In 1979, when President Jimmy Carter famously unveiled 32 solar panels on the White House roof, he remarked, “A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken or it can be just a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people.”
Despite his reputation as an often ineffective president, he had an enormous effect on the environment as an advocate for clean energy, protecting lands and regulating toxic chemicals.
Jimmy Carter was an early adopter of clean energy in an effort to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil following the oil crisis that preceded his presidency. Four years before Carter took office, the member nations of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries placed an oil embargo on the U.S. and several other western nations in response to their support of Israel during the Yom Kippur War. As a result, the price of oil rose by more than 300%, while American dependence on foreign oil was simultaneously rising.
After Carter took office, he responded by creating the U.S. Department of Energy. One of Carter’s major goals for the agency was to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels by pushing for the domestic production of energy. While this push wasn’t perfect — part of his solution for the complex crisis included propping up domestic coal power — it was also a first-of-its-kind endorsement for clean energy, championing sustainable sources like solar and nuclear. “No one can embargo the sun,” Carter once said. “No cartel controls the sun. Its energy will not run out. It will not pollute our air or poison our waters. The sun’s power needs only to be collected, stored and used.”
In 1979, a second oil crisis hit, this time spurred by the decline in oil trade in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. Carter responded by laying out plans to expand renewable energy sources and made a pledge that 20% of American energy would be produced by renewable sources by 2000, but was voted out of office before many of these plans could come to fruition.
Carter also protected far more land than any U.S. president in history. In 1978, he advocated for the National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA,) which aimed to protect vast amounts of Alaskan wilderness from commercial use and destruction. After the bill failed due to a last-minute filibuster, Carter used executive authority to protect more than 56 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, designating those lands as National Monuments. This action alone would more than double the size of the National Park system.
Snowcapped mountains in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. In 1978, President Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act into law, creating 10 new national parks and preserves including this one, the largest U.S. national park. National Park Service
In December of 1980, roughly six weeks before Carter left office, ANILCA was debated again in Congress, and passed. Upon Carter’s signature, the law became the most expansive federal protection of American lands in history, granting protection to more than 157 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, which included further protections for much of the land Carter had protected two years prior. Of those 157 million acres, it also designated nearly ten million acres to the National Wildlife Refuge System, more than nine million acres to the Wilderness Preservation System, and more than three million acres to the National Forest System.
He was the first president to take notable action against federal water projects, arguing that building dams in the American West would harm river health. This stance was an extension of his conservation efforts as governor of Georgia, when, according to Stuart E. Eizenstat, his own domestic affairs advisor, he became “the first governor to block a Corps of Engineers dam,” and during his presidency was “the most consistently pro-environmental president since Theodore Roosevelt.”
Today, many rivers throughout the American West suffer from major droughts.
While it’s difficult to directly measure the impact his stance on these federal water projects had, these rivers would have surely been even worse off if it weren’t for Carter.
After Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring brought pesticides to the forefront of the public eye a little more than a decade earlier, Carter took broad steps to regulate pesticides. He passed major amendments to the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIRFA) in 1978, requiring stricter registration of pesticides, and in 1976, he passed the Toxic Substances Control Act, giving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the authority to require reporting, testing and record-keeping of toxic chemicals.
Of course, Jimmy Carter is nearly as famous for his exceptional post-presidency as his actual presidency. Likewise, his impact on the world outlives his time in the Oval Office. He and his wife, Rosalynn, famously worked with Habitat for Humanity, personally helping to build, repair or renovate about 4,400 homes, according to the organization’s website, for instance.
The Carter Center, his own nonprofit, has also had a significant impact globally. When the organization assumed leadership in the global fight against Guinea Worm in 1986, there were 3.5 million cases in Africa and Asia, according to the Carter Center. By 2022, that number had dropped to thirteen. It is currently on track to become the second human disease to be eradicated in history, following only smallpox.
Some of the Carter Center’s other achievements include:
- Rallying against other diseases, like trachoma, river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and malaria;
- Increasing healthcare access in thousands of impoverished global communities;
- Pioneering “new public health approaches to preventing or controlling devastating neglected diseases in Africa and Latin America;”
- Observing elections in dozens of countries in an effort to strengthen democracies; and
- “Furthering avenues to peace in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, the Korean Peninsula, Haiti, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Middle East.”
