Last Updated on August 19, 2025
Reusing your items is one of the best things you can do for the environment. As well as simply using what you have!
Before buying new, I’ll borrow from a loved one first. If that doesn’t work, getting it secondhand is second best. And, as a last resort, I’ll buy it new – but support small businesses where applicable.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
There’s already so many items on this planet – and our resources aren’t infinite. Did you know every single piece of plastic ever made still exists today? Considering most items are made from plastic nowadays, we should make the effort to buy less and choose well.
If you’re looking for a list of items that you can reuse over and over again, here’s what I love to use.
This post is divided into sections to make it easier to navigate, so feel free to jump around where you need to. I also tried to link to small businesses whenever possible in place of Amazon.
kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most wasteful rooms of the home. And I spend a good chunk of time in it whipping up scrappy recipes (check them out in my new book, 101 Tips For a Zero Waste Kitchen)!
1. reusable water bottle
Almost everyone has a reusable water bottle nowadays, which is great! But I’ve noticed that sometimes people feel pressured to buy these to be trendy (ahem, Stanley cups anyone?).
Now those very Stanley cups are littering thrift stores. My best advice? Stick to what you have.
And if you are in need of a new reusable water bottle, I’ve had my Klean Kanteen for 6 years and couldn’t be happier with it!
2. tumbler
If you love hitting up cafes for tea or coffee, consider bringing a reusable tumbler with you! I’ve even been known to bring a coffee mug from home in the past if I plan to stay for a bit.
Of course, double check the cafe doesn’t offer their own mugs if you order it to stay. Many small, local cafes will!
3. french press
I cannot say enough about my French press – yes, it can make coffee. But it also can make loose leaf tea! And we love a versatile, reusable product that eliminates the need for single-use K-cups or plastic tea bags.
4. stasher bags
To replace plastic ziplock bags, I recommend silicone bags that seal shut. Stasher bags are a good option to consider. You can use them in the microwave, freezer, or even the oven.
5. metal lunch box
A metal lunch box totally beats wrapping a sandwich in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They even have tiered ones which are great when you want to pack more than one thing but don’t want the foods touching. You can wash and reuse it for years to come.
6. snapware
Glass snapware is perfect for storing leftovers, cut produce, and transporting homemade goodies! You don’t have to worry about plastic leaching into your food either. And it can be frozen too, if need be.
7. silicone baking mat
I love lining my pans with a silicone baking mat – I use it in place of parchment paper or tin foil and it works like a charm. Just clean and repeat! Use some baking soda and a wooden scrubber to get off burnt-on grime.
8. silicone covers
Silicone bowl covers work great at covering bowls with leftovers instead of using plastic wrap. I don’t prefer beeswax wraps (though that is another option).
9. long handled wood dish brush
Instead of a sponge, which can get grody very fast, consider switching to a long handle wooden dish brush! Not only will it make cleaning easier, it helps reduce plastic waste.
And, you only have to change out the top part of it periodically – which can be composted. I like to use it in tandem with a dish soap block, but refillable liquid soap is a great option too.
10. rechargeable candle lighter
Instead of single-use matches, try switching to a reusable candle lighter. You can recharge it, so it can be reused indefinitely! Saves you money in the long run. Pair it with some sustainable, non-toxic candles!
11. cloth napkins
I’m never purchasing single-use napkins again. Reusable cloth napkins save SO much money, and when you’re done, just chuck them in the washing machine! There are so many cute ones you can invest in with a multitude of patterns to fit any vibe.
cleaning
There’s a lot of waste that comes with cleaning (paper towels, wipes, harsh chemicals etc.). But there doesn’t have to be!
12. reusable cloth towels
Instead of paper towels, try using reusable cloth towels to clean messes. This can be rags (from old t-shirts or sheets) or microfiber cloths.
Just chuck them into the laundry bin when you’re done. And yes – you can use these to clean toilets too! Make sure to keep a color coded system going.
13. swedish dish cloths
Swedish dish cloths are great for cleaning countertops – and they’re reusable for a long time. Think of them like a reusable paper towel. Just add water, some soap, and you can use them to clean surfaces. Or soak up spills.
They can even be washed (just air dry them). When they reach the end of their life, just cut them up and add them to your compost!
14. reusable swiffer pads
If you still have a swiffer pad, don’t toss it. Just get reusable swiffer pads! When yours starts to look grimy, toss it in the wash. No waste needed! If you’re good at sewing, you can probably even make your own.
15. washable duster
I have a plastic-free feather duster I purchased secondhand made from ostrich feathers and a wooden handle. It gets the job done and I don’t need to waste any disposable wipes or paper towels.
16. refillable cleaning products
Instead of buying a new bottle of cleaner every month, why not reuse the same container and just refill it? Many sustainable cleaning companies offer refills that reduce so much plastic waste.
Blueland is a good example of this – nab their spray bottles once, then refill it using their condensed, water-activated refills. Here are some more sustainable cleaning options. And I also love DIY cleaning products too – as long as it’s not laundry detergent!
bathroom and personal care
The bathroom is an area where a lot of waste gets generated. It’s probably the second most wasteful room in the home after the kitchen.
Makeup, skincare, and haircare products can also be extremely wasteful. Especially if you like to keep up with trends, or get those ‘restock’ videos on your feed.
FYI – those videos aren’t normal and are usually beauty influencers who receive tons of PR (no average person could go through THAT much product, even in one year’s time).
