From gorgeous home decor and indulgent organic beauty to artisanal quality accessories and thoughtfully-crafted gift sets, you’re sure to have a successful (and stress-free) gift-giving experience for everyone on your list through our curation of conscious yet covetable ethical gifts.
We know that finding that perfect present for every individual in your life can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re a conscious-minded shopper. To put you out of your holiday-gifting-induced anxiety, we’ve put together a comprehensive, sure-fire assortment of ethical gift ideas for you.
So, go ahead and secure your favorite spot on the couch to get ready to check off your gift giving list, because this ethical gift guide will not disappoint. With something for every special someone on your list — even the hard-to-shop-for folks in your life — we’re making it possible to get much of your seasonal shopping accomplished in one place.
Rest assured, you’ll find something delightful for yourself too — maybe a set of gram-worthy pastel cookware? Think of it as an incentive to get you through the holiday hustle.
Now, don’t let us keep you…get ready to have your gift-wrapped ducks in a row with our sustainable gift ideas ahead. The perfect gifts for socially conscious and environmentally aware loved ones in your life!
Please note that this guide includes CL&S partners and affiliate links. As always, brands meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Organic Cotton Clothing by Passion Lilie
Why we love it: Woman-owned, Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Pays Living Wages | Price: $64+
Passion Lilie creates clothes featuring fun prints and patterns that are full of character, and crafted in classic silhouettes that’ll never go out of style.
Designed with comfort in mind, these effortless styles — made with natural fibers — make for a great ethical gift for those who love the ease of a throw-on-and-go outfit. Partners with artisan communities in India, Passion Lilie’s clothing is block printed and crafted using eco-friendly dyes and handwoven ikat patterns that support weaver livelihoods.
2. Reusable Gift Wraps on DoneGood
Why we love it: Reusable, Recycled Material, Certified B Corp Marketplace, POC-owned Brand | Price: $35
These reusable and reversible gift wraps don’t just wrap presents in a jiffy but will also help spread the low-waste message to the next person who receives their present wrapped up in these beauties.
DoneGood is an ethical marketplace where you can find brands that have been vetted for prioritizing paying fair wages, using sustainable materials, and empowering the local communities in which they operate. Feel free to combine or wrap your reusable gift wrap over a covetable item from their ethical gift guide.
3. Custom-Fit Bra & Panty Sets by &HER
Why we love it: Natural Fibers, Inclusive Sizing, Low Waste, PFAS-free, Repair and Recycling Program | Price: $120+
&HER is a cutting-edge lingerie brand using the power of AI to create custom-made intimates that offer optimum support without sacrificing comfort.
The brand uses a unique fit guide that allows customers to choose the best way of sharing their measurements, after which, the made-to-order bra and panty is crafted on a 3D knitting machine using quality fibers like hemp and organic cotton.
Go on and give your loved one the gift of customized intimates that might just become her favorites in her undergarments drawer.
4. Mini+Me Outfits by Mightly x Of an Origin
Why we love it: Woman-owned, GOTS Certified, Fair Trade Certified
, Resale Program | Price: $25+ *Use coupon code MAMALOVE15 for 15% off
An ideal gift for the mom and her little girl who love playing dress up, this Mini+Me collection has a range of pretty printed styles for both.
Created in collaboration with Of an Origin, a woman-owned sustainable maternity brand, these pieces feature a limited edition “Whimsy” print designed by artist Abby Houston.
Full of easy-to-wear styles that work for any occasion, these styles are crafted in GOTS Certified organic cotton and are nursing-friendly.
5. Comfort Bras by JulieMay
Why we love it: Hypoallergenic, Size-inclusive, Natural Fibers, GOTS Certified, Philanthropic, Pays Living Wages | Price: $85+
Designing intimates that won’t irritate, JulieMay specializes in creating allergy-friendly lingerie that doesn’t compromise on appearance.
