Do you like to use essential oils in your home? Today, you can find many brands selling essential oils and aromatherapy. After all, essential oils have been used since ancient times in civilizations worldwide. However, not all of them are created equal. As someone who likes to use refreshing scents throughout the house (& for my own body), I’ve created a list of trusted brands that make essential oils with the best sustainably-sourced ingredients. My absolute favorite is lavender whenever I wind down from a long day and get ready for bed. As a little girl, my mom would put lavender next to my pillow if I couldn’t sleep well. It always worked, so I’ve continued to use essential oils throughout my life to this day.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us! 

Why Choose Organic Essential Oils?

Organic essential oils come from plants that are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Choosing certified organic essential oils not only gives you a cleaner, safer product but also supports healthier soil, better farming practices, and cleaner waterways. Conventional oils can contain harmful chemicals and harm the environment over time. By going organic, you reduce your exposure to toxins and help promote biodiversity and healthier ecosystems. It's a small switch with meaningful impact…for your wellness and the planet.

A Safer Alternative to Conventional Candles

Many traditional candles use paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct, along with synthetic fragrances. When people burn these candles, they can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene into the air. In contrast, diffusing essential oils offers a cleaner, more sustainable way to scent your home. When used with a water-based diffuser or blended into DIY non-toxic candles with soy or beeswax, essential oils provide natural aromatherapy benefits without the indoor air pollution. They’re also more eco-friendly, often requiring less energy and packaging than mass-produced scented candles. It’s a simple swap that promotes a healthier home and supports a more sustainable lifestyle.

But Essential Oils Aren’t Without Their Concerns

While essential oils offer a more natural alternative to synthetic fragrances, it’s important to recognize that their production isn’t impact-free. Extracting even a small amount of essential oil can require large quantities of plant material (sometimes hundreds or thousands of pounds) raising concerns around overharvesting and biodiversity loss, especially for wildcrafted oils. Additionally, improper farming practices and lack of transparency in the supply chain can lead to exploitation of land and labor. That’s why sourcing matters. Look for essential oils that are certified organic, ethically harvested, and produced by companies that prioritize sustainability, fair trade, and regenerative agriculture.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable, Organic Essential Oils:

1. Grove

Price: $8-21

Certifications: Organic, Cruelty-Free, B-Corp

Grove Co.'s Organic Essential Oils are a fantastic and eco-friendly choice for anyone looking to make their home more sustainable. Each oil is USDA Certified Organic and has been tested for purity, so you know they're free from any synthetics and chemical solvents. Perfect for giving your space a natural boost! 

Sourced from plants grown without harmful pesticides or GMOs, these oils support sustainable farming practices and promote a healthier environment. Grove Co. offers a range of essential oils, including lavender, tea tree, orange, eucalyptus, and lemon, each known for their unique aromatherapeutic benefits. Whether used in diffusers, DIY cleaning solutions, or with wool dryer balls for naturally scented laundry, these oils provide a non-toxic alternative to conventional fragrances. 

Grove Co., a Certified B Corporation, prioritizes environmental responsibility with carbon-neutral shipping and recyclable packaging.

Shop Grove Organic Essential Oils

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2. RE Botanicals

Price: $10-60

Certifications: USDA Organic, Glyphosate Free

There's a unique approach to using essential oils. RE Botanicals combines CBD with essential oils to create fantastic roll-on products that I have used often and truly love.

RE Botanicals is the first national brand to sell U.S.-grown, USDA-certified organic hemp. All of their products are grown, extracted, and bottled at their USDA organic farm in South Carolina.

If you're new to using CBD oils, they can be beneficial for a variety of issues, including stress, depression, acne, and pain.

Shop RE Botanicals Organic Essential Oils

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3. Thrive Market

Price: $5-12

Certifications: Organic, Vegan, B-Corp

Have you tried Thrive Market yet? It’s one of my favorite places to buy sustainable food and beauty products. They offer great deals on a wide variety of items, and they also have their own line of essential oils.

Thrive Market crafts their essential oils using the highest quality organic and non-GMO ingredients. They carefully harvest, sort, and gently extract specially selected botanicals through steam distillation to preserve the aroma.

Additionally, Thrive Market is a Certified B Corp, and for every membership, they provide one to a family in need.

