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Last Updated on November 11, 2024

It’s that time of year again – the 2024 sustainable gift guide! I love writing these guides every year because my mother and me both have the love language of gifts, and eco-friendly gifts make this even better!

I’ve been focusing less on physical gifts, more on acts of service lately. Whether it be making the bed or washing the dishes, I think there are several practical ways to show our love.

This post was sponsored. Several of the links below are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

But the fact still remains – gifting physical presents is still one of my favorite ways to show my love. Consumable gifts and experience gifts are great, but I think physical gifts are good opportunities to pass on the eco love.

I’ve gifted things like reusable water bottles in the past that actually inspired more impactful changes down the line. I’m sure you’ve done the same. I’ve divided this post into separate categories to easily shop for everyone on your list.

  1. gifts for cozy living
  2. gifts for the traveler
  3. gifts for practical self-care
  4. gifts for the budding environmentalist

gifts for cozy living

Winter can bring on seasonal depression for some. Plus, we all too often idolize the grind when we should idolize slowing down. Cozy living can help make winter a little more bearable.

I love the idea of gifting items that inspire people to sit around a fire place, snuggle up and drink some hot cocoa. Doesn’t that sound so cozy??

Cozy living can also mean taking the time to care for our well being, like taking a hot shower, snuggling up with your dog, making delicious hearty meals, or taking a nice bubble bath.

These brands are perfect for staying in and slowing down.

savy rest gift guide

1. savy rest organic pet bed

  • Natural latex core encased in a washable organic cotton cover
  • Available in three sizes
  • Supportive and comfortable
  • Discount: GZW20 for 20% off

caraway sustainable gift guide

2. caraway ceramic cookware set 

  • Non-toxic 12-piece cookware set made without Teflon coating
  • Naturally non-stick making it easy to cook + clean
  • Comes with pan + lid storage
  • Ships in plastic-free packaging

brondell nebia yuba handshower gift guide

3. brondell nebia yuba handshower

  • Handshower with double docking system for convenient handheld use
  • Saves 40% more water while delivering 75% more force than a standard showerhead
  • 4 luxurious spray settings + a pause function

mate the label sweats sustainable gift guide

4. mate the label sweats   

  • The Sweats Edit features matching sweatpants + sweatshirts
  • Made with 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
  • Free of plastic, pesticides + toxic dyes
  • Certified B Corp
  • Climate Neutral
  • Take back program for recycling clothing

wear pact sustainable gift guide

5. pact crew socks

  • Made with 78% GOTS certified organic cotton + 20% recycled nylon
  • Carbon neutral shipments
  • Fair trade certified
  • FSC certified recyclable paper bag packaging

6. tentree wool turtleneck sweater  

  • RWS certified wool-blend, organic cotton + recycled polyester
  • Plants 10 trees for every item you purchase
  • Certified B Corporation
  • Climate Neutral certified

Eliss Brooklyn: sustainable gift guide

7. eliss brooklyn

  • Hand-poured candles
  • Domestically grown soy wax blend
  • Housed in a 6.5 oz recycled glass jar
  • Holder is handmade + lead-free
  • Made in the USA

gifts for the traveler

Know someone who absolutely loves being outdoors, exploring or travelling? These gifts are for them!

If they’re always on the go, hiking, camping or just generally busy bodies – these gifts will make their lives a little more convenient all while being sustainable.

coast portland gift gude

8. coast portland rechargeable batteries

  • Helps keeps batteries out of landfills
  • Recharges in roughly 2.5 hours
  • Convenient + easy to recharge using USB-C charging cables
  • Runs 2-6x longer than other batteries
  • Compatible in most AA and AAA friendly devices
  • Won’t overheat or leak
  • Carbon neutral certified product

greco gum gift guide

9. greco gum chios mastic gum 

  • Ancient, natural chewing gum with unique health benefits
  • Made with 100% pure chios mastic, sustainably harvested on the island of Chios in eastern Greece
  • Supports dental healthy by naturally cleansing the mouth + strengthening jaw muscles
  • Promotes gut health by balancing stomach acids + supporting digestion
  • Discount: The first 100 people to claim KATHRYN15 get 15% off first order

the powder shampoo gift guide

10. The powder shampoo

  • Powder-to-foam haircare + body wash that’s TSA-friendly, spill-proof + lightweight
  • Made with natural ingredients + free of harsh chemicals
  • Formula uses zero water and zero plastic packaging
  • Bottles are made from infinitely recyclable aluminum
  • Discount: 10% off until 31 Dec 2024 with code: NOPLASTIC

biolite gift guide

11. biolite portable solar panel charger

  • Powers tablets, phones and other small devices from energy stored in the integrated 3200 mAh lithium ion battery – or in real time when the sun is shining
  • Ultra slim + lightweight
  • Can withstand splashing water from any angle
  • Climate Neutral Certified brand

gifts for practical self-care

We all have that one friend who loves having the latest beauty essentials, be it makeup or skincare products. These sustainable gifts will totally vibe with them without harming the planet.

