News

Dec 30, 2023

22 eco

Earth Day gives people around the world the opportunity to celebrate the planet

Earth Day gives people around the world the opportunity to celebrate the planet we all live on by taking part in activities like planting trees, cleaning up litter or simply enjoying nature through hiking or gardening.

There are many television shows educating audiences — like Netflix's natural history series Our Planet — with never-before-seen footage of wildlife and their habitats, while also revealing why the natural world matters to us all and what steps must be taken to preserve it.

In honour of Earth Day — which falls on Monday, April 22 — green your routine and learn easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

WATCH BELOW: Earth Day activities

In addition to recycling, eating local in-season food, turning off lights when you don't need them, and paying attention to water use, another way to contribute to preserving the earth is to shop naturally and consciously.

READ MORE: Earth Hour 2019: Turning off lights won't save the planet but these ‘green’ actions will

If you’re hoping to incorporate more environmentally-friendly products in your everyday life, Global News has put together a list of 22 eco-friendly items in celebration of Earth Day.

Earthlove is a seasonal subscription box created by Washington State based Spirit Wild Farm owner Dr. Serina Patterson. With the rising climate crisis, mass deforestation, plastic pollution, species extinction, and other issues facing us and our planet, Earthlove is on a mission to connect everyday consumers to the best eco-conscious brands in a more accessible and affordable way. Each box contains products that encourage sustainable and eco-conscious living.

Choose from a quarterly (one box) or annual subscription (four boxes), with gift options available for one box, bi-annual (two boxes) or annual gift (four boxes). Receive a curated box each season full of sustainable + eco-friendly products by the world's best eco-conscious makers.

Sourced products are ethically and environmentally responsible, including zero waste packaging, natural ingredients, organic and non-GMO, gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and fair-trade. Earthlove also supports artisans, makers, and small businesses in the US & Canada.

Pricing options for subscriptions include: $59.95/box per quarter, $54.95/box with an annual subscription. Gift the box for $65 per box, $125 for bi-annual gifting (two boxes) $250 for annual gift (four boxes).

Available at Earthlove.

Hair care and lifestyle brand, TO112, offers a range of all natural products with ingredients that have been consciously sourced and never tested on animals.

Their Palo Santo candle is made completely of beeswax and a custom blend of essential oils encased in a 100 per cent recyclable, glass canister; their Activate incense sticks are naturally fragranced with an all-natural blend of wood, spice, and floral oils.

Treat yourself to a 100 per cent natural lip balm made with pure beeswax and Tamanu oil. Counter the effects of aging by allowing your hair and skin to retain its natural moisture as you sleep with a pillowcase made of 100 per cent silk.

Founded by Luis Pacheco, TO112 actively seeks alternative ingredients to improve wellness and reduce their impact.

Prices: $18 for their Activate incense sticks, $24 for the Beeswax Lip Care Kit, $55 for their Palo Santo candle, and $125 for the Restore silk pillowcase.

Available online at TO112 or Alibi Cutting Room, Medulla & Co. (Queen West and Yorkville locations), The Fly Collective, Kathleen Sou Hair Artists and Press Market.

This unique and modern fruity chypre has top notes of peach and berry, softened by a powdery rose heart, and finished with a shadowy oak-mossy soul of patchouli.

Mystical Misfit was made for the mischievous magic makers with prismatic imaginations, who dare to wear something modern, exciting, and a just a bit eccentric. Be a #MysticalMisfit with this brand new fragrance, exclusively at Sephora. Cruelty, Gluten, Phthalate & Paraben Free & Vegan.

Price: $82 for 50 mL

Available for purchase at Sephora Canada

The world's first biodegradable glitter, offering users an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic glitter in arts & crafts, face makeup, body glitter, and more.

