What Is It?Polyethylene terephthalate is one of the most common plastics. It’s used in a variety of items from water bottles and product packaging to baby wipes, clothing, bedding and mattresses. You’ll find polyethylene terephthalate written as PET or PETE, or the recycling code #1. On clothing and textile labels, you’ll find it listed as polyester.
BY AMY ZIFF
The reality is that there are unsafe chemicals in school supplies. At worst there are carcinogens in the classroom and what parents don’t realize is that they’re buying these harmful products and sending their kids to school with them each and every day.
MADE SAFE® Certified Products with Sustainable Packaging
At MADE SAFE we look at all aspects of toxicity when we screen a product’s ingredients. We consider human health and environmental harm as well as animal and aquatic life harm. Taking all of this into account is what makes our ecosystem evaluation, conducted under MADE SAFE’s proprietary screening, unique and comprehensive. We don’t permit ingredients that will harm ocean life, pollinators, birds and many more creatures that are particularly impacted by the plastic pollution problem today.
No matter how we look at it, single-use-plastic can no longer be justified. Each of us must take it on ourselves to refuse plastic wherever and whenever possible. The solution starts with each of us. While we recognize that going to zero-waste takes a lot of time and thought (and may not be possible for everyone), reducing and refusing is a crucial starting point. In this new section we are highlighting brands that are going the extra mile beyond just MADE SAFE ingredients to package their products using renewable, sustainable and more responsible packaging. Some of this packaging contains a minimal amount of plastic and has been marked with a + sign while while products not packaged in plastic are marked with a ø.
We’re providing this MADE SAFE certified products with sustainable packaging area so shoppers can easily find options packed largely in glass, bamboo, or using other creative alternatives. Whenever possible, we hope you will continue to use your hard-earned dollars to support companies offering MADE SAFE certified products who are making better, safer, more sustainable products for a future where humans and all creatures can thrive.
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ø products not packaged in plastic
+ packaging contains a minimal amount of plastic
(see BEDDING)
healthynest (also see Baby & Child)
ALL MADE SAFE® CERTIFIED PRODUCTS:
Apparel | Baby & Child | Bedding | Cosmetics | Feminine Care | Fragrance-Free | Household | Personal Care | Sexual Health
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Break out the organic champagne! Made Safe is proud to announce that we’ve hit a major milestone: We’ve certified our 1000th product!
| Why is shopping for your BFF so hard? Maybe it’s because the stakes feel a little high: you want to give something that reflects how much you care, which includes something that is safer and sustainable. We know that can feel overwhelming, so we’ve curated a collection of our favorite certified gifts that your BFF will love. |
 EXFOLIATE BRAND NEW! Freegirl’s new Gel Mask is crafted with botanicals for a plant-powdered no-scrub exfoliant. The perfect addition to your BFF’s skin care regimen. |
 MOISTURIZE The NAKED STONE is a moisturizer shaped like, well, a stone. It melts when it comes in contact with your skin, providing nourishing oils that leave skin feeling quenched and replenished. We love that the stone comes in a bamboo canister that can be refilled. Your BFF will love this innovative and luxurious approach to moisturizing from newly certified Kate McLeod. |
 REMEDY Snag a set of Annmarie’s essential oils blends, five pure Aromatherapy blends each with distinct properties. Or shop individual blends! The oils can be used for diffusing, as natural perfume, or to add scent to your friend’s favorite products. |
 QUENCH These totally plastic-free water bottles come in numerous colors so you can find the exact one that fits your BFF’s vibe. |
 DETOX Activated charcoal is totally in right now. This mask uses charcoal alongside aloe vera with the goal of detoxifying and purifying the skin. |
 NOURISH Lubricant… for your BFF? Yep. Here’s some real talk: as women, as we age, our estrogen can drop, which can mean a drop in vaginal lubrication. Lubricant is a lifesaver to make sex enjoyable again. The problem is that this is something we don’t often talk about with our gal pals. That can mean we find ourselves wandering the drug store aisles and picking up a conventional lubricant that is laden with icky stuff you don’t want inside your body. Be a shero and share this lubricant with your BFF – chances are she’ll thank you for the real talk. And hey, if you aren’t experiencing any changes in vaginal moisture, this lube is for you too—because it’s just plain wonderful. |
| Buying for teens is tough. It’s hard to know if something is still trendy. And even the coolest gifts can be met with a shrug. To ease the process, we’ve curated a list of trend-resistant certified gifts. While we can’t guarantee your teenager will like them (can anyone predict that, really?), we’re willing to go all-in that they won’t hate these gift ideas. (Oh, and they’re formulated with MADE SAFE certified ingredients too.) |
