Last updated Aug 27, 2020 | Shopping Tips, Green
Have you ever thought about what goes into the production of a mattress? The amount of synthetic and plastic materials required to make the mattresses we are so used to sleeping on?
If you are in the market for a new bed, you should strongly consider an eco-friendly mattress. A sustainable mattress will not only be better for the planet through its production cycle, but it will also breakdown and degrade better once it is disposed of.
It isn’t just about being made of materials that can be biodegradable though, an excellent eco-friendly mattress should also be comfortable and durable – you shouldn’t want or need to replace it.
Even if a mattress is exceptionally eco-friendly in its production, if you need to buy five of them over the course of a couple of decades, they will likely cause much more waste than a more finely built mattress you only need one of.
With these considerations in mind, take a look at some of the best eco-friendly mattress options available today.
The Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Options in 2020
1. Strobel Organic Bio-Rest Mattress
This layered mattress system provides you with orthopedic firm bio-based foam and the versatility to keep everything clean, dry and properly lined up at all times. These mattresses are made with no chemical adhesives and come with a simple flame retardant cotton cover that can be easily removed.
This organic mattress shows a common theme amongst organic mattresses where they are better assembled and made from more durable materials than synthetic mattresses. With the modular pieces and the durable build, this Strobel Bio-rest mattress can bring you comfort for decades.
Get the best Walmart promo codes to help save on your next purchase.
2. Naturepedic Verse Organic Kids Mattress
Perfect for a small guest bed or for your growing young one, this bed ensures kids are sleeping comfortably on natural materials and with no needless harmful chemicals.
This “big kid bed” is made of organic cotton and a premium innerspring system. Natural wool batting lines the surface to keep temperatures well regulated.
Get the best Walmart promo codes to help save on your next purchase.
3. Sealy Healthy Dream Crib and Toddler Mattress
Greenguard Gold Certified and passing the Global Organic Textile Standard tests, this multilayered bedding is the perfect, safe, non-toxic way to keep your little ones sleeping snuggly and safely. This mattress made of environmentally friendly materials has the proper fitness, support and durability of an innerspring mattress, but the comfort of unique soybean memory foam.
The cotton cushioning and all of the hypoallergenic orthopedic layers provide incredible comfort and support.
Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
4. Organic Cotton Cover Mattress Pad from Allerease
If you need a mattress pad that isn’t covered in all of the chemicals and materials that make you so miserable at night, this is the topper for you. Hypoallergenic fiberfill and allergy defense fabric ensure you are breathing easy and clear all night.
The cover itself is made from one hundred percent organic cotton fabric.
Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
5. Under the Canopy 1 Organic Hybrid Latex Mattress
If organic latex paired with Joma wool and a soft pad organic cotton sounds like nice to you, then you have found your mattress. Ideal for side sleepers, this contouring mattress will form to your body and give you an amazing nights rest while ensuring your skin comes into contact with no harmful chemicals or products.
Under the Canopy mattresses come in all major sizes and are made with recycled steel coils.
Get Bed Bath and Beyond promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
6. Under The Canopy Organic Cotton Mattress Cover
Another Under the Canopy product but this time a basic organic cotton cover to keep your skin protected no matter where you must sleep.
This breathable layer can keep you comfortable and separated from whatever you are sleeping on at the time. Great for travel.
Get Bed Bath and Beyond promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
7. Oliver Smith Organic Cotton Spring & Foam Hybrid Mattress
Here is another high-quality mattress built upon the comfort of organic cotton as well as 100% Green Foam Certified Cooling Foam. This makes the cooling mattress perfect for couples on summer nights. In addition, the foam is a variation of cooling memory foam with multi-layered pressure relieving functionality.
This is some of the highest-rated on-toxic foam available and has a Firm feel for those prone to back aches and issues.
Get the best Walmart promo codes to help save on your next purchase.
What You Need to Know About Buying an Eco-Friendly Mattress
What is the GOTS? What is Oeko-Tex?
