Good Housekeeping is dedicated to sharing ways for you to maintain your sustainable lifestyle. For the fifth year in a row, we’ve reviewed hundreds of entries to find good brands doing good things.

Save the date! In April 2024, join Good Housekeeping for the Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit. The event will be free and open to all — check back soon for details on how to register.

Our experts and scientists partner with field experts to evaluate products across home, beauty, bedding, cleaning and food — all to help you make greener choices for you and your family. We were impressed with the sustainability efforts of these brands as well as the performance of the products themselves. Check out the winners!

sustainable innovation awards

How we tested

Our panel of judges assessed all submissions based on a range of criteria, including:

  • Energy, water and waste reduction
  • Recycled content, recyclability and reusability of packaging
  • Transparency and accuracy of marketing claims
  • Corporate social responsibility efforts and goals for carbon neutrality, zero waste and more

The brands and products with excellent sustainability efforts are then tested in real life so our judges can evaluate factors like ease of use, comfort, functionality of packaging, durability and product efficacy.

sustainable innovation awards cleaning
Mike Garten
Dish Defender
Power+ Foaming Dish Spray
Seventh Generation Power+ Foaming Dish Spray
$18 at Walmart

Certified B Corp Seventh Generation takes a holistic view in its sustainability efforts through its Climate Fingerprints framework, which considers the environmental impact of each product as well as assesses its investments and advocacy efforts. Its Power+ Foaming Dish Spray earned EPA’s Safer Choice certification and is a 79% USDA Biobased product. It comes in a bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.

LAB RESULTS: Simply put, it works very well. “This is an extremely effective product that earned a previous Best Cleaning & Organizing Award,” says Forté. “It dispenses as a thick foam, so it clings to and cuts grease on dishes, cookware and glassware better than thinner formulas.” Plus, with a spray there’s no need to keep the water running while you wash — turn it on only for rinsing for even less waste.

Washing Workhorse
Laundry Detergent Swatches
EC30 Laundry Detergent Swatches

Our experts and judges are fans of lightweight, waterless laundry detergent sheets because they offer carbon savings during shipping. And EC30 not only uses plastic-free packaging but also has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant more than 120,000 trees to sequester air pollution and help control water runoff.

LAB RESULTS: Our Cleaning Lab was impressed: “This product stands out among the new category of laundry detergent sheets/swatches for its cleaning and stain removal performance,” says Forté. “It is very effective and is packaged in a recyclable cardboard box that is very easy to use and store.” Fitzgerald likes that the brand has “designed its packaging to fit within the USPS Mail Flats system, saving materials and utilizing an already tight shipping system.”

Bona’s plant-derived ingredients have helped it earn EPA Safer Choice certification for two years in a row. We like that the product is made without parabens, formaldehyde, ammonia, phthalates or phosphates and is safe for pets.

LAB RESULTS: This hardwood cleaner won high praise from our cleaning pros. Says Forté, “Bona makes the best wood-floor cleaners on the market. The fact that this one is a 95% USDA Biobased Product and EPA Safer Choice certified is impressive.” Brown adds, “Bona has a strong sustainability program and is transparent in communicating its goals and progress.”

Just Add Water
Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate (Pack of 2)
Seventh Generation Multi-Surface Cleaner Concentrate (Pack of 2)

Seventh Generation takes its name from its mission to improve the world for the next seven generations and beyond. This multi-surface cleaner is a 94% USDA Biobased Product, and the concentrated formula saves on plastic container usage and shipping costs, which reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

LAB RESULTS: We liked that the seven-times-concentrated formula means consumers can dilute the product to create seven 23-oz refills of the cleaner and skip buying unnecessary plastic bottles. Mix it in a bucket or pour it into a spray bottle to clean floors, counters, appliances and more. In our tests, it cut through greasy soils, and the compact bottle is easy to store.

