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The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Planners and Notebooks

Almost one billion trees worth of paper is thrown away in a single year in America, and that’s just in the U.S. Paper waste alone accounts for a quarter of landfill waste, so how do we help? Knowing what to look for when shopping for paper-focused products, like planners and notebooks, and selecting a tree-free paper alternative when possible is a great place to start. 

What does FSC-certified mean?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification means the wood used to create the product was harvested ethically and responsibly. However, FSC-certified wood only applies to virgin wood, so while the harvesting and forestry process may be more responsible, the products made from the wood still may not be. As always, no label should be trusted blindly. Be sure to research the individual company ethics and policies before deciding if the product you are considering purchasing meets your personal criteria for sustainability.

Does sustainable paper exist?

There are sustainable paper options, some completely tree-free and others that at least minimize the tree pulp needed. Recycled paper is not tree-free and is typically not 100% post-consumer recycled material. Most recycled paper uses a combination of recycled and virgin tree pulp, so while it is an improvement, don’t be fooled by greenwashing. Companies are required to list the percentage of recycled material in their paper and look for as close to 100% as possible when considering recycled paper. When purchasing a product like planners or notebooks, it may be harder to trace the paper composition. A better sustainable paper option is a fully tree-free material like the increasingly popular stone paper.

What is stone paper?

Stone paper uses ground stone, usually limestone and marble, processed into a smooth paper-like material. The stone fragments are typically sourced from the construction industry, where there is a surplus of leftover stone materials. When ground and processed into paper, it becomes a hydrophobic material that is waterproof and tearproof. It also has a smooth eggshell-like feel that allows pens and pencils to glide smoother than standard paper. Artists love stone paper for its high-quality composition, allowing their designs and drawings to appear richer than traditional paper. Writers love stone paper for its durability. Stone paper manufacturing is also more Earth-friendly as it requires no water or chemicals and uses waste material.

While there is never a perfect solution when it comes to sustainability, there are at least better options and these companies make use of the more sustainable options for planners and notebooks.

our favorite sustainable notebooks & planners:

1. agood Company 

Using stone paper, agood Company offers notebooks, journals, and pocket diaries that are stylish and sustainable. agood Company is B Corp certified and provides a breakdown of the environmental footprint associated with each product and part of its production chain. To be as sustainable as possible, they utilize climate-neutral shipping by compensating for transport, choosing environmentally-friendly raw materials, and packaging all products responsibly. agood Company also created a plant-a-tree initiative with WeForest and a foundation to support sustainability efforts in communities around the globe. For anyone who wants their purchase to go beyond a pretty planner or notebook, agood Company provides a simple, sustainable solution.

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2. Karst

Karst wants to disrupt the paper industry, so this company created a tree-free solution, paper made from recycled stone. This makes their paper smooth, tear-resistant, waterproof, and sustainable for our planet. Karst also partners with One Tree Planted and is a certified B Corp company. Notebooks are available lined, dotted, blank or with a grid. The planners are available in weekly or daily formats. Also available are sketchbooks, notepads, and tree-free pencils. Karst is for a notebook aficionado who appreciates thoughtful design.

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3. Papier

Created with sustainably sourced paper and using recycled packaging, Papier is known for seasonal collections and unique designs. They often team up with artists to bring their talents to Papier products for products you won’t find anywhere else. The planners are available in a variety of formats from yearly, monthly, daily and academic. The journals are available in classic or specialized formats for recipes, wellness, travel, gratitude, or standard and come lined, plain or specific for list-makers. Papier is perfect if you are looking for a more sustainable planner or journal that is beautiful inside and out.

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4. Dingbats*

At Dingbats*, all materials used for their journals are biodegradable, vegan, and recyclable.

Notebooks feature minimal nature and animal motifs on their faux leather covers and are V-label certified, which means no animal-based adhesives are used in their products.

The inside pages are acid-free, fountain-friendly, FSC-certified paper that lays flat for optimal writing, especially for lefties. Dingbats* offers a simple and minimal selection that puts the Earth and animals first. 

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5. Wisdom Supply Co

Created by two women frustrated with the amount of plastic and waste on the planet, especially associated with school supplies. Wisdom Supply Co makes fully recyclable notebooks and planners that are zero waste and made in the USA. As a certified B Corp, sustainable practices are upheld throughout production, and all orders are shipped plastic-free. Also available are zero waste binders, folders, dividers, and planners made with students and teachers in mind. So if you love back-to-school shopping but want to do it more sustainably, Wisdom Supply Co is a great place to start!