The GOTS, or Global Organic Textile Standard, is an organization that sets to create standards that guide efforts to create sustainable supply chains and classifications. Products certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard have proven that the product’s quality and manufacturing process meet a certain ethical and moral standard.
Oeko-Tex certified means that a product is free from harmful chemicals and is considered safe for human use. To be Oeko-Tex standard 100 certified, a fabric must be tested for over a hundred different harmful chemicals. Sometimes fire retardants that were added on afterwards can cause a failure in these tests.
Certipur-us is a bit similar and ensures that bedding or upholstered furniture has been tested for durability and chemical emissions in much the same way. These are all methods to ensure you are buying a quality product from trusted mattress brands.
What makes a good green mattress?
A quality green mattress, or eco-friendly mattress, has a few qualities. One, the mattress needs to be durable. If you have to re-purchase an item a number of times it doesn’t matter how well-sourced its composing items are, it will be wasteful. The second is that the mattress should be made with sustainable resources that don’t put an undue burden on ecosystems.
From there personal choice can play a bit of a role. While some may look for USDA certified organic wool, others may go totally vegan to the point of zero animal by-products. Some prefer hybrid mattress materials, others want to avoid possibly harmful chemicals at all costs. Still others will only ever buy an organic mattress.
It is ultimately up to you how eco-friendly and skin-friendly you want your mattress to be, just ensure you do your research on the products and mattress companies ahead of time.
Should I get a natural latex mattress?
Getting a new mattress made from something like 100% Natural Dunlop or Talalay Latex is a good choice as these natural latex mattresses will not have any chemicals, synthetics, pesticides, or anything else that can harm you or the planet.
For example, some studies show that beds made from polyurethane foam may cause a range of health issues including asthma.
Of the two we just listed, Talalay Latex is the more bouncier and considered the softer of the two. These are perhaps the most popular of the natural latex options.
Other natural materials besides latex can also make for good mattresses.
Sleep Better Knowing You Did Your Part
While your mattress’s environmental impact may not have been something you had considered in the past, hopefully this list and guide have opened your eyes to the many possibilities you have in this realm.
Whether you decide to go with memory foam, organic cotton, organic latex, organic fibers or any of the other many sustainable or organic materials that help to ensure your mattress is not greatly increasing your carbon footprint like conventional mattresses do.
Helping the earth should always help you sleep better, but this time it is a bit more literal.
Consider these other Eco-Friendly Gift and Product Ideas:
Give Back with Charitable Shopping
When you shop brands that partner with Giving Assistant you can feel good about your purchase. We’ve partnered with 3,000 retailers who pay us when you shop with them. That means we can give cash back to you. That’s free money, just for shopping!
Keep or donate any portion of your cash back earnings to your nonprofit of choice and make an impact with your online shopping.
Make sure to download the Giving Assistant free browser extension button. Instantly find out when new coupons are available and automate your cash back and donations.
If you buy a product or service through links found on our blog, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Last updated Aug 27, 2020 | Shopping Tips, Green
Eco-friendly backpacks are quickly becoming a popular trend amongst backpackers and hikers. And now, you can find sustainable and earth-friendly backpacks for back to school or any occasion.
Many backpacks are now being produced in environmentally conscious fashion, giving the the green shopper another reason to celebrate.
While some are made with more earth-friendly and sustainable materials, others incorporate solar panels to create a small renewable energy platform.
In this article we are going to look at the best eco-friendly backpacks you can buy today. At the end you should have plenty of options for your next purchase.
The Best Eco-Friendly Backpacks in 2020
1. 17.3 in. ECO Laptop Backpack
The eCollection line of carrying packs is made from eco-friendly, all-natural organic cotton canvas designed to keep a minimal carbon footprint. At the same time, these backpacks are sturdy, comfortable, and full of the little comfort-of-life design features you have come to expect from modern bags. Use the laptop sleeve for a variety of devices and enjoy the well-placed front pocket and side pockets.