With lacy details and gorgeous styles in silk, their comfort bra collection features non-wired bralettes and padded options that look just as good as they feel. The brand reports that their silk linings can help cool down hot flashes during menopause and provide relief for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. JulieMay also offers the option to purchase a lingerie gift card for your loved ones so they can choose an item of their personal preference.
6. Bamboo Floor Lamps by Lanna Passa
Why we love it: WOC-Owned, Artisanal, Handwoven | Price: $95+
For the person who lights up your life with their presence, these bamboo floor lamps will make for a great ethical gift. Handcrafted by tribal artisans in Thailand, Lanna Passa’s woven lamps will help create cozy nooks around the house with their warm lighting and textural quality.
Whether you’re looking for a very tall floor lamp or one that’s a bit more subtle and understated, you can choose between varying sizes and sets.
7. Refillable Hand Soaps by Blueland
Why we love it: WOC-owned, Plastic-free, Refillable, Natural Ingredients | Price: $10+
A conscious gift that is both practical and plastic-free, these hand soap sets come with a glass dispenser bottle, hand pump, and refillable soap tablets that’ll stay in use on the bathroom countertop for a long time.
The process of using these is as easy as filling up the bottle with warm water, dropping in a soap tablet from their varied range of scents, and pumping it to find hydrating, foamy goodness at your fingertips. Blueland’s handy soap tablets are made from plant-based and planet-friendly ingredients.
8. The Total Package Gift Set by Firebelly Tea
Why we love it: USDA Certified Organic, Recyclable and Compostable Packaging | Price: $69.95
For the tea lovers who brew every cup like it’s a sacred ritual, Firebelly Tea’s total package gift set is a present they’ll love unwrapping this holiday season.
The set includes a teacup, strainer, resting cup, and two diverse loose-leaf tea flavors called “After Dinner Mint” and “Chai Me Up” that are packaged in a recyclable premium gift box with gold embossing.
Their tea pouches are also completely home-compostable, making it easy to minimize waste.
9. Cozy Mockneck by Kotn
Why we love it: Traceable Supply Chain, Ethically Produced, Philanthropic | Price: $88 CAD
There are few luxuries enjoyed more than wrapping yourself up in a comfy sweatshirt when temperatures dip. So make sure they have something worth snuggling up in with a little help from this cozy mockneck sweatshirt by Kotn.
Crafted from the most sumptuous Egyptian cotton, the Canadian brand uses its profits to help fund the education of children in rural Egypt.
Available in three delectable hues, we personally love the dark teal color and the holiday season vibes it gives off.
10. Bonfire Reusable Candle by Mimi & August
Why we love it: Reusable, Soy Wax, Non-toxic Fragrance | Price: $38 CAD
Hunting for the perfect holiday gift to present a great hostess? Snatch up this fragrant little candle to light up their space with an inviting aroma.
Evoking the smell of a nostalgic campfire with notes of cedar, vanilla, and smoke, this hand-poured soy wax candle comes in reusable cups of different sizes that can be filled with some hot cocoa and marshmallows once used up.
11. Jewel Tone Birth Month Dish on Uncommon Goods
Why we love it: Certified B Corporation, Philanthropic, Reforestation Program, Pays Fair Wages | Price: $25
Glazed in birthstone colors, this jewelry dish is the prettiest little ethical gift that’ll adorn any dressing table. They feature crackled glass centers resembling crystalline geode slices that give them a distinctive appearance. Simply select the birth month to get a unique jewelry dish that’s just as special as the person you intend to give it to.
Crafted by a trained female potter, you can find more such unique handmade gifts on Uncommon Goods where independent designers are celebrated for their work.
12. Sake Body Lotion by cocokind
Why we love it: WOC-owned, Certified Organic Ingredients, Philanthropic, Life Cycle Transparency | Price: $22
Crafted with Japanese fermented rice wine that’s rich in smoothing enzymes and microbiome-friendly prebiotic sugars, the sake body lotion by cocokind has a reviewer describing it as “the only body moisturizer” where they’ve “used the entire bottle.”
