As Kermit says, it’s not always easy being green. In a recent study by Southern Cross University, 93% of participants indicted that they were concerned for the environment, but nearly 50% reported a lack of eco-friendly brands available.
If you live in a large city, sure, you probably have access to the latest sustainable food, beauty, and cleaning products. And you can probably shop at a whole slew of ethical companies that source zero waste items. But growing up in the country, where we drew our water from the creek and the drinking water came from a natural spring, there weren’t a ton of shopping options. You kind of had to take what you could get.
While there are some solutions in the form of online shopping, that option has its own environmental pitfalls. So what’s a small town girl to do, growing up in an eco friendly world?
Head to Target.
It may surprise you to learn just how many eco friendly items are available at Target. They strive to be a market leader in sustainability, and they’re actually accessible – there are nearly 2,000 stores in the United States. I’ve put together some of my favorite food, personal care, and cleaning products for you to try out on your next shopping expedition.
5 eco friendly food products at Target
Ready to eat smarter? Here are our top picks.
1. Matter 100% Compostable Fiber Plates
With backyard parties and beach barbeques happening all summer, those of us who are eco conscious are always looking for ways to keep clean up easy while doing our part for the environment. These plant-based 100% compostable dinner plates return fully to the earth within 12 months, and stand up to freezing and microwaving. How can you beat that?
2. Simply Green Beeswax Paper
Storing your food in an eco friendly way, without using paper towels or plastic, can be a challenge. These reusable food wraps can be used in place of plastic wrap, and are biodegradable when they’ve reached the end of their lifespan.
3. Natural Home Veggie Bags
Need more options for eco friendly food storage? Try out these mesh produce bags. You can use them to collect your produce at the grocery store, or store dry good items like onions and potatoes.
4. ECO-Carafe by Perfect Pod
I used to either make a full pot of coffee, or use a plastic pod for a single cup. After going through dozens of disposable pods that end up in landfill, I found these eco friendly refillable pods. They are compatible with Keurig machines, can be filled with your choice of coffee, and are machine washable.
5. Honey-Can-Do Glass Herb Preserver
A bundle of herbs will often go to waste, because it’s so far buried in the fridge, or I don’t store it appropriately and it goes bad prematurely. This glass herb preserver takes care of both of those issues. It fits in the fridge door, making it easily accessible, and keeps ingredients fresh. Plus it is glass, so it eliminates the need to store your herbs in plastic bags.
5 eco friendly personal care products at Target
Good news: you can be clean, soft, and smelling great without harming the environment.
1. Cleo+Coco. Zero Waste Deodorant Bar
While an entirely zero waste approach is probably not possible if you’re only shopping option is Target, they have begun to bring in more brands that package without plastic. Check out the Cleo+Coco. Zero Waste Deodorant Bar for a natural deodorant that’s as easy on your skin as it is the environment.
2. Tom’s of Maine Natural Strength Plastic-Free Deodorant
I absolutely love products that continuously evolve themselves to help fight climate change. Tom’s of Maine is a great example of a product that used to be packaged in non-recyclable plastic, and has made the switch to paper. Plus, they’re aluminum free, and don’t test on animals.
3. hello Nakedpaste Activated Charcoal Simply Whitening Fluoride Free Toothpaste
One of the easier eco friendly switches to make is to jump on the zero waste toothpaste trend. These are toothpastes that are packaged in sustainable jars that can be recycled, rather than being destined for landfill. This activated charcoal paste is everything you could hope for and more from a sustainable company. Made with all natural ingredients, it’s packaged in an easily recycled jar. Love it.
4. Spring & Vine Moisturizing Oatmeal Shampoo bar
Ready to ditch your plastic shampoo bottle in favor of something more sustainable? Give this Spring & Vine shampoo bar a try. This naturally formulated 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner leaves your hair soft, using 95% less plastic and 90% less water than traditional shampoos.
5. Cocokind Daily Sunscreen
Cocokind products are sustainable and affordable, making it an excellent brand when you’re just wading into the pool of eco friendly products. While most of their packaging still contains plastic, they use lots of organic ingredients, are cruelty free, and they source their ingredients ethically. Their daily sunscreen is reef safe, so you can rest assured you’re protecting both your skin and the planet.
5 eco friendly cleaning and household products at Target
Keep your house spotless without making big contributions to landfills.
1. Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Scrub Sponge
I love having sponges in my kitchen – they are tougher than a dishcloth, but gentle enough for my pots and pans. Most are made with plastic, but not these scrub sponges from Scotch-Brite. These are made from 100% plants and recycled content, and can be cleaned and reused after running through the dishwasher. Target carries the full line of Scotch-Brite Greener Clean products.
2. Grove Co. Dish Soap Glass Dispenser
Grove Collaborative is an affordable eco friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products. Their products are non-toxic, sustainable, and cruelty free, and aim to help eliminate plastic waste. This glass soap dispenser is beautiful on your counter, and won’t slide around thanks to the silicone sleeve. When you’re out of soap, fill up with one of their many plant-based refill bags.
3. Bamboo Eco Friendly Bath Mat
Bamboo wood is naturally odor and bacteria resistant, making it a perfect addition to any humid area. Bamboo also has a very low environmental impact compared to other plants or plastic. Use this bamboo eco friendly natural wooden non-slip mat indoors in your bathroom, or outside near the pool or hot tub.
4. GROSCHE VENICE Glass Water Bottle
Speaking of bamboo, this glass water bottle from GROSCHE VENICE uses a natural bamboo lid. Not only is it stylish, but it’s sustainable too. The bottle comes with a neoprene sleeve to protect the glass bottle, which can hold hot or cold drinks. The plastic free cap design means that no plastic will touch your water.
5. Grove Co. Essential Cleaners Concentrates
A great way to start living sustainably is to begin decanting your own cleaning products. Grove Collaborative makes this so easy with their multi-purpose, tub & tile, and glass cleaner concentrates. You won’t find harsh ammonia, chlorine, or synthetic fragrances in these glass bottles. Best of all, the packaging is completely plastic-free, allowing you to get a little closer to that zero waste lifestyle.
Fortunately, eco friendly products are getting more accessible, and we love to see it!
