Eco Friendly Products & choices for greener living.
Looking for information on living a greener lifestyle? Need help figuring out if the eco products you buy really complement your values... or just use an "eco" label without making much of a contribution to a cleaner planet? Or, do you know what eco-friendly products you need, and just want to find the best prices? Sustainablog offers these options and more... all at one site.
We've designed sustainablog.org to give you access to a wide range of green products, as well as the information you need to make clear choices. Not sure what terms like "green," "eco," or "organic" really mean? We've got blog posts and buying guides that will help you learn how to shop green with confidence. If you're ready to buy, you'll find a wide range of eco-friendly products from the brands and vendors you trust.
What Does Sustainablog Offer?
About Sustainablog
- Discover news and inspiring stories about the people, companies and non-profits working towards a greener world at one of oldest and most trusted sustainability blogs on the web.
- Find information to help you make greener choices in your home, business, or workplace.
- Browse and shop from our extensive database of eco products and, in many cases, compare prices on these products.
- Learn how sustainablog "walks the walk" when it comes to protecting, preserving, and restoring the planet's valuable natural resources.
So why is a blog selling green products?
For a number of years, we did what most blogs do to generate revenue from our efforts: we sold ad space. We came to realize, though, that in order to make a profit that way, we had to sell ads to companies that didn't align with our value set. We'd rather make a living by offering eco-friendly products that sustainablog readers likely want, rather than selling ad space for offers in which you're probably not interested.
A lot of companies label their products "green," "eco," "organic," or "sustainable"... that doesn't always mean that they are. How do you ensure that your selling truly green products.
We're constantly checking the products in the store to make sure they meet your eco-friendly expectations. We look for reputable certifications, such as Energy Star, Water Sense, Forest Stewardship Council, and EPEAT. We look for materials and features that we know aren't green. And we offer products from manufacturers and vendors that have reputable track records for meeting stringent environmental criteria.
How do you stock so many different eco-friendly products?
Actually, we don't (which is why we're not calling ourselves a "store"). Our green products comparison engine functions much like a search engine: we create "searches" that query a third-party database for products that match those searches.
Keep in mind as you're searching that, occasionally, we run into some of the same issues that you'll find with a search engine... you don't always get exactly what you expect. We're constantly tweaking our engine, but because of the amount of data, and the frequent updates made by vendors supplying that data, glitches sometimes happen. You may click through to find a different price, or a different product, or an error page. If you find a problem, don't hesitate to contact Jeff McIntire-Strasburg at sustainablog at gmail.com; keep in mind, though, that we assume no responsibility or liability for incorrect information.
I'm kind of new to this whole green shopping thing... can you help me?
We can! We've published a general buyer's guide to help you make the best choices, and we're developing new guides for specific product categories. And, you can always drop us a note if you have a question... we're happy to help!
Since 2003, sustainablog has covered the world of green: the people,companies, technology, and ideas that are moving us towards a more sustainable future. Whether you're searching for information and inspiration, or for eco products for your home and family, you can rely on our experience and expertise to guide you in taking your next steps towards a greener, healthier lifestyle.
Remember: a portion of our profits from your green shopping go to support the Dancing Rabbit Eco-Village in Northeastern Missouri. When you buy eco-friendly products through us, you're supporting a group of people dedicated to living and working in a radically sustainable manner.
We're glad you're here please look around, and let us know how we can better serve you!
As the weather gets warmer, Sustainablog would like to point you in the direction of naturally cool, healthy footwear. We think that Birkenstock Florida Sandals are some of the best choices you can make for your feet. Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals are also favorites.
Warmer weather doesn't mean shoes have to be strictly functional or even casual. Sustainablog is host to collections of Taryn Rose Flats and Taryn Rose Wedge Sandals- attractive and summery womens shoes that certainly dont sacrifice style. Check out the Taryn Rose Quaint, just one funky example.
Of course, we're always on the lookout for ways to be greener around the home too. The Eureka Enviro Steamer is one of the best- with one of these you can get things really clean without using synthetic chemicals. Its perfect for the kitchen where you certainly dont want that kind of thing hanging around. While you're there, stock up on no-cholesterol organic coconut oil and healthy organic apple cider vinegar.
Switch to energy efficient appliances like the Maytag Epicz front load washer or a non-electric water distiller. In winter, choose an energy efficient heater. Install solar lighting solutions like the Intermatic Malibu Metal Solar Lights in your garden rather than relying on mains electricity, or use solar lanterns on camping trips. Instead of scrubbing away with harsh bleaches, try an Ewbank Dynamo Steam Cleaner. It's much easier and requires no harsh chemicals.
Instead of installing wasteful air conditioning systems, try an 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner or a smaller fixed model like the Frigidaire Window Mounted Mini Air Conditioner or Haier 6000 BTU Window Air Conditioner.
Swimming pools are a great way to cool down in summer, but the substances used to clean them can be very undesirable. Check out some non chlorine pool chemicals as an alternative. Be aware of the chemicals you put on your skin. Instead of regular cosmetics, try some Eos Organic Lip Balm. Using natural mascara and other skin products is another way you can cut down the environmental impact of the things you use every day. Protect your gorgeous eyes with a pair of eco sunglasses too.
Living by the vegan or green ethos is much easier than it once was. The range of supplements (see organic flax seed oil for example) that are easily available will help you get a balanced dietary intake of everything you need to stay healthy. Baking your own breads and cakes isn't rocket science. We list a range of organic baking powder to help you get started. If you are a little more experienced, use organic baking yeast to make your bread rise. Choose fully biodegradable paper plates for your next barbeque, or ask the guests to bring their own plastic plates and bowls. The way you decorate your home is important too. See the range of recycled glass vases for great examples of really eco friendly decor, or choose some eco patio furniture, an eco couch or an eco bookcase for your living space.
Organic and eco friendly clothing is something we all want to see more of. If you consider the amount of clothing you'll use in a lifetime and the environmental impact of producing them, ecologically conscious brands like Prairie Underground start to look even more attractive! Choose an organic cotton mens tank top over a regular undershirt. The environmental impact of cloth products is also worth considering. Have a look at these hemp backpacks, organic throw pillows, and organic beach towels for some ideas on where to start. Even small things like eco yoga bags make a difference.
One of our projects right now is to get as many readers cycling as we possibly can. It's really good exercise and it gets cars off the roads. You don't have to be a velodrome superstar to get on a bicycle. Try the Raleigh Detour- a great Raleigh bike for those who don't need or want anything elaborate. If you do want to be a little more serious about your cycling, have a look at the Fuji Bikes page or the range of Bianchi Bikes, or get up into the mountains with a Jamis Bike.
These days its easier than ever to get hold of footwear that is both high quality and eco friendly, like the range from Macbeth Shoes. Here at Sustainablog, we understand that environmental impact doesnt end with the product you buy- even the way that product is packaged is important. J-41 Shoes, for example, have a vegan range and use 100% recycled packaging materials.