If you know any wellness junkies, they’ll certainly appreciate these gifts too because of how clean the ingredients are in most of these products are.

a simple planet gift guide

12. a simple planet flaxseed hair gel 

  • Made from just three simple organic, biodegradable, plant-based ingredients
  • 100% free of silicones, phthalates, and parabens
  • Packaged in reusable bottles + refillable pouch system
  • Discount: goingzerowaste for 15% off

Ren Skincare sustainable gift guide

13. ren skincare

  • Natural skincare brand
  • Packaging designed to be recyclable, contains recycled materials or is reusable
  • Specializes in pregnancy + sensitive skincare

BRIXY

14. brixy gift set

  • Shampoo, conditioner + body wash bars set
  • Made without sulfates phthalates, parabens or synthetic scents
  • Set replaces 8 plastic bottles
  • Works for all hair types
  • Can be found at Whole Foods + Sprouts Farmers Market

Mega Food: Sustainable Gift Guide

15. megafood daily immune support

  • Provides everyday support for a healthy immune system
  • Made with vitamins C & D3 plus zinc
  • Take anytime of day, even on an empty stomach
  • Vegetarian, gluten-free, non GMO
  • B Corp certified, supports regenerative agriculture, glass bottles
  • Discount: KATHRYN20 for 20% off

gifts for the budding environmentalist

Know someone who’s a zero waste newbie? Or, someone you want to introduce sustainable living to? These gifts would be perfect!

Not everyone can afford zero waste swaps so it’s always nice to gift some to friends and family.

Also, if you know anyone who seriously loves the environment as much as you do – they’re bound to love these gifts.

There’s even one gift listed that’s perfect for getting kids into sustainability!

Who Gives A Crap: sustainable gift guide

16. who gives a crap

  • 100% recycled toilet paper (no virgin trees used)
  • Carbon neutral shipping
  • Plastic free packaging

17. lomi 

  • Transforms your food waste into nutrient-rich plant food
  • The only carbon-neutral appliance in your kitchen
  • Decreases your carbon footprint by up to 127%
  • Holiday sale until December 19th (44% off Lomi Classic, 24% off Lomi Bloom)

Plaine Products: Sustainable Gift Guide

18. plaine products zero waste starter kit

  • Zero waste starter kit includes: full sized hand wash and body lotion, sample sized shampoo and conditioner
  • Refillable products packaged plastic-free in aluminum bottles
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, women owned, carbon neutral

Did this sustainable gift guide inspire you? What eco-friendly gifts will you be gifting this season? Let me know in the comments!

The post Sustainable Gift Guide 2024 appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Eco Friendly Gifts: Sustainable Gift Guide 2024

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Green Living

5 Sustainable Mirrors That Make for Stunning Wall Decor

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When I was curating furniture and decor for my first home, I was well-prepared for sourcing furniture and textile-based decor like pillows given all of the research I’ve done over the years for my guides. But mirrors presented a new challenge: what makes a mirror “sustainable”? And are there any style-forward sustainable mirrors to choose from? And how do I source something like a full-length sustainable mirror within a reasonable budget?

This guide is the result of all of that research — mirrors from companies I purchased from and others I researched but didn’t ultimately select for my own space.

What to Look for in a Sustainable Mirror:

Most mirrors are made from glass and reflective metal with a frame. Some lighter weight or “shatterproof” mirrors use transparent acrylic or polycarbonate — in other words: plastic. If sustainability is something you’re looking for I’d avoid those materials, as they’re directly derived from fossil fuels.

Here’s what else to keep in mind.

Note that this guide includes affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through some of these links, we may earn a commission which enables us to keep creating resources just like this one. As always, these are brands that meet high standards for sustainability and are brands we truly love — and that we think you’ll love too!

