At the end of the year, people sometimes begrudgingly put together their new year's resolutions list, then spend the next few months trying to fit them into their lives and not drop them altogether. 

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with new year's resolutions. They can be a fun way to refresh our life and routine, but on the flip side, they can make us feel the pressure to constantly improve ourselves even more, especially if we end up giving up on our new year’s goals.

Whether you fill your calendar with new goals and activities for the new year or you are playing it by ear, one thing we should all do is give ourselves some love, compassion, and self-care time. Here we have selected some sustainable, self-care ideas to help you enjoy well-deserved treats and me-time year-round. Enjoy yourself! 

Use your special occasion items whenever you want to elevate your day

Many of us own fancy household items like glasses, plates, and mugs we bring out exclusively on special occasions, holidays, and birthdays. They make those days feel extra significant, and there is something just so comforting about creating little household traditions that mark important events and celebrations. 

Despite the name, we can bring these special occasion items out whenever we need an extra touch of prettiness in our lives without depriving them of their specialness. Having them around on a dull or rough day can be an easy and budget-friendly way to pamper yourself and add some special occasion magic to your routine. 

So bring out your favorite fancy occasion glasses to make a regular day feel special and celebrate yourself, what you are grateful for, and the people you love. 

Experiment with a fun new drink

Nothing is better than curling up with a cozy drink in the colder months and sipping something chilled and refreshing when it's hot outside. If you agree, try experimenting with a new homemade drink to spice things up and give yourself some well-deserved culinary self-care.  

You can make it as low-effort or as elaborate as you want it. Just browse your kitchen & cocktail bar to see what suits your mood. Don't worry if you are not much of a barista or bartender. In this lovely pursuit, the internet can come to your aid and provide you with thousands of fun recipes to your taste that you can try recreating at home. 

Take care of your houseplants

Bringing some nature into your home in the form of houseplants is such an effortless way of decorating your house, adding a lovely and calming pop of color to your space, and of course, an act of self-care. 

But taking care of them can also be a way of taking care of yourself. It's the perfect opportunity to relax and focus on a soothing manual chore that will ensure your plants stay healthy and beautiful. Self-care win-win!   

Though houseplants may require varying levels of care, which can feel intimidating, there is nothing to be afraid of: with a bit of research, you can quickly figure out what your plants need to thrive. So take some time to slow down, unwind and enjoy this relaxing and rewarding at home-activity.  

Visit your local library

Reading is an excellent form of self-care. What's not to love about losing yourself in a good story, exploring new worlds, and following the characters in their adventures? Searching through the book-filled shelves for your next read is a lovely experience in and of itself.

To enjoy both these activities, you can plan a visit to your local library. They might seem like stuffy, boring places at first glance, but a library it's not just where a bunch of books is stored and cataloged; it's a dynamic space that connects the community it serves. You can support these remarkable places by visiting your local library and enjoying some me-time and self-care reading there. 

Give loose-leaf tea a try

Whether you take it iced or piping hot, tea is always the easiest way to treat yourself to a little break. You could try its loose-leaf version to make its preparation a more memorable experience, cut down on waste, and enjoy tastier tea. You can find it in specialized shops along with the infuser you need to prepare it. Switching to loose-leaf tea is an effortless way to elevate your day and invest a little extra time into slowing down and enjoying the little things. 

Make your own flavored water  

There are so many perks to making your flavored water yourself. Not only is this drink so easy to make at home, but the homemade version is also cheaper, can easily be made plastic-free, and tastes way nicer. 

All you need to do to make your flavored water at home is pick and combine some fresh and fragrant ingredients of your choice (think herbs, citruses, and fruit) in a pitcher or glass carafe and let that refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours before staining it. 

Tailor your pieces

Feeling your best in the clothes you wear is such a lovely feeling. But sometimes, because of a poor sizing chart or perfectly normal changes in our body, our pieces don't fit as nicely as they could. 

Taking time to visit a tailor shop or fixing your clothes yourself can be a great way to invest in your present and future comfort and confidence. P.S. Remember, your clothes are supposed to fit you, not the other way around. 