17. reusable cotton rounds
Instead of disposable cotton rounds, I made my own reusable cotton rounds from scrap fabric! I had a flannel shirt that shrunk and didn’t want to toss it – so I upcycled it instead. I can reuse these cotton rounds over and over, which I love. I use them to remove makeup or apply toner to my skin.
18. bidet attachment
I don’t use toilet paper wrapped in plastic (I’ve switched to Who Gives a Crap), but I barely even need TP because of my bidet! It’s easy to install a bidet on your toilet (yes, they even have ones for renters).
Tushy is one option, but there are many bidet brands out there worth checking out. Bidets can be used to clean more than just number two – they’re great for post-sex and workouts, and that time of the month (ladies, just lean forward a little bit). They’ll keep you clean in so many ways!
19. refillable soap
Instead of using hand soap you dispose of after it empties, consider switching to a container you can refill. Head to a local refillery (if you have one), or buy from a brand that offers refillable hand soap options.
The same applies to shampoo, conditioner, and body wash soap too! There are several brands that make refillable products you can use in the bathroom. Plaine Products, Public Goods, and Blueland are just a few options to consider. You can also use bar soap.
20. handkerchiefs
I’ve stopped using tissues and switched over to handkerchiefs instead, which can be washed after use. I fold them in an accordion pattern so when you pull one, it’ll automatically pull the next one out.
I store them in an old porcelain cover box. Many of them are from my grandmother and great grandmother, which is a lovely way of keeping them with me.
21. reusable period products
In the U.S. alone, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are thrown out every year. Switching to reusable period underwear is a great way to reduce period waste.
I co-founded a period underwear company (Kayaness) with my best friend, Shelby, so I’m a little biased!
But period underwear are wonderful for those irritated by period pads and tampons and want to feel like they’re wearing nothing. Use the discount code kay10 for $10 off your first order!
But reusable pads and menstrual cups are also options for those who prefer extra coverage. Menstrual cups may take some trial and error to find the right fit – but once you do, it will keep for hours!
22. safety razor
Disposable razors don’t work well and rack up in cash. But when you buy a safety razor, it’s not something you’ll have to replace for years (if ever).
All you’ll need to do is replace the razor blades – but those can be recycled. And honestly, I bought a pack of refills back in 2017 that I’m still using – it will probably last me for several more years, seeing as they don’t have to be replaced frequently.
23. glass nail file
Most nail files are flimsy and break after a few uses. However, I absolutely love my reusable glass nail file because I can just wash it clean when I’m done and reuse it without worrying it will break!
24. refillable makeup products
There are so many amazing eco makeup brands making a conscious effort to package their products thoughtfully. I am a huge fan of Kjaer Weis and Zao because they are refillable and made using natural ingredients.
parties and events
Parties can create a large amount of waste, from the food to the decor. But with a little planning, you can prevent this (and still have fun!).
25. reusable plates and cups
Having a stash of plates you keep just for parties is a great idea. Hitting up a thrift shop will deliver affordable results. At the end of the night, ask your friends for help to load up the dishwasher!
For drinks, obviously you can just use glass cups if it’s a dinner party. But if you know guests will be wandering around and may be drinking alcohol, investing in stainless steel pint cups might be for the best. Another option is asking friends to bring their own reusable tumblers!
26. reusable silicone baking cups
If you’re planning on baking for a gathering, especially muffins or cupcakes, consider investing in reusable silicone baking cups! They will save you money, plus you can just wash them for next time (they’re freezer and dishwasher safe too – a plus!).
27. fabric gift wrap
I love wrapping gifts with furoshiki wrap (aka cloth/fabric). You can thrift pretty scarves, sheets and handkerchiefs you use as wraps but make a second gift!
But you can also upcycle gift bags and tissue paper, reusing them over and over again. Reusing packaging paper to wrap your gifts is also charming (keep it plastic-free by tying it together using twine).
office and stationary
28. refillable fountain pen
If you work an office job, you probably go through a lot of pens. But switching to a refillable fountain pen will save you money in the long run! I draw the ink from an ink well.
And if you’re worried you might lose it – when you know an item is valuable, you’re going to treat it a lot better. Plus there are lots of carrying cases you can nab for it on the go.
29. wooden highlighters
Are you constantly highlighting things in college textbooks or in books? Consider switching to wooden highlighters. They don’t bleed through the paper and are completely plastic-free. And yes, reusable, to the last point! They won’t dry out on you either.
30. rechargeable batteries
Switching to rechargeable batteries is such a great way to reduce e-waste, but also saves money in the long run. You won’t constantly be tossing out batteries and can just put them on a charging dock when their juice runs low.
What do you think of these reusable products? Which is your favorite, or what would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
The post 30 Things I Reuse Instead of Buying New appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
As you furnish a new space, or just invest in a new piece or two, you may be looking for non-toxic furniture brands to ensure clean indoor air and a safe environment for yourself and/or your loved ones.
Building materials and furnishings are one of the major causes of indoor air pollution, according to the EPA. So non-toxic furniture is a key aspect of creating a healthy home.
What is Non-Toxic Furniture?
If you’re here, searching for non toxic furniture, you’re probably somewhat familiar with the fact that most furniture contains either proven or potentially harmful chemicals and you’re looking for a better way. But what exactly is a better way?
Well, there’s actually quite a bit to consider, so here’s a quick list.
Scroll to the bottom for a much more in-depth explanation on all of these elements!
