Last Updated on May 17, 2024
Most conventional cleaning products trigger major migraines for me, and I don’t think I’m alone.
Did you know there’s no federal law that requires companies to disclose the ingredients used in their cleaning products? This essentially means cleaning brands don’t have to have an ingredients label, which means there could be potential allergens inside the product and you wouldn’t even know.

This post was sponsored by ESNTL LVG. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information see my disclosure policy.
One ingredient conventional cleaning brands tend to use is artificial fragrance. According to EWG, “fragrance” or “parfum” on a product label represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate.
EWG further acknowledges fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.
Additionally, most cleaning products come in plastic packaging, designed to be used once. Only 5-6% of plastic actually gets recycled, and many plastic cleaning products cannot be recycled curbside due to the nature of the contents inside them.
Switching up my cleaning products was the first zero waste swap I made because it was effective, inexpensive, and it made me feel a lot better! I do this through simple swaps, like using lemons to clean my microwave, baking soda to polish my sink, and ESNTL LVG cleaning products.
ESNTL LVG uses non-toxic biotechnology to formulate three efficient cleaners: All-purpose cleaner, glass and surface cleaner, and bathroom cleaner. Their versatile and minimalist cleaners don’t take up much space in my cleaning caddy, and can be infinitely refilled.
If you’re thinking about switching to a more sustainable cleaning routine, here are three reasons to try ESNTL LVG for yourself.

plastic-free packaging
Many cleaners come in a big plastic bottle that’s made from crude oil, a non-renewable resource. Crude oil is extracted from the earth via fracking and takes a lot of energy, water and resources to transform into moldable plastic.
Additionally, plastic is hard to recycle due to its many numerous forms (there are seven main types of plastic). Not every recycling facility is equipped with the machinery to process all forms of plastic, which is why there are varying recycling rules from state to state, or even town to town.
While 30% of number 1 and 2 plastics are recycled, numbers 3 through 7 are much more difficult to be repurposed. In fact, numbers 6 and 7 are virtually impossible to recycle.
Even when plastic is recycled, it is typically downcycled into something of lesser quality: It can rarely be recycled into the same product twice. Recycled plastics are mixed with virgin material to make them usable, and even then they can only be recycled two to three times before their quality becomes too poor to use.
However, it is important to remember that any material being recycled, be it plastic or glass, takes energy. The most sustainable way to use glass is to reuse it as much as possible.
That’s why I love the fact ESNTL LVG packages their cleaners without single-use plastic. Their spray bottles are made from glass with a silicone sleeve to help protect it. The glass spray bottle can be reused indefinitely and the nozzle is durable and built to last.
It also ships to you plastic-free in a cardboard box. This reduces packaging waste and the cardboard can be easily recycled via curbside recycling.
ESNTL LVG have three color coded glass bottles:
- Green is all-purpose cleaner
- Purple is restroom cleaner and descaler
- Blue is glass and surface cleaner
Color coding the glass bottles helps you easily identify them and grab the right one for the job. It’s also aesthetically pleasing, which makes you more likely to enjoy cleaning with them.
Plus, ESNTL LVG’s cleaners are minimalist and less overwhelming. Instead of purchasing a cleaner for every area of your home (toilet, shower, sink, etc.), all you need are three.
ESNTL LVG’s three cleaners are multi-functional and can be used for various spaces around the home. This reduces clutter in your cleaning caddy, gives you peace of mind, saves money and lots of plastic waste all at once.
Their starter pack, which includes three glass bottles and their corresponding concentrate refills.

refill scheme
On top of being single-use plastic-free, ESNTL LVG also has a refill scheme set in place. This reduces a lot of packaging waste, since the refills are also plastic-free.
Refills promote a circular economy too. We currently live in a linear economy where items are designed for landfill. Raw materials are collected, transformed into products for consumers, then discarded as waste.
But with a circular economy, production leaves less of a footprint because everything gets reduced, reused and/or recycled. End of life is considered and taken into account upon design of a product.
By offering refills in mini glass jars, ESNTL LVG is ensuring there is less overall packaging waste. Their spray bottles are built to last and the empty refill bottles can be upcycled or easily recycled at the end of their life. Each refill comes in a 3 pack packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes.
Once you have the spray bottle, you’ll only have to purchase refills afterwards, which saves you money in the long run.
All you have to do is unscrew the spray nozzle of your glass spray bottle, pour the concentrate refill right in, and add some water. Then you’re ready to clean!
When you’ve emptied each refill glass, you can repurpose them into:
- Mini flower vases
- Propagation stations for your plants
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner + body wash holders for trips
- Taper candle holder
- Storing dried goods
- DIY extracts, like vanilla extract
Just make sure to clean it out really well before using it to store any edible substances.

