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30 Best Eco-Friendly Products for a Greener Planet This Earth Day

Spring-cleaning your life just got a whole lot easier.

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eco friendly items for earth day
Staff, Courtesy of Patagonia Worn Wear

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Earth Day—Friday, April 22—is fast approaching, and while one getting outside for some exercise or volunteering for a local cleanup are smart ways to celebrate the holiday, Earth Day also presents a great opportunity to assess our own lives and see how we can make our existence more sustainable.

While going completely vegan and plastic-free isn't feasible for everyone, if many of us make small efforts to lead more environmentally sustainable lives, we can collectively make a big difference. One of the easiest ways to start living a greener life is to invest in sustainable, eco-friendly products, from kitchenware to clothing to skincare and beauty products.

Although there are tons of options out there, it can be difficult to find products that are actually worth your while, and will last the test of time. That's why we've rounded up our favorite sustainable and eco-friendly products that will help protect our planet and keep her beautiful for generations to come.

1
For Greener Grooming

Package Free Shop Reusable Ear Swab

Reusable Ear Swab

Disposable cleansing products like Q-Tips and cotton balls are some of the most widely and frequently used disposable products. Instead of buying a bin of cotton swabs that can take years to decompose, try this reusable swab instead. It can easily be cleaned with soap and water, and it comes in a biodegradable corn-based case that's great for travel.

2
For More Eco-Friendly Eating

Misfits Market Misfits Market Box

Misfits Market Box

If you hate grocery shopping, try the Misfits Market box, which not only brings groceries to your door, but also decreases food waste. Misfits gathers up organic and sustainably-sourced produce, meats, and pantry staples that grocery stores decided were not up to par aesthetically, but are still delicious and perfectly safe to eat. You can also save up to 40 percent on these items versus conventional grocery store prices, and you don't even have to leave your house.

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3
For Limiting Single-Use Plastics

Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag

Platinum Silicone Food Grade Reusable Storage Bag

As many people return to in-person work, packing lunch is once again becoming a necessity for many of us. Instead of using a single-use plastic bag, this silicone food-grade storage bag is a smart and sustainable option. It's sturdy, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and it comes in three sizes and seven colors.

4
For Greener Sleep

Avocado Mattress Green Mattress

Green Mattress

If you are looking to upgrade your bedding, you can't go wrong with this Avocado mattress, which is made with natural materials like 100 percent FSC-certified and Rainforest Alliance-certified latex, 100 percent Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified organic latex, 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic wool, and 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton.

It is partially made from domestic materials, comes with free carbon-neutral shipping, and won a sustainable innovation award in 2020. In addition to being a greener alternative to traditional mattresses, it's a customer favorite, with an average 4.7/5-star rating from buyers.

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5
For Plastic-Free Dental Care

Bite Toothpaste Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits

Fresh Mint Toothpaste Bits

Have you ever considered how much plastic you're tossing every time you throw out a tube of toothpaste? If you're looking for a greener alternative, these toothpaste bites come in a refillable jar, and once you've run out, you can get another pack of 248 bites in a compostable package. They are made with ingredients like coconut oil, guar gum, and xylitol that help whiten and keep teeth fresh, and they are totally vegan.

6
For Eco-Friendly Athleisure

Tentree Cropped hoodie

Cropped hoodie

If you're looking for a cute new gym outfit or some athleisure pieces to add to your collection, Tentree has some great options. Besides making cute, comfy, quality clothing, they actually plant 10 trees with every clothing purchase. Plus the company shows you the amount of water, CO2, and waste saved with each garment.

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7
For More Sustainable Shopping

purifyou Set of 9 Premium Reusable Produce Bags

Set of 9 Premium Reusable Produce Bags

If you typically put your fruits and veggies in produce bags at the grocery store, you're likely ditching a lot of single-use plastic on a regular basis. These reusable bags are a great way to cut down on your plastic use while still keeping your produce organized. This set comes with nine silicone bags in small, medium, and large sizes, and they are machine-washable in between uses.

8
For Ditching Plastic Bottles

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Straw Lid

Wide Mouth Straw Lid

If you don't already have a reusable water bottle, this Hydroflask is a great one to start with. With options in 24-, 32-, and 40-ounce sizes, and tons of color choices, there is truly a bottle for everyone. Plus, it is insulated, BPA-free, and has a long-lasting color coating, so it will look brand-new—and work perfectly—for years to come.