Jimmy Carter has had a profound impact back in his hometown too. In 2017, nearly four decades after he had solar panels installed on the White House roof, Carter leased ten acres on the land he used to farm peanuts to build a 1.3-megawatt solar farm that’s been powering half of his hometown of Plains, Georgia ever since. Rather than a road not taken, it represents the life of a man who has perhaps paved too many roads to count.
The post What Is Jimmy Carter’s Environmental Legacy? appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/jimmy-carter-environmental-legacy.html
From gorgeous home decor and indulgent organic beauty to artisanal quality accessories and thoughtfully-crafted gift sets, you’re sure to have a successful (and stress-free) gift-giving experience for everyone on your list through our curation of conscious yet covetable ethical gifts.
We know that finding that perfect present for every individual in your life can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re a conscious-minded shopper. To put you out of your holiday-gifting-induced anxiety, we’ve put together a comprehensive, sure-fire assortment of ethical gift ideas for you.
So, go ahead and secure your favorite spot on the couch to get ready to check off your gift giving list, because this ethical gift guide will not disappoint. With something for every special someone on your list — even the hard-to-shop-for folks in your life — we’re making it possible to get much of your seasonal shopping accomplished in one place.
Rest assured, you’ll find something delightful for yourself too — maybe a set of gram-worthy pastel cookware? Think of it as an incentive to get you through the holiday hustle.
Now, don’t let us keep you…get ready to have your gift-wrapped ducks in a row with our sustainable gift ideas ahead. The perfect gifts for socially conscious and environmentally aware loved ones in your life!
Please note that this guide includes CL&S partners and affiliate links. As always, brands meet strict criteria for sustainability and are brands we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Organic Cotton Kidswear by Mightly
Why we love it | GOTS Certified Cotton, Fair Trade Certified
Factories, Women-Owned
Price | $18+
For the little ones you know and adore, Mightly has a range of organic cotton kidswear that’ll make for a great gift this festive season. Think dresses that are big on twirl factor, cozy pajamas with prints that pop, and unisex hoodies with snap front pockets to store all their tiny treasures. Every piece is made with GOTS certified organic cotton, which explicitly prohibits the use of toxic chemicals in the finished product, making it ideal for kids with sensitive skin. And if that wasn’t reassuring enough, the pieces are also thoughtfully designed to include details like tag-free labels, easy-to-wear fits, and playful designs that make it fun yet functional.
2. Handcrafted Teak Furniture by MasayaCo
Why we love it | FSC® Certified Teak, Handmade to Last, Funds Reforestation
Price | $155+
Offering artisanal teak furniture that’ll add a touch of understated elegance to any home, MasayaCo has curated a range of side tables and stools under $350 for the discerning decor enthusiasts. Handcrafted from durable and naturally water-resistant teak wood, their slatted top Japanese-inspired Zapatera stool has garnered raving reviews about just how well it holds up as an in-shower stool. The brand operates on a self-sustaining model by growing its own FSC® Certified teak trees on reforested land in Nicaragua.
3. Organic Cotton Clothing by Passion Lilie
Why we love it | Fair Trade, Organic Cotton, Pays Living Wages, Woman-Owned
Price | $68+
Passion Lilie offers a range of elevated clothing made from sumptuous organic cotton fabric that’ll keep your loved ones looking stylish and feel all snuggled up come winter. From handwoven shirts for men to figure-flattering hand-printed dresses for women, the brand’s dedication to highlighting artisanal craft reverberates throughout its collection. We recommend bookmarking their crimson hand-printed snowflake dress for the women who’ll appreciate a holiday-themed gift. You could also complement the dress with a dainty little stocking stuffer like one of the tea towels or napkins from their collection of kitchen linens in bright and charming prints.
4. Refillable Hand Soaps by Blueland
Why we love it | WOC-Owned, Plastic-Free, Cradle2Cradle Certified
Price | $42
A conscious gift that is both practical and plastic-free, Blueland’s holiday hand soap kit is ready to spread a bit of festive cheer even into the most mundane tasks like handwashing. The kit includes a hand soap bottle in a color of your choice, a reusable tin, and 10 refill tablets in scents like Winterberry, Wintry Pine, and Toasted Vanilla.
Easy to use and refill, the bottle must be filled with water before you drop a soap tablet in, and simply watch it dissolve and turn into foamy goodness that’s ready for application.