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6. Five Minute Journal

Transform your life with the Five Minute Journal. Spending just five minutes a day practicing gratitude can boost positivity, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being, even on the busiest of days. This approach is the simplest and scientifically backed way to a happier you. With the Five Minute Journal, you can practice mindfulness and gratitude journaling, while also taking advantage of additional features that traditional journals do not provide. The journal is made with 100% recycled, compostable and FSC-Certified paper and bound in linen fabric.

Five Minute Journal is available for iOS and Android, as well.

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7. Green Dreamer

Currently offering physical and digital planning options, Green Dreamer combines mindfulness and goalsetting in its planners.

The inside planner pages are made of recycled paper and feature a hardcover that is bound by recycled kraft paper.

You can also add an optional book cloth cover that is made from 100% recycled cotton.

While Green Dreamer is phasing out the physical planners, you will still be able to purchase the planner template to download.

The template features a minimalist and versatile design using undated monthly and weekly formats, and it even includes important social and eco-awareness dates. In addition, green Dreamer is a cost-effective option as their digital download is less expensive than traditional planners, and you can print it on your own sustainably-made paper.

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8. Gitchi Adventure Goods

If you or someone you know is always in search of their next adventure, Gitchi Adventure Goods makes journals to keep track of it all.

A small notebook made in the USA that will easily fit in a backpack so you can keep it with you on the go.

Gitchi Adventure notebooks are made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper that is FSC® and Green Seal® Certified and made with 100% renewable electricity. 

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Digital Planners and Notebooks

For all the digital planners and writers, there are some digital planning and notebook options created with you in mind.

1. reMarkable

reMarkable is as close to a digital notebook as it gets.

The creators of reMarkable had one goal, to create the best paper-like experience possible with the limitless connection that modern technology provides.

With reMarkable, your handwritten notes can be converted into text that syncs to your cloud, phone, or laptop. It is the thinnest tablet available, so you have a similar pencil-on-paper experience.

Since reMarkable was made for writing, it doesn’t come with the typical distractions regular tablets do, so you stay focused and organized. No trees are required, and your writing or planning experience is as close as it can get to using a traditional notebook.

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2. Notion

If you type notion in on YouTube, you’ll have a plethora of ways to customize this digital workspace.

You can use it as a planner, project manager, or journal; it is used by large companies and students alike to keep organized and capture thoughts. Digital planners love Notion because you can add custom templates, habit tracking, digital stickers and make it look and feel just like a regular planner. Notion is available for iOS, Android, and desktop.

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3. GoodNotes

If you dive into the digital note-keeping and planning space, chances are you’ve heard of GoodNotes.

An app that allows you to use your iPad as a journal and planner.

You can add as many notebooks as you want, all stored in one spot and synced with the cloud.

While only available for iPad users, it is a powerhouse app if you already have access to an iPad or Mac. 

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4. DayOne

If you’ve always wanted to be a journaler but never stuck with it, DayOne is for you!

Keep your thoughts and experiences together with text, audio, photo, and video all in one place.

Elegant and easy to navigate, DayOne allows you to maintain ownership of your data, keeps it safe and encrypted for you, and you can access it on any device.

DayOne is available for iOS, Android, and desktop.

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com.

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Where to Find Sustainable Flowers

On Saturday mornings in the Summer and Fall I treasure taking a little time to myself to stroll through the farmer’s market and pick out a beautiful, fresh bunch of flowers. Flowers are so commonly used to mark special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays, that they are often equated to joy and love. Through all these years, I haven’t given much thought to where flowers come from when my husband brings some home or I get some delivered to my mom. In researching for this article, I found out there is much to learn about the flower industry.

Let’s explore what is currently unsustainable about the flower industry, what to look for when searching for more sustainable choices, and where you can find the best options.

Why the Flower Industry is not Sustainable

According to this article in ideas.ted.com, flowers are annually a 55-billion-dollar industry in the USA. Most of the flowers we buy don’t come from the USA, most come from Columbia, and the environmental impact of growing and transporting them is much greater than I realized. The negative impacts of flower growth include:

• High water usage: According to that same article, more than half of the water extraction from Lake Naivasha in Kenya is used to grow flowers.

• Pollution from chemical pesticides and runoff into the water: According to Green Matters,“There are no limits on the amount of pesticide residues on these plants…. The result is a highly toxic workplace and a highly toxic rose.”

• High carbon emissions from refrigeration, transportation, and greenhouse growing methods: Also according to Green Matters, in 2018, Valentine’s Day flowers grown in Colombia and flown to US airports produced some 360,000 metric tons of CO2.

• Dangerous working conditions: Exposure to toxic chemicals for labor in the floral agriculture industry is high. In Kenya and Columbia, flower production is one of their biggest industries, and mainly employs women who work up to 16 hours a day for low wages.