Search for Secondhand Mirrors

Shopping for pre-loved mirrors keeps existing mirrors out of the landfill while reducing the need for new production. (Get tips for shopping secondhand home goods here.)

Local Secondhand Options:

  • Local thrift shops and furniture resale stores
  • Estate sales or garage sales
  • Apps like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for local pickups

Online Secondhand Options:

While these options are typically priced a bit higher (and may involve shipping fees) they can be more convenient and curated than the above options. These resources do all the work of inspection, cleaning, and delivery for you.

  1. AptDeco is best for big name brands at lower prices. The resale site has gently used, mid-market furniture (think West Elm and Ethan Allen) for prices that are anywhere from 10-85% lower than new.
  2. Chairish is best for unique finds and investment pieces. The vintage site has a stunning, curated selection of everything from art deco mirrors to traditional 19th century mirrors.
  3. Happy Vintage Studio is best for vintage accent mirrors. This “star seller” on Etsy has plenty of one-of-a-kind mirrors of all shapes and sizes — and at quite reasonable prices for vintage, too. You can get the pieces delivered or do a local pickup if you’re near the Virginia-based seller.

Responsible Materials

If shopping new, look for mirrors with eco-friendly frames. As I mentioned, the mirror itself doesn’t vary all that much (just make sure it’s glass, not plastic!). The frames, though, can vary quite a bit. Most mass-production mirrors are made with metal frames or pressed wood, potentially sourced irresponsibly. Instead look for mirrors made from materials like sustainably-sourced or reclaimed wood, bamboo, rattan, or recycled metal.

Working Conditions & Craftsmanship

The people aspect of sustainability is just as important to consider. Does the brand publish information about how the mirror was made and if the makers earned fair, living wages? If they worked in safe conditions and had benefits? There are some certifications like Fair Trade Certified factories, though this is still rare among furniture companies unfortunately.

Where to Find Sustainable Mirrors

Sustainable home decor shopping isn’t easy, but I’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Check out the following vetted sources to find responsibly-made more sustainable mirrors.

1. Ethnicraft @ Urban Natural

Ethnicraft has mastered the art of creating stylish home objects with exceptional craftsmanship over the course of their 25 years in business. Their sustainable mirrors are crafted by artisans using materials like solid mahogany, walnut, oak and bronze.

The brand sources FSC-certified wood and repurposes waste, like recycling leftover wood into things like base material.

Best for: Elegant, artisan-made mirrors

Price range: $539 (wall mirror) – $1,269 (aged floor mirror)

2. Green Row

Best for: Artful mirrors that add real character

This sustainable furniture and decor brand is newer to the scene, and I only recently learned about it. Part of the Williams Sonoma family, Green Row was founded with sustainability at its foundation — with decades of design and sourcing experience behind it.

Green Row’s mirror collection leans into artisan techniques you don’t see often in mainstream home decor: from bone hand-inlaid onto mango wood frames and reverse-painted etched glass (made in India) to natural shell inlay(Philippines). Each piece is framed as an effort to preserve traditional handcraft techniques, so the natural variation between pieces is part of the character. (They do use MDF for backings, though.)

Conscious Qualities: Mango Wood and Rattan Frames, Artisan-Made, Cultural Craft Preservation

Price Range: $219 (accent mirror) – $5,000 (hand-sculpted Venetian glass mirror)

3. Village Thrive

Best for: Rattan mirrors in playful, artisan-made shapes

Village Thrive partners with an artisan collective of over 100 makers in Kerobokan, Bali, handcrafting rattan mirrors sustainably sourced on the island. Beyond the classic round and rectangle shapes, they offer genuinely distinctive silhouettes — think arches, crescent moons, blooms, an “opened eye” shape, and a rainbow.

One of the touches I appreciate is that Village Thrive sells “imperfect” mirrors with slight cosmetic damage at a discount, rather than discarding them — this is both a way to reduce waste from the handcraft process, and a good option if you’re not picky about flawless decor and want to save some money.

Conscious Qualities: Ethically Artisan-Made, Natural Materials

Price Range: $111 (imperfect option) – $285

Boho arch mirror made with rattan by artisans in Bali

4. VivaTerra

Best for: Organic and antique accent mirrors

Green lifestyle retailer VivaTerra offers a selection of sustainably-crafted home decor and furniture, including mirrors.

Among their current available options are a hand-hammered antique brass framed mirror made by their artisan partners and a woven flower-shaped mirror crafted from cane.