Set-and-Forget Dishwasher
G7366SCVI Smart Dishwasher
Miele G7366SCVI Smart Dishwasher

Miele designed this dishwasher with efficiency in mind: It uses less water than other dishwashers — as little as 1.6 gallons on the SensorWash setting — and it’s insulated to reduce the amount of energy required to heat the water. It also includes the brand’s “AutoDos” system, which dispenses just the right amount of detergent.

LAB RESULTS: “Miele has a longstanding and deep commitment to human and planetary impact,” says Hall. Forté adds that the company’s appliances are “built to last, requiring replacement less often” than others. In GH Cleaning Lab tests, Miele dishwashers clean so well the first time that there’s no need to pre-rinse or rewash.

Double-Duty Clean Machine
UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer
GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer

This GE Profile combination washer-dryer has all the features of two stand-alone units. Its front-loading washer uses less water to save energy, and its ventless dryer offers speedy, efficient drying at lower temperatures, which is good for the life of fabrics as well. The dryer works with a heat pump to dry and to recirculate heat already in the dryer instead of wasting it by venting it outdoors. The Smart Dispense feature prevents the use of too much detergent or fabric softener.

LAB RESULTS: We love its performance: The space-saving UltraFast Combo earned a previous Cleaning & Organizing Award. “This combo not only performs well but also makes doing laundry easier because there’s no need to transfer the load from the washer to the dryer,” says Forté. Hall is “very impressed by GE's commitment to landfill diversion and to volunteerism, DEI and philanthropy.”

Fresh-Smelling Cleaner
All-Purpose Cleaner
Bona All-Purpose Cleaner

Bona’s new All-Purpose Cleaner is a 99% USDA Biobased Product, and it’s also Safer Choice–Certified, so it’s a great option to use around your family and your pets. It’s formulated with plant-based ingredients and without ammonia, and the packaging utilizes recycled materials.

LAB RESULTS: “The product cuts grease and is safe and effective to use on finicky-to-clean surfaces like glass, stainless steel and natural stone, which is impressive,” says Forté. “And the scent is amazing. If you prefer using a pre-mixed household cleaner, this one is a solid choice.” Fitzgerald praises the company for using bottles made from 30% post-consumer recycled content.

sustainable innovation awards personal care
Mike Garten
Head Hero
Custom Shampoo
Prose Custom Shampoo

Prose has a unique business model aimed at sustaining sustainability. The company makes haircare products to order — each customer fills out a questionnaire about their hair type and needs — to help reduce returns and waste. The B-Corp-certified company also uses local manufacturing to lower carbon emissions.

LAB RESULTS: Our beauty experts were pleased with its performance. “The shampoo provides ample lather for a sulfate-free formula, and the conditioner is really smoothing to my strands and imparts shine,” says Aral. “The scent is customized and smells upscale.” The judges also liked that everything was shipped in a cardboard box with no filling material.

Gentle Soap
Liquid Hand Wash
Soapply Liquid Hand Wash

Soapply is a woman-owned small business that produces hand soap created with food-grade organic oils and plant-based glycerin and rosemary extract. The soap comes in a pump bottle that’s made with 50% recycled glass and includes a larger glass bottle that consumers can use to refill the pump.

LAB RESULTS: Our chemists noted that this product uses saponified oils — soaps in the classical sense — and is therefore a good alternative for those seeking more traditional ingredients. Our judges also commended the brand for donating $1 from each purchase toward sanitation efforts in developing countries.

Soothing Body Cleanser
Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil Refill
L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil Refill

L’Occitane has made its cult-fave Almond Shower Oil more sustainable by packaging it in a bottle that is 100% recycled plastic. And the bottle is fully recyclable (if collected and sorted properly) and refillable from a bottle that uses (you guessed it) 100% recycled material. The PET bottles are also lightweight and have no metal springs that need to be separated at the end of their lives.

LAB RESULTS: The pros in the Beauty Lab are longtime fans of this shower oil. “The product spreads like an oil that is warming to the skin and then works into a light, creamy lather when mixed with water,” says Aral. “After washing, my skin feels soft.” Another tester praised the scent, saying it was “sweet but not cloying” and that it didn’t linger.

