What makes a product eco-friendly?

Nowdays every company seeks to stand out with eco-friendly or organic products. This often results in the greenwashing of otherwise harmful products, but there are truly environmentally friendly alternatives out there too.

How can we decide if a product is a green choice?

There are some principles you should remember while shopping, that are the same guidelines we use to pick out the best products to sell in our stores:

• Made of natural ingredients and minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals.
• Durable, easy to repair, so it can serve its owner for a long time, without needing to buy a new one, or throw it away (not only for nature’s, but also for our own good!)
• No pollutant is created while using it.
• It does not require an external power source if possible, or it saves energy compared to other similar products.
• Made from recycled materials.
• Reusable (for the same or other purposes).
• Recyclable as a waste.
• No hazardous waste is formulated at the end of its lifecycle.
• The packaging is minimal and natural if possible.
• Can be purchased as locally as possible, saving the large energy consumption of transporting.
• Fair trade or certified eco-friendly.
• Handmade.
• From organic farming.
• Or it has other obvious environmental benefits.

Although it is important to note that there are no perfect choices. Every item should be measured by comparing it to the substitute products, so you can pick out the best alternative available on the market. But perhaps the main question of green shopping is: Do I need this?

You have to be well informed to decide wisely. You can get information about a product from its label or certificate, the seller, your friends, the internet, consumer protection services, and last but not least: us! :-)