In slow fashion, we often talk about “fewer, better”. All too often, though, we focus in on the fewer part and forget about the better.
Putting the “Better” in the Fewer, Better Philosophy
There’s no question that we need to produce and consume fewer things. But if we only think about the less part of the equation, slow fashion can feel like a sacrifice.
Yet when we focus on the better — cherishing the clothes we love, caring for them more intentionally, and setting high standards for what we allow into our closets — the fewer part comes more naturally. And the experience is so much more joyful.
When I stopped thinking about how I wasn’t “supposed to” buy more clothes and instead leaned into simply appreciating the beauty of the clothes already in my closet, I found myself wanting those new clothes less.
I created higher standards for what I allowed into my wardrobe. This not only led to fewer purchases but also made me happier with the clothes I did decide to purchase. And when you have such incredible garments already in your closet, fashion’s hype machine is a lot less tempting.
To be clear, this doesn’t mean I don’t love admiring good fashion or that I never buy anything! But I have become far more intentional with my purchases.
What Does “Better” Mean?
When you have garments you absolutely love — whether for their quality, materials, fit, or unique design — the relentless churn of newness loses its appeal.
But “better” doesn’t always mean more expensive. It means knowing what you love, and having a more discerning eye.
For me, I always look at materials first. Sure sometimes this can be a little more of an investment, but not always. There are designer brands that use 100% polyester for some garments, and plenty of mid-priced brands that are committed to using natural fibers. That natural mid-price garment is a way better investment in my opinion.
I prioritize natural materials because that is what “better” means to me.
Recently, I added a 100% organic linen button-down to my closet, and it’s an absolute dream. It was one of the few new (non-secondhand) items I added to my wardrobe in 2024, and I’d wear it every single day if I could. And then when I put on a polyester shirt, I can feel the difference. (As in literally feel the difference — I sweat so much more!)
Suddenly, having one amazing 100% linen shirt instead of five cheaper polyester ones doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. It feels like a gift.
The same goes for the secondhand cashmere sweater I swapped into my closet years ago.
I used to dread winter. Then, I found this sweater and I realized that I could actually make it through -10-degree days when wearing the right materials.
A single sweater changed how I viewed an entire season! This is the under-appreciated power and potential of clothing.
For you, “better” might not be about fabrics, but about the fit or the style or even the color and pattern. If you’re not sure what you would define “better” clothing as, start paying more attention to the clothes you enjoy wearing. What’s the silhouette? The color? The fabric?
There are often patterns among your go-to garments.
Cultivating Gratitude in Our Wardrobes
One of the most transformative practices I’ve incorporated into my slow fashion journey is gratitude.
In a world that constantly tells us we need this must-have trend, go to that unique next destination, or use this skincare product to look 10 years younger, it’s not easy to pause and acknowledge when we have enough.
But knowing our “enough point” doesn’t mean we stop evolving or refining our wardrobes — it means we approach fashion with a mindset of contentment rather than scarcity.
Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude in our wardrobes:
1) Honor Our “Hero Pieces”
Do you have pieces in your closet that you wear again and again — pieces that make you feel good, confident, comfortable, or put together? These are often called “hero pieces.”
Think about what those pieces are for you and how they’ve served you:
- Maybe you have a trusty blouse that gave you confidence in an important job interview.
- Maybe a particular handbag makes you feel put-together even on the days you were rushing out the door.
- Maybe a certain pair of sweatpants is your go-to for a cozy, restful evening after a stressful week.
Perhaps it can sound silly at first to be grateful for clothing, but when we think about how clothes have supported us, it makes sense to appreciate these pieces.
Slow fashion isn’t about deprivation. It’s about developing a deeper sense of satisfaction and long-lasting joy from the clothes we already have.
2) Turn Overwhelm into Abundance
Recently, there was a trend on TikTok where people reframed complaints as expressions of gratitude. Instead of saying, “I have too many plans,” they’d say, “What a privilege it is to have a full life.”
Some (most?) of us probably have closets with more clothes than we regularly wear. Instead of saying, “I’m overwhelmed by my closet,” we can reframe it:
- “What a privilege it is to have a closet so full of clothes that I have options.”
- “What an opportunity to rediscover and restyle pieces I already own.”
- “What a chance to rehome items that no longer fit my life and bring joy to someone else.”
Instead of feeling guilt over a full closet, I try to see it as an opportunity — whether that’s restyling an old favorite or passing something along to a new loving home.