Conscious Qualities: Artisan-Made, Natural Frame Options

Price Range: $249 – $329

Flower shaped rattan mirror from sustainable retailer VivaTerra

5. What We Make

Best for: handcrafted solid wood mirrors

Made from sustainably-sourced American hardwood by a woodworking studio in Pittsburgh, these are not your average mirrors.

Each timeless mirror is handmade to order with heirloom quality joinery and a mirror glass with hardboard backing (to make it easily replaceable). Choose between Walnut, natural White Oak, or White Oak with a black finish.

Conscious Qualities: Sustainably-Sourced Hardwood, Made to Order in the US

Price Range: $995 – $1,495

Arched mirror handmade from sustainably sourced American hardwood

Honorable mention:

West Elm – Natural Fiber Mirrors

Furniture retailer West Elm has several accent mirrors made with natural rattan. The natural mirrors blend contemporary shapes with a textured frame for a beautiful modern on the boho interior aesthetic.

Best for: Contemporary mirrors with natural fiber frames

Price Range: $229 – $439

Rattan circle mirror hanging above sideboard

More Sustainable Home Decor Guides:

Ethical Home Decor Brands to Curate a Conscious Space

Sustainable Throw Pillows for Every Aesthetic

Fair Trade Baskets & Hampers to Store Everything and Anything

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5 Sustainable Mirrors That Make for Stunning Wall Decor

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Green Living

7 Sustainable Solid Wood Dining and Coffee Tables Built to Last

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Whether the family is sitting down for dinner in the kitchen or you and your roommates are marathoning Netflix in the living room, the sustainable tables from these brands will be your new gathering places for enjoying meals, drinks, and conversations together.

The sustainable table brands featured in this guide have furniture for any of your living and dining places:

  • Dining tables,
  • Side tables,
  • Coffee tables, and
  • Bar tables.

But first, you might be wondering: what is a sustainable table anyway?

What to Look for in a Sustainable Table

The word “sustainable” is used frequently and in so many different contexts that it can be difficult to pinpoint what exactly sustainable means.

That said, here are some key elements to consider when looking for your next coffee table, dining table, or desk.

Eco-Friendly Materials

When it comes to eco-friendly tables, wood is the most common material used because it’s a natural, renewable, and durable material that works with nearly any room or interior design style.

Note: If you find a brand that uses engineered wood or pressed wood, make sure to look on their website or ask about what adhesives are used. These products are often made from wood pieces that are bond together with glue that contains formaldehyde, which the EPA classifies as a “probable human carcinogen”.

Here’s what to look for to ensure sustainably-sourced wood:

  • Reclaimed Wood. Using existing resources reduces waste and the need to cut down additional trees. Plus, reclaimed wood — especialcan add authentic character to your table!
  • FSC-certified. The Forest Stewardship Council’s certification is the most widely used verification for responsible forestry practices. Just like any other large certification, the FSC seal is not perfect but can be an additional seal of approval to look for.
  • Traceability. Look to see if the brand can tell you where the wood was sourced from. Usually, smaller furniture brands will be able to have more transparency and traceability of their supply chain!
  • Local sourcing. Locally-sourced wood (from native or climate-appropriate trees) is preferable because sourcing locally reduces emissions from transportation.

Zero-VOC or Low-VOC Finishes

Similar to paints, finishes can contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Not only do VOCs create environmental hazards like air pollution and smog but they also pollute your indoor air too.

According to the EPA, health impacts of VOCs include:

  • Eye, nose, and throat irritations
  • Headaches and nausea
  • Damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system
  • Some VOCs are also known or suspected carcinogens

All too often we think of environmental sustainability as something separate from ourselves — something “out there in nature”.

But as with so many aspects of sustainability, what’s healthy for the environment is also often healthy for us as well — humans are, in fact, part of the environment. That’s why this sustainable table guide only includes non-toxic tables, too.

Other Sustainability Initiatives

Some other initiatives to look for from sustainable table brands include:

  • Use of renewable energy to power their operations or the purchase of renewable energy credits to offset fossil fuel energy use.
  • Take-back and/or repair programs to extend the life of their tables.
  • Quality manufacturing that ensures durable products built to last.
  • Trustworthy tree planting projects, especially if the company uses wood for their products.

