The White House has confirmed President Joe Biden’s selection of clean energy adviser John Podesta to succeed John Kerry as the president’s senior advisor for international climate policy.
Podesta, 75, is currently in charge of a team implementing Biden’s landmark climate bill, the Inflation Reduction Act. He formerly served as an adviser to Barack Obama and as Bill Clinton’s chief of staff, reported Reuters.
Earlier this year, Kerry — former secretary of state and senator from Massachusetts — announced he was stepping down in order to help with Biden’s reelection campaign.
“President Biden’s appointment of John Podesta to continue to lead our global climate efforts demonstrates the President’s steadfast commitment to tackling the climate crisis – and reflects his belief that we have not a moment to lose,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a press release from the White House. “John’s efforts and experience will be critical as countries around the world develop their next round of enhanced emissions targets, which are due early next year, as well as work to build out the global clean energy supply chains necessary for achieving our shared climate goals.”
President Joe Biden talks with John Podesta, senior advisor for clean energy innovation, aboard Air Force One on July 6, 2023, en route to a solar technology company in West Columbia, South Carolina as part of his “Investing in America” tour. Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz
Podesta’s relationships with climate diplomats in China, as well as his decades of political experience, will be beneficial in the new role.
“Secretary Kerry has put the U.S. back in leadership on climate around the world,” Podesta told the Washington Post. “And we’ll ensure that we keep up the momentum that has been built up through his efforts.”
Podesta was a key figure — along with former climate envoys Todd Stern and Kerry — in negotiating the first U.S.-China bilateral climate change accord in 2014, Reuters reported. The deal has been credited with laying the foundations for the Paris Agreement the following year.
“In three years, Secretary Kerry has tirelessly trekked around the world, bringing American climate leadership back from the brink and marshaling countries around the world to take historic action to confront the climate crisis,” said Jeffrey Zients, current White House chief of staff, in a statement, as reported by The New York Times. “We need to keep meeting the gravity of this moment, and there is no one better than John Podesta to make sure we do.”
Environmental groups applauded the decision to appoint Podesta.
“John Podesta is uniquely qualified to lead the nation’s climate diplomacy in this critical moment,” said Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), in a press release from NRDC. “The climate crisis lies at the root of cascading disasters inflicting rising costs and mounting dangers across every corner of the world. It’s a humanitarian crisis, an economic crisis, a security crisis. It’s a crisis of global injustice. John Podesta has the skills, knowledge and dedication to tackle these intersecting crises with the urgency they demand.”
Jean Su, energy justice director with the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the immediate need for action to stop the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis.
“Podesta needs to take the baton from Kerry and lead the U.S. on a furious sprint to end oil and gas expansion while we still have time to prevent the worst climate catastrophes,” Su said, as Reuters reported.
The post Biden Chooses John Podesta to Replace Kerry as New Global Climate Representative appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/biden-podesta-global-climate-representative.html
Your bedroom is a sanctuary but there are toxic chemicals lurking in our furniture that can keep it from being a true safe haven. This guide to sustainable and non-toxic nightstands is here to help you check one to-do off of your list in creating a toxin-free bedroom.
Note that this guide contains affiliate links. As always we only feature companies that might rigorous standards for sustainability that we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
What is a Non-Toxic Nightstand?
There’s a lot to look out for with non-toxic furniture, which I’ve covered in detail in that article. For this guide we’re focusing on nightstands, which are primarily made with wood or engineered wood. So I will focus on what to watch out for with wood furniture.
Solid Wood Nightstands
When possible, prioritize solid wood for a non-toxic nightstand because many composite woods (though not all) are made with adhesives that contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
With nightstands, even if the nightstand is solid wood, the drawers are frequently made with composite wood. If this is the case, ensure that it is free of formaldehyde and other toxic substances.
Zero VOC or Low VOC Finishes
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, include a variety of chemicals (such as formaldehyde). Some of these VOCs can be extremely toxic and harmful to our health, including another known human carcinogen, benzene. The EPA reports that VOCs are up to 10x higher indoors than outdoors, due to products we bring into our homes such as paints, building and furniture materials, and wood preservatives.
When it comes to wood products like nightstands, pay special attention to the finishes used on these pieces. Although wood is a natural material, it can still be finished with toxic chemicals.
