This article will highlight a dozen companies that have made it their mission to produce products from recycled materials. Instead of making yet more trash, they aim to use the existing materials to create their products instead of adding to the existing amount of trash we already have.
The goal? A closed loop system where no more trash is created but rather recycled into the next round of products.
The benefit to the consumer is that you can feel good about these products when you buy them. They make a measurable change in the world. Be part of the solution instead of the problem, right?
Rampant consumerism has changed the world as we know it in countless ways. The most staggering impacts of consumerism are seen in the environment. Pollution and resource depletion are huge problems that are leading to negative changes such as global warming.
These changes are leading a shift in consumerism, producing a faction of wise consumers who want to do better business and make better decisions by working with companies who are considerate of their impact on the planet.
I’m going to cover companies that make products from things like ocean plastics to biodegradable packaging made from mushrooms, so lets get to it!
Bio-Bean Coffee Logs
Instead of using wood for a fire, choose these “eco heating briquettes” that are made of recycled coffee grounds that have been collected from UK offices, cafes, transport hubs, and coffee shops. If you’re looking for a more green way to enjoy a fire, try Bio-Bean Coffee Logs.
Green Toys
Plastic toys end up in landfills and can be highly attributed to pollution. The good news is that you don’t have to stop buying toys – you can simply choose Green Toys. Green Toys are made with 100% recycled materials and are as durable and fun as plastic. Your kid won’t know the difference, but you’ll feel better knowing you made a eco-friendly toy selection.
Shoes from Recycled Materials
Recycled material shoes are an exceptional way to help give back to the environment. Allbirds offers men, women’s, and kid’s shoes made from wool, while Rothy’s offers stylish washable woven flats and shoes crafted from recycled plastic.
Recover Brands Clothing
Recover Brands offers sustainable clothing made with recycled materials such as recycled plastic bottles and upcycled cotton. Their brand is committed to reducing pollution in the environment while also giving consumers a chance to make the world a healthier, safer place. Details can be found here.
WeWOOD Watches
Yes, you can even make an environmentally conscious decision with your next wristwatch purchase! WeWOOD Watches create wristwatches from reclaimed and recycled wood and materials, offering a stunning line of unique items.
WeWOOD Watches is partnered with Trees For The Future to plant a tree for every watch sold. You can find out more at WeWood.
Looptworks
Based in Portland, Oregon, Looptworks repurposed and upcycles unclaimed, pre-consumer, and post-consumer materials into unique products, such as recycled material bags.
Looptworks offers backpacks, totes, handbags, laptop and tablet cases, duffel bags, hip packs, and more. If you want to make an impact on the planet with your next bag purchase, check out Looptworks.
Pentatonic
Pentatonic creates 100% recycled materials furniture and decor with an emphasis on circular economy. Using trash items, Pentatonic re imagines junk into stunning furniture and decor.
This process thereby lessens their carbon footprint, as well as the footprint of consumers who choose their products. You can learn more at pentatonic.
Ombraz Sunglasses
This sunglass company offers both a new way of looking at sunglasses as well as a new way of doing business with the environment in mind. Ombraz sunglasses have done away with the sidearms of the conventional sunglass and replaced them with cords. Just tighten them to your liking and you’re off. And maybe the best part is the 20 trees that will be planted as soon as you buy one.
EcoHelmet
EcoHelmet creates bicycle helmets designed from recycled paper and intended for bicycle sharing programs. With EcoHelmet, helmets can be purchased on site and then recycled when the ride is done.
Each EcoHelmet is made with waterproofed recycled paper in a strong radial honeycomb pattern. Each EcoHelmet is one size fits all, designed to fold flat, and comes at a low price.
They’ve been crash tested and shown to absorb shock like any other bike helmet. Cyclists who want to ride safely in the city can find EcoHelmet.
Mushroom Packaging
Packaging waste accounts for a lot of the waste that ends up in landfills, but one company has created a solution. With mushroom roots, packing materials can be composted and created.
This is a wonderful and eco-friendly way to enjoy effective packing solutions that come from a wholesome source. Ecovative Design, the company behind Mushroom Packaging, aims to offer solutions that lessen the impacts of animal agriculture and plastics. Mushroom Packaging is now available here.
Norton Point
Plastics find their way into the ocean, causing catastrophic harm to marine creatures and their natural habitat. One company, Norton Point, has come up with an interesting solution.
By recycling plastics found in the world’s oceans, they are creating socially and environmentally conscious eyewear for men and women. With every pair purchased, Norton Point pledges to remove one pound of plastic from the ocean. Find out more at Norton Point.
Girlfriend Collective
Plastic water bottles play a major role in the destruction of the environment with plastics. The Girlfriend Collective has set out on a mission to promote ethical manufacturing and recycled materials, and they are doing so by taking old water bottles and creating women’s leggings, bras, shorts, and more.
The company is proud to offer transparent production practices and eco-conscious apparel for women. Discover more about the Girlfriend Collective.
Everlane
At Everlane, the mission is to redefine everything about how apparel is made today. With ethical factories and products designed entirely from recycled plastics, Everlane is changing the way clothing is produced.
Plus, Everlane is committed to offering fair wages, decent work hours, and an approach that is always conscious of the environment. If you are looking to buy from a company that is totally committed to transparency and ethics, then look no further than Everlane.
Being a consumer doesn’t have to be consuming of the world’s resources while harming the environment. Instead, we have the chance to change the face of consumerism by promoting ethical companies and making great buying choices.
While it’s up to the companies to be sustainable producers, it’s also up to us to be responsible consumers. Researching a company before making a purchase is vital to wise consumerism.
With these 12 companies, you can live comfortably and freely knowing that you’ve made a smart buying choice for the planet. Sustainable companies like these are helping you make an impact on the world around you!
If you know of a company that you think belongs on this list, please let me know.
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