5 Most Common Eco-Friendly Products for Everyday Use

A family using eco-friendly products

Global warming is increasing, and the circumstances surrounding it are also getting worse and worse. According to the UN landmark report, it’s the “code red for humanity” because of frequent and intense heat waves and rising sea levels. Still, when it comes to climatic changes, the majority of end-users, especially the older generations, put their money where their mouth is. Fortunately, that’s not the case with millennials, as 68 percent of them prefer eco-friendly products. If you’re concerned about global warming, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best and most common eco-friendly products that you can buy for everyday use. Let’s get started.

Rechargeable Batteries

Batteries have become essential household items. Yet, a range of different chemicals are used to make batteries, and most of them are toxic. Not only are these chemicals harmful to the soil, but they can also cause water and air pollution. Consider using rechargeable batteries to keep them from landfills by prolonging their usage. You might need to pay more for rechargeable batteries, but in the long run, you’ll be able to save a lot by helping the environment at the same time.

Check Prices on Amazon

Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

BPA (Bisphenol-A) can cause infertility, and it’s usually found in plastic. You can now easily find toothbrushes with BPA-free soft bristles and handles made of bamboo. These toothbrushes also have plant-based packaging, and they can easily last as long as traditional plastic-made toothbrushes do. Not only do these toothbrushes help you play your part to save the planet, but they also keep you from medical conditions caused by BPA.

Check Prices on Amazon

Reusable Grocery Bags

We use about 500 billion to one trillion plastic bags across the globe every year. Carrying a reusable shopping bag is an easy way to help create a sustainable society. It’s important to note that some malls and big grocery stores have already stopped offering plastic bags to discourage their use. The trending reusable grocery bags such as Tote bags also allows you to stay fashionable. 

Check Prices on Amazon

E-Reader

If you’re an avid book reader and a fan of paperback, then you might be negatively affecting the environment. You can eliminate this possibility by getting an e-reader. Kindle is one of the most popular e-readers available in the market, and it’ll come in handy if you frequently buy new books. It allows you to buy any book you want whether you’re interested in the best books about money or on any other subject. Most importantly, you won’t be harming trees this way. 

Check Prices on Amazon

Organic Dish Towels

Instead of using paper towels, you can now opt for 100 percent organic dish towels made of cotton. You can wash them multiple times by throwing them in your washing machine as well, just like any other cloth, to reuse them again. 

Check Prices on Amazon

Final Words

There are many other common eco-friendly products out there as well to replace your everyday items. These are the most common ones to get you started. You can start using these products right now on a daily basis to play your part in conserving the environment. 

You may also check 5 Best Green Products for Everyday Use!

3 Ways to Make Your Business Eco-Friendly

People in a meeting talking about eco-friendly business

Businesses across industries have been shifting to make eco-friendly businesses. Such changes can benefit your business financially and achieve your financial goals, while also enabling you to differentiate yourself from competitors. Reports by EY and Nielsen cite that more than 60% of consumers are more inclined to buy a product or survey if it’s sustainable.

To become an eco-friendly business, you have to focus on decreasing the negative impact of your business on the environment. This can be achieved through incorporating sustainable business practices, supplying more green products or services, and becoming greener than conventional competitors.

Embrace greener methods of transportation

In the U.S., transportation accounts for 28 percent of overall greenhouse emissions. To reduce your business’s carbon footprint, you can encourage employees to use green means of transportation.

The greenest transport methods available are bikes and trains, which cut emissions by circa 75% and 80% respectively compared to car trips. Moreover, car-sharing initiatives––which allow the renting of cars without owning one––can decrease the number of cars on the road, ultimately reducing carbon emissions as well.

There are several ways you can incentivize employees to use greener modes of transport. You can purchase public transport passes for your employees, enable (short-distance) business travels through car sharing, and offer gift vouchers for sports equipment to encourage employees to walk or cycle.

Use sustainable packaging

Green packaging makes use of materials makes use of sustainable materials that don’t require a lot of energy to produce (or discard). These often include recyclable and biodegradable materials––as opposed to more harmful packaging materials like plastic. You can also save money by switching to a sustainable lifestyle.

The use of sustainable materials can have many advantages for your company. These can help reduce your carbon footprint, make disposal of packaging materials easier, and ultimately improve the way your brand is perceived by consumers. A survey conducted by the Recycled Paperboard Alliance found that 81% of consumers felt better about purchasing a product whose packaging constituted of such materials. Moreover, a separate study found that one-third of consumers cited environmentally friendly packaging as their most important purchase criterion.

To implement this change, there are several eco-friendly packaging materials you can use as viable alternatives for your products. Biodegradable air peanuts, cornstarch packaging, recycled cardboard and paper, and organic fabrics are some environmentally friendly packaging options that can be used.