• Biodegradable glitter made of eucalyptus cellulose core offers a shine and sparkle effect without contaminating the environment with harmful micro plastics• FDA approval for use on the skin allows for endless application possibilities• Eco-friendly formula allows Today Glitter to biodegrade in naturally occurring conditions in as little as 30 days• Eucalyptus core component warrants glitter to be 30-40 per cent softer than conventional glitter, providing softer, more comfortable application• Biodegradable yet non water-soluble formula lends to long-term use without dissolving or melting throughout application or usage• A myriad of color selections and availability in four separate piece sizes from fine dust to larger granules allow users to choose individual vials to suit every need and match any aesthetic

Price: Starting at $10

Available for purchase online at TodayGlitter

Contiki, the original travel company offering global adventures exclusively to 18-35-year-old's, has introduced a new foldable, travel-friendly water bottle as part of its ongoing sustainability program dubbed ‘Contiki Cares powered by TreadRight’. Made from 100 per cent recycled material packaging, this sleek silicone-based water bottle is not only collapsible, but it also comes with an advanced built-in filtration system that removes 99.95 per cent of bacteria, creating clean, safe drinking water wherever you are in the world. Pop in the filtration tube and carbon pouch, which lasts for up to 100 refills, pour tap water in the bottle as you normally would and get clean drinking water.

Price: $15 for the complete set.

Available for purchase online at contiki.com.

Flow is a naturally alkaline spring water, sourced out of a sustainable spring in Bruce County, Ontario. It is packaged in the eco-friendly Tetra Pak (which is both recyclable and renewable) and packed with electrolytes and minerals for an all-around wellness water that is mindful to the earth and the body. Flow comes in original and 6 organic flavours that have no juice, no sugar and no calories:

Prices range from $20.06-$23.89 for a case of 12 x 500mL.

Available online and in-stores.

Pink Buddha Life Yoga Mats are eco-friendly, non-toxic (free from BPAs, phthalates, latex), and made in the U.S. The company says they are designed with intention. Each mat conveys a message, such as "Follow Your Dreams," "Transformation," "Strenght and Power," and "Step Into The Flow." Each mat supports one of the following charitable organizations: I Am the Girl, Big Green, Save the Elephants, and Gentle Barn.

Prices range from $78-$98.

Available online at pinkbuddhalife.com.

This comforting, soothing shampoo is a perfect remedy for dry, itchy skin and is said to be gentle enough for every day. It and all the Burt's Bees for dogs products are made with almost 100 per cent natural ingredients, are pH balanced for dogs, contain no colourants or sulfates and are cruelty-free.

Price: $24.99

Available at any of PetSmart's 128 stores across Canada or online at PetSmart.ca

Helmm is the first eco-friendly refillable natural deodorant and antiperspirant. It utilizes 60 per cent less plastic than pharmacy brands. The modern industrial design includes refill cartridges that click in and out. The health-conscious proprietary formula is free of parabens, phthalates, talc, triclosan, sulfates and aluminum. Fragrances include Trailblazer, Coastline, Hudson and Night Market.

Prices: Starter Kit starts at $28-$40, refills are $14 with free shipping.

Available online at helmm.com.

Inspired by the ocean, Maui Moisture's Colour Protection + Sea Minerals Shampoo and Conditioner is the ultimate duo to dive deep into hydration and help hair colour stay vibrant. The company says these products refresh and protect hair from colour fade with gentle surfactants, infused with Sea Minerals, Algae, and Sea Kelp to ensure your hair stay fresh and shiny.

All Maui Moisture products include a base of natural ingredients of 100 per cent aloe juice and coconut water. Maui Moisture products contain no parabens, no silicones, no sulfates, no gluten, no synthetic dyes, no mineral oils, and are packaged in post-consumer recycled containers.

Price: $10.99 each

Available at Walmart and Amazon.

The limited edition "Original Swiss Army Knife" is the fourth consecutive release coming out of the partnership between Swiss brands, Victorinox and Nespresso. Victorinox uses 100 per cent recycled steel in the manufacture of its knives as less energy is consumed in the processing stage when using this material. The green aluminum casing is made from recycled Nespresso capsules.

Price: $66

Available at the Toronto Bloor St. Victorinox and you can also visit www.swissarmy.ca to find your local retailer.

