Last Updated on October 4, 2023
Did you know in the US alone, we waste 40% of all food produced? Of that, more than half happens in our homes.
This can happen for a number of reasons, but mostly because people get confused by expiration dates, they buy too much food, they purchase something and forget about it, or they simply don’t know how to properly store something.
This post was sponsored by Lomi. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Food scraps don’t break down in landfills because landfills are designed for storage, not decomposition.
There’s no oxygen in a landfill so organic matter like paper, wood, and food scraps are stuck in a limbo state releasing methane. Methane is a gas 30x more powerful than carbon which is far more devastating to the climate because of how effectively it absorbs heat.
One solution to this problem is composting, which transforms your food-waste into nutrient-rich soil.
methods of composting:
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil.
The problem is only 8% of Americans have access to food waste pickup. Curbside composting programs collect food scraps, food-soiled paper, and leaf/yard waste and turn it into compost. Think of it as recycling, but for your food scraps.
There are several different methods of composting, such as:
- Enclosed bin – Sits on the ground, has a lid, and is aerated along the tops and sides to help with decomposition.
- Backyard compost tumbler – Raised off the ground, a fully sealed container which can be rotated to mix the composting materials.
- Vermicomposting – The use of earthworms to convert organic waste into compost.
- Bokashi composting – An anaerobic fermentation process that relies on inoculated bran to ferment kitchen waste.
- Curbside composting – A program, similar to curbside recycling, that collects food scraps, food-soiled paper, and leaf/yard waste and turns it into compost.
- Trench composting: Go into your backyard, dig a hole around a foot deep, put your food scraps in and cover it up.
- Electric composters: An appliance that can turn your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich dirt like Lomi.
Also, local farmers market and community gardens will typically be happy to take food scraps off your hands, if they have a food scrap drop off program set up. Double check this by reaching out to someone in charge.
You can also find someone in your vicinity who already composts using ShareWaste and will happily take your food scraps.
For more information, be sure to check out my other composting blog posts below:
- Your Guide to Backyard Composting
- How to Compost in an Apartment
- Composting 101 (125+ Household Items You Can Compost)
what is lomi?
One of the things that sets Lomi apart is that it’s a home solution that takes all your food scraps (yes, even animal products) and transforms them into valuable nutrients in under 24 hours.
Yes, Lomi transforms your food scraps in under 24 hours into nutrient-rich dirt. Lomi is a Smart Waste Appliance that breaks down your food scraps using heat, abrasion, and oxygen. It does this through heating and grinding your food waste.
You can better get to know Lomi by understanding the components that make up this Smart Waste Appliance:
- Bucket: It has an aluminum bucket designed to process your food waste and Lomi Approved bioplastics. This is dishwasher safe.
- Filters: There’s a back filter and a top filter that are made from activated carbon to trap moisture, remove gases from circulation, and reduce food rot smell. These are refillable.
- Lid: The lid is designed to stay locked in place while a cycle is in progress.
All these components come together to make Lomi, which can transform your food scraps, and Lomi-Approved bioplastics, into nutrient rich plant food in mere hours. This is a great way to ensure food scraps don’t end up in landfills.
Here’s what can go into your Lomi:
- Fruits and vegetables (think strawberry tops, carrot + potato peels, etc.)
- Plant trimmings and yard waste
- Animal products (like eggshells, meat scraps, soft shells, dairy, etc.)
- Grains (like wheat, rice and corn)
- Lomi Approved Bioplastics (like Pela Case)
can process lomi-approved bioplastics
As mentioned earlier, Lomi can process Lomi-Approved Bioplastics. Such as Pela Case, a compostable phone case, and even the packaging that comes with the Lomi and Lomi accessories like charcoal and filter refills.
Most people don’t have access to industrial composting facilities that can break down bioplastics. Without access to this, most of these bioplastics just end up in a landfill where they can last for centuries and release methane (similar to food scraps).
Here’s a full list of Lomi-approved products and packaging that Lomi can break down. All Lomi Approved products have passed Lomi’s rigorous research and testing process, including verification that they will not release toxic chemicals or harm the environment.
To process Lomi-approved bioplastics, make sure you choose the “Lomi Approved Mode” setting. It will take about 5-8 hours to transform your scraps and bioplastics into usable Lomi Earth.
easy to operate
Lomi is easy to operate and requires minimal maintenance. It has three modes, all of which serve a different purpose (more on that below).
The default mode is Eco Express, but you can change modes by simply pressing the button for 2-3 seconds.
