Connect with us

Published

on

Last Updated on April 12, 2024

You’ve probably heard the term “going green” before: But what exactly does it mean? And is there a difference between going green and being sustainable?

Not really: Going green basically means living a sustainable lifestyle or choosing to make more eco conscious choices.  

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

In my own life, I “go green” by choosing to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in my life, bike or walk to my destinations, and eat a plant-based diet. All these individual choices help reduce my carbon footprint and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

That said, you can also go green through collective action as well: Participating in climate marches, signing petitions, and pushing climate policy are just a few examples of this. Remember: Individual and collective action both matter and aren’t mutually exclusive.

If you want to learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, here’s everything you need to know about going green.

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

what does going green mean? 

Going green means being more eco conscious and changing your lifestyle to reduce your overall impact on the planet.

When you go green, you become more environmentally aware and recognize the choices you make have some kind of impact on the planet, good or bad.

For example, maybe you started to notice all the plastic you use and then find out only 5-6% of it is recycled. This may motivate you to “go green” by reducing your plastic consumption where you can.

Or, perhaps you’ve witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand. Many people are starting to go green because they’ve seen the effects of climate change and want to act.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Human activity has been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas.

The consequences of climate change include, but are not limited to: Intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity.

One way to combat climate change is to go green, both on an individual and collective level. We can do this through mindset shifts, sustainable swaps, and holding corporations and government accountable.

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

what are examples of going green? 

There’s no one way to go green. There are so many different ways to lessen your impact on the environment.

For example, I started my journey into green living through the zero waste movement. Zero waste focuses on reducing trash and creating closed-loop cycles of production.

But there are so many other ways to go green that aren’t limited to just pertaining to physical forms of waste.

Some examples of going green include, but are not limited to:

  • Reducing single-use plastic consumption 
  • Eating less meat and dairy (or completely omitting it) 
  • Biking, walking, carpooling, or taking public transportation more 
  • Supporting organic and regenerative farming practices 
  • Thrifting for clothes, furniture and small appliances 
  • Avoiding impulse purchases and consuming less 
  • Eating local, seasonal produce 
  • Growing a pesticide-free vegetable garden 
  • Reducing water waste 
  • Switching to renewable energy 
  • Planting native plants instead of lawns 
  • Supporting conservation efforts of natural spaces 

what does going green mean for kids? 

Speaking to kids about going green is incredibly important. Doing so fuels their love for the planet and will encourage them to adopt sustainable habits early on.

Getting your kids to go green doesn’t have to be hard or full of doom and gloom. You can focus on the beauty of Earth and show them fun ways to protect it.

Here are some ways to get your child involved in green living:

  • Get them to take the zero waste challenge for kids! Every day, they’ll learn about one new sustainable swap they can make to reduce pollution. 
  • Introduce them to some sustainable crafts and projects. Things that will get their hands dirty, like making and using plant paints, are a fun and engaging way to teach them sustainable practices. 
  • Encourage them to create sustainable science experiments. You can do these from the comfort of your home. 
  • Buy them books on sustainability, or borrow some from the library. After reading one or two of the books on this list, it’s good to follow it up with action. This will help your child better absorb what they’ve read and apply it. 
  • Lead by example: Create sustainable habits in your own life and they’re bound to notice. Kids are very observant and may even adopt your habits as their own. 

what are 10 ways to go green? 

There are so many ways to go green but let’s dive into ten ways to get you started.  You can pick and choose which you’re most interested in to follow. Or you can make small swaps in each category! Just remember, doing something is better than nothing.   

Also, going green isn’t limited to just these ten habits! Be sure to do your research and make your own educated decisions.

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

1. reduce plastic waste 

Over 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been generated since the 1950s. Yet only 5% of that plastic actually gets recycled, which is down from 9%.

We’re not getting better at recycling plastic, we’re getting worse. It doesn’t help that there are seven different kinds of plastic, and every state (even down to the town) has different recycling regulations.

The best solution is to reduce plastic waste where you can. Choosing reusables and saying no to single-use plastic is the best way to do this.

Here are some ways you can reduce plastic waste:

  • Do a trash audit to see where you stand on trash. Did you find a lot of plastic cups? Takeout containers? This will help you see what areas you need to pinpoint and make changes to. 
  • Start with the big four: Water bottles, plastic bags, straws and takeaway coffee cups. Opt for reusable versions of these items and stash them in your car or purse. 
  • Invest in eco-friendly items when you’ve used up your current stuff. Ex: After you finish your toothpaste, consider switching to toothpaste tabs in plastic-free packaging.
  • Avoid judging others on their plastic use. Instead, direct that frustration towards big plastic polluters, like Pepsico and Coca Cola.
  • Write to your favorite brands that use plastic packaging and ask them to consider more eco-friendly packaging options.
  • Don’t sweat the small stuff: No one is perfect. Sometimes, a plastic straw will come with your drink. Sometimes, you can’t avoid buying the veggies wrapped in plastic. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for this. Just keep moving forward!

Here are some articles all about zero waste living: 

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

2. eat a plant-based diet 

Eating more plants instead of animal products can result in lower emissions.

A vegan diet can reduce climate heating emissions by 75% compared to a diet that includes animal products. Also, 80% of deforestation in the Amazon is due to the expansion of livestock farming and feeding animals.   

Choosing a whole-foods approach to a vegan or plant-based lifestyle is the best choice. Try to incorporate fresh greens and veggies whenever possible, along with beans and legumes, over processed vegan foods.