Certifications

While not the end-all-be-all, certifications are third-party verifications that back up a company’s claim around sustainability, ethical sourcing, or non-toxic material use. Here are the certifications you might see for sustainable tables:

  • FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed; this certification is imperfect but has a higher standard that Sustainable Forestry Initiative, as reported by environmental nonprofit Sierra Club
  • GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold Certified = the finished product was tested for low chemical emissions, with Gold representing the strictest tier
  • Cradle-to-Cradle Certified = evaluates a product across material health, circularity, clean air/climate, water/soil stewardship, and social fairness; one of the only certifications that can assess a whole furniture product rather than a single material

Where to Find Sustainable Tables

Just as with fashion, looking secondhand first is a great way to find eco-friendly furniture at a more affordable price. Check out your local flea markets, secondhand stores, and keep an eye out for estate sales.

For online secondhand options, check out:

  • Facebook Marketplace (owned by Meta of course, but does have the most options)
  • OfferUp
  • Chairish
  • AptDeco

If you’re looking for a new eco-friendly table made from responsibly-sourced or reclaimed materials, take a look at the brands below!

Disclaimer: This guide includes affiliate links and partners, but as always all brands are vetted rigorously for sustainability and are brands we love, that we think you’ll love too

Best for Non-Toxic Dining Tables: Medley

walnut wood sustainable dining table with 4 chairs

Medley uses only FSC-certified walnut or maple hardwood for their solid wood eco-friendly dining tables and accent tables. Each table is finished with an all-natural furniture polish that consists of just beeswax, carnauba wax, and olive oil. And every table, just like the rest of Medley’s furnishings, is made in their own workshop in Los Angeles.

Conscious Qualities: FSC-Certified Wood, Transparent Local Production, Non-Toxic Finishes, Plants Trees

Price Range: $1,295 (coffee table) – $7,195 (extendable dining table)
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (or contact Medley for a quote outside of the U.S.)

Best for Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables: What We Make

Reclaimed oak solid wood table with 6 chairs, made in the USA

What We Make crafts their dining tables in Chicagoland from 100+ year old reclaimed planks salvaged from Midwestern barns. Each table is handcrafted with hand-welded steel legs and a metal side skirt, finished with a matte, VOC-free, plant-based finish. You can select from classic rectangular tables, or oval shaped and round tables. The small business has everything from pub tables and outdoor tables to modern and farmhouse style tables.

There are several tables with extendable designs too: each leaf adds 20 inches of length and seats two more people, and they’ll also sell you a matching bench sized specifically to slide beneath the table when not in use.

Because most of their tables are made with reclaimed wood (with a few exceptions — double check the product descriptions), expect some variations in the form of knots, splits, nail holes, weathering. It’s part of the character! Custom sizes are available on request, though lead times will vary based on when you order.

Conscious Qualities: Reclaimed Old-Growth Wood, Hand-Welded Steel, VOC-Free Finish, Handcrafted in Chicago

Price Range: $1,125 (bar table) – $5,185 (solid walnut trestle dining table)
Shipping: Ships within U.S.

Best for a Zero Waste Cofee Table: Avocado

Sustainable wood tables from Avocado

Founded as a non-toxic mattress brand, Avocado has now expanded into a variety of sustainable and non-toxic furniture like beds, dressers, and of course tables.

Their collection of eco-friendly tables includes accent tables, side tables, benches & stools, and a beautiful zero waste coffee table. Every table is made to order in the company’s Los Angeles woodshop from either reclaimed wood, FSC-Certified solid wood, or even 100% upcycled wood (which is not particleboard or fiberboard).

The Sustainable Furnishings Council member also uses non-toxic finishes and glues, like zero-VOC stain and safe odorless glues. And, Avocado offsets more than 100% of their emissions and has several product- factory- and company-level certifications of note.

Conscious Qualities: Made-To-Order In Avocado’s Own LA Woodshop; Uses Reclaimed and Sustainably-Sourced Materials; Non-Toxic Finishes; Renewable Energy-Powered Operations

Price Range: $699 – $1,299 for coffee tables
Shipping: Ships furniture within the contiguous U.S.

Best Locally Sourced Coffee Table: Sylvan Craft

sustainable wooden coffee table from Sylvan Craft

Perhaps you’ve heard of slow fashion or slow food — well Sylvan Craft is the epitome of slow furniture with their “Forest to Table” approach.

