As smart consumers, we've all become increasingly more aware of the importance of shopping for sustainable, eco-friendly products [1] in the home, for our skin, and, of course, for our families. That can come in the form of using reusable snack bags, metal straws, or buying kid-friendly products that are as eco-friendly as possible. Next year is going to be a big one for brand transparency and smart consumer behaviour. If you want to make a few changes around the home, we have 15 ideas to get you going.
Ecobags Organic Net Produce Bag
Ecobags Organic Net Produce Bag [2] ($8) are a USA-made reusable shopping bag that reduces the need for using plastic and paper at the supermarket. Bringing your own reusable bag when shopping is such a simple change. To make things easier, every time you unload your groceries, immediately put the bags back in your car or store in a spot you see often so you don't forget they exist.
Klean Kanteen Kid Kanteen Stainless Steel Sippy Bottle
A Klean Kanteen Kid Kanteen Stainless Steel Sippy Bottle [3] ($16) is a great way to keep your kids hydrated without using plastic cups or bottles and straws. You can even ask your waiter at a restaurant to refill your bottle instead of giving your little one a brand new cup.
Honest Co. Baby Nappies
Cloth nappies are awesome [4] for the environment, but they require a lot of time and energy. The next best alternative is a disposable nappy made with recycled and plant-based components. I love The Honest Co. Nappies [5] ($11) because of how they're made, but also because they're freaking adorable.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag
Get rid of your plastic baggies, and invest in this Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag [6] ($12).
Dapple Baby Plant Based All Over Bath Towel Wipes
The company behind Dapple Baby Plant Based All Over Bath Towel Wipes [7] ($7) is all about safe baby products: no brighteners, dyes, artificial fragrances, and fillers. And all products are nontoxic and made with prebiotic botanical extract blend.
My Serenity Kids Variety Pack
Everything My Serenity Kids Variety Pack [8] ($30) produces is made from organic vegetables and ethical meats from small American family farms. The Austin-based company has also partnered with TerraCycle to help families recycle their empty pouches.
Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
If you aren't down for cleaning your house with vinegar and water, Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate [9] ($14) is one my favourite cleaning products. The brand is cruelty-free and uses plant-derived ingredients that smell amazing. You can clean pretty much everything in your entire house with this.
Pure Homemaker Wool Laundry Dryer Balls
The Pure Homemaker Wool Laundry Dryer Balls [10] ($9) are a great alternative to single-use dryer sheets. I love putting a few drops of my favourite essential oils onto each dryer ball so that my clothes still have that fresh smell that dryer sheets offer.
Koffie Straw
Americans use more than 500 million single-use straws each day [11]. Koffie Straws [12] ($12) are a great alternative because they are silicone and can go in hot drinks and in the dishwasher without damage. Silicone is also better for my kids, since biting into stainless steel or glass straws can hurt their teeth if they bite down on them.
Plan Toys Sustainable Play Flower Pot Set
When we're at the store, my kids and I usually end up talking about sustainability and how toys are made. I want something that uses mindful manufacturing practices, minimal and biodegradable packageing, and will still last awhile. Plan Toys offers a lot of cool sustainable wooden toys [13], like blocks, puzzles, and this Plan Toys Sustainable Play Flower Pot Set [14] ($15) — a favourite toy for my kids — as well as high chairs, mobiles, and even dolls.
Tiny Organics
Packageing is really important to Tiny Organics [15] (prices vary). It's 100 percent recyclable, and meals are made fresh daily and shipped frozen in temperature-controlled boxes with insulation made out of recycled materials.
Glad OdourShield Small Kitchen 100% Compostable Trash Bags
These genius Glad OdourShield Small Kitchen 100% Compostable Trash Bags [16] ($6) were made for food waste.
Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wraps
These Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wraps [17] ($18) will change your lunchtime routine.
Bamboo Towels
These brilliant Bamboo Towels [18] ($14) are machine-washable, and one roll can last up to six months.
Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Sports Water Bottle
This Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Sports Water Bottle [19] ($45) is our water bottle of choice. It's easy to carry around, contains plenty of water, and is bright, so you'll always know which one's yours.