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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
- The Beginners Guide to Waste Reduction
- My Top 10 Favorite Zero Waste Swaps
- 20 Easy Sustainable Swaps
- 8 FREE Zero Waste Swaps
- What is Zero Waste? What is the Circular Economy?
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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:
- How to Sew a Button + 5 Other Clothing Fixes
- Sustainable Living: 4 Things You Should Know How to Fix
- How to Take Care of Your Sweaters
- 5 Ways to Maintain and Care for Clothes
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:
- Energy Star Appliances: Can They Save You Money?
- How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill in the Kitchen
- 6 Ways to Save Money on Your Electric Bill in the Bathroom
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:
- The 7 Types of Plastic You Need to Know
- Recycling 101 – 5 Easy Things EVERYONE Needs to Know!
- How To Recycle Your Pizza Box
- How to Recycle E-Waste the Right Way!
- Paper Recycling 101
- How to Recycle Metal the Right Way!
- Textile Recycling Near Me: Where to Recycle Your Clothes
- How to Recycle Cellphones + Why You Should
- What to Do with CDs and Tapes: Recycling Tips and Tricks
- How to Recycle Ink Cartridges
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
When the temperatures drop, boots are a non-negotiable for staying warm, but finding a stylish set of boots doesn’t need to come at such a high cost to the planet. Check out our curation to sustainable and ethical boots doing things better in footwear.
What Are Sustainable and Ethical Boots?
Any time the word “sustainable” or “ethical” is thrown around, you probably want some context. There aren’t standardized definitions for those terms in fashion and different people or media companies interpret them differently. Here’s what it means for us.
Note that this guide includes links that may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
Secondhand First
Pre-loved comes in right behind “wearing what you have” on the sustainability priority list. When you make the most of what already exists, you not only keep used footwear out of the landfill (virtually no shoe is truly recyclable) but can also contribute to slowing down fashion production.
Not every secondhand site has footwear, though, so here are our favorite options for finding sustainable boots:
The RealReal
If you’re looking for a quality pair of premium or even designer boots, The RealReal has plenty of options in a range of price points, styles, and quality conditions.
REI Used
For hiking and work boots, take a look at REI’s vast selection of used footwear. The retailer has gently to moderately used shoes from popular hiking brands at a fraction of original retail price.
It is a challenge to find functional footwear built to withstand tough environments that is also sustainable. So shopping used is a great option.
Responsible Production
For this guide, we looked for brands with more ecologically and socially responsible production practices. Does the brand take efforts to ensure workers are treated fairly? How does the brand reduce wastage during production? Do the manufacturing facilities use clean energy? Do they minimize or eliminate air and water pollution? Is the facility local or are the products getting shipped back and forth all over the world?
Not every brand will meet every standard, but we prioritize brands that can check several boxes.
More Sustainable Materials
When it comes to materials, there is quite a controversy in the sustainable footwear space.
Do we choose “vegan leather” that is often partially or fully plastic, and may degrade within a year? Or do we choose long-lasting durable leather that could be contributing to deforestation?
There aren’t easy answers because our options are not great. Alternative leathers have a long way to go when it comes to eliminating plastic and increasing durability. Yet we also cannot ignore leather’s heavy impact and connection to animal exploitation.
For this guide what that means is that we only selected brands with vegan boots that are made with little to no virgin plastic or brands with leather boots that use lower impact leather (recycled or vegetable-tanned) and/or take efforts to ensure the durability of their boots.
One certification you’ll see mentioned throughout the guide is Leather Working Group (LWG) which certifies that a tannery meets standards for environmental performance. This involves things like water and energy use, chemical management, and waste handling in the leather-tanning process. It’s a facility-level environmental certification for tanneries specifically, so it doesn’t certify labor conditions or make a claim about animal welfare.
Where to Find More Sustainable Boots
1. Thesus
Best for: everyday vegan boots that hold up to snow and hiking
Price: $190 – $250
Conscious Qualities: Vegan, Recycled & Natural Materials
I love my pair of Thesus’ Weekend Boots, and they are by far my most-worn shoes during cooler weather. You rarely find me wearing anything else.
The WOC-owned brand is committed to sustainability, making their vegan boots out of over 95% natural and recycled materials.
Tip: size up if you’re planning to wear thick socks! I was glad I did so that I could wear these shoes hiking even during the snowy winter.