Here’s how to get started on a plant-based diet:

  • Stock up on essentials in your pantry and fridge. Choose plant proteins like tofu, chickpeas, lentils and nuts. For milk, butter and cheese, there are several vegan alternatives to choose from in stores. For eggs, try out different egg substitutes. 
  • Get some snacks. Seasonal fruits, nuts, hummus, guacamole, and salsa are just a few to try. 
  • Plan your meals. Take some time to map out what dishes you’d like to prepare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look up vegan versions of your favorite dishes for inspiration. 
Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

3. ditch single-use paper products 

We use a lot of single-use paper products: Paper towels, paper napkins, and toilet paper.

Did you know it takes 12 trees and 20,000 gallons of water to make one ton of paper towels? In the U.S., we currently use more than 13 billion pounds of paper towels each year, and most just end up in a landfill.

While I won’t recommend ditching toilet paper, I will say there are more sustainable alternatives than the conventional brands for each of these items.

Here are some options to consider:

  • Make the switch to reusable paper towels. You can use these to dry your hands, wipe up spills, and dry the dishes.  
  • Invest in reusable cloth napkins. You can use these to wipe your hands and mouth at the table. Just toss them in the wash when you’re done. 
  • Switch to a more sustainable toilet paper option. I love Who Gives a Crap: They make toilet paper from recycled paper. They also offer toilet paper made from 100% bamboo. Both are kinder to the environment, and they ship plastic-free. 

RELATED: Zero Waste Cloth Paper Towel Tips

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

4. drive less 

Most cars still use internal combustion engines (ICE), which means they run on fossil fuels. When these gases leave your tailpipe, they contribute to climate change.

In the US, the transportation sector produces a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions. Over 57% of these emissions come from vehicles like cars, small trucks, and SUVs.  

According to the EPA, burning a gallon of gasoline produces nearly 9kg of carbon dioxide (CO2). It stacks up to ~4,600kg of CO2 per automobile year. That’s about a third of an average American’s carbon footprint.  

Simply driving less can cut down on your carbon footprint. You can do this by walking and biking shorter distances. Investing in a good set of walking shoes and bike gear is essential. In some cities you can also rent a bike (like CitiBike). Or, if you know someone who has a bike, see if they’d be willing to lend it to you.

If you must travel farther, opting to carpool or get public transportation is the better option. Carpooling with friends or family is always a fun option. But you can also get an Uber or Lyft (these apps even let you request an EV!).

Buses, subways and trains can carry far more people than personal automobiles. This means they have far fewer emissions per passenger.

If you have the option to, consider working from home (aka telecommuting) whenever you can. This saves you from unnecessary trips to the office and may even save you on gas money.

If you must travel with a car every day, consider upgrading to greener model. Electric cars (EVs), plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids are all good options to consider.

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

5. stop supporting fast fashion 

According to the British Fashion Council, we have enough clothing on the planet to dress six generations.

Yet, every second, the equivalent of a trash truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in a landfill. Textile production contributes to climate change more than international aviation and shipping combined.    

On top of this, most of the clothes we wear today are made from synthetic fabrics, like polyester, which is fossil fuel derived. These shed microplastics over time and whenever we wash them.

Here’s how we can stop supporting fast fashion:

  • Avoid supporting big companies like Shein, H&M, Temu, Amazon and Forever 21. These companies, among many others, produce excess amounts of clothing (and various other items) at the expense of people and planet. 
  • Take care of the clothes you own. Be an outfit repeater. Wash your clothes according to the care instructions to make them last. 
  • Go thrifting when you need something new. Or, borrow from a loved one. 
  • Consider renting clothes if you will only use the outfit once (like to a wedding). 
  • If you must buy new, choose to support sustainable clothing brands
Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

6. switch to a green bank 

Your bank may be directly funding the fossil fuel industry. Sixty of the largest banks in the world have invested $3.8 trillion in fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement.

Our savings and checking accounts are being used to fund all sorts of projects, but many banks aren’t transparent about how they’re using our money.

They could be investing in thousands of projects you don’t agree with like drilling, mining, fracking, for-profit prisons, tobacco, pipelines, and so much more.

Here are the big bad four:

  • JP Morgan Chase 
  • Citibank 
  • Wells Fargo 
  • Bank of America 

According to the Banking on Climate report, these banks have invested the most money in fossil fuels, and JP Morgan Chase leading the way at $317 billion.

If you have your money with these banks, I highly recommend taking it out. Put it with a local credit union or put it with one of these sustainable banks.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Fossil Fuel Divestment

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

7. repair and re-use what you have 

Using what you have will always be the most sustainable option. You should never feel pressured to run out and buy the latest “sustainable product” just because.

I still have old-plastic Tupperware. I am careful about what I store in it, but I definitely still use it.

All my cloth towels are stained. Heck, half of them are old t-shirts.

I like getting creative with what I have, being part of my buy nothing group, and thrifting things when I need them.

Don’t focus on what you can buy, but on what you can do. That includes repairing items when they rip or break!

Here are some articles all about repairing and caring for your items:

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

8. have an energy-efficient home 

Each area of the home uses a lot of energy. The kitchen is a perfect example: This is one of the most appliance heavy rooms in the house, and many of them stay plugged in 24/7 which is responsible for oh-so-spooky *phantom electricity*.

Phantom Electricity makes up more than 10% of an average home’s annual electricity bill.

Phantom electricity happens when electronic devices are plugged in but not actively working. If you have a toaster plugged in and sitting on your counter, it’s still drawing electricity from the power grid.