Pure linseed oil — an oil made from flaxseeds — is a commonly used non-toxic finish.
What is a Sustainable Nightstand?
Again we’ll focus on wood here since most nightstands are made with wood (or composite wood) and typically do not contain any cushioning or fabrics.
Responsibly Sourced Wood
While wood is a natural renewable material, deforestation is a driver of climate change and biodiversity loss. Plus forests can help stem the effects of the third element in our triple planetary crisis, pollution.
When looking for sustainable wood nightstands, look for:
- Upcycled and repurposed wood
- Wood from reforestation projects
- Traceable, local (or at least domestic) wood
- FSC-Certified wood (though I would be remiss not to note that the FSC is far from perfect as a certifier)
Locally Made
When it comes to bulky, heavy objects like furniture, domestic production is a higher priority on my list when determining sustainability. Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions so the less a piece of furniture has to travel to get to me, the better.
In my case, this means made in the US. (I only know of one furniture company made in my state.)
Many sustainable American-made furniture companies even have their own furniture workshops, for maximum traceability, high social standards, and quality assurance.
Secondhand Nightstands
When it comes to sustainability, it’s hard to beat secondhand. This is furniture that already exists and may even be otherwise headed to a landfill. I’ve written in depth about my top picks for buying and selling secondhand furniture.
I’ll summarize it though as:
- Apps like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace (I’ve had the most luck with those two)
- In-person options like furniture resale stores and at estate sales (the former is more curated, the latter might have better deals)
- Online secondhand furniture marketplaces like AptDeco
Are secondhand nightstands non-toxic? Typically, no, given that the majority of furniture in general is not made with healthy materials. However if furniture is used it has likely off-gassed significantly already so there will be fewer fumes compared with buying that same piece new.
Be sure to check that the secondhand nightstand has come from a smoke-free home (and pet-free if you have allergies).
Where to Find Sustainable and Non-Toxic Nightstands
Feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to look for in a non-toxic or eco-friendly bedside table? I feel ya! That’s why I’ve done the hours of research and digging for you to curate the best of the best in non-toxic and sustainable nightstands.
You’ll find highlights of each company as well as other important information alongside each brand or retailer.
1. Medley
Crafted in the US by a production team with over 170 years of combined experience, Medley’s sustainable nightstands are built to last — the furniture frames even come with a lifetime warranty.
Medley’s expert team of furniture craftspeople make each of their bedside tables with FSC-certified solid walnut or maple for the tops, sides, and drawer(s). For the rest, Medley uses low-VOC CARB 2 compliant maple or walnut hardwood plywood to keep the nightstands light but sturdy.
Conscious Qualities: Zero and Low VOC Finishes, FSC-Certified Wood, USA-Made
Price: $745 – $1295
2. Copeland @ Urban Natural
Copeland crafts transitional furniture made with exceptional attention to quality in Vermont from hardwood sourced from the American Northern Forest. The company also uses renewable electricity from their own on-site solar array.
And Copeland’s standard finish for their products is a GREENGUARD Certified for low chemical emissions.
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Solid Wood, GREENGUARD Certified Finish, Heirloom Quality, USA-Made
Price: $240 – $2205
3. Thuma
Modern, simple, and available in four different finishes, Thuma’s upcycled rubberwood nightstands are versatile storage furnishings that complement a range of interior design styles.
These sophisticated nightstands can be available to ship in just 1-3 days and arrive fully constructed, no assembly required.
Conscious Qualities: Upcycled Solid Wood, GREENGUARD Gold Certified
Price: $445
4. Avocado
Made with solid maple or walnut in their own FSC-certified woodshop in Los Angeles, Avocado’s nightstands are sustainably made to last. The nightstands even come with a 10-year warranty.
Avocado seals the nightstands with a zero-VOC stain and while plywood is used for the drawers, the maple wood option is formaldehyde-free verified by UL Environment.
Conscious Qualities: Zero VOC Stain, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, FSC-Certified, In-House Production
Price: from $249
5. Healthier Homes
Founded by “healthy home builders” Rusty and Jen, Healthier Homes curates furnishings without the toxins rampant in modern-day mass produced furniture.
