7 Things to Know Before Buying Eco-Friendly Products

7 Things to Know Before Buying Eco-Friendly Products in 2025

More people than ever are making the changeover to environmentally friendly living. From clothing and bags to household essentials, green products are no longer a niche, they're becoming part of mainstream life. But here's the thing: not everything that's labeled "eco-friendly" is necessarily good for the planet.

Some products are genuinely sustainable, while others are greenwashed (assigned eco buzzwords to attract buyers without any real impact). So, how do you know if what you are buying is actually sustainable?

Below are 7 key things to consider when shopping for eco-friendly products. These tips will have you shop smart, save your money in the long run, and make choices that will actually benefit the planet.

1. Look at the Materials

The first step is always to look at what the product is constructed from. Eco-friendly products are often derived from natural, renewable, or recycled sources.

Some excellent examples include:

• Hemp: quick-growing, extremely low water consumption, and unbelievably resilient.
• Organic cotton: pesticide-free and gentler on the earth.
• Bamboo: quick-growing, renewable, and adaptable.
• Recycled fabric or plastic: give waste a second life.

If you’re looking at eco-friendly fashion, hemp clothing and hemp bags are some of the most sustainable options available. For example, Spreadmaya

 offers hemp-based products that use fewer resources and last longer than fast fashion alternatives.

Why it matters:

Materials tell the story of the product’s impact. Natural or recycled ones are usually the best bet for the planet.

2. Look for Trusted Certifications

A product might say it's eco-friendly, but certifications enable you to be sure. They are a guarantee that the product has met some environmental and ethical standards. 

A few of the standard certifications include:

• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures fabrics are organic and produced sustainably.
• Fair Trade: Ensures fair wages and good working conditions.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Ensures wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Guarantees textiles are toxic chemical-free.

Why it matters:

Certifications cut through marketing hype and show that a product has been tested against international sustainability criteria.

3. Look Beyond the Price Tag & Invest in Durability

Eco-friendly products sometimes cost a bit more up front, but the trade-off is quality and durability. A reusable water bottle that will last for years is far superior (and cheaper in the long run) to buying plastic bottles every week.

Hemp backpacks, for example, may seem to cost more than plastic backpacks, yet they are stronger, resist wear and tear, and can be composted at the end of their life.

Why it's important:

Green does not mean cheap; it means built to last. If a product saves you from needing to buy replacements again and again, it's actually sustainable.

4. Don't Forget About the Packaging

Sometimes the product itself is sustainable, but the packaging is not. If it arrives smothered in several layers of plastic, that's a red flag.

Look for products that are in:

• Minimal packaging and less waste overall.
• Recycled cardboard or paper packaging.
• Compostable packaging made from cornstarch, mushrooms, or sugarcane.

Why it matters: Packaging is often overlooked, but it’s one of the biggest contributors to waste. Choosing brands that care about packaging shows they’re serious about sustainability.

5. Research the Brand’s Values

Not every brand that claims to be eco-friendly is fully transparent. Some only offer a small “green” product line, while the rest of their business is harmful to the environment.

Pre-purchase, do some research on the brand's website or social media. Are they discussing materials, sourcing, or their manufacturing process openly? Brands like Spreadmaya discuss their philosophy on sustainable living and green design, which builds customer trust.

Why it matters: There's a better likelihood that their products are truly sustainable if a brand is transparent about its process.

6. Consider the Product's End of Life

Eco-friendly shopping isn’t just about the purchase; it’s also about what happens when you’re done with the product.

Ask yourself:

• Can it be recycled?
• Will it biodegrade naturally without harming the environment?
• Can it be repurposed or reused in another way?
•  

For example, natural fabrics like hemp and organic cotton can break down safely in the soil, while synthetic fibers often end up as waste.

Why it matters: True sustainability is taking into account a product's whole life cycle, not just its birth, but its death.

7. Don't Shop Just Because It's the Trend

Green products are occasionally promoted as "must-haves" merely because they're reusable or natural. But if you don't truly need them, buying them adds to unnecessary waste.

For example, buying 10 reusable tote bags when you already have 5 at home isn't that sustainable. Conscious shopping is buying what you need, not all things "green."

Why it matters: Buying less is generally the most sustainable option. Use what you have, and only add what's truly useful.

Conclusion:

Eco-friendly shopping is about more than just picking something labeled “sustainable.” It’s about being mindful, checking materials, understanding certifications, thinking about durability, and choosing brands that are transparent about their values.

By considering these 7 things before buying eco-friendly products, you’re not just making smarter choices for yourself, you’re contributing to a healthier planet.

If you’re exploring sustainable options like hemp bags, hats, or accessories, check out collections from trusted eco-conscious brands such as Spread Maya. They’re proof that sustainability can also be stylish, practical, and accessible.

Remember: every small step counts. Conscious choices made today can shape a greener tomorrow.