Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable: What's the Difference?
Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable: Why the Difference Matters
You might have recently overheard a debate about eco-friendly vs sustainable products and thought, "Aren't those the same thing?" There's more to it than you might think. To understand the differences between eco-friendly vs sustainable products, it is essential to clarify what we mean by these terms.
What Does Eco-Friendly Mean?
Eco-friendly products focus on reducing immediate environmental harm. They avoid toxic chemicals, use biodegradable materials, and often have a smaller carbon footprint than conventional alternatives. However, they may not address long-term resource depletion or social equity.
What Does Sustainable Mean?
Sustainability goes beyond being "less bad"—it ensures resources are used responsibly so future generations can thrive. Sustainable products consider the entire lifecycle, from ethical sourcing to disposal, while supporting fair labor practices and regenerative ecosystems.
Side note: How Do Conventional Products Compare?
When understanding the difference between eco-friendly vs sustainable products, we should also clarify how they differ from conventional products. Conventional products often prioritize cost and convenience over environmental or social responsibility, relying heavily on non-renewable resources, synthetic materials, and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. These products typically generate higher carbon emissions, contribute to pollution through toxic byproducts, and follow a linear "take-make-dispose" model that exacerbates resource depletion and waste.
Unlike eco-friendly alternatives, which mitigate immediate harm, or sustainable designs, which embed resilience into systems, conventional products rarely address ethical labor practices, long-term ecological health, or circularity. Their lifecycle tends to externalize environmental costs, prioritizing short-term efficiency over the regenerative balance required for planetary and societal well-being. It's important to note that in a conversation about eco-friendly vs sustainable products, either option is often better for the planet than most conventional products.
Examples of Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable Products
At Here I Am, we think a lot about eco-friendly vs sustainable products. We carry both, and we do not carry any conventional products. We believe that people and the planet are as crucial to our business as our profits. For us, that means doing everything we can to not only reduce environmental harm but also responsibly use resources so they will be available for future generations.
We holistically measure impact by partnering with brands that put sustainability at the top of their priorities. Prioritizing regenerative ingredients, championing ethical labor practices, and innovating in low-waste packaging are areas we consider when selecting partners. Still, at times, tradeoffs are made. Rather than expecting “perfection,” we strive for continuous improvements and to provide full transparency for our products and processes.
Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable: Examples of Eco-Friendly Options
The following products are available from Here I Am. We think they are great products and the brands that make them are doing good work for the environment. We consider these products to be eco-friendly, but they have some issues that make them less sustainable.
Eco-Friendly Aspects:
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- Uses natural ingredients like Himalayan salt, kaolin clay, and plant oils (avocado, almond, grape seed), which are biodegradable.
- Incorporates local lavender buds, reducing transport emissions.
- Avoids synthetic dyes/fragrances, relying on essential oils for scent.
Why It's Not Fully Sustainable:
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- Maltodextrin: Often derived from GMO corn, which relies on pesticide-intensive farming that degrades soil and harms pollinators.
- Lavender oil production: Even when locally sourced, distillation is water- and energy-intensive.
- Shea butter: If not designated as "Fair Trade certified," their source may contribute to deforestation.
- Sucrose (sugar): Conventional sugar farming is notorious for soil depletion and water pollution.
Key Issue: While it avoids synthetic chemicals, the product itself does not provide evidence of systemic sustainability, such as non-GMO claims or Fair Trade certifications. NOTE: LA Salt Co makes the Dream Bath Bomb. While some of the ingredients they use in their products are not specifically sustainable, this small business is committed to consciously sourcing its ingredients to ensure premium quality, minimum environmental impact, and fair treatment of everyone involved in the production process.
Eco-Friendly Aspects:
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- Botanical infusions (comfrey, yarrow, calendula) require minimal water/pesticides.
- Flaxseed-derived glycerin avoids palm oil deforestation.
- CO2 extracts (ginger, coriander) use less water than steam distillation.
Why It's Not Fully Sustainable:
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- Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate: A petrochemical-derived emulsifier. Many sustainable cosmetic makers use this synthetic emulsifier because no natural alternative effectively rinses away oils while remaining gentle for sensitive skin. Even so, its petrochemical-derived production conflicts with strict plant-based and sustainability goals.
- Propanediol (corn-derived): Without specifically identifying this ingredient as "non-GMO corn," it likely from GMO corn, which promotes monoculture farming.
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Essential oils (lemon, coriander): Essential oils are always better than the non-specific ingredient "frangrance," however these two require large amounts of plant material to produce the essential oil. For example, 1 lb of lemon oil requires around 3,000 lemons.
Key Issue: Unsustainable synthetics in the base may offset the benefits of using sustainable herbal ingredients in the formula. NOTE: URB Apothecary handcrafts the Goji Nectar Cleansing Balm. They are a small business whose core ethos is to source locally, organically, and ethically whenever possible.
3. Isla Bonita Macadamia Oil & Sea Salt Body Polish
Eco-Friendly Aspects:
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- Upcycled ingredients (coconut oil, sucrose) reduce food waste.
- Rose clay is mined with low environmental impact.
- Floral absolutes (plumeria, gardenia) avoid harsh solvents.
Why It's Not Fully Sustainable:
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- Caprylyl glycol: Typically sourced from uncertified palm or coconut oil (linked to deforestation).
- Phenoxyethanol: A synthetic preservative derived from petroleum.
- Macadamia oil: Requires ~1,000 liters of water per kg of nuts—unsustainable in drought-prone regions.
- Iron oxides: Mining destroys habitats unless synthetic (rarely disclosed).
