Our Impact
Our Core Commitments
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Rainforest Trust Conservation Circle Member
As we have grown, we have focused on turning our values into real action. We’ve chosen to support rainforest protection because it is one of the most effective ways to protect critical ecosystems, endangered wildlife, and the health of our planet.
We are proud to be a Conservation Partner of Rainforest Trust, and 2% of every purchase goes directly toward protecting rainforests and endangered species’ habitats.
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Inclusive Work, Local Impact
We’re committed to supporting our local community through meaningful partnerships. We proudly work with TransitionCT, an organization that provides job training and support for young adults with learning differences. Through this program, participants help with essential assembly work, and we continue to seek new partnerships that value inclusion, skill-building, and the contributions of a diverse community.
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Responsible Product Design
Learn MoreOur products are designed with care for both people and the environment. We use post-consumer recycled plastic for our bug repellent bottles, compostable packaging for our cleaning products, and recycled paper for our incense tubes.
Our incense sticks are Fair Trade, our bug repellent sprays are made in Connecticut using organic essential oils, and our cleaning products are formulated using ingredients recognized as among the safest by the Environmental Working Group.
Defining our Impact
Sustainability language can be confusing and sometimes misleading. We believe clear definitions matter. Instead of relying on buzzwords, we want to be transparent about what we mean when we talk about sustainability, packaging, and ingredients.
We revisit this language regularly and update it as our products and packaging evolve.
Collapsible content
Biodegradable
What we mean:
“Biodegradable” means a material can break down over time through natural processes.
Important note:
Biodegradability depends on the environment (water, soil, landfill, compost). Some materials break down quickly in certain conditions and slowly in others.
Natural
What we mean:
When we say “natural,” we mean our formulas are made using ingredients that are commonly derived from natural sources.
Important note:
“Natural” does not automatically mean safer for every person, and it doesn’t guarantee a product is allergy-free or non-irritating.
Compostable Packaging
What we mean:
“Compostable” means our packaging is intended to break down in a composting environment under the right conditions.
Important note:
Composting conditions vary widely depending on where you live and what facilities are available. Some materials compost best in industrial composting, while others may compost at home.
Zero Waste (Packaging)
What we mean:
When we say “zero waste,” we’re referring to how our products are packaged and shipped, not a guarantee that every part of the product system creates zero waste.
What this looks like:
Our cleaning strips ship in lightweight, compostable paper-based packaging instead of single-use plastic bottles.
Plastic-Free (Packaging)
What we mean:
When we say “plastic-free,” we mean our primary packaging is plastic-free.
Important note:
Some orders may include unavoidable plastic components depending on fulfillment needs (for example, shipping labels, tape, or protective materials).
Recyclable
What we mean:
“Recyclable” means the material may be accepted by recycling programs.
Important note:
Recycling rules vary by city and region. We recommend checking your local recycling guidelines to confirm what is accepted.
Low-Waste
What we mean:
“Low-waste” means the product is designed to reduce packaging waste, especially compared to traditional liquid cleaners.
What this looks like:
Our cleaners ship in a concentrated strip format, which reduces the need for bulky packaging and heavy shipping.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR)
What we mean:
“Post-consumer recycled” plastic is plastic that has been used by consumers, collected, and recycled into new packaging.
Why it matters:
PCR reduces reliance on virgin plastic and helps keep existing plastic in circulation longer.
Clean Ingredients
What we mean:
“Clean ingredients” means we prioritize ingredients with strong safety profiles and avoid ingredients commonly flagged for high concern.
What this looks like at Footprint:
We aim to use cosmetic-quality ingredients and avoid harsh solvents, dyes, and unnecessary additives.
Free From Harsh Chemicals
What we mean:
This means we avoid ingredients commonly associated with harsher household cleaners.
Examples include:
sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, phosphates, phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrances, triclosan, methylisothiazolinone, and benzisothiazolinone.
"Safer"
What we mean:
When we say “safer,” we mean safer compared to many conventional cleaners, based on the types of ingredients used and how the product is designed to be used.
Important note:
No household product is risk-free, and we always recommend using products as directed.
Sustainable
What we mean:
“Sustainable” is a broad term. When we use it, we mean our products are designed to reduce waste and shipping impact through concentrated formats and lighter packaging.
Important note:
We don’t claim perfection. We focus on making practical improvements that reduce waste where we can.
Better for the Planet
What we mean:
When we say “better for the planet,” we mean better than the traditional alternative in specific, measurable ways (like less packaging and lighter shipping).
Important note:
We do not claim that any product has zero environmental impact.
Concentrated
What we mean:
“Concentrated” means you receive the cleaning formula in a compact form and add water at home.
Why it matters:
Shipping concentrated products reduces shipping weight and eliminates the need to ship large volumes of water.
Mixed Fresh
What we mean:
“Mixed fresh” means the product is activated when you add water, rather than sitting pre-mixed for months in a bottle.
Why it matters:
Some cleaning ingredients can degrade over time once mixed. Mixing fresh helps maintain performance.
Committed to Quality
We take pride in the quality of every product we make. From formulation and sourcing to testing and production, we hold our products to high standards to ensure they perform as intended and meet our expectations before they ever reach you.
If you’re not completely satisfied, we stand behind our products with a 100% product guarantee. Your trust matters to us, and we’re committed to making it right.