Shop Thrive Market Organic Essential Oils

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4. Plant Therapy

Price: $10-80

Certifications: USDA Organic, Cruelty-Free

Plant Therapy’s USDA Certified Organic essential oils are an excellent choice for anyone looking for pure, sustainable, and transparent wellness options. Each oil comes from plants that are grown without GMOs, synthetic fertilizers, or harmful pesticides, making them safe for you and your family.

The company focuses on ethical sourcing, working with trusted suppliers to ensure both quality and sustainability.

Plant Therapy really cares about the planet. They use renewable energy and are in the EPA’s Green Power Partnership. Their commitment to quality means that every batch of oil is rigorously tested, and you can even access detailed GC-MS reports to know exactly what you’re getting.

Shop Plant Therapy Organic Essential Oils

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5. Public Goods

Price: $13-20

Certifications: Organic, Cruelty-Free

Public Goods offers a curated selection of organic essential oils that align with a minimalist, eco-conscious lifestyle. Each oil is 100% pure, free from synthetic additives, and sourced with sustainability in mind. Their collection includes versatile favorites like lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, and tea tree…ideal for aromatherapy, natural cleaning, or DIY skincare! 

Public Goods emphasizes transparency and environmental responsibility, using biodegradable packaging and carbon-offset shipping for every order. 

Additionally, they plant a tree for every purchase, reinforcing their commitment to a healthier planet. 

Shop Public Goods Essential Oils

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6. Aromatics International

Price: $9-127

Certifications: USDA Organic

Aromatics International provides high-quality USDA Certified Organic essential oils that are pure, sustainably sourced, and ethically produced. Their oils come from plants grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, making them safe for everyone to use. 

The company collaborates closely with small-scale farmers and distillers who practice sustainable agriculture, including wildcrafting and organic cultivation, to protect plant biodiversity and support local communities. Each batch undergoes rigorous third-party GC/MS testing to verify its purity and therapeutic quality.

Aromatics International cares about the environment and uses eco-friendly packaging like biodegradable peanuts and recyclable containers to reduce waste.

Shop Aromatics International Essential Oils

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Ethics of Chocolate

I’ve been a chocolate addict my whole life; one of my earliest memories is from when I was around three years old, rattling the bars of my crib after waking from my nap and waiting impatiently for my older sister to come back with the chocolate biscuits that I’d sent her on a mission to the kitchen to fetch for me.

When I was younger my cravings were satisfied by regular mass produced chocolate, but over the years as I became more aware of some of the ethical issues connected with chocolate, I started to be more conscious of which types of chocolate I bought and consumed. Just like anything in life, once you lift the curtain and learn about how something is made and who’s at the bottom of the supply chain, it’s hard to go back.

As we dive into the details of where chocolate comes from, how it’s made, and some of the ethical concerns connected with chocolate, I’ll explain some of the key chocolate terms that you need to know if you want to navigate the delicious world of sustainable chocolate like a pro.

Where does chocolate come from?

Chocolate is produced from the seeds of the pod-shaped fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, which is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, varieties of which grow along the equator in tropical climates with high humidity and rainfall.

The seeds or “beans” found inside the cacao tree fruit are called cacao. All chocolate starts out as cacao, but it’s a lengthy and complex process that takes the beans and turns them into a bar of chocolate; the original fruit doesn’t taste much like the chocolate flavors you’re used to eating. Once the cacao beans have been processed, the product you’re left with is generally referred to as cocoa, which is the main ingredient in chocolate.

The geographical location where the cacao trees that provided the beans used in a specific chocolate bar were grown is referred to as the terroir or origin. Just like with fine wine, the soil quality has a huge impact on the natural flavors of the beans, and chocolate lovers who have developed their palates can taste a distinct difference between chocolate made with beans from different places. 

There are various different varieties of cacao tree, all which produce beans which have distinct flavors and are grown in different areas of the world. The most common is the Forastero variety, the most disease-resistant type of cacao and therefore the most easily cultivated. It is estimated that around 70 percent of the world’s chocolate is made from beans sourced in West Africa, mostly of the Forastero variety. Criollo and Trinitario beans tend to be more rare, and are generally grown in the Caribbean, while perhaps the most rare variety of cacao of them all, Nacional, is predominantly cultivated in Ecuador and other parts of South America and Peru.

How is chocolate made?

