Whether plastic, food or fashion is your pitfall, there is bound to be a brand here that will have a swap or a solution to make your day to day less throw away. During the pandemic, sales for companies focused on low waste and the elimination of unnecessary plastic use saw their e-commerce figures rise. With so many zero waste beauty options on the market these days there’s absolutely no reason to buy commercial off-the-shelf plastic products.
Whether plastic, food or fashion is your pitfall, there is bound to be a brand here that will have a swap or a solution to make your day to day less throw away. During the pandemic, sales for companies focused on low waste and the elimination of unnecessary plastic use saw their e-commerce figures rise. With so many zero waste beauty options on the market these days there’s absolutely no reason to buy commercial off-the-shelf plastic products.
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1. EcoRoots
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As a fully equipped zero waste store, EcoRoots curate a range of waste free beauty and skin care products, from facial oils and masks to toners and moisturisers made by well known plastic free beauty brands, like Meow Meow Tweet, River Organics and Bathing Culture. Having said that, they do make their own natural loofah alternatives and organic reusable facial rounds for putting on or taking off makeup. While each brand they sell differs slightly in terms of sustainability, they’re all cruelty-free, non-toxic, SLS-free, palm oil free, largely organic, and of course, come in mostly zero waste packaging. Best of all, everything is shipped plastic-free! Their materials instead include recycled cardboard boxes and compostable cornstarch packing peanuts. As a member of 1% for the Ocean, 1% of their profits go to the Ocean Conservancy to help with ocean plastic removal and restoration. So far they’ve donated thousands of dollars.
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2. Ethique
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Despite being a relatively new kid on the block and hailing from the small city of Christchurch in New Zealand, Ethique have exploded in popularity around the world. They’re especially unique because pretty much all their products come in bar form. They’re not only travel friendly and long lasting, but possibly the best zero waste beauty brand, from a packaging perspective because they’re either totally naked or in compostable paperboard. Ethique is thus challenging the beauty industry by daring consumers to #giveupthebottle. Across the whole natural product line, they’re palm oil free, vegan, natural and cruelty free. The company as a whole is certified climate neutral. A certified B-Corp they donate either 2% of yearly revenue or 20% of profit (whichever is higher) to charity.
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3. The Wheat Straws Company
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Did you know that straws are named as such, because they were once made from straw? The wheat straws company beautiful drinking straws are 100% compostable, biodegradable, natural and gluten-free. They are a natural byproduct of the wheat harvest, so they all have their own perfectly imperfect character. Unlike paper straws, they don’t go soggy after a few minutes, so you can leisurely sip the G&T, worry-free.
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4. Swell Reusable Bottles
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S’well was launched in 2010 with a mission to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles. Just one year after its inception, the company experienced widespread attention after being featured in O, The Oprah Magazine. It now boasts the title of being the fastest growing woman-owned company in the United States. The impressive female-led start-up is not only sustainability minded, but has also taken on a stewardship role in fighting the global water crisis. Through S’well’s partnership with UNICEF, the company has also contributed USD$1.4 million to water programmes across Madagascar where many struggle to gain access to safe drinking water.
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5. Stasher Reusable Bags
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Stasher was created with the goal to reduce single-use plastics for a better world. Stasher bags are made from 100% platinum grade silicone – a mix of sand (silica) and carbon – which gives these bags the quality of glass and functionality of plastic. These non-toxic reusable bags are bound to be a hit for snackers who can conveniently pack treats completely waste-free. While they are made to be as reusable as possible, those who do wish to purchase a replacement can return their Stasher bags to the company for their repurposing programme that converts Stasher into playground pebbles. As a 1% for the Planet business partner, the company also donates 1% of profits to organisations working on environmental conservation and female empowerment.
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6. Bower Collective
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Bower Collective are a subscription service housing the best in earth-friendly products. Locally sourced and produced in the UK, they supply natural products that work. They are a non-toxic, low-carbon and zero-waste brand spearheading the refill revolution. Their purpose is to create a more sustainable world, and to help customers create more sustainable homes. Their vision statement is for a world without plastic, where everyone enjoys a more sustainable life. And their mission is to build the world’s leading digital sustainable goods company for consumers. Bower does this by delivering earth’s best household products in re-usable packaging, combining ranges from their own brand, with curated third parties.
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7. ModiBodi Underwear
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Founded in 2013, ModiBodi developed leak-proof period underwear to reduce single-use plastic waste generated from individually wrapped and covered pads and tampons. After almost two years of textile engineering and prototyping, the company created a finished product that is breathable, anti-microbial, super slim and stain resistant. In addition to period and incontinence underwear, the brand has also created a water-repellent leakproof swimwear line. As a part of the company’s vision to make the world a better place, Modibodi also supports organisations that have a positive social impact. Some of the causes advanced include Days for Girls and the Sustainable Period Project.
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8. Amazinc! Suncreen
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Amazinc! have done their bit to minimise unnecessary environmental harm and pollution by creating a range of natural and functional skincare. Standard sunscreens are rife with chemicals such as oxybenzone, a potent ingredient that in low concentrations can harm aquatic life and ecosystems. Started in 2015 with the vision of creating a sunscreen that is gentle on both the skin and the environment, Amazinc! products are free of substances that are dangerous for marine life, corals and wildlife. They only contain mineral filters and natural ingredients, and are packaged in 100% recyclable aluminium bottles to ensure no-spill, no-harm and frills-free sun protection.
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9. Marley’s Monsters Reusable Wipes
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Another sustainable plastic-free business to watch out for is Marley’s Monsters. The shop carries a range of eco-friendly reusable products and baby goods, and also offers the option to customise products. As a part of the BRING Rethink Program, Marley’s Monsters are committed to encourage long-lasting lifestyle changes through their wide product range from reusable hand towels and napkins to nursing pads and straw pouches. All their shipping and packaging is also plastic-free and compostable, and any additional fabric waste generated in their local manufacturing process gets donated to upcycling projects such as ENVIA Fashion.
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10. Georganics
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From natural toothpaste, toothpowders, dental floss and mouthwash tablets – Georganics has it all to keep your teeth clean. What differentiates Georganics from other companies is their dedication to a transparent manufacturing and operations process – full ingredient lists are available for every product. Besides using only natural ingredients in their entire oral care range, the brand is also committed to minimal waste. Their products are packaged in plastic-free, recyclable and compostable packaging – and any components that cannot be easily recycled at home can be sent back to the company to be recycled through their ZTL scheme. Their eco-friendly philosophy also extends to sourcing from local suppliers to decrease emissions from transportation.
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