5. Premium Loose Leaf Tea Collection by Rishi Tea
Why we love it | USDA Certified Organic, Ethically Sourced, Agrochemical-free
Price | $67
For the ones who cherish daily indulgences like a warm cup of tea, this gift set will send them on a sensory journey through global tea traditions. This gift set features 12 curated blends that range from delicate green teas to robust black teas, refreshing herbals, and fragrant oolongs. Don’t just take our word for it, one reviewer claims the set was “very luxurious” and found the tea selection to be “amazing and delicious”. The brand supports growers through ethical and direct sourcing that pays 5-10x the commodity prices to incentivize their efforts on sustainable harvests of organic quality.
6. Non-Toxic Loungewear by MATE the Label
Why we love it | Natural Materials, Woman-Owned, GOTS Certified Fabrics
Price | $48+
With laidback loungewear that strikes the perfect balance between fashionable and effortless, MATE the Label boasts of cozy threads you’d want in your wardrobe come winter. Stylish options are just a bonus, the brand is committed to keeping its clothes free of toxic chemicals and harmful dyes while adhering to self-imposed protocols to ensure the factories it works with are safe, fair, and compliant with California labor laws. They’ve also made choosing a gift a lot easier with their curated holiday guide that’s categorized by budget and persona.
7. Bonfire Reusable Candle by Mimi & August
Why we love it | Reusable, Natural Soy Wax
Price | $38 CAD
Hunting for the perfect holiday gift to present a great hostess? Snatch up this fragrant little candle to light up their space with an inviting aroma.
Evoking the smell of a nostalgic campfire with notes of cedar, vanilla, and smoke, this hand-poured soy wax candle comes in reusable cups of different sizes that can be filled with some hot cocoa and marshmallows once used up.
8. Jewel Tone Birth Month Dish on Uncommon Goods
Why we love it | Handmade in Minneapolis, Independent Small-Batch Maker
Price | $25
Glazed in birthstone colors, this jewelry dish is the prettiest little ethical gift that’ll adorn any dressing table. They feature crackled glass centers resembling crystalline geode slices that give them a distinctive appearance. Simply select the birth month to get a unique jewelry dish that’s just as special as the person you intend to give it to.
Crafted by a trained female potter, you can find more such unique handmade gifts on Uncommon Goods where independent designers are celebrated for their work.
9. Organic Towels by COYUCHI
Why we love it | Fair Trade Certified Factories, GOTS Certified Fabrics
Price | $18+
Know someone who loves a good towel lounge after a shower? We reckon these indulgent organic towels might just motivate them to stretch those sessions even further. Offering an array of matching organic cotton towel sets in weaves and textures that look like they’ll wrap you up in luxury, these towels also come in lovely earthy tones and size options, in case you aren’t keen on getting the entire bundle. They’ve even got a set of plush cotton robes that’ll offer them enough reason to not leave the house and disappear into it like a second skin.
10. Handcrafted Wool Slippers by Kyrgies
Why we love it | OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified, Plastic-Free, Low-Waste, Woman-Led Factories
Price | $89+
Let your loved ones kick up their feet in comfort come winter with a little help from Kyrgies wool slippers. Kyrgies’ cozy slip-on offerings are handcrafted in Kyrgyzstan, where local sheep are known for producing wool with long fibers that are ideal for felting in a mulesing-free process. The wool is felted by a women-led factory using centuries-old techniques, ensuring leftover off-cuts are reused as extra padding in their slippers or repurposed as natural insulation for buildings.
11. Sake Body Lotion by cocokind
Why we love it | WOC-owned, Certified Organic Ingredients, Philanthropic, Life Cycle Transparency
Price | $23
Crafted with Japanese fermented rice wine that’s rich in smoothing enzymes and microbiome-friendly prebiotic sugars, the sake body lotion by cocokind has a reviewer describing it as “the only body moisturizer” where they’ve “used the entire bottle.”
Available in an upcycled plastic bottle that’s fully recyclable, the sake extract they use is created by fermenting rice kernels and is completely alcohol-free. It also contains a blend of sunflower seed oil and shea butter that’ll leave skin feeling supple and soft.
