The materials we use every day — from food storage containers to clothing and furniture — have a huge impact on both our health and the environment. Many common materials contain chemicals that can leach into our food or home, or they create lasting waste when discarded. Choosing non-toxic, eco-friendly materials is one of the simplest ways to make your lifestyle safer and more sustainable.
This guide gives you a quick snapshot of the most common non-toxic materials, including how they’re made, their sustainability, safety, and what happens at the end of their life cycle. Click on each material below to explore a deeper dive with pros, cons, and eco-friendly product recommendations.
Metals
What it is: A natural element or alloy mined from the earth, valued for its strength, durability, and conductivity.
Sustainability: Mining and production of metals require significant resources and energy. The good news is that metals are infinitely recyclable with no loss in quality, and some, like stainless steel, are the most widely recycled materials in the world. Producing recycled metal can use as little as 5% of the energy used to produce metal from virgin materials.
Toxicity: Some types of metal may leach chemicals, but this isn’t necessarily unsafe. In general, most metals used in everyday products are inherently non-toxic, and most chemical concerns are related to coatings used.
End of Life: Metals are not biodegradable, but are easily recycled.
Read more: Stainless steel
Glass
What it is: A natural material made by melting sand, soda ash, and limestone into a hard, durable, non-porous substance.
Sustainability: Highly durable and endlessly recyclable without loss of quality. Producing recycled glass uses a fraction of the energy required for new glass made of virgin materials.
Toxicity: Safe and non-leaching, making it one of the best non-toxic materials in the kitchen. However, lead and cadmium can be of concern in certain types of glass.
End of Life: Not biodegradable, but highly recyclable, though rates depend on local facilities.
Read more: Full guide to glass coming soon…
Ceramics
What it is: Ceramic is derived from clay, fired in a kiln, and glazed.
Sustainability: The mining and processing of clay can lead to environmental damage if not managed responsibly. Firing ceramics in kilns requires high temperatures, which consumes significant energy. Some manufacturers implement renewable energy or more energy-efficient methods, or closed-loop systems to recycle water and materials.
Toxicity: Ceramic is non-reactive and doesn’t leach chemicals. However, the glaze used can vary widely–some may contain cadmium and lead.
End of Life: Ceramics are neither biodegradable (think ancient pottery), nor recyclable in most municipalities. Some independent companies may repurpose broken ceramics for construction aggregates, mosaics, or crafts; otherwise they will ultimately end up in the landfill.
Read more: Deep dive on ceramics coming soon…
Silicone
What it is: Silicone is a synthetic polymer derived from silica (sand), oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
Sustainability: Although it shares some similarities with plastic, it does not come from fossil fuels or shed microplastics.
Toxicity: Silicone cured with platinum is considered very safe, as this process results in a purer material free from byproducts or fillers, and less likely to leach chemicals. Platinum silicone is preferred because it is more heat-resistant, durable, flexible, and non-toxic than lower-grade silicones.
End of Life: Silicone is not biodegradable. Recycling exists, but it is extremely rare. Most silicone will eventually end up in the landfill.
Read more: Full guide to silicone coming soon…
Paper
What it is: Produced from tree pulp and used in products from office paper to cardboard, tissues, and food containers.
Sustainability: Some types of paper, namely toilet paper, are associated with widespread deforestation. Paper products sourced from sustainably managed forests can help mitigate this, as well as using recycled paper. Replacing single-use paper products with reusable options is also key to decreasing paper waste. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification verifies that paper comes from responsibly managed forests.
Toxicity: Bleaching is a common practice with both conventional paper and tissue paper. This can lead to health problems and environmental contamination. Some tissue products may also be contaminated with PFAS.
End of Life: Paper and cardboard are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable.
Read more:
Wood
What it is: Sourced from thousands of different species of trees.
Sustainability: Eco-friendliness varies widely, depending on whether wood came from responsibly managed forests that limit deforestation and illegal logging, protect biodiversity, and engage in fair labor practices. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is the best indicator of sustainably-sourced wood.