 THE ANTI FACE-WASH SOLUTION The AO+ Mist restores and preserves the good bacteria naturally found on our skin. Live ammonia-oxidizing bacteria keep the skin’s natural ecosystem balance, which can help prevent and treat acne. No washing required – just a couple sprays. |
 TEEN BEAUTY QUEEN LOLI Skincare’s personalized approach is called BIY — Blend-It-Yourself. Choose a multipurpose base and then customize with a mix-in. Pick a base to get started, and then pass the mic to your teen to create their own unique skin care. We recommend the Chamomile Lavender Water as the perfect starting point. |
 4-IN-ONE LIP BALM These flights contain four flavors—peppermint, cocoa, citrus, cinnamon – and come in an adorable portable tin. Why make them choose one flavor if they don’t have to? |
 DE-STINK THE STINK Throw this in their stocking. They might groan when they see you’ve bought them deodorant, but just wait for it. The scents of these roll ons are so yummy, they’ll get over it fast (and they might even thank you). |
 MAKEUP MAKEOVER Most conventional makeup contains questionable ingredients. Help your teen make a clean swap with these buildable and natural-looking foundations. |
 SAFER SCENTS Skip the smelly toxic candle and opt for these essential oil blends instead. They’re perfect for a diffuser. We like the Grounded blend – great for helping a teenager get centered or find their balance. |
 HELLO CLEAR SKIN I’m sure you’re thinking – acne care? Are you sure they won’t hate this? Yep. First, check out these gorgeous bottles fit for royalty. Second, name drop actress and model Olivia Wilde, True Botanicals’ brand activist. If Olivia’s obsessed, your teen might actually think acne care is cool. |
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A BETTER BOTTLE This is the only 100% plastic-free sport bottle on the market. The bottles come in multiple color choices so you can choose the right fit for your teenager. |
 MULTI-PURPOSE MOISTURIZER Perfect to toss into a backpack or purse, this balm can be used on hands and body, as well as the face. Soapwalla’s products are designed to be unisex; the simple packaging will suit any teen. |
 SIMPLE STRESS RELIEF Teens get stressed too. Try this blend of 100% essential oils that aim to dissolve tension. |
 BYE BYE TOXIC DYE Okay… we’re not suggesting you introduce hair dye to your teen. But if they have already started dyeing their hair, they’re likely using a conventional dye that is loaded with toxic gunk. Radico is free of known toxic ingredients and it’s semi-permanent or temporary, making it a great healthier swap. |
 HAND SANI SWAP Conventional hand sanitizers often contain endocrine disrupting ingredients. Swap it out for one of these clean sprays. We’re partial to Goody-Goody Grapefruit. |
 NONTOXIC – PERIOD So you might not want to give this one in front of the whole family. Seriously… don’t. But this is a gift worth giving. Most teens use conventional tampons that contain toxic chemicals and plastic. Ewww. Replace them with these completely plastic-free, organic cotton, compostable, and biodegradable ones instead. |
| As a team of women, at Made Safe we know the importance of giving the gift of nontoxic living to babies, toddlers, and children. As our follower, we know you understand its importance too. But finding safe and effective products can be hard. So we’ve hand selected our favorite MADE SAFE certified gifts for little ones (and their parents) to simplify gift giving this year! Remember, every decision you make that chooses a safer product weights the scales towards better health. And with these MADE SAFE certified products, you can feel shiny and bright knowing what’s wrapped up in that bow is good for baby and the planet. |
 MATTRESS Conventional mattresses are often made with polyurethane (aka memory) foam, an ingredient derived from fossil fuels with the capability to off-gas respiratory irritants, contain toxic flame retardant chemicals, and are covered in waterproof vinyl that can off-gas harmful VOCs. Not Lullaby Earth. (And check out those adorable ED Ellen DeGeneres Patterns!) |
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 BAMBOO BABY WIPES With your baby’s most sensitive tissue, choosing safe ingredients is imperative. By selecting Caboo’s Bamboo Baby Wipes, you can feel good knowing that what you’re applying to your baby’s skin is MADE SAFE certified. |
 TOYS Bioserie toys are made from bioplastic from plants! And they’re dishwasher safe, which is a huge time-saver for busy parents. |
 PERSONAL CARE As a Made Safe follower, you’re likely aware of all of the problematic ingredients that can be found in personal care. Choosing products made without known harmful ingredients is especially important for baby products. This gift set is a shortcut to safer skin care and includes baby oil, hair and body wash, and a baby balm. |
 SUNSCREEN This non-greasy, sheer sunscreen is gentle enough for baby (but great for mom and dad too). And because it’s MADE SAFE certified, it contains only ingredients we think are ok for baby and the planet. |
 OIL Most baby oils contain mineral oil, which is just a fancy way of saying petroleum. Evereden forgoes the petroleum and uses only nourishing oils like sunflower, grapeseed, and jojoba. An oil that you can feel comfortable slathering on baby’s skin (or yours). |