12. Weighted Blanket by Bearaby
Why we love it | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified, GOTS Certified
Price | $199+
For the busy bees who could use some serious R&R, this weighted blanket will help them hit the hay faster. Known for aiding with naturally deeper sleep cycles, Bearaby’s weighted blankets are crafted using organic cotton that’s free of fillers and owes its weight to the chunky knit fabric alone.
Not just for cozy winters, these machine-washable cotton blankets are knitted for maximum breathability making them perfect for all seasons.
13. Life Designer Journal by Intelligent Change
Why we love it | Recycled Paper, Compostable, Encourages Intentional Living
Price | $39
For the ones who have a special spot for aesthetic stationery, this journal is a gift they won’t judge solely by its pretty cover.
Filled with mindful prompts centered around five essential pillars that guide you through a self-reflective journey to help manifest your best self, this journal will be a portable therapist and best friend bound between the pages that might just have you picking up a copy for yourself as well.
14. Tree of Life Cork Yoga Mat by Scoria
Why we love it | Woman-Owned, Natural Materials, Philanthropic
Price | $105
Offering the ultimate incentive for perfecting the warrior two pose, this alignment cork yoga mat features a methodical tree of life print that isn’t just aesthetically appealing but also helps properly align postures with a line across the middle. Talk about combining style and function!
Crafted with a sustainably harvested cork surface that’s backed by natural rubber, this anti-slip mat comes with a handy cotton mat carry strap.
15. Friendship Bracelets by Monica Vinader
Why we love it | Recycled Metals, Traceable Supply Chain, Philanthropic
Price | $149+
The grown-up take on a nostalgic staple, these friendship bracelets are pieces your bestie will treasure for years to come.
Monica Vinader’s reimagines the classic sentiment in refined 18k gold vermeil and sterling silver.
You can add a complimentary engraving — whether a meaningful motif or personalized text — to make it feel just as heartfelt as the ones you swapped in high school.
16. Sock Gift Boxes that Give Back by Conscious Step
Why we love it | GOTS Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Philanthropic
Price | $35+
Colorful socks with fun designs that don’t just look good but also give back, these ethical gift sets will easily be one of the most meaningful presents you’ll give your loved ones. These soft organic cotton sock sets are created in collaboration with creative artists to help connect customers with world-changing nonprofits through causes they care about.
From socks that support mental health to ones that protect the ocean, dogs, cats, and beyond, you’ll be sure to find a sock set with a purpose.
17. Shallow Dinner Set by East Fork
Why we love it | Philanthropic, Pay Living Wages
Price | $156
For the friend who is always posting perfectly plated stories of what they’ve cooked, this set will be a highly welcome addition to their dinnerware collection.
Including two bowls and three plates in different sizes, this handcrafted ceramic shallow dinner set comes in many hues, but we highly recommend the black set for its understated elegance and the way it’ll make a rainbow salad or smoothie bowl pop.
East Fork’s pottery glazes are completely food-safe and free of lead so they won’t have to worry about heavy metals leaching into meals.
18. Piccolo Zipper Card Wallet by HYER GOODS
Why we love it | Repurposed Materials, Woman-Owned
Price | $125
Chic and petite, this luxe zip wallet will quickly become the new go-to essential they won’t leave the house without. With five exterior card slots and a lined cash compartment with an extra card slot that comes with a zip-around closure, this minimal wallet is surprisingly functional for daily use.
We love the fact that it’s made using recycled deadstock materials and is compact enough to fit into tiny clutch bags. The brand sources its leather from local leftovers, making sure every recipient receives something unique.
And one last bonus sustainable gift idea for the person on your list that doesn’t want more stuff:
Audiobook Gift Membership on Libro.fm
Why we love it | Supports local and independent bookstores
Price | $31+
Consider this the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life who enjoys a great read but has lately been having a tough time getting through their ever-increasing to-be-read pile.
We love the fact that Libro.fm offers a range of credit bundles to choose from so that your gift recipient can have their pick of the lot while supporting local bookstores through your purchase.
About The Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her.
When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers.
For More Slow Fashion Content:
The post 18 Eco-Friendly & Ethical Gift Ideas For Everyone on Your List appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
18 Eco-Friendly & Ethical Gift Ideas For Everyone on Your List
A durable set of eco-friendly dinnerware is a solid ingredient for a sustainably set table! But…
What is Sustainable Dinnerware?
