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Waste & Consumption

The Mess: Buying our way out of global warming

Can a little well-intentioned retail therapy heal the planet?

July 2, 2025

The best sunscreen for you—and the planet

We tested mineral sunscreens for UV protection, wearability, and sustainability

Plastic bag bans work—but we can do better

Even if bags are going down, plastic pollution overall is still going the wrong way

June 23, 2025

The best eco-friendly dishwasher tablet

It effectively cleans even the most stubborn stains and comes from a company that cares.

Clothes bleed microplastics. Here’s how to stop it.

How we shop and wash our duds can make a difference

June 12, 2025

The Mess: The sustainability trap sitting in your kitchen

Many single-use kitchen gadgets are a microcosm of society’s problem with overconsumption: hyper-specialized and disposable.

June 11, 2025

The best travel coffee mug for Joe on the go

Our winner is smooth sipping, smartly designed, and comes from a company that truly cares.

The emissions gains of share and repair

Extending the life of old appliances can reduce your emissions by 3%, a new study finds

June 2, 2025

The Mess: Is thrifting the new fast fashion?

Buying secondhand is gentler on the planet, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right thing to do

May 28, 2025

The best beeswax wraps for protecting your food

Extra thick and tacky, it keeps food fresh and clings well.

The best induction burner will make you forget about gas

It’s smart, easy to control, and excels at nearly all cooking tasks.

What happens to appliances without Energy Star?

How to shop for appliances if the program goes poof

May 15, 2025