Sustainable Products

To ensure that the tuna you are purchasing is sustainably caught by a well-managed fishery, look for the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) blue fish label. Also, look for brands that reveal the type of fishing performed and the type of tuna. Skipjack and albacore tuna are the most sustainable due to their spawning frequency and overall abundance, whereas yellowfin (ahi), bigeye, and bluefin are less sustainable.

Plastic wrap (aka., Saran Wrap, cling wrap, or shrink wrap) is made from Plastic #3, which is not easily recycled. Because plastic wrap is thin, clingy, and flimsy, it easily clogs standard recycling machines. Look for reusable food wrap made from beeswax or GOTS certified organic cotton.

Food storage bags (e.g., snack, sandwich, quart, freezer) are typically made from one of three types of plastic (i.e., Plastics #3, #4, and #5), which are not easily recycled and therefore disposed in the landfill. Microplastics can also leach into the food contained within, especially if the food is heated or stored for a long time. Plastic-free compostable food storage bags made from vegetables and/or corn starch are available.

Standard household washers and dryers were estimated to consume a total of approximately 76 billion kWh per year (or 6.7% of total residential electricity consumption) in the United States. Check out the Energy Star website for a list of washers and dryers that are Energy Star certified energy efficient. Filter by manufacturer, capacity, or features.

Stain remover sticks are a great plastic-free option to spray-on liquid stain removers and bleaches. Look for options that come in plastic-free packaging and are free of palm oil and fragrances.

Many products are made from plastic that is very difficult to recycle, and many paper products include a plastic lining that prevents food or liquid from soaking through. Products labeled as biodegradable are not necessarily compostable. Look for either plastic alternatives (e.g., made from sugarcane or other plant-based materials) that are BPI-certified compostable or paper/bamboo products that are made from 100% recycled fiber and/or FSC-certified.

Similar to composition notebooks, spiral bound notebooks are typically made from virgin paper and use petroleum-based inks. Look for brands that use paper that has been recycled or certified sustainably sourced by the FSC.  Also consider products that use non-toxic, vegetable-based inks.

Americans consumed 16.2 billion gallons (i.e., ~122.7 billion 16.9oz bottles) of bottled water in 2024.  This equates to an average of about 47.1 gallons (i.e., almost 357 bottles) per person.  These bottles eventually contribute to plastic pollution as they can only be recycled 3 or 4 times.  Consider water sold in aluminum cans (which can be recycled an infinite number of times) as an alternative.

Did you know that about 4 million pens are disposed of daily in the US (source)?  One easy way to reduce pen waste is to purchase reusable pens. Also consider using pens made from paper, FSC-certified bamboo, or certified compostable materials.

Use a pencil over a pen whenever possible to reduce plastic production and waste.  Look for pencils certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as being made from sustainably managed and harvested trees.

Composition notebooks are typically made from virgin paper and use petroleum-based inks on their covers. Look for brands that use FSC-certified or post-consumer waste recycled paper (PCWRP) and/or Kraft board material, nontoxic vegetable- or soy-based inks, and/or vegan binding adhesives.

Select tri-fold display boards made from cardboard over plastic or foam to ensure they can be recycled if not reused. Look for boards made from post-consumer recycled content (PRC) and certified by the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as being sourced from sustainably managed forests.

It is estimated that over 400,000,000 dry-erase markers are thrown away each year.  It is also projected that the market for whiteboard markers will grow by about 6% from 2023 to 2030. To reduce plastic waste, store markers with tip down so they last longer, and consider purchasing refillable aluminum markers.

Plastic and foam food storage containers and clamshells are made from four major categories of plastics (#3, 4, 5, 6), all of which are not easily recycled. Microplastics and other chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic, can leach into the food from these containers, especially when heated or frozen.

Kitchens often use garbage bags made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) due to its ability to stretch and prevent leaks.  Billions of garbage bags are used each day and represent a major source of plastic pollution. BPI-certified compostable bags are recommended alongside a composting program as food and other wet items can cause tearing.

Name badge holders and lanyards are a constant source of waste from all sorts of meetings and events. By switching to badges made from sustainably materials, events organizers can maintain efficient operations while reducing waste. Look for badges made from FSC-certified and/or recycled paper, wood, or bamboo and lanyards made from natural fibers (e.g., organic cotton or hemp).

If printed meeting materials are desired (e.g., program, list of attendees, location guide, etc.), use printer/copier paper that is FSC-certified and/or made from recycled post-consumer waste.  Also, look for paper that is shipped in plastic-free materials.