Buy original art

The power of art is unmatched when it comes to making a house feel like our home. That's why getting new original artwork for your place is such a fun activity and the easiest way to spruce up your space and make it feel distinctive and fresh. 

So plan a self-care artsy day and take yourself on a visit to your local art shops and support local artists. Alternatively, you can shop digitally from your favorite artists worldwide. It's a great way to help indie makers and make your everyday life prettier. 

Learn how to grow your own herbs

Gardening is a notoriously relaxing activity, though, of course, it is not accessible to everybody. But by growing herbs, even city-dwellers can enjoy the experience of growing their food at home. 

Depending on your time, location, and taste, some herbs will be more suitable than others for your house. So pick what works better for you, enjoy the satisfaction of growing some tasty greens, and use them to add some freshness and refinement to your homemade meals. 

image: Rent the Runway

Rent fancy clothes

Wearing the right pieces with a nice texture, colors, and cut can make us feel like a million bucks. That's why experimenting with fashion can be a terrific pick-me-up. 

Treating yourself with fashion, though, doesn't necessarily mean giving in to retail therapy. You can still get that thrill of novelty by experimenting and re-falling in love with the clothes and accessories you already own. But if you feel like going for something new and fancy, renting clothes is a wonderfully sustainable and budget-friendly option.     

This way, you can get out of your fashion comfort zone and enjoy higher-hand, dressier pieces without the commitment of actually buying them new. Many online companies offer this kind of service, which helps you learn your personal style and make better purchases in the future too.     

Check out our post on all of our favorite places to Rent Clothing Online.

Go on a nature walk

Technology offers us a treasure trove of enjoyable ways to pass the time and soothe a tired heart, like re-watching your favorite movie or connecting with like-minded people. But spending time in nature can be a great act of self-care too. Whether you walk by a sandy beach or under the trees in a mountain forest, taking a break and going for a stroll in nature is a real treat for the mind, body, and soul.

Science confirms what many of us innately feel, as exposure to nature has been associated with many benefits, including improving performance on cognitively demanding tasks.

So, weather permitting, whenever you need a self-care session, try giving a nature-based pick-me-up a shot and immerse in your local outdoors.  

Find or create the perfect everyday-playlist

Music is the ultimate form of self-care. It's free, relaxing, and energizing, and you can listen to it everywhere and any time these days. You can find or create the perfect everyday playlist to make listening to music an even better self-care experience. 

Regardless of your favorite genres, you can find excellent, curated playlists on Spotify or create one that will boost your mood daily. This prep will make duller everyday tasks and activities like your commute to work much more enjoyable. 

Learn about your local flora and fauna

Sometimes all we need to relax is to do something mindless and comforting, like making and enjoying a sweet treat. Other times, we want something that engages our brain a bit more.

Learning about your local flora and fauna can scratch that itch just right, and it makes for a fun and bookish light-hearted self-care activity. Every area worldwide has unique flora and fauna that many of us might not know so well. Learning more about it by actively spending time in nature or through books and on the internet can be a relaxing way to get to know our town and region better, connect with nature and the seasons, and learn something new. 

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About the Author:

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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image from Barco One

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Eco-Friendly Medical Scrubs

Do you work in the health field and have to wear scrubs daily? Years ago, I wrote a blog post about an eco-friendly scrubs brand, and it is still a very popular post. So, Why not look further into more sustainable medical scrubs since it seems to be something people want? I did some research and came back with these 4, which is a great start. Not only are these fabrics more breathable, but they are also kinder to the planet.

Let me know in the comments if you have happened to find another sustainable medical scrubs brand - I’d love to be able to add them to this list!

p.s. even though these are all photos of women, they also have scrubs for men!

Lago

Price | $32-46

Lago offers functional, stylish, comfortable scrubs that are better for the planet.

Their fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles and have a 4-way stretch and performance capabilities.

All scrubs are responsibly made, and the packaging is even eco-friendly!

