ecofreax badges explained
EcoFreax provides you with information on products that use sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and business practices. This way, you can make informed decisions on what's important to you. We list the sustainable features of each product so that you know exactly what's eco-friendly about it.
PRODUCTS, PACKAGING, MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS
organic item
This product (not including the packaging) is made from organic materials only. Organic materials are grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, which is better for the land and decreases harmful agricultural runoff. By steering clear of toxic chemicals, farm workers experience less exposure to hazardous conditions, promoting social responsibility as well as environmental stewardship. Choosing organic materials eliminates the use of insecticides and other harmful chemicals, promotes efficient resource use, and results in a safer product and a cleaner planet!
This product contains zero plastic. That includes the packaging. Packaging waste is a huge issue in today’s society. According to the EPA, Americans generated more than 34 million tons of packaging waste in 2013. A lot of that waste comes from plastic packaging. Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it does not break down and return to the earth like other materials. It photodegrades, meaning it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually becoming microplastics. These tiny pieces of plastic are harmful to the environment and can be ingested by animals, leading to negative health effects.
100% plastic free products avoid all of these issues. The products themselves are made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable and compostable. The packaging is also made from sustainable materials, such as paper or cardboard. These materials break down easily and do not release toxins into the environment.
Phthalates are a type of chemical found in many everyday products. They are used to soften plastics and make them more pliable, as well as to help bind fragrances to other products. However, they have been found to be harmful to the body. Phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances, infertility, and other health problems.
Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical commonly found in plastic products. Studies on BPA exposure have shown that high levels of BPA could lead to hormone disruption, effects on behavior and brain function, reproductive problems, breast cancer, heart disease, infertility, and more. This is because BPA can act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with the body's natural hormones.
The synthetic chemical preservatives, parabens, found in beauty products like shampoo, lotion, and deodorants, have been linked to hormonal disruption and reproductive problems. The parabens can accumulate in your body over time, and have been found in the tissue of cancerous tumors in breast cancer patients.
Sulfates are synthetic chemicals that are commonly used in beauty products and household cleaners, like shampoos and dish soaps. They are often derived from petroleum, and they are used to help form the “lather” we’re used to seeing in our products. When used in the shower or sink, these chemicals can flow through the pipes and into our waterways. Studies have linked sulfates to allergic reactions, eye and skin irritation, and hair loss. Some studies suggest that they contain carcinogenic ingredients.
Bamboo is one of the most renewable resources on the planet, making it a perfect choice for sustainable products. Bamboo is also biodegradable, so it won’t harm the environment if it’s ever disposed of. Additionally, products made from bamboo are often more durable than traditional plastic products, meaning they can be used for longer periods of time before needing to be replaced. This reduces the amount of waste produced by consumers.
Products made from wool are sustainable and have a low carbon footprint. The wool comes from sheep that are raised on pasture land, which means that they are not contributing to deforestation. In addition, the production of wool has a low environmental impact; it does not release harmful pollutants into the air or water. Wool is also biodegradable, so it can be easily disposed of without harming the environment.
COMPANY VALUES & RESPONSIBILITIES
This brand is owned entirely or mostly by women. When it comes to sourcing from women-owned businesses, brands have a lot to gain. First and foremost, they can support gender equality by empowering women entrepreneurs. Women-owned businesses also tend to be more community-oriented, which can lead to better products and services. Additionally, studies have shown that when brands work with women-owned businesses, they see increased profits and improved social responsibility outcomes.
Buying handmade items means that you are supporting small businesses and craftspeople who create each of their products with care. These individuals often use traditional methods and skills to produce their items, which can result in a higher quality product. Additionally, buying handmade helps to preserve art and culture, and it can also support people's livelihoods.
This company is owned entirely or mostly by black entrepreneurs. In order for brands to be successful, it is important that they source from black owned businesses. Black owned businesses have a unique perspective and understanding of the black community that is unmatched by any other type of business. By sourcing from black owned businesses, brands can create products and services that are tailored to the needs and wants of the black community. This will help to strengthen the bonds between brands and the black community, and will ultimately lead to increased profits for both parties.
Moms who own businesses share a common thread: the motivation and values that led them to start their businesses are often driven by their parenting experiences. This brand is created, owned, and run by a mom (or several moms). Celebrating mom-owned companies is necessary given the incredible efforts moms make acting on the source of their motivation and values through parenthood and entrepreneurial creation. Moms who own businesses bring valuable skills and insights to the table, thanks in part to their experiences as parents. Their businesses often reflect their priorities, which puts them in a strong position to create products and services that matter to other parents.
Purchasing items made in Canada helps to support local businesses, as the money stays within the country. Buying locally made products reduces harmful emissions that are a result of transportation during and after production. Production in Canada also meets strict safety and labor standards.
When you buy Made in the USA products, you are supporting local businesses and the environment. Products made in the USA are held to high safety and labor standards, which helps to ensure that the products are produced in an environmentally friendly way. By buying locally made items, you can reduce harmful emissions that result from transportation during and after the production process.
BRANDS GIVING BACK
This company partners with 1% for the Planet, a nonprofit organization that helps promote environmental stewardship. Members commit to donating at least 1% of their sales to the program, which helps connect them to high-impact environmental nonprofits across the globe. This allows them to support environmental causes while also gaining access to resources and networking opportunities.
This company is passionate about giving back to their community and abroad. They donate a portion of their time or profits to charitable efforts to make a difference.
The manufacturer of this item runs a tree program, which helps to combat deforestation, reduce atmospheric CO2, and preserve the health of ecosystems across the globe. For every product that is sold, a certain number of trees are planted, ensuring that the company is doing its part to make sure the planet is healthy. This is a great way for consumers to know that they are buying from a responsible business that cares about more than just profits.
BRANDS' CERTIFICATIONS
When deciding what products to buy, it is important to consider whether or not the product has been tested on animals. Choosing cruelty free products means that you are not supporting companies that test on animals. PETA's cruelty-free list includes companies that have signed a statement verifying that they don't use ingredients or create finished products that help conduct or pay for any tests on animals.
The Leaping Bunny Logo is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it. The Logo can be seen on packaging, advertising, and websites for cosmetics and household products around the world.
B Corp is a type of company that has been certified as being environmentally and socially responsible. They have met certain standards in regards to their practices and policies, and they are often praised for their commitments to sustainability. By choosing to do business with a B Corp, you can be sure that your money is going towards companies that are working to make the world a better place.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifies that organic materials and ingredients have been produced without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This means that the land has been used in a healthier way and that harmful agricultural runoff is decreased. Farm workers are also exposed to less hazardous conditions, promoting social responsibility as well as environmental stewardship. Choosing organic materials eliminates the use of insecticides and other harmful chemicals, promotes efficient resource use, and results in a safer product and a cleaner planet! USDA certified organic products contain ingredients that are produced without pesticides, petrochemicals, ionizing radiation, or synthetic preservatives. The USDA certified label ensures that these products meet a high standard for quality and safety.