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9
For Greener Gadget Protection

LifeProof SEE SERIES Case

SEE SERIES Case

Whether you're into extreme sports or are simply-accident prone, investing in a protective phone case can mean the difference between a smashed screen and a safe fall. This one is made from 45 percent ocean-based recycled plastic and includes a lifetime warranty.

10
Ditch the Dryer Sheets

Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

Wool Dryer Balls

Say so long to wasteful dryer sheets by investing in some wool dryer balls instead. These are handmade with 100 percent wool and replace the need for dryer sheets and fabric softeners. They collect lint and prevent static, and you can even put a few drops essential oil on them to get your clothes smelling great.

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11
More Sustainable Straws

StrawExpert Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws

Set of 16 Reusable Stainless Steel Straws

This set of 16 straws is great for use at home and on the road. They come in different lengths, and the set includes both straight and bent varieties. Plus, they have silicone tops, which protect your teeth from hitting the stainless steel. They also come with cleaning brushes and a bag so you can throw them in a purse or your car.

12
For a Green Skincare Routine

GREENZLA Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

If you use cotton pads to remove makeup and apply serums every day, you are creating way more waste than you probably realize. These reusable pads are affordable, and more effective than their single-use counterparts, as they can hold more liquid and won't pill and fall apart. Once you're done using the pads, simply put them in the included bag and throw them in your washing machine.

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13
Reused Running Gear

Patagonia Women's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover

Women's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover

Outdoor wear and gear can be expensive, but a way to save money—and cut down on clothing waste—is investing in some pre-loved gear, like this pullover. Worn Wear by Patagonia has a great selection of used clothing and gear that you can give a second life. Look here for the full list of Worn Wear options.

14
Make Your Own Milk

Leave a Review The Essentials

The Essentials

Whether you are a vegan or just prefer non-dairy milk, you have probably noticed that a jug of your favorite plant based beverage can easily cost you upwards of $5. Not to mention that they also often include thickeners, preservatives, and other ingredients you may not want. The Almond Cow allows you to make your own nut and grain milk with ingredients that you choose. Not only is it better for the planet since it won't leave you with milk containers to dispose of, but it is healthier, and great for those concerned with possible allergens.

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15
For a Plastic-Free Laundry Routine

ECOS Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Squares

Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Squares

If you want a plastic-free detergent option, consider these Ecos detergent squares. You only need to use one sheet per load, so you get a total of 114 loads in a single pack. Because they are liquid-free, they also create fewer shipping emissions, and they're made with a clean, plant-powered formula.

16
For Cleaner, Greener Laundry

Tide Purclean Liquid Laundry Detergent

Purclean Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you prefer a liquid detergent, this one is a great option. It has a clean formula which is 75 percent plant-based, and it is made with 100 percent wind power at a zero-waste plant. It's also free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates, and optical brighteners, making it a great choice for folks with sensitive skin.

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17
For a Cleaner Coffee Routine

CoffeeSock Reusable Coffee Filters

Reusable Coffee Filters

If you love making your coffee the old-fashioned way, but don't love wasteful coffee filters, a reusable filter like this one is a great option. These come in a pack of two and are made from compostable organic cotton.

18
For an Energy Audit

Sense Energy Monitor

Energy Monitor

Want to reduce your energy usage? This little gadget allows you to see your energy use in real time—meaning you can pin down every time you turn on a light, and how long you leave it on. You can even use it to set custom notifications—like alerting you if you leave the stove on. Once you have a clear picture of how you're using energy, it's a whole lot easier to cut back.

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19
Recycled Runners

Allbirds Women's Wool Runners

Women's Wool Runners

Allbirds shoes are not only stylish and comfortable, but they're also carbon neutral, and are made using natural and recycled materials. The upper of the shoe and its heel lining are made from merino wool, which is naturally moisture-wicking, and will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Its midsole and insole are made from sugarcane-based green EVA and castor bean oil, respectively, and its laces are made from recycled plastic bottles.

20
Super Clean Skincare

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

We love clean beauty that both protects and clears your skin. This tinted serum offers light to medium coverage, and has SPF 40. It also contains niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin looking great, and the packaging is made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Headshot of Gabrielle Hondorp

Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track. 

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