Due to global warming and climate change, it’s becoming harder for us to continue living the way we always have. In this context, choosing environmentally and socially conscious sustainable products and services is one small action each of us can take.
However, with so many choices available, identifying truly sustainable products and services can be a challenge. This article explains the criteria we use on this site when selecting items to recommend.
There are few products or services that meet all the criteria, so we highlight which areas each one focuses on. We also plan to regularly update this list to introduce a variety of sustainable options.
Checklist for Sustainable Products and Services
Ingredients and Materials
Depending on the product or food, the materials vary. We focus on those with lower environmental impact.
- Prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients
- Vegan-friendly
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Uses organic ingredients grown without synthetic chemicals
- Even if not certified organic, prioritizes regenerative farming and low-pesticide/low-fertilizer methods
- Considers animal welfare
- Sources seafood in a sustainable way
- Uses renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials
- Sources materials that are safe and responsibly obtained
- Transparency about the origin and sourcing methods of ingredients
- Reduces use of plastic
Product Usage and Quality
We can reduce waste by choosing products that last long, so we favor items designed for durability and extended use.
- Durable, long-lasting, and reliable design
- Easy to repair, maintain, or upgrade
- Provides guides for repairs and replacement parts
Energy and Water Efficiency
We also evaluate whether the companies make effort to reduce energy or water consumption during the production processes or the deployments of services.
- Minimizes use and emissions of energy and water
- Utilizes clean or renewable energy sources
- Uses energy-efficient equipment
- Employs water-saving measures (e.g., low-flow taps, rainwater use)
- Tracks and manages energy and water usage
- Reduces carbon footprint (e.g., sustainable transportation)
Waste Reduction and Recycling
We prioritize products and services that reduce waste, are recyclable or compostable, and offer easy post-use disposal.
- Reduces single-use items
- Offers reusable containers, compostable packaging, discounts for bringing your own cup, etc.
- Easy recycling, composting, or safe disposal
- Provides take-back, reuse, or recycling programs
- Manufacturer offers appropriate disposal or recycling instructions
- Supports food waste composting or donation
- Promotes biodiversity and protects the natural environment
Logistics and Packaging
We prioritize products made and distributed locally to minimize emissions from transport.
- Locally produced and distributed to reduce transport-related emissions
- Minimal packaging that is recyclable, reusable, or compostable
- Uses sustainable transportation methods for delivery
Social Responsibility
Environmental care is important, but so is fair treatment of workers. We prioritize companies that ensure safe, fair workplaces. In tourism, we also consider how businesses contribute to local communities.
- Ensures fair labor standards and safe working environments
- Promotes ethical labor practices across the supply chain
- Avoids child labor and protects workers’ rights
- Has clear policies and actions on human rights, diversity, and non-discrimination
- Supports local employment and uses local products
- Prioritizes employee health, safety, and rights with regular reviews
- Offers opportunities for customer involvement in sustainability and community efforts
- Provides facilities or services accommodating people with disabilities or special needs
Certifications
While companies may provide information about their products or services, we also consider third-party certifications to confirm credibility. Certified items are independently verified, making them more trustworthy.
Some examples include:
- ISO 14001
- B Corp Certification
- SA8000
- LEED
- 1% for the Planet
- GOTS
- OEKO-TEX®
- USDA Organic
- EU Organic (Euro Leaf)
- JAS Organic Certification
- FSC
- Rainforest Alliance
- Fair Trade
- Vegan Certification
- Leaping Bunny
- AGW Animal Welfare Approved
- Certified Humane®
- MSC (Sustainable Wild Seafood)
- ASC (Sustainable Farmed Seafood)
- LWG (Leather Working Group)
- Cradle to Cradle
- EWG Verified™
- LEAF Mark
- GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council)
- Green Key
Choose What’s Good for the Planet and Society
In a world full of products and services, it’s important to think about how and where we spend our money. Rather than living in a society of mass production and fast-changing trends, we hope to promote a lifestyle that values quality and resources—one that allows us to live well, with less.