What You Can Do When Shopping for Your Next Bouquet

The most helpful thing you can do is look for flowers grown by local farmers. This reduces carbon emissions, supports the local economy, and gives you beautiful bouquets that last longer. Keep in mind, just because a store is local doesn’t mean their flowers are. Ask your florist if their flowers are locally sourced. If they are not, ask them to source their blooms from local farmers. If there are no local flowers in season, then find a florist who at least has flowers from the USA to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.

Visit a farmer’s market to find local, in-season, amazing bouquets that are usually cheaper than at the florist. Farmer’s markets are really one of the best places for fresh flowers. When shopping, even locally, look for farms that grow their flowers organically without harmful pesticides and use sustainable growing methods. Certified organic flowers are available; however, they are not yet in high demand. The more people seek them though, the more florists will carry them.

Don’t just stop at the flowers though; consider the packaging. Ask for flowers that are not packaged in plastic or with floral foam to reduce single-use plastic waste. Finally, consider what to do when the flowers die. You can recycle flowers by making potpourri; or incorporating them into soaps, candles, or bath bombs. Flowers can also be composted.

Online Sustainable and Ethical Floral delivery Options

Due to the growing interest in sustainable products, there are now a few online options for buying sustainably and ethically grown flowers as well.

Bouqs

One option for your floral needs is Bouqs. According to their website, “Bouqs believes in farm-direct, transparent sourcing, which means partnering with farmers who use sustainable growing practices like minimizing waste and recycling water”. Ensuring their products are grown more sustainably and with few toxic chemicals, also means safer conditions for the workers who grow your flowers. Bouqs offers several shipping options. Same-day shipping is guaranteed to come from a local florist, next day from a domestic farm, and no rush which is shipped internationally. Finally, I love the Bouqs has a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion in their company and partnerships.

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Farmgirl Flowers

Farmgirl Flowers, which is woman-owned, started with a single high-quality bouquet, and they still offer a minimalist model. They create one high-quality arrangement a day made entirely from flowers sourced from American farmers. Don’t worry, they offer more than one product on their site, so you have many choices.

According to their site, they offer signature burlap-wrapped bouquets, shippable vase arrangements, single variety bouquets, plants, and gifts. The burlap wrap is even repurposed from coffee roasters.

Their aesthetic is unique and just fabulous too!

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ReVased

Another good bet for your bouquets is Revased, which started in 2019 by upcycling flowers from events. When COVID hit they shifted their model to sourcing flowers directly from farms to the consumer to reduce waste and pollution from shipping. Most of their partner farms are Rainforest Alliance Certified, meaning they pass rigorous checks for sustainable and humane practices. They also still upcycle flowers from events, further reducing waste. A big bonus of shopping from Revased is part of your purchase will go to support several non-profits monthly, including senior service centers, women’s shelters, and cancer support centers.

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online resources for local flowers

Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers : Find Local Flowers

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) was “created to educate, unite, and support commercial cut flower growers.” That sounds pretty generic, but what makes the organization worth checking out is its strong focus on supporting the use of locally grown flowers. They support research, mentoring programs, grants, events, and public education to help grow the local floral industry. The best tool they have for us as consumers is the ability to search for their site to find local flowers for everyday occasions or large special events just by entering your zip code. I was able to find 11 options within 30 miles of my zip code! You really should check it out next time you are searching for fabulous flowers, no matter where you are.

Local Harvest

Local Harvest has long been a go-to site to connect you to local farms for food. They offer much more than that though. You can search for herbs, health products, coffee and tea, restaurants that use produce from your favorite farms, farmer markets, chocolate, and more. Their searching options include dried flowers, edible flowers, and fresh flowers. Local Harvest provides user reviews for the farms. They also indicate if the farm is certified USDA organic and if they are a Local Harvest supporter. Local Harvest is one of the best sources for getting to know farms in your area.

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a few more sustainable floral arrangement ideas

Whole Foods

If you have a Whole Foods in your area, they are a good option for picking up flowers at the last minute. Look for flowers that are marked organic or locally grown. If you are not certain while shopping you can ask one of the floral department employees. They also have flowers that are designated as Sourced for Good. In this program, they partner with farms that have certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance to ensure they are meeting high standards for how they treat the planet and people.