They also believe in diversity, with their team being made up of 50% women and 60% people of color.

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Barco One

Price | $17-45

This brand seems to be a favorite amongst health professionals. Barco One uses recycled polyester in their scrubs, a great way to reduce our virgin poly threads.

Just wash with a guppy bag to prevent micro plastics from entering the waterways.

Besides their fashion-forward tops and vests, Barco One offers a large assortment of scrub pants, like 7-pocket options that allow you to easily store your instruments & track pants, blending comfort with a professional appearance.

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Mediclo

Price | $39-59

I love that this brand uses Tencel for its fabric! It is one of my favorite textiles and is so comfortable to wear. I can imagine these being one of the best medical scrubs on the market with such a great fiber.

Not only do they use eco-friendly materials, but they produce ethically with fair wages and safe working conditions.

They also offer direct-to-consumer so that you can purchase a quality product at a more affordable price.

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Sketchers

Price | $15-37

Well, I was utterly unaware that Sketchers made medical scrubs, & with a conscious fabric at that!

They use recycled polyester and provide trendy, sporty scrubs for nurses and other medical professionals who are constantly on the go.

The scrubs are made with elastic waistbands, moisture-wicking fabric, pockets, cargo pockets, side slits, snap fronts, & contrast binding to ensure a great all-day fit.

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A Guide to Carbon Emissions & Carbon Offsets

Within my own sustainability journey, it’s felt as if I “level up” every so often as I educate myself, keep an open mind, and listen to the voices of so many leaders within this movement.

One of those level-ups was learning about carbon emissions, and in turn, carbon offsets.

Sometimes it can feel as if you’re just getting the hang of being more eco-conscious - remembering your reusable bags when grocery shopping, purchasing from small businesses when you can, making sure your household doesn’t have food waste - and then you learn about a new way you can be doing “better”. And that can be overwhelming.

But let’s get something straight: imperfect sustainability practiced by many is better than perfect sustainability practiced by few.

It’s a popular phrase within the sustainability community, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It’s important to remember that while one person’s actions can make a difference, there are still massive corporations that need to change, too. It’s not all on your shoulders. As a community, we’re here to support one another through each level-up moment and to continue to build momentum until our communal actions and demands shift the tide, with corporations taking responsibility for their actions. 

But I digress. Kinda.

So let’s dive into carbon emissions. 

What are carbon emissions?

Carbon emissions go by another name you may recognize: Greenhouse Gases.

Basically, “Greenhouse Gases” is the umbrella term, encompassing carbon as well as methane and other gases. The term “carbon emissions” is just specific to carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. But carbon is by far the most polluting gas.

According to the EPA, carbon emissions account for 79% of all GHG. Methane is in second place at 11%, nitrous oxide in third at 7%, and fluorinated gases in fourth at 3%. So, obviously, carbon is the big hitter here.

So where does carbon come from? Fossil fuels, specifically when they are burned. Burning coal and oil puts a ton of carbon into the atmosphere, but burning almost anything else does too. You’d think that burning wood wouldn’t be a big deal, but trees and organic matter store carbon, and when they’re burned, those gases are released. This is why deforestation is such a major problem, on top of decimating local ecosystems. 

According to the EPA, “Human activities are responsible for almost all of the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere over the last 150 years.” Yikes. But not super surprising, right?

Wondering what we’re doing about it yet? Let me tell you.

What are carbon offsets?

You know that viral video where someone is showering, rinsing the shampoo out of their hair, and each time they go to rinse it out someone else pops over and puts more shampoo in their hair?

In a weird way, carbon offsets are kinda like that.

The basic idea of carbon offsetting is to take action to remove carbon from the atmosphere that you/your company has caused. So, when you shop online and it takes a plane, a train, and a car to get delivered to you, think about the carbon that creates. It needs to be offset.

Carbon offsetting is a great solution right now because, as a society, we are still tremendously reliant on fossil fuels, and therefore we continue to create carbon emissions.