Well looking for secondhand and vintage dinnerware is always a good start, whether that’s your grandmother’s porcelain dining sets or a pre-loved set of colorful plates and bowls at your local thrift store.
Another great place to look is estate sales. You can likely find full sets of dinnerware! If none of those options are available to you (or your just not finding something you love) you can check out a site like Etsy Used or Chairish.
*Important note on secondhand dinnerware: the FDA started regulating the use of lead in dinnerware in 1971. So you might want to avoid any dinnerware produced before 1971, unless it’s just for display!
Here are some qualities to look for when shopping for new sustainable dinnerware:
Sustainably sourced materials: such as responsibly-harvested bamboo and recycled glass.
Quality: when it comes to products you’re going to potentially use and wash daily, durability is an important factor to keep in mind. Also consider your lifestyle! Perhaps glass and porcelain aren’t the best choices if you have little ones, or you tend to drop things often. (Guilty!!)
Usefulness: You might also want to consider if you will be hand-washing or dishwashing your dinnerware. Some materials are too fragile for the dishwasher, so consider if you’ll have the time (and willingness) to hand wash them all the time. Because part of sustainability is that you’ll actually use the products and they won’t just sit and collect dust!
Ethical production: this could look like transparent local manufacturing or artisan-made and fair trade. In any case, an ethical dinnerware brand would prioritize fair living wages for the workers, ensure safe healthy conditions (this includes no toxic chemicals used in production!) and go above and beyond to consider the wellbeing of the people who work for them and/or produce their products.
Ownership and Equity: this means looking at who owns and profits from the brands we’re supporting; if a brand is owned by a person of color, it will be indicated in their description below (BIPOC-owned stands for Black, Indigenous, Person of Color-owned and WOC-owned stands for Woman of Color-owned).
Your Values: you may have other elements you look for in a brand, such as traditional craft preservation. Or perhaps it’s really important to you that a brand is giving back to their local community.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Dinnerware
The eco-friendly tableware and sustainable dinnerware brands featured below meet at least one (though most of them meet several) of the above criteria.
In this roundup, you’ll find sustainable pottery (including ceramic plates, sustainable mugs, and more), recycled glassware, artisan-made ethical dinnerware, and everything in between to suit your needs. I hope that this variety of brands will help you set the table, whether that’s for fancy dinner parties, Friday night pizza, or something in between.
This article features affiliates and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet strict standards for sustainability that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Zungleboo
Lightweight, shatterproof, and made from corn starch + bamboo fiber, Zungleboo creates family-friendly and eco-friendly dinnerware!
Their versatile plant-based bowls and plates are also dishwasher and microwave safe, making them easy to care for no matter how busy mealtime is. As Zungleboo writes on their website, their sustainable dinnerware is “from real plants, for real life”.
Categories: Bowls, Plates
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials, WOC-Owned
Price Range: $$
Use code CONSCIOUS15 for 15% off!
2. Our Place
From the same brand that brought us their cult-favorite Always Pan, comes a gorgeous collection of non-toxic dinnerware and sustainable pottery.
Our Place has hand-painted main plates and side bowls made with recycled and virgin porcelain ceramic and dinner glasses handmade from recycled glass and colored with natural dyes.
Categories: Glassware, Bowls, Plates
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials, Gives Back, WOC-Owned
Price Range: $$
3. Fable
Prioritizing timelessness and sustainability, Fable sources quality materials and simple designs that last the test of time.
The eco-minded dinnerware company partners with makers in Portugal, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the US that use conscious practices, like ethical employment, craftsmanship, and low-waste practices (like sourcing recycled clay).
Categories: Dinnerware, Drinkware, Cutlery, Serveware, and Decor
Conscious Qualities: Quality Craftsmanship, Low Waste Practices, Responsibly Sourced
Price Range: $$$
4. East Fork
East Fork’s ethically-made dinnerware and tableware is next level — their gorgeous sustainable ceramics, glassware, mugs, and other goods are exquisitely designed and built for durability.
Committed to creating local manufacturing jobs, all of East Fork’s eco-friendly pottery is made in Asheville, North Carolina and is working to center equity and inclusion throughout their business.
Categories: Plates, Bowls, Cups, Drinking Glasses, Flatware/Silverware,
Conscious Qualities: Locally-Made, Transparent Production
Price Range: $$$$
5. Urban Natural
Green home retailer Urban Natural has stunning eco-friendly tabletop goods from leading contemporary brands like Farmhouse Pottery and Ethnicraft.