Choose from the solid mango wood Playa End Table (pictured here) finished with a low VOC finish or the solid wood Mindi Wood Bedside Table finished with a water-based low VOC finish.
Conscious Qualities: Solid Wood, Low VOC Finishes, Sustainable Furnishings Council Member
Price: $695 – $869
6. GRAYN @ Urban Natural
GRAYN brings timeless design and expert craftsmanship to sustainable furniture. Handcrafted in Bradford, Vermont, GRAYN’s nightstands embody the brand’s mission to create purposeful, long-lasting pieces.
Crafted from ethically-sourced solid oak, GRAYN’s furniture showcases natural variations in wood color and pattern, celebrating its unique character. Each piece is finished with a GREENGUARD certified clear coating for non-toxic durability.
Conscious Qualities: Ethically-Sourced Solid Oak, GREENGUARD Certified Finishes, USA Made
Price: $1589 – $2179
7. Maple Corner Woodworks @ Urban Natural
Building quality furniture with classic designs, Maple Corner Woodworks furniture is built to the highest standards.
MCW’s solid wood nightstands are made in Vermont by skilled woodworkers using responsibly-harvested cherry, maple, or walnut hardwood.
Conscious Qualities: Solid Wood, USA-Made, Exceptional Craftsmanship
Price: $1629+
More Furniture Guides:
11 Best Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Beds for a Sound Sleep
15 Non-Toxic Furniture Companies for a Healthier Home
Top 10 American-Made Furniture Brands Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
The post 7 Best Places for Sustainable and Non-Toxic Nightstands (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
7 Best Places for Sustainable and Non-Toxic Nightstands (2026)
Gone are the days when the act of upcycling clothing was solely associated with at-home DIY projects. Upcycling in fashion is now quickly becoming a creative and sustainable response to the industry’s growing waste crisis. Ahead, discover a curated list of upcycled fashion brands that are repurposing old garments into covetable, one-of-a-kind items of clothing that are a far cry from anything made using a hot glue gun.
What Is Upcycled Clothing?
Upcycling in fashion essentially involves the practice of repurposing post-consumer waste or worn-out pieces of textiles into fresh — and wearable — clothing styles.
By diverting landfill-bound clothing, adding value, and placing them back into circulation, upcycling encourages the very idea of circular fashion. An idea that could potentially prevent waste and reinforce a sense of value in the consumer that is used to tossing away clothing after merely getting 7-10 wears out of them.
The past few seasons have even seen luxury designer brands like Balenciaga, Chloé, and Dolce & Gabbana dabbling with upcycled creations by giving it the high-fashion boost it needs. For its SS21 collection, the statement-making Balenciaga showcased several upcycled looks that included a fur coat composed of dangling shoelaces, and a sheer dress made using basketball net chains.
What Is Reworked Fashion?
Not too dissimilar from upcycling, reworked clothing is the process of reshaping, restructuring, and re-stitching entire garments or parts of them, mixed and meshed with off-cuts, vintage textiles, and trims to produce unique pieces. (More on the behind-the-scenes of the clothing rework process in this podcast episode.)
In fact, studies have shown that clothing reuse activities can conserve between 90 to 95% of the energy needed to make new items, proving that repurposed clothes can significantly lower fashion’s carbon footprint.
Where to Find Upcycled Fashion Brands
According to premium shopping app and fashion data insights platform Lyst, people are growing increasingly curious about upcycled clothing styles. Lyst reports that they’ve seen a 117% rise in demand for upcycled, recycled, repurposed and reworked items year on year.
To keep up with this increasing interest, we scoured the internet to find you the best of the best upcycled clothing brands that are challenging throwaway culture by finding creative ways to repurpose vintage fashion and converting materials you wouldn’t have even dreamt of wearing, into glamorous, one-of-a-kind clothes that are worthy of being addressed as works of art.
Take a look at them below!
Note that the following includes affiliate links and partners. As always all of the upcycled fashion brands featured meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. GOAT Vintage
GOAT Vintage is a BIPOC woman-owned label on a mission to be the upcycled fashion brand that large retailers turn to for supporting their sustainability goals of zero waste production and transparent circularity. Fundamental in their DNA, GOAT Vintage uses no new materials whatsoever — everything is diverted from landfill or used textiles and transformed into “new” styles across the womenswear, menswear and kids categories.