3) Acknowledge the Makers of Our Clothes
Behind every garment — whether it’s a handmade artisan piece or a mass-produced fast fashion item — are skilled hands of artisans, garment makers, sewists, and factory workers. Even industrial sewing machines are operated by real people.
When we pause to recognize this skilled labor, we not only develop a renewed sense of appreciation for our pieces, but we also acknowledge the (often undervalued and underpaid) workers who brought them to life.
Big fashion brands often hide these makers and the exploitative conditions they face. But recognizing the human effort behind each garment can help us shift our relationship with fashion. It can empower us to advocate for ethical labor conditions and fair wages in the industry.
Final Reflections: Gratitude as a Path to Slow Fashion
Practicing gratitude in our wardrobes is about more than just feeling good (though that is a good perk!) — it’s about reshaping how we engage with fashion.
When we approach our closets with gratitude, we shift from a mindset of scarcity and overwhelm to one of abundance and enoughness.
This practice helps us honor the value in what we already have, recognize the immense work that goes into every garment, and become more resilient against a culture that constantly urges us to consume more, no matter how much we already have.
Gratitude doesn’t mean we stop striving for better or stop curating our wardrobes. It means we approach these decisions with more care, joy, and appreciation.
And that is what truly puts the “better” in the “fewer, better” philosophy of slow fashion.
Want to get more slow fashion tips and inspiration?
The post Fewer, Better: How to Cultivate Gratitude in Slow Fashion appeared first on .
Sustainability is a series of experiments. No one is perfect and too many people don’t try to help the Earth because they think they won’t make a difference. Author Alice Waters reminds us that every tree is beautiful and we can be, too, if we forget perfection and focus on living well: “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is still perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.”
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 November 29, 2019.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: Nothing Is Perfect and Everything Is Perfect appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/living-well-being/earth911-inspiration-nothing-is-perfect-and-everything-is-perfect/
Green Living
Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: USEFULL’s Rob Kutner On Easing Reuse Adoption With Plastic Buy-Backs
The scale of our plastic waste crisis is staggering: the U.S. alone uses over 100 million plastic utensils every day, most of which are used once and tossed into landfills where they’ll persist for centuries. From ocean pollution to overflowing campus dumpsters after lunch rush, single-use packaging defines modern food service—but universities and businesses are under mounting pressure to embrace sustainable alternatives. Tune in to a conversation with Rob Kutner, Chief Revenue Officer at USEFULL, which offers a practical solution to food service waste: a reusable takeout container system designed for the high-volume and fast pace of college cafeterias. USEFULL’s latest move challenges throwaway culture head-on with a plastic buyback program that pays institutional cafeterias to ditch disposables and go reusable.
The company has already made waves at universities like the University of Pittsburgh, Emory University, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington, achieving a remarkable 99% return rate for their containers. The economics are compelling. Rather than asking institutions to absorb the cost of switching to sustainable packaging, USEFULL creates financial incentives by purchasing a cafeteria’s existing plastic inventory, removing the sunk costs barrier and providing immediate value to cafeterias ready to make the transition. USEFULL built an ecosystem to improve the convenience of reuse, developing tracking systems, POS integration services, and local washing and inventory management to solve the campus reuse challenge. The timing couldn’t be better. As Bain & Company recently reported, ROI has become the driving force for growing adoption of sustainable practices. As companies recognize the threat to future business performance represented by the take-make-waste economic model, USEFULL demonstrates how simple steps, not grandiose plans for revolution, can create tractable, attractive, and profitable paths to reduced waste. You can learn more about USEFULL’s reusable packaging system and their expanding campus network at https://usefull.us/
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Editor’s Note: This episode originally aired on April 11, 2025.
The post Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: USEFULL’s Rob Kutner On Easing Reuse Adoption With Plastic Buy-Backs appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/podcast/sustainability-in-your-ear-usefulls-rob-kutner-on-easing-reuse-adoption-with-plastic-buy-backs/
The right sustainable rug can completely transform a space. A plant-based fiber rug like jute or sisal can create a grounding warmth, while a thick responsibly-sourced wool rug adds a sense of luxury. An artisan handcrafted rug infuses character and authentic culture where a vintage one can add layers of history and soul.
Furniture is functional and can be beautiful, but adding an exceptional rug is what brings it all together. A rug is at the center — at the heart — of your living room or bedroom or dining room. In other words: a rug is how you start to turn those four walls into a home.