The brands Urban Natural curates source natural materials, use time-honored processes, and take quality craftsmanship seriously.
Categories: Plates, Bowls, Cups & Mugs, Flatware
Conscious Qualities: Artisan Goods, Natural Materials, Locally and Ethically Made
Price Range: $$ – $$$
6. GOODEE
For artisanal plates that can elevate your tablescape, GOODEE is the answer.
From 100% porcelain stone ceramic plates hand-crafted in the ancient Japanese town of Arita and hand-painted plates made from Egyptian clay to marble patterned ecothylene® (upcycled BPA-free plastic) plates ideal for family-friendly daily wares, GOODEE has options for everyone.
Categories: Plates, Glassware, Cups & Mugs, Serving, Flatware
Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Craft Preservation
Price Range: $$$
7. Ekobo
Ekobo’s colorful eco-friendly dinnerware is available in a variety of colors and sizes, perfect for mixing and matching to create a unique sustainable table setting for any space.
The eco-friendly dinnerware from Ekobo is made from upcycled bamboo and the result is durable, dishwasher-safe, and non-toxic diningware.
Categories: Plates, Bowls, Cups, Trays, Baby Diningware
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials
Price Range: $$
More Guides For An Eco-Friendly Kitchen:
Best Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly Tablecloths
Your Sustainable and Zero Waste Kitchen Guide
The Best Zero Waste Food Storage Options
The post 7 Ethical & Eco-Friendly Dinnerware Brands To Set Your Table Sustainably appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
7 Ethical & Eco-Friendly Dinnerware Brands To Set Your Table Sustainably
Everyone wants to get a good night’s sleep, but conventional mattresses can often be full of questionable chemicals and synthetic materials — that you’ll be exposed to for one third of your day, every single day.
What Makes a Mattress Sustainable?
The materials matter most. A mattress made from certified organic cotton, wool, and natural latex is a fundamentally different product than one made from conventional foam and synthetic fibers.
Beyond materials, look for real transparency: does the company disclose exactly what they use, and where and how it’s manufactured? Vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “sustainably made” with no specifics are a red flag, not a green one.
Local, in-house manufacturing is also worth weighing, because a brand that owns its own factory (rather than outsourcing to an unnamed third party) generally has more direct visibility into its own labor and material sourcing, and more accountability if something’s wrong.
Mattress Materials to Look For (and Materials to Avoid)
Sustainable mattresses will be made from natural, non-toxic, and sustainably sourced materials, ideally backed by real certifications, not just marketing language.
Some eco-friendly materials to look out for:
- GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
- Sustainably sourced wool
- Natural Dunlop or Talalay Latex, ideally GOLS certified
- Non-toxic, water-based adhesives
The materials to be most cautious of are conventional polyurethane foam, plastics, and added chemical flame retardants — these are where the biggest health and environmental concerns tend to concentrate. That said, not all synthetic materials are equal: a foam that’s independently tested and certified (like CertiPUR-US®) can be a reasonably safer choice than an untested one, even if it’s not our top recommendation compared to natural latex. I’ll flag where a brand in this guide uses tested synthetic materials so you can weigh that tradeoff yourself.
Eco-Friendly Mattress Certifications to Know
Certifications add a layer of third-party accountability to a brand’s claims. Though none are perfect on their own, so it’s key to know what each one actually covers!
- GOTS Certified = the fabric (like the organic cotton cover) meets strict organic and safety standards, with labor protections built into the entire supply chain. This is the most rigorous certification for organic textiles specifically — but it’s fabric-specific, not a claim about the foam or latex inside.
- GOLS Certified = verifies that latex is made from certified organic latex, grown and processed to strict environmental and safety standards. A latex-specific certification, not a wood, fabric, or foam guarantee.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified (Gold) = evaluates a product across material health, circularity, clean air/climate, water/soil stewardship, and social fairness — one of the few certifications that can assess a whole mattress rather than a single material.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified = the finished product was tested for low chemical emissions, including VOCs — the stricter tier of GREENGUARD certification.
- eco-INSTITUT Certified = a German certification measuring a material’s chemical emissions and verifying responsible sourcing — similar in spirit to GREENGUARD, but based in the EU.
