Published

2 years ago

February 15, 2024

Alice Rush

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

Did you know in the United States alone 550 million empty shampoo bottles are thrown out annually?

Only 5% of plastic gets recycled. Not to mention, where I live, squeezable plastic tubes cannot be recycled at all (and, of course, my favorite shampoo brand happened to package their products like this).

12 best organic shampoo options for a natural hair care routine

Some of the links below may be affiliate links. For more information please see my disclosure policy.

Before I went zero waste, I’d go through at least one shampoo and conditioner bottle every month. That’s about 24 plastic bottles of shampoo and conditioner every year, give or take. Now, I’ve switched over to refillable shampoo I get at my local refillery.

I also love making my own dry shampoo! I only need three simple ingredients and store it in a salt and pepper shaker that looks like my dog Nala (too cute).

Of course, packaging isn’t the only thing to take into consideration. Before purchasing shampoo, it’s important to look at the ingredients label.

Many conventional shampoos contain harsh ingredients like fragrance, sulfates, parabens and artificial dyes. Many of these ingredients are linked to health problems, like allergies and skin/scalp irritation.

Also, some ingredients may lead to waterway pollution when they go down the drain (more on this later).

So, if you’re able to, consider switching to organic shampoos that utilize natural ingredients. Here are my favorite organic shampoos that are also zero waste and sustainable.

are organic shampoos better for you?

Yes, organic shampoos are better for you because they don’t contain any harsh chemicals that may irritate your scalp.

You’ll want to look for shampoo that contain natural ingredients in their products.

If you don’t know what an ingredient is, I recommend looking it up in EWG’s Skin Deep database to better understand it. You can also look up your favorite product to see what score EWG gives it (1 being the best, 10 being the worst).

However, it’s important to note that even natural ingredients can be irritants, as everyone’s skin is unique. Please remember to read the ingredients carefully before purchasing to see if it’s a good match for you.

Also, when I refer to organic shampoos, I’m talking about shampoos that contain organic or natural ingredients.

A shampoo is considered natural when it includes organic and plant-based ingredients. Instead of synthetic ingredients, natural shampoos commonly contain essential oils, fruit extracts, botanicals, and certified-organic ingredients.

However, be aware that there are no industry-wide requirements for what constitutes a “natural” beauty product. Anyone can technically label something as “natural” – what’s important is reading and understanding the ingredients.

There are far and few shampoos that are organic certified. So, to create this list, I specifically chose brands that contain natural and organic ingredients.

Not all the ingredients in a shampoo need to be organic to make this list. In fact, many do not use certified organic ingredients, but rather, natural ingredients you can trust, like cocoa butter, argan oil, coconut oil, and essential oils.

As always, be sure to read the ingredients label on every individual product before making a purchase to see if it’s a good fit for you.

Additionally, while packaging isn’t everything, it’s a good idea to opt for organic shampoos that are plastic-free, refillable or made from recycled materials. All the brands listed below have thoughtful packaging that cuts back on waste.

which is the most healthy shampoo?

The most healthy shampoo contains no harsh chemicals or questionable ingredients, like parabens, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrance.

Also, cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives. This includes shampoo, which means shampoo brands can technically put almost any ingredients they want into their products.

The problem with this is it puts a lot of stress on the consumer to avoid harmful ingredients, when it should be up to the manufacturers who make the product.

Here are some general ingredients you should consider avoiding in shampoo.

fragrance

According to EWG, the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on the product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants, such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.

Look for shampoo brands that are fragrance-free, or use essential oil blends.

synthetic dyes

Many conventional shampoos are colored using synthetic dyes. Synthetic dyes are a broad group of ingredients that have been chemically manufactured to add vibrant colors to products like shampoo.

Many synthetic dyes are derived from non-renewable coal tar or petrochemicals, which contain carcinogens and can be eye, skin and lung irritants. These will often pop up as ‘Blue 1 Lake’, ‘FD&C Green No. 3’ and ‘Yellow 6 Lake’, etc. in the ingredients label.

Look for brands that use natural pigments to color their shampoo, or none at all.

parabens

Parabens are used to preserve the shelf life of many shampoos. But parabens may be connected to increased growth of breast cancer cells. They can also contribute to the die off of coral reefs, which are vital aquatic ecosystems. Look for brands that are paraben-free.

sulfates: a grey area

In regards to sulfates, a lot of people have mixed feelings on whether or not sulfates are good for your hair or the environment.

So first, lets define what they are: Sulfates are a class of cosmetic and household ingredients used for cleaning. Typically, you’ll see sulfates appear on the ingredients label as sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium saureth sulfate.

In shampoo, sulfates serve as the cleansing agent that makes shampoos suds. But, sulfates may also strip away too much moisture and leave the hair dry, sometimes even damaged. Certain sulfates have even been known to inflame the skin, eyes, and lungs.

In terms of the environment, sulfates may be transformed into toxic substances under certain conditions, which result in the loss of essential metal elements in aquatic plants. This can result in changes in the

Sulfate in relation to the environment may be transformed into the toxic substances under certain conditions, resulting in the loss of essential metal elements in aquatic plants. These can cause changes in the original water and ecosystems that rely on it.

If you have very greasy hair, sulfates may appeal to you. Looking for Sodium Coco Sulfate is also a potential solution, as this is naturally derived from coconut.

