The 46 Best Sustainable Products and Brands to Shop in 2024, Tested & Reviewed

When that time of the month rolls around, our first thought is, “am I out of pads?” (or tampons). Period care brand August makes it easy to stock up with a subscription model that allows you to choose the type and number of products you need every month. (They’re also available one-off at Target.) PureWow’s associate SEO editor Marissa Wu tested the biodegradable pads and liners and was impressed by how soft the material was. “You can’t feel anything and it’s actually comfortable,” she says. The wrappers (though not the pads) are also biodegradable and will dissolve in water—feel free to toss into your municipal compost. (Be sure to remove the paper tab and inner paper liner.) The only downside Wu noted was that she wound the pads were susceptible to crinkling slightly.

There’s a lot to love about the Avocado Green mattress, but one of the most notable is the lack of nauseating odors that a new mattress can sometimes spill into a room. The mattress is made using natural and renewable materials, and is ready to sleep on right out of the gate, as confirmed by a former PureWow editor and a tester who tried the crib mattress for her 2-year-old. It’s medium-firm with a five-coil zone system designed to help alleviate pressure points by evenly distributing weight. There are six sizes, from twin to California king, and the mattresses are made from organic cotton and wool. If you’re looking to upgrade your mattress, you can’t go wrong here. Just keep in mind that they are heavy (you probably can’t set it up alone) and require deep sheets.

Weighted blankets are therapeutic; it’s a fact. From anxiety to insomnia and better sleep, there are quite a few things a good blanket can do. Wu liked Bearaby’s selection because of the company’s many eco-friendly certifications (see below). The weighted blankets are made from organic cotton, lyocell or velvet upcycled from marine plastic. She tested the cotton Napper and appreciated that while warm, it was also breathable and had good weight distribution.

Wine drinkers know that toting a bottle to a party can be heavy. Especially if you’re lugging it across New York City. On the subway. California-based Ron Rubin Winery solves two problems in one swoop by packaging its Blue Bin Wine in a lighter, glass-lined recycled plastic bottle. The glass preserves the integrity of the wine, while the lighter plastic material cuts down on transportation emissions and can be recycled. If you’re worried about the glass breaking, Wu can attest that her shipment arrived intact—despite minimal packaging. (A great thing in our books.) Though she doesn’t consider herself a wine expert, she shared several bottles with friends, which received rave reviews. A few of the superlatives: light, crisp, fruity.

PureWow’s vice president of editorial, Candace Davison, put a suite of Blueland products to the test. The company makes a line of cleaning products made with “plant-based and planet-friendly ingredients” such as citric acid and sodium carbonate. The ones she’d use again? The cleaning sprays, hand soap and dishwasher tablets. The dishwasher tablets were so good, they beat out her once-preferred Cascade Platinum pods in terms of efficacy, and the hand soap effortlessly washed away everything from cakey dirt to brownie batter stains.

Buffy’s bedding takes the cake when it comes to breathable bed linens. One PureWow editor sent a test set to her hard-to-impress parents and they were blown away. “I’m the type who prefers a warmer environment so I can tolerate trapped heat in my bedding, but sweating is not a desirable experience,” her dad says. “I’m also one who sweats easily; the temperature can be in the 60s or 70s and I will still sweat if I’m in the sun. This is why I’m so impressed with these sheet’s breathability.” In fact, they were so breathable that he didn’t sweat at all. The award-winning, 300-thread count sheets are made of lyocell with a sateen finish. According to Buffy, these materials are less water intensive, using less than 10 percent of the water required to make a traditional set of sheets.

Attention, all serious sleepers. The most luxurious sleep of your life is just around the corner. Clementine Sleepwear’s gorgeous pajama sets (and entire sleepwear line) are GOTS certified and plastic free. (Yes, that includes the buttons, which are pearl shell.) Clementine Sleepwear works with 6A, 22 momme silk (the highest quality available), along with OEKO-Tex certified non-toxic dyes. One thing to keep in mind: Unlike many other silk companies, Clementine Sleepwear doesn’t use chemical washes to make the silk “washable.” To clean, they recommend handwashing or machine washing on a delicate cycle.