Hygiene Helper
MultiShape Ultimate All-in-One Grooming Kit
Panasonic MultiShape Ultimate All-in-One Grooming Kit

Panasonic is addressing an often invisible issue in the grooming space: the large number of motors and rechargeable batteries. The Panasonic MultiShape offers a cordless rechargeable base that works with five different grooming attachments (a shaver and trimmers for beard, body and ear/nose hair as well as a toothbrush head). The brand also offers a takeback program that recycles consumer electronic personal care devices such as shavers and trimmers to divert them from landfills and make new batteries.

LAB RESULTS: Fitzgerald calls it “good to see such a large company address lithium-ion battery waste. I like that they make it easier for customers to find a place to take their old products.” Several testers noted that the system was particularly helpful for travel.

Flower Power for Face
Natural Royal Tulip Cleansing Jelly
Bloomeffects Natural Royal Tulip Cleansing Jelly

Bloomeffects is one to watch in the upcycling game: The company is turning sawdust from German carpenters into a component of the material it uses to package its cleansing jelly, and the jelly contains upcycled extracts from imperfect tulip bulbs collected at the brand founder’s 118-year-old farm in the Netherlands. The sawdust is combined with material derived from sugarcane to make up 95% of the PICAE wood tube, which its manufacturer claims is 40% better in terms of carbon footprint than conventional plastic tubes.

LAB RESULTS: Our beauty experts found that the cleanser dissolved most makeup — “even long-lasting lipstick, though it can take two applications with waterproof mascara.” After rinsing, skin is left soft and silky to the touch. “The surface of the tube is somewhat rough and feels wood-like,” says Aral, “but it dispenses the product effectively, like conventional ones.”

Energy-Friendly Face Cream
Refine Triple Pro-Retinol Renewal Cream
Doctor Babor Refine Triple Pro-Retinol Renewal Cream

The Babor Beauty Group made our list in 2023 and 2022, and because the company keeps refining its standards, we believe it deserves a spot this year as well. Babor built a new cosmetics production factory that consumes far less energy than a standard building. The company also is using a shipping service known for its carbon-management initiatives.

LAB RESULTS: “Babor products do not disappoint in terms of efficacy and sustainability,” says Aral. This formula boasts a triple threat of a retinoid complex: retinol (a.k.a. vitamin A), bakuchiol (plant-derived) and retinyl palmitate (converts to retinol in skin). “With niacinamide and amino acids on top of the retinoids, this ‘cream’ formula is a serum in disguise,” says Aral. The judges also liked that Babor is helping protect the ocean by collecting plastics from the waters near Tahiti and the Philippines.

Bathroom Buddy
Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper (Pack of 12)
Reel Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper (Pack of 12)

Reel Paper doesn’t want to see trees flushed down the toilet. It has created products, like paper towels and tissues as well as this toilet paper, that are made from like bamboo, a readily renewable resource. The brand uses no dyes or inks, and all its shipping materials are plastic-free and biodegradable.

LAB RESULTS: “I appreciate that Reel Paper is involved with so many organizations, including One Tree Planted, which helps reforest the planet,” says Fitzgerald. “Plus, the paper is created from North American–sourced recycled paper fibers, which saves on transportation emissions.” It also performed well in our Lab tests, dissolving quickly when we placed it in spinning water. (We also tested this in our office bathrooms, and testers said they preferred it to the standard TP the office provides.)

Safe Leak Liner
Attn: Grace Incontinence Pads for Women (28-Pack)
ATTN : GRACE Attn: Grace Incontinence Pads for Women (28-Pack)

Attn: Grace offers a sustainably sourced and packaged alternative to conventional incontinence pads. The company has worked to ensure the traceability of the pads’ components, including upcycled sugarcane waste and chlorine-free wood pulp.