  Other Sustainable Options

Other even more eco-friendly options are house plants, dried flowers, or growing your own. House plants and dried flowers can last much longer, thereby making them more sustainable. Just like with your flowers, verify that the farm is local and uses organic or other sustainable practices. Get recommendations for local nurseries in your area and ask where they source their seeds or starts from, how they grow their plants, and their expert tips on plant care. I just put in my first flower bed this year and it is doing pretty good. I have only had to replace 2 out of 12 flowers so far, which is better than I thought I would do. Every time I see a flower head pop up it brings a little joy. It is fun to watch them grow and relaxing to tend to them. Investing your time in growing plants and flowers means you are not only doing good for the planet; you are also doing good for yourself.

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About the Contributor: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.

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Image: MINNA

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Sustainable & Eco-Friendly TableCloths, Placemats and Table Runners

 The end of the year often means celebrations and family gatherings for many people. If you want to offer your family or guests a pleasurable dining experience and have a beautiful table to eat at, you might want to consider getting some table linens. 

 Tablecloths, placemats and table runners can truly make your dining experience more enjoyable. They are beautiful pieces that help you style and complete any table.   

 To make each day more special, you may even want to have them on your table permanently and use them for every meal. 

 However, whether you want to use them daily or only for special occasions, you might want to avoid buying the cheapest table linens out there.

 Cheap table cloths, table runners and placemats are generally poorly made, in an unethical and unsustainable way. They wear out easily, fade quickly and do not look good after a short period, which means that you need to replace them often. Not to mention the sweatshops where they are produced! 

 Replacing your table linens regularly is not sustainable and a waste of money. Instead, consider investing in high-quality table linens that will be worth your money.  

 To help you with that, here are ten eco-friendly brands selling tablecloths, table runners and placemats that will make your dining table beautiful yet sustainable. 

What Makes a Tablecloth, Placemat or Table Runner sustainable?

Sustainable table linens are durable and should last you for years. They hold color longer, and they don’t fade or wear out after a few washes. 

 They are not produced in sweatshops where workers are treated unethically and paid wages that are not enough to provide for their families.  

Eco-friendly tablecloths, placemats and table runners are made using natural or recycled materials without using harmful chemical treatments and dyes. They’re even better if they are certified Fairtrade or organic or received the OEKO-TEX certification. 

What Eco-Friendly Materials Should You Look For?

Sustainable table linens are generally made using natural and biodegradable materials, like cotton, organic cotton, linen, and hemp. You can also find eco-friendly table linens made of palm fiber, bamboo or different types of grass. 

 Recycled materials, like recycled plastic, are also great as they help prevent used resources from being wasted! But make sure that they are well made and high-quality so that they will not shed microplastics in the wash as they wear out. 

Make sure to check out sustainable brands creating reusable cloth napkins here.

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Table Linen Brands:

1. Made Trade

Category: Tablecloths, Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Linen, Organic Cotton, Cotton, Recycled Rubber, Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $20-144

Made Trade is an online marketplace featuring more than 300 brands, and it sells ethically made and sustainably sourced products, from clothing to home goods. The brand has the largest selection of sustainable tablecloths, placemats and table runners I have seen! Its tablecloths and runners are available in fun patterns and colors, as well as in more neutral tones. They’re made of cotton or organic cotton, using azo-free and natural dyes. On Made Trade, you also have many styles and shapes of placemats to choose from. They are made from sustainable materials, including post-consumer recycled rubber, linen, organic cotton and recycled plastic. Most of these products are Fair Trade certified and vegan, and some are even made in the USA. Made Trade is climate-neutral certified, meaning that it offsets its carbon footprint for the entire company.

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2. Saffron Marigold

Category: Tablecloths, Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Hand Printed Cotton

Price: $75-150

Looking to add a touch of global style to your home decor? Saffron Marigold offers a stunning range of handcrafted table linens including tablecloths, table runners, dinner napkins, and placemats in a variety of colors and prints. Their block-printed cotton linens feature beautiful floral, bohemian, Indian, and French patterns that will inspire your wanderlust. Saffron Marigold partners with Fair Trade Indian artisans who use eco-friendly materials from local sources and low-energy production techniques, primarily handcrafted methods. The makers prefer natural fibers like cotton, reclaimed or upcycled materials, and low-impact, natural dyes to create their products. Additionally, their products are made on demand and in small batches to reduce waste production.

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3. April Notes

Category: Tablecloths, Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Linen

Price: $32-120

April Notes is a company that produces home textiles using natural materials such as linen, organic cotton, and merino wool. They are committed to promoting a more mindful home by carefully sourcing eco-friendly materials and using an on-demand model that reduces textile waste. From the design to the delivery of their products, they strive to minimize their environmental impact so that you can enjoy timeless and sustainable home textiles.