Available in an upcycled plastic bottle that’s fully recyclable, the sake extract they use is created by fermenting rice kernels and is completely alcohol-free. It also contains a blend of sunflower seed oil and shea butter that’ll leave skin feeling supple and soft.
13. Organic Everyday Towels by Under the Canopy
Why we love it: GOTS Certified, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified, Ethically Produced | Price: $14+
Help them elevate the humdrum routine of getting dry with these luxurious organic everyday towels that are available in a range of sets, sizes, and colors to choose from. Crafted from sumptuous GOTS Certified organic cotton, these towels come in a medium weight that offers the perfect combination of plushness and absorbency.
You can combine it with the Sake Body Lotion on this list to beckon your loved ones to indulge in a luxurious bath.
14. Woolen Slippers by Baabushka
Why we love it: Woman-owned, Philanthropic, Fair Trade | Price: $74+
Give the gift of comfort this holiday season with a pair of snug wool slippers by Baabushka.
Handcrafted using felted wool, these slippers are just as durable as they are warm. You can choose between a leather sole slip-on or a natural rubber sole version that comes with added arch support.
Baabushka is a woman-owned brand that employs female artisans from Nepal to craft its slippers. In fact, every pair features a personal signature of the artisan who created it.
15. Essential Chain Necklace by Able
Why we love it: Pays Living Wages, Ethically Handcrafted | Price: $74+
Bejewel your loved one with an ethical gift like this minimal yet eye-catching chain necklace by Able. When designed well, a subtle chain necklace of this kind can hold the power to transform even the most basic jeans and t-shirt outfit into an inspiring one.
Made from 14k gold-filled metal, this piece can easily be layered with some of the brand’s other dainty necklaces or complemented with a matching chain bracelet. You can also choose to add a pearl or monogrammed charm for a personalized touch.
16. Staycation Sleep Set by Pact
Why we love it: GOTS Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Ethically Produced | Price: $60
Help her make the restful act of sleeping a chic affair with this printed organic cotton staycation sleep set by Pact. Aptly named “Staycation”, we think this set is the perfect addition to your carry-on and is polished enough for getting away with catching those early hotel breakfasts dressed in the sleepwear itself.
Made using organic cotton, this ethical gift set was created at a Fair Trade Certified factory that provides safe working conditions, community support, and additional development funds to those working onsite.
17. Weighted Blanket by Bearaby
Why we love it: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified, Global Recycled Standard Certified, GOTS Certified, Reforestation Program | Price: $199+
For the busy bees who could use some serious R&R, this weighted blanket will help them hit the hay faster. Known for aiding with naturally deeper sleep cycles, Bearaby’s weighted blankets are crafted using organic cotton that’s free of fillers and owes its weight to the chunky knit fabric alone.
Not just for cozy winters, these machine-washable cotton blankets are knitted for maximum breathability making them perfect for all seasons.
18. Life Designer Journal by Intelligent Change
Why we love it: Philanthropic, Natural Materials, Recycled, Compostable, FSC® Certified Paper | Price: $35
For the ones who have a special spot for aesthetic stationery, this journal is a gift they won’t judge solely by its pretty cover.
Filled with mindful prompts centered around five essential pillars that guide you through a self-reflective journey to help manifest your best self, this journal will be a portable therapist and best friend bound between the pages that might just have you picking up a copy for yourself as well.
19. Tree of Life Cork Yoga Mat by Scoria
Why we love it: Woman-owned, Natural Materials, Philanthropic | Price: $104
Offering the ultimate incentive for perfecting the warrior two pose, this alignment cork yoga mat features a methodical tree of life print that isn’t just aesthetically appealing but also helps properly align postures with a line across the middle. Talk about combining style and function!
Crafted with a sustainably harvested cork surface that’s backed by natural rubber, this anti-slip mat comes with a handy cotton mat carry strap.