- No Flame Retardants
- No Formaldehyde (Many, though not all, composite woods that use adhesives contain formaldehyde. Some terms to look out for are plywood, particle board, engineered wood, or MDF.)
- Free of Toxic Water Repellents or Stain Guards (These commonly contain Perfluorochemicals, otherwise known as PFCs)
- No PVC / Vinyl (Common in fake leather or “vegan leather” fabrics)
- Zero VOC finishes (Or low-VOC)
- Uses Natural & Organic Materials (such as Dunlop latex instead of polyurethane foam, organic cotton, hemp, and linen instead of synthetic fabrics, and responsibly-sourced solid wood)
- Non-Toxic Certifications (such as GREENGUARD, which tests against chemcial emission limits or OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 which tests for harmful substances in textiles)
Is All Eco-Friendly Furniture Non-Toxic?
A lot of eco-friendly furniture is also non-toxic, but that isn’t always the case.
Some furniture brands advertise their products as eco-friendly because they use engineered wood or particleboard made from repurposed sawmill or other wood waste. But, in many cases (though not all), the adhesives used in engineered wood can be toxic, off-gassing high amounts of formaldehyde.
Recycled materials are another complicated one: we can recycle materials that were originally toxic, and so these recycled materials may still emit harmful chemicals.
If you want a guide to eco-friendly furniture specifically, check out my guide to sustainable furniture.
Is Secondhand Furniture Non-Toxic?
While used furniture isn’t necessarily non-toxic (unless you find used furniture from a brand using natural and organic materials) products do off-gas over time, and so depending on how old the furniture is, you are likely going to be exposed to fewer toxic chemicals than if buying that same piece of furniture new.
I just always like to check that the furniture has come from a smoke-free home. (And you might want to ensure it’s pet-free too, if you have allergies/sensitivities). You may also want to clean the furniture with non-toxic cleaning products, especially if buying preloved furniture with upholstery.
Something I’ve experienced with upholstered furniture is that even if someone is selling from a smoke-free, pet-free home they might have sprayed the furniture with strong fabric fresheners. So if there is any upholstery that is removable, I like to take it off and wash that before using the preloved pieces in my home. If it is not removable, it’s nice to leave it outside for a week or two.
If you don’t have any area to do this, I might recommend putting it in a room with the door closed and a window open with your indoor vents in that room closed.
[Related: Tips for shopping secondhand furniture & home goods]
Similarly, not all non-toxic furniture is eco-friendly. For instance, a brand might use natural materials that are irresponsibly sourced, such as harvesting wood from ancient or old growth forests. And there might be plastic materials that were tested to be low in harmful chemical emissions, but using fossil fuel fabrics isn’t exactly sustainable.
The good news is, though, that there are many brands that are low-tox and environmentally responsible.
What to Watch Out For When Shopping for Non-Toxic Furniture
First and foremost, be aware of “non-toxic furniture” ads with no explanations. The term non-toxic isn’t regulated and there isn’t even a standardized definition across the furniture industry. So be cautious of brands that pop up in Google Searches for “non-toxic furniture” — companies may be advertising for those keywords but not actually have non-toxic furniture.
Always look for further details on why a company is claiming to be non-toxic: What certifications do they have? What materials do they use? What finishes do they use on the products?
The second most common culprit of greenwashing in non-toxic furniture is “blends”. A lot of companies will call the upholstery on their furniture “Performance Linen” or “linen blend”, but when you look at the actual fabric content, or ask follow up questions, it’s actually only 5-9% linen and primarily polyester.
Vegan leather is another common term used in furniture. While “vegan” might sound sustainable and healthy, when it comes to leather it usually means it’s made of polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Which is, yes, plastic. Beyond toxicity, these plastic leathers are much less likely to last. And nearly impossible to repair when they do get damaged.
I’d also look out for the misuse of certifications. For example, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is a certification that only applies to the textiles in a furniture piece, like the cushions and upholstery fabrics. It cannot cover materials like wood or metal. So this doesn’t mean the whole furniture item has been tested against toxic chemicals — it only applies to the soft elements of the furniture.
Non-Toxic Furniture Companies To Know
These brands are leading the way when it comes to safe, organic, and non-toxic bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture, and office furniture. There are even some brands who have certified non-toxic furniture, as an extra level of verification.
The price ranges of these brands vary, so you’ll find something that matches your needs — you’ll find everything from heirloom-quality premium furniture to affordable non-toxic furniture. Browse through this guide for some highlights and visit each brand’s website for further details.
This guide contains affiliate links and partners. As always, all brands meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands we love, that we think you’ll love too!
1. Medley
Best for: full range of non-toxic furniture across every room
Made-to-order from quality materials in LA, Medley’s non-toxic furniture for the bedroom, living room, dining room, and office is sturdy and sustainably made.
Medley’s furniture frames are made with FSC-certified domestically-sourced alder hardwood and their tables are crafted from FSC-certified solid walnut and maple. Any plywood used is low-VOC CARB 2 compliant.
The brand offers a few natural fabric options including hemp and OEKO-TEX 100-certified wool. For cushions, you can choose between organic Dunlop latex or, for a less expensive option, they also have a CertiPUR-US®-certified poly foam. (Keep in mind poly foam is synthetic.)