- MADE SAFE® = screens against a list of thousands of chemicals known or suspected to harm human health. One of the more comprehensive certifications available, assessed at the product level.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified = verifies a product was produced in a socially, economically, and environmentally responsible way, particularly regarding forests and climate — commonly seen on natural latex specifically, since it’s often applied to rubber tree sourcing.
- OEKO-TEX® = tests the finished textile for harmful substances. OEKO-TEX offers several distinct certification tiers (STANDARD 100 being the most common), so it’s worth checking which specific OEKO-TEX label a brand holds.
- FSC Certified = wood-based materials (like a bed frame or wood mattress components) came from responsibly managed forests. Not a chemical-safety or textile certification.
- Fair Trade Certified = verifies that a factory meets standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical labor practices — a certification about how a product was made and by whom, not about the materials themselves.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Mattresses
[Looking for bed frames too? Check out this guide.]
Note that some of the brands below are affiliates, meaning we’ll earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase through these links. As always, all brands meet rigorous criteria for sustainability and are brands we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Savvy Rest
Best for fully customizable organic mattresses (even side-by-side for couples)
Based In: US | Made In: US
Conscious Qualities: GOTS-certified organic company and factories; organic wool, natural USDA- and GOLS- certified Dunlop or Cradle to Cradle Gold-certified Talalay latex and organic cotton
Price: $1199-$4799
One of the more standout features of Savvy Rest is their ability to customize your mattress to fit your needs. If you’re a couple, they can even customize each side. This B Corp also designs non-toxic furniture, including bed frames to complete your bedroom set.
*Use code CONSCIOUSSTYLE20 for 20% off at Savvy Rest!*
2. Avocado
Best for organic mattresses with nearly every possible certification
Based In: US | Made In: US
Conscious Qualities: Climate-neutral; No chemical retardants; Eco-Institut certified, sustainably-sourced Dunlop latex, GOTS-certified cotton and wool from their own sheep herd; Handcrafted in their own local GOTS-certified factories; Fair Trade, Greenguard Gold and Made Safe, and B-Corp certified
Price: $279-$3,339
Avocado is leading the way in sustainability efforts as far as mattress brands go. They offer a variety of eco-friendly mattresses to choose from depending on your needs, as well as crib mattresses and various household goods. They also have a 1-year trial to ensure you have ample opportunity to try their sustainable mattresses out before you commit.
3. My Green Mattress
Best for a full family lineup, crib to child and basic to luxury adult mattresses
Based In: US | Made In: US (Willowbrook, IL)
Conscious Qualities: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton & Wool, GOLS-Certified Organic Latex, GREENGUARD Gold Certified, MADE SAFE® Certified
Price: $399 (Crib) – $2,399 (Cal King)
My Green Mattress handcrafts their entire lineup — crib, kids, and two adult tiers — in their own Illinois factory.
Their Natural Escape is the most luxurious pick, with extra latex cushioning for a plusher feel, while the Kiwi Organic Mattress offers that same organic cotton, wool, and latex construction in their standard everyday option. For kids, the Pure Eco Organic Kids Mattress is a lower-profile design made to fit bunk beds and trundle beds, and for babies, the Emily Organic Crib Mattress takes a firmer, simpler approach suited to safe infant sleep. All four come with a 365-night trial.
4. PlushBeds
Best for highly customizable non-toxic mattresses
Based In: US | Made In: US
Conscious Qualities: USDA-certified organic cotton, wool, and latex; GOTS organic cotton and wool; OEKO-TEX certified latex; FSC- Control Union- and Greenguard certified; ethical in-house production; sources ethically harvested materials
Price: $300-$2000
Plushbeds has almost every certification one could want in a sustainable mattress company. They have been making handcrafted mattresses for over a decade in GOTS and GOLS-certified factories. One notable initiative from Plushbeds is that they also provide annual scholarships to students working in environmental fields.
5. Spindle
Best for an affordable, family-run organic option
Based In: US | Made In: US
Conscious Qualities: family-run company, OEKO-TEX certified organic Dunlop latex, organic cotton, organic wool; no chemical fire retardants, rubber, or VOCS; donates 10% of proceeds to environmental organizations
Price: $1500-$1800
Spindle is a fourth-generation family-run company that deeply values their customers. Thanks to their direct-to-consumer model, they can offer high-quality sustainable mattresses at a competitive price. Like many of these companies, they offer a 365-day trial and a 10-year warranty. Spindle also donates one mattress per every 10 mattresses sold.