Key Issue: Luxe ingredients (absolutes, macadamia) have hidden ecological costs due to their high concentration and resource usage requirements.
Eco-friendly choices focus on reducing immediate harm through biodegradable ingredients and cleaner processes. But, this is only half of the story between eco-friendly vs sustainable. We also have to understand what it means to be a sustainable product.
Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable: Examples of Sustainable Options
The following products are also available from Here I Am. We consider these products to be sustainable because these brands have a deeper, systemic commitment to ethical sourcing and regenerative practices that support the planet's long-term health.
Why It's Sustainable:
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- 100% plant-based oils: Safflower, sunflower, and sacha inchi are often Fair Trade, ensuring farmers earn living wages.
- Upcycled grape seed oil: Repurposes waste from the wine industry.
- No palm derivatives: Avoids deforestation linked to palm oil.
- Wildcrafted botanicals: Red maple leaf and calendula are harvested without harming ecosystems.
Holistic viewpoint: This is a multi-purpose product designed to eliminate overconsumption of beauty products. This brand minimizes waste at every stage, from sourcing to packaging, with a focus on zero-waste packaging and recyclable vessels.
Why It's Sustainable:
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- Organic castile soap: Made via closed-loop saponification (no chemical byproducts).
- Wildcrafted white willow and witch hazel: Harvested in ways that promote regrowth.
- Activated charcoal: Filters water waste during production.
- Leucidal (radish root ferment): A natural preservative that avoids synthetics.
Holistic viewpoint: This product contains only plant-based ingredients. There are no petroleum or synthetic ingredients. The brand aligns with "zero waste" principles and every ingredient serves multiple functions in a beauty regimen.
Why It's Sustainable:
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- Regenerative herbs: Linden, lemon balm, and lavender are grown without pesticides, supporting pollinators.
- Loose-leaf format: Avoids plastic tea bags (a major microplastic pollutant).
- Local sourcing: Many of their ingredients, including alfalfa and hawthorn, are regionally grown, cutting transport emissions.
- Compostable packaging: A commitment to plastic-free packaging sustainably completes the product lifecycle.
Holistic viewpoiont: This product supports agroecology: farming that works with nature, not against it. Many of the ingredients are locally sourced herbs from community gardens, ethically wildcrafted, and from the brand's own gardens (Wild and Wise).
In essence, sustainability moves beyond ingredients to embody a holistic system. It means a foundational commitment to ethical sourcing, regenerative practices, and waste reduction that ensures long-term health for both the planet and its people. When comparing eco-friendly vs sustainable products, this holistic viewpoint is key.
How to Shop for Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable Products
- Look for certifications: B Corp, Fairtrade, USDA Organic. Brands with certifications are often going to be more sustainable.
- Consider the source: Check the list of ingredients for synthetics, but also consider the brand's ethos and commitments. Investigate where and how ingredients are derived (e.g., "wildcrafted" vs. farmed). Also, how far did the product travel to get to you? How was it delivered (overnight or by ground shipping)? Sustainable brands will take more responsibility to ensure their entire supply chain operates sustainably.
- Ask about end-of-life: Is it refillable? Recyclable? Home-compostable? How was it packaged? Sustainable brands often look at their business holistically to ensure they incorporate earth-friendly practices wherever possible.
FAQ: Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable Products
❓Is the question of "Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable" just a distraction? Aren't they both good?
Possibly. Focusing too much on the comparison of eco-friendly vs sustainable can distract from the bigger goal: making choices that reduce harm and create lasting positive impact. While “eco-friendly” often points to products that are less harmful to the environment, and “sustainable” looks at long-term systems and resources, both ultimately push us toward the same outcome: better practices for people and the planet.
❓When considering eco-friendly vs sustainable, aren't eco-friendly products also sustainable?
Not necessarily. For example, while praised as a natural skincare ingredient, macadamia oil often comes at a hidden ecological cost, like deforestation in Guatemala that
threatens native cloud forests and endangered species. Just because something is eco-friendly in one way doesn't mean it's truly sustainable.
❓How can you know if you're shopping is eco-friendly or sustainable?
- Avoid vague claims: "Natural" can mean many things. Look for specifics like "plant-based" and "Phthalate-free." When possible, certifications also ensure higher levels of sustainability, like "Fair Trade," "Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)," and "Leaping Bunny."
- Support regenerative brands: Look for brands that rebuild ecosystems. Dr. Bronners and Patagonia have introduced a new certification that sets specific standards for improving soil health, biodiversity, water conservation, and animal welfare, ultimately aiming to heal and restore ecosystems, not just sustain them.
- Think long-term: Could this product exist in 100 years without harming the planet? Look for biodegradable, plastic-free products.
Final Thoughts on the Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable Debate
It is important to clarify that "Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable" seems like an either/or proposition, but it is actually a spectrum. We believe that being eco-friendly is an essential first step, and true sustainability is our ultimate goal. At Here I Am, we offer products that are significantly better for the environment than conventional options, even if they don’t meet the highest expectations for sustainability. However, all the brands we collaborate with are dedicated to responsible sourcing and finding ways to be more sustainable. We hope our transparency helps you make informed decisions about your self-care needs.
We measure impact holistically, seeking partners who:
✓ Prioritize regenerative ingredients
✓ Champion ethical labor practices
✓ Use vegan or cruelty-free ingredients
✓ Innovate in low-waste packaging
No product is perfect, but through intentional selection, we've built a marketplace where every purchase tilts the self-care industry toward transparent accountability. It's good to understand Eco-Friendly vs Sustainable, but it is even better to make wise choices that are good for you and for the planet.
Send the ones you love eco-friendly and sustainable gifts with Self-Care Boxes from Here I Am.
