Want to know how to crack Amazon’s code for sustainable products? It’s simple–download Softly!
Do you know Amazon has certified sustainable products? Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly product badge signifies that the product has attained one or more third-party certifications. By clicking on the badge, you can discover the specific certifications associated with the product. Third-party certifications indicate that the product adheres to verifiable standards established by an independent organization. A certification symbol on a label can identify a product as sustainable without making consumers feel overloaded with information, thus deterring them from buying the product. Certifications also prevent greenwashing because the claims the product makes are backed by an independent certifying organization. Two of the most familiar certifications are USDA Organic and EPA’s Energy Star Label. Learn more about certifications by reading Softly’s Guide to Sustainability Certifications. and for a more comprehensive list of certifications and their features download this guide to sustainability certifications.
“The idea [of certifications] is to give [consumers] some guidance that allows them to make informed decisions.”
DR. JAMES HAGAN, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
You can shop eco-friendly products by choosing “Climate Pledge Friendly” from all of Amazon’s other services on the left menu bar. However, after you search and choose a certified product, Amazon resets the search back to “All” and you lose the Climate Pledge Friendly filter. To let you shop as you usually do and search for sustainable products, the Softly plugin helps you comparison shop.
How does Softly help you shop for sustainable products?
1. Download Softly from the Chrome Web Store
It only takes a few seconds to download Softly. You will see the Softly tab on the right side of your screen when you shop online.
2. Personalize your shopping experience
Your purchases will be customized to your personal values. Open the settings gear and choose from 52 product attributes over 6 categories including Environmental Impact, Social Responsibility, Clean, Animal Welfare, Country of Origin and Allergens.
3. Shop as you usually do!
You are now equipped to make smart shopping choices. Suggested product SWAPS! are based on 3rd party verified sustainability information.
When the Softly Swaps! come up on your screen, you see how many and what type of certifications the product has through Softly’s symbol system. If you want more detailed information about a product’s certifications, just click on the Climate Pledge Friendly badge.
Grow with Softly
With over 400 users, the Softly plugin has gained significant popularity. Its founders, Mollie Hughes and Kathryn Decker, were awarded the Amazon Business Small Business Grant in 2022. This grant will play a pivotal role in enhancing Softly, ultimately making it even more user-friendly for consumers looking to purchase sustainable products.
Watch Now! Learn more about Softly – 2022 Amazon Business Small Business Grant Recipient.
Here are some Climate Pledge Friendly products that the Softly team recommends—everything from shoes to cleaners to bedding.
Before we dive into our favorite sustainable swaps, please note that this blog contains affiliate links. By using these links, you can support the improvement of Softly at no extra cost to you.
Recommended Sustainable Products from Mollie Hughes, Softly CEO
Sam Edelman Women’s Wilson Heeled Sandal
I recently had a special event to attend and was looking for a comfortable pair of dress sandals that I can wear for both work and dressy events. Buying shoes online can always be risky, but these cute sandals by Sam Edelman fit the bill. Give them a try – you’ll look stylish and your feet will thank you!
Advantages:
- Comfortable
- True to size fit
- Versatile – can wear with a dress or blue jeans
- Fun colors to pick from. I chose Tide Blue which has a greenish tint to them, making them even more versatile.
- The block heel provides stability
Considerations:
- Not suited for extremely wide or narrow feet
Certifications:
- Leather Working Group certification promotes more-responsible leather production and is committed to driving positive environmental change.
- Made in the USA
Organic Hot Pepper Seeds Variety Pack
My family loves flavor, and we cook with a lot of peppers. Every year we plant our garden with 1 or 2 types of chilis, so when I found this spicy pepper paradise variety pack by Sweet Yards I was excited to expand!
Advantages:
- 7 unique varieties of pepper seeds that are heirloom and open pollinated including Poblano, Hungarian Hot, Orange and Red Habanera, Padron, Shishito and Cayenne.
- They have a guarantee that your seeds will germinate or your money back, no questions asked.
Considerations:
- I haven’t yet planted them but they came in great packaging and the reviews report good germination, plus they have a money back germination guarantee.
Certifications:
- USDA Organic products are grown and processed according to standards addressing soil and water quality, among other factors.
Happy Planting!
Recommended Sustainable Products
from Kathryn Decker, Softly COO
Amazon Aware Glass Cleaner Refill Tablets
I am always looking for ways to reduce my environmental impact. One of the things I’ve been trying to do is reduce the amount of plastic I use in my household. A few months ago, I switched to using laundry sheets instead of liquid laundry detergent. I was really happy with the results, and I decided to see if there were any other cleaning products I could swap. I decided to try these glass cleaner refill tablets so that I could reuse a plastic spray bottle instead of buying more plastic bottles. These tablets are made with plant-based ingredients (100% bio-based), so they’re better for the environment than traditional glass cleaners.