That said, unfortunately most rugs today are mass-produced from synthetic fibers like polyester (read: plastic), finished with toxic chemicals, and made in unethical labor conditions.
Thankfully, there is a better way. Let’s talk sustainable rugs.
What is a “Sustainable Rug”, Exactly?
I like to include an in-depth explanation on “sustainable” in our guides because there’s no standard definition of the term when it comes to fashion or home goods. So here’s how we define “sustainable rugs” at Conscious Life & Style.
Natural Materials:
We’re looking for natural fibers like jute, seagrass, sisal, hemp, cotton (less common) or ethically-sourced wool. Recycled natural fibers are a great bonus, as is organic. The most reputable organic certification for fibers currently on the market is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
We’re steering clear of synthetic rugs, including recycled polyester in this guide, because they risk releasing microplastics into our homes and environment.
Also natural fibers that aren’t treated with or blended with synthetics are generally biodegradable at the end of their life.
“Recyclability” when it comes to textiles is largely a misnomer. We have far more textile waste than we do textile recycling infrastructure capacity. Plus many types of fabrics still can’t be recycled properly — if at all — today.
Dyes & Chemical Usage
Another source of impact is the dyes and other finishes used on the rugs. Many of these dyes and finishes are synthetic.
One better option is a “low impact dye” — this generally refers to a synthetic dye that doesn’t contain common toxic chemicals (like heavy metals) and has a higher absorption rate, which requires less water. Natural dyes on the other hand are non-synthetic colorants derived from plants, minerals, or sometimes even insects.
There are also additional chemicals these companies may add to rugs like PFAS (forever chemicals) for stain or water resistance or flame retardants. So if you see claims like “stain resistant” or “easy care” you probably want to do some additional digging to ensure those textiles weren’t treated with toxic chemicals.
One certification to look for is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which is a label for textiles that have been tested against common harmful substances.
Ethical Production Practices:
Unfortunately forced and child labor is still happening in the carpet and rug industries. So transparency is key. Two certifications to look for are GoodWeave (assurance against child, forced, and bonded labor) and Fair Trade Certified
. Certifications are certainly not an end all be all, so I’m also looking for transparency from the brand — who makes their products? How are they made? What is their relationship to those makers, artisan cooperatives, or facilities? Are they working in safe conditions? Are they paid fairly? A living wage?
Another element here is craftsmanship. Many of these rug-making techniques have been around centuries, but are at risk of dying out with the rise of mass-produced rug makers. Is the brand showing a commitment to sustaining heritage techniques and generations-old craftsmanship?
You might also like to look for local production, though local doesn’t automatically mean ethical. I still like to look for transparency here, as exposés have found there are still sweatshops in the US, too.
Durability & Longevity:
This one is the most challenging. Not only is it difficult to assess the durability of a rug before you’ve purchased it (even most reviewers only comment on their initial experience), but durability is also significantly impacted by how we care for that rug. Do you wash it often? Do you have pets? Kids? Are you putting the rug in a high-traffic area? Is it getting wet often (like in a kitchen or bathroom)?
That said, I’m looking for attention to craftsmanship from a brand, and attention to detail. There are also certain elements to look out for. For example:
- Thicker and denser rugs generally hold up better than looser or low-density tufted rugs.
- Reinforced edges prevent fraying and strong backings prevent the rug curling at the edges.
- Hand-knotted rugs are labor intensive (and may be pricier) but can last decades or even centuries.
Top Picks for Sustainable Rugs
Ok so that was a lot! But no stress — I’ve done the hours of heavy lifting and digging for you to curate this guide to brands with sustainable rugs. So let’s dive in.
Note that Conscious Life & Style is reader supported and this guide includes affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase via some of these links, I may earn a commission. As always all brands meet are rigorous sustainability criteria.
Secondhand First!
Part of our philosophy at Conscious Life & Style is to look secondhand first. So before we dive into the brands, here are some places to find vintage and pre-loved rugs first:
1. The Citizenry
Best for: Living rooms and bedrooms
Every rug from The Citizenry tells a story of master craftsmanship and ethical production. Hand-knotted and hand-loomed by artisan partners across the globe from Morocco to Peru each piece blends modern minimalist design with time-tested techniques passed down through generations. The Citizenry’s collection features everything from plush, textured wool designs to natural jute pieces, and the retailer guarantees 100% fair trade standards on every product, partnering directly with artisan communities to ensure living wages and sustainable livelihoods while celebrating rich weaving traditions.