There are quite a few steps in the process of turning a raw cacao bean into the chocolate that most of us consume: after harvesting the beans, they are fermented for several days, a process which leaves the beans with a sweeter flavor than the initially pretty bitter-tasting fruit. The beans are then dried, before being roasted to bring out their rich chocolatey aromas. After this, the beans are passed through a winnowing machine to remove the thin outer shell (which some chocolate makers preserve and use to make crunchy cacao nibs), and are then ground into a paste called chocolate liquor. The cocoa butter (the fatty part of the cocoa) can then be separated from the cocoa in a process sometimes called pressing or conched, ground, aged, tempered, and molded into its final form—the exact process varies from maker to maker, and this is where much of the magic happens.

It’s worth noting that a chocolate maker is someone who takes the raw ingredient, i.e. cacao beans, and processes it to produce chocolate. A Chocolatier (not to be confused with a chocolate maker) is someone who takes this chocolate, melts it, combines it with other ingredients, and crafts the filled or flavored chocolates you would expect to see when you’re buying a box of chocolates rather than a bar.

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Chocolate’s connection with slavery, past and present

Throughout history, cacao has always been a highly sought-after commodity; it has been traced back 5,300 years ago to the ancient Mayo-Chinchipe culture in the upper Amazon region of Ecuador. And, as unfortunately tends to be the case with precious resources, the story of chocolate is riddled with devastating abuses of power that echo across centuries, transcending even the rise and fall of civilizations. 

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés seems to have been the first European to realize the value of the cacao bean while on his hunt for fabled Aztec gold in Mexico in the 16th century. Cortés was subsequently instrumental in the destruction of the Aztec Empire, and helped establish a network of plantations (using slave labor, of course) across Central America and the Caribbean, growing commodities like cacao, sugar, and coffee. 

Chocolate rapidly grew in popularity in Europe amongst the nobility, and became a popular confection for the masses after the invention of the first chocolate bar by J. S. Fry & Sons in Bristol, England, in 1847. Northern Europe’s temperate climate offered ideal conditions for the craft of chocolate-making, with countries like Belgium and Switzerland developing an international reputation for making luxury chocolate; the human rights abuses happening far away in the tropical climes where cacao trees grew were out of sight and out of mind for many consumers, as is still largely the case these days.

Today, the average African cacao farmer only makes around $0.50-$0.84 a day. According to the Cocoa Initiative, an estimated 30,000 children and adults were subjected to forced labor somewhere in the cocoa supply chain over the five year period between 2013-2017. 

Deforestation has become commonplace in areas of high poverty where cocoa farmers are being pushed to their limits; because they’re paid so little for their crops, in many cases growers are chopping down other areas of woodland and rainforest to grow more cacao trees, hoping that a high volume will help them make a living. Sadly, this is detrimental to the biodiversity of the regions where cacao is grown.

image from Askinosie

What makes sustainable chocolate different?

As with anything in the sustainability world, chocolate brands should have a transparent supply chain, ensure fair wages for their cacao growers, and take steps to minimize their environmental impact.

Sustainable or craft chocolate also tends to be better quality and contain fewer (if any) additives; most cheap chocolate contains high levels of emulsifiers, vanilla, palm oil, soy lecithin, and other flavorings and preservatives.

There are various methods of ethical cacao bean sourcing, and a few phrases you might come across include: 

• Bean-to-bar, which describes chocolate that has been made from the beans to the bar by the chocolate maker who sells the finished product. Because bean-to-bar makers handle the whole process, they often source their beans directly from the growers which hopefully means greater transparency for you as a consumer. Though, just like with anything, be aware that the label bean-to-bar doesn’t necessarily guarantee that they paid fair wages for the beans.

• Fair trade generally means fair wages and ethical working practices were used in the sourcing of the beans. Look out for the official Fairtrade certification if you want to make sure an external organization has checked behind-the-scenes of the brand in question (though be aware that to get Fairtrade certification can be costly, so isn’t necessarily the answer for every farmer or grower).

• Direct trade isn’t a certification, but loosely describes a method of sourcing beans directly from the growers without any middlemen. If a chocolate brand trade directly with cacao bean growers, expect evidence that they’re paying these growers higher than average rates for their beans and that they can provide in-depth information about working conditions, lack of child labor, and the location of their growers.

• Single estate or single origin chocolate means chocolate that has been made using beans from one single origin rather than mixing together beans from various different sources. Not only does this make for better tasting chocolate, it also tends to mean that there’s more transparency than usual—though it’s certainly no guarantee, so as always, make sure you check.