20. Enameled Cast Iron Skillet by Caraway
Why we love it: Durable Materials, Non-toxic Coating, Stovetop Agnostic | Price: $185
A heavy-duty iron skillet that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics, this pan is a great gift for the home chef who loves cooking up a storm. Allowing its user to focus on seasoning their dishes and not the cast iron, the three-layer enamel coating requires no additional upkeep and is free of forever chemicals.
Ideal for searing meat, baking cornbread, and sautéing, this skillet also offers exceptional heat retention that’s great for low-heat and slow-cooked dishes.
21. Shallow Dinner Set by East Fork
Why we love it: Certified B Corporation, Philanthropic, Pay Living Wages | Price: $156
For the friend who is always posting perfectly plated stories of what they’ve cooked, this set will be a highly welcome addition to their dinnerware collection.
Including two bowls and three plates in different sizes, this handcrafted ceramic shallow dinner set comes in many hues, but we highly recommend the black set for its understated elegance and the way it’ll make a rainbow salad or smoothie bowl pop.
East Fork’s pottery glazes are completely food-safe and free of lead so they won’t have to worry about heavy metals leaching into meals.
22. Elephant Plant Pot on DoneGood
Why we love it: Natural Material, Certified B Corp Marketplace, POC-owned | Price: $65
The perfect place to find artisanal quality gifts just like this elephant plant pot, DoneGood is a conscious marketplace that’s dedicated to putting in the hard work of vetting brands who are doing better, so you can don’t have to search too hard to find an ethical gift.
A fitting choice for the plant parent with a green thumb, this cute little Elephant planter will be a great spot for their next succulent. Crafted using coconut coir, this pot was handmade by artisans in the Philippines.
23. Bread Warmer + Basket with Tea Towel on Made Trade
Why we love it: Fair Trade, Natural Materials, Woman-owned | Price: $74
For the ones who’ve taken up sourdough baking as a passion, this bread warmer set will be a chic way to serve their scrumptious treats. Complete with a beautifully engraved terracotta warmer, a handwoven seagrass basket, and a cotton tea towel, this set was meticulously handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Bangladesh.
Complement this ethical gift with the set from Firebelly Tea mentioned in this guide to offer a complete high tea experience.
24. Sock Gift Boxes that Give Back by Conscious Step
Why we love it: GOTS Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Philanthropic | Price: $35+
Colorful socks with fun designs that don’t just look good but also give back, these ethical gift sets will easily be one of the most meaningful presents you’ll give your loved ones. These soft organic cotton sock sets are created in collaboration with creative artists to help connect customers with world-changing nonprofits through causes they care about.
From socks that support mental health to ones that protect the ocean, dogs, cats, and beyond, you’ll be sure to find a sock set with a purpose.
25. Friendship Bracelets by Monica Vinader
Why we love it: Recycled Metals, Traceable Supply Chain, Recycling Program, Philanthropic | Price: $138+
The adult equivalent of a friendship bracelet, these fine baubles will be adorned and cherished by your BFF for years to come.
Monica Vinader’s collection of friendship bracelets ranges from fine 18k gold vermeil versions to nylon cord styles to maintain that old-school charm.
What’s more? You can add a complimentary engraving with either a motif or personalized text to make it just as meaningful as the bracelets you handmade in high school.
26. Luxe Zip Wallet by HYER GOODS
Why we love it: Woman-owned, Deadstock and Recycled Materials, Reforestation Program | Price: $92
Chic and petite, this luxe zip wallet will quickly become the new go-to essential they won’t leave the house without. With three card slots, three extra pockets, a snap-close loose change slot, and two cash sleeves, this tiny wallet is surprisingly roomy for daily use.
We love the fact that it’s made using recycled deadstock materials and is compact enough to fit into tiny clutch bags. The brand sources its leather from local leftovers making sure every recipient receives something unique.
27. Throw Pillows by Studio Variously
Why we love it: WOC-owned, Natural Materials, Natural Dyes, Ethically Made | Price: $69+
On the lookout for ethical gift ideas that’ll add an inviting hygge vibe to any space? Then look no further than these textural throw pillows by Studio Variously.