Here’s what each mode means and how long it will take to process your materials:
- Eco Express: This is the fastest mode to break down food scraps; it processes materials in 3-5 hours and should only be used with food scraps.
- Lomi Approved Mode: Use this when adding Lomi-Approved bioplastics and products, along with packing materials; it processes materials in 5-8 hours.
- Grow Mode: Best for gardeners that want to retain maximum nutrient value in Lomi Earth; It processes materials in 16 to 20 hours and should only be used with food scraps.
Once you know which mode to put your Lomi on, things get super simple from there on out.
Here’s how Lomi works:
Step 1 – Put all of your food scraps, coffee grounds, and any Lomi-Approved Products into Lomi.
Step 2 – Select the mode that best works for you. Push the button and Lomi works to break down your waste. It will only take hours to break down.
Step 3 – What you’re left with is nutrient-rich Lomi Earth, which can be used in several ways (we’ll get to that next).
who is lomi right for?
Curious if Lomi is right for you? Whether you’re limited on space, love plants, or just want the easiest way to compost, it can seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle. Using it just twice a week can reduce your waste footprint by 50%!
And 180 million pounds of food scraps have been diverted from the landfills with units already sold.
plant lovers
If you’re big into houseplants, or have a garden, this may be your favorite reason to love Lomi. Lomi creates nutrient-rich Lomi Earth (aka pre-compost) which is rich in microbial cultures and organic matter. This is perfect to use on plants of all kinds, lawns and gardens, as it will help them flourish.
When Lomi is done doing its thing, just take the Lomi Earth that’s left and sprinkle it onto your lawn, garden or houseplants. You can get a big bag and save it up over time if you prefer to work with bigger batches.
For the best results in the garden, consider choosing Grow Mode, as this will retain maximum nutrient value in Lomi Earth.
people without access to industrial compost
Are you someone who doesn’t have access to an industrial composting facility? Lomi may be the best choice for you.
Industrial composters can handle a much wider range of organic matter, including things like bioplastics and bones, that can’t be processed in home compost bins.
But Lomi can break down certain animal products, like meat scraps and dairy, which makes life a lot easier for people without access to industrial composting.
apartment dwellers
If you have an overall smaller space, like in an apartment, Lomi may be right for you. You can put it on a countertop, or place it on a sturdy display table.
You do need ample countertop space, so be mindful of this before you get a Lomi. Lomi is 16″ in width, and 12” in height.
beautiful + functional design
As a bonus the Lomi Bloom is a beautiful appliance designed to seamlessly fit into any kitchen space. It comes in three colors white, black, and sage green – which is the one I have!
With Lomi, there’s no fussing: You just place it on a countertop, and let it do its thing. It’s functional, simple and accessible. Basically all you need to do is place your food scraps in and run the cycle.
Each time you run a cycle with Lomi Bloom you can also earn points just by connecting your device, every time you run a cycle, refer a friend, or place an order. You can redeem your points for free products and special discounts from Lomi and other great eco-friendly brands.
Here’s a few more of Lomi Blooms offerings:
- In-app usage guide, shop, and support
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled
- Over-the-air software updates and improvements.
- Faster, more responsive Lomi Cycles
- Tracking your household’s carbon impact
- Earning reward points for simply running Lomi Bloom
- Real-time troubleshooting information
Would you consider using a Lomi in your home? Let me know in the comments.
And, a huge thank you to Lomi for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit https://lomi.com/ to learn more about Lomi and start reducing food waste today.
The post 5 Reasons to Love Lomi + How to Use It appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Just like fashion has been overrun by fast fashion, home goods and furniture have similarly seen a rapid decline in quality. Rugs are no exception.
And similar to fashion, these cheap goods come at a high cost — namely, to the planet and to people. In fact carpet and rug production is rampant with exploitation.
On the other hand, fair trade rugs present the best of what a rug can bring to your home: artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage.
The brands featured in this guide are partnering with (and fairly paying!) skilled artisans who are using generations-old — and sometimes even centuries-old — techniques. These artisans are sustaining long lines of crafts, preserving their cultural diversity, and celebrating the richness of their time-honored crafts.
There’s simply no replacement for a timeless, quality artisan-made rug — they’re like pieces of art you can lay out on your floor or hang on your walls.
So, enjoy browsing through this guide to sustainable rug brands listed out below and best of luck on your search for the right fair trade rug!
Where to Find Ethical and Fair Trade Rugs
Note that this guide includes affiliates and partners. As always, brands must meet high standards for ethics and sustainability to be featured and all opinions are my own.