If you want an eco-friendly laptop backpack that doesn’t vary significantly from standard design aesthetics, this ECO product is for you!
Savings Tip: Get Overstock promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
2. Goodhope PET Sling Backpack
The Goodhope PET Sling Backpack is made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) and other materials. This means that this Goodhope bag still maintains the durability and functionality of other polyester bags while still not harming the environment nearly as much in its creation. This bag is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
Get a great backpack and reduce the amount of plastic in society that goes to waste at the same time!
Savings Tip: Get Overstock promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
3. TSD Brand Hill Canvas Sling Bag
This canvas sling bag is incredibly stylish and is also crafted from cotton canvas, natural leather, and recycled materials. These bags are also hand-crafted and dyed with vegetable-based products.
Its two interior and two exterior zipper pockets shows that great care was made to ensure this handmade bag functions as good as it looks and lasts well into the future regardless of how tough your outdoor excursions are.
Savings Tip: Get Macy’s promo codes and 6% cash back for the best deal.
4. Eco Leather Backpack and Rucksack
If you were looking for a beautiful leather bag that isn’t made in the same harmful ways, then eco leather may be for you. High-quality eco leather uses a more natural tanning process that reduces the environmental impact on workers, consumers, and the planet in general.
Get a bag that looks great and whose leather was treated through natural and environmentally sound methods! No need to pay Fjallraven prices for products that have Fjallraven style.
While eco leather is not vegan like faux leathers, it is more vegan friendly as it has a more beneficial impact on the surrounding environment and is typically utilized by more animal conscious companies.
Savings Tip: Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
5. Hiking Daypack – Solar Backpack
Not every earth-friendly product is going to be eco-friendly because of the materials it is made from, but rather for what it can do. This is a sturdy backpack with a fully integrated solar panel system capable of charging all of your phones and tablets. Use the laptop sleeve for many devices and the front pocket and side pockets are of a generous size. This bag is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
The number of people who run vehicles and generators while camping simply to continue using their devices is astronomical. By offering earth-friendly alternatives to running cars or fuel-hungry generators, these backpacks and similar solar products can have an exponentially beneficial effect.
Savings Tip: Get Home Depot promo codes and 8% cash back for the best deal.
6. Reusable Drawstring Backpacks and Tote Bags
Whether shopping or hauling a few items, sometimes you need a bag you can ball up and take with you anywhere. This simple drawstring bag is durable and can be used to replace many of the plastic bags you use once and toss.
The shoulder straps also give you a more ergonomic carry option, though it shouldn’t be confused with a back to school or hiking backpack. As far as drawstring backpacks go though, this is a great little buy when you need a tote.
Savings Tip: Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
7. Picnic at Ascot – Eco Picnic Daypack and Rucksack
This cool carrying bag is made with PVC free poly canvas materials making it a much more environmentally sound option than many other bags of its kind. This high-quality eco-friendly backpack helps you carry everything you need to enjoy a meal, complete with wine, amongst nature.
This case can help you reduce the reliance on plastic bottles by giving you a better carrying option for multiple drink containers.
Savings Tip: Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
How to Buy Eco-Friendly Backpacks
These are only some of the many eco-friendly backpacks being produced today. At the same time, many companies claim their products are good for the planet, while actually doing little to prove such claims. There are few things to check to make sure a product’s claims are legitimate.
Use eco-friendly manufacturers for sustainable backpacks
If you are buying from a new brand, you may need to look a bit into them before committing to buy. It would help if you researched the brands you are buying from to verify their claims. Eventually, you learn which companies are consistently working to help protect the planet and you won’t need to conduct as much research.
There are plenty of environmental agencies and advocacy groups that provide ratings and certifications when it comes to claims certain brands make like ‘sustainable materials’. These organizations too can save you some research time.