When it comes to sustainability, there’s a lot of information out there—and a lot of greenwashing, too. The Commons App helps cut through the noise by helping you discover eco-friendly brands, tracking your carbon footprint, providing lifestyle tips and rewarding you for making sustainable choices. The app vets the brands on its platform according to its own sustainability metrics, and companies can’t pay to get on the platform. Brands are compiled by category, so you can search for things like “home décor” and get a Commons-approved list of places to shop.

Bamboo is a great material because it grows quickly, produces 35 percent more oxygen than trees and consumes 45 percent more carbon dioxide. Cariloha incorporates the material into its bath towels, which are made of bamboo-derived viscose. Wu tested the bath towel set. Admittedly skeptical at the beginning, they quickly won her over for their fluffy texture and ability to keep odors at bay. (She admits to forgetting to swap out her towels one week, and they seemed as fresh and odorless as they had on day one.) The towels are easy to clean and have held up well in both the washer and dryer.

If you want the unfun truth, you actually don’t need to buy reusable cotton rounds to remove your makeup. An old, cut up T-shirt does the job just fine. But should you not be the ratty T-shirt hoarding type (like Wu), Clean Circle’s reusable skincare products work beautifully. “I’ve been testing the Bamboo Velour Skincare Pads and have been pleasantly surprised. They’ve been handy for applying skincare products that I would have otherwise needed a cotton ball for, and they’ve also taken off my makeup without retaining any stains. I just pop them in the washing machine and dryer, and they’re as good as new.” Clean Circle also makes makeup remover pads and dissolvable depuffing eye masks, among their other personal care products.

Packing for a trip and trying to estimate the exact amount of serum or toner you’ll need is a stress-inducing experience. Common Heir solves that problem with its pre-portioned pods of retinol, ceramides and vitamin C. Each one dispenses the perfect amount of product and the packaging is plastic free, made from plants. Just twist, squeeze and apply. The capsules are biodegradable, and the packaging is recyclable. “I tried the retinol serum and I appreciated how convenient it was,” Wu says. “I didn’t have to worry about it spilling when I was travelling frequently, and I don’t over-dispense at home.”

That time of the month is tolerable at best and miserable at worst. Not to mention all the money we spend buying tampons and pads. All of which end up in the landfill. Expensive and gross. But with the rise in popularity of products like menstrual cups and discs, it’s changing the way many of us handle periods. (Psst: Both collect your flow, but menstrual cups sit like a tampon while a disc sits behind the pubic bone.)

“I was super hesitant about trying a disc at first,” Wu says. “But after using the Diva disc for nine months, it’s something I will proselytize. I’ve cut down on the number of pads I use by probably 60 or 70 percent, and I’ve found it’s so much more comfortable. I no longer have anxiety about a middle-of-the night leak that will drag me out of bed at 3 a.m. to change the sheets.”

The Diva disc is made of medical-grade silicone and is easy to care for. Before the first use, make sure to boil it in hot water. Then, wash after every subsequent use and store in the accompanying bag. The only downside is that there may be a learning curve and it’s difficult to adjust in public restrooms.

Tiny hand lotions. Lilliputian hand sanitizers. Plastic sandwich bags. Deodorant. There are many personal care and lifestyle items that make life convenient, but the plastic adds up. Evolve Together creates products that fit neatly into your life (that are also aesthetically pleasing) while putting an emphasis on qualities like tree-free packaging, refillable products and using aluminum and glass whenever possible. Wu has tested a slew of products, including hand creams, biodegradable storage bags and hand sanitizers. “Everything is great quality, and some things, like the hand creams, I think perform even better than the ‘normal’ brands I’ve used,” she says. “The design is minimal and sleek, and I feel better using products that have less of an impact on the planet.”

Fable’s tableware is exquisite. “I have been using the dinnerware set and it both elevates the everyday meal and fits right in at a party,” our tester says. “It’s surprisingly durable—not super prone to scuffing from serving ware and cutlery.” Environmental responsibility is part of Fable’s ethos. The company has many certifications, including B-corp and others that verify responsible and ethical production and sourcing practices. We love that they’re powered by renewable energy and look to recycle and reuse materials wherever possible to cut down on waste (like using recycled glass in their stemware and mixing broken pottery back into clay).