 REMEDY Oilogic uses 100% pure essential oils and dilutes them properly for use on young children. This roll-on contains essential oils that are renowned for their soothing properties like chamomile and lavender. (Pssst… Oilogic has an adult collection. We recommend the Rest & Sleep Roll-On for tired parents.) |
 BOTTLE Pura’s patented universal lid system means that a single bottle can transform from an infant bottle, to a sippy cup, a straw bottle, or finally, a sport bottle with just a simple lid swap. |
 LINENS What’s next to your baby’s skin is important. Skip the synthetic materials (that are basically just plastic) and opt for 100% organic cotton. |
 BUBBLE BATH In addition to their commitment to making safer products, Alaffia is committed to ethically sourced and fair trade ingredients, fair wages for workers, and providing funding to gender equality projects. Do good, feel good. |
 DIAPER CREAM This cream uses MADE SAFE approved zinc oxide, which is praised for its relief of diaper rash. It’s paired with calendula and shea butter, which aim to soothe baby’s skin. No mineral oil, talc, or questionable ingredients here. |
 LINENS Instead of vinyl or polyester, Naturepedic uses 100% organic cotton only on this changing pad cover. It’s machine washable and dryable, which makes clean-up a snap. |
 FOR MOM We had to include something just for mom on this list too. This moisturizer, shaped like a stone, is ideal for mama – use on growing bellies, on sensitive skin, to ease chapped nipples, and all over the body. The stone comes in its own bamboo canister, which can be resupplied by purchasing a refill. This is a well-deserved (and essential) treat for the moms this holiday season. |
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Have a nontoxic novice in your life? They’re someone who likely hasn’t thought about nontoxic living before – or someone who has begun to take their first steps. Either way, here are gift ideas that can help them make the transition to healthier and more sustainable products. These gifts are recommended because they hit the biggest product categories, are approachable swaps, are easily available online or in large retailers, and (of course) are MADE SAFE certified. And to give your gift-giving some added oomph, we’ve provided a “real talk” piece of info you can share with your friend to get their wheels turning. |
 SWAP: HAND SOAP Why We Love It: Most nontoxic novices love their foaming hand soap. This soap sudses and feels just like the conventional stuff, so they’ll have no reason not to love this swap. And with yummy scents like Lavender and Vanilla Mint, they can cut out the mystery “fragrance.” Real Talk: Most hand soaps contain antimicrobials like triclosan, which can impact your hormone system. But a good old-fashioned handwashing works just as well without the toxic gunk. |
 SWAP: SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER Why We Love It: Amla, which has been touted to thicken and volumize hair, is paired with nourishing herbs that aim to treat hair and scalp dryness. An approachable swap to the volumizing shampoos and conditioners your nontoxic novice might be used to. Real Talk: Most shampoos and conditioners use toxic preservatives like parabens, which are linked to breast cancer and hormone disruption. Hairprint never uses parabens. |
 SWAP: LAUNDRY SOAP Why We Love It: Your nontoxic novice is likely using a liquid detergent, so this HE-compatible detergent is a super approachable alternative. We also love that this is available on Amazon Prime to make nontoxic living easier than ever. Real Talk: Conventional laundry soap can contain phthalates, some of which are so toxic they are banned from children’s products in the U.S. |
 SWAP: CLEANER Why We Love It: This spray is a one-stop-shop; use it on counters, toilets, floors, walls, and beyond. Meliora gives your friend the perfect reason to cut four toxic cleaners and replace with one nontoxic cleaner. Real Talk: Many disinfecting cleaners use quats, a class of sterilizing chemicals that are too good at their job, wiping out bad and good bacteria. New science also suggests they might be associated with health issues, but scientists don’t have conclusive evidence yet. Until then, skip that risk. |
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SWAP: SUNSCREEN Why We Love It: Making the swap from conventional sunscreen to cleaner sunscreen is hard. Nontoxic novices complain that they’re too white and have a greasy feel. This stick is the perfect way to break those preconceived notions: it goes on clear, feels good on the skin, and is even suitable for babies. Real Talk: You’ve probably heard that some sunscreens contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to people (via hormone disruption, allergies, and carcinogenicity) and the planet (aquatic life toxicity and persistence in the environment). Instead of choosing UV filters associated with these issues, Babo Botanicals opts for MADE SAFE vetted non-nano zinc oxide. |
 SWAP: TAMPONS Why We Love It: You don’t have to choose a menstrual cup to have a healthier and greener period. Opt for these organic tampons, a perfectly approachable swap-in. Real Talk: Conventional feminine care is totally laden with toxic junk, making it the perfect place to start. With these tampons, your friend will skip substances found in fem care that are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive toxicity, and allergies. Who wants to put that inside their body? Hooray for breaking up with your old tampons! |
