The Surprising Truth About Eco Products That Increase Waste

Many people choose eco products to reduce their environmental impact. The idea is simple: buy something labeled "eco-friendly," and you help the planet. But some of these products, despite their green claims, actually create more waste than they prevent. Sometimes the product itself isn't as good as it seems, and other times the companies selling them are not all they claim to be.

This post explores five popular eco products that can increase waste and explains why they might not be as sustainable as they seem.

A recycling logo surrounded by a mixture of recyclable items

1. Biodegradable Plastic Bags

Biodegradable plastic bags are promoted as an improved option compared to standard plastic bags, claiming to decompose more quickly and lessen landfill waste. However, these bags often need particular conditions to break down. Typically, a plastic bag takes over 20 years to decompose, while degradable bags take about 2-3 years. When disposed of in the regular rubbish bin, they can last for years, similar to regular plastic, and if they end up in the environment, they are just as detrimental as any other plastic bag.

Additionally, biodegradable bags can contaminate recycling streams. People might assume they are recyclable, but they often are not accepted by recycling centers due to their different composition. This confusion leads to more waste and pollution. So next time you need a bag for your groceries reusable cloth bags are the best option, but we strongly support using items you already have. Those plastic bags you've been saving for years are still perfectly usable and won't cost you anything.

2. Single-Use Plastic-free Products

Bamboo or wooden cutlery Sounds eco, but if sourced unsustainably it can lead to deforestation. Often manufactured far from where they’re sold (big transport footprint). Usually used once then discarded.

Sugarcane or palm leaf plates Better than plastic, but if not certified sustainable they can contribute to land conversion, monocultures, and biodiversity loss.

Compostable paper cups They look better than your regular paper cup, but the bioplastic or wax lining often makes them hard to compost and this is only if they don't end up in the bin. They use a lot of water and energy to make.

Paper plates and bowls Especially if not made from recycled content - production uses trees, water, and energy. They’re usually used once then thrown away.

Most of these products are often thrown away after a single use, contributing to landfill waste or a stain on the already struggling recycling system. The energy and resources required for growing, harvesting, processing, and transporting these materials may surpass the advantages if the items are not reused or composted correctly. Opting for durable, reusable items made from metal or other long-lasting materials significantly reduces waste.

3. Compostable Coffee Pods

Coffee pods have become a convenience staple, but they generate a huge amount of waste. Compostable coffee pods appear to solve this problem by breaking down in compost facilities. However, many consumers do not have access to industrial composting, and these pods often end up in regular trash or recycling bins where they do not decompose properly.

The materials used in compostable pods can often be mixed with non-compostable plastics, confusing waste sorting systems. This leads to contamination and more waste sent to landfills. A better option is to use reusable coffee pods or traditional brewing methods that produce less packaging waste, like a Moka Pot or Press.

4. Refill Pouches

While refill pouches can be a convenient alternative to single-use containers, they also come with several downsides that should be considered. One significant issue is the environmental impact of the materials used in these pouches. Many refill pouches are made from multi-layer plastics that are not easily recyclable, leading to increased waste in landfills.

Additionally, the production of refill pouches often involves a significant carbon footprint, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing process. This can negate some of the environmental benefits that come from reducing single-use plastics.

Refill pouches are typically delivered to homes, which significantly affects the environment if each household receives deliveries from two or three companies weekly.

5. Natural or "Green" Products Sold by Big Companies

Many products labeled as "natural," "eco," or "green" may not be as they appear. Some large corporations introduce lines of "eco-friendly" products simply to meet consumer demand. However, despite these products appearing to meet certain criteria, when they are produced by these companies, they inherently fall short. These large corporations do not engage in eco-friendly or ethical practices.

Selecting eco-friendly products involves more than just relying on labels. Gaining insight into their production, usage, and disposal processes can help prevent unintentional waste.

Here are some practical tips for identifying genuinely eco-friendly brands:

1. Look at the Packaging First, Not the Claims

Big green promises mean very little if the product comes in virgin plastic every time.

Ask:

• Is it refillable?

• Is the packaging reused or easily recyclable?

• Can I buy this again without a new bottle?

If the brand’s model relies on constant repurchasing of new containers, it’s not low-waste - no matter the label colour.

2. Watch Out for Vague Language

Words like:

• eco

• green

• planet-friendly

• conscious

…are not regulated.

What is meaningful:

• Clear ingredient lists

• Specific impact statements

If a brand can’t explain how it’s better, that’s a red flag.

3. Check What They’re Trying to Sell You

Genuinely eco-friendly brands usually:

• Encourage refilling

• Promote using less

• Don’t push constant upgrades or “must-have” products

If the solution to sustainability is always buying something new, pause.

4. Follow the Refill Trail

Refills are important, but only when they are meaningful.

Better options include:

• In-store refills

• Concentrates or tablets

• Returnable containers

Less effective options include:

• Refill pouches made from mixed plastics

• Refills requiring a new trigger bottle

Not all refills are created equal.

5. Transparency Beats Perfection

No brand is perfect. The good ones admit that.

Look for brands that:

• Talk honestly about what they’re still working on

• Share supplier info

If everything sounds flawless, it probably isn’t.

6. Certifications Are Helpful - But Not the Whole Story

Certifications can be useful if you know what they mean.

Good signs:

• Clearly explained certifications

• Independent verification

But remember: Plenty of small, genuinely sustainable businesses can’t afford certifications - especially local ones.

Context matters.

7. Ask: “Does This Fit Into Real Life?”

The most sustainable brand is the one you will continue to use that does not harm you or the environment.

Ask yourself:

• Will I refill this?

• Will I keep the container?

• Will this work for my routine?

If it’s too complicated, it won’t last - and sustainability only works if it sticks.

Selection of plastic bottles, refilled.

The Big Takeaway

Eco-friendly isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about systems, habits, and repeat use.

Buy less. Refill more. And don’t let perfect be the enemy of better.

By looking beyond marketing claims and focusing on the full lifecycle of products, consumers can make choices that truly reduce waste and protect the environment.

If you have any questions about any of these points, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to talk eco!