COMPANIES TO SHOP WITH TO RESTORE OUR HEALTH, HOME, EARTH, AND ECOSYSTEMS
Since our well-being and survival as a species, and for that matter, all species, is dependent upon the well-being of the Earth, caring for the Earth and its life support systems is imperative. Simply put, a finite system cannot produce forever. Preserving the life-supporting aspects of the planet that can be “sustained” shouldn’t be a matter of debate. Reducing our Carbon and Ecological Footprint to as close to zero should be our primary consideration in protecting the Earth for future generations.
To provide perspective on the need to work towards the sustainability of the planet, consider that the world’s population is currently growing at a rate of 85 million people per year. Put another way, that’s 232,000 humans the planet registers every 24 hours. One can see that with this kind of exponential growth, our failure to develop an economy based on protecting and sustaining resources, as opposed to cannibalizing the planet, is something we can’t afford to keep ignoring or deliberating over. If we don’t begin making more of a concerted effort to sustain the natural world, our consumption of its finite, natural resources will have an endgame scenario that is fairly predictable.
Because every material possession we have is a manipulation of the natural world, almost 70% of what goes out to the curb and is subsequently sent to a landfill can in fact, be recycled. Newspapers, grocery bags, mail, boxes, aluminum cans, glass, plastic bottles, electronics, batteries, corks, motor oil, plastics 1–7 and on and on, can all be recycled. Some recycling companies do have stipulations with respect to what plastics they will accept for recycling so checking with the waste management company covering your community may be a good idea.
THE SINGLE GREATEST THING ANY OF US CAN DO TO MINIMIZE OUR IMPACT ON THE EARTH IS TO AVOID POLLUTING IT AS MUCH AS WE CAN.
COMPANIES WHO SELL SUSTAINABLE, NON-TOXIC, BIODEGRADABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS FOR YOU, YOUR HOME, AND THE PLANET
I hate to say it, and this is not overstating a bitter truth, but we literally live on a bio-toxic planet. It’s very well-documented the number of synthetic, toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are found in our tap water, flame-retardant carpet, furniture & bedding, clothing, skin care products, cosmetics, processed foods, GMO foods, and even in the air we breathe. The WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION has identified over 800 ingredients in everyday products that are endocrine (hormone) disrupters that cause infertility and cancer. In navigating this labyrinth of threats to our health, all any of us can do is mitigate our exposure as much as possible to minimize their impact.
As someone who can actually boast a chemically free product home, one of the single best ways improve your health and add to your longevity is to make purchases that are relatively benign in terms of any negative impact on human health or our eco-systems. To help in that endeavor I’m providing here a list of some awesome companies that are doing just that. These are eco-friendly companies that utilize fair-trade and sell responsibly-sourced, green products, with “just in time” manufacturing and shipping techniques that produce 85% less waste than traditional manufacturers while delivering their products directly to your doorstep. One UPS truck delivering products to 100 houses produces considerably less of a carbon footprint than 100 people driving to the store for their weekly consumables.
These are companies that create cleaning products that feature natural, biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients, such as essential oils to disinfect surfaces, citric acid to remove hard water stains, plant enzymes to clean dishes and gently release tough stains from laundry. There products are non-toxic, non-caustic, non-carcinogenic, and non-mutagenic as opposed to so many store bought clothing, furniture, household cleaning, personal care, skin care, cosmetic and dental products that are filled with harmful, synthetic, petroleum-based and inorganic chemicals such as: flame retardants, bleach, ammonia, phosphates, formaldehyde, BPA, PFAS (forever chemicals), phthalates, triclosan, and countless other caustic or carcinogenic ingredients that are all well documented as being endocrine disrupters and/or carcinogenic. The World Health Organization has identified over 800 chemicals found everyday products we bring into our homes that disrupt hormones and create countless known cancers.
With that said, I hope to dramatically expand this list in the near future, and for the convenience of those who choose to learn more by visiting my site, eventually build out a curated, online store, listing these companies with direct links to their stores and products. But, one step at a time. For now I’m providing their names for you so you can get started making better choices.
BEST OVERALL COMPANIES:
EarthHero - Shop to your heart’s content. This online store has everything including: Audio Electronics, Beauty & Skin Care, Bath & Body, Cosmetic & Makeup, Personal Care, Clothing, Home & Kitchen, Pets, Travel and more - this is your One Stop Shop
NORWEX - Laundry, Kitchen, Bathroom, Face & Body, Kids & more
THRIVE Market - Meat & Seafood, Health-Nutritional All Organic (Non-GMO) Food, Condiments, Supplements, Vitamins, Non-Toxic, Personal Care & Cosmetic Products, Home & Pet
PUBLIC GOODS - Like EarthHero, PUBLIC GOODS has countless options for you ranging from Home Décor & Garden, to Food & Beverage, Wine, Household Cleaning Products, Supplements, Cosmetics & Personal Care
BEST HOME DÉCOR & BEAUTY, BATH & KITCHEN:
EcoRoots - Vast array of very unique, eclectic, eco-friendly Bath, Beauty, & Kitchen supplies.
Ten Thousand Villages - Décor, Pillows, Candles - Kitchen tools & Utensils, Cutting & Serving Boards, Linens, Coffee Cups, etc. - Clothing & Jewelry
Jungalow - Everything from Sustainable, Eco-friendly, Fair-Trade Textiles, Artwork, Clothing, Home Furnishings, Blankets, Candles, and more.
GROVE COLLECTIVE - Very similar to THRIVE Market & PUBLIC GOODS but a more narrow focus on Household Cleaning & Personal Care Products.
BEST CLOTHING:
Organic Basics - Every type of Clothing
Stella McCartney - Luxury
Patagonia - Outdoor Gear
Mate - Stylish Everyday Wear, Under Garments, Purses & Bags
Tentree - Everyday Wear & Workout Clothes
To make every purchasing decision an environmentally conscious one, I encourage you to visit a website www.inhabitat.com which features an endless library of articles on green companies, green products, and green design. Happy shopping!!!!
Love and Light in your continued journey of discovery,
David
P.S. If you can think of something I may have overlooked, or a business that you believe could use a shout out, please feel free to comment and offer input . . . . . Thanks so much for caring about the Earth that is home to all of us!