While it’s not drawing a ton of power, it’s still enough to add up on your electric bill. Other kitchen examples would be your dishwasher, microwave, toaster or a blender plugged in even when not in use.

Here are some ways you can reduce energy consumption in your home:

  • Unplug your appliances, gaming systems, and electronics when not in use. 
  • Turn off the lights when you’re leaving a room. 
  •  Keep the thermostat set to a temperature that’s not too cold in the summer, nor too warm in the winter. 
  • Keep your fridge door closed, and keep it fully stocked. 
  • Air dry your dishes. 
  • Chop smaller vegetables: The smaller they are, the less time it takes to cook them, which means less time the oven needs to be on. 
  • Cook with the lid on to speed up the cooking process. 
  • Use an electricity-free bidet attachment in the bathroom. 

Here are some articles that will help make your home more energy efficient:

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

9. recycle properly 

A lot of people wishcycle. Wishcycling is when you toss something into the recycling bin and hope it gets recycled, even if you’re not sure it will.

When you do this though, you run the risk of the whole recycling bin becoming contaminated (and thus, unrecyclable).

Instead, brush up on your local recycling regulations: They vary from state to state, or sometimes even from town to town. Something that’s considered recyclable in New York, may not be in Texas, and vice versa.

You can usually check your local state’s website for information. Once you find out what’s recyclable, consider printing it out or writing it down on scrap paper. Then, hang it somewhere you can see every day, like the fridge door.

Here are some articles that can help you recycle properly:

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

10. support a sharing economy 

Last but not least, find ways to support a sharing economy. Today, we are largely disconnected from each other, despite being connected by the internet.

Very few of us know our neighbors and there’s a huge push for individuality. This is fueled by the linear economy we live in where items are designed for the landfill.

We’re encouraged to buy more and constantly bombarded by ads. Even on TikTok or Instagram, someone is always trying to sell you something.

But the planet doesn’t need us consuming more stuff: In fact, we should be buying less, and sharing more.

Here are some ways we can participate in a sharing economy:

  • Host or attend a clothing swap with friends and family.  
  • Visit the library where you can check out books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and even attend free workshops. 
  • Join a community garden. 
  • Growing excess food? Put it outside your home with a sign that says “free” on it. 
  • Start a little free library. 
  • Host or attend a potluck with your neighbors. 
  • Consider starting a repair cafe, or join a maker’s space. 
  • Borrow tools and gardening supplies from a neighbor or loved one. 
  • Start a seed library. 
  • Offer to carpool your neighbor or coworkers to work.

RELATED: 5 Ways For You to Join The Sharing Economy

So, what do you think of these tips and tricks on going green? Let me know in the comments!

The post Going Green Beginner’s Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle  appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Going Green Beginner’s Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 

Continue Reading

Green Living

12 Best Sustainable Furniture Companies Worth The Investment (2026)

Published

on

The ethical and sustainable furniture companies featured below offer everything from sustainable office chairs and desks to bed frames and storage furniture (with a whole lot in between)!

I’ve curated this selection of ethical and environmentally friendly furniture companies to bring you everything you’d need to furnish your space consciously, whether you need sustainable bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture, or outdoor furniture.

This is your ultimate guide to finding the very best in sustainable furniture.

Note that this guide does include affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase via these links at no additional cost to you. As always, brands we curate meet strict standards for sustainability and design, and are brands we love that we think you’ll love too.

What is Sustainable Furniture Anyway?

Just as with anything with the word sustainable in front of it: there’s a lot to consider when it comes to sustainable furniture! Below is a list of elements to get started with.

Secondhand Furniture

The most sustainable furniture is the furniture that already exists! Shopping for used furniture prevents that piece from being landfilled and reduces the need to produce new furniture. Looking secondhand is also a way to get affordable sustainable furniture.

I shop for secondhand furniture quite a bit so I have an entire guide to the best places to buy and sell used furniture if this is something you’re interested in. You might also enjoy listening to my podcast episode with secondhand interior designer Nina Verduin.

Some easy options to get started with our Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook. Local furniture resale shops, garage sales, and estate sales are also good options if you have a bit more flexibility in what you’re looking for and would rather shop in person.

Personally I’ve had the best luck with Facebook Marketplace and secondarily with estate sales. Or even grabbing a few furniture pieces I couldn’t believe my fellow apartment dwellers were dumping out!

For more curated selections of secondhand furniture, this is what I’d suggest after an embarrassing amount of hours spent browsing furniture resale marketplaces!

AptDeco

AptDeco is a mecca for buying and re-selling furniture in nearly every category from various brands—including West Elm, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel. There’s also often quite a few beautiful vintage furniture available on the site.

Chairish

Chairish is an online destination to sell and buy used furniture, mostly vintage furniture. The secondhand furniture site has a massive collection of furniture in every category, no matter how specific, that you may be looking for. However, it tends to be more expensive than other secondhand marketplaces since they have more of a focus on vintage furniture, including some collectible or high-demand items.

Eco-Friendly Furniture Materials

Below is a list of eco-friendly furniture materials that a sustainable furniture company might use:

  • Reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood (look for labels like FSC-Certified)
  • Recycled steel or recycled aluminum for metal furniture
  • Natural fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and linen or recycled fabrics for upholstery
  • Natural Dunlop latex, Talalay latex, or CertiPUR-US® certified foam
  • Recycled or natural fiber fills for pillows and cushions
  • Low to zero-VOC finishes and stains, such as linseed oil

Interested in non-toxic furniture specifically? Check out our Non-Toxic Furniture Brands Guide.