Available in earthy hues that are finished with intricate patterns and embroidery, these pillows are handcrafted using natural materials that fit in well in just about any interior setting. You can complement these with other styles from Made Trade’s pillow collection which features artisanal quality items from brands who have been vetted for their eco-friendly credentials.
28. Zipper Pouch by Mayan Hands
Why we love it: Fair Trade Non-profit, Ethically Produced | Price: $26
For those who are constantly on the go, this zipper pouch is an ethical gift that’ll be put to good use to stow away their essentials whether that entails beauty products, snacks, or charging cords.
Crafted from a pretty handwoven indigo and ikat fabric, this pouch features a zip tassel they’ll be tempted to play with. The thoughtful aesthetics also extend to the inner lining that’s made from discarded denim scraps spun together with undyed cotton.
29. Audiobook Gift Membership on Libro.fm
Why we love it: Supports local and independent bookstores | Price: $30+
Consider this the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life who enjoys a great read but has lately been having a tough time getting through their ever-increasing to-be-read pile.
We love the fact that Libro.fm offers a range of credit bundles to choose from so that your gift recipient can have their pick of the lot while supporting local bookstores through your purchase.
30. Spices by Diaspora Co.
Why we love it: BIPOC Woman-owned, Ethically Sourced Spices, Fair Trade | Price: $30+
Know a passionate home chef who loves to cook? Then Diaspora Co.’s range of spices will be a highly welcome addition to their pantry.
Featuring traditional Indian spices that go beyond turmeric and interesting flavors like taco masala, steak masala, and more, these seasonings are sure to add an exotic aroma and delicious flavor to their dishes.
Feel free to add a spice spoon for just a dollar to make this gift that much more thoughtful.
About The Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her. When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers
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The post 30 Eco-Friendly & Ethical Gift Ideas For Everyone on Your List appeared first on .
30 Eco-Friendly & Ethical Gift Ideas For Everyone on Your List
Saint Augustine, in a sermon to his congregation, urged them to look beyond books, even to Bible, to see God in nature: “God, whom you want to discover, never wrote a book in ink. Instead, He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?”
How do we move past the identity politics that dominate discourse on the left and right at this fractured moment and amount to a cacophony of special pleadings for the advantage of small groups, nations, and isolated networks? That’s why we ignore the Earth, because we cannot look up from our daily concerns. We need a new universal value that unites, one that emphasizes human dignity in the context of a restored, regenerating nature.
Earth911 inspirations. Print them, post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: No Louder Voice? appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/living-well-being/earth911-inspiration-no-louder-voice/
Last Updated on February 6, 2026
Have you ever heard of Cancer Alley? It’s an ~85-mile stretch along the banks of the Mississippi River where communities exist beside ~200 fossil fuel and petrochemical operations.
Residents of Cancer Alley are exposed to more than 10x the level of health risk from hazardous air pollutants than people living elsewhere in the state. And it’s worth mentioning the residents exposed are mostly BIPOC and low-income communities.
But what exactly are petrochemicals? And how exactly do they harm both people and planet? Here’s everything you need to know.
what are petrochemical plants?
Petrochemical plants are facilities that process crude oil and fracked gas to make plastics, industrial chemicals and pesticides. They are usually located near petroleum refineries or integrated into large petrochemical complexes.
Petrochemical factories process and transform hydrocarbons into chemical products used in the plastics, textiles, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.
Obtaining the raw materials needed to make petrochemicals is already carbon intensive – and the raw material processing these plants do only pollute further.
what is an example of a petrochemical?
An example of a petrochemical is ethylene, which is the most widespread petrochemical in the world, primarily used in the plastic industry to make polyethylene. You may know polyethylene as plastic resin #2 (HDPE – high density – used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc.) and #4 (LDPE – low density – used for plastic grocery bags/film).
Olefins plants (a specific type of petrochemical plant) produces ethylene. These plants use steam crackers and the energy input is considered one of the most energy intensive processes in the chemical industry.
