Today, many people are becoming ethical shoppers and aiming to choose products that are sustainable and environment-friendly, and that support the community and local sellers. This consumer interest has led to an increasing number of all-natural products on the market today. If it’s time for you to switch up the products you use in your home, here are some reasons why you should go all natural.
1. Eco-Friendly
Making the switch to all-natural products is easier than many people think. For any product you use, there’s probably a natural alternative that will help protect the environment. These options are becoming so mainstream that you probably won’t even need to go to a specialty store to find them. For example, you can choose natural cleaning products for your home or an all-natural skincare line.
Looking for products labelled “locally sourced,” “organic,” or “natural” is a good start, but do some research before you buy. Labels don’t guarantee that a product is as environmentally friendly as a company says it is, so check out the Environmental Working Group’s database and make sure your product can back up its claim..
2. Free from Harmful Chemicals
Chemicals are naturally present in the things around you, including the food you eat. Many other products such as creams, fertilizers, shampoos and detergents, however, contain chemicals that are harmful.
Chemicals which are, for example, added to lengthen the shelf lives of products have been linked to various illnesses. Also some people are sensitive to common chemicals, which may trigger unpleasant reactions such as headaches and skin irritations. Luckily, using all-natural products lets you avoid these reactions and live a healthier lifestyle.
3. Support Local Economy
If you want your local economy to thrive, an easy way to help it is to choose products that are made or crafted by local suppliers. Handmade or homemade products usually have more attention to detail, and require less energy to produce compared to items that are mass manufactured in a large factory. Buying products from local artists or crafters supports their businesses as well as the local economy.
4. Save Resources
Many all-natural products serve more than one purpose. Rather than buying different products for cleaning sinks, showers, toilets and windows, you can opt for these multi-purpose alternatives. Buying one natural product instead of several lets you save money as well as space in your cupboards.
Many natural cleaning products also save resources by cutting down on packaging. This way, waste is reduced to a minimum when you buy all-natural products.
5. Sustainable
When you use natural products, you not only help power local economies but you become a part of the social development we need to maintain a healthy planet. It shows your support for industries that have a vested interest in maintaining clean water, clean soil and clean air. And it creates more opportunities for others to follow.
Your purchases of all-natural products makes growing and making those products more economically sustainable for their producers, which opens the door for more and more eco-friendly manufacturers to thrive.
6. Cruelty-Free
Many manufacturers of eco-friendly products do not practice animal testing. Eco-friendly doesn’t automatically mean cruelty-free, though, so be sure to do your research. If you want to check if a product is cruelty-free, look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny label, or check their database. Also consider that all-natural products are better for the animals in ecosystems where raw materials are harvested and processed. They’re even better for the animals in your own local ecosystems.
7. Safe Even for Sensitive Skin
People who have sensitive skin experience irritation when using products with harsh chemicals, including formalin, formaldehyde, or chlorine. All-natural cleaning products are free of strong chemicals that may cause allergies and unpleasant reactions. Thus, if you or any family member has sensitive skin, it’s best to use natural products for your home.
Final Thoughts
Using all-natural products for your home is an excellent way to help the environment, boost the local economy, and save on resources. It also ensures that you and your family are safe from harmful chemicals that could irritate the skin or cause other, more serious health concerns.
Feature image: Pixabay; Image 1: Tabitha Mort
