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US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by  the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.

Focusing on what matters most

“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.

Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going

Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co

Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility

Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”

The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.

Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.

Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors

Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.

In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.

Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.

We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing

Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co

One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.

Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection

Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.

Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.

Alpineglo Sweater

This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.

Chaka Wide-Leg Trousers

Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.

Nomader Reversible Jacket

This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.

Manzana Quilted Jacket

Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.

Balsam Cutoff TrousersThese Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Balsam Cutoff Trousers

These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Kennicott Shirt Jacket

Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.

Airsmyth Shirt

This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.

Balsam 5-Pocket Trousers

Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.

Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.

The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Last Updated on November 21, 2025

If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!

I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.

If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.

I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).

what are good homemade Christmas gifts?

Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.  

If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).

It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.

what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).

And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!

Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!

RELATED: Gift Wrapping: How to Keep It Easy, Eco and Chic

how can I make a last minute gift?

You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!

For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.

One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!

Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.

1. Bath salts
2. DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
3. Bath bombs
4. Lip scrub
5. Lip balm
6. Face mask
7. Body lotion
8. Natural perfume
9. Dry shampoo
10. Shampoo bar
11. Body soap
12. Deodorant
13. Rose water toner
14. Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles 
15. Simmer pot in a jar
16. Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
17. Handmade seasoning blends
18. Vanilla extract
19. Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
20. Herb or citrus infused olive oil
21. Peanut butter + jam
22. Beeswax wraps
23. Apple or pumpkin butter
24. Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
25. Finished embroidery hoops
26. Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
27. Sewn cotton rounds
28. Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
29. Hand warmers
30. Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
31. Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
32. Hand painted or drawn artwork
33. Air dry clay paint palette
34. DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
35. Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
36. Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
37. Carving wooden bowls by hand
38. Natural branch coasters
39. Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
40. Seed balls using native seeds
41. Handwoven baskets or bowls
42. Macrame produce bag
43. Macrame plant hanger
44. Fabric paper mache bowls
45. Upcycled paper earring jewelry
46. Clay earrings
47. Handmade plush toys
48. Felt ‘food’ toys
49. Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
50. Knit or crocheted baby clothes

What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!

The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Last Updated on November 6, 2025

Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.

And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.

On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.

It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.

what is the least toxic rug?

The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.

Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:

• Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool 
• Low-waste packaging + delivery
• Natural, non-synthetic dyes
• Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs 
• Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
• Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs

do all rugs have PFAS?

According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.

However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.

what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?

The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).

I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below). 

what brand of rugs are non-toxic?

The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.

1. hook and loom

• Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
• Made from GOTs certified organic cotton, recycled cotton + wool
• No dyes or harmful chemicals
• No latex

2. lorena canals

• Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
• Handmade by artisans using recycled materials like organic cotton + wool
• Nontoxic dyes
• Make your own option
• Machine washable
• Rugcycled line made from recycled materials in their own factory 

3. sabai

• Field rug
• Woven using wool + jute
• Available in 3 varying sizes
• Rug pad add-on available for reduced movement
• Certified B Corporation

4. quince

• Various sizes + patterns, best known for vintage-inspired looks
• Made from natural materials like wool, jute, + cotton
• Handcrafted by artisans in India
• Transparent pricing practices
• Compostable poly bags + recycled plastic mailers

5. west elm

• Rugs for every area of the home, in varying sizes
• Made from wool, jute, hemp, cotton, TENCEL + recycled materials
• Handspun by skilled artisans in India

6. nestig

• Area + washable rugs made with fun shapes/designs for babies + kids
• Washable rugs made with organic cotton + nontoxic dyes
• Area rugs made with cotton + each colored element crafted from recycled cotton
• Handmade in Brazil

7. cold picnic

• Various rug shapes + sizes, abstract patterns + bold colors
• Made with wool, bamboo silk, cotton, hemp, + deadstock materials
• Designed in a Brooklyn studio, handmade by artisans in India
• Committed to reducing packaging waste where possible

8. loomy

• Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
• Made from banana silk, hemp, jute, recycled fiber, viscose, or wool
• Any colored yarn dyed using low-impact techniques
• Handcrafted by indigenous artisans

So what do you think of these non toxic, sustainable rugs? Let me know in the comments!

The post 8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home