1. Recycled Glass

Unlike plastic, which often is derived from fossil fuels, glass is made from sand. This renewable resource doesn’t contain any chemicals that can leach into your food or body. And it’s easily recycled — glass produced from recycled glass is melted at lower temperatures thus lowering energy requirements for production compared to glass produced directly from raw materials. Container manufacturers and the fiberglass industry together reuse 3.35 million tons of recycled glass annually.

2. Bamboo Fibre

Bamboo is considered one of the most renewable resources on the planet and one of the most Eco-Friendly Materials, since it is naturally pest-resistant, grows incredibly fast and can actually help rebuild eroded soil. It also regenerates without need for replanting and requires minimal fertilisation or pesticides. Natural bamboo fibres are created from the pulp of bamboo grass. There are actually two methods (mechanical and chemical) of extracting fabric from the bamboo plant. These methods do have some environmental drawbacks but could potentially be sustainable.

3. Starch-based Biocompatible (Bioplastics)

As a totally biodegradable, low-cost, renewable and natural polymer, starch has been receiving lots of attention for developing as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastic which take thousands of years to biodegrade in the environment. Corn and potato starch can be used to produce tableware, straws, cups, and packaging are commonly made from plastics. A combination of revitalizing old ideas and revolutionizing plastic technology to make biocompatible products looking and feeling just like regular plastic may be the right step forward.

4. Recycled Paper

Million trees, many may come from endangered forests, are killed each year to produce ‘virgin paper’ (paper that comes directly from trees). Recycling paper is one of the easiest ways to have a positive impact on the environment. For every ton of paper that is recycled, 17 trees are spared. This is enough to significantly impact the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and keep paper out of our landfills. You can recycle most paper, including white office paper, newspaper and mixed-colour paper, through a local recycling program. You can also reduce your use and reuse your paper when possible.

5. Organic Cotton

Conventional cotton production using toxic pesticides and fertilisers and around 11,000 litres of water for every kilogram of cotton can have a huge impact on the environment. If you want to make a positive change, and support a better future, then start with small changes in making your lifestyle a little bit healthier by switching to organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without harmful toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers and requires less water meaning lower impact on the surrounding areas. Although organic cotton products can cost more than conventional cotton due to farming and manufacturing processes, as consumers we may be worthy to pay the extra price to help promote a sustainable and eco-friendly industry.

6. Stainless Steel

Tough and easy to clean, stainless steel is a long-lasting, durable and 100% recyclable material. Stainless steel does not contain any potentially harmful chemicals and can replace many commonly used plastic materials and appliances in the kitchen such as single-use cups, storage containers, bins, and lunch boxes. In addition to its shine and beauty, food grade stainless steel serves as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic for your kitchenware.

7. Hemp

As a member of the Cannabis Sativa plant family, hemp dates back to more than 10,000 years ago with a myriad of uses such as paper making, cloth weaving and extracted oils for medicinal products and skincare. Hemp is an eco-friendly material because it usually doesn’t need as much water as regular cotton, and it needs few pesticides compared to other fibres. As a fabric, hemp is stronger and more lasting than cotton; it softens with use and yet, remains hard-wearing. Hemp also allows your skin to breathe better and regulates your body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

8. Stone wool

Stone wool, also known as mineral wool, comes from natural basalt rock and recycled slag (a mineral by-product of smelted ore). Over the past few years, stone wool has gained popularity as a valuable and sustainable building material due to its unique properties, including fire and water resilience. Unlike foamed plastic or fibreglass, stone wool can be engineered to provide higher thermal insulation and sound absorption. Made from one of the Earth’s most abundant minerals, stone wool can be a promising alternative for plastic in the building industry.

9. Aluminium

Do you know that aluminium is one of the most environmentally friendly metals on the planet? Often used as a beverage container, aluminium is the most recycled industrial metal in the world. Aluminium is an extraordinarily versatile, so it has been designed for use in all areas of our everyday lives. When compared to the reusable plastic products, an aluminium container will be more durable and last much longer. Aluminium is lightweight, recyclable and can be stacked to ship efficiently thus lowering carbon emissions through logistics and supply chains.

10. Biodegradable Plastics

Unlike bioplastics made from natural materials, biodegradable plastics is made from traditional petrochemicals, which are engineered to break down more quickly. Although closely resemble man-made polypropylene, biodegradable plastics aren’t as versatile as petroleum-based plastics and hasn’t been used in significant quantities because of higher manufacturing costs. A variety of products, including disposable package for foods, beverages and various medical applications can be made by biodegradable plastics. However, you might not be aware that biodegradable plastics do not decompose unless they are disposed of properly, they usually can’t be effectively composted and don’t usually break down in landfills.