LAB RESULTS: “This is a super product in comparison to others in the market segment,” said Brown. “The company’s high-level B Corp certification is a testament to the attention to environmental and social responsibility.” Textiles expert Sachs noted that Attn: Grace is “making smart efforts to reduce its environmental impact, like chlorine-free wood pulp, which we look for in products in this category.”

Cozy Bath Oil
Warm Embrace Bath Oil in Rose Geranium
eo Warm Embrace Bath Oil in Rose Geranium

EO caught our eye because it’s a certified B Corporation that runs on 100% renewable energy. The company manufactures its products in a zero-waste facility in California, a state known for its very strict sustainability regulations. This bath oil comes in the brand's iconic blue glass bottle, made completely from recycled glass, which helps create the demand for recycled glass to make recycling of the material economically viable.

LAB RESULTS: Fitzgerald says, “The use of domestically sourced recyclable glass for the bottle is both environmentally responsible and locally supportive.” Our beauty experts like that this product is Leaping Bunny–certified, and they enjoyed using the oil. “I love the geranium rose scent,” says Aral, “and I like that the oil did not cause any irritation on my skin though it’s rather heavily scented.”

sustainable innovation awards kitchen and food
Mike Garten
Gluten-Free Goodness
Pop Mmms Baked Snack Crackers
Simple Mills Pop Mmms Baked Snack Crackers

Simple Mills landed on our list last year with its innovative Sweet Thins. And the brand’s new Pop Mmms Baked Snack Crackers impressed us this year. The snack uses ingredients like organic butternut squash, which has big leaves that shield the soil, and red beans, which can fix nitrogen in the soil to preserve its health. The gluten-free crackers also diversify agriculture away from standard ingredients to create new food systems.

LAB RESULTS: “Simple Mills has created a delicious snack using natural, thoughtful ingredients that were grown regeneratively,” says Hall. “I love the systemic approach they've taken to their product's impact on people and planet. And they are gluten-free! I would never have known this until I read the label.” The whole judging panel was happily munching on these crackers, with Sassos noting that “they nailed not only the taste but also the crunchy texture.”

Animal-Free Sausage Links
Sausage Plant-Based Links
Beyond Meat Sausage Plant-Based Links

Beyond Meat has launched a new Beyond Sausage with meatier taste and texture that’s still made with the company’s signature plant-based ingredients like peas and brown rice. The production process has less of a carbon impact and requires less water than meat produced on farms. The links are packaged in recyclable material as well.

LAB RESULTS: “The brand has been improving ingredients with sustainability top of mind,” says Sassos. “It tastes great and delivers on texture — and contains no soy and even has about 40% less fat than traditional pork sausage.” Testers were pleased that the links can be prepared in a skillet or grilled.

Food-Waste Fighter
Grocery and Produce Subscription Service
Misfits Market Grocery and Produce Subscription Service

Since 2015, Misfits Market has saved millions of pounds of food from landfills by offering quality and nutritious foods — that may be a little misshapen but perfectly safe to eat — to consumers. The easy-to-navigate site sources its food sustainably by partnering with farmers and food makers to sell “misfit” or simply surplus foods. These practices, along with the policy of grouping orders for efficient deliveries, reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

LAB RESULTS: “This is a much-needed business model that addresses a critical issue in the U.S. food system — the demand for "perfect" fruits and vegetables — by buying the rejects and finding customers for them,” says Brown. “The result is a tangible reduction in the impact of growing and disposing of food that isn't used.” Adds Fitzgerald, “I like that Misfits Market also batches customers and neighborhoods to reduce delivery pollution.”

Vegan Cheese
Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella
Miyoko's Creamery Pourable Plant Milk Mozzarella

Miyoko’s Pourable Mozzarella bakes up like the real deal, but it’s made from organic cashews. The cashews are grown using regenerative processes, including rainwater irrigation to reduce water usage. The manufacturing facility is powered in part by solar energy, which reduces the company’s electricity demands by about 25%.