Their upcycled +REWORK collection features a stylish range of clothes that don’t look reworked or pulled apart. From collegiate graphic fleeces, to girly ruffle skirts to the iconic 90’s slip dress, everything is reimagined with zero waste at the heart, with zero compromises on style.
GOAT Vintage partners with retailers who want to launch or expand their sustainable range with next level upcycling styles that are elevated and polished. Beyond streetwear, they design and produce exclusive collections for retailers such as PacSun, Culture Kings and others, to drive home the message that fashion can be truly circular and not a shred more needs to end up in landfill. That’s a message we can all get behind!
Price: $$-$$$$
2. Fanfare
Fanfare is a brand that’s breathing new life into vintage pieces, deadstock fabrics and surplus clothing by transforming them into unique contemporary designs.
Not only do they create upcycled looks but also feature a range of vintage pieces, along with a recycled clothing section on their site that showcases an impressive lineup of handpainted, embroidered and unique patchwork details.
The best part? Starting at $100, you can send them one of your tired old pairs of denim jeans to upcycle it to your customization and liking.
Price: $$-$$$
3. RE.STATEMENT
The upcycled clothing marketplace unlike any other, RE.STATEMENT works with small business designers to convert existing or used materials into pieces that make a statement.
From designers that tie-dye, hand-paint, and embroider appliqués to create distinctive styles you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, this marketplace lets you buy distinct clothing and also offers the unique option to upcycle your own clothes by co-creating with a RE.STATEMENT designer of your choice.
Price: $$-$$$
4. RE/DONE
At an amateur level, many of us have upcycled an old pair of jeans into denim cut-off shorts for the summer. After all, denim just happens to be one of the most democratic and resilient materials that tend to outlive most of the clothes in our wardrobes.
But don’t just take our word for it — take a look at what LA-based RE/DONE has achieved ever since it began partnering with heritage brands like Levi’s to upcycle vintage jeans into modern fits.
Since its affiliation with the timeless denim label in 2014, upcycled clothing brand RE/DONE claims to have diverted over 158,000 pairs of vintage Levi’s from landfills by transforming them into unique collectables.
Price: $$$-$$$$
5. 4KINSHIP
“If you are expecting a perfect piece, these are not for you.” These are just a few words of caution you’re bound to come across while shopping on 4Kinship’s website. This Diné-owned vintage and upcycled fashion brand prides itself on creating repurposed, imperfect pieces “that have a lot of soul” — as the brand so aptly describes it.
Upcycling materials like military parachutes and old curtains, along with a mix of preloved textile and vintage pieces, 4KINSHIP works with the indigenous folk of Dinétah (ancestral homeland of Navajo) and constantly supports projects that uplift their community.
Price: $$-$$$
6. E.L.V Denim
E.L.V Denim is a London-based label that upcycles unwanted post-consumer denim to create genderless, size-inclusive denim styles that are bound to age well in your wardrobes.
We love the fact that most of their denim jeans are vertically patched in contrasting washes at the legs to create unique styles that are sure to give you the illusion of a longer frame.
Moreover, by reusing existing denim materials, the upcycled denim brand reduces its water consumption by using 7 liters of water to wash its denim compared to a whopping 7,000 for every new pair of jeans made.
Price: $$$-$$$$
Shop @ MATCHES | Shop @ Net-A-Porter
7. Hôtel Vetements
This chic French label was born out of the need to rescue and revive discarded hotel linens and textiles to create clothes which capture the symbolism of the hotel experience through meticulous handicrafts.
Hôtel Vetements creates its wearable heirloom pieces using forgotten hotel curtains, upholsteries, cotton sheets, linens and tablecloths that look like they could’ve easily come from a Wes Anderson movie.
In fact, the upcycled clothing brand says that some of their hotel linens like embroidered, silk curtains were sourced from the iconic Ritz Hôtel in Paris and date all the way back to the 1800s.
Price: $$-$$$
8. Farewell Frances
Using a wide variety of vintage quilts and bedsheets, Farewell Frances makes upcycled clothing look every bit as covetable and chic.