Credit and debit cards usually offer somewhere between one and five percent cash back on purchases, with special promotions in categories like travel, gas and online shopping. The Future green debit card does that...but for eco-friendly businesses and initiatives. Think: five to six percent back on purchases with brands that have sustainability commitments. That means Allbirds, threadUp, the Our Place Always Pan, your favorite local thrift store, probably all the brands on this list and even your utility bill have the potential to help you save some serious cash. “I got the Future card earlier this year and I’ve saved quite a bit of money,” Wu says. “I get five percent cash back on public transit—sometimes more—and ten percent back on my utility bill. It’s also nice because Future offers rewards for shopping at places you wouldn’t normally accrue them with a traditional credit card, like second-hand shops.”

Who knew smarter water usage could be so...luxurious? That’s what Wu discovered while testing the Hai showerhead. It was easy to install (coming from someone who has never installed anything in her life), and the app makes it easy to track your water usage and set limits, if desired. The app connects to the showerhead via hydro-powered Bluetooth. Two LEDs indicate when the water has reached the correct temperature and if you’ve hit your water limit. Hai reports that customers have cut back on their water consumption by up to 30 percent. If you opt for the fun spa shower, you can choose from a variety of (sustainably packaged) infusions such as repair (antioxidants and vitamin D3), relax (lavender, sandalwood, vitamin B12) and energy boost (caffeine, mandarin, vitamins B12, C, D and E).

“When it comes to makeup, I’m all for low maintenance. I actually didn’t start wearing it until last year,” Wu says. “I love Iris & Romeo’s multi-purpose makeup, particularly, the multi-balm, which I love for lips and cheeks. I get compliments on how it always matches...and it does, because it’s the exact same product!” Anything that streamlines the beauty routine is a win, and anything that cuts down on excessive products is a major plus—now instead of needing a blush and a lipstick, you can cut the number of products—and packaging—by half. You can also take empties to Credo and they’ll recycle it through their Pact initiative.

Los Angeles-based jeweler Jean Dousset has all the makings of a legacy jewelry house. The great-great grandson of Louis Cartier (yes, the Cartier you’re thinking about) trained at some of the most prestigious haute jewelry houses (think Chaument, Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels) before launching his eponymous brand in 2005. Since then, he’s become a mainstay in the celebrity engagement ring space. (Paris Hilton, Amy Adams and Eva Longoria fell in love with his designs.) In 2023, he committed to using only lab diamonds. From engagement rings to necklaces, bracelets, earrings and high jewelry, each piece showcases stunning craftsmanship.

Makeup artist and entrepreneur Jenny Patinkin’s sustainable luxury beauty tools are hard to beat. (Her makeup brushes ended up on Oprah’s favorite things in 2023.) “I love that Jenny finds a way to conveniently marry practicality, sustainability and luxury,” Wu says. “The brushes are made of recycled plastic and aluminum and are so durable. I’ve scrubbed them endlessly after applying makeup and they always dry nice and fluffy. Plus, there are labels so the beauty neophyte (aka me) doesn’t have to guess which tool is the right one.” Other standout products we love: the Blotter Baby (no more single-use oil-absorbing papers), Beauty Besties Product Prolongers (because you want every last drop of that $5, one-ounce serum) and the makeup sponge duo (biodegradable and plant based).

J’evar is disrupting the jewelry space—not only with its lab diamond collection, but with its business practices. It’s a company that takes sustainability seriously, from solar-powered factories to intense audits to ensure fair labor standards and business ethics. Their jewelry uses majority recycled metals and is thoughtfully designed. We were particularly impressed with what they called the “lotus petal” setting—soft, non-scratching/catch jewelry prongs and easy clasps that won’t leave you endlessly fiddling with a bracelet.

