The Future is Green: 9 Eco-friendly Products to Help You Live Sustainably

These are eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics such as sachets, pouches, and bottles which significantly aggravate the country’s waste problem. Shampoo bars also require less water when used and are travel-friendly to boot.

Available at ECHOstore

The next time you shop, consider cassava bags, which degrade on its own. A few stores have already started using them instead of plastic. Local brands such as Loop and EcoNest have created this alternative which come in many forms and functions, from mailer bags to trash bags. Cassava bags definitely help prevent the use of plastic, which unfortunately will end up in the ocean and polluting it.

Available at loopstore.ph and econestph.com

See also: 7 Filipino Businesses Building a Better Future

Textile waste is a global issue that must be slowed down. Fortunately, there are alternatives, like the Yakan-Kalinga Towel from Simula PH that prevents us from contributing to the increasing waste. Simula PH recycles water bottles to create a soft towel that is sandproof and can absorb water fast. At least 20 bottles are used to make one towel.

Available at simula.ph

Filipinos have recycled water bottles in various creative ways over the years. Illac Diaz contributed to this movement by starting Liter of Light in the Philippines which turns thousands of plastic bottles into solar bulbs. Coca-Cola also introduced the country’s first 100 per cent recycled beverage bottles in 2019. That same year, The World Bank reported that the country has recycled 28 per cent of key plastic resins.

Visit literoflight.org

See more: Litre Of Light And The Embassy Of Italy To Unveil Participative Solar Art In BGC

Instead of tossing old pencils into the trash, give plantable pencils a second life by placing them on moist soil. These pencils can be found in EcoHub, a start-up from Cebu City. The social enterprise created pencils with a tail end made of a gelatine capsule that houses plant seeds—from tomatoes, sunflowers, to citronella—instead of an eraser.

Available at ecohubcebu.com

Locally made solar power lights have provided light to many homes in far-flung communities. They can light up thousands of houses without harming the environment and hurting the pocket. Truly a modern solution that saves both energy and money.

Available at ecoshiftcorp.com

Read more: 6 Filipino Inventions To Know: Solar Windows, COVID-19 Test Kits, Ginhawa Ventilator

Local artisans have explored the use of recycled plastic bottles and other environmentally friendly materials to create new, beautiful pieces such as furniture and bags. Brands like Halo-Halo have started to include some materials from recyclables. They’ve also released a wider collection including luggage, sack bags, neoprene bags and outdoor furniture that can be used wherever you may be.

Available at halohalostore.ph

It is now possible to take care of one’s health while taking care of the planet. With eco-friendly workout clothes in the market, people are given the choice to buy pieces that lessen fabric waste. Local brands like Groove have begun inspiring health enthusiasts to wear their collection which are made of 78 per cent recycled polyester.

Available at grooveactivewear.com

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