As the reality of climate change escalates day by day, the awareness of how we consume has become increasingly important, and consumers are now demanding that brands respond to this call.
What are eco-friendly products?
Eco-friendly products are those that meet strict standards regarding how their manufacturing, packaging, delivery, usage, and disposal impact the environment. These products are often certified by external organizations that can verify their sustainability.
“Eco-friendly” and ”sustainable” are interchangeable terms that refer to the brand or product’s minimal impact on humans, animals, and the planet. These products or brands will have one or more of the following attributes: ethical manufacturing, fair trade or fair wages and treatment for workers, low environmental impact through waste reduction or use of sustainable materials, investment in carbon removal projects, low-impact shipping materials and methods, use of recycled or reclaimed materials, waste-free alternatives to conventional products, B Corp certification or other sustainable certifications, natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients, donations of proceeds to charities and causes.
35 eco-friendly products for sale
Our list includes real examples of successful brands selling the best eco-friendly products in every category, ranging from green cleaning products to plastic alternatives for single use. These products include biodegradable ear accessories, solar power devices, sustainable office supplies, plant-based pet supplies, pet toys made from recycled plastic bottles, snacks made from food waste, sustainable clothing made from recycled cotton, small-batch clothing, clean gardening and camping supplies, recycled plastic furnishings, sustainable honey supplies, fair-trade coffee, recycled plant waste, sustainable activewear, sustainable yoga gear, personal care products without harmful materials, oral health care without unnecessary waste, beauty products that reduce single-use plastic, body products sourced from nature, sustainable solutions for glassware, food utensils, and reusable cups, alternatives to single-use plastic brushes, toys that protect the planet, plant-based food that supports animal rescue, clean candles that benefit the community, ethically-produced bags, socks that reduce plastic waste, reusable bags, recycled plastic eyewear, eco-friendly paper products, natural toys, and creative craft kits.
Sustainable technology devices and accessories
Imagine an eco-friendly future powered by innovative devices. Technology has advanced in recent years to maximize sunlight to power more products with longer battery lives. Developing a product from scratch can take years of research and development, but it’s a great option if you have a winning business idea. You can quickly get into this space by dropshipping or labeling existing electronic products, such as rechargeable battery packs.
Also consider the waste generated by technology accessories – every time you upgrade your mobile phone, another case ends up in the landfill. Biodegradable bags or other accessories made from recycled or reusable materials can also be easy-to-manufacture or source and sell eco-friendly products.
1. Biodegradable audio devices
Pela Case sells biodegradable phone cases and AirPods covers, claiming on its website that its products generate 30% less carbon emissions and use 34% less water compared to traditional case production.
2. Solar power devices
EcoFlow manufactures clean generators, portable solar panels, and power chargers that use renewable energy to keep electronic devices running on the go.
3.
Sustainable Office Supplies
Oakywood creates home office technology accessories using natural materials like wood, cork, and wool. For every piece produced and sold by the brand, one tree is planted. So far, Oakywood has planted over 87,000 trees.
Eco-Friendly Products for Pets
The pet products industry has seen a boom during the pandemic. People had more time to spend at home, and we love to pamper our pets. The pet products industry was valued at $136.8 billion in 2022 alone.
This caters to those who take pride in raising pets while also reducing waste through eco-friendly product ideas for dogs and cats. Think of pet beds made from recycled plastic bottles, treats made from organic ingredients, and leashes and collars stitched with biodegradable and naturally decomposable materials.
4. Plant-Based Pet Supplies
Wigglywoos is committed to providing products free from animal ingredients in its production. This includes plant-based leather made from hemp and cork. All products are sustainably made in small batches at the Wigglywoos home studio.
5. Pet Toys Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles
Harry Barker is known for its luxurious dog toys and supplies. But there’s more that catches the eye: many of its products are made sustainably. From toys made from recycled threads to leashes made from recycled plastic bottles, Harry Barker combines high-quality design with eco-friendly materials, reducing plastic waste.
6. Snacks Made from Food Waste
Shameless Pets makes its products from food saved from agricultural and production waste, diverting thousands of pounds of food from landfills. The brand also packages its meals in plastic bags made from post-consumer waste and prides itself on production facilities powered by solar energy.