But if you’d like to play it safe, or have normal non-greasy hair, you may want to avoid sulfates altogether. I’ve included some sulfate-free options in the brands listed below.

which brand of organic shampoo is best?

All the options listed below are the best organic shampoo brands on the market. These brands use natural, plant derived ingredients.

I’ve rounded up a list of organic shampoo that get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All these brands wash your hair thoroughly without harsh chemicals. Many of these brands are also plastic-free and low waste.

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. plaine products

Natural, plant-based liquid shampoo
Rosemary mint vanilla, citrus lavender, and unscented options
Refillable + comes plastic-free aluminum bottles
Vegan, cruelty-free, women owned, carbon neutral
100% plastic-free shipping

2. by humankind

All-natural liquid shampoo
Grapefruit + lavender scents
Comes in an aluminum bottle
Can order with or without a reusable pump to cut down on plastic
Sulfate-free, silicone-free, vegan, and gluten-free

3. ecoroots

All-natural shampoo bars
Various scents available
Vegan + cruelty-free
Silicone Free, Phthalate-free & Paraben Free
Plastic-free shipping

4. brixy

Natural shampoo bar
3 scents available: citrus, mint eucalyptus and coconut vanilla
Vegan and cruelty-free
Free from palm oil, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, synthetic scents + colorants

5. hibar

All-natural shampoo bar
5 Types: Soothe, volumize, moisturize, maintain + curl
No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or silicones
Shipped plastic free

6. ethique

Natural shampoo bar
Various scents + types available
Vegan + cruelty-free
Plastic free + home compostable packaging

7. superzero

Natural shampoo bars
Various bars for different hair types such as thinning, damaged, or colored hair
Free of sulfates, silicones, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, and artificial dyes
Vegan + cruelty-free
Plastic-free packaging
Includes shampoo bar bag made from organic, unbleached cotton

8. dips

Natural shampoo bar
8 scents to choose from
Made for all hair types + textures
Mini dip versions available
Plastic-free packaging

9. public goods

Natural Liquid shampoo
Made with organic essential oil blends
Refillable
Travel sized option
Free from parabens, synthetic fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates
Vegan + cruelty-free

10. suds + co

Natural shampoo bars
13 different scents to choose from
Free of SLS, parabens, preservatives, silicones, GMOs, artificial colors, + fragrances
Vegan + cruelty free
Plastic-free packaging

11. earthling co

Natural shampoo bars made with certified organic ingredients
6 scents to choose from, plus unscented option
Great for all hair types
Free of SLS/SLES, parabens, phthalates, and silicones
Vegan & cruelty-free

12. good time

Natural shampoo bar
Smells like bergamot, tangerine and juniper berry
Great for all hair types
No parabens, sulphates, or preservatives
Vegan + cruelty-free
Carbon neutral shipping
50% of profits to clean water initiatives

So, which of these organic shampoo brands would you try? Let me know in the comments!

The post 12 Best Organic Shampoo Options for a Natural Hair Care Routine appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

12 Best Organic Shampoo Options for a Natural Hair Care Routine

Green Living

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Published

4 days ago

November 25, 2025

Alice Rush

This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.

US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.

Focusing on what matters most

“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.

Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going

Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co

Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility

Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”

The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.

Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.

Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors

Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.

In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.

Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.

We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing

Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co

One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.

Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection

Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.

Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.

person wearing white knitted alpineglo jumper from toad&co

Alpineglo Sweater

This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.

printed floral chaka trousers from Toad&co

Chaka Wide-Leg Trousers

Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.

people wearing reversible nomader jacket from toad&co

Nomader Reversible Jacket

This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.

person wearing printed padded manzana jacket from toad&co

Manzana Quilted Jacket

Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.

Balsam Cutoff Trousers

These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Kennicott Shirt Jacket

Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.

Airsmyth Shirt

This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.

Balsam 5-Pocket Trousers

Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.

Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.

The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Green Living

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Published

1 week ago

November 21, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on November 21, 2025

If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!

I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.

If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.

I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).

what are good homemade Christmas gifts?

Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.

If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).

It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).

And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!

Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!

how can I make a last minute gift?

You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!

For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.

One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!

Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.

Bath salts
DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
Bath bombs
Lip scrub
Lip balm
Face mask
Body lotion
Natural perfume
Dry shampoo
Shampoo bar
Body soap
Deodorant
Rose water toner
Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
Simmer pot in a jar
Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
Handmade seasoning blends
Vanilla extract
Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
Herb or citrus infused olive oil
Peanut butter + jam
Beeswax wraps
Apple or pumpkin butter
Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
Finished embroidery hoops
Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
Sewn cotton rounds
Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
Hand warmers
Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
Hand painted or drawn artwork
Air dry clay paint palette
DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
Carving wooden bowls by hand
Natural branch coasters
Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
Seed balls using native seeds
Handwoven baskets or bowls
Macrame produce bag
Macrame plant hanger
Fabric paper mache bowls
Upcycled paper earring jewelry
Clay earrings
Handmade plush toys
Felt ‘food’ toys
Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
Knit or crocheted baby clothes

What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!

The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Green Living

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on November 6, 2025

Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.

And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.

On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.

It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.

what is the least toxic rug?

The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.

Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:

Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool
Low-waste packaging + delivery
Natural, non-synthetic dyes
Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs
Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs

do all rugs have PFAS?

According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.

However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.

what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?

The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).

I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below).

what brand of rugs are non-toxic?

The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.