2. NAE
Best for: all-vegan boots in innovative plant-based materials
Price: €135 – €215
Conscious Qualities: Vegan, Plant-Based Material Options
Standing for No Animal Exploitation, NAE has all-vegan footwear and accessories made slowly and ethically in Portugal.
NAE’s fall and winter boot collection features a variety of options made from unique footwear fabrics like organic cotton, Piñatex, and rPET.
3. Christy Dawn
Best for: handmade artisan riding and paddock boots
Price Range: $328 – $498
Conscious Qualities: Slow Made, Deadstock Leather Option
Christy Dawn’s vintage-inspired Victorian lace-up paddock boots and timeless riding boots are the ultimate sustainable boots for fall. The Dawn Boot and Yoko Boot are handmade by artisans in Guatemala, with each pair requiring up to 14 hours to construct. Talk about slow fashion!
For a non-new leather option, check out the Chelsea Boot, which is made from deadstock leather in Los Angeles.
4. Bohema
Best for: statement vegan boots in biomaterial leathers
Price Range: €189 – €319
Conscious Qualities: Vegan, Plant-Based Materials, Renewable Energy-Powered Facility
Bohema is a Polish brand creating sustainable boots from impressive biomaterials like Piñatex® pineapple leaf leather, Desserto® cactus leather, and VEGEA® leather that comes from grape leftovers used in winemaking. From rugged combat styles to chic cowboy boots, these vegan boots are every bit as stylish as their leather counterparts.
With a passion for craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations in the brand’s family, Bohema’s collections are handcrafted by local solar-powered family manufacturers.
5. ALOHAS
Best for: made-to-order boots that cut overproduction
Price: $206 – $445
Conscious Qualities: Local Production, On-Demand Model
Crafted in Spain, ALOHAS’ boots will add a dash of glamour to your fall closet. Square-tipped or pointed, platform or high-heeled, ankle-length or mid-calf — you’ll be sure to find a striking pair.
Their range of vegan leather boots are made using biomaterials derived from cactus and corn, while the others are crafted out of Leather Working Group Certified Leather. Most of their boots are available on an “on-demand model” which allows them to produce only the amount that has been pre-ordered in order to cut waste.
6. Coclico
Best for: small-batch artisan leather booties
Price: $225 – $695
Conscious Qualities: Artisan-Made, Small Batch Production
Coclico’s timeless shoes, including their elegant ethical boots, are ethically handcrafted by artisans. To ensure the utmost attention to quality craftsmanship and transparency, the independent footwear brand sources their shoes from a small family-run factory in Spain.
Embodying a slow fashion ethos Coclico’s boots are made in mindfully small quantities to avoid overproduction.
7. Brother Vellies
Best for: handcrafted boots rooted in heritage
Price: $795 – $2,250
Conscious Qualities: Black-Owned, Artisan-Made
Brother Vellies is a Black woman-owned brand that was founded by Aurora James in 2013 to celebrate cultural history and keep African practices and techniques alive.
All of Brother Vellies’ shoes are crafted globally by artisans using timeless artisanal crafts.
Don’t miss the brand’s one-of-a-kind cowboy boots that are hand-painted and true works of art.
8. Fortress of Inca
Best for: Peruvian artisan-made leather boots
Price: $350 – $395
Conscious Qualities: Artisan-Made, Fair Trade Production
Fortress of Inca works with expert shoemaker partners based in Peru with deep experience in leather shoemaking.
The talented shoemakers at each of these workshops are committed to ensuring high-quality, ethically-made boots. Fortress of Inca’s most popular styles are made by Pedro and Marta, an inspiring husband-wife duo who launched their business after Pedro lost a job as a shoemaker.
9. Poppy Barley
Best for: everyday leather boots
Price Range: $375 – $565
Conscious Qualities: Artisan-Made, Fair Trade Production
Poppy Barley is a B-Corp Certified ethical luxury brand based in Canada partnering with family-owned factories in Mexico and Brazil that provide sustainable employment opportunities, paying living wages and providing health care and pension benefits, and ensuring fair hours.
The brand is also taking significant steps to continually improve their social and environmental impact, reporting on their progress with annual reports.
For More Slow Fashion Content:
More Conscious Fashion Guides for Cool Weather
Consciously-Made Sweaters to Keep You Cozy
The Best Eco-Friendly and Vegan Shoe Brands
The Best Ethical & Sustainable Coats to Stay Toasty Warm this Winter
The post 9 Best Sustainable & Ethical Boots For Stylish Warmth appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
When it comes to shopping responsibly for furniture, one of the key decision factors to consider is locally-made — so if you’re in the United States, you might be looking for American made furniture companies.
