Why Finding Sustainable Alternatives Feels Like a Scavenger Hunt—And How We're Changing the Game

Life is full of choices, big and small. When it comes to sustainability, those choices often feel complicated, frustrating, or out of reach. Sustainable options should be simple and empowering, yet so many of us encounter barriers like:

• High Costs: Why does doing good for the planet feel like a tax?
• Short Lifespans: Many products labeled "eco-friendly" aren’t built to last.
• Complex to Use: Sustainability feels like one more thing to figure out.
• False Promises: Labels like "green" or "natural" don’t always tell the whole story.
• Overwhelm: With so many factors to weigh, even small decisions can feel heavy.

At Small Steps, we believe that sustainability should bring clarity, ease, and confidence. By creating and curating thoughtful, durable products, we aim to strip away the noise and help families focus on what matters most.

The Challenge: The Sustainable Market Isn’t Always What It Seems

When we first set out, our idea was simple: find the best sustainable substitutes for common items and share the ones we love the most with you. But as we explored, we discovered something surprising. Many so-called “sustainable” products fell short of even basic standards.

Whether it was materials sourcing, plastic and packaging that created more waste, or production methods that harmed the environment, one thing was clear: truly sustainable options are incredibly rare.

So we asked ourselves: What if we could do better? What if sustainability didn’t mean compromise or sacrifice but something that simply worked—for families, for budgets, for the planet? That question became the foundation of our mission: to create products that are as thoughtful as they are practical.

Sustainability That Fits Into Real Life

True sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentionally touching on all three corners of the triangle that defines Sustainability: People, Economics, and Planet. At Small Steps, we believe that sustainable living should feel approachable, seamless, and natural—a step forwards in every way.

To achieve that, we offer products that:

• Uplift Glocally: Made in the USA and designed to last.
• Make Economic Sense: Easy to buy, easy to use, and easy to love.
• Care for the Planet: Built with the environment in mind, from sourcing to shipping.

Good design doesn’t just solve a problem—it creates space. Space for the things that make your life richer: connection, calm, beauty.

By removing the barriers to sustainable substitutes, we’re helping families take small, meaningful steps that align with their values—without the stress.