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4. Magic Linen

Category: Tablecloths, Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Linen 

Price: $15-100

Magic Linen is a brand making clothing and home textiles, such as bedding, towels, tablecloths and curtains, all made with linen. The brand has a great selection of tablecloths, placemats and table runners. They are functional and elegant, and they are available in a large variety of colors and styles. Magic Linen adds cool touches to its products, giving them unique design details, like pom poms or ruffles. Its table linens are OEKO-TEX certified, which means that they are free of harmful chemicals and substances. The company makes its products in Vilnius, Lithuania, and sources its fabrics within the country or surrounding countries. Its localized supply chain helps minimize the carbon footprint of transportation. Magic Linen is committed to reducing its waste: last year, the brand created and sold a lot of Christmas decorations made from upcycled textile leftovers.

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5. Ten Thousand Villages

Category: Tablecloths, Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Cotton, Pathi & Madur Grass, Bamboo

Price: $10-175

Ten Thousand Villages creates fair trade, handcrafted accessories and home goods, employing artisans in developing countries to help them earn a living. The brand sells unique placemats made with cotton, different types of grass or bamboo. Its cotton placemats are made by artisans working with a non-profit program for people with disabilities in Nepal. Ten Thousand Villages’ tablecloths and runners feature bold and cool patterns that will make your dining table stand out beautifully. Except for one table runner made of Madur grass, all tablecloths and runners are handmade with cotton, using traditional techniques like block-printing and hand-weaving. Ten Thousand Villages is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and the World Fair Trade Organization.

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6. MINNA

Category: Tablecloths, Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Cotton, Palm Fiber, Recycled Plastic, Jute

Price: $25-145

MINNA is an online store featuring products of dozens of ethical and sustainable brands. The brand sells two tablecloths made of 100% cotton and dyed with non-toxic colors. They are handwoven by a family-run workshop in Mexico, and they get softer and more absorbent with every wash. MINNA’s table runners are available in many colors, patterns and styles. Made of cotton, they make a great accent and they’re a beautiful piece to complete any dining table. Like the tablecloths, they are machine washable, which is very practical. You can also choose from various placemats that you can mix and match with other table textiles. If you prefer a more classic look, Minna Goods’ cotton placemats are ideal! You may also want to pick placemats made from natural palm or from a recycled yarn made using plastic bottles and jute.

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7. Anchal

Category: Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $28-82

Anchal Project is a non-profit that supports victims of the commercial sex trade in India. The brand employs them to create handmade home textiles and clothing using vintage fabrics, organic cotton and low-impact dyes. The non-profit sells fair trade placemats and table runners made with 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. They all have a contemporary and timeless design so that you can enjoy them for years. The placemats and table runners feature contemporary geometric patterns, making them stand out on your dining table. I love that each piece has a hand-stitched signature of the artisan maker. It makes them truly unique! Anchal Project is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, so all its artisans are treated and paid fairly.

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8. Zuahaza

Category: Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $30-136

Zuahaza is a social enterprise selling home textiles and decor. They are made in Colombia by women artisans using traditional techniques.  The brand creates beautiful placemats and table runners, all made with 100% organic cotton. Artisans use natural dyes only: they are obtained by collecting and extracting colors from plants and vegetables. The patterns and colors were inspired by local Colombian fruits that are symbols of the national identity. Zuahaza’s runners and placemats are made in a natural palette and have elaborate textures. Some of them feature knotted ends that contribute to their cool and unique styles. Each piece adds an elegant touch to the dining table. They are delicate, soft and have nice eye-catching details. The table runners are made in two different sizes to accommodate smaller and larger tables.

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9. Mayamam Weavers

Category: Placemats, Table Runners

Materials: Cotton

Price: $26-154

Mayamam Weavers creates colorful, handwoven home goods and accessories using the traditional weaving techniques of Mayan culture. The brand sells placemats and table runners, all available in fun patterns and vibrant colors. Some even feature fringed edges, which makes them more unique. Mayamam Weavers’ placemats are handwoven using 100% cotton, and they’re all easy to wash and dry. Perfect for everyday use! These placemats will add a burst of colors to your table! Your dining experience will be even more colorful if you choose the brand’s matching cotton table runners. Those made for celebrations have beautiful embroidery on them! Based in Guatemala, Mayamam Weavers is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, and it provides adult literacy classes and on-site childcare for the community.

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10. I Love Linen

Category: Tablecloths

Materials: Linen

Price: $119-129

I Love Linen creates linen bedding and clothing, as well as other home textiles for the dining room and bathroom. The brand sells different tablecloths made of 100% French flax linen, in a wide range of colors and three sizes. They give a sophisticated look to your dining table, and they are elegant and soft. I Love Linen does not use formaldehyde to set its dyes, which means that fewer toxins are used in the manufacturing process. All the brand’s textiles are healthy for you and the environment! The company received the ECOCERT certification, which ensures that all fibers are 100% organically grown. It is also OEKO-TEX certified, meaning that the fabric is tested and that there are no harmful substances in it.  I Love Linen works with a maker who is SA8000 rated, so all workers are treated ethically.