Sylvan Craft’s heirloom-quality tables (and other furniture) are all crafted with care from solid wood by their Amish business partner. And it’s not just any wood — this is wood that was sourced from Sylvan Craft’s own sustainably managed forest. Since their entire process from harvest to finished furniture takes place within a 5 mile radius, this “hyper-local” business also boasts a small carbon footprint and impressive average 8-10 week lead times on delivery. Blanket-wrapped shipping also minimizes packaging waste.

On a mission to preserve and restore forests through sustainable forestry and land management, Sylvan Craft has a meticulous forest management plan that centers on forest health. They employ selective harvesting (i.e. prioritizing damaged or dead trees for their wood), plant a variety of tree species to promote forest biodiversity, and use low-impact timber removal practices instead of heavy machinery.

Sylvan Craft’s selection of sustainably-crafted tables includes end tables, sofa tables, coffee tables, dining tables, and benches.

Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Forestry Management, Hyper-Local, Traceable Supply Chain, Heirloom Quality, VOC-Free Finish Option

Price Range: $975 – $1350 for coffee tables

Best For Extendable Dining Tables: Copeland

walnut extendable sustainable dining table

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly dining table with a bit more flexibility, Copeland is going to be your best bet. The sustainable furniture company has solid wood tables in walnut, oak, and cherry wood available with leafs. Some table styles even have a double leaf extension for accommodating extra large dinner parties.

Copeland’s furniture is made-to-order in Bradford, Vermont and the company sources most of their wood within 500 miles of the factory. Speaking of Copeland’s factory, the brand doesn’t stop at sourcing sustainable materials but also has a solar array installed on the factory’s property and uses wood waste to heat the building. And the tables are low-toxic with a GREENGUARD certified finish.

Conscious Qualities: Domestically Sourced Hardwood, Made in the US, Made-to-Order, Durable, GREENGUARD Certified Finishes

Price Range: $1,126 (dining table without extension) – $5,056 (double leaf extension table)
Shipping: Ships within contiguous U.S. (contact for quotes to ship elsewhere)

Best Non-Toxic Coffee Table: Savvy Rest

walnut eco-friendly coffee table made with non-toxic finishes

Non-toxic furniture brand Savvy Rest has a simple timeless coffee table made in Central Virginia from solid wood. Each table is made with responsibly-sourced maple — a durable yet lightweight hardwood — and is available unfinished or in a variety of zero-VOC finishes: linseed oil, walnut, cedar, or mahogany.

Conscious Qualities: Zero-VOC Finishes, Local Production, Sustainably-Sourced Wood

Price Range: $799 – $874 for coffee table (Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off)
Shipping: Free White Glove delivery within continental U.S.; contact for quotes outside 48 contiguous states

Best Affordable Coffee Table: Sabai

eco-friendly coffee table made from recycled steel and wood - Sabai

Sabai is a leader in sustainable furniture with their use of eco-conscious materials, ethical production practices, and low-waste shipping. Not to mention they’re committed to circularity with both a repair program and a resale program, called Sabai Revive.

Their City Table is so exception. This eco-friendly coffee table is made using recycled steel, wood sourced from urban fallen trees in Baltimore and a non-toxic, zero VOC water-based finish. Did we mention the brand is also a certified B-Corporation?

Conscious Qualities: Recycled & Natural Materials, Zero VOC Finish, Circularity Program

Price: $625
Shipping: Ships to U.S. and Canada

We hope you enjoyed this guide to sustainable tables! Looking for more furniture & home furnishings?

Check Out These Sustainable Home Guides:

15 Ethical Home Decor Brands for Your Conscious Space

The Best Places to Find Eco-Friendly Furniture

Sustainable Non-Toxic Sofas for Truly Restful Relaxation

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7 Sustainable Solid Wood Dining and Coffee Tables Built to Last

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Green Living

7 Sustainable Chairs That Are Actually Worth Your Money (2026)

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Similar to sofas, finding sustainable armchairs is a tougher category than most other furnishings because there are just so many components to an upholstered chairs! There’s the wood frame and legs, but there’s also the foam, springs, upholstery fabric plus all the finishes on the fabric and wood.

So What Are More Sustainable Chairs?

Before we get into the brands, let’s talk about what I mean when I say “sustainable” — because there isn’t an objective definition to sustainable furniture, so it’s worth knowing how each writer or creator defines it.

Natural or Recycled Material Sourcing

Most armchairs are made with pressed wood (particleboard, MDF) made of glued wood pieces and virgin synthetic fibers derived from fossil fuels. When we think about sustainable armchairs, though, we’re looking for solid, responsibly sourced wood built to last; natural fibers like cotton and linen, or recycled synthetic options; and foam made from natural latex or at least from certified low-VOC synthetic foam.