Why Does Locally-Made Furniture Matter?
The first element that comes to mind is reducing shipping emissions. International shipping alone accounted for 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2022. So it’s crucial that we start to buy more locally and regionally made in general, and furniture is likely among the most bulky items we are going to buy so it feels like a particularly impactful area to focus on.
Additionally, when a product is locally made there is often more transparency. This is not always the case, but several of the US-made furniture companies here even have their own furniture workshops or partner with hyper-local manufacturers that they can regularly visit.
And with audit deception commonplace, it’s vital that a company visits their factories or has close relationships with their manufacturers to ensure social responsibility.
Another benefit is that you’ll contribute to supporting your local economy, especially if you’re purchasing from an American-made furniture brand that is based in your own state or region.
It goes without saying that American-made furniture is likely going to be more expensive than your standard mass-market furniture retailer.
However, there are several direct-to-consumer brands in this guide that avoid retailer markups to deliver more accessibly-priced furniture than some of the mid-tier to higher end furniture companies you might be familiar with that produce abroad.
A Quick Note on Certifications
You’ll see a few certifications referenced throughout this guide. Here’s what each one actually covers! You’ll notice many of them are quite specific to certain areas of the furniture. That’s why many sustainably-minded American-made furniture companies have products with several certifications.
- FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed; not a finish, foam, or textile guarantee. Some brands (like Avocado) hold their own facility-level FSC certification, which is a stronger signal than sourcing FSC-certified wood from a third party.
- GOLS Certified = verifies that latex foam is made from certified organic latex, grown and processed to strict environmental and safety standards; this is a latex-specific certification, not a wood, fabric, or product-level guarantee
- GOTS Certified = the fabric meets strict organic and safety standards, with labor protections built into the entire supply chain; this is a textile-specific certification, not a wood or foam guarantee
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 = tests the finished textile for harmful substances; a fabric-specific certification, not a claim about the wood or foam underneath it.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified (Gold/Silver/Bronze) = evaluates a product across material health, circularity, clean air/climate, water/soil stewardship, and social fairness; this is one of the few certifications that can assess a whole product rather than a single material and it’s the one sustainability managers at brands tell me is the toughest to get
Now that this is all cleared up, let’s dive into the guide!
My Top Picks for American Made Furniture Brands
Note that the following includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. As always we only feature brands that meet strict criteria that we love!
1. Medley
Best for: full range of American-made, non-toxic furniture
Categories: Living, Bedroom, and Dining Furniture
Made in: California and North Carolina
Price Range: $595 (poufs) – $10,290 (sectionals)
Medley is consistently at the top of my mind when I think of American-made furniture — their commitment to safe materials, sustainability, and craftsmanship is hard to match.
The brand combines traditional craftsmanship with modern ecological sensibility. Each sustainable furniture piece is meticulously made-to-order in California ensuring quality, supporting local manufacturing, and reducing their carbon footprint. Medley uses some of the best eco-certified materials in furniture too, like GOLS + GOTS-certified organic latex foam and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100-certified wool.
2. Avocado
Best for: FSC-certified and reclaimed wood furniture, made in their own LA woodshop
Categories: Bedroom and Living Room Furniture
Made in: California
Price Range: $349 (side table) – $3,999 (full bed frame)
Rooted in a commitment to sustainability, Avocado has their own FSC®-certified (C156318) woodshop in Los Angeles! Among their offerings, you’ll find living room and bedroom furniture crafted from reclaimed wood or FSC-certified wood. Whether your aesthetic is minimal, Scandi, boho or MCM, you’ll find a beautiful piece to add to your home on this California-made furniture company’s site.
What really makes Avocado stand out to me though is their ethical labor standards. They produce in their own woodshop, pay living wages, and offer solid benefits to their factory team.
3. Cisco Home @ Urban Natural
Best for: design-forward furniture with three decades of LA craftsmanship
Categories: Living and Bedroom Furniture
Made in: California
Price Range: $975 (ottoman) – $9,000+ (large sectional)
Founded in Los Angeles by Cisco Pinedo, Cisco Home focuses on environmentally responsible practices and local craftsmanship. Each piece, made in their Los Angeles workshop, combines modern elegance with rustic charm using materials like FSC-certified hardwoods and natural fabrics like hemp and organic cotton. Cisco Home’s three decades of experience in making quality sustainable furniture, makes them a top choice for American-made furniture.