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About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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The Carbon Footprint of a Smartphone & How to Minimize It

Smartphones are essential everyday tech that we cannot imagine our lives without. From work to play, these faithful gadgets help us achieve our goals, keep us company, and connect us with what we find worthwhile. 

Yet, these devices have a devastating impact on the environment. From how we make them to how we use them, they consume Earth’s finite resources with every notification and every charging cycle. 

The average carbon footprint of a smartphone is 57 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). To put it into perspective, it is similar to: 

• Driving a car for approximately 1000 kilometers

• Leaving a 30-watt light bulb on for about four years and two months

• Flying a passenger plane for about 180 kilometers 

What does Carbon Footprint mean?

Carbon footprint is the measure of carbon dioxide produced and released into the atmosphere due to any activity by an individual or entity. Everything we do releases CO2. From major culprits like burning fossil fuels to something as simple as cooking a meal or charging your smartphone.

Global smartphone charging produces 8,088,324 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) yearly. For perspective, that is roughly equivalent to 101,104,050 passenger flights.

Carbon footprint in mobile phone manufacturing

Going by the amount of advice available online for consumers to curb their smartphone use or make it more efficient, you would think they are the problem. The truth is that about 80% of all carbon emissions generated in a smartphone lifecycle happen during the manufacturing stage. 

• Apple iPhone Pro Max has a carbon footprint of 73 kg — 79% of it happens during production. 

• Huawei HONOR 20 Dual SIM model has a carbon footprint of 64.1 kg — 85.22% of it happens during production. 

• Samsung Galaxy S23+ has a carbon footprint of 58.8 kg — 83.7% of it happens during production.

It is important to note that carbon footprint rates can vary significantly from one device to another, even with the same manufacturer and across various regions. That is because hundreds of different parts go into making one, and consumer usage can vary greatly.

If you are attempting to reduce the carbon footprint of your smartphone, check with the manufacturer, entering your device model number.

5 Ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your phone

While it is true that manufacturers are responsible for producing the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions during a smartphone lifecycle, does that exonerate the user masses?

Hardly. Earth has given up so much (perhaps unwillingly) to produce a single smartphone. As someone who has bought that device, you are responsible for using it with intention. 

Below are five simple but efficient ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your phone and give some love back to Earth.  

1. Use your phone for as long as possible

Extend your phone life for as long as you can. Instead of upgrading your phone after 2-3 years, think of usage optimization to get the most value out of each device. Some hassle-free ways include protecting your phone body and screen. Screen protectors and phone cases can keep your phone from damage in case of falls and routine scratches.

Refreshing your phone wallpaper, changing icon sets, and trying out a new launcher are ways to look at your phone as if it is new. 

And if you are replacing your phone because the hardware cannot keep pace with the software, know that manufacturers release the latest models with very few useful updates. If your phone operating system is three years old, installing the latest update is much more economical than buying a new phone.

2. Charge your phone efficiently

Do not deplete your phone battery or overcharge it. The ideal charge is between 20-80%. Put it on charge before it hits 20%, and stop charging when it reaches 80%. Overnight charging is a strict no-no. It will damage your phone battery life and require more frequent charging cycles, increasing the damage further.

Also, leave the phone alone while it is charging. Charging heats your phone, and using it in that condition damages your phone and battery health. Plus, avoid using wireless chargers. They also produce lots of heat and may damage the phone in the long run. 

3. Shut down notifications and optimize phone storage

Phone storage and performance glitches are a few other reasons people go for phone upgrades. To ensure your phone lasts long, shut off all unnecessary app notifications. Go to your phone system and app settings and turn off notifications for apps that run in the background. 

While you are there, notice if any apps consume more power than most. If you do not want those apps running in the background, shut them off. You will be able to access them by launching them anew. Plus saving battery life in the meantime. 

Optimize phone storage by syncing your data with cloud storage. Images, videos, and other multimedia that you don’t need on your phone can be deleted after shifting them to the cloud.

4. Donate or recycle the old phone

When your phone has outlived its use for you, donate it so it can continue serving another user. Phones that have seen light use for social media or video streaming may help a small family bridge the digital gap. It may help a student enjoy a more stable connection with their school and thus continue being useful. 

Broken, damaged, or used-beyond-repair phones should be properly recycled. A local e-waste recycling company can help you get rid of your mobile phone more sustainably and ethically. Contact one that provides transparent recycling processes, so you know you can trust them.  