Categories: Sofas & Accent Chairs, Bed Frames, Nightstands, Storage, Dining Tables & Chairs, Benches & Desks
Price Range: $595 (poufs) – $10,290 (sectionals)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (or contact Medley for a quote)
2. Avocado
Best for: most non-toxic certifications in one brand
Another brand in the world of non-toxic furniture is Avocado. This B-Corp creates wooden furniture using either 100% solid FSC-certified maple hardwood, solid walnut, or 100% reclaimed solid Douglas fir. The furniture is completed using zero-VOC finishes and fumeless wood glue.
Avocado also offers several certified non-toxic furniture pieces that have been GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions and Formaldehyde Free certified by UL Environment. Their wooden furniture is made in Avocado’s own FSC-certified LA woodshop.
Avocado doesn’t have as many options as some of the other companies on this list, but what they do have is beautiful.
Categories: Bed Frames, Dressers, Side Tables & Nightstands, Benches
Price Range: $349 (side table) – $3,999 (full bed frame)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.
3. Savvy Rest
Best for: organic bedroom and living room furniture
A leader in organic and natural furniture, Savvy Rest is a certified B-Corp with living room and bedroom furniture made from sustainably-sourced, safe-for-you materials.
Savvy Rest uses responsibly- regionally-sourced solid wood and zero-VOC stains (or leaves pieces unfinished). Their upholstered furniture is crafted from certified organic cotton and hemp fabrics, as well as natural Dunlop and Talalay latex.
The company isn’t able to accept furniture returns, which may be a deterrent for some. But if you want to support a sustainable employee-owned small business with your non-toxic furniture investment, this would be my pick.
Categories: Platform Beds, Sofas & Chairs, Tables & Benches
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (Or contact for quote)
Price Range: $400 (bedside table) – $3,999 (sofa) | Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off!
4. Cisco Home @ Urban Natural
Best for: heirloom-quality furniture with organic upgrade
Cisco Home is a furniture company using responsibly-sourced materials to craft heirloom-quality furniture in Los Angeles.
While their default furniture options don’t necessarily include all-natural materials, you can click “Make it Organic” and Cisco Home will build your furniture entirely from their better materials: FSC-Certified woods, organic latex, jute, hemp, organic cotton, and wool.
Categories: Sofas & Sectionals, Chairs & Seating, Benches & Ottomans, Beds & Benches, Coffee Tables
Price Range: $975 (ottoman) – $9,000+ (large sectional)
Shipping: Continental U.S.
5. Thuma
Best for: versatile minimalist furniture
Categories: Beds, Dressers & Shelving, Bedside Tables
Price Range: $495 (nightstand) – $6,675 (corner sectional)
Shipping: Ships within U.S. and Canada (international customers can use freight forwarder)
Simple, functional, and sustainably made from repurposed rubberwood, Thuma’s non-toxic furniture checks a lot of boxes. Their dresser is also modular so you can expand or shrink it to fit your needs.
Thuma’s pieces are made with solid wood and many are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they’ve been tested for low VOC emissions. (Just be sure to check the description of each product, because not all items have that certification.)
6. Natural Home by the Futon Shop
Best for: futons and natural wood furniture
As the name suggests, this furniture brand sells futons and futon frames, but they also offer other natural furniture, like side and coffee tables as well as couches and sectionals. They even have a natural “vegan leather” couch made from cork! (I like the blue cork one, but the natural cork is a pretty specific aesthetic that’s not for everyone.)
The Futon Shop has Amish furniture handmade from solid wood (maple, walnut, oak, or cherry) that was harvested from sustainably managed forests and hand-rubbed with a no-VOC natural linseed oil finish. Each piece is handcrafted by Amish craftspeople in Pennsylvania.
Categories: Bed & Futon Frames, Dressers, Sofas & Sectionals, Side Tables & Coffee Tables
Price Range: $699 (ottomans) – $5,449 (custom sofa)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (custom quotes elsewhere) | also offers free in-store pickup
7. Healthier Homes
Best for: natural material non-toxic seating, storage, and accents
Healthier Homes offers a curated selection of non-toxic furniture crafted with quality and sustainability in mind. Their selections of seating, tables, and accent furniture is made from solid wood, natural fabrics and metal, all finished with eco-minded non-toxic finishes — or left unfinished. (They sell non-toxic paints and furniture lacquer too.)
My favorite picks from Healthier Homes are their rattan wooden furniture (like consoles and nightstands) as well as their midcentury loom and teak chairs.
Categories: Chairs & Stools, Tables & Benches, Desks
Price Range: $185 (bench) – $4,799 (dining table)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.
8. Copeland @ Urban Natural
Best for: designer furniture with non-toxic certifications
Founded with sustainability at its core, Copeland crafts hardwood furniture — using woods mostly sourced within 500 miles — made-to-order in its’ Bradford, Vermont factory. This factory has a solar array and is heated completely by wood waste. Most pieces are finished with a GREENGUARD certified finish.
But that doesn’t mean sacrificing on the kind of design you might get from mainstream high-end furniture companies like Arhaus.
Categories: Beds, Desks, Side Tables & Coffee Tables, Dining Tables & Chairs, Dressers & Buffets
Price Range: $256 (shelf nightstand) – $6,865 (storage bed)
Shipping: Ships within contiguous U.S. (contact for overseas logistics)
9. West Elm GREENGUARD Certified (some items)
Best for: wide non-toxic selection at a mainstream retailer
Furniture retailer West Elm has a diverse selection of non-toxic furniture that is GREENGUARD Certified. This certification indicates that the furniture has been tested to meet certain chemical emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
However these pieces are not GREENGUARD Gold certified, which has higher standards and their upholstered furniture uses the kind of vague materials I talked about before like “performance linen” that’s mostly polyester. I wanted to include this brand, though, because they are a traditional retailer with physical stores and wide selections.
