PCW recycled

Anytime we talk about the environment these days, the topic of waste comes up. Excess waste is a serious concern when it comes to the future of our planet, and many companies are taking actionable steps to limit their output. This often includes manufacturing products using post-consumer waste. In other words, these brands don’t just ensure that their products are recyclable after use—they take the additional steps to reuse materials in the making of the product itself. Interested in reducing your carbon footprint and taking your recycling one step further? Here’s a closer look at what makes PCW-powered brands so innovative.

What Is PCW Recycled?

Items that are labeled “PCW recycled” include or are packaged in materials made from post-consumer waste. This type of waste is fibrous and typically includes items like boxes, newspapers, magazines, and mixed-waste paper that has been recovered at a recycling facility.

Benefits of PCW Recycled

Choosing to buy items that are made from repurposed materials doesn’t only reduce waste and pollution. It helps to conserve landfill space, uses fewer resources and less energy, and can even help create jobs, too. In fact, a U.S. recycling rate of 75 percent could create 1.1 million new jobs in the year 2030.

Tips for Shopping Recycled Products

Making a conscious effort to shop PCW recycled products (and products that can be easily recycled) can have a big effect on the health of our environment. Here are a few helpful tips:

Look for the recycle symbol of arrows that form a triangle and try to find products with the greatest percentage of post-consumer content (these items often include paper towels and toilet paper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles).
Remember that quality doesn’t suffer just because you’re buying an item made from recycled materials. This is a common misconception.
Consider reaching out to your favorite companies about their manufacturing policies. The more recycled products consumers buy, the more brands will want to use recycled materials.

Top PCW Recycled Brands

Stock up on these PCW recycled must-haves.

Dr. Bronner’s

This household favorite dates all the way back to 1858, when Dr. Bronner began crafting exceptional products from premium, organic ingredients—all ethically and responsibly sourced. The brand uses 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyethylene (PET) plastic bottles.

Organic Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap

This multitasking “18-in-one” soap can do it all, from washing your body to cleaning your clothes to mopping the floor! Plus, it’s a gentle formula that’s totally free of dyes, additives, and harsh chemicals.

Seventh Generation

With the desire to leave a positive impact for at least seven more generations, Seventh Generation stays one step ahead in its efforts to limit environmental impact (and uses 100% . post-consumer recycled plastic for all packaging). The Burlington, Vermont–based company got its start in 1988 and offers non-toxic, naturally derived household and personal care products.

Baby Wipes

Leave little bottoms feeling fresh, clean, and gently soothed with these chlorine- and alcohol-free wipes. Each is saturated in a plant-derived formula of softening aloe and regular H2O.

Vega

Enjoy plant-based nutrition while supporting a company that strives to limit waste. Vega is committed to producing premium supplement and snack products in the most sustainable, ethical, and environmentally responsible way possible.

Chocolate Sport Performance Protein

Every serving of this plant-based protein powder—made with pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, sunflower seed protein, alfalfa protein, probiotics, and cocoa powder—delivers 30 grams of protein.

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