Responsible and Sustainable Production Practices

Most armchairs are made in completely opaque conditions overseas by workers likely earning wages lower than a livable wage. A sustainable armchair will be made with transparent production practices — by a company’s own furniture workshop, or by a local domestic manufacturer. Or, if it’s abroad, there are other verifications for responsible sourcing made by the company, such as sourcing from Fair Trade Certified factories.

Certifications

While not strictly required from a company to be “sustainable” certifications are third-party verifications that the claims a furniture company is making are actually true. While not perfect, it’s an added layer of assurance and accountability. Here are the certifications you might see with chairs:

  • Cradle-to-Cradle Certified = evaluates a product across five categories — material health, circularity, clean air/climate, water/soil stewardship, and social fairness — with Gold representing one of the higher achievement tiers. It’s one of the more comprehensive certifications available. In fact it’s the only one that can certify an entire furniture product.
  • GOTS Certified = the fabric meets strict organic and safety standards (95%+ certified organic fiber, restricted chemical inputs, labor protections throughout the supply chain). This is a textile-specific certification, not a wood or foam guarantee, and does not apply to the full product.
  • CertiPUR-US® = the foam is made without ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, mercury, lead, or formaldehyde, and meets low VOC emission standards. This is a synthetic foam certification, and not a claim that the foam is natural or organic. Natural latex foam made from the sap of rubber trees may not have a certification but could still be considered the more sustainable option, since it’s not from synthetic sources.
  • FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed. This is not a finish, foam, or textile guarantee. And while it might apply to a full product on a wood piece of furniture, it is not a product certification for an armchair, which is made from several types of materials.

Where to Find Sustainable Lounge Chairs and Accent Chairs

Now, let’s get into where you can find eco-friendly chairs that meet some or all of this criteria! We’ll start off with some options to find used chairs and then get into the brands with sustainably-made chairs.

Note that this guide includes partners and affiliates. As always, all brands featured meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands we truly love — and that we think you’ll love too!

Secondhand Sources

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are two classic options when it comes to finding used furniture! Here are some others to know:

OfferUp (buy and sell locally)

AptDeco (ships)

Chairish (vintage)

EBTH (like an online estate sale)

EstateSales.net (for finding in-person estate sales!)

Places With New Sustainably-Crafted Accent and Lounge Chairs

If you can’t find what you’re looking for secondhand, check out these brands and retailers with eco-friendly office chairs, lounge chairs, armchairs, and more.

Looking for outdoor chairs? I have a guide to outdoor furniture. Looking for dining chairs? Check out my guide to dining tables.

1. Savvy Rest

Best for: fully natural and organic certified armchairs

Savvy Rest has some seriously impressive sustainable chairs that have every element I mentioned above covered. Their Verona Organic Armchair is made using GOTS-certified organic cotton and/or hemp upholstery, organic wool batting, sustainably-sourced solid hardwood maple, Cradle-to-Cradle Gold Certified Natural Talalay latex foam, natural coir, jute webbing, and zero-VOC finishes.

Conscious Qualities: Organic & Eco Materials, Sustainable Wood, Non-Toxic Finishes, Locally Made

Price Range: $2,999 – $4,748 (Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off)
Shipping: White Glove delivery within contiguous U.S. Contact for shipping quotes elsewhere.

Sustainable red sofa chair from Savvy Rest

2. Sabai

Best for: repairable, recycled-material accent chairs

In addition to using recycled & upcycled fibers for their sustainable armchairs (and now even a sleeper chair), Sabai has two circularity programs: Repair Don’t Replace — where you can find individual parts — and Sabai Revive where you can sell back your Sabai furniture. This full lifecycle approach to sustainability makes them one of my top picks for sustainable seating.

It’s worth noting that their Recycled Velvet and Upcycled Poly upholstery options are both synthetic, though. So if you prefer natural fibers, select the (slightly more expensive) Hemp Blend, which is hemp and cotton.

Conscious Qualities: Recycled and Sustainably-Sourced Materials, Repair Program, Resale Program

Price Range: $795 – $1,875
Shipping: U.S. and Canada

gray velvet sustainable accent chair made with recycled materials

3. Urban Natural

Best for: finding several sustainable chair brands in one place

Urban Natural is a mecca for all things eco-minded and non-toxic furnishings, including plenty of options for sustainable lounge chairs and accent chairs. I especially appreciate that they have recliners and swivel chairs among their selection — a rarity about sustainable seating options.

