More and more people are striving to live more sustainably, and cleaning is a great place to start. Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our health and the environment. Luckily, there's a growing market for eco-friendly cleaning alternatives. Finding the best options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best online marketplaces for eco-friendly cleaning products, so you can easily find sustainable solutions that work for you and the planet.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
Before diving into the best marketplaces, let's explore why switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is so important. Conventional cleaning products often contain chemicals that contribute to air and water pollution, harm aquatic life, and can cause respiratory problems and skin irritations in humans. Eco-friendly alternatives, on the other hand, are made with plant-based or mineral-based ingredients, are biodegradable, and come in sustainable packaging. Choosing these products helps reduce your environmental impact and protects your health. [1]
Health Benefits
Eco-friendly cleaning products are generally free from harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, chlorine bleach, and artificial fragrances, which can trigger allergies and asthma. By using natural and non-toxic cleaners, you can create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. [2]
Environmental Benefits
Sustainable cleaning products reduce pollution and waste. They are often biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally without harming the environment. Additionally, many eco-conscious brands use recycled and recyclable packaging, further minimizing their environmental footprint.
Ethical Considerations
Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products often means supporting companies committed to ethical sourcing and fair labor practices. Many sustainable brands prioritize transparency and work to ensure their ingredients are responsibly sourced and their products are made under fair conditions. [3]
Top Online Marketplaces for Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Here are some of the best online marketplaces where you can find a wide variety of eco-friendly cleaning products:
1. Grove Collaborative
Grove Collaborative is a Certified B Corporation that focuses exclusively on sustainable home and personal care products. They offer a wide range of eco-friendly cleaning supplies, including their own brand of concentrated cleaners, as well as products from other trusted brands.
- Product Range: Grove Collaborative offers everything from dish soap and laundry detergent to multi-surface cleaners and hand sanitizers. They also carry reusable cleaning tools like microfiber cloths and spray bottles.
- Sustainability Practices: Grove is committed to being plastic-free by 2025. They offer concentrated refills in recyclable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.
- Subscription Model: While Grove offers individual purchases, they primarily operate on a subscription model. You can customize your orders and delivery schedule to fit your needs.
- Pros: Wide selection of sustainable products, convenient subscription service, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Cons: Subscription model may not be for everyone, some products can be more expensive than conventional alternatives.
- Example: Grove Co. Concentrated Multi-Purpose Cleaner - A plant-based, biodegradable cleaner that comes in a recyclable glass bottle.
2. Package Free Shop
Package Free Shop is dedicated to reducing waste by offering products that are plastic-free, reusable, and compostable. They offer a curated selection of eco-friendly cleaning essentials, from solid dish soap to reusable cleaning cloths.
- Product Range: Package Free Shop carries a variety of cleaning products, including solid dish soap, laundry detergent sheets, reusable sponges, and bamboo cleaning brushes.
- Sustainability Practices: They prioritize products with minimal packaging and made from sustainable materials. They also offer carbon-neutral shipping.
- Zero-Waste Focus: Package Free Shop is committed to eliminating single-use plastics and promoting a zero-waste lifestyle.
- Pros: Wide variety of package-free options, strong commitment to sustainability, and transparent sourcing.
- Cons: Limited selection compared to larger marketplaces, some products may require a learning curve to use.
- Example: Solid Dish Soap - A plastic-free alternative to liquid dish soap that comes in a compostable cardboard box.
3. EarthHero
EarthHero is an online marketplace that curates sustainable products from a variety of brands. They offer a wide range of eco-friendly cleaning supplies, as well as other sustainable home goods, apparel, and personal care items.
- Product Range: EarthHero carries a wide variety of cleaning products, including laundry detergents, dish soaps, all-purpose cleaners, and cleaning tools. They also offer products from various brands.
- Sustainability Practices: EarthHero vets each brand and product to ensure they meet strict sustainability standards. They also offer carbon-neutral shipping and plant trees with every order.
- Diverse Selection: EarthHero offers a wide range of sustainable products beyond cleaning supplies, making it a one-stop shop for eco-conscious consumers.
- Pros: Wide selection of sustainable products, vetted brands, carbon-neutral shipping, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Cons: Products can be more expensive than conventional alternatives, some brands may have varying sustainability practices.
- Example: Meliora Cleaning Products Laundry Soap - A concentrated, plastic-free laundry soap that is safe for sensitive skin.