Cisco Home’s default furniture options don’t automatically include their best eco materials though. So for the most eco-minded option, check “Organic Upgrade” on the product page.
4. Copeland @ Urban Natural
Best for: heirloom hardwood furniture
Categories: Living, Bedroom, and Office Furniture
Made in: Vermont
Price Range: $256 (shelf nightstand) – $6,865 (storage bed)
Copeland Furniture, based in Bradford, Vermont has been making heirloom-quality pieces since 1976. The USA-made furniture company sources their hardwoods like cherry, maple, and walnut from sustainably managed forests in the Northeast. Their collections blend traditional craftsmanship with elegant, contemporary design and functionality. You’ll find pieces like extendable tables and sit-stand desks from Copeland.
Copeland’s pieces are priced on the higher end, but they are truly stunning pieces that may be worth the investment if they’re within your budget.
5. Savvy Rest
Best for: fully organic, non-toxic bedroom and living room furniture
Categories: Bedroom and Living Room Furniture
Made in: Virginia
Price Range: $400 (bedside table) – $3,999 (sofa)
Savvy Rest’s commitment to organic materials and sustainable production practices is unmatched. I haven’t found another brand yet that matches their level of integrity!
The Northeast US-made furniture company crafts each piece of furniture with only the best non-toxic materials like GOTS-certified organic fabrics, Cradle-to-Cradle Natural Talalay latex foam, and zero-VOC finishes. Made in their Central Virginia wood shop, Savvy Rest exemplifies a dedication to creating non-toxic and sustainably-minded American-made furniture that is built to last.
6. What WE Make
Best for: reclaimed wood furniture
Categories: Dining, Living, Office, and Bathroom Furniture
Made in: Illinois
Price Range: $425 (bar stools) – $6,425 (bathroom vanities)
I loved learning that What WE Make produces their furniture right in Chicagoland, local to me!
What WE Make crafts tables, vanities, and more from old-growth salvaged wood sourced from torn down Midwestern barns. And ensuring the furniture brings in minimal to no toxins, the pieces are finished with zero-VOC finishes. Each piece is made-to-order and you can even get a vanity, table, or other furniture piece fully customized to your liking!
7. Sabai
Best for: affordable, repairable American-made seating
Categories: Living Room Furniture
Made in: North Carolina and Tennessee (go behind the scenes)
Price Range: $495 (side table) – $6,295 (sectional)
Sabai’s American-made furniture collection focuses on environmental consciousness and accessible pricing. Sabai’s sofas and chairs are made crafted from 100% recycled fabrics or natural upholstery (they have a cotton + hemp option) and FSC-certified wood while being free of PFAS and flame retardants. The best part about Sabai in my opinion, though, might be their Repair Don’t Replace program so you can ensure your sofa makes it for the long haul.
8. Maple Corner Woodworks @ Urban Natural
Best for: traditional Shaker-style Vermont craftsmanship
Categories: Bedroom, Living Room, Office, and Dining Room Furniture
Made in: Vermont
Price Range: $815 (end table) – $9,650 (armoire)
Maple Corner Woodworks is dedicated to crafting heirloom-quality, timeless furniture in Vermont, which is well-known for its quality woodworking.
With their most popular styles inspired elements by the best of furniture design from the mid to late 1800s, it’s safe to say that MCW prioritizes the longevity of their solid hardwood furniture. If you’re looking for classic designs, this is the direction I’d point you.
9. Loll Designs
Best for: American-made outdoor furniture
Categories: Outdoor Furniture
Made in: Minnesota
Price Range: $345 (stool) – $4,995 (sofa)
Loll Designs has everything you need for your patio redesign, from coffee tables and cabinets to benches and lounge chairs.
Made using recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Loll Designs creates USA-made furniture build to last. The furniture is designed to not rot, splinter, or require any re-staining. In fact the brand was awarded the Cradle to Cradle Certified BRONZE
certification, which as I mentioned is one of the toughest certifications for a company to get.
That wraps it up for our guide to American made furniture companies! I hope you find a quality piece or two that will last you a lifetime in this guide.
You Might Also Want to Check Out:
The Top Non-Toxic Furniture Companies
The Best Sustainable Tables to Gather Around
Comfy and Cozy Eco-Friendly Chairs
The post 9 American Made Furniture Companies Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 American Made Furniture Companies Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation and are trying to make more eco-minded decisions, there are several considerations to make. This guide aims to help you save time on researching one of those elements: sourcing a sustainable bathroom vanity.
