, which takes anywhere between 20 and 500 years to decompose, this material is naturally biodegradable and will break down within a year in landfill conditions. Most coffee shops have also started providing discounts on their beverages whenever you bring your own reusable coffee cup. With this handy reusable cup, you’ll be able to save the environment and your bank balance all at once!
Stainless Steel Travel Bottle (£27.99)
Reusable water bottles are all the rage, and for good reason. They’re an easy way to transition over to a more sustainable lifestyle without having to make too many major changes all at once. If you’re looking for a functional yet stylish option, this reusable bottle will definitely stand out from the crowd.
Featuring a design inspired by African textiles, this bottle is made of BPA-free stainless steel, a material that’s both hygienic and eco-friendly. The bottle is also fully insulated to help keep your beverage warm or cold for up to 10 hours! So whether it’s carrying your vegan latte or an ice cold lemonade, this bottle will help you take your favourite drinks on the go while reducing the amount of plastic waste you create.
Reversible African Print Bag (£25)
Another great way to reduce the amount of plastic waste you’re creating is to start using reusable shopping bags for your weekly food shops. One of our current favourites is this Reversible African Print Bag from Bukis. Made of 100% cotton, this reusable bag is a fashionable yet eco-friendly alternative to the disposable plastic bags you’ll find in supermarkets. It’s large enough that it can fit almost everything you need, and is also reversible so you can change the design without having to buy a completely new bag – making this an even more sustainable option. If you’re looking to go plastic-free, this reusable bag is a great way to get started.
Eco-Picnic Hug Hamper (£43.99)
If you’re taking your first step into leading a more sustainable life, congratulations! This is definitely an occasion to celebrate, so why not throw an eco conscious picnic for you and your friends. This Eco-Picnic Hamper by the experts at Hug Hamper is packed with all the essentials you’ll need for your next eco-friendly picnic including a picnic blanket, plates, cutlery, cups, napkins, and a couple of ice packs to keep your drinks cool on those hot summer days.
The amazing thing about this hamper is that everything that comes in it is recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and/or reusable! So for anyone looking to put together the ultimate, guilt-free picnic be sure to pick this up for those upcoming sunny days.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped show you that switching over to an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard. It all starts with the small changes we can make in our everyday lives, like what soap we use and how we carry our groceries. There are so many options available out there that can help us all lead more environmentally conscious lives.
And, if you’re looking to give eco-friendly presents, check out our gifts page for a wide range of gorgeous gifts that are good for both the planet and your loved ones! All sourced from Black-owned businesses with proud African and Caribbean roots, these are gifts that are sure to delight and inspire your loved ones.
Once these little changes start adding up, you’ll turn into an eco-warrior in no time and help create a more sustainable world for all the future generations to come! So let’s start by taking that first step together towards a healthier and greener planet.