1. Obakki
Best for: warm-hued handwoven wool rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Runners, Accent Rugs
Obakki partners with artisan weavers primarily in Oaxaca, Mexico — including individual makers like José — who hand-dyes and weaves rugs on a traditional pedal loom using locally sourced sheep’s wool and natural dyes derived from native plants. The brand also works with Rrres Design Studio, a Latin American studio dedicated to preserving traditional Oaxacan weaving techniques, and sources handwoven textiles from artisan communities beyond Mexico as well, including Morocco.
Each rug is made from 100% wool with no synthetic dyes or backing. Most pieces are made-to-order with a 4-8 week production window, shipped directly from the artisan partners.
Price Range: $460 – $4,159
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Natural Dyes, Craft Preservation
2. Kiliim
Best for: modern wool kilim rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
If you’re well-versed in rug terminology, you may recognize that this brand’s name looks similar to the word kilim.
Kiliim’s rug are made using authentic kilim rug craftsmanship by artisans in Egypt coming from generations of kilim artisans. To ensure ethical production and to support the preservation of this heritage craft, Kiliim pays living wages to all artisans.
Price Range: $95 – $4,812
Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Heritage Craft Preservation, Natural Fibers
3. Urban Natural
Best for: browsing fair trade rugs in lots of styles and sizes
Categories: Outdoor, Area Rugs, and Accent Rugs
This natural home and lifestyle retailer has a beautifully curated selection of sustainably-made rugs crafted with materials like jute, sisal, wool, and cotton.
Several brands on Urban Natural are also ethically hand-loomed or hand-knotted, such as Loloi — a GoodWeave partner — and Jaipur Living — a brand that partners with thousands of local artisans to sustain heritage crafts.
Price Range: $259 – $9,755
Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials
4. LOOMY
Best for: pet-friendly and performance rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners, Outdoor Rugs
Founded by a weaver, LOOMY is dedicated to crafting beautiful artisan-made rugs that will last for decades to come.
LOOMY partners with highly-skilled artisan weavers who craft quality rugs made from eco-minded materials like banana silk, jute, and recycled cotton, plus performance options made from 100% recycled polyester built to withstand whatever life brings you.
Price Range: $298 – $8,298
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Craft Preservation, Vintage Options
5. West Elm
Best for: fair trade rugs in on-trend mainstream styles
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
West Elm is bringing ethical rugs to a broader market with their collection of Fair Trade Certified
wool and cotton rugs. While I recommend browsing the smaller shops listed above first, West Elm is supporting the movement to responsibly-made, fair trade rugs.
Price Range: $$$
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade production, Majority Natural Materials
6. Jubi
Best for: Modern rugs in vibrant prints
Categories: Accent Rugs, Circle Rugs, Runners
Jubi is a Brooklyn studio founded by textile designer Cassie Dagostino. Every rug is handmade from New Zealand wool by fourth-generation weaving families in Bhadohi, India using traditional techniques. Each rug is made-to-order, meaning no excess stock. Since everything is made to order, expect between 3 and 7 weeks for your rug, depending on the technique used.
Conscious Qualities: Pays Above Market Rates, 100% Wool, Made-to-Order
Price Range: $228 – $668
Shipping: Free worldwide shipping
7. Rejuvenation
Best for: Classic rug styles made in Fair Trade factories
Categories: Accent Rugs, Runners, Area Rugs
Home retailer Rejuvenation has a selection of rugs made in Fair Trade Certified factories. Their collection includes undyed hand-loomed rugs to geometric flatwoven wool rugs. And while I’d typically avoid synthetics, it tends to be unavoidable for outdoor rugs — so Rejuvenation’s Fair Trade 100% recycled poly rug is a good option.
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Certified, Mostly Natural Materials
Price Range: $79 – $1,649
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. shipping for 10% of product price (add $20 for HI, AK, and US. territorries)
Liked this guide to ethical rugs? You might also enjoy:
Ethical Home Decor Brands to Curate a Beautiful, Conscious Space
Eco-Friendly Furniture to Furnish Your Home Sustainably
Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly Blankets to Cozy Up With
The post 5 Best Ethical Fair Trade Rugs to Elevate Your Space appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
As a longtime book lover, I may be biased, but I think a full bookshelf is one of the most beautiful additions to a space. There’s nothing better than seeing a showcase of your favorite reads alongside a TBR list.
A bookcase, though, can of course be used for all sorts of purposes from placing your favorite photos of family and friends to showcasing treasured vintage finds.
Whatever the case, this guide will help you find the right sustainable bookshelf for your living room, office, or wherever you like to cozy up with a good read!
So what make a bookcase more sustainable? What makes a bookshelf non-toxic?
