Let’s face it. When we go to the store to buy a new bottle of shampoo or some cleaning supplies for our house, the environment may not exactly be the first thing on our minds as we consider which product to buy. However, with Earth Day being just around the corner, I decided to consider the benefits to choosing eco-friendly products as opposed to others.
Before considering these factors, it is beneficial to define what it means to be “eco-friendly.” Being eco-friendly means the product does not harm the environment, both in the production of the item and in use of the product. These products, according to the Environmental Professionals Network, “provide benefits for the people economically, socially, and environmentally, while preserving the public health.” People who are using these products are helping to reduce pollution and contamination of the air, water, soil, and much more!
In more depth, here are the reasons why switching to eco-friendly products may be beneficial for you:
It can help you save money.
While at face value, the products that are considered “eco-friendly” may be more expensive in comparison to the name brand products we are used to, they can actually be money-saving in the long run. This is because they typically last longer since they are made from recycled materials that tend to be more durable and better quality.
They provide you with a healthier lifestyle.
Not only are these products healthier for the environment, but they can also be healthier for you! A lot of products contain harmful chemicals that put us at the risk of developing illnesses and diseases. Eco-friendly products eliminate all of these risks by using natural products and avoiding additives we are unaware of.
Eco-friendly products use biodegradable packaging.
Plastics are the go-to item used in most packaging, which are extremely damaging to the environment. Eco-friendly manufacturers make products using packaging from recycled materials that can easily decompose… and fun fact, some of these manufacturers embed seeds in the wrappers so that they will end up growing a plant if they are taken to the landfill.
Using these products will not conflict with any personal morals.
Not only are these products healthy for the environment in terms of being biodegradable, they also do not test their products on animals or use any animal byproducts in production. All of the negative aspects that often come with poor manufacturing of larger corporations is completely eliminated.
And, of course, these products keep our environment both happy and healthy!
The air we breathe and the land we live on is deeply harmed by pollution and toxins; the companies that manufacture eco-friendly products steer clear of these things by using things like solar power to run their plants. Be aware that although a company may advertise their products as being “eco-friendly,” they may not truly be eco-friendly in their manufacturing process; so, do your research on the company you’re buying from!