The apparent threat of climate change has driven hundreds and thousands of people to adopt a more green, Earth-centric lifestyle. This has resulted in increased sales of sustainable products in the UK.
You must be wondering, what does it mean to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle? What alternatives can we incorporate to reduce our carbon footprint?
There are many steps that you can take and changes you can make to live an eco-friendly life without harming the planet. But before we go into the details, let’s look at some of the sustainable products to start using to make this happen.
Summary of some of the best sustainable products in the UK:
- Beeswax Wrap
- Silicone Food Storage Bag
- Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
- Hair Ties
- Menstrual Cup
- Hair and Makeup Brush
- Konjac Sponge
- Collapsible Containers
Affiliate Link Disclosure
This article contains some affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission when you click on them, at no additional cost to you. I do hope you find the information in this article helpful!
Related Posts
- 15 BEST ECO FRIENDLY TOTE BAGS
- 12 BEST ECO FRIENDLY COFFEE BRANDS YOU NEED TO TRY!
- BEST ECO FRIENDLY SLIPPERS FOR WORK FROM HOME COMFORT
- ETHICAL BABY CLOTHING- A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
- WHAT IS AN ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE TO ALUMINIUM FOIL?
What Is A Sustainable Product?
A sustainable product refers to items or things that benefit the environment, economy and public health, and they are produced with this ethos in mind.
Sustainable products in the UK are manufactured using less energy and made from materials which are either:
- biodegradable,
- compostable,
- reusable or
- recyclable
They leave minimal to no carbon footprint at the end of their life cycle, thus minimising their impact on the environment.
As inhabitants of the planets, we have a duty to ensure that the planet’s resources can be used by and benefit future generations to come. We must play our role in ensuring that all life on planet Earth continues to thrive by conserving the environment.
Some examples of environmentally friendly products in the UK:
- Beeswax Wrap
- Kitchen Towel
- Bin Liners
- Silicone Food Storage Bag
- Mesh Grocery Bags
- Reusable Coffee Filter
- Reusable Tea Bag
- Hair and Makeup Brush
- Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
- Organic Eye Pillow
- Hair Ties
- Reusable Face Wipes
- Hair Serum
- Lip Balm
- Toothpaste Tablets
- Bamboo Razor
- Dental Floss
- Menstrual Cup
- Konjac Sponge
- Face Masks
- Collapsible Containers
- Snack Pouch
There are several eco-labels in the UK to look out for when you are deciding on a purchase:
- Fairtrade
- Forest Stewardship Council
- Leaping Bunny
- Marine Stewardship Council
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- Rainforest Alliance
- Organic Farmers & Growers
What Are Some Examples Of Sustainable Products?
There are many different categories of sustainable products in the UK, which include:
- Kitchen Products
- Beauty Products
- Toiletries
- Everyday Essentials
Kitchen Products
Here are some of the best sustainable kitchen products in the UK:
- Beeswax Food Wraps
Using cling wrap for leftover food may be convenient, but it is also non-recyclable.
Enter beeswax food wrap: it’s reusable, eco-friendly and makes food last longer. The Beeswax Food Wrap is the perfect alternative to help you keep your food fresh and live sustainably. On top of that, it also doubles as bowl covers!
- Kitchen Towels
According to Statista, tissue consumption in the UK averages at 1 million tonnes every year.
Fortunately, you can save money and reduce waste when you switch to reusable kitchen towels. These bamboo towels are versatile and highly absorbent and washable, so you can use them to clean spills and stains without piling up on waste.
- Bin Liners
Did you know that only a quarter of plastic waste is recycled in the UK?
Plastic consumption has long become a problem in the world. One way to reduce is by replacing traditional bin liners with greener bin liners. These biodegradable bin liners are made from degradable materials, which makes them compostable.
- Silicone Food Storage Bag
We are accustomed to using plastic containers to store leftover food, which increases the risk of food contamination due to chemicals released by the containers.
So, instead of using plastic containers, why not use silicone instead?