Integrate eco-friendly values into the company

For long-term change towards greener company practices, sustainability has to be engrained within your company’s vision. The best way to do this is by making a green mission statement as part of your eco-friendly business’s overall company culture. Creating an environmental mission statement involves establishing your ‘why’s’ and goals for your green mission statement, and implementing these within your core values, core purpose, and long-term vision.

A 2019 study has found that the presence of a green organizational culture predicts a company’s green performance as well as its competitive advantage. Additionally, a separate study conducted on Turkish companies found that factors influencing sustainable practices have a positive relationship with the presence of a green organizational culture. As such, having a company culture that invests in green practices can help you reap the benefits of eco-friendly businesses.

Making the change

As a business that seeks to successfully reduce its carbon footprint, making the shift to becoming an eco-friendly company involves more than just making the switch away from plastic coffee cups. It requires a sustainable change in company values, business practices, and supply chain operations. While this may seem like a daunting venture, taking small steps over an extended period of time can make environmental sustainability an easy and accessible process.

6 Tips for Buying and Enjoying Sustainable Coffee

A reusable cup and straw used for sustainable coffee

Coffee is a wonderful drink that is highly valued all across the globe, and that has been enjoyed for centuries. The history of coffee is rich and full of interesting developments. More recently, folks have become more concerned than ever about purchasing and enjoying coffee in the most sustainable ways possible.

Keep on reading for some ideas on how to buy and enjoy coffee sustainably.

Do Some Research

Coffee is considered to be sustainable if the growing, harvesting, roasting, and selling of the coffee product are invested in:

  • Conserving nature
  • Improving the livelihoods of its growers
  • Sustaining the supply of coffee
  • Strengthening the demand for coffee

Doing a deep dive into your favorite coffee brands, and investigating things like where they source their coffee, how they reciprocate the community for it, and how they package and sell their coffee is an important part of buying sustainable coffee. It is a healthy habit to know more.

Connect with Local Roasters

Local roasters are the best place to start your coffee journey. Like with fruits and vegetables, coffee is often of higher quality and more sustainable when you buy it closer to home.

Plus, you can get a much better idea of where the coffee is coming from by speaking directly to the experts at your local roastery. They can tell you about how they source the beans, and the relationships they have with their suppliers.

Check the Label

Labels can tell you a lot. Especially the labels on coffee. Labels on the side of your coffee can tell you if it’s organic, fair trade, or if the bag itself is made from recycled materials.

If you are concerned about the sustainability practices of the coffee brand you like to drink, or lack thereof, then perusing the labels, and the significance of the labels can tell you a lot.

Avoid Big Brands

As with agriculture, the bigger the brand, the more likely that the coffee comes from less sustainable practices.

Smaller brands and independent coffee roasters have smaller footprints. They take up less space, spend less money and energy, and create fewer outputs. They tend to pay their people more, source their coffee more equitably, and be more concerned for the natural environment.

Use a Plastic-Free Coffee Maker

Keurig coffee machines, and other single-serve brewers, are far from sustainable. They rely on single-use plastic pods to brew small batches of coffee. Millions of these pods end up in landfills every year.

Yes, it may be true that single-serve brewers use less water and consume less electricity. But they are notorious for producing a lot of plastic waste.

If you must rely on a single-use brewer, it’s worth looking into recyclable pods, compostable pods, and reusable pods. Cleaning your coffee maker right is also important. However, even the solutions to the original K-cup problem have their setbacks.

Compost Your Grounds

Coffee grounds make excellent compost. Even most coffee filters can be composted. By adding your used grounds to the compost pile, or fertilizing your plants directly, you can sustain the usefulness of coffee.

Coffee grounds in the soil are good for:

  • Adding aeration
  • Increasing organic matter content
  • Retaining more water
  • Enhancing drainage

From your cup to the compost, it is possible to purchase and enjoy coffee in sustainable ways. By following some tips from above, and investing in reputable coffee brands, you can be a part of the solution that helps keep quality coffee around forever.

3 Solar Gadgets That Will Make Your Life Easier

A phone charging on a solar-powered battery

Solar power is more accessible than ever, without the need for installing huge, expensive panels. Lots of gadgets now have solar panels built into them so you can solar charge them when you’re out and about (and away from power outlets), save on electricity bills, and enjoy using a sustainable energy source. Plus, they’re a life-saver when the power goes down or in the event of a natural disaster.

They’re also a great way to simplify your life. Everyone in the family from kids to seniors can benefit from having solar gadgets on hand.