You’ll see a few certifications throughout this guide. Here’s what each one actually covers:

  • FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed (not a finish, foam, or textile guarantee)
  • GOTS Certified = the fabric meets strict organic and safety standards, including labor protections throughout the supply chain (a textile-specific certification, not a wood or foam guarantee)
  • GOLS Certified = verifies that latex foam is made from certified organic latex, meeting strict environmental and safety standards throughout production (a latex-specific certification)
  • CertiPUR-US® = the foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, mercury, lead, or formaldehyde, and meets low VOC emission standards (a synthetic foam certification, not a claim that the foam is natural or organic)
  • GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold Certified = the finished product was tested for low chemical emissions, with Gold representing the stricter tier
  • MADE SAFE® = one of the more comprehensive certifications available, screening against a list of thousands of chemicals known or suspected to harm human health; assessed at the product level, though it’s still worth checking which specific products a brand has certified rather than assuming it covers their entire catalog

Responsible and Locally-Made Furniture

An ethical furniture company should be considering their workers, ensuring safe conditions and fair wages.

Ideally, the brand would produce their furniture domestically to minimize emissions and increase transparency of their supply chain. Some of the furniture brands in this guide even own their own manufacturing facility, which is a major bonus!

Since I am based in the US, a lot of the brands in this guide are USA Made furniture companies.

Check the furniture company’s About or Sustainability pages to see if they include any information about the factories they source from or the craftspeople and furniture artisans that they partner with to produce their pieces.

Other Sustainability Efforts

In addition to environmentally-friendly materials and fair production standards, sustainable furniture brands likely have several other sustainability initaitives.

These might include:

  • A take-back, resale program, or secondhand marketplace
  • A repair program or ability to buy replacement components
  • Reforestation projects that replenish forests beyond the trees sourced for their furniture
  • Donation initiatives to environmental or social justice organizations

The Best Sustainable Furniture Companies

I know that there is a lot to sort through when it comes to sustainable furniture, so my goal is to make that search easier.

Below are my top picks for sustainable furniture stores, environmentally friendly furniture companies, and secondhand furniture marketplaces that are doing things better.

That might mean they are sourcing eco-friendly materials, using safer finishes and fabrics, producing locally and ethically, considering the full lifecycle of their products, or all of the above!

For more on what we consider “sustainable furniture” scroll down to the bottom below the brands!

1. Urban Natural

Best for: finding all of your furniture and decor in one place

Responsible furniture retailer Urban Natural curates a variety of furniture brands that meet at least three of their five sustainable sourcing criterion: Ethically Sourced, Handcrafted, Organic Materials, Made Sustainably, and Made in the USA.

That said, as a multi-brand retailer, sustainability standards vary somewhat by which specific brand or maker you land on within their catalog, so you may want to check each individual brand’s credentials. My top picks are Copeland, Ethnicraft, and GRAYN.

Furniture Categories: Seating, Beds, Tables, Storage, Outdoor Furniture

Price Range: $256 (shelf nightstand) – $6,865 (storage bed)
Shipping: Ships within contiguous U.S. (contact for overseas logistics)

light wood dining table from sustainable furniture retailer Urban Natural

2. Medley

Best for: a full range of sustainable furniture across rooms

Medley Home is an eco-friendly furniture company that handcrafts their pieces in California with sustainably-sourced materials. The company uses domestically-sourced hardwoods from FSC-certified forests. Medley Home’s wood pieces are finished naturally with a blend of beeswax, carnauba wax, and olive oil.

For sofas and chairs, you can choose between CertiPUR-US® certified foam (less expensive but synthetic) or certified organic natural latex (natural but more expensive).

And for upholstery choose from natural fibers like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified linen or GREENGUARD Gold certified cotton (my recommendation) or GREENGUARD Gold certified polyester (not my pick sustainability-wise, but you may prefer a performance fabric).

Furniture Categories: Seating, Tables, Beds, Storage, Accent Furniture

Price Range: $595 (poufs) – $10,290 (sectionals)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (or contact Medley for a quote)

Blue sofa and light wood coffee table from sustainable furniture company Medley

3. Savvy Rest

Best for: furniture with top of the line organic materials

Savvy Rest creates functional, sustainable furniture with your health and the planet’s health in mind. The eco-friendly furniture brand sources only the best natural and organic materials for their furnishings, like hemp and certified organic cotton fabric, natural Talalay latex, and responsibly sourced solid hardwood. You can also choose between a variety of zero-VOC stains or no finish for their wood furniture.

Since the pieces are made to order by a small business, they don’t accept returns, but reviewers rave about the product quality and service.

Furniture Categories: Seating, Beds, Tables, Accent Furniture

Price Range: $400 (bedside table) – $3,999 (sofa) | Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off!
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (Or contact for quote)

red sustainable chair from eco friendly furniture company Savvy Rest

4. Avocado

Best for: furniture meeting high sustainability standards without compromise

The Certified B-Corporation crafts both their furniture in a FSC-certified facility in Los Angeles and uses materials like 100% reclaimed wood and responsibly-harvested American timber. Additionally, the majority of Avocado’s offerings have certifications like GREENGUARD Gold and the MADE SAFE® seal.

Avocado has fewer options than some of the other companies on this list, but what they do carry is beautifully designed. And I’m all for quality over quantity!

Furniture Categories: Beds, Side Tables, Storage, Accent Furniture

Price Range: $349 (side table) – $3,999 (full bed frame)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S

sustainable wooden nightstand from Avocado

5. Thuma

Best for: minimalist, modular GREENGUARD-certified furniture

Thuma first started with their simple platform bed frame, made from repurposed rubberwood, and has since expanded into categories like tables, storage, and seating, all keeping their minimalist aesthetic and commitment to sustainability.