LAB RESULTS: Our test kitchen gave this product a thumbs-up. And our dietitian, Sassos, likes it too: “The cashews are grown organic and regeneratively, and it’s a fantastic and groundbreaking product in terms of performance. It’s a great alternative for those on a dairy-free or vegan diet.”

Sugar Substitute
Organic Date Sugar
Just Date Organic Date Sugar

Just Date’s sugar is created with upcycled organic dates that deliver nutrition but are considered too "ugly" for retail sale and would otherwise go to waste. The sweetener is packaged using post-consumer recycled materials, and the company is cofounded by a doctor.

LAB RESULTS: “Sugar is a huge environmental concern today,” says Hall. “Just Date has developed a tasty and nutritious new addition to the current alternatives to cane sugar.” Sassos likes that date sugar contains fiber and antioxidants. She also says, “It blended well in baked goods such as banana muffins and breads. Just follow the instructions on the package to adjust your dry ingredients accordingly.”

Transparent Labeling
Full Fat Oat Milk
Oatly Full Fat Oat Milk

Some Oatly products, like the brand’s oatmilk and oatmilk-based “yogurt,” now include a label showing the carbon footprint of the product. The company says the additional information on the label is intended to be one more way that people can make a decision about their health — and the health of the planet. Oatly lists the output as kilograms of CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent, which takes into account other greenhouse gasses produced in its making.

LAB RESULTS: “The Oatly product does have a better carbon profile compared to conventional dairy products,” says Brown. Fitzgerald agrees, adding, “I love the transparency and the challenge to other industries to step up each of their own games. And being able to share all that good work and research in a fun and engaging way isn't easy, and they nailed it.”

Fair Trade Fruit
Organic Pineapple
Dole Organic Pineapple

Dole is offering organic and fair trade pineapples — a feat that is rare in the produce space. It operates fair trade farms in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, following strict sustainability standards and reinvesting in those communities to improve the living conditions of its growers. In Costa Rica, for example, the company has invested in three community centers that serve thousands of Costa Ricans.

LAB RESULTS: Hall states that it’s “a big deal that a company as large as Dole engages in the fair trade movement.” Fitzgerald adds, “In order to be more earth-friendly, we sometimes forget about the impact on people and communities. Dole seems to do a great job.” And, of course, the fruit tasted great!

Healthful Oil
100% Pure Chia Seed Oil
SOW: Seeds of Wellness 100% Pure Chia Seed Oil

This omega-3-rich chia seed oil is produced using regenerative agriculture practices by growers who own 50% of the company. There’s no tilling of the land involved, and what’s more is that the seeds are grown with rainwater only. The company, Benexia, is also engaged in community development and supports local charities.

LAB RESULTS: Benexia’s holistic approach earned praise from our judges. “It is addressing full-spectrum sustainability, from employees to suppliers to manufacturing to products. The company maintains an ethical supply chain, ensuring no child labor and promoting fair pay and good working conditions.” Our in-house nutritionist also approved: “I think this is a very innovative product.”

Java Jumpstart
#4 Bamboo Cone Coffee Filters
Melitta #4 Bamboo Cone Coffee Filters

Melitta #4 Bamboo Cone Coffee Filters are made with 40% bamboo pulp. Bamboo is a naturally renewing resource, and the material contributes to the filters being certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). They’re bleach-free, and they’re packaged in 100% recycled paperboard.

LAB RESULTS: These filters also earned a previous GH Coffee Award for being unique in their material makeup, compared with traditional reusable filters, which are made from traditional paper. Fitzgerald adds: “I really appreciate products using tree-free alternatives. I also love that they come packaged in 100% recycled materials that can be easily recycled, emphasizing the commitment to sustainability.”

Sparkling Savings
Art Sparkling Water Maker
SodaStream Art Sparkling Water Maker

SodaStream is tackling environmental issues from all sides: The machine itself requires no electricity to run, and it’s made with 25% recycled plastic. The reusable bottle helps reduce the number of single bottles used and discarded by fans of sparkling water. In addition, the CO2 cylinders can be returned and refilled to further reduce waste.