The brands they curate utilize a range of materials — the sustainable highlights are responsibly-sourced hardwood, organic cotton, natural latex cushions, and alternative materials like apple leather. That said, the convenience has a trade-off: the different brands have different standards. Some brands are made in the US but lack material transparency, for example.

Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials & Processes, Many Brands are USA-Made

Price Range: $999 – $10,000
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. (free for orders $2,500+)

sustainable apple leather chair from Urban Natural

4. Medley

Best for: made-to-order non-toxic accent chairs

Furniture brand Medley creates quality furnishings from non-toxic materials and their armchair collection is no exception. You’ll find sustainable chairs crafted just for you in the U.S. using materials like FSC-certified hardwood, 100% linen, and organic natural latex.

Important to note, though: the less expensive non-toxic options for Medley’s chairs are synthetic with low-VOC certifications — like CertiPUR-US® certified foam or GREENGUARD GOLD certified polyester. I’d suggest browsing their swatches first to understand the fiber content of each option so you can opt for the natural fibers if you wish.

Conscious Qualities: Non-Toxic Materials, Domestic Production, Solid Wood, 100% Natural Options

Price Range: $1,615 – $5,450
Shipping: Ships globally; contact to get quotes for shipping outside of the U.S.

Cream colored organic armchair made with solid wood and natural materials

5. Green Row

Best for: sustainable armchairs with a cottagecore vibe

Green Row brings a distinctly different aesthetic to this list — think vintage wingback silhouettes with a cottagecore, cabin chic sensibility, a nice contrast to the more mid-century and minimalist options above.

The brand, part of the Williams Sonoma family, was founded with sustainability in mind from the get go. Green Row’s chairs are made with 100% FSC-certified solid wood, 100% linen or recycled poly/cotton blend (for a performance option) upholstery, and natural latex or CertiPUR-US® Certified foam fill cushions. I’ll be honest: I often go into sustainability claims from big brands suspicious, but consider me impressed.

Conscious Qualities: Responsibly-Sourced Solid Wood, 100% Natural Fiber Options, Low VOC-Certified Foam

Price Range: $749 – $5,099
Shipping: White Glove or Doorstep Delivery to U.S. (additional fee for HI & AK)

Linen armchair with pink stripes next to bright pink and red striped vintage style armchair with slipcover

6. MasayaCo

Best for: reforested teak lounge chairs (some indoor-outdoor)

MasayaCo creates sustainable lounge chairs made from sustainably sourced teak wood that was reforested in Nicaragua. The company plants 100 trees for each order, with 1.3 million trees planted to date. And about 40% of those trees are left untouched to allow for the habitats to truly thrive.

Some of the chairs are also indoor-outdoor friendly (be sure to check the description). While these might not be as comfortable as some of the cushier armchairs in this guide, reviewers rave about the “unmatched” quality of MasayaCo’s signature lounge chairs.

Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Materials & Practices, Reforestation Projects

Price Range: $895 – $1,455
Shipping: Ships to U.S.

Lounge chair in natural wood and striped pattern

7. The Citizenry

Best for: artisan-made, fair trade armchairs

Handcrafted and made-to-order with materials like solid walnut and 100% cotton velvet, The Citizenry partners with artisans around the world for all of their pieces, ensuring fair trade conditions and wages for the makers behind their products. Their fair trade chairs are made in Indonesia (teak and rattan chairs) and Northern California (upholstered chairs).

Worth noting though: their Google Reviews are very mixed, with some customers loving the products, while others were left thoroughly disappointed by the customer service.

Conscious Qualities: Artisan-Made, Fair Trade

Price Range: $1,319 – $3,769
Shipping: Contiguous U.S.

red sustainable armchair from The Citizenry

And that wraps up my guide to sustainable chairs! I hope you found it useful. For outdoor chairs, check out this sustainable outdoor furniture guide.

Liked this guide to sustainable chairs? Check out these other furniture guides:

The Best Non-Toxic Sofas for Truly Restful Relaxation

Gorgeous Sustainable Tables to Gather Around

Ethical Home Decor Brands for Your Conscious Space

The post 7 Sustainable Chairs That Are Actually Worth Your Money (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

7 Sustainable Chairs That Are Actually Worth Your Money (2026)

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