Reusable this, compostable that. These days, it feels like every brand is promising to “save the planet”. You buy a “biodegradable” lunch box only to realise it’s still mostly plastic. Or grab a “green” bottle that ends up leaking after a few uses.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The truth is, while sustainable living has become a global movement, it’s also become a marketing playground.
But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. We’re here to help you separate the genuinely good-for-the-planet products from the greenwashed imposters. Once you understand what makes certain materials sustainable and how they behave in real life, you can make smarter, longer-lasting swaps that actually make a difference (and survive more than one dishwasher cycle).
The Rise (and Risk) of Going Green
Australians are more eco-conscious than ever. A study by the Australian Bureau of Statistics found that over 90% of households now actively recycle, and more than half are willing to pay more for sustainable options.
But here’s the catch: not everything with a leaf logo is actually eco-friendly.
“Greenwashing”—the act of making misleading sustainability claims—has become a serious issue. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), more than half of businesses they reviewed in 2023 made potentially misleading environmental claims.
In short: if it sounds too green to be true, it probably is.
What Makes a Material Truly Sustainable?
When we talk about “sustainable materials”, we’re not just talking about what sounds eco-friendly—we’re looking at how it’s made, how long it lasts, and what happens when you’re done with it.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for:
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Durability: Does it last more than a season? If it’s going to fall apart faster than a dodgy camping chair, it’s not sustainable.
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Recyclability:Can it be properly recycled—and not just in theory? (Looking at you, “soft plastics”.)
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Renewability: Is it made from something that can be replenished, like bamboo or sand?
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Safety:Does it keep toxins out of your food, home, and body?
According to the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, choosing long-lasting, reusable products made from renewable or recyclable materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce household waste.
So let’s unpack what those materials actually look like in everyday life.
Materials Worth Saying Yes To
Not all heroes wear capes. Some come in the form of glass bottles and silicone lids. Let’s break down a few sustainable materials you can actually trust in your daily routine.
1. Glass: The OG Eco Legend
If stainless steel is the workhorse, glass is the minimalist. It’s non-toxic, easy to clean, and gives zero odours (because no one wants yesterday’s curry lingering in today’s leftovers).
It’s also 100% recyclable and can be melted down indefinitely without degrading.
Bonus: it looks lovely on your shelves, especially when you’ve organised your pantry and feel like a sustainability influencer for five minutes.
Try these: Glasslock Container, Avanti Velvet Glass Water Bottles, and Earthware Glass Food Storage Containers - Circle - 4 Pack
Glass does have one downside: it’s heavier than other options. But when you consider how long it lasts (and how good it looks), it’s worth the weight.
2. Food-Grade Silicone: The Durable Multitasker
Silicone is the multitasker of sustainable materials—heatproof, long-lasting, and way safer than plastic. Food-grade silicone doesn’t contain BPA, phthalates, or microplastics, and it can handle the freezer, microwave, and oven without breaking a sweat.
High-quality food grade silicone products, when cared for properly, can last for years—dramatically reducing single-use waste from cling wrap and sandwich bags.
Our favourites: Go Green Large Bento Lunch Box, Earthware No-Tox Silicone Bento Lunch Box - 4 Compartments (1.2L), and OmieBox Snack Silicone Container
Silicone is also incredibly forgiving—fold it, stretch it, or drop it—it’ll bounce right back (unlike your plastic containers that crack if you look at them wrong).
3. Stainless Steel: Tough, Shiny, and Built to Last
Strong, sleek, and endlessly reusable, stainless steel is one of those materials that just gets it right. It doesn’t rust, it doesn’t leach chemicals, and it can last decades—yes, decades—if you treat it right.
At Hello Green, we’re big fans of stainless steel for water bottles, lunch boxes, and even cutlery. It’s the kind of thing you buy once and forget about… in the best way possible.
Our favourites: Avanti Slim S/Steel Cutlery Set (3pc), Bentgo Stainless Steel Lunch Box (Leak-proof 1.2L), and Oasis Insulated S/Steel Sports Bottle (550ml) w/ Screw Cap
Fun fact: stainless steel is infinitely recyclable—meaning it can be recycled again and again without losing quality.
Spotting Greenwashing: A Quick Reality Check
Even the best intentions can lead you astray. You know those products that scream “eco-friendly!” on the label, but the fine print says “partly made with recycled materials”? Yeah, that’s greenwashing.
Greenwashing happens when companies make vague or misleading claims to appear sustainable—without backing them up.
You don’t need a science degree to spot greenwashing—just a curious mind and a little know-how.
Here’s how to read between the lines:
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Look for certifications: BPA-free, LFGB-certified, or FDA-approved are good signs for food-safe materials.
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Check end-of-life info: Can it be recycled or composted? Or is it destined for landfill?
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Be wary of vague claims: “Eco”, “planet-safe”, or “non-toxic” don’t mean much without details.
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Check durability: True sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about how long something lasts.
A good rule of thumb: genuinely eco-friendly products should make your life easier and reduce waste over time.
When in doubt, check the material breakdown and look for transparency. If a brand is truly sustainable, they’ll tell you exactly why.
Your Green(er) Shopping Checklist
Before you click “add to cart”, run through this simple checklist:
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Is it reusable or refillable?
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Is it made from safe, durable materials?
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Is it recyclable or biodegradable at end-of-life?
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Does the brand share how and where it’s made?
If it ticks most (or all) of these, you’re on the right track.
Progress Over Perfection
The truth is, no material is 100% impact-free. But every smart swap counts, especially when it replaces something that would’ve been used once and tossed.
So next time you’re shopping for your kitchen, lunch gear, or on-the-go essentials, take a moment to look past the “eco” label and check what’s really inside.
Because when you choose materials that last, you’re not just cutting waste, you’re building better habits for yourself and the planet.
Ready to shop smarter? Discover genuinely sustainable swaps that walk the talk at Hello Green, or check out our blog on 5 Easy Swaps for a Zero-Waste Home to start your next eco-friendly upgrade.