Categories: Beds & Cribs, Dressers & Storage, Consoles & Hutches, Desks & Chairs
Price Range: $99 (kids chair) – $6,995 (sectional)
Shipping: U.S. and select other countries
10. Sabai
Best for: repairable non-toxic sofas and seating
This B-Corp certified furniture company has versatile seating as well as side tables for a non-toxic living room. I love how their expansion kits make it simple to turn a sofa into a sectional and their Repair program helps you extend its life.
Sabai uses FSC-certified wood for the furniture frames, domestically sourced maple for the legs, CertiPUR-US certified foam for the cushions, and recycled fiber fill for the pillows. For the upholstery fabric, you can select between OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified recycled velvet, GREENGUARD Gold upcycled poly, OEKO-TEX® Certified natural hemp/cotton blend (that would be my pick!), and cactus leather (made with cactus plant, but is combined with plastic).
Categories: Sofas, Sectionals, Sleepers, Chairs, Side Tables
Price Range: $495 (side table) – $6,295 (sectional)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.; ships to HI & AK for fee
11. What We Make
Best for: reclaimed wood furniture
What We Make is an impressive sustainable non-toxic furniture brand based in the Chicago area. They use reclaimed barn wood to make each furniture item made to order.
The non-toxic furniture brand shares that they finish their pieces with an oil-based VOC-free finish that doesn’t contain hazardous chemicals.
Categories: Bathroom Vanities, Desks & Office Furniture, Bookcases & Storage, Coffee & End Tables, Chairs, Stools & Benches, Dining & Pub Tables
Price Range: $425 (bar stools) – $6,425 (bathroom vanities)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.
Honorable Mentions
My Green Mattress: The mattress brand has a simple, and pretty affordable non-toxic bed frame made from untreated domestically-grown Poplar wood. It’s free from wood stains and adhesives. They didn’t make the main guide since they sell just one furniture product, but it’s here in case you’re looking for a bed frame.
Green Cradle: This brand has the basics covered for a non-toxic nursery — cribs, dressers, nightstands, armoires and bookcases made from 100% solid maple, red oak, cherry wood, and walnut hardwood with a zero VOC finish (linseed oil). Similar to above, the limitation of selection at Green Cradle means it’s not on the main guide, but its still a strong non-toxic option if you need nursery furniture.
IKEA (some pieces): Is IKEA non-toxic? Well, the answer is a bit mixed here. IKEA has taken many efforts to produce furniture with lower use of harmful chemicals and transitioned out all intentionally-added PFAS earlier than many other brands. However, they do use a lot of particleboard. While they say they take efforts to minimize the formaldehyde in their products, there are no specifics on this. So, I’d approach the brand with a bit of caution and prioritize their solid wood pieces if non-toxic furniture is important to you.
Dive Deeper: Here’s how I vetted for non-toxic furniture:
These are some considerations for what to look for when shopping for non-toxic furniture for your space.
No Flame Retardants
There are hundreds of different types of flame retardants. Evidence shows that flame retardants are associated with harmful health impacts, such as reproductive toxicity, cancer, neurological function, impacts to the immune system, and adverse effects on fetal and child development.
Once commonplace to meet California’s fire safety standard, fire retardants are now banned by the state at certain concentrations and in certain products — and a growing number of states are also taking action against them to some extent.
So furniture without flame retardants should be considered a very baseline measure.
No Formaldehyde
As one of the 25 most abundantly produced chemicals in the world, exposure to formaldehyde is a common concern in furniture as well as a number of other consumer products.
The health impacts of formaldehyde exposure include:
- “Corrosive injury to the gastrointestinal tract”,
- Irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
- Malaise, headache, irritability, memory and dexterity issues, sleeping disturbances
- Can cause skin disorders and asthma-like symptoms in those who’ve been previously sensitized
- And formaldehyde has been determined to be a probable human carcinogen
And as the EPA states, the primary way you’d be exposed to formaldehyde is by “breathing air containing off-gassed formaldehyde”, often the formaldehyde that has “off-gassed from products, including composite wood products”.
No Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
If you’re familiar with the DuPont scandal, you’re familiar with PFCs. While typically associated with non-stick cookware, PFCs are also used to repel oil and water on a number of other types of products, including textiles like upholstered furniture.
Why are PFCs a problem? Well they’re persistent not only on products, but in the environment and in people and animals. PFCs can be released directly from manufacturing facilities into the air and water or they can be released from any products you have at home containing PFCs and into your indoor air.
Exposure to PFCs has been associated with several adverse health effects including cancer, liver toxicity, hormone disruption, developmental toxicity, and harm to the immune system.
No PVC (Vinyl)
Many fake leathers (which sometimes come with the euphemism “vegan leather”) are made from PVC. PVC is known as the most toxic and environmentally damaging plastic.
The chemical used to make PVC, vinyl chloride, is a known carcinogen, linked to increased risks of several types of cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Low VOC or Zero VOC Finishes
VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, include a wide group of chemicals. Examples include: benzene, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, and xylene.
While each chemical will have different levels of toxicity and may cause different health impacts, VOCs have been connected to many health issues, including damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system; headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea; and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Some VOCs are even suspected or known carcinogens.
