Earth Month is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean we can put the planet on the back burner. Now more than ever, the planet needs our help—and that means doing more than making an Earth Day post on Instagram. It's vital for us, as conscious consumers, to do our part every day.
Our research shows that many consumers are ready to do better—aka we're ready to vote with our dollars. In other words, most consumers are ready to put their money into sustainable products, circular economies, and businesses that uplift the environment.
According to a recent GreenPrint report, over 77% of surveyed Americans are curious about and concerned with the environmental impact of the products they buy. However, the same report showed 74% of Americans are unsure how to identify environmentally friendly products. Luckily for you, Brightly is here to help.
Being a conscious consumer means re-evaluating your consumption habits in a way that can better the planet, both socially and environmentally. With this roundup of products, you can be sure you're giving back to our home in more ways than one—beyond your Earth Month celebrations. Here are eight products that give back to the planet.
8 Products That Give Back to the Planet
Making mindful, eco-friendly purchases isn't the only way to be a conscious consumer. Greening your finances can have a positive impact on the planet—and Aspiration is here to help.
With Aspiration's green debit card, you can be sure your deposits aren't being invested in fossil fuel projects. Plus, using this green financial services provider helps reforestation efforts, giving you the option to plant a tree with every purchase. It's a win for your wallet and the environment!
2. Ocean Cleanup Kit, $45
The 4Ocean’s Ocean Cleanup Kit is a community cleanup essential! Featuring tongs and a premium cleanup bag with a lid lock, this bag helps you easily pick up litter on the beach, in the park, or in your neighborhood. The bag is made from recycled PET plastic, and the mesh netting helps keep water out while trapping litter—keeping it out of the ocean.
The kit also includes an interactive guide—Brightly's Field Guide To Doing Good—which helps you embark on your journey to eco-friendly living. The cleanup kit is only available for a limited time in the Brightly Shop, so if you're looking to host a community cleanup, now's your chance.
3. One-For-One Tree Kits, $12.99
Another item available for a limited time in the Brightly Shop is this tree-growing kit that helps you actively participate in reforestation efforts. Trees are essential for restoring oxygen to the atmosphere and absorbing carbon dioxide.
With this kit, you'll receive non-GMO seeds, a biodegradable cow manure pot, some coco grow medium, and step-by-step instructions. Plus, for each kit purchased, a donation is made to plant a tree. What's not to love?
Most candles are made from paraffin wax, but with these all-natural soy candles, you don't have to worry about harmful toxins. The handcrafted candles contain 100% U.S.-grown soy wax and balsa wood wicks. And they're fragranced with essential oils to smell like the great outdoors!
The best part, however, is that these candles give back to National Parks. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the National Park Foundation.
5. Reusable Swedish Dishcloths, $15
One of the most effective ways to give back to the planet is to decrease your environmental footprint. And one way to do that is to decrease the amount of waste you produce in your day-to-day routine. Start with a simple swap: trading single-use paper towels for reusable dishcloths.
These dishcloths are biodegradable and made from natural materials. Plus, one dishcloth alone can replace 17 rolls of paper towels, so not only are you cutting down on waste, but you're also saving money.
6. Microfiber Catching Laundry Ball, $38.99
Microfibers are tiny plastic fibers that live in most textiles we own, from our clothes to our bedsheets. And when we do a load of laundry, we unknowingly send roughly 9 million microfibers to wastewater treatment plants. That's where this microfiber-catching laundry ball comes in.
When you do laundry, simply throw the laundry ball in with your clothes—it'll catch microfibers, so you can dispose of them the correct way. This product both protects our waterways from microfiber pollution and protects our clothing! And the more you use it, the greater the impact.
7. Socks That Plant Trees and Protect Oceans, $14.95
Most of us have bought our socks in bulk—we grab a 6-pack off the rack and we're good to go. However, many of the socks we buy without a second thought contain microfibers and synthetic materials. But with Socks That Plant Trees and Socks That Plant Protect Oceans, you don't have to worry about the microfibers in your socks.
These socks are Fairtrade and vegan certified—and they give back to the planet! The green pair supports Trees for the Future, helping plant trees for better soils. And the blue ocean pair supports Oceana‘s mission to restore oceans and marine ecosystems. Plus, both pairs are super comfy and cozy.
8. Socks That Provide Meals, $14.95
Yes—we have more socks for you! Helping the planet beyond Earth Month means more than just helping the environment; it also means helping the people. And each pair of socks that provide meals supports World Central Kitchen in an effort to provide people with food during natural disasters.
These socks make a great gift, and they're for an even greater cause. They're made with Fairtrade organic cotton, and they're even made to last. When you're done wearing them, be sure to donate them or pass them on to the next person.
