More homeowners are installing solar, but 2026 brings a significantly changed financial landscape. The federal residential solar tax credit, a cornerstone of solar economics for two decades, expired on December 31, 2025. At the same time, panel technology has advanced and prices have reached near-historic lows. Here is what you need to know before making a solar investment this year.
The most consequential shift for anyone considering rooftop solar in 2026 is the expiration of Section 25D, the Residential Clean Energy Credit. That 30% credit, which was worth up to $9,000 on a $30,000 system, is no longer available for home solar installations. The One Big Beautiful Bill, signed July 4, 2025, accelerated the phase-out that the Inflation Reduction Act had originally extended through 2034. Homeowners who installed and claimed the credit before year-end keep their savings.
However, one federal credit remains available through at least 2027. The Clean Electricity Investment Credit (Section 48E), the commercial counterpart to the expired residential credit, was preserved in the One Big Beautiful Bill. It is available to businesses that own solar installations, including systems installed on residential rooftops. A solar company that owns a system on your roof can claim a 30% tax credit on its investment and pass a portion of that value to homeowners through lower pricing on leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or prepaid arrangements.
Under IRS rules, a solar company must retain genuine ownership of the system for at least five years. It cannot simply transfer ownership on day one and pocket the credit. This has given rise to offers referred to as prepaid PPA and “deferred ownership” products. You pay upfront and take full title to the system after the required holding period, which is typically six years. Providers including Tesla, which launched its 25-year solar lease with a year-five buyout option in October 2025, have recast their leasing offers to meet this IRS requirement. Utility Dive reporting confirms that TPO providers will continue to offer pass-through credits for leasing agreements in 2026 and 2027.
State and Local Incentives Step Into the Federal Gap
While the federal residential credit is gone, state programs offer meaningful savings in many markets. Many of these programs run on a block system, which is worth understanding before you shop. The state sets aside a fixed pool of money for each region, called a block. When that pool runs out, a new block opens, but at a lower rebate rate. This means the longer you wait, the less you’ll receive. Applying early, before your regional block fills, locks in the higher rate.
The best states for solar incentives in 2026 include:
- New York: The NY-Sun program, run by the state energy authority NYSERDA, cuts your installation bill upfront. Your installer simply charges you less, so there’s no rebate application to file and no waiting for a check. How much you save depends on where you live: homeowners in New York City and surrounding areas served by Con Edison get about $0.40 per watt off their system cost, while those upstate get around $0.20 per watt. Income-qualified households get $0.80 per watt regardless of region. On top of the rebate, New York offers a state income tax credit worth 25% of your system cost, up to $5,000, plus exemptions from both sales tax on equipment and property tax on the added home value.
- New Jersey: The Successor Solar Incentive program pays you for every unit of electricity your panels produce, for 15 years after installation. The current rate is about $85.90 per megawatt-hour — one megawatt-hour equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours, roughly what a typical home uses in a month — an you will receive payments every three months. A standard 8 kW rooftop system earns around $825 per year this way, or about $12,000 over the life of the contract. The rate is set to rise to $95.23 for the 2026–27 program year. Your installer handles the initial registration, but you’ll need to log your system’s monthly production in the state tracking system to keep the payments coming. New Jersey also offers full retail-rate net metering, meaning the utility credits your bill at the same rate you’d pay for grid electricity, and solar equipment is exempt from the state’s 6.625% sales tax.
- Massachusetts: The state’s SMART 3.0 program pays solar owners a fixed rate of $0.03 per kilowatt-hour produced over 10 years. There’s a catch. The program calculates your actual payment by subtracting your current utility rate from that base, and Massachusetts electricity rates have risen high enough that solar-only homeowners currently receive little to nothing through SMART. Where the program still delivers real money is when you pair solar with a battery; adding storage unlocks a bonus payment that can bring your total SMART rate to around $0.05 per kilowatt-hour, worth roughly $500 per year for a typical system. Low-income households receive double the base rate. Think of SMART as a strong reason to add a battery to your solar system, not as a standalone solar rebate.
- Maryland: Maryland used to offer a flat $1,000 grant to any homeowner who installed solar, but that program ended in June 2025. Its replacement, the Maryland Solar Access Program, is more generous but limited to income-qualified households. It pays $750 per kilowatt of installed capacity, up to $7,500. All Maryland homeowners, regardless of income, still benefit from three solid incentives: net metering that credits excess solar production at the full retail electricity rate with no expiration on rollover credits; an active market for Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) currently paying $60–$80 per megawatt-hour of production; and exemptions from both state sales tax on equipment and property tax on the added home value from the installation.