Materials: Wool, Jute
Price Range: From $399
Shipping: Ships to all US States and Canada
2. Lorena Canals
Best for: Living rooms and bedrooms
Lorena Canals revolutionized the rug industry with machine-washable cotton and wool rugs that don’t compromise on beauty or sustainability. Handcrafted in the brand’s own factory in India since 1998, each piece uses natural or recycled fibers, non-toxic azo-free dyes certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX standards, and a water-efficient cone-dyeing method that conserves 75% of water compared to traditional processes. The aesthetic ranges from playful geometric patterns and kitchen tile motifs to minimalist neutral textures in their Woolable collection. With customizable options and designs that celebrate the natural colors of undyed wool, these rugs pair practical washability with artisan craftsmanship, all while supporting the brand’s Sakûla Project school for children in northern India.
Materials: Cotton, Wool
Price Range: From $145
Shipping: Global | Outside of US and Canada? Use this website to order instead.
3. Avocado
Best for: Living rooms and bedrooms
From 100% wool rugs hand-loomed by artisans in the Guatemalan highlands to natural hemp rugs woven by individual weavers in India, Avocado’s rugs add coziness and craft to any space. There are also several different aesthetic options, from colorful geometric shapes that add a dose of joy to your living room to a neutral beige with a luxe deep pile that could suit any space in your home.
Materials: Wool, Hemp
Price Point: From $455
Shipping: Ships via FedEx freight to US States and Territories
4. Schoolhouse
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms
Schoolhouse brings American design sensibility to handcrafted rugs woven in India using natural materials. Their collection spans hand-knotted wool pieces with vivid, whimsical patterns like the Sundrop design to reversible flatweave plaid styles perfect for layering. Natural-dyed wool yarn creates rich, enduring colors—from burnt orange and chartreuse to soft neutrals—while jute-chenille blends offer versatility underfoot without the typical scratchiness. With 80% of their assortment domestic and FSC-certified materials across their product lines, Schoolhouse prioritizes reducing carbon emissions through consolidated shipping and minimal plastic packaging.
Materials: Wool, Jute, Cotton, Recycled PET (note: PET is plastic, so this isn’t our top recommendation)
Price Range: From $79
Shipping: Ships to all US States and Canada
5. Nestig
Best for: Nurseries and playrooms
Nestig transforms nursery floors with whimsical, machine-washable rugs that parents actually want to clean. Hand-loomed in Brazil by local artisans with over 20 years of experience, each piece uses 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton grown locally and dyed with non-toxic pigments. The designs range from playful vehicles (dump trucks, airplanes, sailboats) and animals (dinosaurs, bears) to sophisticated geometric patterns and world maps. Nestig operates on a “just enough” business model that minimizes warehouse inventory and carbon footprint, partnering exclusively with sustainable, family-owned businesses. Every rug arrives as a truly one-of-a-kind piece with natural variations that come from artisan craftsmanship.
Materials: Organic Cotton
Price Range: From $399
Shipping: Ships to US, Canada, and the UK
6. Salem Hello
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and statement spaces
Salam Hello bridges the gap between Moroccan artisan tradition and contemporary homes with transparency at its core. Each handwoven rug is crafted by Amazigh women in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, preserving techniques passed through generations while ensuring fair wages and artisan recognition. The collection includes ready-to-ship vintage and new pieces alongside made-to-order designs where you choose size, color, and pattern. From neutral flatweaves and textured hand-knots to bold geometric designs rich in traditional symbolism, every rug carries protective meaning woven into its fibers. With collaborations like their Izra collection with General Assembly and the Atlas Form line, Salam Hello offers refined modern interpretations alongside authentic traditional styles.
Materials: Wool
Price: From $625
Shipping: Ships Worldwide
7. Organic Weave
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and kids’ rooms
Organic Weave was born after founder Linda witnessed child labor at the rug manufacturers in India her family’s rug business was sourcing from. When Linda became the buyer at her family’s company, she started sourcing exclusively from the only supplier that was committed to not employing children.