In an ideal world, you would be able to find furniture that is completely free of VOCs.
A common nearly zero VOC finish is linseed oil, or flaxseed oil. This natural finish is food safe and free of harmful chemical solvents, heavy metals, or other toxic ingredients.
Low-VOC furniture can also be a good option, especially if you’re able to off-gas it outdoors or in your garage for a few months before bringing it into your home.
Organic & Natural Materials
This is an obvious one! Preferable materials include organic cotton, hemp, linen, sustainably and locally sourced wool, responsibly-harvested wood (ideally locally sourced and native to the region), and Dunlop latex.
Some certifications to know are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests for harmful substances in textiles.
Other Non-Toxic Certifications
One common certification is the GREENGUARD certification, which are products that have been “scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards”.
The GREENGUARD Gold certification is the next level. It includes criteria for additional chemicals and requires lower total VOC emissions. It limits the emissions of over 360 VOCs and chemical emissions.
Your Non-Toxic Lifestyle Journey
There is a lot to consider when shopping for non-toxic furniture! Hopefully, this breakdown of elements and red flags to look out for was useful and this list of non-toxic furniture brands gave you a good starting point in your research.
Keep in mind that the journey to green living or non-toxic living is just that — a journey. So, don’t stress if you can’t convert 100% of your home to non-toxic decor and furnishings right away.
Less toxic furniture is still better than conventional super toxic furniture. And implementing air filters or just keeping your windows open each day for an hour can also do wonders. Don’t feel pressured into perfection. Take it slow and do what you can, based on your time and budgetary constraints.
If you’re here, you’re already doing great!
Note: This curation is based upon publicly available information and while we do our due diligence, Conscious Life & Style cannot guarantee the claims of the companies featured. See our Website Disclaimer for more.
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The post 11 Best Non-Toxic and Low-VOC Furniture Brands for a Healthier Home (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
11 Best Non-Toxic and Low-VOC Furniture Brands for a Healthier Home (2026)
Today’s quote is from environmental advocate David Brower: “The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.
This poster was originally published on June 19, 2020.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: When Wild Places End appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-when-wild-places-end/
I’ve been writing about sustainable fashion for over a decade — and furniture for about half as long. And I will tell you: finding sustainable, non-toxic sofas is one of the toughest categories to curate across the entire home, apparel, and textiles space.
While wood furniture — like tables or shelving — is fairly straightforward from a materials point of view, sofas include many materials to create the frame, cushions, and upholstery. And companies aren’t required to disclose every component.
So there is a lot of greenwashing happening in the furniture space. Let’s get into it.
What Makes a Sustainable and/or Non-Toxic Sofa?
Unsurprisingly, the same toxic chemicals that are unhealthy for us are just as terrible for the environment. After all we are part of — and interconnected with — the rest of the planet and natural world. Here’s what to look out for when shopping for a non-toxic sofa or sustainable couch:
Non-toxic sofas will be free of flame retardant treatments.
Flame retardants are toxic chemicals — once required by law — that were and continue to be used to treat polyurethane foam in sofas and other furniture. Now, many companies are shifting away from using flame retardants as awareness of their harmful effects grows. Toxic-Free Future has more information on toxic flame retardants.)
Sustainable sofas are made with responsibly-sourced and safely treated wood.
Wood is a renewable material, but it’s still important to ensure that the wood was harvested from responsibly-managed forests and is not contributing to deforestation. Deforestation is is a major contributor to climate change and biodiversity loss.
While not perfect, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is the most widely recognized certification for sustainable forestry management. You may also see “Sustainable Forestry Initiative” (SFI) as a certification on wood, but leading environmental organizations like the Sierra Club conclude FSC has significantly stronger environmental standards than SFI.
What about plywood?
Pressed wood, such as plywood, is typically made with glue that contains formaldehyde, a chemical that has been linked to cancer risk in studies and listed as a known or probable carcinogen by multiple health groups.
Solid wood furniture is not always financially accessible, though (or realistic if you’re on the move often — it can be heavy!) so look for plywoods with no added formaldehyde if you go that route. You will never find zero formaldehyde wood — even if a company claims it. That’s because wood contains trace amounts of formaldehyde. To be clear: the naturally occurring levels are nowhere near the added levels, but it’s just something to be aware of.
Finally, look for low- or zero-VOC (VOC stands for volatile organic compounds) finishes on the wood. These might include synthetic finishes with zero emissions or natural finishes like linseed oil or beeswax.
Eco-friendly couches have upholstery made with organic, recycled, and natural fabrics.
Many companies make their sofas with harsh chemical-laden fabrics such as chrome-tanned leather and polyester. Watch out for “vegan leather” as this almost always means it’s made with plastic leather, or pleather. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is particularly toxic, plus it won’t last as long or be as repairable as leather.
When possible look for organic cotton, linen, or hemp fabric that is not treated with toxic chemicals. The top of the line label to look out for is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification.
These fabrics are not widely available for sofas though, so you might also consider sofas made with recycled synthetic materials. Not ideal, but we can only purchase from what is available and what is within our budget and do the best we can.
But one term to watch out for? Blend.
There are companies calling their sofas “Performance Linen” or “Linen Blend” — and when you dig deeper or inquire about the material composition it’ll be 95% polyester and just 5% linen. (I wish I was exaggerating.)
I get that natural fibers on an entire sofa are expensive, and that couches need to be durable, but saying “linen blend” when there’s a marginal fraction of actual linen fibers feels beyond misleading to consumers. So I want to make sure you all are aware of this and can be smarter shoppers!