Ignore the branding
This ties into the point about doing your research. It would be best if you ignored the surface level branding. Just because a product is put into brown earthy tone packaging doesn’t mean that it is good for the planet. In many cases, “organic” or “green” labeling is just a gimmick.
Brands that work to be fair trade certified are also ideal. Fair trade certified means producers in developing countries work to have more sustainable and fair relationships
A very popular brand that exemplifies this is Patagonia. Patagonia is a part of many environmental coalitions and focuses on creating high-quality, long-lasting products, and even provides customers a repair and reuse option.
Weigh lifespan versus production costs
Some products may be created in ways that use environmentally friendly materials, but if they fall apart twice as fast and must be purchased twice as often they may be harming the planet more than the product made with plastics and oils. Sustainable backpacks are the only environmentally friendly backpacks.
Consider the quality and longevity of your products before you purchase them. We need to move away from being a throw-away society. Organic cotton and other eco-conscious products need to be emphasized. Sustainable backpacks are how one should start thinking about earth-friendly bags.
It is the same idea when considering plastic water bottles versus many other long-lasting water bottles. They are both made from plastic, but the water bottle made to last decades is much better for the planet.
Being Environmentally Conscious When in the Environment
These eco-friendly and tips are just a start towards building a more sustainable and healthy world.
Buying any of these backpacks is a small step towards living in a more environmentally conscious way, which is why those who spend time outdoors love them. Taking care of the planet makes even more sense when you like to spend time exploring it.
Ensuring your products are made sustainably and are able to function for long periods goes a long way towards reducing the footprint you and your products are making on the planet. The more we pay attention to these factors, the longer we will have this beautiful planet to call home.
Don’t stop at backpacks; find out what other great eco-friendly products are waiting to be discovered!
Consider these other Eco-Friendly Gift and Product Ideas:
Give Back with Charitable Shopping
When you shop brands that partner with Giving Assistant you can feel good about your purchase. We’ve partnered with 3,000 retailers who pay us when you shop with them. That means we can give cash back to you. That’s free money, just for shopping!
Keep or donate any portion of your cash back earnings to your nonprofit of choice and make an impact with your online shopping.
Make sure to download the Giving Assistant free browser extension button. Instantly find out when new coupons are available and automate your cash back and donations.
If you buy a product or service through links found on our blog, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Last updated Aug 27, 2020 | Shopping Tips, Green
When it comes to finding an eco-friendly laundry detergent that helps to reduce your environmental impact while still keeping you and your family looking and smelling great, there is no shortage of quality options these days.
Naturally occurring ingredients and chemical-free formulas abound, and many companies are trying harder than ever to produce more environmentally friendly detergents.
Simultaneously, some companies are just trying to use the eco-friendly laundry detergent label only as a marketing ploy. You have to do a bit of research and see what lies behind the name.
Clean laundry is a key aspect of life, but so is clean air. You want eco-friendly laundry detergents that get your clothes free & clear of stains, but still, make sure the earth is treated right.
These products are the best eco-friendly laundry detergents we could find available today!
The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent in 2020
1. ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear
This hypoallergenic laundry detergent is kind to both your clothes and your skin and is not made with many of the same harsh chemicals like formaldehyde found in many detergents. Unscented and useable in both high-efficiency and regular washing machines, the active ingredients are almost all from plant-derived science
ECOS products are made cruelty free and come in recyclable containers to help ensure your carbon-footprint stays as small as possible.
Savings Tip: Get the best Walmart promo codes to help save on your next purchase.
2. Rockin’ Green Hard Rock Diaper & Laundry Detergent
Formulated to deal with hard-water problems, this eco-friendly laundry detergent is specially made so that when the washing is finished, there is no residue being left over -this allows for thorough washes even in hard water (water high mineral content).
This earth friendly laundry powder is soft enough to be used on a baby and free of dyes. It is safe for use in front or top loading machines. All Rockin’ Green products are made in a way that respects the environment and reduces their production impact.