Today, Organic Weave is GoodWeave certified — a certification providing additional assurance there isn’t child labor in the supply chain. And as the name suggests, the sustainable rug company also uses organic materials: 100% organic wool for high-traffic areas like living rooms and 100% organic cotton for lower traffic areas like bedrooms. Their handmade, artisan crafted rugs are Global Organic Textile Standard Certified too.
Materials: Organic Cotton, Organic Wool
Price Range: From $1,789
Shipping: Ships Worldwide
8. CICIL
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms
Founded by two former Patagonia textile experts in North Carolina, Cicil brings radical transparency to rug-making with a supply chain that travels less than 1,000 miles from wool to floor. Their braided and shuttle weave rugs use 70% undyed wool sourced directly from small family farms across upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, combined with 30% jute for durability. With shapes ranging from linear and oval to curvy and arch designs, each piece celebrates natural wool tones—from deep grays to warm beiges—without any synthetic dyes or finishes. Made in the Carolinas using traditional techniques on vintage looms, Cicil’s approach is intentionally “anti-innovation,” focusing instead on time-tested methods that create rugs built to biodegrade gracefully after a lifetime of use.
Materials: Wool, Jute
Price Point: From $459
Shipping: Ships within the US (all orders ship free)
9. Urban Natural
Best for: Living rooms and bedrooms
Urban Natural is your online destination for finding responsibly-made, exceptionally crafted home goods from sustainably-minded makers. Brands on Urban Natural include Loloi, a well-respected GoodWeave certified rug brand with rugs ethically hand-woven in Varanasi, India; and Jaipur Living, a company dedicated to preserving time-honored handcrafted art and rug weaving traditions, partnering with 40,000 artisans across hundreds of rural communities throughout India.
Other sustainable rug options on Urban Natural include 100% linen rugs from Libeco, which holds the Masters of Linen® quality label; and 100% wool rugs made in the USA from Earth Weave, the first US carpet manufacturer with a completely natural product line.
Materials: Wool, Jute, Sisal, Cotton, Silk, and Linen (Note: there are a couple of “performance” rugs made with polyester)
Price Range: Starts at $179
Shipping: Ships within the US
10. LOOMY
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms
LOOMY proves that sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing style with a curated collection of contemporary rugs made entirely by hand from indigenous artisan weaving communities worldwide. Their natural fiber collection includes wool, jute, cotton, hemp, and sisal rugs alongside performance options crafted from recycled P.E.T. plastic diverted from oceans and landfills. From shaggy textures and bold geometric patterns to minimalist flatweaves, every design is exclusively created in-house and made without mechanical assistance, using traditional spinning, natural dye baths under the sun, and generations-old loom techniques. The brand’s transparency extends to sharing exactly who made each rug, how many hours it took, and the sustainable materials used.
Materials: Wool, Jute, Cotton, Hemp, Sisal, Recycled P.E.T.
Price Range: From $278
Shipping: Ships to all US States and Canada
Honorable Mentions: More Sustainable Rug Options
Here are some additional companies with sustainable rugs to check out! These didn’t make the “top 10” list based on our criteria, but you might have different priorities. So if you’re not finding what you’re looking for above, I recommend taking a look at this list too.
Hook and Loom: if you’re looking for a non-toxic organic rug, Hook and Loom has undyed organic cotton and natural wool rugs made without added chemicals. Their website doesn’t have the most modern user experience, which can make shopping a bit more cumbersome, but the brand has thousands of positive reviews.
Sabai: Sabai’s all-natural textured rugs are crafted from jute and wool in North Carolina by skilled rug makers. They are one of the few companies to manufacture their rugs in the US. That said, the rug does appear to be on the thinner side considering the price point.
West Elm: this large furniture retailer has some more sustainably-sourced rugs as well as options made in Fair Trade Certified facilities, though you have to do some double-checking as not all of their options are more eco-minded or ethically made.
Yaya & Co: this brand has some high sustainability standards like 100% organic certified materials and production in a Fair Trade Certified family-owned factory! Their designs are quite colorful and fun too, which isn’t always easy to find with organic materials. Their selection is more limited compared to the other brands and retailers, which is the only reason they didn’t make it onto the top 10 list.
Revival: this brand has a stunning selection of aesthetics and styles, including some high quality picks like hand-knotted wool rugs made by skilled artisans. The transparency of Revival isn’t quite at the standard of other picks like The Citizenry, but this is still an exceptional pick.
The post 10 Best Sustainable Rugs For a Healthier Home — and Planet appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
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