Tyffyn is a revolutionary lunchbox which the manufacturer says is designed to ensure that you enjoy your meal at its freshest. Made from food-grade stainless steel, Vaya Tyffyn uses vacuum insulation technology to keep your food the way you pack it, warm or cold, for five hours. Tyffyn offers food-grade stainless steel, BPA free and FDA approved leakproof double-shot lids for each compartment and leakproof partitions for more variety in each meal. The optional bag mat is a stylish carrying case that helps maintain temperature and also doubles as a placemat.

Prices range from $58-$74.

Available online at vayalife.com/ca-en/.

Dresden, the Australian eco-chic, sustainable eyewear brand, has officially launched in Canada. Dresden describes itself as ethically, socially and environmentally sustainable across all of their operations — bringing their high-quality, sustainably-made prescription glasses and sunglasses to Canadians. The stylish frames are made from ultra-durable and beautifully lightweight, fully recyclable nylon.

Waste reduction plays a vast part in all Dresden's decisions. Their zero-waste, closed-loop manufacturing system has resulted in a staggering 99 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, compared with traditional metal-hinged glasses. Dresden's owned manufacturing facility has given them the opportunity to take further strides in eco-sustainability, creating limited-edition collections made from recycled plastics and waste materials such as wood composite, recycled Australian money, plastic lids and ocean waste.

Prices begin at $49

Available online at dresden.vision/ca/

SHOOFIE is a bag that solves the age-old problem of how to carry your fancy shoes. One bag with two luxuriously lined pockets, SHOOFIE's unique and patented design keeps your shoes together but separate so they never touch. Available in a slew of sprint/summer ready prints and colours, SHOOFIE is made in Canada (ethically and sustainably).

All of the materials used are either organic cottons or deadstock. SHOOFIE's patented design loves all shoe sizes.

Prices range from $45-$85.

Available online at shoofie.com.

Thrifting or second-hand shopping is an affordable way to implement sustainable shopping habits. eBay.ca offers a curated collection of sustainable clothing and accessories including preloved luxury handbags, vegan leather, ethical and sustainable brands and fabrics.

Price for Celine Tri-Color Pony Hair and Leather Mini Luggage Tote Bag: $1,954

Available on eBay.ca.

Sallie is a medium-sized backpack with contrasting colours and light gold detailing. It's the perfect size to store all your essentials while on the go. ESPE notes that it has never used leather or any other animal-based materials. This company is an all-vegan company that uses a durable, synthetic leather called poly-urethane (PU-leather) that's more environmentally-friendly and resilient than PVC or vinyl.

Prices for the backpacks range from $76-$87.

Available online at espe.ca and on eBay.ca.

This recycled cotton woven diamond sofa blanket throw is made of 100 per cent recycled cotton. Each throw is 120×180 and comes in turquoise, red, sage, black, and purple.

Price: $35

Available online at eBay.ca.

This durable bamboo board starts out as a cutting board and can then be transformed into a fancy serving tray. Down below, it comes with a four-piece stainless steel knife set. Crafted out of high-quality bamboo for superior performance and longevity, this cutting board is designed to transform into a serving tray quickly and easily. This board is hand wash only and the dimensions (L x W) are: 13 x 13 inches.

Price: $32

Available online at eBay.ca.

Made in Canada with organic ingredients, CLIF Fruit Smoothie Filled is the first energy bar inspired by classic smoothie ingredients like fruit, nut butters and seeds. The bars are available in three flavours: Strawberry Banana, Wild Blueberry Acai and Tart Cherry Berry.

Price: $1.99 per bar or $6.99/7.99 per multipack

Available at major retailers such as Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada, Sobeys and most natural retailers.

Staples Canada's kitchen basics stainless steel straws includes four stainless steel drinking straws and a cleaning tool.

Price: $7.99

Available at Staples.ca.

Staples Canada offers Duracell's rechargeable batteries which include 4 AA rechargeable batteries and are guaranteed to last five years.

Price: $19.00 4/pack

Available at Staples.ca

As the first zero waste certified wine company, Earth-friendly winemaking is at its core, which led them to become the first winery to sign the Paris Climate Agreement. Bonterra's line of organic wines including Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as the new release of the Sauvignon Blanc.

Prices ranges from $19.95–$21.95.

Available at the LCBO.

READ MORE: 19 eco-friendly products to shop for in honour of Earth Day

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