efficient & clean ingredients
ESNTL LVG products not only work great, but are also made using clean ingredients, instead of harsh chemicals. They’re completely cruelty-free and never test on animals.
They are transparent about what’s in their products and you can read the full ingredients label for each product on their site. This is important, considering many conventional cleaning brands do not disclose what’s in their products.
They’re made using biotechnology which combines nature, science, and innovation. It uses living organisms to clean, tackling dirt and odors with microorganisms and enzymes.
At ESNTL LVG, their scientists have spent decades perfecting exclusive bioactive ingredients for consistent results. Produced through fermentation, expertly stabilized and formulated, ESNTL LVG products consistently deliver effective cleaning.
I’ve used ESNTL LVG products to clean all areas of my home, from my kitchen counters to my bathroom.
I do still use my own DIY cleaners as well, like my all-purpose cleaner and DIY tub scrub. But ESNTL LVG products are GZW approved and super convenient when I don’t have time to DIY something.
The best part? Since it’s formulated without harmful chemicals, and no artificial fragrances, their cleaning products don’t give me migraines. Most conventional cleaners do!
To reduce waste even further, I avoid paper towels and will use color coded rags designated for specific areas in my home (yes, even the toilet). When I’m done, I just pop them into the wash and reuse them all over again.
Here’s where each ESNTL LVG cleaner can be used in the home, and on what surfaces.

Glass Cleaner:
- Windows
- Mirrors
- Granite
- Marble
- Wood
All Purpose Cleaner:
- Stove Tops
- Counter Tops
- All Floors
- Microwaves
- Desks
Restroom Cleaner and Descaler:
- Showers
- Tubs
- Toilets
- Sinks
- Stainless Steel
Pro tip: Once you’ve sprayed them onto the surface that needs cleaning, let them sit for a few minutes before wiping away. This will allow the solution to do its job and make wiping away grime a breeze.
Would you give ESNTL LVG products a try? What are your favorite sustainable cleaners? Let me know in the comments!
The post 3 Reasons to Try ESNTL LVG Sustainable Cleaning Products appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Green Living
11 Best Fair Trade and Sustainable Jewelry Brands That Shine
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.
10. Raven + Lily
Best for: affordable artisan jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Artisan-Made, Women-Led
Price Range: $40 – $240
Raven + Lily is an ethical fashion and jewelry brand verified Fair Trade by the Fair Trade Federation. The women-led brand partners with artisan women around the world who use natural materials to craft both classic, elegant pieces and statement jewelry.
11. NAKIIT
Best for: one-of-a-kind, solo-handcrafted pieces
Conscious Qualities: Made-to-Order, Recycled Silver & Gold, Zero-Waste Scrap Recycling
Price Range: $21 – $485
As a small, slow-minded jewelry brand, NAKIIT’s founder + owner handcrafts each piece with intention. In fact, every piece of jewelry the brand sells is made by the founder herself!
Nearly all of NAKIIT’s ethically-made jewelry is either made-to-order or one-of-a-kind, ensuring a minimal ecological impact and the highest attention to quality.
As if we could love this brand even more, NAKIIT also sources recycled sterling silver and gold, plus recycles any remaining metal scraps or dust after production.
You May Also Want to Check Out:
Best Fair Trade Fashion Brands With Style and Heart
Affordable Ethical Fashion Brands
Consciously Curated Marketplaces for One-Stop Ethical Shopping
The post 11 Best Fair Trade and Sustainable Jewelry Brands That Shine appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
11 Best Fair Trade and Sustainable Jewelry Brands That Shine