• Raisetrade chocolate is a certification that ensures chocolate is produced from the tree to the bar in its country of origin, the country where the cacao beans were grown. Ethical chocolatiers will sometimes use Raisetrade chocolate to make their filled or luxury chocolate-box chocolates.

As well as some of these labels and terms, you might also see chocolate being referred to as “organic”. As with other types of food, you need to check whether or not it is certified and what that certification means and keep an eye out for greenwashing, but generally organic certification means that the cacao trees weren’t treated with pesticides and were grown with more sustainable methods.

To a certain extent, however, chocolate will sadly never be 100 percent sustainable for anyone who doesn’t live in a cacao growing region on the equator because of the air miles and carbon footprint involved in getting it to us. That being said, there are definitely many great brands that are as sustainable as possible, creating chocolate that’s so delicious your taste buds won’t want to go back to the less sustainable versions you used to be hooked on. Not only is this type of chocolate better for people and the planet, it also tends to be healthier and is best savored slowly with just a few satisfying bites at a time, encouraging you to eat less, but better of your favorite sweet treat.

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Five sustainable chocolate brands

Finally, here are a few of the best American-made small batch sustainable chocolate brands to try next time you want to treat yourself or a fellow chocolate-appreciating loved one.

Click - here - for 15 Fair Trade Chocolate Brands

1) Askinosie Chocolate

Askinosie Chocolate is a single origin craft chocolate company based in Missouri, sourcing all of their beans directly from the growers and ensuring fair wages. They describe their values as being “fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact, and community enhancement”, and they back up this promise with a Transparency Report which details the “farm gate” price they’ve paid their farmers for their beans over the first decade of their business.

2) Dandelion Chocolate

Dandelion Chocolate is small batch, single origin bean-to-bar chocolate made in San Francisco. One of the original makers on the American craft chocolate scene, Dandelion use beans that they source directly themselves from makers, and they only use two ingredients in their chocolates—cocoa and organic sugar—using beans from one location at a time so that you can taste the different flavors that each terroir has to offer. As they explain, “We work closely with the producers who grow, ferment, and dry the single-origin cocoa beans we source, so we can be confident we’re sharing some of the best and most distinctive cocoa with you.”

3) Fruition Chocolate Works

Fruition Chocolate Works is a small batch craft chocolate brand with a great reputation (and over 70 awards to date under their belt). With headquarters in New York, they have close links with their cocoa suppliers and make sure that all of the farms that they work with use organic and either Fair Trade or Direct Trade principles. They reportedly pay “double to triple the average commodity price” for their cacao.

4) TCHO

TCHO is a California-based certified B Corporation embracing radical transparency in their supply chains. They are committed not just to providing fair wages for their growers on the ground, but also to investing in better infrastructure, training, and tools to help cacao farmers produce better quality (and therefore more valuable) cacao. Their range of chocolate includes vegan-friendly plant-based bars. They also have a brilliant guide to the range of tastes you can expect to find in different cacao beans from a variety of regions, which is well worth checking out if you want to understand how origin affects taste as you develop your chocolate palate.

5) Ritual Chocolate

Ritual Chocolate source their cacao from growers and cooperatives that prioritize sustainability, maintaining ecosystems as they grow and farm so that biodiversity is encouraged rather than harmed. Based in Utah, the factories where they make their small batch chocolate use LED lights, and Ritual packaging is either recyclable or compostable.

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About the Author

Sophie Caldecott is a freelance writer living in a cottage on the edge of the moor in the South-West of England. She writes about grief, empathy, ethical fashion, and the things that connect us and make us human. You’ll most likely find her cozied up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Buying & Eating Organic Food

Everywhere around the world, there is an increasing awareness regarding healthy habits about not only the food we eat but also about the impact it has on our planet. About 30 years ago, it was very rare to meet someone who is vegan, while veganism hit an all-time high in 2020. 

Up to now, industrialized production methods have clearly shown severe limitations such as a worldwide contamination of the food and water by persistent pesticide residues and reduced nutrient and flavor contents through low-cost intensive food production and/or processing. 

Because of this, we become more and more aware of the impact our food has on our bodies, and we continue to optimize this by switching more and more to organic food alternatives. This has some great advantages, not only for your body but also the world around you. However, did you know that there are also some disadvantages of organic food that you might not have heard of? In this article, I share the advantages and disadvantages of organic food. 