The highlight for me is their modular storage system — mix and match open shelf and closed drawer modules as you need to create a nightstand, bookshelf, credenza, dresser, or media console.

Furniture Categories: Beds, Storage, Tables, Seating

Price Range: $495 (nightstand) – $6,675 (corner sectional)
Shipping: Ships within U.S. and Canada (international customers can use freight forwarder)

Eco-friendly beds from Thuma

6. WHAT WE MAKE

Best for: truly reclaimed wood furniture

Based in Chicago, WHAT WE MAKE is an environmentally friendly furniture company that crafts modern furniture from reclaimed materials.

While this is a claim others make without much to back it up, I appreciate that the brand is transparent around where they source their wood — it comes from old Midwestern barns being torn down. The small business also makes the furniture start to finish themselves in Chicagoland and each piece is completed with zero-VOC finishes.

Furniture Categories: Bathroom Vanities, Tables, Storage, Seating

Price Range: $425 (bar stools) – $6,425 (bathroom vanities)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.

Light wood sustainable dresser from environmentally friendly furniture company What We Make

7. Sabai

Best for: repairable furniture that considers the full lifecycle

Sustainable by design, my favorite part about Sabai isn’t just their use of responsible materials, but that their seating is actually repairable and adjustable. You can also purchase replacement parts, slipcovers, or expansion kits.

Not to say their materials aren’t great — you can choose between recycled velvet, upcycled poly, cactus leather (a vegan leather made partially from cactus leaves; be mindful this contains polyurethane) or a natural blend of organic cotton and hemp (my personal top pick).

The frames are made from FSC-certified wood and Sabai uses mechanical fasteners in it’s upholstery process instead of glue, low-VOC stains for their domestic maple legs, recycled fiber fills, and CertiPUR-US® certified foam.

Furniture Categories: Seating, Tables, Accent Furniture

Price Range: $495 (side table) – $6,295 (sectional)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.; ships to HI & AK for fee

8. Natural Home by The Futon Shop

Best for: futons and Japanese-style beds

As you might guess, The Futon Shop makes sustainable futons, but they also have other furniture like bed frames, including Tatami beds, and sofas (modular, sectionals, and sofa beds).

The woman-founded furniture and mattress company uses eco-friendly materials such as certified organic cotton, organic wool, organic Dunlop latex, OEKO-Tex 100 certified coconut coir and hemp, as well as solid domestically sourced hardwood — all made in the US.

Furniture Categories: Futons, Beds, Sofas

Price Range: $699 (ottomans) – $5,449 (custom sofa)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (custom quotes elsewhere) | also offers free in-store pickup

9. Greenington

Best for: sustainable bamboo furniture

Greenington is a bamboo furniture company with sustainably-crafted pieces for every room: from the office to the bedroom. Each piece is made from mature Moso bamboo — one of the fastest growing plants on the planet — that was hand-harvested instead of clearcut. Greenington also uses 100% of the bamboo material, down to the sawdust.

Greenington’s classic line uses laminated solid bamboo strips, while their exotic line uses bamboo fiber bonded with adhesive under heat and pressure, which is a more composite-like process. They don’t specify the adhesive’s VOC or formaldehyde content for either line, so I’d ask directly if that matters to you, especially for the exotic collection.

Furniture Categories: Beds, Seating, Storage, Tables

Price Range: $329 (side table) – $4,139 (dresser)
Shipping: Free contiguous U.S. shipping; HI, AK, PR + Canada shipping available for a fee

10. MasayaCo

Best for: supporting reforestation projects with each purchase

With origins as a reforestation project, MasayaCo is deeply committed to (beyond) sustainable sourcing. They’ve planted 1.2 million trees to date and on average, leave 40% of their reforestation projects completely untouched.

The elegant furniture from MasayaCo is crafted by artisans using teak, and many of their pieces are outdoor friendly too. Something to note though is that the woven elements on some of their stools and chairs is polyester cord.

Furniture Categories: Seating, Storage, Tables, Accents, Outdoor Furniture

Price Range: $295 (stool) – $7,850 (sectional)
Shipping: Ships to U.S.

Sustainable teak bookshelf with decor

11. Green Row

Best for: sustainable furniture with a vibrant cottagecore vibe

With wooden furniture featuring elements like scalloped edges and spindle legs alongside upholstery with floral or gingham prints and ruffle edges, Green Row’s sustainably crafted pieces are designed to fit right in amidst your vintage finds.

Part of the Williams Sonoma family, Green Row blends decades of furniture know-how with a commitment to social and environmental standards built from the ground up. Products are made with materials like FSC-Certified wood, natural latex and organic natural fibers.

Furniture Categories: Seating, Tables, Beds, Accents, Outdoor Furniture

Price Range: $299 (stool) – $10,199 (large sofa)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.

Vintage inspired chair made with responsibly sourced wood and natural fiber upholstery from Green Row

12. Healthier Homes

Best for: natural material seating, storage, and accents

Founded by expert healthy home builders, Jen and Rusty Stout, Healthier Homes is committed to helping you curate a healthier indoor space. And they’ve recently made some great design improvements with their furniture selection too.

On their site, you’ll find furniture — largely seating, storage, and accent tables — made from materials like teak, acacia, mango wood, and jute. Some of their furniture is also “paint it yourself” (not for me, but if you love DIYs, don’t forget to take a look at their selection of zero VOC paints too!)