Ethical Clothing
The fashion industry has long contributed to environmental destruction and provided unethical production conditions. But this is changing, thanks to the movement of sustainable brands that prioritize the earth and people. The resistance to fast fashion has helped sustainable brands to thrive.
If you’re looking to start a fashion business, include sustainability in your strategy by having a transparent supply chain and mindful practices to reduce your carbon footprint. Eco-friendly product ideas in fashion include clothing made from organic materials, locally produced fashion lines, plant-based leather alternatives, and high-quality, versatile clothing designed to last.
7. Ethical Essentials
Franc is a B Corp certified company producing essentials from organic cotton and tensile in partner factories that pay fair wages to production workers.
8. Clothing Made from Recycled Cotton
Pangaia takes sustainability seriously. This activewear brand considers its impact at every stage of the supply chain for its comfortable activewear line, from using innovative materials like recycled cotton and renewable PLNTFIBER to measuring and reducing its carbon footprint.
9. Clothing Made in Small Batches
Uniform Handmade is committed to designing simple, versatile pieces that last. The brand makes its eco-friendly clothing in a small studio using linen and natural dyes.
Garden and Outdoor Products
With rising store prices and the extra time afforded by transitioning past, the past few years have seen an increase in demand for plants and gardening products. Now is the perfect time, as an ambitious entrepreneur, to capitalize on these trends.
Offer products to help customers achieve their ideal gardens. Or provide them with decor supplies to turn their backyards into retreats. Seed planting tools, pots, miniature plant kits, handmade outdoor sets, recycled outdoor rugs, birdhouses, and bee supplies are among the popular eco-friendly products you can sell online. You might also consider digital products like gardening courses.
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Assembly-Friendly Gardening Supplies
Orta Gardens makes small-scale gardening easy with self-watering pots, plant seeds, and small plant kits. The brand’s blog also features helpful tips for zero-waste gifts and DIY projects – a smart content marketing strategy to attract its target audience.
11. Clean and Portable Camping
Radiate brings the joy of camping everywhere with portable camps. These large candles are made from recycled wax and multi-wick paper for a clean burn – and the outer container can be reused for storage.
12. Patio Furniture Made from Recycled Plastic
Yardbird’s outdoor furniture is the perfect addition to your backyard retreat. It’s also made from recycled marine plastic but looks just like natural wicker. The brand keeps ongoing statistics of plastic waste rescued from the oceans (430,000 pounds in 2022 alone) and offsets 100% of its carbon emissions.
13. Beekeeping Supplies
BackYardHive sells everything beginners need for beekeeping. The brand acts as an advocate for healthy and chemical-free beekeeping practices, spreading its message through online courses and starter bee kits for novices.
Healthy Foods
Many health and eco-conscious keywords are emerging in the food industry as consumers become more aware of what they put in and on their bodies.
When selling makeup or skincare online, it’s important to find an opportunity within the crowded market. Consider environmentally friendly products for specific skin types or underrepresented markets, or research ingredient trends. How about eco-friendly alternatives for personal care supplies like conventional toilet paper?
14. Personal Care Without Harmful Chemicals
Tsuno uses chlorine-free organic cotton in its sustainable personal care products compared to traditional alternatives. Each box sold helps fund girls’ education in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
15. Health Oral Care Without Unnecessary Waste
VirtueBrush eliminates plastic waste from disposable hair and toothbrushes by making versions from renewable bamboo and packaging without plastic. The company is also committed to offsetting its impact through a tree-planting program that has planted over 62,000 trees.
16. Beauty That Reduces Single-Use Plastic
PYT Beauty takes sustainability seriously, boasting its commitment to customers through a transparent sustainability page on its e-commerce site. The brand uses recycled plastic and sugarcane-derived plastic in its product packaging and manufactures with safe, clean, plant-based ingredients.
17. Body Products from Nature
Boreal Folk is a brand founded by a couple committed to reducing their environmental impact through their work. They source plants ethically and craft products in a “wild lab,” packaging bath and body products in eco-friendly packaging.