Non-toxic couches haveh natural and/or non-toxic foam.
Most foams are petroleum-based (poly-foam), which is as unsustainable as it sounds. You can look instead for natural fillers such as organic cotton, responsibly-sourced wool, and GOLS-certified organic latex where possible. If not feasible, look for the CertiPUR-US® seal on synthetic foam, a certification that tests for a host of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toxic flame retardants, heavy metals, among many others.
“Sustainable” and “eco friendly” mean nothing.
Be aware that vague terms like “sustainable”, “natural” or “eco friendly” with no further details don’t mean anything. These terms aren’t regulated and any brand can say it — I often see brands use one marginally lower impact material and then call the entire product “sustainable.”
What About Secondhand Sofas?
Investing in sustainably-made furniture can be quite expensive, but shopping used is a great way to find eco-friendly sofas and other furnishings for far less.
A sofa on the secondhand market is most likely not “non-toxic”. But since the most off-gassing happens when furniture is new, your exposure to many of these chemicals will be reduced compared to what it would have been if you bought that same piece of furniture new. That said, you’ll want to check if the sofa is coming from a smoke-free home. And pet-free, if you have allergies.
What are some places to find sustainable sofas secondhand?
Checking out your local furniture resale shops, consignment stores, and any nearby estate sales or garage sales is a great place to start. I found my sofa on Facebook Marketplace and have found many other furniture pieces on OfferUp and estate sales. (EstateSales.net is my go-to for finding sales near me.)
And if you’re in the US you’ve likely seen people leave their unwanted furniture out on their curb. This is called “stooping” and yup, it’s totally free. Of course you’ll want to do a thorough inspection of the sofa and you may have to be prepared to do some reupholstering since you never know exactly why someone left the sofa out. The condition might be less than desirable, but it’s free, so you may be willing to invest in some repair costs.
For more curated secondhand and vintage sofa options, check out:
Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Sofa Brands
If you’re in the market to purchase a new eco-friendly sofa, check out these sustainable and/or non toxic sofa companies.
To be clear: the brands in this guide aren’t necessarily perfect, especially if they’re on the more affordable side. But they are the top of the pack of the dozens of brands I researched for this guide. As I said: finding sustainable and non-toxic sofas is one of the toughest challenges I’ve had with my guides.
Since each brand uses a different set of materials and has slightly different standards, priorities, and values I’ve included those details next to each brand. Though I encourage you to also do your own research to find which brand would be best for you. Especially because some sofas were chosen for their sustainability credentials, some for their non-toxic credentials, and some for both.
Here’s the thing though: I will tell you when there are caveats or where a a brand might be falling short. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy from them if you love their sofa, but I think it’s best if we’re honest about those limitations and discuss the nuances and range of sustainability rather than overpromising with broad claims and little to back it up.
This is something I’ve found to be lacking in virtually every sustainable product roundup and review across the internet and it’s frustrated me as a reader. So we’re changing that.
Note that this article includes affiliate links. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for sustainability that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
Best Sustainable Sofa: Savvy Rest
Materials: Natural Talalay Latex, GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton or Hemp, Organic Wool Batting, Jute Webbing, Natural Coir, Zero-VOC Finishes, Maple Hardwood
Savvy Rest makes their sustainable organic sofa with the crème de la crème of natural and certified organic non-toxic materials. And each sofa is hand-crafted by skilled woodworkers in Virginia using Verified Sustainable Appalachian Hardwood.
The company also has a legal status as a Benefit Corporation and an employee-owned company.
Price Range: $3,999 – $6,148 (Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off)
Shipping: Free White Glove delivery in continental U.S. Contact for quotes outside 48 contiguous states.
Best Non-Toxic Sofas: Medley
Materials: FSC-Certified Wood, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified Fabric, CertiPUR-US® or Organic Latex Foam, VOC-Free Glue, Jute
Medley is another company walking the walk on sustainability. But it ranks at the top specifically for a non-toxic sofa option, rather than the top sustainable one, because they offer natural options — but also certified non-toxic synthetic options for a less expensive sofa.
For example, Medley’s sofas come with GOLS certified organic natural latex or CertiPUR-US® certified synthetic foam. And all of their fabrics are OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 or GREENGUARD Gold certified, but you can select between 100% cotton, 100% linen or for a less expensive option: 100% polyester. Each sofa is made in the US.
Price Range: $2,295 – $4,595 (check out Medley’s “Re-Lounge” collection for discounted options)
Shipping: International; Contact Medley for a quote for shipping outside of the US
Best for Sleeper Sofas: Sabai
Materials: FSC-Certified Wood, CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam, Organic Cotton + Hemp Fabric Option, Recycled Polyester, or Cactus Leather
Beyond using more responsible and recycled materials, this B-Corp certified BIPOC-owned furniture brand has programs to extend the life of their couches with their Repair Don’t Replace program and Revive resale program. Worth noting: the default option for the sofas is usually their upcycled poly, so if you want a natural option, be sure to select “Hemp Blend” which is a 55% organic hemp, 45% cotton blend.
Their Sleeper Sofa is a highlight — Apartment Therapy ranks Sabai’s Eclipse sofa as the “Best Sleeper Sofa” for its streamlined design and fuss-free set up.