Furniture Categories: Seating, Small Tables, Storage

Price Range: $185 (bench) – $4,799 (dining table)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.

natural sustainable chair from eco-friendly furniture company Healthier Homes

Honorable Mentions:

  • Saatva: mostly a mattress company, but they have beds as well. Saatva is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and sources responsibly-managed wood and has an option for linen upholstery (other upholstery options are plastic fibers), however the exact fiber content of the linen option isn’t disclosed. Due to their limited selection of furniture and the lack of information on their upholstery, they didn’t make it into the full guide.
  • West Elm: Furniture company West Elm has some more sustainable collections to their offerings. The company defines “sustainably sourced” as furniture made either from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified wood from responsibly harvested sources. This doesn’t mean that all of the materials were sustainably sourced, or that every product was made with sustainable practices, which is why this is an honorable mention, and not part of our main guide.

Looking For More Eco-Friendly Furniture Guides?

Sustainable Storage: Dressers, Media Consoles, and Sideboards

9 Eco-Friendly Bookcases to Showcase Your Latest Reads

The Best Sustainable Tables To Gather Around

Questions You Might Have:

Is “sustainably sourced” a meaningful claim, or just marketing language?

Good question! 😉 It depends on what backs it up. As West Elm’s honorable mention shows, “sustainably sourced” can mean anything from FSC-certified wood to a much looser internal standard like quality. The term itself isn’t regulated, unfortunately. Look for a specific certification (FSC-certified for wood, GOTS-certified for organic fabrics, GREENGUARD Gold for testing against harmful chemical emissions) and specific practices and materials, rather than the phrase alone.

What’s the difference between “sustainable” and “non-toxic” furniture?

The short version is they can overlap but they aren’t the same thing.

Sustainable furniture focuses on how materials are sourced and how long a piece lasts — think FSC-certified wood or reclaimed materials. Non-toxic furniture focuses on the impact to human health (usually the consumer’s health, not the maker’s health, though those things can also be interconnected) — like VOCs, formaldehyde, flame retardants. A piece can be one without being the other. For a deeper breakdown of non-toxic-specific criteria, see our Non-Toxic Furniture Brands guide.

The post 12 Best Sustainable Furniture Companies Worth The Investment (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

12 Best Sustainable Furniture Companies Worth The Investment (2026)

Continue Reading

Green Living

6 Whimsical Fall Activities To Get You Off Your Screen 

Published

on

Fall is already such a magical time – leaves changing colors, crisp air, apple orchards, pumpkin patches. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most marketed times of the year.

And they just keep trying to push it on us sooner. I’ve seen fall drinks and decor marketed as early as July.

6 Whimsical Fall Activities To Get You Off Your Screen 

Truth is, you don’t need a new sweater or pumpkin spice everything to enjoy fall. You need to embrace the season’s magic. Dare I say, whimsy.

Whimsy has been trending, and while I love the idea of it, I’ve also noticed it being repackaged into something brands can sell. Which kind of defeats the purpose?  

By definition, whimsy is something ‘freaky, odd, off-beat’ – not exactly something you can buy en masse. True whimsy isn’t performative or sellable. It’s a state of being, a feeling.

Being whimsical should come from your own imagination. Learning new hobbies, being ok with being bad at things, infusing more fun into your days in ways that make you slow down. Even better if it gets you out of the house, into nature, and socializing with friends, family or community.

Here are some whimsical fall activities that will get you off your phone and into the world.

Kathryn Kellogg tossing fall leaves in the air

take a nature walk – but with a twist

Going leaf peeping around your neighborhood is a simple way to connect with the outdoors. But if you want to add some whimsy into it, why not challenge yourself to find certain colors, patterns or textures?

It’s fun to take a little journal with you and sketch items of interest you find – maybe it’s a beautiful tree, a squirrel burying their nuts, a field of asters and goldenrod. Taking time to notice is pure magic.

Plant blindness is real – challenge yourself to get familiar with the flora around you. Check out a library book all about native plants and see if you can spot any on your walk. 

You may be surprised to learn how many plants are invasive (burning bush is a big one here in Maine!). 

Having a fall scavenger hunt is also a fun idea you can get your friends involved in. Challenge them to find an oak leaf, acorns, crabapples – whatever type of fall flora is in your area – and see who can find them first!

write gratitude letters to your loved ones

Snail mail is making a comeback, so why not write to those you care most about? Sometimes it can be hard to say the things we mean in person. But writing helps us sit with our feelings and work through them.

If you need ideas, why not write them:

  • Reasons why you love them 
  • Your best memory together 
  • How much you appreciate them 
  • Plans you’re excited to do together 
  • What you admire about them 

Who wouldn’t want to receive a heart-felt letter in the mail? You can make it extra special by slipping in a small little trinket – like a bird feather, a pressed flower, your favorite tea, or a packet of seeds.

And no – you don’t need any fancy stationery to do this. Make it your own by simply using some computer or scrap paper and upcycling an empty envelope. You can decorate it with colored pencils and markers if you like.

Kathryn Kellogg sitting down with sewing supplies

join a knitting circle 

Who needs to buy a fall sweater when you can knit one? Consider finding a knitting (or crocheting) community in your town you can join. Often times they’ll meet up to exchange supplies and knit together.

Challenge yourself to knit something that pays homage to fall. Whether that be a pretty fall color (think gem-tones like ruby red, golden yellow, etc.), or knitting leaves and/or mushroom patterns, the choices are endless.

Yarn swaps are also growing in popularity – if you can’t find one, create one yourself!

