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Last Updated on March 14, 2024

Have you ever come in contact with a burlap bag? Congratulations: You’ve probably met jute!

While burlap can be made from hemp, flax, or synthetic materials, the most common material used to make burlap is jute. 

What is Jute? And Is It Sustainable?

That’s because jute is a sturdy material and jute burlap bags are often used on farms and in agricultural settings to provide insulation, protect from erosion, or transport fruits, vegetables and grains.

However, jute has been slowly but surely making its way into the mainstream too: Jute jackets, sweaters, tote bags, furniture and rugs have been popping up on the market more than ever before. I’ve even seen jute bags used as bridesmaid gifts.

But what is jute? And is it sustainable? Here’s everything you need to know regarding jute and if you should look for this material or avoid it in your next purchase. 

what is jute made out of? 

Jute is made out of the jute plant. There are several different botanical varieties, one of the most common being the white jute plant (Corchorus capsularis). There’s another species called tossa jute (C. Olitorius) that is harder to cultivate but considered to be superior. 

The plant grows in similar conditions to rice, and this plant is best suited for warm areas that have annual monsoon seasons. Humidity levels need to be approximately 80% for successful production. It cannot grow in hard water. 

These plants can grow to be over 10 feet high. The fibers derived from these plants are harvested in a single long string.  

In terms of most-produced plant-based fiber, jute is a close second to cotton. While it isn’t super popular in the Western world, it is one of the primary textile fibers of India and neighboring countries. 

What is Jute? And Is It Sustainable?

how is jute fabric made? 

  1. Mature stalks are harvested by hand. 
  1. Next, they’re defoliated (meaning their leaves are removed).
  1. Retting is used to remove the non-fiberous from the stem and skin of the stalk. 
  1. After the stalk has been retted, it’s now possible to separate the long, silky fibers and comb them into strings. 
  1. These combed fibers can then be spun into yarn.
  1. The fibers might be subjected to various chemical processes to dye it, make it fire resistant, or give it water resistant.
  1. The finished reels of fiber are shipped to textile production facilities where they are then woven into textiles for various purposes. 
What is Jute? And Is It Sustainable?

is jute a good fabric? 

Jute is a good fabric in terms of it being durable: It is ideal for industrial and agricultural purposes. However, it is a relatively rough fiber, which doesn’t make it ideal for apparel.

However, this material can be turned into clothing if it goes through an extensive production process. As advanced techniques for processing increase, this plant-based fiber is being used to make garments such as jackets, cardigans, and even sweaters. In Indian culture, it is being made into printed kurtis, tunics, and sarees. 

In terms of the environment, jute is a good fabric because it is easy to produce and the process has a smaller impact on the environment than many synthetic alternatives. Generally speaking, natural fibers like jute, flax (linen), and hemp have lower carbon footprints than glass and mineral fibers. 

This plant requires minimal fertilizer and pesticide use, particularly in comparison to cotton. It’s also renewable and the leftover roots and leaves that fall off the plant enrich the soil and increase its fertility.  

These plants also help clean the air: Every hectare of this crop absorbs approximately 15 tons of carbon dioxide and releases 11 tons of oxygen.  

Not to mention it is 100% biodegradable. Any products made solely from jute fibers can be composted, which makes it a circular fabric.  

What is Jute? And Is It Sustainable?

what is special about jute? 

Jute is special due to its affordability and second only to cotton in the amount produced. This material has been used in many ways both agriculturally, industrially, and around the home. 

It’s commonly used in its natural shade, which is a light tan or golden hue. While it can be dyed, its natural shade is most popular and creates a bohemian aesthetic. When mixed with other fibers, it can make twine, string, and rope. 

Here are some uses for it: 

  • Burlap bags are used for the transport of fruits, vegetables, grains, and other goods
  • Sapling roots are wrapped in it as protection when they are transplanted 
  • In agriculture, it has been used to control erosion and weeds, as well as to protect seeds 
  • Used to make furniture, chair covers, rugs, curtains, and other household furnishings
  • Used in crafts and DIY projects

is jute better than cotton? 

In terms of clothing, jute is not better than cotton because cotton is still much softer than jute is. However, this material has a smaller carbon footprint and is better for the environment in terms of production.  

Conventional cotton is a water-intensive crop. Chemicals sprayed on the plant will mix with water runoff. This leads to groundwater contamination. To give you an idea of how water-hungry cotton is, it takes 2,500 liters of water to produce one t-shirt.   

Cotton is also one of the top four genetically modified crops in the world. It’s considered the world’s “dirtiest crop” because it requires heavy amounts of toxic pesticides. These pesticides have poisoned thousands of cotton farmers, as well as pollute the environment.   

If you’re thinking about getting a new item, choose to support brands that utilize jute over conventional cotton. However, choosing organic cotton over conventional cotton is also a much better choice, as it’s grown without pesticides and with less water. 

What is Jute? And Is It Sustainable?

can jute get wet? 

Jute should not get wet. It reacts poorly to moisture, whether that is due to rainfall, humidity, or spillage. The fibers tend to be susceptible to mold and mildew.  

It’s best if you keep this material in a dry, cool location. It’s not recommended to keep these pieces outdoors, unless you plan to let them biodegrade with the soil (for example, burlap bags wrapped around sapling roots).  

how do you clean jute? 

You can clean jute by using a dry rug shampoo or baking soda. Just sprinkle the dry shampoo/baking soda on the area you wish to clean. Let it sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum it up. If it’s a rug, flip it over and repeat on the other side. 

Avoid using wet liquids, as this can cause discoloration and encourage mold/mildew. You’ll want to stick with spot cleaning. 

So, what are your opinions on this plant-based fabric? Let me know in the comments!

The post What is Jute? And Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

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10 Best Sustainable Rugs For a Healthier Home and Planet

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The right sustainable rug can completely transform a space. A plant-based fiber rug like jute or sisal can create a grounding warmth, while a thick responsibly-sourced wool rug adds a sense of luxury. An artisan handcrafted rug infuses character and authentic culture where a vintage one can add layers of history and soul.

Furniture is functional and can be beautiful, but adding an exceptional rug is what brings it all together. A rug is at the center — at the heart — of your living room or bedroom or dining room. In other words: a rug is how you start to turn those four walls into a home.

That said, unfortunately most rugs today are mass-produced from synthetic fibers like polyester (read: plastic), finished with toxic chemicals, and made in unethical labor conditions.

Thankfully, there is a better way. Let’s talk sustainable rugs.

What is a “Sustainable Rug”, Exactly?

I like to include an in-depth explanation on “sustainable” in our guides because there’s no standard definition of the term when it comes to fashion or home goods. So here’s how we define “sustainable rugs” at Conscious Life & Style.

Natural Materials:

We’re looking for natural fibers like jute, seagrass, sisal, hemp, cotton (less common) or ethically-sourced wool. Recycled natural fibers are a great bonus, as is organic. The most reputable organic certification for fibers currently on the market is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

We’re steering clear of synthetic rugs, including recycled polyester in this guide, because they risk releasing microplastics into our homes and environment.

Also natural fibers that aren’t treated with or blended with synthetics are generally biodegradable at the end of their life.

“Recyclability” when it comes to textiles is largely a misnomer. We have far more textile waste than we do textile recycling infrastructure capacity. Plus many types of fabrics still can’t be recycled properly — if at all — today.

Dyes & Chemical Usage

Another source of impact is the dyes and other finishes used on the rugs. Many of these dyes and finishes are synthetic.

One better option is a “low impact dye” — this generally refers to a synthetic dye that doesn’t contain common toxic chemicals (like heavy metals) and has a higher absorption rate, which requires less water. Natural dyes on the other hand are non-synthetic colorants derived from plants, minerals, or sometimes even insects.

There are also additional chemicals these companies may add to rugs like PFAS (forever chemicals) for stain or water resistance or flame retardants. So if you see claims like “stain resistant” or “easy care” you probably want to do some additional digging to ensure those textiles weren’t treated with toxic chemicals.

One certification to look for is OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which is a label for textiles that have been tested against common harmful substances.

Ethical Production Practices:

Unfortunately forced and child labor is still happening in the carpet and rug industries. So transparency is key. Two certifications to look for are GoodWeave (assurance against child, forced, and bonded labor) and Fair Trade Certified™. Certifications are certainly not an end all be all, so I’m also looking for transparency from the brand — who makes their products? How are they made? What is their relationship to those makers, artisan cooperatives, or facilities? Are they working in safe conditions? Are they paid fairly? A living wage?

Another element here is craftsmanship. Many of these rug-making techniques have been around centuries, but are at risk of dying out with the rise of mass-produced rug makers. Is the brand showing a commitment to sustaining heritage techniques and generations-old craftsmanship?

You might also like to look for local production, though local doesn’t automatically mean ethical. I still like to look for transparency here, as exposés have found there are still sweatshops in the US, too.

Durability & Longevity:

This one is the most challenging. Not only is it difficult to assess the durability of a rug before you’ve purchased it (even most reviewers only comment on their initial experience), but durability is also significantly impacted by how we care for that rug. Do you wash it often? Do you have pets? Kids? Are you putting the rug in a high-traffic area? Is it getting wet often (like in a kitchen or bathroom)?

That said, I’m looking for attention to craftsmanship from a brand, and attention to detail. There are also certain elements to look out for. For example:

  • Thicker and denser rugs generally hold up better than looser or low-density tufted rugs.
  • Reinforced edges prevent fraying and strong backings prevent the rug curling at the edges.
  • Hand-knotted rugs are labor intensive (and may be pricier) but can last decades or even centuries.

Top Picks for Sustainable Rugs

Ok so that was a lot! But no stress — I’ve done the hours of heavy lifting and digging for you to curate this guide to brands with sustainable rugs. So let’s dive in.

Note that Conscious Life & Style is reader supported and this guide includes affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase via some of these links, I may earn a commission. As always all brands meet are rigorous sustainability criteria.

Secondhand First!

Part of our philosophy at Conscious Life & Style is to look secondhand first. So before we dive into the brands, here are some places to find vintage and pre-loved rugs first:

1. Urban Natural

Wool artisan made sustainable rug in living room
Natural fiber rug in living room

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms

Urban Natural is your online destination for finding responsibly-made, exceptionally crafted home goods from sustainably-minded makers. Brands on Urban Natural include Loloi, a well-respected GoodWeave certified rug brand with rugs ethically hand-woven in Varanasi, India; and Jaipur Living, a company dedicated to preserving time-honored handcrafted art and rug weaving traditions, partnering with 40,000 artisans across hundreds of rural communities throughout India.

Other sustainable rug options on Urban Natural include 100% linen rugs from Libeco, which holds the Masters of Linen® quality label; and 100% wool rugs made in the USA from Earth Weave, the first US carpet manufacturer with a completely natural product line.

Materials: Wool, Jute, Sisal, Cotton, Silk, and Linen (Note: there are a couple of “performance” rugs made with polyester)
Price Range: Starts at $179
Shipping: Ships within the US

2. Lorena Canals

Red and green cotton rugs laying on floor
Wool side runner reg in bedroom

Best for: Living rooms, entryways and bedrooms

Lorena Canals revolutionized the rug industry with machine-washable cotton and wool rugs that don’t compromise on beauty or sustainability. Handcrafted in the brand’s own factory in India since 1998, each piece uses natural or recycled fibers, non-toxic azo-free dyes certified by GOTS and OEKO-TEX standards, and a water-efficient cone-dyeing method that conserves 75% of water compared to traditional processes. The aesthetic ranges from playful geometric patterns and kitchen tile motifs to minimalist neutral textures in their Woolable collection. With customizable options and designs that celebrate the natural colors of undyed wool, these rugs pair practical washability with artisan craftsmanship, all while supporting the brand’s Sakûla Project school for children in northern India.

Materials: Cotton, Wool
Price Range: From $145
Shipping: Global | Outside of US and Canada? Use this website to order instead.

3. CICIL

Sustainable natural brown abstract shaped rug
Sustainable natural fiber rug in curved shapes

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms

Founded by two former Patagonia textile experts in North Carolina, Cicil brings radical transparency to rug-making with a supply chain that travels less than 1,000 miles from wool to floor. Their braided and shuttle weave rugs use 70% undyed wool sourced directly from small family farms across upstate New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, combined with 30% jute for durability. With shapes ranging from linear and oval to curvy and arch designs, each piece celebrates natural wool tones—from deep grays to warm beiges—without any synthetic dyes or finishes. Made in the Carolinas using traditional techniques on vintage looms, Cicil’s approach is intentionally “anti-innovation,” focusing instead on time-tested methods that create rugs built to biodegrade gracefully after a lifetime of use.

Materials: Wool, Jute
Price Point: From $459
Shipping: Ships within the US (all orders ship free)

4. West Elm Fair Trade Certified™

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, offices, or bedrooms

I tend to put large retailers, like West Elm, through much stricter scrutiny in my vetting process because they have larger supply chains which makes transparency much more difficult. It’s easy to know your factory without a certification if you work with one or two facilities. It’s much harder when you work with 20 — or 200. That’s why I appreciate that West Elm has such an extensive selection of rugs made in verified Fair Trade Certified™ factories.

Most of West Elm’s rugs are also made from 100% natural materials like sisal, jute, wool, and cotton. Though like most companies, their “Performance Rugs” are made with polyester. West Elm does use 90-100% recycled polyester for these rugs which makes it a lower impact choice from a carbon emissions point of view. It may still shed microplastics, but if you have pets that could be worth the trade-off for you to have a durable rug.

Note that West Elm does not have non-toxic related certifications for most of their rugs, so this can be a great choice if you value aesthetic variety, ethical production, and natural materials, but if your top priority or concern is that the rug was tested for potentially harmful chemicals, West Elm might not be the right fit for you.

Materials: Wool, Jute, Sisal, Cotton (Performance rugs use recycled polyester)
Price Point: From $459
Shipping: Ships within the US and select other countries

5. Schoolhouse

Colorful natural rug in playroom
Animal print natural rug in living room

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms

Schoolhouse brings American design sensibility to handcrafted rugs woven in India using natural materials. Their collection spans hand-knotted wool pieces with vivid, whimsical patterns like the Sundrop design to reversible flatweave plaid styles perfect for layering. Natural-dyed wool yarn creates rich, enduring colors—from burnt orange and chartreuse to soft neutrals—while jute-chenille blends offer versatility underfoot without the typical scratchiness. With 80% of their assortment domestic and FSC-certified materials across their product lines, Schoolhouse prioritizes reducing carbon emissions through consolidated shipping and minimal plastic packaging.

Materials: Wool, Jute, Cotton, Recycled PET (note: PET is plastic, so this isn’t our top recommendation)
Price Range: From $79
Shipping: Ships to all US States and Canada

6. Nestig

Dinosaur organic non-toxic rug for nurseries
Rainbow organic rug for nurseries

Best for: Nurseries and playrooms

Nestig transforms nursery floors with whimsical, machine-washable rugs that parents actually want to clean. Hand-loomed in Brazil by local artisans with over 20 years of experience, each piece uses 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton grown locally and dyed with non-toxic pigments. The designs range from playful vehicles (dump trucks, airplanes, sailboats) and animals (dinosaurs, bears) to sophisticated geometric patterns and world maps. Nestig operates on a “just enough” business model that minimizes warehouse inventory and carbon footprint, partnering exclusively with sustainable, family-owned businesses. Every rug arrives as a truly one-of-a-kind piece with natural variations that come from artisan craftsmanship.

Materials: Organic Cotton
Price Range: From $399
Shipping: Ships to US, Canada, and the UK

7. Salem Hello

Black and white sustainable hallway rug
Red sustainable artisan wool rug

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and statement spaces

Salam Hello bridges the gap between Moroccan artisan tradition and contemporary homes with transparency at its core. Each handwoven rug is crafted by Amazigh women in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, preserving techniques passed through generations while ensuring fair wages and artisan recognition. The collection includes ready-to-ship vintage and new pieces alongside made-to-order designs where you choose size, color, and pattern. From neutral flatweaves and textured hand-knots to bold geometric designs rich in traditional symbolism, every rug carries protective meaning woven into its fibers. With collaborations like their Izra collection with General Assembly and the Atlas Form line, Salam Hello offers refined modern interpretations alongside authentic traditional styles.

Materials: Wool
Price: From $625
Shipping: Ships Worldwide

8. Organic Weave

Polka dot organic cotton rug in bedroom
Printed natural organic wool rug in living room

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and kids’ rooms

Organic Weave was born after founder Linda witnessed child labor at the rug manufacturers in India her family’s rug business was sourcing from. When Linda became the buyer at her family’s company, she started sourcing exclusively from the only supplier that was committed to not employing children.

Today, Organic Weave is GoodWeave certified — a certification providing additional assurance there isn’t child labor in the supply chain. And as the name suggests, the sustainable rug company also uses organic materials: 100% organic wool for high-traffic areas like living rooms and 100% organic cotton for lower traffic areas like bedrooms. Their handmade, artisan crafted rugs are Global Organic Textile Standard Certified too.

Materials: Organic Cotton, Organic Wool
Price Range: From $1,789
Shipping: Ships Worldwide

9. LOOMY

Pastel colored geometric non-toxic rug
Printed natural non-toxic rug in bedroom

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms

LOOMY proves that sustainable doesn’t mean sacrificing style with a curated collection of contemporary rugs made entirely by hand from indigenous artisan weaving communities worldwide. Their natural fiber collection includes wool, jute, cotton, hemp, and sisal rugs alongside performance options crafted from recycled P.E.T. plastic diverted from oceans and landfills. From shaggy textures and bold geometric patterns to minimalist flatweaves, every design is exclusively created in-house and made without mechanical assistance, using traditional spinning, natural dye baths under the sun, and generations-old loom techniques. The brand’s transparency extends to sharing exactly who made each rug, how many hours it took, and the sustainable materials used.

Materials: Wool, Jute, Cotton, Hemp, Sisal, Recycled P.E.T.
Price Range: From $278
Shipping: Ships to all US States and Canada

10. Revival

Green naturally dyed jute rug from Revival
Clay colored sustainable rug made from wool

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms

Originally founded as a vintage rug curator, Revival now makes a wide range of affordable, beautiful rugs for all needs, whether you have kids, pets, or just want an easy-care washable rug.

Not all options from Revival are sustainable, and some are made from virgin polyester, so for natural fibers I’d direct you to their Wool Rugs collection and Jute Rugs collection, including their naturally dyed jute rugs. Revival also carries one-of-a-kind rugs, which include vintage options.

Materials: Wool, Jute, Recycled Polyester (also has some rugs made with new polyester, which I’d avoid)
Price Range: From $169
Shipping: Ships to contiguous US and selected other international destinations

Honorable Mentions: More Sustainable Rug Options

Here are some additional companies with sustainable rugs to check out! These didn’t make the “top 10” list based on our criteria, but you might have different priorities. So if you’re not finding what you’re looking for above, I recommend taking a look at this list too.

Hook and Loom: if you’re looking for a non-toxic organic rug, Hook and Loom has undyed organic cotton and natural wool rugs made without added chemicals. Their website doesn’t have the most modern user experience, which can make shopping a bit more cumbersome, but the brand has thousands of positive reviews.

Sabai: Sabai’s all-natural textured rugs are crafted from jute and wool in North Carolina by skilled rug makers. They are one of the few companies to manufacture their rugs in the US. That said, the rug does appear to be on the thinner side considering the price point.

The Citizenry: Hand-knotted and hand-loomed by artisan partners across the globe from Morocco to Peru each piece blends modern minimalist design with time-tested techniques passed down through generations. The Citizenry’s collection features everything from plush, textured wool designs to natural jute pieces, and the retailer guarantees 100% fair trade standards on every product, partnering directly with artisan communities. However, many customers complain online about slow shipping and poor customer service, so that’s something to keep in mind before purchasing.

Yaya & Co: this brand has some high sustainability standards like 100% organic certified materials and production in a Fair Trade Certified family-owned factory! Their designs are quite colorful and fun too, which isn’t always easy to find with organic materials. Their selection is more limited compared to the other brands and retailers, which is the only reason they didn’t make it onto the top 10 list.

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7 Best Ethical Fair Trade Rugs to Elevate Your Space

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Just like fashion has been overrun by fast fashion, home goods and furniture have similarly seen a rapid decline in quality. Rugs are no exception.

And similar to fashion, these cheap goods come at a high cost — namely, to the planet and to people. In fact carpet and rug production is rampant with exploitation.

On the other hand, fair trade rugs present the best of what a rug can bring to your home: artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage.

The brands featured in this guide are partnering with (and fairly paying!) skilled artisans who are using generations-old — and sometimes even centuries-old — techniques. These artisans are sustaining long lines of crafts, preserving their cultural diversity, and celebrating the richness of their time-honored crafts.

There’s simply no replacement for a timeless, quality artisan-made rug — they’re like pieces of art you can lay out on your floor or hang on your walls.

So, enjoy browsing through this guide to sustainable rug brands listed out below and best of luck on your search for the right fair trade rug!

Where to Find Ethical and Fair Trade Rugs

Note that this guide includes affiliates and partners. As always, brands must meet high standards for ethics and sustainability to be featured and all opinions are my own.

1. The Citizenry

If you’re browsing for fair trade rugs, but looking for a more minimalist or neutral aesthetic, look no further than The Citizenry.

The brand’s natural, handmade rugs — made by artisans working in fair trade conditions — feature striking prints but more subtle colors. Next to each product page you’ll be able to learn more about the workshop and the artisans behind that piece.

Price Range: $$$

Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade, Natural Fibers, Craft Preservation

Categories: Area Rugs

Beige hand-knotted fair trade rug

2. Kiliim

If you’re well-versed in rug terminology, you may recognize that this brand’s name looks similar to the word kilim. Kiliim’s rug are made using authentic, well, kilim rug craftsmanship by artisans in Egypt coming from generations of kilim artisans. To ensure ethical production and to support the preservation of this heritage craft, Kiliim pays living wages to all artisans.

Price Range: $ – $$$

Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Heritage Craft Preservation, Natural Fibers

Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs

Artisan-Made Ethical Rugs from Kiliim

3. Urban Natural

This natural home and lifestyle retailer has a beautifully curated selection of sustainably-made rugs crafted with materials like jute, sisal, wool, and cotton.

Several brands on Urban Natural are also ethically hand-loomed or hand-knotted, such as Loloi — a GoodWeave partner — and Jaipur Living — a brand that partners with thousands of local artisans to sustain heritage crafts.

Price Range: $$+

Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials

Categories: Outdoor, Area Rugs, and Accent Rugs

Blue, beige and coral fair trade rug from Urban Natural

4. Zuahaza

Each of Zuahaza’s artisan-made rugs is creatively designed with unique patterns and expertly handwoven by weavers in Colombia. Zuahaza’s captivating rugs are made from sustainably-sourced fique, a natural fiber from Colombia that is similar to hemp. And, just like hemp, fique requires little water to grow and is rarely attacked by pests (meaning fique is always grown organically without chemical pesticides).

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Conscious Qualities: Organic Fibers & Natural Dyes, Cultural Preservation, BIPOC-Owned

Categories: Area Rugs, Runner Rugs, Accent Rugs

Pink and tan striped fair trade rug from Zuahaza

5. LOOMY

Founded by a weaver, LOOMY is dedicated to making beautiful, non-toxic rugs that will last for decades to come.

LOOMY partners with highly-skilled artisan weavers who craft quality rugs made from eco-minded materials like banana silk, jute, and recycled cotton built to withstand whatever life brings you.

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Conscious Qualities: Eco & Non-Toxic Materials, Craft Preservation

Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners, Outdoor Rugs

Handmade Ethical Rugs from LOOMY

6. Leah Singh

Leah Singh’s designs are a reflection of the designer’s background, growing up surrounded by the rich artistry of India and studying at Parsons amidst the structural, minimal lines of New York.

All of the brand’s rugs are made by artisans in India who use embroidery, weaving, and printing techniques native to their respective regions.

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Conscious Qualities: BIPOC-Owned, Ethical Production, Cultural Preservation

Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners

Fair Trade Rugs from Leah Singh

7. West Elm

West Elm is bringing ethical rugs to a broader market with their collection of Fair Trade Certified™ wool and cotton rugs. While I recommend browsing the smaller shops listed above first, West Elm is supporting the movement to responsibly-made, fair trade rugs.

Price Range: $$$

Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade production, Majority Natural Materials

Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs

Fair Trade Rugs from West Elm

Liked this guide to sustainable rugs? You might also enjoy:

Ethical Home Decor Brands to Curate a Beautiful, Conscious Space

Eco-Friendly Furniture to Furnish Your Home Sustainably

Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly Blankets to Cozy Up With

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7 Eco-Friendly Dinnerware Brands To Set Your Sustainable Table

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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. 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: $$$

Check Out East Fork

Red clay sustainable dinnerware from East Fork

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: $$

Check Out Our Place

Gray bowls from eco-friendly dinnerware brand Our Place

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: $$$

Check out Fable

taupe colored sustainable dinnerware from Fable

4. 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: $$

Check Out Zungleboo

Use code CONSCIOUS15 for 15% off!

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: $$ – $$$

Check Out Urban Natural

Eco-friendly stoneware from Urban Natural

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: $$$

Shop GOODEE

Scalloped artisan-made dinnerware

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: $$

Check Out Ekobo

colorful sustainable dinnerware

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 Eco-Friendly Dinnerware Brands To Set Your Sustainable Table appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.

7 Eco-Friendly Dinnerware Brands To Set Your Sustainable Table

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