May 2, 2018

How to Choose Eco-Friendly Products for Your Home




There are a lot of products that we buy for our homes. From cleaning supplies to cosmetics to food, people are constantly buying new products to bring home to their families. Unfortunately, not many people think about whether or not the products they're buying are eco-friendly. In today's society, not only are eco-friendly products better for the environment, but they can be better for our health too. So with that in mind, here are a few tips to help you choose eco-friendly products next time you're out shopping.

First, it's a good idea to think about how the product was made. And seeing as how the 2016 West Rock Consumer Insights Study found that 45% of consumers have chosen a certain product because the packaging was environmentally friendly, more people are starting to care about how products are made. This can include thinking about the life cycle of the item, including the materials it's made from, how it was made, how durable it is, and whether or not it can be recycled. This can be difficult to do sometimes because some products may be eco-friendly in one way but not another. Overall, it's important to use your best judgment and try to pick the most eco-friendly product as possible.


Additionally, it's important to consider the ingredients in the product. This is especially true when it comes to products like cleaning supplies and cosmetics. A good rule of thumb is that if an item doesn't tell you what ingredients it contains, don't buy it. Also, when it comes to ingredients, less is definitely more. The more ingredients something has, the more likely it is to be harmful. So when you're looking at ingredients, look for ingredients you know for sure are harmful, like ammonia and bleach. If you see ingredients you know aren't good, choose something else.

It can be difficult to decide where to buy eco-friendly products in the first place. With half of all consumers entering businesses just because of the signage they saw, many people choose whatever is most convenient for them. But one of the best places to get safe, eco-friendly products? Your house! Believe it or not, making eco-friendly products is much easier than it sounds. By using non-toxic ingredients, like baking soda, castile soap, and lemon juice, you can make any and all product you'll need at home. Of course, it may take some time and practice to get it right, but it's worth it knowing you're helping both the environment and your family.

And last but not least, it's important to do your research. By looking into the products you use on a regular basis, you may be shocked at how un-environmentally friendly they are. Fortunately, you can easily find eco-friendly alternatives online or by just asking around. This little bit of extra work can help you a lot in the long run.

Choosing eco-friendly products is a lot easier than it seems. While it may time some added time and effort, you can feel good about choosing products that aren't harmful to your family or the environment.

Devin is a writer and an avid reader. When she isn't lost in a book or writing, she's busy in the kitchen trying to perfect her slow cooker recipes. You can find her poetry published in The Adirondack Review and Cartridge Lit.

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