Use Reusable Shopping Bags

For eco-friendly shopping starters, using heavy-duty shopping bags is a great way to help cut back on pollution. Plastic bags are not biodegradable and many of them end up entering the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them. Hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine mammals die every year after eating discarded plastic bags they mistake for food. Choosing reusable bags saves on non-renewable petroleum resources and protects the environment. It may take a bit to get into the habit of remembering to bring along environment friendly reusable bags, but the Earth will thank you in the long run.

Buy Local Products

Whenever it’s possible, try to purchase food products that are created locally. You’ll not only support your local community, but also will sustain some of the nutrients which might be lost in the process of being picked and shipped thousands of miles. You will also reduce your carbon footprint because of the reduced cost of transporting the products. When you shop at local butchers, bakers, farm shops and green grocers, your spending will also boost the local economy and you might build some personal relationships with local entrepreneurs.

Shop Seasonally

Food in-season not only tend to be less expensive, but it also requires less packaging or storage and reduce environmental impact of growing or transportation out of season products. For example, to apply eco-friendly shopping, instead of buying asparagus and strawberries in the winter, buy something else and wait until they are in season. What’s more, seasonal foods usually taste better and if you enjoy cooking, it may be fun to challenge your culinary skills with making more seasonal dishes.

Buy in Bulk

There are plenty of environmental and financial reasons to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk usually means cost savings in terms of both product price and gas consumption. You will also travel less for your bulk shopping trips, and this will contribute to improve the environment by reducing CO₂ emissions. Buying larger packages help to save on packaging waste, since individually packaged products use more plastic, which is harmful for the environment and the food chain.

Look for Recyclable Packaging

You can make your shopping experience greener by looking for products packaged in recyclable or reusable packages. Take a look at the packages and labels of the products, they usually tell a lot of important information about the products and the packages resources. In terms of reuse, environment friendly glass jars and plastic containers can be used to store buttons, craft supplies, and even leftovers. All you have to do is make a conscious effort to buy things you can work with instead of things that will simply be thrown away.

Buy Used Products

Another great way of transforming into a greener shopper is by purchasing second-hand items. You can do this online (through eBay, Craigslist, and similar sites) or by visiting local charity shops, yard sales, and flea markets. One of the major reasons why second-hand stores are doing well is because it saves money. But apart from being easy on the pocket, another benefit of purchasing used products is environment sustainability. Just as the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! You’ll be surprised at what you can find and supports everyone in the community.

Avoid Impulse Buys

When shopping, the unplanned decision to purchase something that you don’t need is what is called an impulse buy. If you’re one of these impulse buyers, you could avoid potential money problems and contribute to saving the planet by following a few simple tips. Planning is a great way to ensure you’re buying the products you need and avoid irrational decisions. Don’t carrying your credit cards, doing your research before a purchase and avoid going to shopping area are all effective ways to stop impulse buying.

Shopping Online

Shopping online can eliminate car trips and associated carbon emissions and on average, it lowers energy consumption and CO₂ emissions by about 30% compared to traditional retail. E-commerce needs less space and uses less energy since everything is operated through central warehouses. A MIT study suggests that online shopping customers reduce carbon footprint almost two times compare to brick-and-mortar shoppers.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth

Bamboo is a highly sustainable plant. Bamboo is grass and can grow to full size in just 3-4 months, compared to standard trees which can take 30+ years to grow. When you harvest bamboo, you aren’t killing a plant, you’re basically just mowing your lawn. This makes it a super sustainable alternative due to its naturally renewing properties.

Bamboo is good for the environment

Bamboo plants absorbs five times more carbon dioxide and produces 35% more oxygen than their wood counterparts. Bamboo plants have strong roots in the ground which makes the soil more stable. This means it can stabilise and restore the land and prevent landslides. In addition, with proper care, your bamboo products can be reused and wood from bamboo are biodegradable in nature as well.

Bamboo is strong and durable

Bamboo is one of the strongest materials on the planet and is named as the new ‘green steel’ for its versatility and strength in construction. Bamboo has a strong, natural fibre that has shown to be superior to similar materials, especially wood. It doesn’t break as easily as wood when bending it to form into various shapes and the amount of material needed to produce a sturdy product can be much less than woods.

Bamboo is safe and hygienic

Bamboo fibres are naturally anti-bacterial without needing any toxic chemical treatments, all thanks to its antimicrobial bio-agent called ‘bamboo kun’. This prevents bacteria and fungi to grow on bamboo products making it the perfect plant for naturally hygienic products such as bamboo straws and cutlery, keeping them sterile and fresh. Bamboo fibre is soft, gentle, and safe for even the most sensitive skin. Bamboo is also UV-resistant and also protects your skin from moisture with its natural wicking properties

Bamboo products provide so many benefits other materials can’t. Each time you purchase bamboo plant products, you not only create a better, more sustainable lifestyle for yourself, but also help to create a sustainable world for generations to come. Make the change today and switch to sustainable earth-loving bamboo products. We can all make a difference and create a positive future for our planet.