Advantages of Buying and Eating Organic Food

Organic produce is great, not only for your body, but also because of the reduced carbon footprint. Read here exactly why. 

Pesticides

One of the biggest differences between organic and non-organic food is that the amount of pesticide residues in organic food is 94–100% less compared to non-organic food. This also means that regular food can contain a lot of pesticide residues and, as not all food available is organic, wash all your food before consumption to avoid the intake of pesticides and the possible impact this might have on your body. 

Minerals

Food produced that is certified organic has a higher mineral content. Both magnesium and iron are significantly higher in organic food. Organic produce also contains more anti-oxidant micronutrients such as phenols and salicylic acid compared to non-organic food, which means organic food is better for your body as it has a higher nutrient content.

Animal products

Next to animal products containing a higher level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the circumstances in which the animals are much friendlier. They need to be able to range freely outdoors (‘zero-grazing’, where cows are kept indoors and fed cut grass or other feeds like soya, is banned under organic standards). They need to have space to express their natural behaviors, which reduces stress and disease. They can only graze and forage on natural, organic grasses and other crops. These can only be treated with natural fertilizers, and synthetic pesticides are severely restricted. This ensures that the animals produce healthier products. And organically grown animals obviously don’t receive any antibiotics. 

Disadvantages of Buying and Eating Organic Food

As we just read, organic food is great for our environment and our bodies, but unfortunately, there are also a few disadvantages of organic food. 

Costs

We have all seen the organic apples in our local grocery store that are sometimes over twice as expensive as regular apples. The same goes for all other produce that is organically available. But, why are these products so much more expensive?

Certification

The first cause for higher price of organic produce is because of the certification process all farmers need to go through to be accredited as an organic farmer. Organic farming has very high standards, and farmers need to undergo a lengthy certification process in order to be certified as organic. These costs can be up to $1500- initially, and there are even annual costs involved which is based on the total organic production value of the farm. All increasing the costs the consumer has to pay for organic produce.

Labor

In organic farming much more manual labor is involved. In organic farming weeding is often done by hand and pests are controlled by introducing natural predators of those pests into the crop. This is much more labor intensive which again raises the price for organic food. 

Shelf life

The shelf life of organically produced crops is often much shorter compared to regular produce. This is because conventional produce is treated with waxes and preservatives to maintain its freshness during the shipping of the products. Sometimes also cling film is used to extend the shelf life of your fruits and veggies even further. Organic food does not receive these treatments and therefore spoil faster. This has another downside that part of (or even the entire) shipment of an organic crop might be lost if the crop was delayed or mistreated during transport. In this case, everything the farmer has produced might never reach the consumer. 

Farming Systems

Because pests and diseases are controlled in a less hard manner, the crop is much more susceptible to crop loss due to these circumstances. When a part of the farmer's crop is lost, he has to increase the prices of his/her produce to ensure the continuation of his/her business.

Synthetic pesticides

Synthetic pesticides might still be used in organic farming, but this is only in special cases. Farmers who can show proof that the natural pesticides used have not worked sufficiently to control the pest in their crops are allowed to use synthetic alternatives. These farmers need to prove that their organic farming practices and other organic practices have failed multiple times. Only then may they switch to synthetic alternatives in order to avoid the loss of the entire crop. This then also means that some organic foods that are sold as organic might have been exposed to the same chemicals and processes as conventional crops (so always wash your fruits and veggies before consumption, even if they are organic). While the consumer still has to pay the price like it is an organic crop. 

So, even though there certainly are some great benefits of organic produce, there is no doubt that these disadvantages will make you think. So what is the best alternative? Purchase your organic produce from your local organic farmer. I am lucky enough that I live rather rural and have multiple organic farms nearby so I can purchase my produce directly from the farmer, but if this is not an option for you, your local farmers market might have all the fruits and veggies you need.

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About the Author

Valinda is the founder of the GreenandHappyMom blog as well as the GreenandHappyShop. She has always lived very sustainably, but after the birth of her baby girl, her desire to do so became much stronger. She exchanged her passion for academics (she went to University to study Plant Sciences and has a BSc in Plant Breeding and an MSc in Greenhouse Horticulture) and started her zero waste journey where she helps others become more aware of the impact they have on the planet for future generations. 