Silicone is better than plastic as it is recyclable, ocean-friendly and does not pollute the environment. These silicone food storage bags are portable and come in different sizes so you can conveniently store groceries and food items.
- Mesh Grocery Bags
Bringing your own reusable shopping bag Grocery shopping is made easier and greener with these vibrant grocery bags.
These lightweight mesh bags are washable and come in different colours to help you separate grocery items. The grocery bags are also available in a set of cotton mesh bags if you prefer a different material.
- Reusable Coffee Filter
Coffee enthusiasts, heed this advice.
Traditional coffee filters are disposable and often lined with chlorine to help it last longer, which means it takes longer to decompose.
Consider swapping to reusable coffee filters such as these cotton cloth filters. Made from hemp leaves, it is washable, zero-waste and enhances coffee taste, making coffee breaks more worthwhile.
- Reusable Tea Bag
High usage of plastic has led to the discovery of microplastic in everyday items, one of which is in tea bags. Certain plastic tea bags, when seeped, release billions of microplastic into the cup.
To avoid this, we highly recommend making your daily cuppa by brewing loose tea in these muslin tea bags to enjoy plastic-free tea time. If you’re making tea for a bigger crowd, opt for this pack of organic teabags.
Hair And Beauty Products
Say hello to better hair days and clearer skin with these sustainable hair products and beauty essentials:
- Organic Eye Pillow
Due to a constantly demanding life, making time for ourselves can be a struggle. Fortunately, the Organic Lavender Eye Pillow will do the trick. The multifunctional eye pillow can be used as a cold or warm treatment to soothe tired eyes, promote sleep and as yoga eye pillow.
- Hair and Makeup Brush
Detangling Hairbrush
Brushing your hair is no longer a dull routine when you switch to using this zero-waste, plastic-free bamboo hairbrush. With continuous use, you will get healthier and stronger hair. If you’re a comb person, here’s a similar eco-friendly comb.
For makeup enthusiasts, you can apply makeup guilt-free with this vegan-friendly makeup brush set. It comes with a lovely cotton pouch, making it travel-friendly, too.
- Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
Save some space in your bathroom cabinet (and in your luggage) by switching to using shampoo and conditioner bars.
Using a shampoo bar means reducing your plastic waste, considering that one shampoo bar is equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo. Plus, you get similar benefits, if not better from shampoo bars and save money in the long run.
This shampoo and conditioner bar set is cruelty and plastic-free, comes in multiple scents of your preference and is aptly priced, so you wouldn’t want to miss out on this.
On the other hand, this sustainable shampoo set has added essential oils for extra nourishment to your hair.
- Hair Ties
Commercial hair ties are often made from non-biodegradable materials, which can be harmful to the environment. These organic & biodegradable elastic hair ties, however, aim to change that. These hair ties use natural rubber which is compostable and biodegradable.
They are plastic-free, non-pulling and are made from only 2 ingredients – certified organic cotton and natural rubber.
Here is another pack of biodegradable hair ties with a larger quantity so you never have to worry about missing one.
- Reusable Face Wipes
Single-use face wipes may be convenient for a post-night out makeup removal.
However, these disposable wipes are made from materials which often take years to break down, polluting the planet in the process. An eco-friendly tip: Swap disposable for reusable.
These organic bamboo cotton pads work as good as your commercial makeup wipes, or better. They also come in a cute laundry bag, making laundry day hassle-free.
- Hair Serum
When it comes to hair products, some might argue that chemical hair products are better, as they specifically target particular hair issues.
However, natural hair products are better for the environment and also works wonders for our hair.
This natural hair growth serum, for example, contains a concoction of essential oils to provide nutrients which are suitable for most types of hair.
Another versatile serum to look out for is this organic castor oil hair serum, which stimulates hair growth, eyelashes and eyebrows.
- Lip Balm
Lip balm is essential in a daily routine, regardless of age, gender and climate. It is also important to make sure that our lips are nourished with natural ingredients.