- Oregon: The Energy Trust of Oregon provides two levels of rebate depending on your income. Most PGE and Pacific Power customers receive a flat $2,500 off their system cost at the point of sale; your installer applies it directly, so you never pay the full price upfront. If your household income falls below the program’s threshold (a family of four earning up to roughly $120,000 often qualifies), you can move into the Solar Within Reach program, which pays $0.90 per watt up to $5,500, meaning a typical 7 kW system could receive the full $5,500, covering a substantial share of the total cost. Oregon is one of the better states for solar economics in two additional ways. First, the state has no sales tax, so you pay nothing extra on panels, inverters, or installation labor, a savings of several hundred to over a thousand dollars compared to most states. Second, the added value your solar system brings to your home is excluded from your property tax assessment, so your tax bill won’t rise after installation. Only customers of Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power qualify for Energy Trust rebates. If you’re served by a different utility, these programs don’t apply, and Oregon’s incentive picture looks considerably thinner.
- Illinois: Illinois has one of the most distinctive solar incentive structures in the country through the Illinois Shines program. Most state SREC programs pay you a small amount each year for the electricity your panels produce. Illinois flips that model. Instead of annual payments, the program calculates how many energy credits your system is expected to generate over its first 15 years, then pays the estimated value of all of those credits upfront, in a single payment. For most homeowners, this works out to between $7,000 and $11,000, applied as a discount on your system cost. The payment goes first to your installer, who is required to pass the full amount on to you — either as an upfront reduction in what you pay, or as a separate check. Because of administrative processing, the payment typically arrives within one to two years of installation rather than at the moment you sign your contract. Make sure your installer spells out exactly how and when you’ll receive the money before you commit.
- South Carolina: Offering one of the most generous state-level solar tax credits in the country, 25% of your total system cost, with a maximum credit of $35,000. Unlike a rebate, which reduces what you pay upfront, a tax credit reduces what you owe the state at tax time, dollar for dollar. On a $25,000 system, that’s $6,250 back against your state income tax bill. The state caps the annual payout at $3,500 per year. If your credit exceeds that amount, you carry it forward and to subsequent years until the full credit is used. South Carolina also offers full retail-rate net metering, meaning the utility credits your bill at the same rate you’d pay for grid electricity when your panels send excess power back to the grid.
Property tax exemptions, which prevent your assessment from rising after you add solar, and sales tax exemptions on equipment are available in many additional states. Use the DSIRE database to find what’s current in your state, as programs change.
2026 Solar Prices: Near Historic Lows, Without Federal Help
As of early 2026, the national average installed cost for a residential system runs approximately $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives, according to EnergySage’s marketplace. Actual prices vary significantly by region, and many states offer additional tax credits.
Cons
No Federal Tax Credit for Purchased Systems
In past years, the 30% federal credit was often the deciding factor that made solar financially compelling. A $25,000 system effectively cost $17,500 after the credit. That leverage is gone for homeowners who buy their systems with cash or a loan in 2026. The financial case for solar is still compelling in many markets, particularly states with high electricity rates, but payback periods are roughly 2–4 years longer without the federal subsidy.
Solar Recycling Infrastructure Remains Underdeveloped
The state of solar panel recycling in the U.S. has improved marginally but remains inadequate for the volume of panels approaching end-of-life. Most residential panels installed in the 2000s and early 2010s are now 15–20 years old and approaching their rated lifespan. The SEIA’s PV Recycling Program is a voluntary industry effort, but its capacity does not match the growing volume of end-of-use panels.
Net Metering Policies Are Eroding in Key States
Net metering, a billing mechanism that compensates solar owners for excess electricity they give back to the grid, is available in approximately 38 states and Washington, D.C., but the terms are increasingly unfavorable. California’s Net Billing Tariff, referred to as NEM 3.0, took effect April 15, 2023, and reduced consumer generation rates by roughly 75%. Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada have made similar moves toward lower rates. Understanding your utility’s specific net metering structure is now more important than ever when evaluating whether solar makes financial sense. Ask prospective installers to model your savings under the actual export rate your utility will pay, not just the retail electricity rate.
Solar Batteries Remain a Significant Added Cost
Home battery storage is still a significant investment even as prices have gradually come down. The most popular options, including the Tesla Powerwall 3 and the modular Enphase IQ Battery 5P, work very differently, and so do their costs. If you want enough battery capacity to run a typical home through a full night without solar input, you need roughly 25 kWh or more, so plan on paying $25,000 to $35,000 for the installed system regardless of brand. That nearly doubles the cost of a solar-only system for many households.