“This might be some of the most comfortable underwear I’ve ever worn—and I’ve tested quite a few pairs this year,” Wu says. “The amount of fabric is generous and incredibly soft. Everything also holds up well in the washing machine. Nothing’s worse than picky underwear.” Aside from numerous sustainability certifications, what we love about Subset is their free recycling program run in partnership with SuperCircle. And there’s a bonus, too. Whenever you recycle old intimates, you’ll receive a $15 Subset credit. The program takes men’s, women’s and children’s underwear, socks, bras and tights—all the stuff that wouldn’t go over well in the thrift store.

Wu hates wearing sunscreen, but after testing Le Prunier last year for a comprehensive guide to the best non-greasy sunscreens, it converted her. “I love that it’s so gentle on the skin with a delicate, pleasing scent. It’s also the only sunscreen that didn’t irritate my eyes—I have a tendency for rubbing them.” The sunscreen—er, Plumscreen—comes in a recyclable aluminum tube. As for the cap? You can recycle it through Credo’s Pact initiative.

At first, Wu was skeptical about lotion bars because she swears on a brand she’s been using for decades. However, she packed it for an overnight press event and found that not only was it incredibly moisturizing, but it also came in a clutch when she realized she had no makeup remover. “The bar melts slowly when it meets your skin. It’s not greasy, though most definitely rich. It removed my (professionally applied) makeup fairly well. Not sure I’d recommend making that a regular practice, but it’s nice that this lotion bar has a versatility my go-to brand does not.”

After testing home composters of all sizes this year, Wu determined two things. The first is that if you live in an area where municipal composting is available to you, that’s probably the way to go. The second is that if you don’t, but do wish to compost, the brand you buy really depends on your needs. The best composter overall that she tested was the Reencle Home Composter. It was the quietest and consumed the least amount of energy. It was also the best value for the price point, as the filter only needs replacing once a year, and the composter comes with self-propagating microorganisms, so you don’t need to buy refill tablets. Two other good brands are Lomi and Mill. The former is quite small and is best for households under four people. Meanwhile, the Mill bin is the size of a kitchen waste bin and can process food scraps up to a family of six. It also has a collection program, making it ideal if you don’t live in a region that collects compost and you don’t garden, either.

We had a mother of a 2-year-old put Loulou Lollipop’s products to the test. She received a sampling of clothes and kitchen items. The clothes were a win for their super-soft material (a TENCEL and cotton muslin) and ability to be thrown in a washing machine (a win for all parents, she notes). Her daughter also enjoyed the Learning Spoon and Fork Set, the Learning Chopsticks and silicone placemat. Our tester found all products easy to clean, and she appreciated that the utensils helped her daughter improve fine motor skills.

The fashion industry creates a lot of waste, and part of that is overstock. With Milaner, every piece is made to order or produced in small runs to cut down on excess inventory. They also partner with heritage French and Italian artisans who make goods using traditional methods that are being lost to the rapidity of mass production.

“The craftsmanship is beautiful. I use the Elena tote as a work bag and I love the giant interior pockets that keep things super organized,” Wu says. The only downside is that the bag can be a little weighty—but that’s the case for most leather goods. She recommends opting for the leather instead of suede bag, as the latter can pill.

When it comes to makeup, packaging is inescapable. MOB Beauty’s refillable compacts and lipstick tubes are lessening the load. Plus, they’re made with 50 to 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. In 2023, they also launched biodegradable packaging.

“I’ve really liked the Blurring Ceramide Cream Foundation and Hydrating Cream Lipstick,” Wu says. “My skin is super dry, and the creamy formula of the foundation provides great coverage without absorbing too much moisture. And the lipstick? Maybe the best I’ve ever used. It does. Not. Move. Even after eating a ginormous sandwich. My friend who I was with couldn’t believe it.”

You probably have a pile of plastic kids’ dinnerware in the cabinet that will survive when plates inevitably go flying. Well, it’s time to ditch the plastic. Munchkin makes bamboo dinnerware for kids—and adds a silicone suction base to prevent slipping. “It’s been super easy to use and wash and clean,” reports our tester. “Despite eating all the stain-tending foods, nothing was stained or has retained any weird smells. We’ve dropped the items multiple times and haven’t had any problems with any damage to the items.”