5. Choose a model with a lower carbon footprint

When it becomes clear that buying a new phone is the only way out, go on and splurge on the thing while still being mindful. There are two ways to choose a new phone with a lower carbon footprint.

1. Buy a recycled or refurbished phone if it has all the specifications you need. You will be saving the environment and your money doing it.

2. Buy a brand-new phone made with materials that are recycled or refurbished. That will ensure you are not buying something that has necessitated new mining and is, therefore, gentler for the planet.

Conclusion

Everything we do impacts the environment and the resources we consume. Smartphone usage, while necessary, creates a large carbon footprint that we can minimize by being more intentional. Deciding to use our devices for longer and not replacing them on impulse is one way to do that.

Using the battery with care, installing a screen protector, and shutting off unnecessary notifications are a few others. 

And when your smartphone truly reaches the end of its use for you? Send it to the next leg of its journey by donating it to someone who can still get more value out of it. For smartphones that have outlived their use, however, the right thing to do is contact a local recycler and say a final goodbye to your loyal machine. 

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Hummingbird International, LLC offers top-quality e-waste management solutions to businesses, corporate groups, commercial entities, and the residential sector. With over a decade of experience in the field, they excel in e-waste disposal, recycling, computer upgrading, dispatch, and making electronic items reusable. Their e-waste collection services are currently available in major regions in the US. Click here to learn more.

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Ethical & Sustainable Women-Owned Brands

As consumers, we can have a significant and lasting influence on the planet simply through the brands we choose to support. For instance, opting to buy from sustainable brands that divert waste from landfills, donate to local communities, and minimize their carbon impact helps bolster these earth-friendly practices while keeping profits away from corporations that cause harm to people and the planet. 

Similarly, supporting sustainable brands that are also women-owned can have a major impact on women’s abilities to close the gender pay gap, foster equality and diversity, and create a more balanced future for all. If you’re looking to support more women-owned businesses this year that also have a sustainable mission, these 10 brands are a great place to start.

10 Sustainable Women-Owned Brands:

1. Ettitude

Ettitude is an innovative home goods brand that makes clean, hypoallergenic, breathable bedding designed to foster healthy sleep while helping the planet. Their patented fabric is a lyocell made from organic bamboo—a regenerative product that grows faster than it gets harvested and sequesters more carbon than trees. Ettitude also has a 100% traceable supply chain and is Oeko-Tex certified and climate neutral in addition to being a certified B-corporation.

Their line of bamboo bedding includes linen and signature sateen fabrics, and their bath products include waffle towels and bathrobes that are luxuriously soft and free from chemicals. Their waffle weave towel fabric absorbs water faster than cotton and is designed to get softer over time, so you know they are a good investment. All Ettitude products are meant to last, so they will continue to help your family live more sustainably while reducing toxin exposure and helping the planet.

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2. Clevr Blends

Clevr Blends describes itself as “a mission-driven, women-led wellness brand” intended to bring the magic of plants to everyday people. They create adaptogenic superlatte mixes that are filled with ethically-sourced ingredients like organic ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and reishi, along with probiotics and organic oat milk and coconut milk. In addition to being transparent about all of their ingredients, Clevr donates 1% of their revenue towards their Food Action Fund, which helps fight food justice and create change in the local food system in Santa Barbara where their blends are made. 

Their lineup is designed to simply mix into water or milk, and it includes chai, coffee, London fog, and mocha superlattes that are perfect for bringing both calm and ease to busy mornings. In addition to their wakeup drinks, Clevr Blends also makes sips for nighttime routines, such as their sleeptime superlatte, which contains chicory root, L-theanine, passionflower, and hops, among other ingredients.

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3. Everist

This hair and body care brand aims to create low-waste beauty essentials that are healthy for people and the planet. Their products are plastic free and come in aluminum tubes or tins, which can be recycled or reused. They make it easy to track the impact of every product, where you can assess the carbon emissions and waste impact, as well as instructions on how to recycle. 

Everist’s hair care products themselves are innovative because they don't contain water; instead, their products are highly concentrated and designed to be mixed in your wet palm while in the shower. These tubes boast 50+ washes, so they’ll last longer and use significantly less water than the average shampoo bottle. All Everist products are free from unnecessary ingredients, including parabens, sulfates, and silicones, and they are cruelty-free, vegan, and carbon neutral.

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4. Poplinen

Poplinen is a sustainable clothing brand made by and for women. They intentionally create body-inclusive designs that help make all women feel their best when wearing their clothes. 

Poplinen’s founder, Desiree Gaitan-Buchanan, is on a mission to create eco-friendly, comfortable essentials that foster greater representation in sustainability among minority women. 

