In this blog, I’ve focused on pretty common recycled products: clothing, school supplies, packaging, etc. But recently I’ve run into a few unique types of eco-friendly products that I think are pretty cool. These companies make saving the earth their mission, and they are all trailblazers in their industries by making recycled and eco-friendly products AND donating their time and money to further their cause.
Recycled Jewelry
While walking around at a street fair, I found a booth of glass jewelry that was really unique. The booth was set up by a company that also has a website called RecycledGlassJewelry.com. Recycled glass is something that doesn’t seem to be used very often in consumer products, because materials like paper, cotton, or plastic are much more widely used. That makes the word done by Carolina, the artist, really inspiring: she takes glass from sources like windows–something that traditionally just ends up in the trash–to create really beautiful jewelry that is also completely recycled. Carolina has also expanded and created earrings out of recycled paper. She uses flyers, advertisements, and recycled cardstock to make earrings that are one-of-a-kind and eco-friendly. On her website, she has a list of stores where her jewelry can be found, and it can also be ordered right off the website. The jewelry is not too expensive and they make great gifts for someone who wants something unique!
Recycled Glasses
Like the stereotypical 80s nerd that I am, my vision is terrible. When I was last at the eye doctor, I saw several pairs of glasses that caught my attention, because they were made by a company called Eco. The company makes their glasses and sunglasses from a minimum 95% recycled materials, stainless steel for metal frames and plastic for plastic frames. They are so hardcore about their use of recycled materials that they have been certified by Underwriters Laboratories Environment, an independent verification agency. Eco has an incredibly wide variety of glasses and sunglasses, with frames of practically every shape for men and women. The glasses and sunglasses are a little pricey, but they are less expensive than other designer frames. However, Eco tries to be earth-friendly beyond the production of their glasses. They plant one tree for every pair of frames sold, and they partner with OneSight to collect old glasses to donate to people in need. Eco is also a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning that they donate at least 1% of their profits to environmental organizations every year. So the next time you need a new pair of glasses or sunglasses, consider buying Eco!
Recycled Cosmetic Accessories
For several years, I’ve had a set of cosmetic brushes that I absolutely love: they are made out of bamboo (which is highly sustainable compared to wood), cruelty-free bristles, and recycled aluminum. Recently, I also bought an “Ecopouf“–a bath sponge that is made out of 100% recycled plastic and is recyclable once you’re done using it. Both of these are from a great company called EcoTools. Everything that the company makes is eco-friendly and they have an incredible variety of products, from cosmetic bags to skin products to sponges and pumice stones. The products are completely natural or recycled, using sustainable materials and no chemicals, including recycled plastic, cotton and hemp, and natural butters for skin care products. The packaging for the products is made with post-consumer recycled plastic, and are often reusable or recyclable. Like Eco glasses, EcoTools is a member of 1% for the Planet. The environmental organizations that they support are EarthShare and the Wildlife Alliance. Even with something as simple as cosmetic and bath accessories, it’s really easy to be eco-friendly!
These are just a few innovative companies that are seeking to make every area 0f consumption eco-friendly with recycled and sustainable products. Feel free to share any great companies that you’ve found!