5 Myths About Eco-Friendly Living Debunked

The global conversation today revolves on one topic "sustainability". From governments of different countries laying emphasis on sustainable living, it is high time everyone starts adopting it. But what about the myths about eco-friendly living, daily habits we practice, and products we use?

Every brand if you have witnessed in the previous years are suddenly claiming to be "eco-friendly", and consumers are bombarded with the product’s confusing claims of being 100% eco-friendly or natural. But that is not the case, as the truth lies in the product and not flashy packaging. People think leading an eco-friendly life and purchasing eco-friendly products is expensive, but it is far simpler than the myths you are exposed to.

This blog helps you understand what is true and what is myth around eco-friendly living and eco-friendly products or organic products. Let us start revealing the truth and diminish the myths around eco-friendly living, and choose the right everyday eco-friendly habits.

Table of Contents

1) The 5 Biggest Myths About Eco-Friendly Living

• Myth 1 - Eco-Friendly Living and Eco-Friendly Products Is Expensive
• Myth 2 - Compostable and Biodegradable Mean the Same Thing
• Myth 3: One Person’s Efforts Do Not Make a Difference
• Myth 4: All “Natural” Labelled Products Are Eco-Friendly
• Myth 5: Sustainable Fashion Means Only Wearing Organic Cotton

2) Comparison Table: Eco-Friendly Living Myths vs Reality

3) FAQs on Eco-Friendly Living

4) Conclusion

1) The 7 Biggest Myths About Eco-Friendly Living

• Myth 1: Eco-Friendly Living and Eco-Friendly Products Is Expensive

A major misunderstanding is that eco-friendly living requires buying high-end eco-friendly products or organic products, eco-friendly clothing, or latest green technology products or appliances. This thought has been instilled and reinforced by brands that position eco-friendly living or eco-friendly spaces as a premium lifestyle.

Myth 1 Debunked: There are a wide variety of eco-friendly products from certified Indian sustainable brands that are cheaper and practical. The main aim is to buy what is necessary for a lifestyle shift, and not to approach it as a shopping trend. Eco-friendly products are durable and last-long when compared to mass produced products. For example: Eco-friendly clothing made from organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo to name a few last long than fast-fashion products, and save money in the long run. Eco-friendly living in simpler terms is to inculcate conscious consumption, hence if you don’t overbuy you are adopting minimalism.

• Myth 2 - Compostable and Biodegradable Mean the Same Thing

These standard terms are often used, especially when it comes to packaging materials. This confuses the consumers into believing that any product that comes with the label of biodegradable/compostable offers the same environmental benefits.

Myth Debunked: Biodegradable products break down naturally, but the process might take some years. But they can still release harmful residues or microplastics behind. When it comes to compostable materials, they are designed to break down completely, but require specific composting conditions, so as to not release any toxins. This is why you should always check for certifications like EN13432, BPI Certified, or OK Compost, when you see products marketed as "biodegradable plastic", as they need industrial composting facilities to break down.

Myth 3: One Person’s Efforts Do Not Make a Difference

The root cause of this myth is the belief that the drastic environmental damage is far bigger to change through small individual changes. Many people feel discouraged and are forced to think that their good choices do not matter, stalling the sustainable journey.

Myth Debunked: Purchases made by an individual or a small group creates demand, and this demand influences industries. Imagine when millions choose eco-friendly clothing, organic products, or reusable bottles, this reduces plastic consumption and supports ethical brands in India and globally. Plastic-free packaging is a norm in the sustainable industry, and this movement grows as individuals change their habits, and these everyday eco-friendly habits collectively help repair the damagecaused to the environment. 

• Myth 4: All “Natural” Labelled Products Are Eco-Friendly

Many brands have made it a practice to label the product as "natural" and the
consumers think that is an eco-friendly product. In reality the product label "natural" has no regulated definition and is often misused by brands to lure consumers. 

Myth Debunked: Everything that is labelled natural is not good for the planet. The best example is "Palm oil" which is a natural ingredient, but is linked to biodiversity loss and deforestation. Eco-friendly products are crafted using ethically sourced raw materials from low-impact farming, transparent manufacturing processes, and plastic-free packaging. Consumers should understand the full life-cycle of the product like where the ingredients are sourced from, the manufacturing process, certifications, and fair treatment of workers/artisans.

Myth 5: Sustainable Fashion Means Only Wearing Organic Cotton

When you think of sustainable/eco-friendly fashion, many people think about organic cotton. This organic fiber is not the only fabric that qualifies as eco-friendly. There are one too many fabrics being used by sustainable fashion brands.

Myth Debunked: Many global and Indian eco-friendly fashion brands are using bamboo viscose, rPET (recycled polyester), hemp, Tencel™ Lyocell, and fabrics made from food waste (orange fiber, banana fiber, Pinatex™), fruit-based leather like apple leather and cactus leather, to name a few from the wide array innovative eco-friendly textiles. Deadstock fabrics are recycled/upcycled into new clothing that is fueling the circular economy practices. In simpler terms sustainable fashion is not limited to organic cotton.

2) Comparison Table: Eco-Friendly Living Myths vs Reality

3) FAQs on Eco-Friendly Living

• What is the easiest eco-friendly habit to start with?

The most effective eco-friendly habit to start with is to reduce using single-use plastic products, and instead use reusable bags and bottles.

• Is Eco-friendly living expensive?

Not really unless you buy only what you need and reuse/repair the old items.

• How can I tell if a brand is genuinely eco-friendly?

Don’t just go for labels like "green", "natural", or "eco", but instead check the whole lifecycle of the product from the brand like materials used, packaging, fair treatment of workers, transparent details, and certifications.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly living is no longer a passing trend but has become a necessity. The path to sustainable living is very simple, so do not confuse yourself with myths that it is expensive. Break the shackles of the myths about eco-friendly living and understand that every individual can contribute to a greener and healthier planet. Visit Upcycleluxe and buy eco-friendly products online in India, as your small steps add up to the collective efforts towards real environmental change.