Savings Tip Get Bed Bath and Beyond promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
3. Everspring Lavender & Bergamot
Everything Everspring puts out is made cruelty free and is packaged in partially recycled and biodegradable materials. Of course, this laundry product is a bio-based formula and doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals to clean your clothes -rather, it utilizes seven powerful enzymes and an all-natural fragrance.
Paraben, phosphate and phthalate-free, Everspring’s liquid concentrated formula is always a safe bet when you want to know no unnatural or harmful chemicals are touching the planet or your skin so that you can remove a stain.
Savings Tip: Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
4. Method Beach Sage Laundry Detergent
These simple throw and forget packs are perfect for getting your laundry fresh and clean. All cleaning products produced by Method are crafted to be safe, non-toxic and extremely eco-friendly.
For example, Method packaging involves the ‘bottles made from bottles’ program which has a heavy focus on recycled materials. Method makes their products for just such refillable and recycling purposes,-plus the bottles are already made from a combination of recycled ocean and consumer plastic.
Savings Tip: Get Bed Bath and Beyond promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
5. Seventh Generation Fresh Citrus
The Seventh Generation product line has long been considered one of the best eco-friendly laundry detergents on the market today. Phosphate-free with no optical brighteners, this Seventh Generation laundry detergent is effective at removing stubborn stains but is still bio-based and cruelty-free.
There are also no added fragrances, as they are derived from botanical extracts -so you will still smell fresh and clean. It is no wonder this product line remains so popular year after year.
Savings Tip: Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lavender Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s is another eco-friendly product series that has seen monumental growth in recent years. This is for good reason as Mrs. Meyer’s soap has a lot of cleaning power in its liquid concentrated formula that is dye, cruelty and paraben-free as well coming in a biodegradable bottle.
Something everything on this list does, but perhaps Mrs. Meyer’s best, is to break the cliché that natural laundry soaps cannot be powerful. Whether you’re washing machine is a high-efficiency or a conventional model, there is no doubt you will feel and smell clean after a wash with Mrs. Meyer’s liquid detergent.
Savings Tip: Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
7. Grab Green Natural 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent
These laundry detergent pods contain a non-toxic formula made from naturally-derived ingredients. The Grab Green pods are phosphate and dye free, as well as coming in recyclable packaging. Scents come from patchouli with yarrow leaves.
While all-natural, this powder detergent does wonders for brightening colors and fighting off stains. It makes you wonder why we ever switched to using harsh chemicals in the first place.
Savings Tip: Get the best Walmart promo codes to help save on your next purchase.
Making Your Laundry More Eco-Friendly
Buying cleaning products with a small carbon footprint (like laundry liquid and laundry soap) can do a lot to reduce the environmental impact of laundry time. However, there is much more that you can do.
Try and run the wash less often, and use cold water when possible
This may require a bit more planning ahead, but it will dramatically reduce the energy consumption that goes into getting your dirty clothes into some suds. An energy-efficient washing machine also helps in this regard. Clothespins also take up a lot less energy than dryers as well.
Reduce the chemicals you use
Products like chlorine bleach have a much different effect on your skin and the environment than citrus essence, essential oils, and other natural cleaning products. For those with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic issues, or simply being sensitive about the planet, avoiding the harsh chemicals found in conventional laundry detergents is essential.
Carefully check the ingredient lists and see if you can find a vegan or natural ingredients alternative.
Choose clothes made from natural and resistant fibers
Style is no longer fabric dependent in most cases, and stain-resistant clothes are commonplace. Try and choose a wardrobe that lends itself well to a reduced need to wash and waste energy.
Of course dirty clothes must be cleaned, but try to avoid owning clothes that look dirty after a few seconds of wear.
Your Clothes are the Closest Thing To You
What you wear matters, and how you treat what you wear matters just as much. You want to take the time to treat your clothes right and keep yourself clean. At the same time, we all want to protect this planet.