This organic lip balm is made with beeswax and coconut oil, making it suitable for all ages. There is also the tinted lip balm for moisturised lips with a pop of colour.
Toiletries
Worried about accumulating non-recyclable bathroom waste? Check out these environmentally friendly alternatives instead:
Toothpaste Tablets
Empty toothpaste tubes are a thing of the past when you use these toothpaste tablets.
They are easy to use and will give you fresh breath, healthier teeth and reduce water consumption. These toothpaste tablets will cover a month’s supply, whereas these fluoride-free toothpaste tablets come in a pack of 2, saving you a trip to the supermarket.
Zero Waste Toothpaste Bits
- Bamboo Razor
Disposable, single-use razors contribute to the global plastic problem.
As an alternative, switch to an eco-friendly razor, such as this travel-friendly bamboo safety razor. It is plastic-free and can be used for a long time.
Be sure to get these easily replaceable safety blades and this organic shaving soap bar for a smoother shave.
All natural cure for razor burn and bumps
- Dental Floss
Complete your dental routine with a sustainable, earth-friendly dental floss. This dental floss is waxed with the natural biodegradable candelilla wax. It also comes in a refillable, reusable holder.
- Menstrual Cup
Menstruation can cost a woman an estimated £3356 (or $4572) in a lifetime.
Whether using tampons or pads, these would later contribute to plastic waste in landfills, which makes it not only unsustainable but also unhygienic.
By swapping to a menstrual cup, you will save money and the environment. This medical-grade silicone menstrual cup comes in different sizes and is guaranteed to be leak-free.
Unsure about your size?
You can opt for this 2-pack menstrual cup which comes in different sizes to ensure optimum comfort.
- Konjac Sponge
Konjac sponge is a natural, plant-based sponge made from the root of a konjac plant.
It is a multipurpose exfoliator and can be used on your face and all over the body. It is highly recommended that you use different sponges to avoid cross-contamination.
This 4-pack konjac sponge is specially made for the face and comes with different colours for distinctive functions. The natural bath sponge, on the other hand, is the perfect substitute for a loofah.
Everyday Essentials
Be sure to have these on the ready to help you live sustainably while being on-the-go:
- Face Masks
The ongoing global health issue has changed our priorities. For this reason, face masks have become a daily necessity.
Although disposable face masks are of medical grade, it is also prone to pollution. In 2020, it was estimated that over 1 billion face masks polluted the ocean.
Using a reusable face mask gives more bang for your buck and is an earth-friendly alternative.
The Reusable Fabric Face Masks from Base Camp are washable with adjustable ear loops so they can be customised to fit. They also have bendable nose wire to give a more snug fit.
Each mask is 3 layers and comes with a removable and replaceable filter pocket, making it very convenient to use.
- Collapsible Containers
Carrying takeaway food and leftovers are made easier with these eco-friendly collapsible containers.
They are made from silicone, come in different sizes and are easily compressed to fit in your bag, making them highly portable.
There are also collapsible cups in case you’re thinking of that takeaway latte and collapsible snack cups for kids.
- Snack Pouch
If you’re looking to save more space in your bag, this cotton sandwich bag will do the trick. Suitable for storing cooked food, it is washable and reusable for later use.
There is also a pack of silicone reusable food bags to help you store leftovers and snacks of all shapes and sizes.
What Stores Sell Eco-Friendly Products In The UK?
Ever since the sustainable lifestyle has become a trend, the demand for sustainable products in the UK has significantly increased, resulting in eco-friendly stores springing up like mushrooms.
Eco-Friendly Online Stores In The UK
Here are some of the online stores that you can check out for eco-friendly shopping in the UK:
The Green Turtle works with eco-friendly product suppliers to sell items with minimal plastic on its platform. They have various sustainable products from everyday staples to skincare and beauty products.
Free UK Delivery for orders over £60.
Boobalou is started by a mum of two, who aims to promote a more sustainable lifestyle through swapping disposable household items to reusable alternatives.