All you have to do is encourage people to meet up at a public place (a park is nice) and bring any yarn supplies they’d like to donate.  

And when all else fails – ask your grandmother! She may know a thing or two about knitting, crocheting, sewing, or embroidery. And how fun and cozy would it be to knit something together?

RELATED: Sewing Machine For Beginners: How to Get Started (And Why It’s a Sustainable Skill to Learn)

host a fall-themed cafe at home

Does your friend group love to visit cafes? Why not host a little cafe at home? Put your baking skills to the test and make some cozy fall inspired recipes.

Some drink and recipe ideas:

  • Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls 
  • Apple cider donuts 
  • Mulled apple cider 
  • Chai lattes 
  • Pumpkin spice coffee 

Of course, if you’re not a baker you can still participate by asking your friends to bake some goodies to bring. Or grabbing some fresh pastries from your local farmers market.

You can display the goodies on your dining room table, countertops, or island. Just make sure you have to-go boxes at the ready (or encourage your friends to bring their own)! You don’t want anything going to waste.

Leftovers? Eat them yourself or share with your community. Your neighbors might appreciate a fresh cinnamon roll – and it’s a great way to start a conversation.

A pumpkin covered in fall leaves that were glued on with homemade glue

host a fall-themed craft night

Whether you make fairy homes, carved pumpkins, or leaf garlands – it’ll be a night to remember! Gather your friends and choose a theme for the night that revolves around fall.

Even better if you’re able to find all your materials locally (aka through foraging or from a farm stand) or thrift them. Thrift stores have tons of decorations, art supplies, and fabrics on hand at much cheaper prices.

Last fall I decorated a pumpkin with leaves and compostable glue (pictured above). I thought the glue would dry clear…but hey, it was a fun experiment. Just goes to show – don’t be afraid to be bad at something or make mistakes! That’s part of the fun.

The craft you pick will depend on your interests and skill levels, but you can’t go wrong with a paint and sip night.

The challenge? Paint a fall scene (be it an autumnal forest, an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch). Best painting wins something that fits with the theme – homemade apple sauce or an apple pie scented candle works.  

Rummaging through a leaf pile

go on a spontaneous adventure

Why not go on an unplanned day trip and see where it takes you? Maybe you’ll find a cute cafe to stop inside? A cozy locally owned bookstore? A family farm selling homemade apple pies?

Walking or biking around town will help you slow down and see spots you might’ve missed while driving. Plus it’s a great way to admire any changing leaves.

If you prefer a little more structure to your adventure, make a whole day of it. Even better if you gather a few friends or family to join in on the fun.

Here are some fun fall activities you can do as a group:

  • Go or apple and/or pumpkin picking 
  • Visit a corn maze 
  • Go on a ghost tour 
  • Tour old mansions or graveyards (if your city allows it) 
  • Have a cozy fall picnic 
  • Take a hike 
  • Tell spooky stories around a bonfire 
  • Go stargazing (take a blanket and thermos!) 

RELATED: Ultimate Fall Bucket List: Budget Friendly + Printable Bingo Card

What are some ways you’re bringing whimsy into your life this fall? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 6 Whimsical Fall Activities To Get You Off Your Screen  appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

6 Whimsical Fall Activities To Get You Off Your Screen 

Continue Reading

Green Living

10 Sustainable Socks Made with Organic Fabrics

Published

on

These brands have all types of sustainable socks for just about all of your footwear or around-the-house needs, from no-shows and performance-ready ankle socks to comfy crew-length and cozy knee-high socks.

I originally wrote this guide about four years ago, and I must say that sustainable socks have upped their game since then. We’ve been able to raise the bar on what it takes to get included in this guide.

What Qualifies as (More) Sustainable Socks?

There are several criterion I’ve used to determine the brands in this guide. Some brands meet several of these criteria and some even meet all of the criteria below.

  • Use of at least 70% natural and organic materials, like organic cotton, hemp, and organic wool
  • Uses certified organic materials and sources from certified GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) factories and/or Fair Trade factories
  • Minimal to no use of synthetic fibers, preferring recycled when there are some synthetics used
  • Use of either no dyes, natural dyes or low impact dyes
  • Responsibly manufactured, ideally locally made or produced in fair trade environments

You’ll find that most of the sustainable socks in this guide do have a small percentage of synthetics for some stretch. (Though there are three brands with 100% organic cotton socks — check them out below!) I like to use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag to prevent the microplastics from synthetic textiles from being released into our waterways.

In case you have sensitive skin or want a pair of organic socks with an even lower environmental impact, there are also several brands with dye-free sock options.

As mentioned, the brands featured in this guide have all types of socks whether you’re looking for breathable moisture-wicking socks to play tennis in or comfy socks to cuddle up and say warm with. However if you’re looking for more substantial slippers, my guide to eco-friendly and ethical slippers will be a better bet.

The guide features 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!

Where to Find Sustainable and Organic Socks

1. Cottonique

Best for: latex-free organic cotton socks for sensitive skin

Materials: 100% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
Price: $18 for Kids (3 pairs) | $23-$28 for Adults (2 pairs)
Categories: Quarter, Crew, Ankle, Kids

Cottonique is the only brand I’ve found so far that sells exclusively 100% organic cotton socks. Founded by and designed for individuals with skin sensitivities, Cottonique’s socks are free of latex, spandex, or any other synthetic stretch.

The socks are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and sewn in the brand’s owned GOTS- and B Corp-certified factory in the Philippines.