Toxicity: Wood itself is not only non-toxic, but has antimicrobial properties–a benefit valued in cutting boards. Toxicity concern lies with finishes and glues. Avoid items that have been finished with polyurethane, varnishes, or other coatings that contain VOCs, particularly formaldehyde, as they may not be food-safe. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX verify that products have been tested for harmful substances and deemed safe for use.
End of Life: Unfinished wood is, of course, compostable and biodegradable. It becomes tricky with coated, painted, or otherwise finished woods. Natural finishes, such as oil-based and shellac, are more readily biodegradable than synthetic ones. Plywood, particleboard, and MDF are likely non-biodegradable or toxic to compost.
Read more: Watch for a future guide to woods.
Bamboo
What it is: Bamboo is technically a grass, not wood.
Sustainability: Extremely fast-growing–up to more than 20 times faster than trees from northern forests. Some varieties can grow approximately two inches per hour! Sustainability largely depends on responsible forest management, where FSC certification is important to verify that natural, old-growth forests are not being cleared for bamboo plantations.
Toxicity: Bamboo is non-toxic, but like wood, concerns arise with finishing chemicals.
End of Life: Naturally compostable and biodegradable, which may change with finishing.
Read more: Watch for an upcoming guide to all things bamboo.
Natural fabrics
What it is: Plant-based fabrics are made from cellulose, a polysaccharide (carbohydrate compound) that is obtained from plant fibers, usually bark, wood pulp, plant stalks, or leaves. Examples include cotton, linen, bamboo, coconut coir, hemp, and jute. Animal fabrics, such as silk, leather, and wool, are also considered natural fabrics.
Sustainability: Natural materials are renewable and biodegradable; however, the degree of eco-friendliness is much more complicated. This is further determined throughout each stage of production, from agricultural practices to processing, dyeing, and labor concerns. Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) organic cotton is a good example of a better fabric choice: production uses far less water and chemicals than traditionally-grown cotton.
Animal cruelty and other ethical concerns may arise in regards to fabrics made from animal skins, hides, and fur. This can be addressed with certifications offered by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and the Leather Working Group (LWG).
The disposability of fast fashion can render any type of clothing wasteful.
Toxicity: Even the most eco-friendly natural fabric can be rendered toxic if processed with toxic chemicals and dyes. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX verify that products have been tested for harmful substances and deemed safe for use.
End of Life: Clothing made from natural fibers is generally compostable, while those made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, or nylon are not. Some manufacturers offer recycling programs for brand clothing too worn for wear, and some fabric can be upcycled for other uses, such as insulation, but in general, textile recycling is rare, and most clothes will be landfilled.
Read more: Guide to Sustainable Fabrics & Eco-Friendly Textiles
Rubber
What it is: Natural rubber latex is produced from the sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis. Real rubber is less common than people might realize; products often referred to as rubber–tires and rubber bands–are made from synthetic rubber, such as nylon, polyester, and other polymers.
Sustainability: A renewable material, rubber is usually a sustainable material, although chemical usage on plantations and labor practices may be of concern. The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification ensures that latex was grown free of harmful chemicals, while the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification promises that rubber is sourced from sustainably managed plantations.
Toxicity: Natural rubber itself is non-toxic, although a number of people do have a latex allergy. Any additives during manufacturing may alter its toxin-free status.
End of Life: Real rubber is compostable and biodegradable; synthetic rubber, aka plastic, is not. The latter is what you will find in products such as tires and ‘rubber’ bands.
Read more: Watch for an upcoming guide on natural rubber latex.
Final thoughts on eco-friendly non-toxic materials
It can be tricky to find products that are made from materials that are sustainably sourced, biodegradable or easily recyclable, free from harmful chemicals, and fit within a budget. If you can find that magical unicorn, celebrate it! If not, do your best to check as many of the boxes as you can. Especially on a budget, you may prioritize non-toxic products over sustainably-sourced, and that’s ok. We must all do the best we can with the resources we have, and hopefully, as we make changes and increase demand for such products, industries will rise to meet it.