Beach towels are either so bulky you have no room for snacks in the bag, or they’re thin, sad and soggy. (Not to mention stinky.) Nomadix makes ultra-compact towels from post-consumer recycled plastic that are lightweight, absorbent and odor resistant. One tester took it to the beach for a week and found it didn’t retain the smell of ocean or sand. The towels are also machine washable and dry quickly.

We love candles, but the clutter of empty vessels accumulates quickly. With the Notes Candle and refill system, you have one permanent vessel (plus a silicone insert) into which you can pour the brand’s wax beads. The scents include vanilla and pepperwood, linen and crisp air, spruce and fir needle and violet and white iris.

“I love candles and find this refill system affordable and easy,” Wu says. I love that the beads come in biodegradable packaging. The burn time is 36 hours, which is comparable to Bath and Body Works candles.”

“The design and aesthetics of the nail polishes are absolutely delightful,” says PureWow assistant editor Delia Curtis. “I think that coverage [is wonderful]. It’s got medium consistency so it’s likely that you’ll have to apply at least two coats to get an even finish.” The salon-quality nail polish is vegan, cruelty and 10-free, which means it’s free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens and tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Curtis notes that the distinct “nail polish scent” is less strong here, and that with a base and top coat, your home manicure can last up to a couple weeks.

Our tester took this cooler for a test run on a hot August day in New York City and the results were impressive. The cooler’s ice packs kept the food and drinks fresh and cold, despite the lid being left open during the picnic. (They also stayed cool through the next day.) Our tester also appreciated the sleek design—it weighs about half the size of a Yeti Tundra 45—while still being spacious. The Oyster cooler is 100 percent recyclable, and the company will take back old coolers and melt them down into new ones.

PACT makes a slew of apparel from athleisure to intimates with organic cotton. The clothes are so comfortable, they converted Wu, who admits she’s never bought sweatpants or leggings in her adult life. “I’m NOT a loungewear person, but I haven’t been able to stop wearing a matching set I got from PACT,” Wu says. “The material is soft and thick without being suffocating, and everything is low maintenance—I throw it in the washing machine and the dryer.”

From holiday cards to monogrammed stationery, wedding invitations and photo books, Paper Culture does it all, but on recycled and bamboo paper. “The quality of the paper is impressive. Even the basic cardstock is luxuriously thick, and there are so many designs to choose from,” Wu says. The company is Green Business certified and designated a Top Ten Climate Leader by the EPA.

Petit Collage is a children’s entertainment company that creates games, toys and activities using sustainable materials. (That means recycled wood and plastic, organic cotton and veggie ink.) Our tester played the Save the Bees game with her 2-year-old daughter, saying, “The pieces [in the game] are big enough for her to grip onto but small enough to not feel like she’s too much of a ‘young baby/toddler.’ They’re not so small that she might be tempted or interested to put it in her mouth and be a choking hazard.” She also tried the Find My Favorite Things box and appreciated that the game was versatile and provided lasting entertainment. (Parents know that’s always a win.) Overall, our tester sang the praises of the design aesthetic of the toys and the wood construction and reasonable price point.

When it comes to sustainable clothing and lifestyle brands, Quince has it on lock. They create clothing, travel products and home goods, ranging from affordable silk shirts to cashmere sweaters, organic cotton bedding and suitcases. PureWow editors have tried and recommend the mulberry silk products. The silk is washable, affordable and wrinkle resistant. The Mongolian cashmere sweater also made an editor’s list of best wool sweaters. Quince commits to using responsibly-produced materials, like OEKO-TEX and GOTS certified textiles, and partnering with ethically-run factories.

Of all the brands of bamboo toilet paper we tested this year, Reel came out on top. It had the best texture, the roll sizes were generous and the cost was comparable to other toilet paper brands. We also like the sleek, plastic-free packaging and convenient subscription service.

We love this tea brand (in particular The Earl Grey variety). There are tons of options, whether you like your tea in loose leaf or sachet form, plus lots of different types of tea, too. The company is certified organic by the USDA and works directly with farmers to ensure traceability, supporting growers who cultivate ecologically sustainable gardens.