But olefin plants are only one type of petrochemical plant. Aromatic plants produce nezene, toluene, and xylene from naphtha and other refinery streams. These make up dyes, detergents, and plastic products.
Syngas plants use natural gas or coal to generate synthetic gas, which creates industrial chemicals such as ammonia and methanol.
are petrochemicals harmful?
Petrochemicals have been linked to health problems, including cancer, according to an analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine.
That’s because to make petrochemicals, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute the air. Not to mention refineries and plants discharge toxins into waterways, which contributes to water pollution.
According to an Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) report, nearly 70 petrochemical companies across the nation are sending millions of pounds of pollutants into waterways each year due to weak or nonexistent regulations. And yes, it does contaminate drinking water.
Residents of Cancer Alley have experienced this firsthand. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in their drinking water at levels hundreds of times higher than currently-suggested safe levels for human consumption.
And residents suffer the effects of extreme air pollution on a daily basis. Including increased risks of infertility, respiratory illness and cancer.
According to 70 interviews conducted by Human Rights Watch, women in Cancer Alley reported miscarriages, high-risk pregnancies, and poor health of newborns. Many shared stories of entire communities decimated by cancer (hence the name).
do petrochemicals harm the environment?
Yes, petrochemicals harm the environment too – petrochemical plants use massive amounts of energy to function, and in doing so, pollute the air, water and soil. Everything is intersectional.
Plus, as we transition away from fossil fuels to power our homes and businesses, petrochemical plants are becoming a lifeline to Big Oil. That’s because crude oil and gas are used to make many petrochemicals.
If petrochemical plants are allowed to grow, unregulated, there will be more consumption of oil and gas to come for decades. This directly contributes to climate change.
what is being done + how can we help?
Cancer Alley residents are fighting for reignition and change.
Sharon Lavigne, a retired special education teacher, founded Rise St. James, an organization focused on bringing environmental justice to the people of St. James Parish. The parish is located in one of Cancer Alley’s polluted hotspots, and Lavigne’s demands are far from radical. She simply wants clean air and drinking water.
Yet a lawsuit filed by the Biden Justice Department and EPA was recently dropped by the current administration.
Robert Taylor, founder of Concerned Citizens of St. John, said “…our government has abandoned us. We have been designated a sacrifice zone.”
Unfortunately, Texas recently also cleared the way for petrochemical expansion despite health warnings.
So how do we make an impact? Here are a few ways we can help:
- Reduce your reliance on plastics. Especially single-use. Here’s a beginner’s guide to waste reduction.
- Advocate for extended producer responsibility (EPR).
- Ditch banks that support the fossil fuel industry in favor of green banks.
- Support Earth Justice, which sews on behalf of the earth.
- Avoid using pesticides and advocate against their use on farms. Support local, pesticide-free farmers whenever possible.
- Invest in clean energy and green financing.
- Support community-based initiatives impacted most by petrochemical plants, such as Rise St. James and Concerned Citizens of St. John.
- Speak up and spread the word. Share this article so more people know about petrochemicals and why they harm people + planet.
How are you advocating against petrochemicals? Let me know in the comments!
The post Petrochemicals: How They Affect People + Planet appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Back in 2020, the Recycling Partnership and WestRock released a scientific study demonstrating that used pizza boxes are recyclable, even when greasy and contaminated with cheese. Since that research was published, the findings have driven significant improvements in recycling program acceptance nationwide.
The basic results are clearly favorable for greater acceptance of pizza boxes for recycling. The typical pizza box has 1% to 2% grease content by weight, which is about one-tenth the acceptable level for cardboard (corrugated paperboard) recycling. The study looked at the impact of greasy boxes on mixed recycling loads that include 8% greasy pizza boxes with varying levels of greasy contamination from between 3% and 40%. The recycled materials produced were still viable for packaging use, well within the tensile strength required for packaging.