I tried out the brand’s crew-length socks and found them to be quite comfortable, and I appreciated the ribbed detail. Without elastic for stretch, they fit snug in order to stay in place, so it’s important to get the right size! I wear a shoe size 7.5-8 and the medium was perfect.

Latex-free 100% organic cotton socks in natural color

2. Q for Quinn

Best for: soft, dye-free organic cotton socks

Materials: 98 – 100% Organic Cotton
Price: Kids’ from $10 | Adults from $15 / Pair
Categories: Ankle, Crew, and Trouser Socks

Made from 98% GOTS-certified organic cotton (with one pair of socks made of 100% cotton), Q for Quinn’s socks are breathable and super soft. One reviewer calls them the “softest socks I’ve ever worn!” and hundreds of other customers giving five-star reviews seem to agree.

Q for Quinn also has organic dye-free adult and kids’ socks perfect for sensitive skin.

White undyed organic cotton socks

3. Maggie’s Organics

Best for: 100% merino wool socks

Materials: 73% – 99.8% Organic Cotton | 60 – 100% Organic Merino Wool
Price: From $8.50 / Pair
Categories: Footie, Ankle and Crew Socks; plus Allergy, Recovery, and Diabetic

Sourcing GOTS-certified organic fibers and knitting all of their socks in the US, Maggie’s Organics is the real deal when it comes to sustainably-made socks.

The company is also committed to “Real Fair Trade” — they invest in the wellbeing of their farmers and suppliers and are on a journey to become employee-owned.

Green organic wool sustainable socks

4. Rawganique

Best for: 100% natural fiber socks (cotton, linen, and wool)

Materials: 100% Organic Cotton, 100% Hemp, and 100% Wool Options
Price: From $12 / Pair
Categories: Anklet, Crew, Knee-High, and Dress Socks

If you’re looking for plastic-free socks, you will love Rawganique. The brand has several options of 100% natural fiber socks that are free of polyester, spandex, or nylon. Select from breathable 100% organic cotton socks, temperature-regulating 100% linen socks, or cozy 100% wool socks.

There are also several options of organic socks blended with a bit of synthetics for some stretch. These options will likely be more suitable for sport and hiking use.

Ribbed pure undyed organic crew socks

5. Organic Basics

Best for: core-color basics with recycled synthetic blends

Materials: 70 – 75% Organic Cotton
Price: From $14 for 2-Pack
Categories: No-Show, Ankle, Crew, and Knee-High Socks

Focused on only the essentials — and doing them well — Organic Basics creates a range of quality organic socks in core colors like black, gray, blue and white. While these (more) sustainable socks do contain a percentage of synthetics, the majority of the synthetic content is recycled. I also appreciate that the product pages suggest a cooler washing temperature of 30C since clothing care and cleaning can make up a significant portion of a product’s total impact.

Black sustainable organic cotton ankle socks

6. PACT

Best for: GOTS-certified organic no-show socks

Materials: 75 – 83% Organic Cotton
Price: From $14 for 2-Pack
Categories: No-Show and Crew Socks

PACT’s organic cotton no-show socks are made in a Global Organic Textile Standard certified factory. The no-show pairs come in basic black, white, and tan as well as some cute prints. They feature a new design and silicone grips to make sure they stay in place. That said, the socks unfortunately only come in one size — some of the reviewers who wear a shoe size 9 note that they are a bit too small for them.

Organic cotton no-show socks with colorful patterns

7. Harvest & Mill

Best for: Naturally-colored dye-free cotton socks

Materials: 88% Organic Cotton
Price: $10 – $12 / Pair
Categories: Ankle and Crew Socks

Sustainable basics brand Harvest & Mill uses USA-grown and spun cotton for their ankle and crew organic socks. While these socks might look dyed with their earthy colors, they are actually completely dye-free — the natural color cotton varieties Harvest & Mill uses are naturally a muted brown or green.

Natural organic cotton socks made in the USA

8. tentree

Best for: hemp-blend white socks that plant trees

Materials: 71% Hemp and TENCEL™ Lyocell
Price: $10 – $14 for 2-Pack
Categories: Ankle, Quarter, and Crew Socks

Socks are the crucial foundation of any closed-toe shoe and tentree’s basics are here to ensure you’re always putting your best foot forward. Crafted from a comfortable blend of hemp, TENCEL™ Lyocell, recycled polyester, their socks come in several lengths in basic pairs.

Plus, every pair plants 10 trees (the reason for their namesake ten-tree).

White and black sustainable ankle socks made with hemp and tencel

9. Conscious Step

Best for: giftable cause-driven organic socks

Materials: 75% Organic Cotton
Price: $15.95 / pair
Categories: Ankle and Crew Socks

Conscious Step’s socks are made with Fairtrade and GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester. The brand’s organic cotton socks are made with an exceptional quality too — with some even featuring a cushioned insole and arch support. But perhaps what this brand is really known for is that each design is associated with a different cause where a portion of your purchase goes.

Blue Fairtrade organic cotton socks that protect turtles from Conscious Step

10. Kind Socks

Best for: organic socks with fun prints

Materials: 80% Organic Cotton
Price: $12 – $14 / pair
Categories: Crew and Ankle Socks

KIND Socks is a Black-owned sustainable sock brand using GOTS-certified organic cotton for their vibrant collections. With prints like monstera leaves, watermelons, and bumblebees, KIND Socks will bring a touch of whimsy to any outfit.

Moon printed organic cotton socks

The post 10 Sustainable Socks Made with Organic Fabrics appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

10 Sustainable Socks Made with Organic Fabrics

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2022 BreakingClimateChange.com