Cast iron has the incorrect reputation of being hard to clean. The truth is there’s hardly a better candidate for “best cookware.” Yes, it’s heavy, but it’s durable—if you take good care of your cast iron, it could last you a lifetime. The Smithey brand was created after the founder had been restoring vintage cast iron and was inspired to create what he called “modern heirlooms.”

“The craftsmanship of the cookware is distinct and indelible,” Wu says. “I like that it comes pre-seasoned so you can get right down to cooking.” When it comes to cleaning, you don’t even need soap (but you can if you want). Just scrub off the food and be sure to dry the pan thoroughly so it doesn’t rust. Coat with oil and leave it on the range—it’s an eye-catching piece sure to turn heads.

No more tossing your sandwich bag in the garbage. Stasher bags are reusable, BPA-free, silicone bags that do the same job as their disposable cousins—but better. “They’re super easy to wash by hand, but you can also throw it in the dishwasher. They freeze without cracking, don’t retain odors and can be written on,” our tester notes.

Yes, you can have salon-grade, ultra-nourishing shampoo that comes in a bar. superzero makes soap for all hair types that addresses diverse concerns, from frizz to oily and thinning hair. Wu tested a shampoo and conditioner for fine hair and found that both rendered her locks less frizzy with more volume than other brands she’s tried. And despite the bar form, the shampoo lathers incredibly well, and the conditioner is so rich.

When Wu came across Vessi, she couldn’t believe that it was actually waterproof. But after testing out a pair on a torrentially rainy day in New York, she accidentally submerged her foot in a puddle and watched the water roll right off. “My socks weren’t even damp, it was crazy,” she says. “They’re such an all-purpose shoe, I would have bought them instead of the other pair I currently have if I had known about the brand sooner. I’ve logged so many miles in them, from daily commuting to traveling. The simple design makes them easy to pair with any outfit and they’re easy to wash. Only downside is they can get a little warm.” The brand uses OEKO-TEX-certified textiles and partners with ethical factories to produce their shoes. And when products are shipped, they arrive in minimal (though protective) and recyclable packaging.

When it comes to skincare, there are two sure things to expect: It’s expensive and products will be packaged up the whazoo. Enter: Versed, a “drugstore” skincare brand you’d find at home in the Target aisle, but with great, effective formulas and a real commitment to sustainability. The product lines range from retinol eye balms to vitamin C toners and exfoliants for all skin types. Plus, their packaging uses post-consumer recycled plastic and responsibly sourced paper products. The business practices are guided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. If you ask us, that’s everything we wanted for our skincare routine.

Vibrant Body Co. makes a bra you might just forget about—in a good way. The patented teardrop cups provide all the support, as opposed to a traditional underwire (this bra doesn’t have one). The material is OEKO-TEX Standard 100, meaning everything, from the fabric to the stitching, is free of chemicals like PFAs and BPA. Products are also shipped in recyclable packaging.

“I’ve worn this bra for months on end, and it’s as comfortable as they say. Love that there’s no wire that digs into my side,” Wu says.

Yes, we love us some Canada Goose, but the brand is pricey and uses fur to line many of its jackets. Save the Duck is a B Corp (a company that has passed an independent sustainability impact assessment) with a stellar outerwear lineup without using animal products. From puffers, parkas and vests to athleisure, the brand’s goal is to bring ethical and sustainable designs to market. Curtis took a coat for a test run and vouches for the quality.  

“As the temps have dropped in NYC, this jacket does the trick even if you only have one layer on underneath it,” they say. “The design is great. It’s got some puff to it but is still form-fitting. I feel like a toasted marshmallow in it, while still having full use of my arms.”

The lint roller is essential when it comes to keeping clothes looking fresh. (Or, at the very least, like your dog doesn’t spend its entire day sleeping on them.) However, they create a lot of waste as you roll and throw away the used sticky sheets. Steamery has created a reusable lint brush with bristles that remove hair, dust and the like. “I was skeptical at first, but found that the roller was extremely easy to use and empty. It worked just as well as a regular lint roller, and now I don’t have to keep paying for a disposable one,” Wu says. Everything collects into a receptacle that you can then empty with a literal press of a button. The tool is lightweight and works on all fabrics. There’s a handy twist function that will store the bristles, allowing it to travel easily.