Thoughtfully selecting furniture that’s both safe for us and the planet — like sustainable, non-toxic sofas — is a key component of a journey towards a holistically healthy home.
But the fact is that there is a lot to look for when it comes to the hunt for a non-toxic and/or eco-friendly sofa. Below are a few of the things to watch out for!
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!
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. 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.
What about plywood? Pressed wood, like plywood, is typically made with 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 formaldehyde-free plywoods if you have to go that route.
Finally, look for low- or zero-VOC (VOC stands for volatile organic compounds) finishes on the wood.
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. Even “natural” cotton is not always toxin-free, when heavily treated with synthetic pesticides. Plus many natural materials are treated with harmful dyes (such as azo dyes, which can impact human health) and finishes.
When possible look for organic cotton, linen, or hemp fabric that is not treated with toxic chemicals. The best label to look out for is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification. If you want a leather couch, look for vegetable-tanned leather, as the chrome (short for chromium) tanning process uses extremely toxic chemicals.
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.
Non-toxic couches haveh natural and/or non-toxic foam.
Most foams are petroleum-based (poly-foam), which is as unsustainable as it sounds! Look 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, a certification that tests for a host of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toxic flame retardants, heavy metals, among many others.
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 VOCs will be reduced compared to what it would have been if you bought that same piece of furniture new.
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 have found some *amazing* pieces at estate sales!)
Prefer shopping online? Check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or OfferUp for local pick-up options.
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!
Each brand uses a different set of materials and has slightly different standards, priorities, and values. This guide is a starting point. 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.
Best Eco-Friendly Sofa: Savvy Rest
Savvy Rest makes their sustainable organic sofa with some of the best materials available for non-toxic couches. The brand uses Cradle-to-Cradle certified Natural Talalay latex foam and GOTS-certified organic hemp or organic cotton upholstery. The brand’s eco-friendly couches are made with organic wool batting, jute webbing, natural coir, and zero-VOC finishes for their eco-friendly couches.
Price Range: $3,799 – $4,099
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
Free of harmful chemicals like fire retardants, and formaldehyde, Medley makes non-toxic sofas you can kick back in with peace of mind.
What materials does Medley use? For their non-toxic sofa cushions, you can choose from either CertiPUR-US® certified foam or organic natural latex. Their upholstery options are made up of Oeko-Tex certified fabrics and they use FSC-certified wood. Medley also uses water-based, VOC-free glue. This sustainable sofa brand has truly covered every detail.
Price Range: $1,545 – $5,000+ (check out Medley’s returned pieces for discounted options)
Shipping: Ships out of the U.S. Contact Medley for a quote for shipping to other countries.
Best Affordable: Sabai
Beyond using sustainable and non-toxic materials like FSC-certified wood, CertiPUR-US® certified foam, and recycled fiber filling, this B-Corp certified furniture brand has programs to extend the life of their eco-friendly couches.
In Sabai’s Repair Don’t Replace program the company sells various parts you can switch out. With their Revive Program, you can send back your Sabai pieces for consignment.
Price Range: $1,095 – $1,395
Shipping: Ships within the U.S. (shipping is carbon offset and packaging is 100% recycled)
Best Heirloom Quality: Cisco Home @ Urban Natural
A leader in the eco-friendly furniture space, Cisco Home has been handcrafting sustainable sofas in California for decades and was a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council.
Select “Inside Green” on the product page and your sofa (or sectional) will be made from FSC-certified wood, organic latex, and other natural materials like jute, hemp, organic cotton, and wool.
Price Range: $2600+ for sofa | $7600+ for sectional
Shipping: Ships within contiguous U.S.; white glove delivery available with fee
Best for Futons: The Futon Shop
The Futon Shop has an impressive set of organic sofas 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: $1,500 – $5,395
Shipping: Ships within the continental U.S.
Best for Sectionals: Burrow
Burrow offers modular eco-friendly sofas to reassemble and reconfigure with ease — meaning their pieces can stay with you for a lifetime, even through moves and family additions.
The brand’s thoughtful design goes beyond convenience, Burrow’s comfy couches are made with CertiPUR-US® certified cushions and sustainably-sourced wood.
Price Range: $795 – $3,995
Shipping: Free shipping; ships within the continental U.S.
Luxury Organic Sofas: EcoBalanza
Dedicated to creating “the ultimate organic sofa”, EcoBalanza really has considered every single component. The Seattle-based boutique uses FSC-certified hardwood, GOLS-certified organic latex, certified non-toxic fabrics, natural kapuk fiber cushions, and organic cotton or responsibly-sourced wool batting. Read more about the materials they use for their non-toxic sofas here.
Price Range: $3,000 – $4,300; Couture Collection starts at $6,800
Ordering & Shipping: Sofas are made to order. Learn more here.
Luxury Non-Toxic Sofas: PURE Upholstery
Made using non-toxic organic and natural ingredients, PURE Upholstery’s sustainable couches are free from toxic materials and ingredients, like chemical flame retardants.
