by Jess Catherine, Merchandising Assistant
[Editor’s Note: We want you to know that this article was written before we knew the full scope and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some mentioned products may no longer be available in our stores. We also acknowledge that the message of plastic reduction may not feel very relevant right now. We hope, in reading this article as it was written, you might take a moment to hear about something unrelated to the virus and find a few moments of relief or distraction.]
Have you been wondering how to cut down on plastic?
Then you’re in luck! The Co-op has a wide array of products that are recyclable or have compostable packaging that is sourced from recycled materials. I want to share some products that are raising the bar in the zero-plastic movement.
Let’s start with the impossible-to-recycle tube.
Booda Butter Eco-Balm
A vegan lip and body moisturizer that comes in a biodegradable paper tube and is sustainably packaged! Try all three: Purely Naked, Enlightened Mint and Creamy Cocoa!
Booda Butter—Everything!
I love this brand. They carry many products in petite glass jars with metal lids. I can’t understand why companies go the extra mile to offer glass, only to slap a plastic lid on it. Kudos to Booda Butter!
Moon Valley Organics Herbal Lotion Bar
Moon Valley’s lotion bar is available in four scents: Lemon Vanilla, Lavender, Bergamot Geranium and Coconut Lemon. How to use: Hold the moon in your hands. As it warms, breathe in deeply. Melt bar into dry, chapped areas of skin, including cuticles —anywhere that needs soothing and protecting. Keep a tin next to the sink and enjoy this luxurious experience whenever your hands need some extra tending.
Fun Fact: this herb farm has a four-acre pollinator sanctuary to help bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies thrive with an expanding habitat.
Pacha Soap Company
Purposeful products (and unique displays!) that are artfully handcrafted with natural, premium ingredients that cleanse and nourish the body while inspiring self-care and self-love. Every purchase supports transparent, ethical sourcing, clean water initiatives, hygiene education, and small business opportunities across the globe. Grab a block or a bundle and enjoy the Pacha ritual.
HiBAR Solid Shampoo & Conditioner
Who knew this bar could be salon-quality? I might be a total sucker for well-branded and packaged quality goods too though. Three variations for most hair types: Maintain (green), Moisturize (blue), and Volumize (orange). No plastic, no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or silicones either, and great if you are travelling!
Baudelaire Natural Sea Sponge
This particular species, known as a “wool sponge,” is prized for its softness, durability and the rich lather it produces.100% wool sea sponge (Spongia officinalis, not produced from wool). Biodegradable, environmentally safe and sustainably sourced, and how cool is this—naturally bacteria-inhibiting!
Full Circle Bubble Up Dishsoap Dispenser and Brush Set
Small but mighty, this sink-side workhorse creates lush suds that make dish time easy. The ceramic base springs into action, then stores neatly on your counter to keep the bamboo brush clean.
EcoNuts Wool Dryer Balls
Keep your laundry fresh with this natural alternative to dryer sheets. These Wool Dryer Balls soften fabrics and decrease drying time by up to 50%! They also last for hundreds of loads.
Eco Candle Co.
Choose from two sizes of Eco Candle bliss—6 or 16 ounces packaged in a recycled glass jar with a natural, kraft paper lid. 100% soy candle hand-poured in Appleton, Wisconsin. Phthalate-free fragrance and essential oil blends. Natural paper, cotton or hemp wicks—no lead. Glassware and all packaging made in U.S. with midwest-grown soybeans. My favorite scent right now is the Precious Woods—smoked wood, nutmeg, musk and ylang ylang blossoms. I might just have to scoop up one of their Nag Champa Candles this next round.
Swedish Dishcloths
Crafted from ultra-absorbent, biodegradable materials, Swedish dishcloths are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use paper towels. Each dishcloth provides the equivalent of 17 paper towel rolls, and can be cleaned in the dishwasher after each use. Best of all? You can compost them when you’re finished!
If You Care Paper Sandwich Bags
Made in Sweden from unbleached pulp of Scandinavian spruce trees—a natural, renewable resource—these bags are greaseproof and provide a natural barrier which makes the bags ideal for nuts, potato chips, cookies, and sandwiches that use butter, mayonnaise, or oil. The bags are also suitable for use in the microwave. They are uncoated, not treated with petroleum-based paraffin wax, soy, or any other type of wax. Plus, who says you can’t use them multiple times?
Bee’s Wrap beeswax wraps
This is a reusable and biodegradable alternative to plastic wrap that helps reduce toxins in our food storage and unnecessary waste in our landfills. Wrap bread, cheese, vegetables, or cover a bowl! When I make my own bread, this is the best option I have found to keep the loaf fresh. Read care and instructions before rinsing!
Reuse what you have
Remember that it’s not about buying all the zero-waste products that you can. Reuse what you can, and as products break down, replace them with more sustainable choices. It can take a while to make this full transition but every step in this direction helps and maybe inspires another to do the same.