Sustainable Home and Kitchen Supplies
There is still plenty of room in the home and kitchen realms for eco-friendly innovations. Some environmentally friendly ideas include biodegradable tools, bamboo picnic utensils, reusable paper towels, biodegradable or stainless-steel cups, reusable sandwich bags, biodegradable paper plates, waterless laundry detergent strips, surface cleaners, and recycled furniture.
23. Sustainable Solution for Glassware
Green Glass is a big name in recycling, taking old glass bottles and turning them into beautiful reusable drinking glasses, like this Flora & Fauna set with engraved art.
24.
Reusable Food Tools and Cups
FinalStraw has introduced an innovative approach to reusable cups by designing a foldable stainless steel cup, complete with a carrying case and a cleaning brush for travel.
25. Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Straws
Flip & Tumble sells many eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags, such as produce bags, which you can reuse over and over again. They fit conveniently into the pockets of other brand products, such as foldable handbags.
Beneficial Gifts
Another approach you may want to take when starting a sustainable business is to consider whether you want to support a cause or work with a charitable partner. Think about animal-friendly products from brands that benefit animal rescue, or donating a portion of furniture sales to affordable housing projects, or selling refillable plastic bottles that support water projects like well construction. The more aligned the cause is with the product you sell or your own values, the better.
26. Toys That Protect the Planet
WWF relies on donations but also sells “adoptions” that include a plush toy and an adoption certificate. Product sales provide another option for their audience to support the environmental non-profit organization.
27. Plant-Based Foods That Support Animal Rescue
Herbivorous Butcher is a plant-based meat company that runs a snack shop in addition to a sanctuary farm for animal rescue. Proceeds from some of the brand’s products (like this pig pin) support farm maintenance.
28. Clean Candles That Give Back
Frères Branchiaux is a candle-making company started by three young brothers (with help from mom). The boys decided from the start that their company would mean something. That’s why they chose to support organizations that help the homeless in their city.
Eco-Friendly Fashion Accessories
Diving into the fashion industry can be overwhelming, with plenty of competition from fast fashion and high-end designers. But putting an eco-friendly and innovative twist on an existing product can help you carve out a niche in the market.
Ideas for eco-friendly fashion accessories to sell include belts made from repurposed landfill materials, reusable shopping bags, returnable socks for recycling, and recycled wallets. Is there a product that doesn’t already have a sustainable option? Fill that gap in the market.
29. Ethically Made Bags
Rice Love works with ethical manufacturing partners to produce bags and other accessories from reclaimed jute. For every product sold by the brand, they donate a bag of rice to a family in need.
30. Socks That Reduce Plastic Waste
Swedish Stockings prides itself on producing sustainable knitted socks for active living, including a sneaker made from 90% recycled materials and shirts made from organic and recycled cotton.
31. Reusable Bags
Notabag is a brand focusing on smart design and long-lasting construction for bags and large totes. The signature tote functions as a backpack, targeting overconsumption (one bag does the work of two). The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of sales to support Save the Children.
32. Recycled Plastic Sunglasses
Dick Moby has introduced sustainability into everyday sunglasses accessories. Their collection includes biodegradable models as well as styles made from recycled plastic.
Creative Eco-Friendly Children’s Products
Americans spent nearly $38 billion on toys in 2021 alone, and unfortunately, many of these products will end up in landfills. Millennial parents are taking on plastic and searching for eco-friendly and safe alternatives for their children. This has opened the market for many safe and plastic-free toys and crafts.
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Eco-Friendly Paper Products
EcoJot sells beautiful notebooks and other paper products that you would never know are made from 100% recycled paper. The brand also gives back to a number of charitable organizations.
34. Natural Toys
A Toy Garden is an oasis of natural and creative toys for children. The site is a one-stop shop for everything from handcrafted wooden musical instruments made in the USA to crayon, soy, and natural paints.
35. Creative Craft Kits
Conscious Craft focuses on creative play and appreciation for nature. Garden tools for children, outdoor exploration kits, and recycled art supplies are available.
As an entrepreneur in the eco-friendly business space, you can seize the opportunities to add eco-friendly options to your product line. Your brand can have a positive environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain – starting with the products you sell.
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