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Image: Shades of Green

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the best Eco-Friendly & sustainable Dinnerware brands

Looking for sustainable and ethical plates, bowls, cups, serving utensils, and other dishes? We’ve compiled a list of all our favorite brands making unique kitchen and table staples. From salad bowls to napkin holders, we’re sure you’ll find something interesting to add some character to the busiest place in the home. Of course, you will also find many affordable price points and then a few luxury items worth the splurge. 

What is Sustainable Dinnerware? 

You may be wondering, what makes a dish ‘sustainable’? There are a few things we have to look at to determine whether or not the product is sustainably made. First, who made it? We made sure to include brands where artisan craft was prioritized, and makers are given fair work under safe, healthy conditions. Second, what is it made out of? We want to make sure the dish is made from eco-friendly materials that are easy on the planet. Many of these brands use recycled materials, which is always a plus! Lastly, is it is a quality product marked at an accessible price? We want to make sure we are only showing the best products made to last you many years - and many dinners - that are also a decent price. Therefore, we included price points to help cover a range of budgets. 

Bon Appétit!

Our Top Picks for Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Dinnerware and tableware:

1) East Fork

Products | Mug, Plates, Bowls, Napkins, Glassware, Flatware, Kitchen Tools & More

Price Points | $12-$290

Made In | USA, Japan, France, Italy, India

East Fork makes and sells beautiful, timeless dinnerware meant for everyday use in Asheville, North Carolina.

Their mugs, bowls, plates, and serving ware are made from regionally-sourced clays and glazes.

Alongside their pottery, East Fork sells an intentional collection of home goods from other craftsmen they admire around the globe. They are B-Corp & Climate Neutral Certified and raise money for local community partners throughout the year. Their pots come in 6 core colors and they release limited-edition seasonal colors throughout the year.

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2) Shades of Green

Products | Placemats, Plates, Glassware, Bowls, Tossers, Baskets, Trays, Napkins

Price Points | $32-240

Made In | USA, Colombia, France, Mexico, India

If you are looking for products that have undergone rigorous evaluation, this is the place for you. Shades of Green offers us carefully curated products that stand the test of time without sacrificing aesthetic. You can trust all of their dinnerware is made with people & planet in mind.

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3) Bibol

Products | Bowls, Soup Plates, Trays, Tumblers, Serving Bowls, Serving Utensils

Price Points | $16-115

Made In | Vietnam

Looking for the perfect bowl? Look no further! Bibol, a woman-owned company, tableware is handcrafted by artisans in Vietnam using sustainably harvested bamboo, water, marble powder, and natural pigment. The ethically-made bowls are a work of art.

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4) MINNA

Products | Napkins, Pot Holders, Placemats, Table Runners, Bowls, Tumblers, Mugs, Serving Bowls

Price Points | $12-95

Made In | Mexico, Guatemala, Uruguay

One of my favorite brands, MINNA works exclusively with master weavers and artisan collectives They support craft preservation and job creation, and allow their partners to set their own wages. Their textiles are absolutely beautiful!

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5) Ekobo

Products | Bowls, Plates, Serving Dishes, Cups, Serving Utensils, Trays, Kid’s Dishes

Price Points | $20-70

Made In | China

Ekobo’s tableware is made from raw organic bamboo sawdust, which is a bi-product of China’s chopstick & flooring industry. The sawdust is finely ground into a powder, & then mixed with a food-safe & non-toxic melamine binding resin to create strong BIOBU bamboo material. 

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6) Newly

Products | Pitchers, Tumblers, Pint, Wine, Collins & Dinner Glasses

Price Points | $38-58

Made In | Spain

All of their glassware is made from 100% recycled glass. Newly began in 2016 with five friends identifying what they believed to be a serious problem: not enough consumer goods are made with recycled content - and we could benefit from more!

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7) Middle Kingdom

Products | Bowls, Plates, Cups, Carafes

Price Points | $14-55

Made In | China

This brand is inspired by a long and distinguished history of design and craftsmanship. Each piece is handmade made by artisans in the ancient kiln city of Jingdezhen. They use the finest clays, glazes, & colors, and pay all their artisans well-above-average salaries for their craft. It’s also WOC-owned.

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8) Ten Thousand Villages

Products | Napkins, Napkin Rings, Bowls, Utensils, Mugs, Table Cloths & Runners

Price Points | $5-150

Made In | All Over the World

More than just a store, this market-to-market movement is connecting us to some of the most talented artisans all over the world. Our purchase is directly contributing to sustainable livelihoods, and keeping crafts original. Every product celebrates culture and the planet.