Disposable plastic tablecloths are a common site at many meetings and events, particularly for schools and churches.  FSC-certified paper and BPI-certified compostable tablecloths are available, though finding a company that can supply them can be a challenge. Reusable tablecloths made from natural fiber materials as opposed to polyester and other synthetic materials are also available.

Raw materials used to produce paper and bamboo products often require the clearing of forests and/or are grown in areas essential to the survival of indigenous populations and wildlife. Look for products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) as having been grown sustainably. 

Deforestation from unsustainable coffee growing practices contributes to deforestation, especially in Mexico and Central America.  Buying coffee and tea  certified Fair Trade and/or by the Rainforest Alliance or Ethical Tea Partnerships (ETP) supports ethical sourcing , sustainable livelihoods for workers, gender equality, sustainable land use, and a lower carbon footprint.

Reusable silverware is the preferable option when attempting to reduce waste.  If disposable cutlery is desired, look for BPI-certified compostable plant-based options. Bamboo is also an option, though trial-and-error may be needed to find an effective (and preferably FSC-certified) brand.

Many paper cups contain an inner plastic lining to prevent liquid from soaking in.  Obtaining the wood to produce paper often involves deforestation and habitat destruction.  Look for cups that are both certified compostable (BPI) and sourced from sustainable materials (FSC).  Maytree is one of the only brands that has both certifications. Their cups range from 8 to 16 oz and are appropriate for both cold and hot drinks. 

Of course, the most sustainable way to dry clothes is by hanging them outdoors.  If this is not practical for you, invest in an EnergyStar rated dryer.  Wool laundry balls are a more sustainable plastic-free option for reducing wrinkles and static compared to "single-use" dryer sheets; they also help reduce dry time and energy usage and can typically be used in up to 1,000 loads of laundry.

Between about 640,000 and 1.5 million microfibers are released into the water per kilogram of materials washed in the laundry. Even fabric and clothing made from 100% natural materials, such as cotton, may contain pesticides and dyes that pollute the environment and can cause irritation. Look for clothing and linens made from 100% ORGANIC natural fibers (e.g., cotton, hemp, linen, silk, and wool).

One of the primary causes of microplastics entering our water supply is through our laundry.  This has become worse since 2001, after which washing machine manufacturers removed the lint filter.  As a result, the microfibers released by your laundry during washing flow directly into the environment.  An economical way to address this was developed by PlanetCare, who sells a filter that can be installed on the water drainage hose. 

Blueland products are plastic-free and contain no harsh chemicals.  Many of their products have earned the EWG.org "Verified" mark as meeting the strictest standards for health and safety.  Products: laundry detergent tablets, dishwasher detergent tablets, powdered dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner tablets, etc.

Many towels and washcloths contain polyester to enhance durability and allow the towels to maintain their shape over time.  Polyester also contributes to microplastic pollution, especially when washed.  Look for towels and washcloths made from 100% organic natural fiber(s) (e.g., cotton, wool, hemp, linen).

Over 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away annually.  Though many toothpaste companies are claiming that their tubes are recyclable (e.g., Colgate, Crest, Toms of Maine), most are still made from mixed materials (e.g., plastic and aluminum) and, therefore, must be disposed of in the trash. Switching to plastic-free fluoride toothpaste tablets is a great option.

Bamboo toothbrushes are a great alternative to plastic.  The concern with bamboo is that much of it is taken from habitats where wildlife depend on it for their survival.  Look for bamboo products that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to have come from sustainably managed forests.

Toilet paper is often made from trees or bamboo that are cleared from and/or grown in areas essential to the survival of indigenous populations and wildlife. Most brands are packaged in plastic for protection.  Many brands also contain chemicals that can be harmful to the skin over time.

Shampoo bars replace 2 to 3 bottles of shampoo because they do not contain unnecessary fillers such as water.  This also allows them to be packaged and shipped in plastic-free materials. Many shampoo brands, including bars, contain sulphates, which can contribute to hair damage and loss.

Dental floss is typically made of nylon (i.e., single-use plastic) and comes in a disposable plastic container. Silk floss is one example of a plastic-free option, though the harvesting of silk has its own sustainability issues. Select floss made from bamboo charcoal and that comes with a reusable glass container and plastic-free packaging.

Deodorant typically comes in a non-refillable plastic container.  Many deodorants also contain some form of aluminum as an active ingredient and palm oil. Look for deodorants made from natural ingredients and that come in plastic-free refillable containers. Note:  You may need to use a detox bar first to remove aluminum from your pores before switching to a natural deodorant.