Price Range: $1,745 – $6,295
Shipping: Ships within the U.S. (shipping is carbon offset and packaging is 100% recycled)
Best Organic Sofa: Cisco Home
Materials: FSC-Certified Wood, Organic Latex, Natural Jute/Hemp/Cotton/Wool Fabric
A leader in the eco-friendly furniture space, Cisco Home has been handcrafting organic sofas for decades and was a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council.
Something I want to call out though: you’ll need to select “Make it Organic” on the product page for your sofa (or sectional) to be made with their more sustainable materials like FSC-certified wood, organic latex, and other natural materials like jute, hemp, organic cotton, and wool.
Price Range: $3,850 – $14,379
Shipping: Ships within contiguous U.S.; white glove delivery available with fee
Best for Futons: The Futon Shop
Materials: Kiln-Dried Wood Frame, GOLS-Certified Organic Latex (optional upgrade), GOTS-Certified Organic Wool (optional upgrade)
The Futon Shop has an impressive set of organic sofas and non-toxic sectionals made from natural safe materials with the option to upgrade to organic materials like GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic wool.
Their sustainable couches and non-toxic sofa beds, all made in San Francisco, have frames made from responsibly-sourced kiln-dried wood and are available in fabrics like hemp and organic cotton.
Price Range: $1,525 – $5,500
Shipping: Ships within the continental U.S.
Are There Affordable Sustainable Non-Toxic Sofas?
You may have just gone through that list and thought: umm none of those are even remotely in my budget Elizabeth! And I feel you. That’s why I bought my own couch secondhand.
I do think if someone is going to spend $2,000+ on a couch, it should be a sustainable, non-toxic one — because they exist and there are beautiful options. So why not? But if you are not going to invest that much, here’s how you can still find a slightly more affordable and more eco-friendly option.
More Affordable Sustainable Sofas:
Secondhand is your friend. I’ve already listed plenty of options for finding secondhand furniture, but did you also know you can find open box sofas at many major retailers? This is an especially good option if you’re willing to pay more than typical secondhand prices for the convenience.
Wayfair’s Open Box section has returned sofas up to 40% off new. I also happen to live near the first-ever “Wayfair Outlet” that sells returned items. My husband and I have purchased several pieces there that have all been in good condition. (Though not everything at the outlet is.)
Ikea as an “As Is” selection of returned or gently used products. They do not ship these products, so you’ll have to check what’s available at the store near you. We bought a TV stand as well as outdoor furniture through Ikea’s As Is. Ikea also sells discontinued products that are in as-new condition.
West Elm Open Box Outlet Deals are similar to Wayfair offer discounts in that they offer up to 40% on returned items. Given West Elm’s furniture virtually never goes on sale, this can be a great opportunity to get a better price on the company’s pieces.
We purchased a genuine leather mid-century modern style recliner from West Elm’s Open Box section that was $500 off the original. The damage was very minor so we were happy with this purchase. Plus leather is very repairable — unlike “vegan leather” or pleather.
Medley Re-Lounge is my favorite option from this list because it’s one of the sustainable non-toxic sofa brands featured here! You can access their sofas for 25-40% off new prices. Plus since Medley is typically made-to-order furniture where you might need to wait for months, another benefit is that these returned sofas ship in just 1-2 weeks.
Most of the furniture on any of those sites won’t be in perfect condition — unless it’s simply a discontinued product — but you’re likely saving several hundreds if not over a thousand dollars. So for me it’d be a tradeoff I’m willing to make. The furniture will wear slightly in a few months anyway.
More Affordable Non-Toxic Sofas:
If your priority is non-toxic, and not sustainability, your options may expand to include cheaper fabrics like polyester that have been tested and certified for low toxicity. I would look for OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified fabrics. And it’ll probably have to be synthetic foam (again the certification for that is CertiPUR-US®).
Pottery Barn has a GREENGUARD Gold selection with options under $1,300. Their “Performance Linen” is likely a blend of primarily polyester, but again — for a more affordable low-tox option you are likely looking at a polyester that has been tested against some of the most toxic chemicals.
West Elm also has a GREENGUARD Certified selection with some sofas under $1,000 and many under $2,000. (Again, I’d check out their Open Box section for discounts.)
Crate & Barrel and Joybird also have GREENGUARD Gold certified sofas, but they are more expensive than Pottery Barn and West Elm.
IKEA is certainly not perfect, but they have some low-tox options. The company phased out PFAS in their textiles in 2016 and has been actively working towards lowering the formaldehyde emission levels from pressed wood products. Their Stockholm 2025 couch has solid wood legs and natural fabric upholstery (cotton and linen). The backrest and armrest are coir and natural latex though the seat cushion just says “latex foam” so we’ll assume that’s synthetic. The back and armrest cushions are recycled polyester.
Burrow is a company I used to include on the main list, but every time I went on their site, I saw less information about sustainability. They do use CertiPUR-US® certified cushions and do not intentionally add any PFAS to their products, but I noticed their claims around responsibly-sourced wood are gone. Nor do they have any further certifications about the fabrics such as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100. So its an option, but it would be low on my list.
More Guides for Your Sustainable Living Room
Ethical Home Decor Brands to Curate a Beautiful, Conscious Space
Furnish Your Home Sustainably with these Eco Furniture Brands
The Most Gorgeous Fair Trade Artisanal Rugs
The post 5 Actually Sustainable and Non-Toxic Sofas for Restful Relaxation (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
5 Actually Sustainable and Non-Toxic Sofas for Restful Relaxation (2026)
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