LAB RESULTS: Another SodaStream machine got top marks for performance from home testers in our 2023 Kitchen Gear Awards. “As a SodaStream user myself, I do believe there is a great benefit to not buying new bottles of carbonated water every week,” says Hall. “And the business model of CO2 bottle trade-ins is brilliant.”

sustainable innovation awards home essentials outdoor
Mike Gartren
Recycled Comfort
Path Chair
Humanscale Path Chair

Humanscale’s Path chair is made with 53% recycled content, including ocean plastic and reclaimed fishing nets. The textiles on the chair are zero-waste 3D knit, and the aluminum components are 100% recycled. The company has also streamlined its packaging so it can ship more chairs per truck to save on fuel and emissions.

LAB RESULTS: Our judges liked the form and function. “It’s an exceptionally well-made chair that incorporates sustainable elements into its design without sacrificing performance,” said Rothman. Aral agreed: “It was very easy to assemble, and I love how comfortable it is. I really like the design aesthetic.”

Durable Decking
Transcend Lineage Composite Decking
Trex Transcend Lineage Composite Decking

Trex makes its Transcend Lineage line of composite decking with 95% recycled and reclaimed materials. And it does so without sacrificing performance, thanks to the product’s ultra-durable integrated shell and heat-mitigating technology that keeps the boards cooler than other composite decking. The manufacturing process also minimizes the use of water in production.

LAB RESULTS: DiClerico applauded the use of an impressive amount of recycled content and was pleased when he put the product to the test. “The decking performed extremely well in our performance tests, resisting staining, fading and scratches,” he said. “We like that Trex backs its promise that the material won’t deteriorate over time with a 50-year limited warranty.”

Upcycled Furniture
Zero Waste Slatted Side Table
Avocado Green Zero Waste Slatted Side Table

Avocado is addressing its production waste with the stylish Zero Waste furniture collection. The solid wood pieces — including coffee tables, accent tables and more — are made with wood upcycled from Avocado Green’s Forest Stewardship Council–certified manufacturing, which diverts 78% of its waste from landfills, as verified by UL Solutions.

LAB RESULTS: Hall praised Avocado: “This brand has set itself apart from other furniture companies through its waste-diversion program,” she said. Our tester focused on the look: “The side table really elevated the space. It has a matte finish that looks very luxe yet classic. There are a few different colors in the wood, so it blends seamlessly with the rest of my furniture.”

Wiser Water System
Smart Sprinkler Controller
Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller

The one-two punch of Moen’s Smart Sprinkler Controller and Moen Smart Wireless Soil Sensor helps you tend your lawn while reducing your water usage. The wireless soil sensors monitor the moisture in each zone, and the data helps irrigate landscaping only when and where it’s needed, with the result being a water savings of up to 30% annually.

LAB RESULTS: Our judges are excited to see this category of water-conscious systems grow. One tester said, “You can independently control zones to not be wasteful, and the system knows to skip watering during rainy weather.” And DiClerico reported that the system, which can be retrofitted to existing in-ground irrigation, performed well in ease-of-use tests: “We found that the controller was very simple to set up, and it was easy to place the soil sensors throughout the yard.”

Noteworthy Notepads
100% Recycled Paper Super Sticky Notes
Post-it 100% Recycled Paper Super Sticky Notes

Post-it Notes might be 40 years old, but they’ve got a new trick: They’re now made with GreenCircle-certified 100% recycled paper and produced in a zero-waste-to-landfill facility. The packaging is 100% recycled paper that’s curbside recyclable. And the company has created an adhesive that’s twice as sticky, so the notes will stay put and not need to be rewritten.

LAB RESULTS: The jury noted the impact of the scale here. “Post-It Notes are an iconic product, and having a 100% recycled content version is impressive and has significant benefits given the volume of the product sold globally,” says Brown. Our judges also liked the performance: “This is an easy swap I would personally be comfortable making without feeling like I was sacrificing quality,” adds Sachs.