The furniture companies featured here offer single sink and double sink vanities, and several also let you customize the size of your vanity too.
What is an Eco-Friendly Bathroom Vanity?
Repurposed
Many of the same concepts from sustainable fashion apply to sustainable furniture! The most sustainable furniture is the one already in your home and what’s already been produced. So, can you repurpose something you already have or found at an estate sale with some non-toxic paint?
You could repurpose a sideboard / credenza or lower height dresser into a bathroom vanity, for example, by cutting a sink hole and piping holes and finishing the top with a counter or waterproof finish. There are also contractors who can do that customization for you if you find that perfect dresser you want to transform into a vanity.
Another option is to search for demolition sales near you. Search “demolition sales near me” or check out EstateSales.net and check “demolition sales” in the filters. You can find everything from appliances and cabinets to bathtubs and vanities at these demolition sales. They’re not always the most modern vanities, but if you love a DIY project, and access to a vehicle that can transport these kinds of heavy duty furniture pieces, this could have some potential.
By the way, if you are doing a renovation that requires demolition, see if you can partner with a demolition sales company to help you sell those hard-to-sell items like cabinets before you start your renovation to reduce waste.
Eco-Conscious Materials
If you’re buying a new bathroom vanity, one of the key considerations is the materials that vanity is made from. Look for sustainably-sourced (and ideally locally sourced!) hardwood that is finished with zero or low VOC finishes.
The shelves are typically going to be engineered wood, even if the outside is hardwood, otherwise the vanity would be extremely heavy.
Even better if you can find a bathroom vanity made from reclaimed wood, since that means no trees had to be cut down for producing the furniture!
There are also several eco countertop materials out there, including Richlite, made from post-consumer recycled paper, Grenite has recycled quartz, glass, and acrylic countertops. Most of the brands featured below focus their sustainability sourcing on the main vanity, but you could purchase one of those vanities without a countertop and get a separate eco countertop potentially.
You can also find countertops at demolition sales! (See above for more on those.)
Responsible Production
Given the weight and size of furniture, it’s especially great to see local production for furniture. The carbon footprint of shipping such heavy and large pieces around the world is nothing to overlook!
Another great practice is made-to-order, which reduces waste — and also often enables you to customize your vanity to your specifications.
Finally, transparency, fair wages, and safe working conditions are key to responsible production. This is another reason to choose non-toxic materials. You’re not only protecting yourself, but also supporting companies that protect their workers and the environment, too.
Certifications
You’ll see a few certifications and standards referenced throughout this guide. Here’s what each one actually covers:
- FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed; not a finish, countertop, or hardware guarantee.
- GREENGUARD Certified = the finished product was tested for low chemical emissions, including VOCs; product-level certifications mean that just because one product from a brand is certified, it doesn’t mean the others are!
- Fair Trade Certified = verifies that a factory meets standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical labor practices; not a company-wide certification
- B Corporation = a company-level certification (not product-specific) verifying that a business meets standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability, assessed by the nonprofit B Lab
Where to Find Sustainable Bathroom Vanities
Check out the curation of brands below that carry eco-friendly bathroom vanities. Details on each brand are included, as well as key points like price and shipping details. Each brand has different sustainability highlights.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links, which means we earn a commission if you buy through these links at no additional cost to you. This helps us continue to create more free guides for you!
1. What WE Make
Best for: made-to-order reclaimed wood vanities with character
Based near Chicago, What WE Make handcrafts reclaimed wood furniture — including bathroom vanities — made from salvaged wood sourced from torn down midwestern barns. That means the wood is century- or centuries-old wood, with incredible durability and character. Just don’t expect every piece from the brand to look the same! Slight variations are part of the nature of using repurposed materials.
Their recycled bathroom vanities are available in a range of styles from mid-century modern to rustic farmhouse, with legs or as floating vanities, and are available in several low VOC finishes. Each vanity is made-to-order so you can also request custom sizes.
Materials: Reclaimed Wood, Concrete
Price: $1,995 – $5,485
Shipping: Ships free within U.S.
2. Native Trails @ Wayfair
Best for: solid wood vanities with lower impact countertops
Native Trails is a woman-owned Certified B Corporation that prioritizes social and environmental responsibility. The company’s eco-friendly bathroom vanities are made with FSC-certified solid European hardwood or reclaimed wood from oak barrels of California vineyards. But my favorite part of Native Trails is that their vanities use more eco-friendly countertops made from their own material called NativeStone® — it’s a blend of cement and jute fiber handcrafted by artisans in Vietnam.