This includes gardening tools, baby products and everyday items. Items are shipped in either biodegradable, reusable or recycled packaging.
Free UK Delivery for orders over £50.
Each of the cruelty-free, vegan products from The Kind Store are duly tested and ensured to follow strict sustainable guidelines before they are placed on the website.
Enjoy plastic-free shopping when you purchase from their extensive selection of products; from books to home essentials to jewellery. They also donate 10% of their profit to a rescued animal charity.
Free Parcel Collection Available.
Based in Shaftesbury, Dorset, this eco-friendly shop offers a wide range of affordable, sustainable items. If you are in the area, they offer an in-store refill service for beauty products.
Free UK Delivery for orders over £50.
Available for Click and Collect.
Wearth is a London-based online marketplace to help you shop consciously and eco-friendly. They work with small, independent brands to promote high quality, environmentally-friendly products on their platform. Products are categorised based on sustainable values and shipped with minimal plastic packaging.
Eco-Friendly Companies In The UK
In the UK, more and more companies are adopting sustainable policies to ensure their businesses leave minimal carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
Here are some of the companies:
- Verto Homes – Housing development company which introduces the concept of Zero Carbon Smart Homes, which are built from sustainable materials and run on solar energy.
- allplants – Delicious, frozen vegan meals delivery service which prioritises sustainability from preparation to packaging.
- UrbanThings – Developed paperless ticketing apps such as Bus Checker to reduce paper waste in the transportation system.
- Olio – An app which focuses on sharing unwanted and unused food and household items.
- Bulb – Energy company looking to introduce cheap, renewable energy in the UK.
How Can I Be More Sustainable At Home In The UK?
Apart from using sustainable products in the UK, you can slowly pick up routines to help you live more sustainably.
Practising sustainable habits does not have to be an intimidating feat. Here are some useful tips to help you start. Remember, you can always build these habits up at your own pace.
- Plastic-Free Grocery Shopping
Place some reusable bags, such as these reusable shopping bags from Baggu in your car to make sure you will always have it ready for grocery shopping trips. When shopping, choose loose vegetables instead of readily packed ones to reduce plastic consumption. - Save Energy/Electricity At Home
The UK relies mainly on fossil fuels to generate electricity, which comes from non-renewable sources.
Turning off switches and plugs immediately when not in use. Check out these energy-saving light bulbs, which will help to reduce your monthly electric consumption (and save on bills!)
- Use Greener Products
Making small changes like carrying your own reusable container, coffee cups and straws will help you to reduce waste.
Additionally, when you use zero-waste products such as toothpaste tablets and organic scouring pads, you will end up spending a lot less money as the items will be used for a long time.
- Buy Vintage or Second-hand
The fashion industry is growing to be one of the leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to the ever-growing demand.
You can play your part in reducing the demand by opting for second-hand and vintage pieces of clothing. You will have a unique, handpicked style and give life to the pieces.
Here are some of the websites offering vintage and second-hand clothing:
– Depop
– Micolet
– Thrift+
– Beyond Retro
– BuildABundle
- Grow Your Own Grub
Save a trip (or two) to the supermarket by starting your own mini garden at home! Everyday herbs such as parsley, mint and rosemary are easy to grow.
You can also learn how to grow small vegetables like tomatoes and beetroots. Check out this beginner’s guide to gardening by Almanac.
- Eat Less Meat
Reducing meat consumption is a significant step that you can take to tackle climate change and become more sustainable.
Not only that it helps to minimise your carbon footprint, but cutting down meat in your diet has research-proven benefits on your health.
Check out these easy meat-free recipes recommended by Love & Lemons.
Final Thoughts On Sustainability In The UK
There are many reasons to start using sustainable products in the UK, one of which is to tackle climate change.
It may seem daunting at first, but with collective effort, we can protect our planet from further detrimental impact. The small changes we make today will have a significant influence in the years to come.
If you have been practising any of these sustainable habits or used any of the sustainable products, share your experience with us in the comments section so we can help each other out in making the world a sustainable planet to live in.