The upcycled clothing brand’s range of quilted jackets appears worn-in yet cozy, which have a distinctive Cottagecore appeal to them. An aesthetic that is clearly visible in their styles, since the head designer, Carly Scheck claims to draw design inspiration from her favorite childhood movies and novels like Little Women, Heidi and Anne of Green Gables.
Price: $$-$$$
9. 1/OFF®
1/OFF® is a repurposed clothing brand that makes upcycling in fashion look oh so chic with vintage designer pieces from luxury fashion houses like Burberry, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and more. They create one-of-a-kind pieces as its namesake appropriately suggests.
Consider it your gateway brand to owning part of a higher-end luxury label. If that doesn’t sound convincing enough, just take a look at this repurposed halter-neck wrap top that came from a Ralph Lauren men’s shirt.
Price: $$$
Check out 1/OFF® (NL)
10. Chopova Lowena
This noteworthy UK-based upcycling fashion brand is a celebration of Bulgarian folklore that’s seamlessly blended with sporty elements and a bold punk aesthetic. Just as their design aesthetic suggests, the brand is famous for repurposing recycled and deadstock materials like pillowcases and aprons to create their inimitable skirts and sportswear.
Their iconic pleated skirts instantly give off a punk-rock vibe and have been worn by the likes of Madonna and Dua Lipa, to name a few.
Price: $$$-$$$$
11. Frankie Collective
If you’re a streetwear fan, then Frankie Collective is the place you ought to be shopping for your hypebeast attire. The upcycled fashion brand sources vintage pieces from cult brands like Nike, Champion, Adidas, and The North Face to create reworked pieces in ways you wouldn’t imagine were possible.
Expect to find wave color-blocked sweatpants assembled from 3 different vintage Nike sweaters to deceivingly well-constructed corsets and bustiers that don’t look as though they were reworked using a bunch of sweatshirts.
Price: $$-$$$
12. 3 Women
3 Women is a women-founded and owned brand creating upcycled clothing that you won’t believe once belonged to tablecloths, pillow covers, feed sacks, and rice sacks. You’ll also find vintage treasures from L.L. Bean, reworked Levi’s 501s, along with some pieces dating back to the 70s and 80s.
The Money Manifestation Jacket is easily one of their standout pieces that was crafted from parts of a feed sack and tablecloth.
Price: $$-$$$
13. Picnicwear
As its namesake suggests, Picnicwear — founded by upcycled fashion designer Dani — features a range of bright and cheerful summer-in-the-park-worthy clothes and accessories that are made using deadstock and vintage materials — primarily, upcycled towels!
If you’ve ever relished lounging in a towel robe after a relaxing shower, you know these terrycloth materials can instantly evoke a sense of lazy comfort. So, it’s only logical to see these colorful and bright towels turn into a range of covetable clothes for the summer.
Price: $$-$$$
14. Rokit
Having started out as a hip vintage denim store in the heart of London, Rokit launched its range of reworked fashion back in the late 80s, long before any of the younger millennials were even born.
To date, Rokit originals reworks secondhand and vintage clothes, uses deadstock materials, and manipulates just about anything old to create coveted limited edition pieces.
Since the brand started out as a vintage source for denim jeans, it comes as no wonder that some of the star pieces in their reworked collection include hand-dyed Levi’s jeans.
Price: $$-$$$$
Check out Rokit (UK & US)
15. Proche Studio
Your go-to source for pretty patchwork pieces unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, Proche Studio’s meticulous patterns are an absolute treat for your eyes.
Using vintage scraps from quilts and handkerchiefs, these camisole and patchwork pants are our go-to separates for the season. The unique yet wearable pieces are making upcycling in fashion look appealing even for upcycled clothing newbies.
Price: $$$
For More Slow Fashion Content:
About The Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her.
When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers.
The post The 15 Best Upcycled Fashion Brands Transforming Would-Be Waste into Beautiful Clothes appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
The 15 Best Upcycled Fashion Brands Transforming Would-Be Waste into Beautiful Clothes
This week’s quote is from poet Gary Snyder: “Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a larger image.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: Nature Is Not a Place To Visit. It Is Home. appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-nature-is-not-a-place-to-visit/
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