5 Ways to Tell if a Product is Sustainable
Hold up! Is it sustainable? Learn how to make sure your purchases are eco-friendly here.
You've finally figured out how to recycle, composted started thrifting, and now entered the world of sustainable products. You may have changed to adopting a sustainable lifestyle, but to take your sustainability to the next level, purchasing sustainable products makes such a big difference.
What is a sustainable product?
A sustainable product is an item made with the Earth in mind. This means that its design, materials, and manufacturing methods were created to help rather than hinder our environment. Nowadays, companies are switching to eco-friendly products, but it can be overwhelming to understand their business models and identify the sourcing of their materials.
Why are sustainable products essential?
There are so many reasons why sustainable products are essential. These products make incredible differences in the areas of our health and our environment.
Sustainable products are resource-savvy!
Products designed to be sustainable are efficient in their water and energy usage.
They are also considerate of their use of raw materials (which come directly from Earth), as these materials are limited in supply.
They're built to last
Sustainable products aren't designed only to have one use, be disposable, or be replaced due to their short lifespan.
This results in fewer items ending up in landfills.
Prioritize fair labor practices and ethical supply
These companies often prioritize honest labor, fair pay, and sourcing their materials ethically.
How can materials be sourced unethically?
Materials that, when extracted, result in the degradation of the environment, mistreat workers,
and cause harm to nearby populations are not ethical. Examples of this are slave labor and clear-cutting.
Mindful consumption
Another benefit of sustainable products is that they promote mindful consumption.
In a consumer-driven society, it is popular to shop excessively due to influences within popular culture.
Shifting to a sustainable lifestyle encourages conscious consumption by placing eco-friendly requirements on each purchase.
Buying less and choosing quality over quantity is better for the environment and more economical.
How to check if a product is sustainable
We've discussed the importance of sustainable materials, but how can you determine a product's sustainability?
See our following guidelines for steps to compare your product.
Analyze the materials
By checking the label on the product, you should be able to find a list of the materials used to make the product. Natural materials are found in nature and often come from plants. In comparison, manufactured materials have a hard time decomposing and are toxic to the environment. Examples of natural materials are bamboo, hemp, and cotton. Examples of manufactured materials are plastic and synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester.
Check for certifications
Certifications such as USDA BioPreferred® or EU Ecolabel indicate whether a product has met sustainable standards throughout its lifecycle.
Click here for a complete list of sustainability certifications to look out for.
Research the brand
Be mindful of what companies your hard-earned dollars are supporting.
Greenwashing is a marketing ploy used by brands to appear eco-friendly to consumers.
Substantial evidence should not support terms such as 'green' and 'eco-friendly.'
That is why it is so important to check for certifications that accredited organizations support.
You can search online to see if the brand can support those claims.
Determine its circularity
Circularity in economics serves as a model of production and consumption.
This involves reusing and repairing existing products for as long as possible.
Before you purchase an item, consider its circularity.
Can this item be reused? Is it durable? Can it be recycled?
If the answer is yes, the product is eco-friendly and will be a sustainable option.
Why should I buy sustainable products?
Sustainable products are built to last, prioritize ethical labor practices, and encourage mindful consumption. Making sustainable shopping choices is a way to prioritize being cognizant of your purchases. When shopping with the planet in mind, it becomes even more apparent how many items end up in landfills. In a recent paper, scientists wanted to show the public how significant the imbalance between man and nature is. Their research concluded that producing materials such as plastic, metal, concrete, bricks, and asphalt has exceeded the overall living biomass on Earth. Biomass is defined as the total weight or quantity of organisms in an area. With that in mind, purchasing sustainable products has never been more critical for the future of our planet.
Stay informed
At Carom, Our mission is to drive companies to adopt circular business models and practices that are better for people and the planet. Our priority is keeping you informed enough to make educated choices to support a circular economy. Be sure to join our Eco Forward Newsletter and help us take actionable measures to move us toward a more sustainable future.
Key Points
A sustainable product is an item made with the Earth in mind. This means that its design, materials, and the method it is manufactured were created to help rather than hinder our environment.
Sustainable products are built to last, prioritize ethical labor practices, and encourage mindful consumption.
To check a product's sustainability, check for certifications, consider the materials, research the brand, and determine its circularity.