They aim to reduce the amount of textiles in landfills by encouraging low-waste cutting techniques and directing customers to their resale platform, where over 1,000 pounds have already been diverted from the waste stream. 

All of their products are made in the USA and the company has made and set fair labor standards that align with international standards. Their cotton and tencel sweatpants, linen pajama sets, and jumpsuits are known for being lightweight, breathable, and true to size.

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5. Subset

Subset is a women-owned brand that creates sustainable undergarments via a transparent supply chain.

Founders Cayla O'Connell Davis and Lauren Sagadore brought their experiences in sustainability and product development to Subset with a mission to reimagine comfortable organic cotton essentials that elevate daily life. 

Their annual impact report provides a comprehensive look at all of their effects over the years. 

Subset’s line of underwear, bras, and loungewear is made to be comfortable and flattering, with organic cotton that’s ethically grown and sourced.

They also have robes, socks, and matching sets for men and women, with gender-neutral options. 

Subset partners with SuperCircle to invite customers to send in their undergarments of any kind, from any brand, where they can be recycled in exchange for a $15 credit.

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6. C&Co Naturals

This organic, plant-based based company based in Asheville, North Carolina takes a clean, small-batch approach to skincare. 

Their line includes facial products like cleansing milk, clay masks and facial polish, plus herb-infused moisturizers, cold cream, and rose serum. C&Co’s founder, Christi Apodaca, founded the company with a mission to create PH-balanced and lipid-based products that are affordable, yet made only with high-quality ingredients that nurture and protect the skin.

Their seed to skin initiative ensures a transparent production process where they also share a comprehensive list of all their ingredients and where they’re sourced from, such as Canadian aloe vera, Croatian chamomile, French green clay, and many more that are ethically sourced from sustainable farms, and never toxic or chemical-based.

This brand is also leaping bunny, cruelty-free, and living wage certified, in addition to being searchable on the Environmental Working Group’s website with a low toxicity rating.

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7. Maisonovo

If you’re seeking a sustainable home goods brand that can streamline your space while reducing plastic waste, Maisonovo is an ethical business to support. This women-owned, Brooklyn-based company creates intentionally-designed cleaning products, including refillable soap dispensers with foaming soap tablets, which come in multiple different scents and last an average of six to eight weeks. They also have glass spray bottles and countertop soap dispensers with trays that look elegant, but help minimize the amount of plastic use in your home.

Maisonovo carries Swedish dishcloths, which are a highly-absorbent alternative to paper towels that can be reused many times.

These dishcloths come with peel and stick wall clings for easy hanging and access, and they are available in a variety of cute designs that are especially fun for inspiring kids to get sustainable while they help out around the house.

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8. FarmboxRx

FarmboxRx Founder and CEO, Ashley Tyrner, has long been on a mission to advocate for underserved communities by bringing them fresh, healthy food that can help them thrive.

FarmboxRx is a brand that partners with community organizations to provide people in need with comprehensive wellness programs that include not only access to healthy food, but also increased access to essential health exams and post hospital discharge regimens designed to prevent readmission.

Their recently launched maternal health program is aimed at expecting and new mothers, helping them improve prenatal and postpartum health before and after their child’s birth, while also fostering education on how food can be used as medicine to advance their families’ health and foster justice.

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9. Treadwell

Treadwell is a women-owned natural skincare and self care brand located in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley. Founders and sisters Emily and Claire Loughran have a philosophy that simple, clean botanical ingredients can create a lavish and sensorial experience that helps us slow down and become more connected with ourselves and the world around us. 

Their small but mighty product line includes a deeply-nourishing body oil with just six ingredients, including olive, kukui nut, grape seed, and rosehip oils, along with frankincense and patchouli scents. They also make fragrance roll-on scents which easily win against the toxin-filled name brand perfumes and instead rely on 100% pure essential oils and jojoba seed oils, some of which are organic. Their products are plant-based, non synthetic, and cruelty-free.

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10. Bite

Bite is a sustainable oral care brand founded by former surfer Lindsay McCormick, who wanted a better alternative to plastic toothpaste tubes. To keep these tubes from polluting the ocean and filling up landfills, Bite created a line of products that were featured (and funded) on Shark Tank. They have since kept 250,000 pounds of plastic waste from the ocean. 

Bite’s signature products are toothpaste bits trusted by dentists and free from chemicals. Bits come in a refillable glass jar that contains 248 servings, which lasts about four months. Another benefit of using bits is that they’re foaming without the use of sulfates and offer a perfect portion size every time. Bite publishes a full impact report across key categories that include their environmental impact and their labor practices, among other areas.

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About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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