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9) Sertodo Copper

Products | Moscow Mule Sets, Martini Sets, Bar Sets, Mixers, Platters, Shot Cups, Serving Bowls, Cups

Price Points | $29-500

Made In | USA, Mexico

Hammered copper is by far one of my favorite looks! Sertodo uses only 100% recycled copper for their entire collection. They are made to last, and will never go out of style. They make for the perfect gift for the entertainer!

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10) Zungleboo

Products | Plates & Bowls

Price Points | $28-40

Made In | China (Designed in Texas)

The Texas-based team at Zungleboo started by wondering: "Why should eco-friendly products be inconvenient, expensive, or ugly?"

They create dinnerware that’s not only beautiful and eco-friendly (made from corn starch and bamboo fiber), but affordable too. These plates and bowls are also microwave and dishwasher safe… and great for everyday use!

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11) LOIS

Products | Plates, Bowls, Bento Boxes, Coffee Tools

Price Points | $15-33

Made In | Japan

LOIS The Store’s TRIPWARE collection is made from 20% recycled ceramic and developed in Tajimi, Japan. The entire recycling process (collecting, grinding, clay production, firing, etc.) is all done by the same manufacturer. The bowls come with lids, too so that you can store & microwave your leftovers without plastic wrap!

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Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Cold-Weather Date Ideas

When cold weather hits, we naturally retreat indoors to share time with our loved ones in warm, cozy spaces. But this shift can often morph into high-spending nights, whether that’s fancy cocktails or dinner and a movie. And while there’s nothing wrong with an evening out, it can get old (and expensive) quite fast. 

The ordinary date might also not be nurturing to your relationship in the way that you need. For example, The Gottman Institute explains that the most successful couples are attentive to one another. Instead of half-heartedly listening or scrolling through your phone while your partner talks, the most successful relationships prioritize responding to each other's “bids” for attention, which happen in little ways throughout the day. 

So, whether you’re sharing time with a partner, bestie, or family member, getting creative with time spent together can save money while also deepening your connection in fresh and unexpected ways. Here, we explore some creative cold-weather date ideas for enjoying yourself mindfully and sustainability in the colder months.

Our top sustainable cold-weather date ideas:

1) At-Home Spa Night

Spa night is a classic way to connect with your love at home. Research shows that a massage from your partner can boost physical and mental wellbeing, in addition to reducing perceived stress and boosting coping skills. Learning a few massage therapy techniques (or learning what your partner likes and needs) can go a long way in boosting personal wellness while strengthening your interpersonal connection.You can take these benefits to the next level with Selfmade’s intimacy serum for massages and bodily exploration. Intimacy serum has ingredients specifically designed to soothe stress, promote relaxation, and increase feeling of pleasure.

While it isn’t meant to be a personal lubricant, specifically, it’s great for using as a massage oil to nourish skin while connecting more deeply.

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2) Local art or history museum

When’s the last time you went to a local art or history museum? Chances are, there’s a museum (or exhibit) nearby you haven’t visited yet. This is a great cold-weather date idea for a number of reasons, the first being that it can support your and your partner’s well-being. In fact, a study showed that time spent at an art museum can improve positive relationships with others while increasing overall feelings of engagement in your life experiences.

Additionally, museums provide opportunities to expand conversation and discuss new topics with your loved one.

Since museums aren’t the best place for conversation, consider bringing notebooks along to record thoughts and feelings you have while viewing the art, then be sure to reserve time to share and discuss after you’ve left.

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3) Buy Seasonal Ingredients for a Sustainable Dinner

Eating seasonal food is an easy and effective way to support the planet.

That’s because you’re not contributing to the fossil fuels spent to transport something out-of-season long distances, and you’re supporting small farmers in your local area who follow regenerative agriculture practices.

While it’s harder to find a farmers market in colder months, you can search for a local farm that might have vegetables for sale, or head to a natural foods store that sells locally-harvested items. 

Another idea is to check out the Seasonal Food Guide—a great resource to discover what’s currently in-season in your specific area. Then, you can look up recipes based on what’s currently growing, and head out to find ingredients. Be sure to bring a sustainable bag (we love the size and durability of Baggu for groceries!).

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4) Book a Green Getaway

Looking for some travel time with your special someone?

Book a getaway at a green spa or wellness retreat using the Green Spa Network.