Sweet Sheets
Natural Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set
Pottery Barn Natural Belgian Flax Linen Sheet Set

This bedding feels luxurious enough to sleep on every night, and it’s made with linen, which is considered a sustainable fiber because it can be grown responsibly and it is durable, so it will last. Plus, the set is produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory. The duvet cover from the same Pottery Barn line earned a previous Bedding Award.

LAB RESULTS: “Fair Trade certification is not easy (nor inexpensive) to achieve,” says Hall. “I very much appreciate this important step toward fair and living wages.” The fabric got perfect comfort scores from sleep testers. Though sometimes linen’s texture can feel rough, one tester told us, “I loved the silky soft feel of this linen. It also held up well to laundering.”

sustainable innovation awards
Mike Garten
Earthy Shoe
Veg Out Natural Shoes
Sanuk Veg Out Natural Shoes
Now 43% Off

Sanuk created its 100% plant-based footwear from materials like hemp and jute. The majority of the materials are low in impact on the environment, but the company goes even further by offsetting any carbon emissions associated with their production to ensure that Veg Out shoes — for men and women — are carbon neutral.

LAB RESULTS: The judges appreciated the thoughtful use of materials. “The use of hemp makes sense for shoe uppers, and the shoes have an innovative sockliner and footbed,” said Brown. Our textiles expert praised “the undyed materials that look neutral enough to wear with almost any outfit.”

Cozy PJs
Signature Short Sleeve & Pants Pajama Set
Boll and Branch Signature Short Sleeve & Pants Pajama Set

Boll & Branch Signature Sheets were tucked into this list last year. So we were excited to see that the brand’s new Sleepwear Collection includes a Signature Pajama Set featuring the same soft material. The set is produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, and the material is GOTS-certified organic.

LAB RESULTS: One tester loved the pajamas’ style and comfort. “I live for them!” she said.“It’s quiet luxury at its finest. They are soft yet breathable, and they’ve held up to numerous washes.” Hall added, “I like the fact that the cotton is 100% traceable and is certified organic.”

Bunion-Friendly Flats
Margot 2.0 All Day Ballet Flats
Viviaia Margot 2.0 All Day Ballet Flats

Vivaia’s Square-Toe V-Cut Flats made our list of best shoes for people with bunions. The brand’s shoes are not only comfortable but also made with recycled plastics, natural rubber and sugarcane EVA. The company uses a zero-waste 3D knitting process to eliminate scrap.

LAB RESULTS: Our apparel analyst, Amanda Constantine, raved about the comfort: “They’re great everyday flats! The insole has more cushion than most of my other flats, so they’re comfortable to wear all day long, even when I’m walking all over the city. And they’re easy to wipe clean.”

Smarter Microfiber
Power Air Fabric
PolarTec Power Air Fabric

Polartec is working to address microfiber shedding, an issue for the fashion industry because some ultrafine synthetic fibers can break loose or shed from fabrics during laundering and pass through some washing machines’ filters to make their way into the rivers and oceans. The company’s Power Air material — as used in the NoBull Quilted Crew Pullover shown here — sheds less than comparable fabrics while still providing cozy warmth.

LAB RESULTS: “With all the microplastics, we need more solutions for textiles,” said Fitzgerald. “Polartec has created a proprietary fabric, showing its commitment to sustainable fabric solutions.” One tester said, “I like the NoBull pullover’s weight for indoor/outdoor use. It feels like something between a sweater and a sweatshirt that you can dress up or down.”

Leather Innovation
Gruuv Sneakers
ECCO Gruuv Sneakers

Traditional leather-tanning processes require a lot of water. ECCO has pioneered DriTan technology that reduces the amount of water needed to produce leather goods. The process also reduces byproduct waste, thanks to the reduction in chemicals needed as well. The GRUUV sneakers produced this way have a Leather Working Group certification.