6. Medley
Best for a simple, no-frills organic latex mattress
Based In: US | Made In: US (Illinois)
Conscious Qualities: GOLS-Certified Organic Latex, Organic Cotton Cover, Natural Wool Barrier, 20-Year Warranty
Price: $1,895 – $3,495
Medley’s mattress keeps things simple: a single, GOLS-certified organic latex core (a minimum of 95% certified organic raw material, per GOLS’ standard) wrapped in a natural wool barrier and a quilted organic cotton cover handcrafted in an Illinois factory. The perfect addition to the furniture company’s non-toxic beds.
7. Saatva
Best for a luxury innerspring feel (not a fully organic build)
Based In: US | Made In: US (New Jersey, plus a nationwide factory network)
Conscious Qualities: CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified Bedding, Recycled Steel Coils, No Fiberglass or Chemical Flame Retardants, Solar-Powered Factory
Price: Saatva Classic starts at $2,729 (Queen; varies by size)
Saatva’s best-selling Classic Mattress is a luxury innerspring, not an all-organic build — worth knowing upfront if you’re comparing it to the fully GOTS/GOLS-certified options elsewhere in this guide. Its cover uses organic cotton, and rather than fiberglass or chemical flame retardants, Saatva uses a natural plant-based thistle pulp and organic wool flame barrier. The coils are made from recycled, triple-tempered steel, and the base panels use REPREVE® recycled polyester (removing the equivalent of four plastic bottles per Queen mattress made).
Where Saatva differs most from the rest of this guide: their foam is CertiPUR-US® certified rather than natural latex — a meaningful synthetic-foam certification (tested for VOCs, flame retardants, heavy metals), but not the same as the GOLS-certified organic latex used by brands like Medley or My Green Mattress. Saatva does offer a separate GREENGUARD Gold and eco-INSTITUT certified natural latex mattress line for shoppers who want a fully natural core, so it’s worth specifying which Saatva mattress you’re looking at rather than assuming the flagship Classic and the natural latex line share the same materials.
Saatva also operates a solar-powered New Jersey factory, plants trees through a partnership with Evertreen (23,000 to date), and is an early member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
8. Birch
Best for affordable organic mattresses
Based In: US | Made In: US
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade certified factory; sustainable supply chain; GOTS-certified organic cotton, organic birch wool, 100% natural Talalay latex; free of chemical fire retardants
Price: $1299-$2899
Birch handcrafts mattresses locally in the US from a variety of sustainable materials, with ergonomic pressure relief technology. They sell online and at numerous storefronts nationally. Their 100-day trial period and 25-year warranty take the risk out of trying these eco-friendly mattresses.
9. Naturepedic
Best for organic mattresses across every age, from baby to adult
Based In: US | Made In: US
Conscious Qualities: GOTS-certified cotton and wool, GOLS-certified latex; manufactures in their own factories in the US; Greenguard Gold, Rainforest Alliance, Made Safe, and FSC-certified; family-run company; 1% For The Planet member
Price: $259-$4799
Naturepedic designs wonderful organic mattresses for the whole family, from adult to baby size. Operating since 2003, this family-run company takes extra steps to produce toxic-chemical-free, luxury mattresses. They also sell online and in a variety of storefronts across the US.
10. Essentia
Best for a fully vegan, natural memory foam mattress
Based In: Canada | Made In: Canada
Conscious Qualities: 100% vegan, made in a certified organic factory, GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton; only natural memory foam mattress
Price: $649-$8790
Essentia offers four different eco-friendly collections tailored to your needs. Whether it’s spinal support, deeper sleep, or a custom design you’re after, Essentia likely has what you’re looking for. Each organic mattress is handcrafted in their GOTS and GOLS certified factory and comes with a 120-night trial.
You May Also Want to Check Out:
Your Ultimate Guide to Organic & Non-Toxic Bedding (15+ Brands!)
Eco-Friendly Bed Frames for a Sweet Sustainable Slumber
The Best Sustainable Furniture Brands To Complete Your Space
The post 10 Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Mattress Options for a Safer Sleep appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
10 Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Mattress Options for a Safer Sleep
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