Use eco-friendly liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and other cleaning products knowing you are getting the best of both worlds.
Nothing is perfect, and every action will have some waste, but every bit we all do to help counts.
Consider these other Eco-Friendly Gift and Product Ideas:
Give Back with Charitable Shopping
When you shop brands that partner with Giving Assistant you can feel good about your purchase. We’ve partnered with 3,000 retailers who pay us when you shop with them. That means we can give cash back to you. That’s free money, just for shopping!
Keep or donate any portion of your cash back earnings to your nonprofit of choice and make an impact with your online shopping.
Make sure to download the Giving Assistant free browser extension button. Instantly find out when new coupons are available and automate your cash back and donations.
If you buy a product or service through links found on our blog, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Last updated Aug 27, 2020 | Shopping Tips, Green
As the school year rolls around once again we’re starting to think about filling our shopping carts with back to school supplies. There’s no better time to stock up on eco-friendly school supplies that work well and go easy on the environment.
This year is particularly challenging given the COVID-19 pandemic, but even with that we should try and remember the toll that all these paper and plastic goods are taking on the planet. When we buy school supplies we should make an effort to look for products that minimize the damage done to the planet.
To help in this effort, we have put together a short list to help you find the most earth friendly variations of eco-friendly school supplies.
TIP: This article also includes a quick guide for what to look for and what to avoid when you wish to buy other eco-friendly school supplies.
The Best Eco-Friendly School Supplies in 2020
1. Simply Genius Eco-Friendly Pens
The Simply Genius (100 Pack) eco-friendly pens are high-quality pens made from recycled cardboard and other biodegradable materials. While each pen is made to return to the earth in a natural way, they are also made to last in a pencil case without drying out.
These pens are a fantastic alternative to your normal disposable pens which contribute to the huge amount of plastic waste accumulated on the planet each year.
Savings Tip: Get the best Walmart promo codes for the best back to school shopping deals.
2. EarthWise Office Products – Folder
Earthwise provides a fantastic array of recycled products to replace many of the traditional office fixtures. This Earthwise pocket folder is the classic design, but is made from recycled paper.
Each folder is rated to hold the standard amount of 50 pages and can be relied on to last for months of regular usage.
Savings Tip: Get Staples promo codes and 5% cash back for the best deal.
3. Pilot “Bottle To Pen” Ballpoint Pens
These retractable Pilot pens are an amazing example of what can be done with ingenuity and the desire to make recycling practical. Each of these pens is made from at least 86% plastic water bottle waste!
Not only are the pens made from recycled materials, they are also refillable, reducing overall waste in the long term as well. Get back to school while reducing plastic water bottle waste when you put these on the shopping list.
There are also highlighters and other types of pens (including gel pens) made from recycled materials available.
Get Office Depot promo codes and 6% cash back for the best deal.
4. Recycled 8-1/2 x 11 Filler Paper
School requires a whole lot of paperwork, so why not use paper with a reduced carbon footprint. This paper is made from 100% total recycled content, with 40% being post-consumer waste fiber.
The materials are recycled, and 40% of the power used in the paper’s production comes from hydropower! This is one of the most eco-friendly papers out there.
Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
5. Faber-Castell Colored Eco Pencils
These are the same colored pencils we all grew up with and loved, but are now made from sustainable sources.
Each colored pencil is made from reforested wood. Now you can enjoy drawing in vivid colors without worrying about the harm you are doing to the planet. Every little bit helps. These pencils have an eraser attached.
Savings Tip: Get Michael’s promo codes and 8% cash back for the best deal.
6. Recycled Bamboo Paper Pencil
Much like the other products on this list, this is a classic staple remade with recycled materials. In this case, the pencils are made from recycled bamboo paper, which makes them a highly sustainable product just perfect for your pencil case.
These pencils also look cooler than the traditional yellow style pencils and have a more natural feel to them. These pencils come with an eraser.