Top Three Solar-Powered Gadgets That Can Simplify Your Life

1. ABFOCE Solar Bluetooth Speaker

Whether you’re camping, spending a day at the beach, or just enjoying your backyard, a solar Bluetooth speaker helps you keep the music going no matter what. ABFOCE’s Bluetooth speaker comes with a built-in solar panel that gathers enough juice in 10 minutes to provide a half hour of playtime. Another cool feature is that it also functions as a battery bank you can use to power up your phone or other mobile devices.

2. Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight

A good flashlight is a must for your home, but it’s useless if it isn’t powered up or you don’t have batteries for it. A solar-powered flashlight, such as the Goal Zero Torch 250 Flashlight, is a good way to make sure you have a flashlight that is ready to go when you need it. When fully charged, it can run for 48 hours, and it has three modes to choose from the flashlight, floodlight, or red light for emergencies. Like the Bluetooth speaker, this gadget also doubles as a battery that can charge up a smartphone—just use the built-in USB plug.

3. Lattis Ellipse Keyless Smart Solar Bike Lock

Bike riders of all ages will love this solar-powered bike lock made by Lattis. It stops thieves from stealing your bike by sending an alert to your smartphone through Bluetooth when someone attempts to tamper with the lock. Plus, it’s a breeze to unlock it. You simply hold your smartphone near it and it opens automatically. You can also use a touchpad to enter your personal code.

Key Takeaway

Solar-powered gadgets are here and they are easy to use for the entire family and offer a ton of money-saving and environmentally friendly benefits.

Related Reading: Solar Panels: Great for you pocket and the environment

5 Tips on How to Choose a Solar Company for Your Home

how to choose a solar company

As the world begins to shift slowly toward renewable and sustainable energy sources, more people are deciding to live a green life and convert their home power supply to a renewable energy source.

Solar energy has proven to be the most popular, accessible, and affordable option for the average homeowner. Solar companies are popping up everywhere to keep pace with this growing demand.

But, in this burgeoning market, the question arises: How to choose a solar company? What should you consider when shopping around for an installer? 

For most homeowners, solar paneling may seem like a daunting endeavor. And, you know, it’s understandable to get a case of the buyer’s jitters when venturing into uncharted territory. The choice to convert your home power supply to solar energy and live your best sustainable life is a huge step, and you want to be sure it is done right. Have no fear.

Just keep reading for the top 5 things to consider when choosing a solar company for your home.  

1. Shop Around 

First things first—shop around! It would help if you did your research. If you have neighbors, friends, or family who have also gone solar, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. It’s also a good idea to check out company reviews online. Where possible, look for local solar companies that have a well-established presence in the market. Going local may save you a lot of money in the long run.

A 2017 study by the NREL (National Renewable Energy Labs) discovered that large solar companies typically charge up to 10 percent more than smaller enterprises. The flashy, high-end branding that larger companies employ may look attractive. Still, it is in no way an indicator of quality or value for money. Seek assessments and quotes from at least 3-5 reputable companies. Also, be sure to check that the companies you consider are fully qualified and legally certified to do the job. 

2. Don’t Be Cheap 

 In your quest for cost-efficiency, do remember not to be cheap. While it is possible to get great deals, you should be wary of any installer whose prices seem suspiciously low compared to the competition. Chances are they may cut corners somewhere, which will inevitably cause you to spend thousands more than anticipated. 

3. Buy Your Equipment Outright

Where possible, it’s usually a good idea to steer clear of lease agreements. Large solar companies frequently prefer to offer their customers solar leases and power purchase agreements rather than selling the equipment outright. These may seem attractive at the outset but are unavoidably parasitic to the consumer.

These agreements often have escalator clauses in the contracts, which guarantee a higher profit for the company by continually draining your pocketbook. These terms are another reason to go with a smaller company. You may pay a bit more on the front end, but the long-term savings are worth it.   

4. Look into the Warranties 

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the standard warranty for your solar equipment. You also want to make sure that the contract warranty covers labor costs. 

5. Read the Fine Print

You probably already know how important it is carefully read contracts. But, for the sake of thoroughness, be reminded. Reading the fine print in your contract will stave off disputes. If your installer says that the service package includes something, make sure that it says so in the contract. 

Follow these five tips for a seamless transition to green, sustainable, earth-friendly energy. 

4 Energy Apps To Help You Go Green and Spend Less Green

Energy apps to go green and save more green

Saving energy and saving money are hot topics in today’s economic climate. Isn’t it amazing if you can control both from the palm of your hand?

You might not realize it, but having a smartphone is good for more than making calls, checking emails, and playing games. You can use it to track energy efficiency and save on electricity bills using innovative mobile apps. Renewable energy apps can be of great help for how to save energy and money in your home.

