Frequently Asked Questions

In most U.S. municipalities, tap water meets legal safety standards, but "legal" and "ideal" aren't the same thing. Several regulated contaminant limits haven't been updated in decades, and newer concerns like PFAS are still being phased into regulation. A basic filter is a low-cost way to reduce exposure to chlorine byproducts, aging-pipe contaminants, and gaps regulation hasn't caught up to yet.

Carbon filters (pitchers, faucet filters) are affordable and improve taste and chlorine levels, but aren't built to handle heavy metals or PFAS at scale. Reverse osmosis pushes water through a fine membrane and removes a much broader range of contaminants, including PFAS, but uses more water and costs more upfront. Whole-house systems treat every tap rather than just drinking water, most useful if your local source has known contamination issues.

Not all of them. Reverse osmosis systems and filters specifically certified under NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 for PFAS reduction are the most reliable options. A basic carbon pitcher may reduce some PFAS but isn't certified for it. Always check a filter's certification for PFAS reduction specifically, "filtered" doesn't automatically mean "PFAS-free."

There isn't a "one size fits all" answer. It depends entirely on your local water report. I always recommend starting with a professional water test. From there, we can determine if you need a simple carbon block, a reverse osmosis system, or a full-scale whole-house solution.

Industrial food systems heavily rely on synthetic pesticides, artificial additives, and extensive packaging that contribute to chemical runoff and plastic waste. Understanding ingredient sourcing and looking past clever marketing helps families choose real, nutrient-dense foods with lower environmental footprints.

Sustainable supply chains prioritize transparent sourcing, regenerative farming practices, reduced carbon footprints, and recyclable or compostable packaging. Coming from 15+ years inside CPG and water leadership, Erin evaluates food brands by looking past the packaging to audit their actual sourcing integrity.

Transitioning away from single-use plastic wrap and paper towels. Swapping to reusable silicone food bags, beeswax wraps, and Swedish dishcloths immediately cuts down daily kitchen waste without disrupting your routine.

Yes, if you choose the right materials. Glass, stainless steel, and 100% platinum silicone are your safest bets for food storage to avoid leaching plastics, BPA, and phthalates.

Start in the kitchen; it’s the heart of the home and the highest-impact room. Focus on three immediate moves: swap plastic food storage for glass, ditch the Teflon for stainless steel or cast iron, and invest in a high-quality water filter.

Look at the first three ingredients, they make up the bulk of the product. If you see complex chemical names you can't pronounce, it’s a red flag. In my 15+ years in the industry, I've learned that if a brand isn't being transparent about their sourcing, there’s usually a reason.

Your skin is your body's largest organ, absorbing much of what you put on it. Conventional beauty products often contain hidden phthalates, parabens, and synthetic "fragrances" that act as hormone disruptors. Switching to transparent, EWG-verified alternatives lighten your daily toxic load significantly.

Look past terms like "natural" or "clean" and check the actual ingredients or look for trusted third-party seals like EWG Verified, USDA Organic, or Leaping Bunny. If "fragrance" is listed without specification, it's a major red flag.

My journey with infertility was the catalyst for my deep dive into endocrine disruptors and environmental toxins. It made me realize that "green" isn't just about the planet; it’s about our biological health. Every product I recommend is viewed through that lens of safety and purity.

Yes. Automated countertop units like the Mill food recycler and systems like the Bokashi bin work entirely in small spaces (including apartments and Sprinter vans). These items break down food scraps, including meat and dairy, efficiently. Worm composting (vermicomposting) is another indoor option.

Healthy, nutrient-rich soil acts as a carbon sink, retains water more efficiently, and grows nutrient-dense food. Composting food scraps and avoiding synthetic pesticides at home are direct ways to support local soil regeneration.

Yes! It’s actually my favorite recommendation for small spaces. Because it’s a fermentation process using Bokashi bran rather than traditional decomposition, it’s anaerobic and produces zero smell when sealed. It fits right under your kitchen sink.

Small-space living forces you to be hyper-intentional. It relies on multi-use products, strict water and energy conservation (like pairing portable solar generators with efficient low-draw appliances), compact countertop composting systems like Bokashi or automated systems like the Mill recycler, and zero-waste tools.

Look for compact, durable, non-toxic gear, such as non-toxic ceramic or stainless steel cookware (like Alva), portable solar generators (like Jackery), and collapsible silicone storage containers that maximize every inch.

We use our converted Mercedes Sprinter as a mobile "testing lab." If a product works and holds up under the rigorous conditions of tiny van life, it will thrive in any traditional home.

Start with where they spend the most time: the bed and clothing. Choosing a GOTS-certified organic mattress (such as My Green Mattress) and Oeko-Tex certified clothing helps eliminate exposure to flame retardants and synthetic chemical treatments during critical developmental stages.

Make it hands-on and fun! Gardening, backyard or community composting, visiting local farmers markets, and turning household recycling sorting into a game help children build lifelong eco-conscious habits naturally.

Based on industry vetting standards, the most frequent offenders are PFAS ("forever chemicals" in nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics), phthalates (hidden under "fragrance" on labels), VOCs (in paints and conventional air fresheners), and BPA (in plastics and can linings). Swapping them out category by category is the safest approach.

Start with your indoor air quality and drinking water. Changing air filters, swapping synthetic plug-in air fresheners for natural alternatives, and installing a reliable water filter. From there, you can gradually tackle cleaning supplies and kitchenware.

Actually, it’s the opposite. While some high-quality goods have a higher upfront cost, most eco-swaps pay for themselves within months through durability and reuse. My advice? Start with the "free" shifts, like refusing single-use items, before investing in long-term gear. (For instance, a Thrive Market membership alone saves my family ~$480/year, contributing to overall annual savings upwards of $900).

Absolutely not. "Zero waste" is a direction, not a destination. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Even a 30% reduction in your household waste makes a massive, measurable difference for the planet and your family's budget. (Even simple swaps like transitioning to bamboo toilet paper like Plant Paper save trees while eliminating plastic packaging).

I use a "CPG Insider" lens. I look past the greenwashing to examine the supply chain, packaging materials, and evidence-based health claims. I review ingredients, verify certifications (EWG, NSF, third-party testing), and conduct real-world use testing. If a product doesn't perform well or isn't truly sustainable, I don't feature it, period.

Yes! Reach out at hello@ecoerin.com. Brands can submit products for consideration. Note that receiving a product for review does not guarantee a positive review or any review at all. Integrity comes first.

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Never. Products are evaluated on safety, sustainability, and value first. If a product doesn't pass that bar, it won't be recommended, regardless of whether there's an affiliate program attached.

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ECO Erin is Erin Resch, a 15+ year food and water industry expert. She has worked as a Conservation Manager at Cal Water and held CPG leadership roles across both dairy and plant-based sectors (including Danone, California Dairies, and Greenleaf Foods). ECO Erin is the platform she built to make evidence-based sustainable living accessible to every family.

I’ve spent 15+ years working behind the scenes in the food and water industry. I’ve seen how products are made, packaged, and sold. I combine that professional background with my hands-on experience as a parent and independent researcher to provide rigorously vetted, community-sourced recommendations.

Industry-level scrutiny. I don't just repeat what's trendy; I audit products with the same rigor I used professionally and in my own home. Every recommendation is personally tested, backed by research, and checked for greenwashing before it ever appears on this site.

No. I am an industry professional, not a medical doctor or nutritionist. Content on this site is educational and informational. Always consult qualified professionals for medical or dietary decisions.