LAB RESULTS: Brown finds this initiative potentially transformative within the industry. “Reducing water and the amount of chemistry in the initial tanning is truly a huge step forward,” he said. “It can translate into energy reduction, wastewater reduction and wastewater treatment reduction.” As for the shoes themselves, “I like the extra height they provide due to the heels being substantial,” said one tester.

Broader Brand Resale
Resale-as-a-Service (Raas)
ThredUp Resale-as-a-Service (Raas)

Popular clothing-resale platform ThredUp is tackling the huge impact the fashion industry has on waste streams and landfills. The platform has functioned by making it easy for customers to buy and resell clothing online, thus extending the life of clothes. Its latest offering — Resale-as-a-Service — allows brands and retailers to deliver their own resale experiences on their sites.

LAB RESULTS: Our Textiles Lab was excited to see this initiative. “ThredUp has become a leader in the resale industry. It’s a behind-the-scenes service, so customers interact directly on brands' websites. It allows shoppers to buy secondhand apparel directly from a brand's website; and they can also resell pre-owned apparel, shoes, and accessories from any brand in their closet in exchange for credit to that brand"

sustainable innovation awards parenting
Mike Garten
Carbon-Friendly Kid Cart
Atlas Stroll N Wagon
Radio Flyer Atlas Stroll N Wagon

Radio Flyer is practically synonymous with wagon. The brand’s Atlas Stroll ’N Wagon rolls into the sustainable category with a fabric wagon body that’s 100% recycled PET, which is made from plastic bottles, caps and food containers. The B-Corp company is offsetting 100% of the carbon emissions associated with shipping the wagons when they’re purchased at radioflyer.com.

LAB RESULTS: The Radio Flyer brand has made our lists for best stroller wagons, best collapsible wagons and best tricycles, and we were impressed with the Atlas as well. “It performs well, works for families in numerous situations and has clever features: drop-down mesh shades in the canopy, a peek-a-book window and a parent caddy. Plus it can convert into bench mode,” said Rothman.

Gentle Bath Gel
2-in-1 Baby Wash & Shampoo Cleansing Gel
Vivvi & Bloom 2-in-1 Baby Wash & Shampoo Cleansing Gel

Vivvi & Bloom’s cleansing gel for babies is packaged in a clear PET bottle, which is made by 100% recycled resin, as per brand, that can be recycled again if collected and sorted properly at the end of its life. The formula contains ingredients of “96% natural origin” which was determined by analysis according to an ISO standard for natural and organic cosmetics.

LAB RESULTS: Brown was impressed that the brand also offers strong support to a social cause in its partnership with Newborns in Need, which offers care to premature, ill and impoverished infants in the United States. One of our parent testers said, “I liked the suds level. So many baby shampoos have minimal suds, and my girl likes bubbles, so she liked this one.”

Baby the Planet
Compostable Cleansing Wipes (6 Pack)
Mustela Compostable Cleansing Wipes (6 Pack)

Mustela has impressed our judges before with its Multi-purpose Balm and organic baby products. We were similarly impressed with these Compostable Cleansing Wipes for babies, which are made from wood pulp from Forest Stewardship Council–certified forests. They’re also home compostable and carry a TÜV Austria certification that guarantees the quality of the compost created with the wipes.

LAB RESULTS: “A home compostable wipe is a game changer in the category,” says Hall. “And the entire company is committed to net positive impact through regenerative practices.” In addition, they felt sufficiently wet in our Lab’s review. We also like that they’re made to be versatile for everything from diaper changes to mealtime clean-ups to playtime messes and more.

Headshot of Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D.
Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D.

Birnur (she/her) led the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute from 2007 to 2023. In addition to overseeing product testing and GH Seal applications, she conducted our annual Beauty Awards selection process and was an active leader in GH’s green initiatives, including the Sustainable Innovation Awards and Raise the Green Bar Summit. In addition to earning M.Eng. and Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering, she also has a professional certificate in sustainability management from Columbia University. 

Headshot of Sarah Gregory Wharton
Sarah Gregory Wharton
Deputy Editor, Testing & Research

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).