4. Thrive Market
Thrive Market is a membership-based online marketplace that offers organic and sustainable groceries and household products at discounted prices. They offer a variety of eco-friendly cleaning supplies, including their own Thrive Market brand. [4]
- Product Range: Thrive Market offers a variety of cleaning products, including laundry detergents, dish soaps, all-purpose cleaners, and cleaning tools. They also offer their own Thrive Market brand products.
- Sustainability Practices: Thrive Market prioritizes organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced products. They also offer carbon-neutral shipping and have a zero-waste warehouse.
- Membership Model: Thrive Market operates on a membership model, which provides access to discounted prices on sustainable products.
- Pros: Discounted prices on organic and sustainable products, wide selection of eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and a strong commitment to social responsibility.
- Cons: Requires a membership fee, limited selection compared to larger marketplaces, shipping times may vary.
- Example: Thrive Market All-Purpose Cleaner - A plant-based, non-toxic cleaner that is safe for use on a variety of surfaces.
5. Amazon
While Amazon may not be exclusively focused on eco-friendly products, it offers a vast selection of green cleaning supplies from various brands. Look for products with certifications like EPA Safer Choice, USDA Organic, or EcoLogo to ensure they meet environmental standards. [5]
- Product Range: Amazon offers a vast selection of cleaning products, including many eco-friendly options.
- Sustainability Practices: Amazon has implemented some sustainability initiatives, such as carbon-neutral shipping and sustainable packaging programs. However, it's important to research individual brands and products to ensure they meet your sustainability standards.
- Convenience: Amazon offers fast shipping and easy returns, making it a convenient option for many consumers.
- Pros: Wide selection, convenient shopping experience, and competitive prices.
- Cons: Sustainability practices vary widely, it's important to research individual products, and can be difficult to verify the authenticity of some products.
- Example: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner - A plant-derived cleaner that is scented with essential oils.
6. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace where independent artisans and small businesses sell handmade and vintage goods. You can find a variety of unique and eco-friendly cleaning products on Etsy, such as homemade soaps, reusable cleaning cloths, and refillable spray bottles.
- Product Range: Etsy offers a wide variety of handmade and unique cleaning products, such as beeswax wraps, wool dryer balls, and natural cleaning solutions.
- Sustainability Practices: Many Etsy sellers prioritize sustainable materials and ethical production practices.
- Support Small Businesses: Shopping on Etsy supports independent artisans and small businesses.
- Pros: Unique and handmade products, support for small businesses, and a wide variety of eco-friendly options.
- Cons: Quality and sustainability practices can vary, shipping times may be longer, and returns may be more difficult.
- Example: Handmade Beeswax Wraps - A reusable alternative to plastic wrap made from beeswax, cotton fabric, and tree resin.
Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your needs. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:
Read Labels Carefully
Pay attention to the ingredients list and look for products that are free from harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, chlorine bleach, and artificial fragrances. Look for plant-based and biodegradable ingredients.
Look for Certifications
Certifications like EPA Safer Choice, USDA Organic, EcoLogo, and B Corp can help you identify products that meet specific environmental and social standards.
Consider Packaging
Choose products with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled or recyclable materials. Consider concentrated formulas that require less packaging and shipping.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
Consider making your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to clean your home. There are many recipes available online. [6]
Support Sustainable Brands
Choose brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production practices and committed to environmental and social responsibility.
Making the Switch: A Gradual Approach
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products doesn't have to happen overnight. Start by replacing one or two of your most frequently used cleaning products with sustainable alternatives. As you run out of your conventional cleaners, gradually replace them with eco-friendly options. This gradual approach can make the transition more manageable and less overwhelming.
Start with the Basics
Begin by replacing your most frequently used cleaning products, such as dish soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner. These are often the products that contribute the most to environmental pollution.
Try Concentrated Formulas
Concentrated cleaning products require less packaging and shipping, reducing your environmental impact. Simply dilute the concentrate with water in a reusable spray bottle.
Embrace Reusable Cleaning Tools
Replace disposable cleaning tools like paper towels and sponges with reusable alternatives like microfiber cloths, bamboo cleaning brushes, and washable sponges.
Conclusion
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your environmental footprint and create a healthier home. By choosing sustainable alternatives, you can protect your health, reduce pollution, and support ethical businesses. Explore the online marketplaces mentioned in this article and start making the switch to green cleaning today. For your next steps, consider researching DIY cleaning recipes and evaluating your current cleaning product usage to identify the best areas for improvement. Embrace the journey towards a cleaner, greener home!