COMPANY VALUES
WE ARE ROOTING FOR
THE TIME IS NOW
They are determined to be current change makers, not future promisers!
ACCOUNTABILITY
Anyone can claim anything. "Eco-friendly" or "Sustainable" are not regulated terms. It is rare to see, but we hope more companies build more trust by posting in-depth reports (showing third-party certifications, materials, production practices, packaging, emissions, etc.)
AFFORDABILITY
While it is fair to charge higher (for fair wage, energy used, etc.), a super expensive item will drive shoppers away, especially when there are cheaper non-eco-friendly options out there. It is important to find an inclusive, balanced price to help better products be the norm.
"MADE IN" COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
If items are made locally, it helps create more jobs within the country. It also forces us to take responsibility and come up with solutions when dealing with impacts in "our own backyard" (polluting and taking additional advantage by underpaying factories and workers in other countries).
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVITY
First, companies should be working with more stores to make their products easier to buy locally (not requiring shipping) and help create better markets. Second, companies should make sure their products can be used by all, being inclusive to different sizing, skin tones, allergens, etc.
PRODUCT CONSISTENCY
All (or most) of the companies' products are safe and sustainable, not just a select few.
TRANSPARENT PRODUCT AND
PACKAGING DETAILS
For everyone to make a conscious purchase, both product and packaging details (percentages of materials, water used, energy used, disposal instructions, etc.) should be easily found on both the product package and under their online products' details. Meaningless stamped words “recyclable” or "sustainable materials" no longer make the cut because any company can claim these - they only need 5% recycled materials (PCR - Post Consumer Recycled) to do so. So, we ask more proof and information.
CIRCULARITY
Circular Systems / Mail-In Recycling Programs create a complete closed loop because the company of origin takes responsibility for the afterlife of both the product and packaging. Proper disposal helps keeps them out of landfills, oceans, rivers, and other environments nearby. The company could also give it another life by re-using or re-purposing it into something else!
ETHICS
All workers should be paid livable, fair wage! By offering transparent and credible third-party labor certificates, wage, vacation days, etc., it helps show that the company cares to not exploit its workers or promote immoral practices like slavery, child labor, colonialism, etc.
REVIEW INTEGRITY
All products that have an Editor's Review have been tried, tested, and written/reviewed by me so that you don't have to test it. I go through a long test, using up products in full, even if I'm not the biggest fan of it. These products are bought with my own hard earned money and have not been sponsored, influenced, or sent to me by anyone. No external page links include affiliate links.
HOW WE RANK
This is how the vetted products are organized together on each Product Alternative's page.
Ranking
(top to bottom)
Options are listed from top to bottom by which align with our values the most.
Needs Versus Wants
The two often get confused. Needs (everyday items used for living purposes) will be the larger, main concentration.
There's Nothing Like It (for now)
We'll be focusing on commonly used, "popular" products. However, sometimes there are only a few product alternatives out there right now. In these cases, the options listed might not be perfect, but at least it'll help start.
Variety of Choices
It's important to have multiple options so everyone can find something based on their own personal lifestyle, health, ethics, budget, etc.
Pros & Cons
This section provides general product tips and guidance.