First of all: sustainable and non-toxic are two overlapping — but distinct — criteria. And both of those terms can come with a lot of opinions and varying definitions.
When it comes to sustainable bookcases, I look for:
- Responsibly Sourced Materials: most bookshelves are made primarily with wood. While natural, unsustainable wood sourcing can be a cause of deforestation, so we want to see that the wood was from responsibly managed forests or made from reclaimed or repurposed wood. Some bookshelves may feature metal, in which case recycled materials here are important.
- High Quality Construction: sustainability includes longevity — how long will you be able to use that furniture piece before it goes to the landfill and gets replaced? Look for transparency around craftsmanship and woodworking processes. Another sign of quality is the length of warranty a company has for its products.
- Ethically Made: this one is straightforward in theory — were the people making it paid fairly and working in safe conditions? — but is unfortunately not always easy to find information. In this category, I look for transparency in practices, what relationship the brand has with the manufacturer (some produce in-house which is the best case scenario for transparency!), where it was made, and how well the makers were paid.
Ideally a sustainable bookshelf would also be non-toxic — as toxic chemical fumes aren’t exactly sustainable! But this isn’t always the case. For example, if a company prioritizes upcycled materials, they don’t necessarily have control over what inputs were part of the original materials. And sometimes a company focuses more on ethical artisan partnerships and sustainable wood sourcing, more than, say, using non-toxic finishes.
But when it comes to non-toxic bookshelves, this is what I look for. (Note that non-toxic doesn’t necessarily mean safe for all chemical sensitivities. Nor does it mean zero potentially irritating chemicals.)
- Solid Wood (where possible): MDF or pressed wood contains glue to stick the various wood pieces together, which can contain added formaldehyde. I prefer solid wood, or if it is engineered wood, I’d make sure the company is transparent around the type of glue used and/or they at least have a product certification like GREENGUARD. (More on that in a second.)
- Low or Zero VOC Finishes: most wood furniture is completed with some sort of finish to provide a protection against scratches or moisture. Many of these finishes are synthetic, and some can contain high levels of toxic chemicals. Look for a natural finish like linseed oil or beeswax or a low VOC synthetic finish.
Relevant Certifications
You’ll see a few certifications referenced throughout this guide. Here’s what each one covers:
- FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed; this is not a finish, foam, or textile guarantee.
- GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold Certified = the finished product was tested for low chemical emissions, including VOCs, with Gold representing the stricter tier.
- Fair Trade Certified
= verifies that a factory meets standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical labor practices. - Cradle to Cradle Certified (Gold) = evaluates a product or material across material health, circularity, clean air/climate, water/soil stewardship, and social fairness.
Where to Find Sustainable Bookcases and Shelving
I’m always a secondhand first proponent, and that goes for furniture, too. While your local thrift store might not have used bookshelves, check for dedicated furniture resale shops near you or estate sales. (I use EstateSales.net to find ones near me.) You can also find gently used pieces on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or AptDeco.
If you can’t find something you love secondhand, and you don’t want to DIY your own bookshelf, then the next best choice is to shop from one of the sustainable furniture companies below. (If you’re simply looking for a bookstand, I’d suggest browsing Etsy for a collection of solid wood, bamboo, and reclaimed wood book stands and cookbook stands!)
Note that this guide includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links which helps us continue to run this website and create resources like these. As always all brands meet strict sustainability criteria and are brands we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Medley
Best for: low VOC wood bookcases
Medley’s bookshelves are elegant and elevated, perfect for a living room. Each piece is made with 100% solid FSC-certified hardwood for the tops and sides, though low-VOC CARB 2 compliant plywood is used for the shelves.
Every eco-friendly bookcase is handcrafted in the US (California or North Carolina) and completed with a low-VOC wood finish.
Price: $2,395 – $2,995
Materials: White Maple, American Walnut Wood
Conscious Qualities: Made-to-Order, US-Made, FSC-Certified Wood, Natural Finish
2. Thuma
Best for: non-toxic modular bookshelf
Thuma’s eco-friendly bookshelf is made from upcycled wood sourced from rubberwood trees no longer being used to source rubber. The brand’s bookshelf is also GREENGUARD Gold certified.
What makes Thuma’s bookshelf stand out to me, though, is its modularity — their Pillar Bookshelf can be set in 10 different configurations. And if you start with just a few shelves but later decide you want a larger bookshelf, you can simply buy an additional shelf or two to add on to it!
Price Range: $550 – $3,300
Materials: Upcylced Rubber Wood
Conscious Qualities: GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Repurposed Materials, Adaptable