Advantages:
- Use minimal packaging and it is 94% bio-based, so there’s less waste to worry about.
- Works just as well as traditional glass cleaners. They clean my windows streak-free, and they leave my home smelling fresh.
- They are affordable. At 3 refill tablets for less than $10, they are a great value.
Considerations:
- Need to keep a spray bottle handy to dissolve the tablet in for use. Otherwise works just like your favorite glass cleaner.
Certifications:
- Climate neutral by ClimatePartner certifies the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified products contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment
I am looking forward to trying the All-Purpose Cleaner Refill Tablets and the Bathroom Cleaner Refill Tablets next.
Amazon Basics Down-Alternative Comforter
One of the things that has really surprised me is how often a more sustainable choice is not the more expensive choice. Before I started working on Softly, my assumption was that sustainable products were more expensive. It is surprising how often this is not true. Take this comforter, for example. It is certified by Made in Green by OEKO-TEX, which is an independent certification system that ensures textiles meet high safety and environmental standards.
Advantages:
- Lightweight, yet amazingly warm.
- Surprisingly affordable.
- The comforter is made from recycled materials, so it’s easy on the environment.
- It is hypoallergenic, which makes it a good choice for people with allergies.
- It is machine-washable, so it’s easy-care
- Comes with 2 decorative pillow shams.
Considerations:
- The pleats may not be for everyone. I was a bit skeptical about them at first but it has not been a problem.
- It was pretty wrinkled when I received it but they came out pretty easily in the wash and over time have relaxed completely.
Certifications:
- MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX: products are tested for harmful substances and made in safer workplaces with reduced environmental impacts
Recommended Sustainable Products from Jennifer Suri, Softly Content Creator
Ethique Shampoo Bar
I was reluctant to try shampooing with a bar. Would I get enough suds? How gentle is it? Would it leave a residue? But I was ready to give up the plastic bottles and extra water that I get with regular shampoo. An upcoming trip to Europe got me to try an Ethique Shampoo bar so I could reduce the liquids in my carry-on. I was pleasantly surprised! The bar takes up less room in my shower too and I love using it!
I bought a mini bar for my daughter to try. She was also skeptical at first, but admitted that she liked it, and yes, I could buy her another one, but she felt like even the mini bar was going to last a while because you don’t need a lot to get a good lather and the bar doesn’t melt away. If you want to try out different types, try out a minibar sampler.
Advantages
- Great for travel
- Lovely scent-not too strong
- Does not “melt away”
- Palm free, vegan and cruelty free
Considerations:
- Just a friendly tip – using a soap dish with your bars can help extend their lifespan. And if you’re looking to avoid plastic, you might want to check out the compostable soap dishes from Ethique. They’re a great sustainable option!
Certifications:
- B Corp Certified: a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.
Dirty Labs Laundry Detergent
I was looking for a new laundry detergent—a plastic-free, environmentally friendly cleaner that wouldn’t come in a bottle that took up half a shelf in my laundry room. Dirty Labs has a small, aluminum container and heavenly scent (a combination of magnolia, bergamot and cedar). This laundry detergent is also cruelty-free, vegan, hypoallergenic, and safe for babies and pets.
Advantages:
- Smells wonderful (but you can also get unscented)
- You need only a small amount
- Aluminum bottle can be infinitely recycled
- Optimized for cold water
- BPA free measuring cap fits on the bottle cap, but can be stored separately so the bottle doesn’t get sticky.
Considerations:
- Measuring cap is useful, but makes the bottle sticky after using it with the detergent. This is not a unique problem for Dirty Labs. You can store the measuring cap separately.
Certifications:
- EWG Verified products are reviewed to ensure they are free from EWG’s known chemicals of concern and adhere to strict health standards.
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified products contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment.
DTTO iPad Case
I use my iPad all the time, so when it was time to replace the protective cover I wanted to get the same type, but go eco-friendly. Softly help me find a sustainable cover with the features I like. This cover is protective yet soft. It’s easy to open and close and all the holes line up perfectly. The pocket in the front means that I can stick in loose papers.
Advantages
- Looks stylish
- Fits perfectly
- Great colors
Considerations:
- I don’t know how long it will last. My previous cover lasted about 3 years.
Certifications:
- Climate neutral by ClimatePartner: certifies the carbon footprint of a product was calculated and all associated emissions were offset.
Buying sustainable products is easier than you think.
By downloading Softly and incorporating it into your next Amazon shopping session, you’ll unlock a world of convenience. You will find an abundance of products featuring sustainable certifications, transforming your perception of accessible eco-friendly options.