Recycling Acceptance Has Expanded
Since the study was released, pizza box recycling acceptance has grown substantially. According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), 82% of Americans now have access to a community recycling program that accepts pizza boxes—up from 73% in 2020. AF&PA member company mills representing 94% of old corrugated container consumption now accept pizza boxes with no observed impacts to operations or finished product quality.
The AF&PA’s guidance is unambiguous: “Corrugated pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country. Our industry wants these boxes back to recycle.”
Since about 3 billion pizza boxes are used in the U.S. each year, the improved recycling processes can capture roughly 600,000 tons of cardboard annually that could be turned into new boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, and other paper products.
What To Do Do With Your Next Pizza Box?
Our guidance is based on the research and current program acceptance:
For most Americans: Your recycling program likely accepts pizza boxes. Remove any leftover pizza, flatten the box, and place it in your recycling bin. Light grease stains are acceptable; the science confirms they don’t affect the recycling process.
If your box has a waxed paper liner, remove it before recycling: The box itself can be recycled as normal cardboard.
If your program prohibits pizza boxes: Don’t send materials your program won’t accept. Instead, check the composting options below or contact your local recycling coordinator to share the Recycling Partnership’s toolkit and AF&PA research. Citizen requests carry a lot of weight at local departments of sanitation.
If your box is heavily saturated with grease: Consider composting instead of recycling. While typical grease levels are fine for recycling, boxes that are completely soaked may be better suited for composting programs.
What About The Cheese?
You might ask, “Isn’t cheese a barrier to successful recycling?” Cheese tends to solidify and get screened out during the pulping process,” according to the 2020 report. The researchers tested sending boxes heavily contaminated with cheese through a recycling process and found that it did not significantly reduce the resulting paper fiber’s viability for reuse. Paper mills have become increasingly adept at screening out chunks of cheese during processing.
Composting: A Great Alternative
When recycling isn’t available, or your pizza box is heavily soiled, composting provides an excellent alternative that keeps cardboard out of landfills while creating nutrient-rich soil. Many cities now accept pizza boxes in curbside organics programs:
New York City requires all residents to separate food scraps and food-soiled paper from trash as of April 2025. Pizza boxes are explicitly accepted in the brown bin program.
California jurisdictions statewide must provide organics collection under SB 1383. Food-soiled pizza boxes can go in compostables carts.
Portland, Oregon updated its guidelines under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act. As of July 2025, empty pizza boxes with minimal grease are recyclable, while greasier boxes can go in yard waste bins.
King County, Washington accepts pizza boxes in composting, noting that food-soiled paper can be composted, though clean cardboard is better recycled.
For home composting, tear greasy cardboard into small pieces to speed up decomposition. The cardboard provides essential carbon to balance nitrogen-rich food scraps, improving compost quality.
How to Check Your Local Guidelines
Domino’s partnered with WestRock to launch Recycle My Pizza Box, which lets you enter your ZIP code to find specific recycling guidance for your area. The site also provides template language you can share with local recycling programs that haven’t yet updated their guidelines.
Advocate for Change
If your municipality still lists pizza boxes in the “no” pile, you can help drive change:
- Share the WestRock Grease & Cheese Study with your local recycling coordinator
- Point them to the Recycling Partnership’s free toolkit, which includes updated bin labels, mailers, and social media assets
- Reference the AF&PA’s industry guidance confirming that paper mills want these boxes back
The progress since 2020 shows that advocacy works. Communities from Anchorage to New York have updated their programs based on this research.
Eat happily—that box can become the next pizza box you receive, or any number of other paper products that keep valuable fiber in circulation.
Learn More
- WestRock Grease & Cheese Study
- Recycling Partnership Pizza Box Toolkit
- AF&PA Pizza Box Recycling Guidance
- Domino’s Recycle My Pizza Box
- The Recycling Partnership’s Community Recycling Data
Editor’s Note: Originally published on July 28, 2020, this article was substantially updated in February 2026.
The post Pizza Boxes Are More Recyclable Than Ever appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/how-to-recycle/yes-pizza-boxes-are-recyclable/
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