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Sometimes it’s the everyday products that can make the biggest impact, especially when we make the conscious decision to switch to a more eco-friendly alternative. Carrying a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing a single-use one can help reduce the 50 million single-use water bottles that are sold yearly. The same goes for deodorants. More than 300 million anti-antiperspirants are purchased yearly in the U.S. Considering the fact that 40% of the world’s packaging ends up in landfills, deodorant is a form of single-use plastic that contributes to landfill waste, reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. But, there is something that we can do. As consumers we can decide to make the conscious choice to choose plastic-free deodorant brands that offer compostable, refillable and recyclable options to make a positive impact on plastic waste.
The deodorants chosen here aren’t just plastic-free. They’re also natural. Their ingredient lists are free from toxins and chemicals that could irritate skin or cause health effects. That means that essentials oils are used instead of chemical fragrances. Parabens and formaldehyde aren’t used. And, that these odor-reducing fresh scents are good for you and the planet.
Public Goods: Sugar Cane Packaging That’s Budget Friendly
Public Goods is fast making a reputation as a trusted brand for everyday sustainable basics with minimal packaging. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate Public Goods natural and simple approach their personal care products. You won’t find parabens, synthetic fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfates, phthalates nor anything from formaldehyde. Instead, their ingredient list includes a blend of essential oils, alcohol and fatty acids to soothe skin and minimize odor.
Environmental Impact: To minimize plastic pollution Public Goods uses bottles that are made from sugar cane. To offset carbon emissions from shipping, a tree is planted for every item sold.
Unlike petroleum-based products, plastic made from fast-growing sugar cane is highly renewable. As well, the process of converting sugar cane into plastic actually absorbs carbon dioxide from the air while releasing oxygen, making it carbon neutral.
Eco Roots: Refillable Glass Jar & Cream Formula
Deodorant cream might be a new concept, but this formula promises to keep your pits odor free without the excess plastic. Instead, the cream is packaged in a glass jar and metal lid that you can recycle, refill or reuse once you’re finished. Plus, sensitive skin will benefit from the simple formula of essential oils, arrowroot powder, shea butter and coconut oil.
Environmental Impact: Not only will you have a plastic free deodorant in your home, but it’ll be shipped free of plastic too. Eco Roots also partners with Ocean Conservancy to raise funds for projects that remove plastic waste from our oceans.
Native: All Natural & Plastic Free
The natural personal care brand is known for their aluminum-free formulas that are vegan and cruelty free. They rely on ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter for their moisturizing and antioxidant abilities and baking soda and to neutralize odor-causing bacteria. Now, these all-natural deodorants are also plastic-free.
Environmental Impact: Native swapped their plastic containers for paperboard sourced from sustainably managed forests. This switch to recyclable materials can help to eliminate 169 tons of landfill waste yearly. As a member of 1% for the Planet, Native furthers fights plastic pollution by donating 1% of sales from these plastic free deodorants to Plastic Free.
Humankind: Refillable & Compostable
This all-natural deodorant has been tested and proven to “eliminate B.O causing bacteria 40% faster than other leading brands”. Not only that, but the refillable container has the potential to eliminate single use waste. Use the container, order the refills and compost the packaging.
Environmental Impact: Order your refillable container once and then subscribe to have refillable containers delivered to your door. Each is shipped in recycled paper with soy based inks that you can recycle or compost.
Package Free: Zero Waste Packaging
Natural ingredients like essential oils and arrowroot are used in these deodorant sticks. And, they’re safe to be used all over your body from your feet to your neck and of course your pits.
Environmental Impact: This plastic free deodorant is also zero waste. After use compost the container instead of putting it into the trash. Made with paper and sustainable inks, this packaging solution is made to reduce plastic waste.
Primally Pure: All Natural Ingredients In a Recyclable Container*
This natural deodorant harnesses the antioxidant power of kaolin clay and nano zinc oxide to soothe and detox skin. Other natural and fair fair trade ingredients include essential oils like geranium, coconut oil and arrowroot powder.
We donate 5% of Geranium Deodorant sales to Lipstick Angels, a non-profit that helps to strengthen the self-esteem, hope and dignity of individuals with cancer through restorative beauty + wellness treatments.
Environmental Impact: Sustainably sourced fair trade ingredients are used in this all-natural deodorant formula. While the packaging is plastic, it is a type of plastic that is recyclable in most municipalities.
Read and shop more zero waste personal care items:
6 Liquid Soap Refills To Minimize Your Plastic Waste