We’ve all seen these terms thrown around: eco-friendly and environmentally friendly. But what the heck do they actually mean? Is there a difference between the two?
If you’re feeling like you need a little help understanding how to make these concepts work for you, you’re in the right place.
We’re all about the sustainable cozy movement, but we didn’t know what that was when we jumped into it!
We’re not experts, but we’ve been trying to make small changes to live with intention, and here’s what we’ve learned so far.
Are Eco-Friendly and Environmentally Friendly the Same Thing?
So, here’s the thing. These two words get tossed around like they’re the same but slightly different.
Eco-friendly
Eco-friendly is more about reducing environmental harm: less waste and less pollution. When purchasing eco-friendly products, it’s essential to ensure the brands you support are transparent about their claims.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has guidelines to ensure that companies don’t mislead consumers with “greenwashing,” when a company falsely advertises its products as environmentally friendly.
Always look for certifications or labels that back up eco-friendly claims. Transparency matters.
Environmentally Friendly
Environmentally friendly is broader. It just means something is better for the planet in general. It doesn’t necessarily mean the product eliminates all environmentally harmful resources.
For example, when you see a label that says “sustainable” or “sustainability matters.”
There are no organizations that officially regulate anything as environmentally friendly. It’s an adjective that is used.
But most of the time, people use them the same way, and that’s fine. We hope those businesses that claim to be environmentally friendly use natural resources and have a zero or low environmental impact.
It’s all about making the Earth a little happier.
Why We Care About Eco-Friendly Living
We never had the big goal of somehow changing the world in a million years. Climate change isn’t something we even thought much about.
We are not naive enough to think we can do something that will suddenly make global warming disappear.
The thing we do know is that every little bit helps.
We sold our house, downsized, and moved to the coast a few years ago. That’s when we started realizing how much waste we were contributing.
It didn’t take long before we started making small changes—like getting rid of excess stuff, cutting out plastic, and being more thoughtful about our choices.
Honestly? It didn’t take that much effort, and it didn’t feel like we were trying to be perfect. We were trying to do better.
5 Simple Ways You Can Live More Eco-Friendly
These are some easy ways to take small steps to live more eco-friendly.
1. Skip the Single-Use Plastics
At first, it was just about removing the obvious stuff: plastic water bottles, straws, and bags. Now, we carry our bottles, use reusable bags, and try to avoid that one-time-use plastic.
It’s not rocket science, but it adds up. Just pay more attention to the materials used to make a product.
2. Think Before You Buy
We’re way more mindful of what we buy. Is it eco-friendly? Is it something we need? Do we even want to support the brand? Making smarter, slower purchases has helped us align with our eco goals.
3. Cut Back on Water and Energy
Living on the coast makes you think about how much water you use, so we started taking shorter showers, turning off lights when we don’t need them, and using energy more mindfully. Little habits like that have just become second nature.
We now challenge ourselves with it since we know how much water and energy impact our carbon footprint.
4. Support Small, Sustainable Businesses
We’re not shoppers per se, but when we need to purchase something, we want to shop locally. We support brands that are making an effort to be sustainable. It feels better spending our money where it counts.
We practice the same strategy regarding businesses that protect animals and do not use or test on animals. That is important to us.
5. Embrace Minimalism
We didn’t even know that our lifestyle was minimalist at first. We’re not talking about giving up everything, but minimalism has been a game-changer for us.
The less stuff we have, the less we waste. That may not make sense, but the more things we have, the more upkeep they require. We use more resources for more stuff and more space.
This has been a big win for our mental health and the environment.
You can dive in more by reading about our minimalist lifestyle.
What It’s Really Like to Live Eco-Friendly
We didn’t start living this way overnight. Gradual changes began happening. We began with ditching plastic. Once we paid more attention to our purchases, we began reducing waste and paying attention to how much stuff we had.
Was it perfect? Not even close. But over time, those little changes started to feel natural.
The goal for us is to be intentional. Every small choice adds up, and seeing the difference we’ve made has been so rewarding.
Living Eco-Friendly Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
It’s not about changing your whole life at once. It’s about small shifts that fit into your day-to-day. You don’t have to make it complicated.
Start with one thing. Cut back on plastic, choose sustainable products that are better for the planet, or support a brand that cares.
If you are looking for a way to align with eco-friendly and environmentally friendly practices, don’t be so concerned with the difference between the two. Just be mindful to make some changes for the better.
You’ll feel good about it, and the Earth will too. It also feels good to know we are doing something for future generations.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most environmentally friendly companies focus on sustainability and ethical practices. Brands like Patagonia and Seventh Generation are known for their commitment to reducing environmental impact through sustainable products, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly practices. Always look for certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp to ensure a company is genuinely environmentally conscious. Read more about questions to ask brands.
Not all eco-friendly products are created equal. Look for certifications or third-party verification to ensure a product is genuinely eco-friendly. Terms like “green” or “natural” can sometimes be misleading, so it’s important to do your research on the materials, production processes, and environmental impact before buying.
Eco-friendly typically refers to products or practices that help reduce harm to the environment, like using sustainable materials or reducing waste. Going green is a broader lifestyle change that involves adopting more sustainable habits in all areas of life, from what you buy to how you live, work, and travel. Both are about making choices that are better for the planet, but going green often includes a bigger commitment.