Technology can help you live a more sustainable life. Here is a list of energy apps that will help you adopt green living and a more mindful lifestyle.

 Energy Consumption Analyzer

This app works as a mobile database of your home energy use. It’s easy to lose track of your energy consumption until you get an unpleasant bill. Energy consumption analyzer provides accurate readings of your daily energy consumption. You can add your meters for electricity, gas, or water to the database and keep track of current meter readings.

The energy consumption analyzer lets you color-code readings and add comments to them for better understanding. The application asks you to input data from your meter and calculates the average consumption rate. It then displays a bar graph or table of the total amount of actually used energy during a day, week, or month to help you gain insights and view trends.

Energy Cost Calculator

While trying to cut down your energy consumption, it’s necessary to know how much energy you are using. Through the Energy Cost Calculator, you can calculate energy usage and operating cost of electrical equipment you use. It helps you analyze which appliances in your home use the most energy. 

This application lets you know how much an appliance costs to run over a period and allows you to control it. You can calculate the running cost of an appliance by entering the wattage and how often you use it. The results are not 100% accurate, as it does not have access to your tariff information, but it gives you an idea.

Energy Tracker

Energy tracker can evaluate and manage meter reading according to your electricity, gas, heat, and water consumption. It automatically detects meter readings and dates to provide a graphical analysis of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly consumption.

Energy tracker knows where you can save money by creating a report. It makes an estimate by comparing daily and monthly trends throughout the year. All data is saved to the application and will provide you with exclusive CSV reports on your energy consumption at home.

Smappee

Smappee manages your energy flows in a way that you can work, relax, and live without compromising on comfort. It gives you a clear insight into your energy consumption, and you can leave your home without any worries. Let the app control and automate your energy flows.

It provides you real-time readings for electricity, gas, water, and solar consumption. You can automate your appliances and let the application control their energy flows to optimize consumption. It also allows you to control energy use remotely using smart devices and plugs.

How to Achieve a More Sustainable Lifestyle in 2021

New Year, New You!

One of the most significant issues facing the modern world is the destruction of nature. An excessive amount of animals are endangered and becoming extinct. Besides this, climate change is harming coral reefs, forests, animals, and people. The good news is that everyone can aid in saving the planet by achieving a more sustainable lifestyle.

Go Paperless with Personal Finances

Many aspects of personal finance, like getting your taxes done in person and by mail, often require lots of paperwork. You can avoid wasting paper when you find tax prep services online. Your actions will help save many trees from being cut down to make paper. Other ways to go paperless with your finances include paying bills online, signing up for electronic statements, digitalizing documents, and more.

Reduce Plastic Use

Consequently, plastic is littering oceans, killing sea life, choking animals to death, filling landfills to the brim, and more. You can begin eliminating plastic from your lifestyle by using eco-friendly items such as a stainless steel water bottle, biodegradable garden pots, reusable produce bags, and others. Next time you purchase a product, consider how your actions can impact the environment and people.

Avoid Eating Meat and Dairy

Eating less meat and dairy can improve your health and wellbeing and help save the environment. You’ll be lowering greenhouse gas emissions and saving forests from deforestation, among other things. Besides this, you can protect countless animals from suffering on factory farms. Consider the benefits of changing to a vegetarian or vegan diet for yourself and the planet.

Take Care of Nature

Being grateful for nature by taking care of it ensures it will still be here for future generations to enjoy. You can plant a native garden that gives birds, bees, butterflies, and other creatures a place to live, food to eat, and somewhere to hide from predators. In addition to this, native gardens help the ecosystem thrive and add natural beauty to your home.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

The chemicals in cleaning products can harm your and your family’s health and that of any pets you may have. You can protect your household by using greener cleaning products whenever possible. You can buy these online or locally, or consider making your own to save money. Eco-friendly cleaning ingredients include vinegar, essential oils, hydrogen peroxide, and others. Learn how to mix ingredients safely by doing your own research.

Make Smarter Fashion Choices

Instead of buying new clothes, you can shop at secondhand stores or rent clothing. This allows you to reduce waste, be kind to the environment and save money. In addition to this, buying clothes made from fur, leather, or other animal products has serious consequences. One reason for this is animals are taken out of their natural environments and killed, which throws the ecosystem off-balance.

Commit to Recycle

Recycling paper, plastic, electronics, and other items helps to conserve the environment and reduces waste. You can encourage your family to recycle by having separate bins for paper, plastic, and metal. Teaching them the value of responsible recycling can help them appreciate the environment and feel better about themselves.

Everyone must take positive steps to save our planet. You can begin by making small changes and build up to larger ones. You can also inspire others to protect nature by changing your habits and being a good role model. Make sure to spread the word to everyone you know, because we only have one planet.