Going green doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. From reusable water bottles to electric bicycles, discover which eco-friendly products Filipinos are willing to shell out a bit of cash for to live a more sustainable lifestyle.
In the age of climate change and environmental degradation, more and more Filipinos are making conscious efforts to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. In fact, 75% of Filipino consumers prefer patronizing eco-friendly brands.
While eco-friendly products may come with a higher price tag, many Filipinos are willing to invest in them for the sake of the planet. From sustainable food sources to electric vehicles, this list showcases the top 11 green splurges that Filipinos are willing to break the bank for.
1. Reusable Water Bottles
Single-use plastic bottles are one of the most common forms of plastic waste. Filipinos are taking steps to reduce this waste by investing in reusable water bottles. These bottles come in various sizes and materials, such as glass, stainless steel, and even bamboo. With a wide range of options available, consumers can choose a bottle that suits their lifestyle and preferences.
2. Sustainable Clothing
Every year, 92 million tonnes of textiles end up in landfills. That’s the equivalent of a truck full of waste in a landfill site per second. Sustainable clothing brands are addressing this issue by using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, Tencel, repurposed deadstock fabric, and even katsa or flour sacks.
Some brands also use sustainable manufacturing practices, such as water-saving techniques and minimizing waste. To justify the sustainable practices that go into making these products, ethical apparel is often accompanied by a steeper price tag than usual.
3. Reusable Bags
The Philippines is still heavily reliant on plastic bags, with the country being the largest contributor to marine plastic pollution—emitting over 350,000 metric tons of plastic per year. As of 2022, the Philippines’ lower house of Congress approved a measure that slapped taxes on single-use plastics.
In an effort to ditch plastic bags altogether, reusable bags such as tote bags, canvas bags, and natural fiber bags are on the market for a wide range of price points. They are durable and can be used repeatedly, making them a practical and sustainable choice.
4. Sustainable Skin Care
We all know that the price of beauty is sometimes steep, but it shouldn’t have to come at the expense of our planet. The plastic packaging that most products come in can take years to decompose, and the harsh chemicals used in some products can be detrimental to our environment and tested on innocent animals.
Thankfully, there are now local Filipino makeup and skincare brands that create eco-friendly, sustainable products that not only nourish our skin but also help protect the environment. These products are made with natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on our skin and non-toxic for the planet. A recent study supports this trend, as 72% of consumers actively pick eco-conscious skincare.
5. Reusable Female Hygiene Products
With the innovation of female health products, many Filipinas are now willing to spend more money on menstrual cups, recyclable menstrual pads, and other reusable options as they are more likely to be conscious consumers.
Studies show that reusable menstrual cups are the best value-for-money option for the environment. They have a 99.6% lower environmental impact score than disposable pads. While most people assume that the benefit of reusable products is simply reducing waste in landfills, the real benefit comes from the reduced need to prepare raw materials and manufacture the product.
6. Containers & Utensils
In the same way that Filipinos are keen on reusing old jars and ice cream tins to store leftover food, we have long lived by the notion that every item can and will be reused. But in recent years, this mindset has evolved to encompass more than just practicality—it’s also about sustainability.
That’s why more Filipinos are willing to invest in reusable utensils and food containers. These items not only reduce the amount of waste we generate, but they also help us cut down on single-use plastic and other disposable materials that contribute to pollution and environmental degradation—whether it’s a cute lunchbox, a polka dot metal straw, or a set of bamboo utensils.
7. Bikes
Investing in sustainable bikes and biking equipment is not just a smart choice for your health and the environment—it’s also a sound financial decision. Bikes have a lower cost of ownership than cars, and with proper maintenance, they can last for years.
More Filipinos embrace biking as a way of life, with one in five households who use bikes for essential trips. The sustainable bike and equipment market has since grown, offering a wide range of options to fit every need and budget. From affordable commuter bikes to high-performance road bikes, there’s a bike for everyone.
8. Electric Vehicles
Not only are electric vehicles cleaner and quieter, but they’re also more cost-efficient in the long run. With a growing network of charging stations and government incentives, it’s no wonder that many Filipinos are excited about electrified mobility adoption.
Studies show that Filipinos are enthusiastic about electric vehicles and excited to own them. Electric cars produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional gasoline-powered cars, making them a more sustainable choice for the environment. Plus, owning an electric vehicle can save you money on fuel costs in the long run, with the continuing influx of fuel and oil prices.
9. Sustainably-Sourced Food & Drinks
Filipinos know that what they eat matters. That’s why they are willing to spend more on sustainably grown and sustainably-sourced food items. Following a study by Kantar, 92% of Filipino shoppers prefer natural products, while 90% were inclined to source local food items. This was because they believed the products to be healthier and better for their overall well-being while supporting the local economy and providing employment to their fellow Filipinos.
10. Razors
While traditional disposable razors are convenient and affordable, they come at a cost. The plastic handle and cartridge are typically not recyclable, and they often end up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste. That’s why more Filipinos are turning to sustainable alternatives like safety razors, which can last a lifetime and have a much lower environmental impact.
Not only are sustainable razors better for the environment, but they can also provide a better shave. Safety razors use a single blade, which can help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, and they often come with replaceable blades that are made from recycled materials.
11. Water Filters
Investing in sustainable water filtration options means having clean water at hand at all times, reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles and tanks. Water filters and purifiers have become a practical investment for Filipinos in ensuring their family’s health and safety, especially in areas with limited access to clean water.
As the country continues to prioritize sustainability, we can expect to see even more innovative and eco-friendly products emerge in the market. It is an exciting time for the Philippines and the world as we work together to build a more sustainable future.
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