The Powerwall 3 is a single unit that holds 13.5 kWh of energy and includes a built-in solar inverter, making it an all-in-one solution for most homes. Expect to pay $12,000 to $17,000 after installation. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is designed differently to store just 5 kWh, and they stack. A single unit runs about $8,500 installed and provides enough to power essential systems during an outage. But most homes need two to four units for meaningful coverage, pushing costs to between $15,000 and $30,000 depending on how much backup capacity is needed. This is the most flexible system because you can start small and add units over time.
One way to improve the financial case for a battery is to enroll in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program, where your utility pays you for occasionally drawing on your stored energy during high-demand grid periods. These programs are available in roughly half of U.S. states, though the compensation varies enormously. Some programs offer modest bill credits, while others, like Massachusetts’ ConnectedSolutions program, pay between $233 and $275 per kilowatt of enrolled battery capacity per year.
Check with your utility, not your state, to take the first step toward joining a VPP. The Clean Energy States Alliance’s VPP program page is the most current source of information directory.
Tariffs Have Pushed Equipment Costs Higher
Import tariffs on solar panels, particularly from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, have added upward pricing pressure that partially offsets the efficiency gains from technology improvements. Equipment prices are not as low as they would be in an unrestricted global market.
Pros
Panel Technology Has Advanced Substantially
The industry has undergone a major technology transition since 2019. The dominant PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology has given way to N-type TOPCon and HJT panels, which achieve 22–24% efficiency in commercial production. Back-contact (IBC and ABC) panels now approach 25%. This matters practically: higher efficiency means fewer panels are needed to generate the same output. The technological shift has not added cost. TOPCon panels are competitive with older PERC pricing.
Community Solar Continues to Expand Access
For renters, those with shaded properties, or homeowners who prefer not to deal with installation, community solar farms remain a viable alternative. Subscribers receive credits on their utility bills for their share of the farm’s production, typically at a 5–15% discount to retail electric rates. The community solar market has matured considerably since 2021, with strong programs now available in New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Colorado, Maryland, Maine, and New Jersey. Some programs offer $0 down with month-to-month cancellation.
Solar Remains a Sound Long-Term Investment in the Right Markets
Despite the loss of the federal tax credit, solar continues to pencil out in many markets, driven by steadily rising utility rates. Residential electricity prices have increased in 44 of 50 states over the past three years. States with rates above 20 cents/kWh — including California (30+ cents in many areas), Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Hawaii — still offer payback periods of 6–10 years even without the federal credit, with substantial savings over a 25-year system life.
Solar makes the strongest financial sense when: your roof is south- or southwest-facing with minimal shading; your monthly electricity bill exceeds $150; your state has meaningful incentives or a strong net metering policy; and you plan to stay in your home for at least 7–10 years. Tools like EnergySage and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts calculator can help you model site-specific returns before committing to a quote.
More Reputable Installers and Better Warranties Than Ever
The residential solar installation market has continued to mature. Most major manufacturers now offer 25-year product and performance warranties as standard; Maxeon backs its panels with a 40-year warranty. There are typically several well-reviewed local and regional installers in most markets, which helps keep prices competitive. A labor warranty, which covers defects in installation workmanship, is typically offered by the installer rather than the manufacturer, so installer financial stability matters—you want them to be there later, if problems arise.
Get at least three competing bids and compare cost-per-watt figures to evaluate quotes fairly across different system sizes. Verify installer credentials through NABCEP certification and check recent reviews on SolarReviews.
Solar Is Still The Better Option 2026
Despite 2026 being a genuinely mixed year for home solar economics, equipment costs are at or near historic lows, panel technology is better than ever, and solar remains a compelling long-term investment in high-electricity-cost markets. But the loss of the 30% federal tax credit is a real setback for homeowners, effectively adding back years to the payback period.
The affordability math depends on where you live, your electricity costs, your state’s incentive programs, and your financing approach. In states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Oregon, and South Carolina — where strong state programs partially replace the federal credit — solar economics remain solid. In states with low electricity rates and minimal state incentives, the case is harder to make at 2026 prices.
Before signing any contract, use the DSIRE database to identify all state and local programs available to you, get at least three installer quotes, and understand your utility’s actual net metering or export compensation terms. The decision to go solar is site-specific national averages are a starting point, not the answer.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on March 25, 2021, this article was updated in March 2026 to reflect current pricing, tax credit changes, and technology.
The post Should You Go Solar In 2026? appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/eco-tech/solar-pros-and-cons/
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
The post 10 Sustainable Socks Made with Organic Fabrics appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
-
Climate Change1 year ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Renewable Energy11 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago
嘉宾来稿：探究火山喷发如何影响气候预测
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits