Quick Key Facts
- There are nearly 60 million hikers in the United States, according to a report by the Outdoor Foundation and the Outdoor Industry Association.
- America’s National Trails System extends more than 88,600 miles.
- It has 1,300 National Recreation Trails, 19 National Historic Trails and 11 National Scenic Trails. National Scenic Trails are considered long-distance footpaths of more than 100 miles.
- The Appalachian Trail (1921) and Pacific Crest Trail (1932) were the first National Scenic Trails in America.
- At approximately 2,190 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
What Is ‘Wilderness Hiking’?
Wilderness hiking is an escape from developed areas into the healing vastness of nature. On a trek through the forest you can expect to experience peace, wonder and awe — all of which are great for the body and mind.
Taking a backpack and venturing into the woods can be a long or short journey of varying levels of difficulty, depending on what you’re in the mood for and what your body is capable of. But don’t underestimate yourself. On a recent steep hike through the Oregon wilderness, I was surprised by a level of energy and endurance I didn’t feel when I started out. By the end of three days of hikes, I found myself bounding down the trail, filled with the kind of vivacity only a ramble through the woods can provide.
How to Prepare & Plan a Backpacking Journey
Supplies
While the image of your hike undoubtedly includes clear blue lakes and streams, magisterial trees and abundant wildlife, you’ll need to be prepared for the unforeseen. Any trip to the woods includes its challenges and risks. Packing essentials will give you peace of mind and the necessary supplies for any sticky situation that may arise.
A good way to estimate how long it will take to complete a hike is to use Naismith’s Rule. This convenient calculation advises an hour for every three miles and another hour for every 1,968.5 feet of ascent. Other considerations include the conditions on the day of your hike, the terrain and the endurance levels of all participating.
What to Wear
Choose your trail clothing according to the season. If there’s one word that applies to all hiking adventures it’s layers, layers, layers. This will include a base, midlayer, insulation and shell. Some items to consider adding to your pack — in addition to good hiking boots — include long underwear, a hoodie or fleece, a light jacket, a minimum of one pair of socks per day and lightweight shoes to wear around the campsite.
You’ll want to adjust for temperature — warm and extra layers for colder hikes and lighter layers in hot weather. Always bring a warm hat and light gloves just in case, and if you’re hiking above the tree line — even in summer — pack or wear an insulated jacket.
Cotton is not recommended for hiking, as it traps moisture and takes a long time to dry when it gets wet, making your skin cold. Wool, silk, nylon, rayon and polyester are all moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat and moisture away from the skin to the outer surface so it can evaporate.
To avoid your clothes getting wet, try taking off layers before you get sweaty and slow down to reduce perspiration. Make sure to add shell layers before your clothes get saturated in rain or snow. Store essential layers in a separate waterproof bag in your pack to keep them dry.
What to Bring
Water
You’ll want to not only bring water in your hard-sided or collapsible bottles, but what you’ll need to make additional safe drinking water if you run out or accidentally spill some. When you’re on a longer hike — especially one that involves multiple days — be sure to bring a filter or iodine tablets.
A good rule of thumb is to drink one liter of water every two hours. However, the amount of water you will need will depend on the outdoor temperature and your level of exertion.
Food
You will need plenty of fuel, so pack enough food for how long you plan to be on the trail, plus an extra full day’s worth that can be consumed without cooking.
The contents of the food in your backpack should include a combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats that are convenient to eat consistently and easily during your hike. While proteins and fats burn more slowly and give us energy longer, carbohydrates provide quick energy that can be followed by a “crash” and tiredness. Depending on your companions, wanting to take a nap during the hike may or may not be acceptable.
Some good snacks to take on your wilderness hike include nuts, trail mix, protein bars, dehydrated fruits, cheese, crackers and chocolate.
Cooking in the Woods
While cooking over a fire is a classic camping activity — and understandably tempting if you’re planning an overnight hike — with all the gear you’ll already be carrying, you may want to keep it simple.
Packing foods that are easy to prepare — like veggie hotdogs, pre-cut vegetables to be cooked in tinfoil and the classic campfire dessert: s’mores — are good options, as are sturdy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and juice.
If you do decide to cook over a camping stove or campfire, plan all the meals and snacks for your hike ahead of time. Consider opting for no-cook breakfasts and lunches like yogurt, granola and berries and cheese and crackers, and save dinnertime for a cooked meal.
Instead of bringing bread, think of carbs that won’t get squished as easily like tortillas or fajitas. If you decide to bring canned foods such as black or baked beans, don’t forget the can opener. And remember, every pan and utensil will need to be washed or rinsed, which is always a much more time-consuming process under a spigot than in your sink at home.
While cooking outdoors can be rewarding, the simpler you keep your meals while wilderness hiking and camping, the more time you will have to enjoy the scenery, friends and the stars.
Light
When you go hiking in the wilderness, even if it’s just a day trip, always come equipped with everything you would need to spend an unplanned night in the woods. If you’ve ever been camping, you know that includes a flashlight, headlamp and plenty of extra batteries stored in a waterproof container.
Test your illumination devices before heading out, and start your trek knowing that — even if the sun starts to go down — you’ll still be able to find your way in the dark.
Heat
Another essential if you find yourself spending a planned or surprise night in the forest is the equipment you’ll need to start a fire. Not only will it provide light and warmth, but also protection from certain wild animals — including squirrels, skunks, rats, coyotes and wolves — and the smoke can help repel some insects, like mosquitoes.
Pack a lighter, waterproof matches and candles, as well as kindling in the form of dry tinder like wood chips soaked in resin, petroleum jelly-soaked cotton balls, paper bags or dryer lint.
If you’re hiking somewhere where no firewood will be available, bringing a stove is a good idea. It will serve as a heat source in an emergency, as well as a source of water in snowy terrain.
Preventing Wildfires
Whenever you build a campfire, it’s imperative to be mindful of your surroundings and the conditions — are there any burn bans, safety warnings or regulations in effect?
There are certain conditions in which it is not advisable to start a fire in the woods, including conditions that are too windy or dry — especially if the area where you’ve chosen to hike or camp is experiencing a drought.
Other precautions to take so that your campfire doesn’t turn into a wildfire include putting fire rings in place; keeping the fire small; and building it on open, flat ground away from brush, leaves or logs. Be careful with any equipment that produces sparks, and keep it at least 10 to 25 feet clear of vegetation.
When you’re packing up to leave, make sure to put out your campfire completely, smothering it with dirt or saturating it with water until it’s no longer emitting any flames, embers or heat.
Navigation
While smartphones and GPS watches can come in handy where there is cellular reception, you definitely can’t count on them when you’re in the wilderness. Make sure to pack the essential navigation tools that helped many travelers before the invention of cell phones: an old-fashioned topographical map and compass. And familiarize yourself with how to use them before you leave the parking lot.
Studying your map before you head off can not only make your hike smoother, it can also make it more enjoyable. You’ll know ahead of time where inclines, potential rough spots, restrictions and water sources are located. You can also mark your map when you choose to go in a particular direction at a junction, along with what time you arrived to get a sense of the duration of specific sections of your hike.
Sunscreen
Protecting your skin from the elements includes wearing broad spectrum sunscreen, not only on your body during the warmer months, but on any exposed skin regardless of the weather.
Elevation gains mean more intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which get stronger the higher you climb. Higher altitudes have thinner air that absorbs less UV radiation, meaning its intensity goes up by roughly 10 to 12 percent each 3,000 feet.
Sunglasses or goggles with polarized lenses and UV protection are useful for hiking, and can be particularly helpful with glare reflecting off snow and water.
First-Aid Kit
Whether it’s a three-hour day hike or a weeklong backcountry expedition, having an adequate first-aid kit is essential for any wilderness hiking adventure.
Being mindful of your surroundings, staying well-hydrated and wearing proper clothing can prevent many of the accidents, illnesses or injuries that can happen while out in the woods. But even with all the preventative measures in the world, accidents and injuries still happen.
Here are some recommendations for supplies to have with you in case you need to care for yourself or a hiking companion while on the trail. A premade first-aid kit is great, but you might want to supplement it with some of these as well:
- Aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and clotting
- Acetaminophen for pain relief
- Ibuprofen to act as an anti-inflammatory and reduce swelling
- Emergency whistle to call for help
- Bear whistle, in case you encounter one
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
- Imodium anti-diarrhea medication
- Electrolyte powder for rehydration
- ACE bandages
- Band-aids
- Rollers of different-sized gauze
- Medical tape
- Alcohol prep pads
- Non-latex nitrile gloves
- Antibiotic ointment
- Feminine pads for absorption with major cuts or contusions
- Burn gel
- Trauma shears
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- SAM splint
- A lighter and matches
- Compostable plastic bags to dispose of medical waste
Take the time to familiarize yourself with all the contents of your first-aid kit, and inform your hiking companions of the location of the kit and any personal medications you have with you.
Repair Kit
Before you set off into the wilds, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your hiking gear. Evaluate each piece from the vantage point of what you will do if it breaks and whether or not you have the means and knowhow to fix it.
Some things you can bring to make repairs on the fly include: duct tape — the essential multipurpose adhesive — repair tape for patching tents and rain gear; a folding pocket knife with tools such as a screwdriver and pliers; a needle and thread; extra cloth; scissors; twine; extra batteries; safety pins; a paracord; and zip ties.
Emergency Shelter
Hiking in the wilderness can mean being miles from human development, so you need to be prepared to spend the night out in the elements in case you become stranded or injured.
In the unlikely event this happens, you’ll want to have the necessary equipment to stay warm and dry, including: an emergency space blanket, bivy sack, ultralight tarp, lightweight sleeping bag, inflatable or foam pad, three-season tent and a large trash bag.
How to Register
Before you go on your next wilderness hiking adventure, be sure to check what permits are required.
There are different types of permits depending on which wilderness area you’re planning to visit. Some welcome visitors free of charge, some come with small fees and others require a lottery before you can apply. Areas of some parks operate using a quota system, allowing only a certain number of users or permits to enter at a time.
Most of the sites that the National Park Service manages are free, but some require users to purchase an entrance pass. Others — like Mt. Rainier National Park — ask visitors to obtain a backcountry or wilderness permit. Permits provide a method for regulating foot traffic in environments that are fragile and only able to handle a certain amount of use before they start to erode.
Sites that charge a fee to enter require the purchase of one of the following: a standard pass, an annual pass to a specific park or an America the Beautiful pass. An America the Beautiful pass covers entrance and day-use fees at lands that are managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers.
Depending on what type of entrance fee is charged at a site, the pass covers either the fee for one private vehicle or four individual visitors.
For a few high-traffic national park sites, you may need a reservation. Reservations are usually made available here on a rolling basis.
Leave No Trace
Wilderness is for everyone: plants, animals and humans. But while we’re on the trail and before we return to civilization, it’s important to remember to be respectful of the natural world. Its pristine beauty was formed over millennia — before plastics, synthetic chemicals and billions of humans began to tip the balance of trash and toxins polluting the planet to an unsustainable degree.
Following the principles of “Leave No Trace” — a philosophy and set of guidelines to help keep the planet healthy and protect it from being overtrodden, polluted and degraded by humans — is useful when going on a hike into unspoiled wilderness.
There are seven basic principles of Leave No Trace — detailed here — all centered around the basic idea of minimizing your impacts while visiting the outdoors:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
These well-established principles are not fixed, but are continually being reevaluated and updated according to research and the most recent insights from land managers, biologists and other experts in outdoor education.
Places to Hike
Day Hikes
Some of the most spectacular hiking spots in the U.S. can be found within the country’s 63 national parks, which includes thousands of miles of trails. Here are three picturesque day hikes within the national park system.
Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State
Washington State is full of wilderness hikes. It has three national parks — Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades — and more than 120 state parks.
If you want to start off with a strenuous hike with breathtaking views, the 6.2-mile Skyline Trail Loop will take about three to five hours and give you plenty of exercise.
On this stunning hike, which begins in the Paradise area of the park’s south slope, you will walk through evergreen forests, pass Myrtle Falls and climb the slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the aptly named Panorama Point, you will be treated to sweeping views of the park with Oregon’s Mt. Hood in the distance on a clear day.
Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana is one of the most rugged and unspoiled places in the U.S., and Glacier National Park is a testament to the state’s wild beauty.
The 10.6-mile trail to Grinnell Glacier will take you on an approximately five- to seven-hour trek through alpine wilderness dotted with wildflowers, lakes, waterfalls and the splendid Grinnell Glacier.
On your hike you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including mountain goats, bears and moose.
If this strenuous hike seems a little too long for you, it can be shortened by 3.4 miles by taking a scenic boat ride across Lake Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake.
Queen’s Garden and Navajo Loop Trail, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
For a shorter, less difficult hike that will give you a taste of epic Bryce Canyon, the combined Queen’s Garden/Navajo Trail is an easy to moderate loop that takes about two to three hours to complete. This 2.75-mile hike will bring you into canyons, beneath arches, close to hoodoos and through ancient pine forests.
Longer Hikes
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
If you’re looking for an epic wilderness hike that will take you through many different landscapes and multiple states, the Appalachian Trail (AT) is a definite must. At approximately 2,190 miles, the AT is the longest hiking-only trail on Earth.
The AT brings wilderness hikers through 14 states along the valleys and peaks of the Appalachian Mountains — from Springer Mountain, Georgia, at the southern end of the range to the trail’s northernmost point at Katahdin, Maine.
Each year, more than three million visitors from around the world traverse the AT, with 3,000-plus of them attempting a “thru-hike” of the whole path in one year.
Along the footpath you will experience breathtaking summits like North Carolina’s Clingmans Dome — the highest point on the AT at 6,643 feet. You will encounter the lush forests and billowing waterfalls of the Tennessee stretch of the trail; the verdant greenery of Vermont’s share of the AT; and the vast backcountry of Maine with its valleys, lakes and rivers teeming with wildlife.
Inspired by forester and conservationist Benton MacKaye’s article An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning in 1921 and built by private citizens, the AT was completed in 1937. The scenic trail is part of the National Park System, managed through a public-private partnership by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, thousands of volunteers and many state agencies.
Hiking the legendary AT with a friend, partner or family member is an unforgettable experience that can create a unique bond with whomever you choose to share this ultimate wilderness hike.
Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail System (PCT) Conference was founded in 1932 by Harvard graduate and Boy Scout Clinton C. Clarke, who was dedicated to preserving part of the Western U.S. for future generations. Clarke envisioned a trail along the mountain ranges of Washington, Oregon and California “traversing the best scenic areas and maintaining an absolute wilderness character.”
PCT Conference founding members included Ansel Adams, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the Boy Scouts. Clarke recommended linking existing trails in each state — the Cascade Crest Trail in Washington, Oregon’s Skyline Trail and the Tahoe-Yosemite and John Muir Trails in California — to create the PCT.
In October of 1968, the National Trail Systems Act — naming the AT and the PCT as the country’s first national scenic trails — was signed by President Lyndon Johnson.
Over the next quarter-century, the PCT Association, other trail organizations, land management agencies and countless volunteers constructed almost 1,000 miles of trail to create the PCT. In 1993, it was finished — a continuous path to be traversed on foot or horseback from Mexico to Canada.
There are five PCT regions: Southern, Central and Northern California; Oregon; and Washington. The varied topography of the PCT includes remote and mostly wild desert, forest, volcanic and alpine landscapes. The Oregon region of the PCT goes through Crater Lake National Park, with a spur tail leading to the rim of the ultra-clear, deep blue lake.
Many species of plants and wildlife can be seen along the PCT, including lizards, snakes, cougars, coyotes, deer, marmots, black bears, martens, badgers, mink, foxes, bobcats, red-tailed hawks, mountain chickadees, Steller’s jay, hummingbirds, nutcrackers, grouse, beaver, elk, grizzly bears, mountain goats and Canada lynx.
In the fall, migrating birds can often be seen flying south via the Pacific Coast flyway.
The terrain of the trail is made vibrant and colorful by its diverse array of vegetation, including red, noble, silver and Douglas fir trees; ponderosa and white bark pine; mountain hemlock; oak; chaparral; lupine; larkspur; paintbrush; gooseberry; corn lily; fireweed; Oregon grape; western larch; and a number of plants from Canada and Alaska, including Alaska grand fir and cedar.
Whether tackled alone or shared with friends and family, the rugged and sublime PCT is a magnificent tour of the best the West Coast landscape has to offer.
Benefits of Wilderness Hiking
Hiking is one of the best and most enjoyable ways to get a great physical workout — it gets your heart rate up, exercises your muscles and joints and improves balance.
Research has shown that spending quality time in nature can reduce stress and improve mental health. Being amongst tall trees and dense, green foliage; feeling the warm sunshine — not to mention getting a healthy dose of vitamin D; hearing the sound of water moving through the woods; and being surrounded by the smell of leaves and soil have proven physical, mental and emotional benefits that can provide a sense of peace and wellbeing and boost your mood. In fact, being surrounded by trees, plants, water and soil is so healing, it can even be prescribed by a doctor.
So grab a human or furry friend, get out on the trail and immerse yourself in the restorative and energizing power of nature!
Takeaway
Whether you go solo or with a group, taking the time to go on a hike through the wilderness has the power to rejuvenate and inspire.
But before you set off on your next wilderness trek, be sure you have everything necessary to be comfortable, protected and well-nourished. And prepare for the unexpected — it can be the difference between an experience akin to Gentle Ben or The Blair Witch Project.
The post Wilderness Hiking 101: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on EcoWatch.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The post 10 Best Sustainable Rugs For a Healthier Home and Planet appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
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: $$$
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade, Natural Fibers, Craft Preservation
Categories: Area Rugs
2. Kiliim
If you’re well-versed in rug terminology, you may recognize that this brand’s name looks similar to the word kilim. Kiliim’s rug are made using authentic, well, kilim rug craftsmanship by artisans in Egypt coming from generations of kilim artisans. To ensure ethical production and to support the preservation of this heritage craft, Kiliim pays living wages to all artisans.
Price Range: $ – $$$
Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Heritage Craft Preservation, Natural Fibers
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
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: $$+
Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials
Categories: Outdoor, Area Rugs, and Accent Rugs
4. Zuahaza
Each of Zuahaza’s artisan-made rugs is creatively designed with unique patterns and expertly handwoven by weavers in Colombia. Zuahaza’s captivating rugs are made from sustainably-sourced fique, a natural fiber from Colombia that is similar to hemp. And, just like hemp, fique requires little water to grow and is rarely attacked by pests (meaning fique is always grown organically without chemical pesticides).
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Conscious Qualities: Organic Fibers & Natural Dyes, Cultural Preservation, BIPOC-Owned
Categories: Area Rugs, Runner Rugs, Accent Rugs
5. LOOMY
Founded by a weaver, LOOMY is dedicated to making beautiful, non-toxic rugs that will last for decades to come.
LOOMY partners with highly-skilled artisan weavers who craft quality rugs made from eco-minded materials like banana silk, jute, and recycled cotton built to withstand whatever life brings you.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Conscious Qualities: Eco & Non-Toxic Materials, Craft Preservation
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners, Outdoor Rugs
6. Leah Singh
Leah Singh’s designs are a reflection of the designer’s background, growing up surrounded by the rich artistry of India and studying at Parsons amidst the structural, minimal lines of New York.
All of the brand’s rugs are made by artisans in India who use embroidery, weaving, and printing techniques native to their respective regions.
Price Range: $$ – $$$
Conscious Qualities: BIPOC-Owned, Ethical Production, Cultural Preservation
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners
7. West Elm
West Elm is bringing ethical rugs to a broader market with their collection of Fair Trade Certified
wool and cotton rugs. While I recommend browsing the smaller shops listed above first, West Elm is supporting the movement to responsibly-made, fair trade rugs.
Price Range: $$$
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade production, Majority Natural Materials
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
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
The post 7 Best Ethical Fair Trade Rugs to Elevate Your Space appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
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: $$$
2. Our Place
From the same brand that brought us their cult-favorite Always Pan, comes a gorgeous collection of non-toxic dinnerware and sustainable pottery.
Our Place has hand-painted main plates and side bowls made with recycled and virgin porcelain ceramic and dinner glasses handmade from recycled glass and colored with natural dyes.
Categories: Glassware, Bowls, Plates
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials, Gives Back, WOC-Owned
Price Range: $$
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: $$$
4. Zungleboo
Lightweight, shatterproof, and made from corn starch + bamboo fiber, Zungleboo creates family-friendly and eco-friendly dinnerware!
Their versatile plant-based bowls and plates are also dishwasher and microwave safe, making them easy to care for no matter how busy mealtime is. As Zungleboo writes on their website, their sustainable dinnerware is “from real plants, for real life”.
Categories: Bowls, Plates
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials, WOC-Owned
Price Range: $$
Use code CONSCIOUS15 for 15% off!
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 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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