The sustainable furniture company also sells recycled copper sinks, NativeStone® basins, concrete vanity tops, mirrors, and even drains to complete your bathroom vanity. While Native Trails does not sell direct on their site, you can find their bathroom vanities at several in-person and online retailers, including Bed Bath & Beyond and Wayfair.
Materials: Reclaimed Wood, FSC-Certified Walnut, Solid Oak, Concrete & Jute (NativeStone®)
Price Range: $1,413 – $4,428
Shipping: Free shipping through Bed Bath & Beyond and Wayfair
3. West Elm Sustainably Sourced Collection
Best for: wide variety of aesthetic choices for more sustainable vanities
West Elm has been making strides in their sustainability efforts and has several sustainable bathroom vanities available. You can sort through their options with filters like Greenguard Certified (tested for toxic chemicals), Sustainably-Sourced (typically FSC-certified wood), and Fair Trade. They also have a Contract Grade tag signifying products that are durable and built to last. You can find eco-friendly mid-century modern, contemporary, and japandi style bathroom vanities on their site.
While West Elm doesn’t have the level of sustainability credentials of some of the other options on this list, I appreciate that the retailer is large enough to have stores where you can see the vanities in-person before making your decision.
Materials: Hardwood & Engineered Wood (check for GREENGUARD certified products on engineered wood)
Price: $1,055 – $3,399
Shipping: Within U.S.; White Glove Delivery available in select locations
4. Limitless Woodworking
Best for: solid wood vanities with a farmhouse feel
Specializing in custom wood furniture, you can find a USA-made bathroom vanity that you can design to your specifications, from size to stain color to hardware at Limitless Woodworking. The Indiana-based furniture company’s natural bathroom vanities are made-to-order just for you, and many reviewers compliment the products’ craftsmanship and quality.
The wood is new — not reclaimed like What WE Make or Native Trails — but I appreciate the transparency around the production of these vanities along with the commitment to using solid wood and building with quality craftsmanship.
Materials: Northeastern White Pine
Price: $1,433 – $8,189
Shipping: Ships free within U.S.
How about more affordable sustainable bathroom vanities?
You may have noticed that the price of a more sustainable bathroom vanity is on the higher end from your typical vanity — that’s to be expected when the sourcing is done responsibly, a company uses hardwood instead of composite wood, or when furniture is handcrafted domestically.
But if these vanities are outside of your budget, I’d suggest furniture outlets as a secondhand option (since it can be pretty tough to find vanities secondhand from someone’s home). I’m not talking about the kind of outlets where they just make cheaper products, but genuine outlets where they sell returned products they can’t resell as new. Such as:
West Elm Open Box Outlet Deals: this is where you can find deals on vanities and other bathroom furniture and accessories that have been opened and returned. A true outlet like this is a form of secondhand furniture, as these pieces usually cannot be sold as new. Some retailers toss out returned products, so it’s nice to see companies resell these types of items.
Wayfair Open Box: similarly, Wayfair offers open box deals up to 40% off on all kinds of furniture, including bathroom vanities. As an outlet, just keep in mind that you can’t return the items, so make sure to double check the measurements! If you’re thinking: but what if there’s an undisclosed issue or significant damage from shipping? Thankfully, those usually those have exceptions. I received a broken chandelier in the mail from Wayfair’s Open Box Outlet, and they did refund me after I sent photos. So while the product might have some wear on it from back and forth shipping, you shouldn’t have to deal with a dysfunctional product.
Ikea As Is: I’ve used the As Is program from Ikea several times. You simply browse your nearest store’s selection online, reserve the piece(s) you want then pick up and pay within 48 hours. It’s not as convenient as West Elm or Wayfair since you have to drive and pick up — versus just wait for the delivery — but the benefit is you can actually see the furniture before you purchase.
I hope one of these options will meet your needs for an eco-friendly bathroom vanity! Feel free to reach out if you have any further recommendations. And good luck on your bathroom remodel!
You May Also Like:
Gorgeous Sustainable Tables to Gather Around
The Best Sustainable Furniture Companies
Organic Towels to Transform Your Bathroom Into a Sustainable Sanctuary
The post 4 Eco-Friendly Bathroom Vanities For A More Sustainable Remodel appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
4 Eco-Friendly Bathroom Vanities For A More Sustainable Remodel
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