PURE Upholstery crafts their eco-friendly couches with certified organic or non-toxic natural fabrics, GOLS-Certified Organic Latex, FSC-certified solid wood, recycled steel springs, certified organic wool, and a natural wood finish. (More on their materials here!)
Price Range: $1,675 – $5,595
Shipping: Ships within the U.S.; more details + lead time here
For Sustainable Outdoor Sofas: Loll Designs
If you’re looking for an outdoor sustainable sofa, then Loll Designs is the brand to know.
Loll Designs makes their furniture in Duluth, Minnesota using recycled HDPE (which stands for high-density polyethylene), mostly from recycled milk jugs, as well as USA-made aluminum inserts. The cushions are Sunbrella acrylic (which is virgin plastic) though you could instead opt for their cushion-free sofa.
That said, outdoor sofas are the toughest to find natural or non-toxic, unless you want to go cushion-free, then you can find seating that is all-wood.
Price Range: $1,395 – $2,995
Shipping: Ships to U.S. and internationally through their shipping partner Stackry
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 9 Best Sustainable and Non-Toxic Sofas for Restful Relaxation (2025) appeared first on .
9 Best Sustainable and Non-Toxic Sofas for Restful Relaxation (2025)
This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.
US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.
Focusing on what matters most
“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.
Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going
Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co
Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility
Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”
The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.
Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.
Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors
Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.
In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.
Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.
We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing
Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co
One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.
Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection
Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.
Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.
This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.
Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.
This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.
Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.
Balsam Cutoff TrousersThese Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.
Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.
This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.
Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.
Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.
The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.
Last Updated on November 21, 2025
If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!
I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.
If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.
I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).
what are good homemade Christmas gifts?
Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.
If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).
It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.
what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?
Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).
And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!
Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!
RELATED: Gift Wrapping: How to Keep It Easy, Eco and Chic
how can I make a last minute gift?
You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!
For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.
One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!
Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.
- Bath salts
- DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
- Bath bombs
- Lip scrub
- Lip balm
- Face mask
- Body lotion
- Natural perfume
- Dry shampoo
- Shampoo bar
- Body soap
- Deodorant
- Rose water toner
- Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
- Simmer pot in a jar
- Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
- Handmade seasoning blends
- Vanilla extract
- Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
- Herb or citrus infused olive oil
- Peanut butter + jam
- Beeswax wraps
- Apple or pumpkin butter
- Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
- Finished embroidery hoops
- Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
- Sewn cotton rounds
- Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
- Hand warmers
- Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
- Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
- Hand painted or drawn artwork
- Air dry clay paint palette
- DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
- Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
- Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
- Carving wooden bowls by hand
- Natural branch coasters
- Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
- Seed balls using native seeds
- Handwoven baskets or bowls
- Macrame produce bag
- Macrame plant hanger
- Fabric paper mache bowls
- Upcycled paper earring jewelry
- Clay earrings
- Handmade plush toys
- Felt ‘food’ toys
- Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
- Knit or crocheted baby clothes
What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!
The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Last Updated on November 6, 2025
Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.
And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.
On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.
It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.
what is the least toxic rug?
The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.
Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:
- Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool
- Low-waste packaging + delivery
- Natural, non-synthetic dyes
- Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs
- Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
- Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs
do all rugs have PFAS?
According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.
However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.
what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?
The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).
I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below).
what brand of rugs are non-toxic?
The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. hook and loom
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Made from GOTs certified organic cotton, recycled cotton + wool
- No dyes or harmful chemicals
- No latex
2. lorena canals
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Handmade by artisans using recycled materials like organic cotton + wool
- Nontoxic dyes
- Make your own option
- Machine washable
- Rugcycled line made from recycled materials in their own factory
3. sabai
- Field rug
- Woven using wool + jute
- Available in 3 varying sizes
- Rug pad add-on available for reduced movement
- Certified B Corporation
4. quince
- Various sizes + patterns, best known for vintage-inspired looks
- Made from natural materials like wool, jute, + cotton
- Handcrafted by artisans in India
- Transparent pricing practices
- Compostable poly bags + recycled plastic mailers
5. west elm
- Rugs for every area of the home, in varying sizes
- Made from wool, jute, hemp, cotton, TENCEL + recycled materials
- Handspun by skilled artisans in India
6. nestig
- Area + washable rugs made with fun shapes/designs for babies + kids
- Washable rugs made with organic cotton + nontoxic dyes
- Area rugs made with cotton + each colored element crafted from recycled cotton
- Handmade in Brazil
7. cold picnic
- Various rug shapes + sizes, abstract patterns + bold colors
- Made with wool, bamboo silk, cotton, hemp, + deadstock materials
- Designed in a Brooklyn studio, handmade by artisans in India
- Committed to reducing packaging waste where possible
8. loomy
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Made from banana silk, hemp, jute, recycled fiber, viscose, or wool
- Any colored yarn dyed using low-impact techniques
- Handcrafted by indigenous artisans
So what do you think of these non toxic, sustainable rugs? Let me know in the comments!
The post 8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
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