Get eBay promo codes and 4% cash back for the best deal.
7. [IN]PLACE Brand Heavy-Duty D-Ring
You can’t use binder paper or get through a school year without a classic D-Ring binder. Since they are a necessary buy, you might as well get one made from recycled materials.
This is a 100% recycled materials D-Ring binder made in the tried and true style.
Get Office Depot promo codes and 6% cash back for the best deal.
Eco-Friendly School Supplies Buying Guide
Look for recyclable, reusable, and sustainably sourced
Your back to school shopping list needs to include tough and long-lasting products.
When you are looking for school supplies you should always make sure to look for products that have been made from recycled materials or sustainable resources. A good example is the bottle to pen product we listed here. Making sure that the products you buy don’t take a huge toll on the planet is key.
Another thing to consider is the many digital tools and methods of education out there today. While a digital classroom requires no paper, the electronics they run on do take a hefty toll on the earth. We must find a good balance. Some interesting options are “digital paper” products that allow you to reuse the same notebook many times.
Stainless steel lunch boxes, family safe crayons, soy ink and tons of other products all can be used as more natural alternatives that don’t rely on products like BPA in their production.
Avoid fake labels and throw-away products
While binder paper isn’t exactly durable, the actual binders themselves can last decades. When you buy products, just because something is recycled doesn’t make it good. If something is poorly made and falls apart five times faster than a superior product, then the energy wasted in its production often outweighs any benefit from the recycling efforts.
When you have to use paper products, try and use biodegradable binders and spiral notebooks. All paper products are disposable by nature, but things like spiral notebooks can greatly increase their lifespan.
Find environmentally friendly products that are well made and built to last – they should also take into account the natural environment when conducting their typical business practices.
Eco-Friendly School Supplies are Just the Start
Education is important, but there is no reason it has to harm the planet. You should try and make all of your purchases earth conscious and earth friendly.
Sustainable and recycled paper companies are a good start, as is the purchasing of materials and supplies made to last for a generation. If need be, leverage technology and make use of the ability to digitally take notes and conduct lessons.
If enough of us do our part, we will quickly be living in a happier and healthier world. We all want to work to be more waste free.
Consider these other Eco-Friendly Gift and Product Ideas:
Give Back with Charitable Shopping
When you shop brands that partner with Giving Assistant you can feel good about your purchase. We’ve partnered with 3,000 retailers who pay us when you shop with them. That means we can give cash back to you. That’s free money, just for shopping!
Keep or donate any portion of your cash back earnings to your nonprofit of choice and make an impact with your online shopping.
Make sure to download the Giving Assistant free browser extension button. Instantly find out when new coupons are available and automate your cash back and donations.
If you buy a product or service through links found on our blog, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Last updated Aug 17, 2020 | Shopping Tips, Green
Environmentally friendly cat litter not only benefits the planet but is also a safer choice for cats, your home, and you. Natural alternatives include renewable resources such as corn, wood, paper, and even grass. Each option has unique benefits, from high absorbency and a virtually dust-free formula to recycling post-consumer waste.
The best eco-friendly cat litter tends to be low maintenance, long-lasting, and fights odors without perfumes and fragrances (a general turn-off for a feline’s sensitive sense of smell).
To help you find planet-approved pet care, we’re sharing 7 of the best eco-friendly litter for cats below.
7 of the Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litters to try in 2020
1. Tidy Cats Yesterday’s News Cat Litter
Purina Unscented Yesterday’s News Cat Litter diverts old newspapers and cardboard from landfills to make the best biodegradable cat litter in both clumping and non-clumping formulas.
The recycled paper litter absorbs triple the moisture than traditional clay litter, delivering effective odor control without any perfumey distractions. Its 99.9% dust-free formula has no fine particles, which means it’s gentler on paws and minimizes tracking around the litter box.
Savings Tip: Find the best PetCareRx coupons plus get 6% cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant.
2. Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Clumping Litter
Here’s a low cost, eco-friendly cat litter from an odor-fighting brand you know and trust: Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Litter. This pine-scented litter is a low-dust formula made with a natural, plant-based clumping agent (corn), mineral oil, and baking soda.
Not only does the litter absorb up to twice as much liquid as clay litter (perfect for multi-cat homes!) but it also weighs 50% less, so it’s easier to carry, store, and dispense.
Savings Tip: Find the best Chewy promo codes plus earn $10 cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant.
3. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Cat Litter
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Cat Litter is a hypo-allergenic, multi-cat strength formula made from medium-grain natural clay that delivers optimum odor control, excellent clumping power, and a low-dust profile. As a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, the company uses recyclable packaging materials to minimize its waste footprint.
Other things we like: Dr. Elsey’s cat litter is more affordable than other commercial brands (the 40-pound bag costs less than bags half the size from competitors). The company also provides shelter kits and litter free of charge to animal shelters and rescue groups across the U.S.
Savings Tip: Find the latest Petco coupons and deals plus 4% cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant.
4. World’s Best Cat Litter
World’s Best boasts a line of biodegradable, planet-friendly litter made entirely from sustainable, renewable, whole-kernel corn with no added chemicals. Its Multiple Cat Clumping Formula cat litter has a natural scent that’s free of strong fragrances and delivers excellent odor control.
The quick-clumping formula is easy to scoop for hassle-free disposal, and since the litter is made from corn and not clay, you can flush it down the toilet or compost it, if you like.
Savings Tip: Find the best Tractor Supply Company coupons plus 3% cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant.
5. So Phresh Extreme Clumping Cat Litter
So Phresh Cat Litter is made with one of the newer eco-friendly litter materials to hit the scene: 100% U.S.-sourced grass seed. This formula is 50% lighter than clay and virtually dust-free. And don’t worry; the seeds are heat-treated so the litter won’t turn into actual grass.
Not only is the unscented litter sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable, it’s also extremely absorbent and clumps easily for outstanding odor control and stress-free cleanup.
Savings Tip: Find the best Petco coupons to save more when you shop with Giving Assistant.
6. Okocat Super Soft Clumping Cat Litter
Okocat Super Soft contains responsibly-sourced wood fiber with high absorbency that’s gentle on paws yet tough on odor. It’s ideal for kittens, elderly cats, and felines with sensitive feet.
The litter clumps solid and is compostable and flushable. It naturally prevents enzymes from bonding with liquid and waste, hence no ammonia worries. The formula is also 100% free from toxic dyes, chemicals, artificial fragrances, and GMOs.
Savings Tip: You can earn $5 cash back from Instacart when you add this eco-friendly kitty litter to your first order, or save when you use the best Walmart Grocery coupons from Giving Assistant.
7. Happy Cat All-Natural Kitty Litter
You probably never heard of Zeolite, but it comes in pretty handy for kitty litter.
It’s an organic mineral that absorbs 60% of its weight in liquid, and it’s the main ingredient in Home Depot’s best-selling Happy Cat Kitty Litter. The litter captures odors like a magnet, and when dried, traps the ammonia and holds it permanently. The result: cat litter odors neutralized!
Savings Tip: Keep up with the best Home Depot promo codes plus 8% cash back when you shop with Giving Assistant.
Turn Everyday Shopping into Charitable Giving
Buying eco-friendly cat litter with Giving Assistant not only helps you make safer choices for the planet but also enables you to save on pet care that benefits your feline friend’s health. Another positive effect: You can also donate your savings to nonprofits and uplift causes you believe in.
And since you’re already a pet lover, you may consider giving back to an animal nonprofit like:
Learn more about how to use the Giving Assistant Button to locate the best pet supplies and find sales year-round that earn you cash back that you can effortlessly donate to nonprofits.
If you buy a product or service through links found on our blog, we may earn an affiliate commission.