Their locator tool makes it easy to discover all the wellness resorts near you that make a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. 

We highly suggest checking out Getaway - their cozy cabins provide restorative stays in nature where your loved ones can take a break from work, wifi, and routines!

Another resource is Ecobnb, which operates just like Airbnb or VRBO but lists only sustainable properties. On this list, you’ll find a place to stay that meets Ecobnb’s top ten sustainability criteria, including energy standards like solar panels, rainwater recovery and reuse, and 100% renewable energy. They also look at lifestyle elements, like local or organic food and ecological cleaning products. If you’re up for splurging on a night away from home, doing so sustainably can reduce the impact of your travel while spicing up the average hotel experience.

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5) Wind Down with a Themed Movie & Mocktails 

Tired of the same old Netflix and chill, but still want a cozy night at home? Switch it up with a sustainable cocktail from Parch, which is made with a curated mix of desert botanicals, adaptogens, and other ingredients.

Pair this desert-themed cocktail with a modern western like The Power of The Dog, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, or Django Unchained.

If westerns aren’t your vibe, create your own pairing with any other drink (or food!) that might suit something you’d like to watch.

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6) Make a Mini Fire Inside

Don’t have a firepit but want authentic smores? We’re in love with the mini fire pits from Colsen Fire Pits. Unlike propane-based stoves, which obviously rely on fossil fuels, these fire pits actually use rubbing alcohol to stay lit. They’re also made with heavy duty materials meant to last a lifetime, so they’re a great investment. 

We recommend pairing your Colsen fire pit with a s’mores bar, where you can DIY different s’mores flavors. You can also use the little fire pit to simply spice up the ambiance during dinner at home.

No matter what you choose to do with it, we guarantee you’ll love the way this cozy addition brings warmth to special time spent with your loved one.

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7) Hit the Library for Activity Ideas

If you’re searching for a low-impact date idea that doesn’t cost money, consider spending an afternoon at your local library. And while time spent at the library could feel like a date in itself for bibliophiles, we recommend searching for books that detail new crafts, hobbies, or recipes you and your partner can do together. There are tons of books and resources on sustainable crafts that leverage repurposed materials you might already have lying around (or could find at the thrift store). For example, DIY Sustainable Projects by Audrey Love features 15 objects that are not only made from sustainable materials, recycled materials, but that support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Another idea is to get a sustainable craft kit from Pottery With a Purpose, which has a range of craft options like a plant and pottery kit, a ceramic candle and clay kit, and more.

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8) Try Indoor Rock Climbing

If there’s a rock climbing gym near you and you’re up for an adventure, this is a great couples activity. Experts say that working out with your partner can strengthen your bond, because it helps you find one another more attractive.

Moreover, trying something new together adds excitement so that you can share in the learning and growing together. If you wind up loving it and want to go again, you might consider stocking up on some climbing essentials that can help you better prepare for the experience. If climbing isn’t in the cards for you, we also love roller skating and pickleball as great couples activities that help you reap the benefits of being active together.

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9)  Get Deep with Conversation Cards

Did you know that deep conversations can foster a greater sense of connection? Research shows that, when compared to smalltalk, deep conversations fostered more meaningful conversations that people preferred having (even when they expected the deeper conversations to be more awkward). Whether or not you and your partner struggle to get deep, one of our favorite ways to connect with loved ones is through conversation story cards.

We’re a big fan of these cards because they foster mindfulness and promote connection in a more meaningful way than the average night out. Ester Perel’s cards are specifically designed to help you tell stories about your past, your present, and your future. 

It uses prompts like, “A rule I secretly love to break is…” to foster emotional intimacy. Multiple games can be played from this single deck of cards, making them a great investment—and they’re great to use when deepening connections with friends, family members, coworkers, and other people in your life. 

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10) Volunteer Together

Volunteering is a great way to help your community while connecting with your partner over a shared mission. Volunteer Match is the go-to resource for finding local organizations that need your help. You can also filter opportunities based on your skills and interested cause areas, such as crisis support, literacy, and more. In addition to making a difference in other people’s lives, volunteering has been proven to support your own health. In particular, research on the benefits of volunteering have shown it to improve life satisfaction, lower depression, and decrease feelings of isolation.

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Whether you’re seeking to connect with a longtime partner or you want to spice up your winter dates, these 10 cold weather ideas are scientifically proven to help you connect on a deeper level while fostering happiness during the chilly season.

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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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