 SWAP: HAND SANITIZER Why We Love It: Because they’re scented with only essential oils, these hand sanitizers aren’t aggressively scented, but instead smell light and natural. Real Talk: Like most hand soaps, hand sanitizers contain microbials like triclosan, which can impact your endocrine system (the system that modulates the symphony of hormones in our bodies). Additionally, they also contain mystery “fragrance” ingredients. |
 SWAP: DEODORANT Why We Love It: This gentle deodorant smells great and feels wonderful on the skin. The fresh scent is a nice way to transition from the powdery-smelling conventional deodorants your nontoxic novice might be used to. Real Talk: Like feminine care, this is another product category that can be filled to the brim with stuff you don’t want on your body. For example, aluminum is a common ingredient in anti-perspirants. Its effects aren’t totally understood by researchers, but multiple European reports have deemed it unsafe for use in personal care products. |
 SWAP: WATER BOTTLE Why We Love It: This plastic-free bottle grows with your child. Choose a baby bottle, kids’ bottle, or a full-size sport bottle – whatever suits your needs! Real Talk: We bet your nontoxic novice has heard of BPA, but did they know that BPA alternatives are likely to be just as bad? Skip the plastic altogether to forego the plethora of harmful chemicals found in the human-made substance. |
 SWAP: BODY WASH Why We Love It: Some alternatives to conventional body wash can leave soap residue behind. Not this body wash. And it’s herb-infused so it smells wonderful (most likely more “real” than the conventional stuff), but skips the sketchy mystery of “fragrance.” Real Talk: In order to make body wash sudsy, most companies use sulfates like Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which is often contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a known carcinogen. Not Annmarie. |
| MADE SAFE certified goodies, sized perfectly for stockings. Good things really do come in small packages! |
 FOR: BEAUTY BUFFS, INSPIRING SELF-CARE BRAND NEW! Exfoliate to reveal the skin’s luster with herbs like bilberry, orange, and lemon. This mask is perfect for those who need self-care inspiration. And to make your friend feel like a trendsetter, share with your friend that Freegirl just launched! |
 FOR: EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST Pura’s completely plastic-free stainless steel bottles come in a shape, size, and with a top to suit every person on your list. The company’s patented bottle system even grows with baby – start with a baby nipple, and then transition to a sippy lid, a straw lid, and then finally a sport lid, as your child grows. |
 FOR: MOM To-be, new, and established mamas will appreciate this moisturizer shaped like a stone. With soothing plant-based, medicinal-grade oils for growing bellies, dry spots, and tired nipples, this stone is perfect for any stage of motherhood. It can be used for baby massage too! |
 FOR: YOUR SWEETHEART This oil has a scrumptious, yet mysterious scent with notes of vanilla and citrus – sultry and bright. Because it’s a perfumed oil, this stocking stuffer is perfect for a massage with your sweetie. |
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FOR: LITTLE ONES This roll-on is great for the holidays. This properly diluted blend of essential oils aims to calm and soothe, especially from overstimulation (think: all that holiday attention from the entire fam…). The little one’s parents will thank you. |
 FOR: INSPIRING SELF-CARE This oil comes in both original size and a travel size, which is perfect for a stocking. To inspire your friend to give their skin a little TLC, we recommend Soapwalla’s combination of jojoba, grapeseed oil, baobab, and more. |
 FOR: THE BEAUTY BUFFS, TEENS + TWEENS Peppermint is one of those iconic smells of the holiday season. Think snuggling by the fire with friends and family, warming your hands with a cup of hot chocolate. But did you know peppermint is wonderful for the skin year-round? This hydrosol can calm and soothe the skin (and the mind). |
 FOR: LITTLE ONES This rattle is made of biodegradable plant plastic instead of petroleum-derived plastic, and it’s (of course) MADE SAFE certified. Give this gift with peace of mind that you’re giving a rattle that’s safe for baby and the planet. |
 FOR: MEN, MINIMALISTS The advent of modern chemistry has brought many wonderful innovations, but it’s also meant harsh, stripping skincare that removes the skin’s naturally-occurring and important bacteria. AO+ Mist intends to restore those bacteria, which can bring balance, clarity, and relief to skin. This spray is perfect for those who want a minimalist skin care routine – no washing required, just a couple sprays. |
 FOR: BEAUTY BUFFS, TEENS + TWEENS This 3-in-one balm can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, and body balm. It also serves as a base for LOLI’s Blend-it-Yourself approach; just add in mix-ins for customized skin care. The small, adorable (and re-usable) glass pot is perfect size for your stocking and with so many uses, it’s sure to be a hit! |
 FOR: YOUR SWEETHEART What’s not-so-sexy about lubricants is that they’re usually chock full of icky ingredients you wouldn’t want on your most sensitive parts. Good Clean Love uses only MADE SAFE vetted ingredients for a lubricant that’s gentle on your sensitive tissues, long-lasting, and silky, not sticky. |