CNN Underscored's new guide to sustainable products is a welcome contribution to the ongoing conversation about environmental responsibility, particularly as it focuses on vetted items that avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing and ineffective design. However, it's crucial to examine such guides through the lens of accessibility and equity, ensuring that sustainable choices are not limited to affluent consumers.

While the guide features products across various categories – beauty, outdoor gear, fashion, and home goods – the pricing and availability of these items raise concerns about inclusivity. The Alpyn Beauty Barrier Repair Cream, while praised for its sustainable sourcing and eczema-friendly formula, comes with a price tag that may be prohibitive for many working-class individuals and families. Similarly, Function of Beauty's customizable shampoo, while relatively affordable, still represents an additional expense compared to conventional, often cheaper, alternatives.

The concept of sustainable consumption often overlooks the systemic inequalities that prevent marginalized communities from participating. Low-income individuals and families are frequently forced to prioritize affordability over environmental concerns, making it challenging to adopt sustainable practices even when they desire to do so. This highlights the need for policy interventions and corporate responsibility to make sustainable products more accessible and affordable for all.

Furthermore, the focus on individual consumer choices can distract from the larger systemic issues driving environmental degradation. While choosing sustainable shampoo or a reusable water bottle is commendable, it does not address the root causes of pollution and climate change, such as industrial emissions, unsustainable agricultural practices, and the relentless pursuit of economic growth at the expense of the environment.

The guide's inclusion of products like Ethique Solid Shampoo, which effectively merges sustainability and performance, demonstrates the potential for eco-friendly options to compete with conventional products. However, these examples need to be scaled up and replicated across various industries, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. Subsidies, tax incentives, and government regulations can play a crucial role in leveling the playing field and incentivizing companies to adopt sustainable practices.

Moreover, the guide should explicitly address the ethical considerations surrounding the production and supply chains of sustainable products. Ensuring fair labor practices, supporting local economies, and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation are all essential components of truly sustainable consumption. Consumers should be empowered to make informed choices that align with their values, not just in terms of environmental impact but also in terms of social justice.

The guide's emphasis on vetted and tested products is a valuable service, helping consumers avoid greenwashing and ineffective alternatives. However, it is crucial to recognize that sustainable consumption is not simply about buying the right products; it is about transforming our economic system and challenging the inequalities that perpetuate environmental degradation. Systemic change is required to make sure every person has the ability to participate in a sustainable future.

Ultimately, CNN Underscored's guide to sustainable products is a starting point for a much broader conversation about environmental responsibility and social justice. By addressing the accessibility and equity concerns surrounding sustainable consumption, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

This guide is important in identifying sustainable and environmentally safe products, but there needs to be additional focus on accessibility of these products. By making these options more accessible, we can start to change consumption habits for a brighter future.

The guide provides a launching point for a wider conversation on the responsibility of corporations and consumers in changing the landscape of sustainability. We need to ask companies to reduce costs and increase wages so there is not a sacrifice when trying to be sustainable.