We’re going under the showerhead to rinse out that shampoo, to offset our carbon emissions, but then major corporations (read: the fossil fuel industry) add more shampoo, and we rinse and repeat. (See what I did there? Ha!)

The obvious solution is to just get rid of the person continuously adding shampoo to our hair, but we’re simply not there yet.

So are carbon offsets even worth it?

Yes.

Working continuously to offset our emissions is still a vital task in order to combat the climate crisis. It is necessary. Without it, the climate crisis will only get worse. Which yes, is still possible.

How can you offset emissions?

There are a handful of different ways you as an individual can offset your personal carbon emissions. Let me give you a few tips

1. Taking a flight? Offset with Chooose.

   When Chooose first got started, they focused solely on offsetting your plane rides. This was the first carbon offsetting program I discovered, which I found super helpful. As a college kid going to school in Chicago, with my whole family back in California, I took a lot of flights. Now, Chooose has three different tiers: ChoooseClimate for companies, WeChooose for organizations, and MyChooose for individuals. 

   2. Put your money where your mouth is with Aspiration

   This is a two-fold awesome way to offset your carbon. First and foremost, when you switch to Aspiration, you’re divesting from the fossil fuel industry and massive corporations, like Chase. Secondly, with each purchase, Aspiration plants a tree. You can track your progress toward net-zero carbon, and they’ve even incentivized it; if you hit carbon zero that month, you get 1% cash back on all purchases.

   3. Shop locally whenever you can

   Buy your produce from a farmer’s market. Get your pet food from the local pet supplies shop. Bike to your local target for your skincare refills instead of ordering online. Take public transportation downtown to run your errands. The point is: the less the product has to travel to get to you, the fewer carbon emissions it creates.

   4. Don’t forget about the electricity!

   “Over 40% of energy-related CO2 emissions are due to the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation.” So switch those lights off when you’re not home, or when natural light is good enough. And don’t let that sneaky phantom power get you! Unplug (yes, like from the wall) any devices that aren’t in use. I’m looking at you, the toaster, phone charger, guest bedroom lamp, etc.!

   5. You can also shop from Certified Carbon Neutral companies

   Shopping locally is great, but sometimes it’s simply not an option. When you need to get your shop on, look into the ethics of where you shop. Do they have a page outlining their sustainability efforts? Are they using recycled materials? Are they working with 1% For the Planet, or are they Certified Carbon Neutral? These are questions we as consumers can ask and demand of companies, and by doing so put pressure on other companies to put in the work to do better - for our people and our planet.

   You can find a list of all 301 (as of right now) companies here! 

   Here are just a few more ways to take action to get you started 

So hopefully you understand carbon emissions and carbon offsets just a little bit more, and feel confident going about your next “level up” in your sustainability journey :)

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About the Author:

Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com

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image from MagicLinen

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The Best ECO-FRIENDLY, sustainable CURTAINS

Curtains play an important role in any home. They give your space a relaxing and cozy atmosphere while ensuring your privacy from the outside world. They add warmth to your rooms in the winter, and give you shade when the sun is too bright. 

Curtains are also a decor accessory and they can be an easy yet efficient way to style and elevate your interiors. 

You can find them in most furniture and home goods stores, but the problem with mass-produced items is that they’re usually not sustainably made and they’re unhealthy to have around. 

The majority of curtains are made using synthetic materials, the most common one being polyester, a non-biodegradable fabric. They’re often made with PVC, which contains harmful chemicals such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds. 

Many other chemicals are used to produce home textiles, and you might be inhaling them on a daily basis. So buying conventional curtains is not good for you or the environment! 

If you want to buy more sustainable versions, here is a list of 14 brands selling eco-friendly curtains that will make your home feel cozy and luxurious! 

Some of these are bigger brands that aren’t perfect in terms of sustainability, but they’ve made progress and started selling greener products. They’re generally often more accessible to most people, that’s why we’re including them in this list.

WHAT MAKES CURTAINS SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable curtains are made with eco-friendly materials, preferably using plant-based dyes and non-toxic treatments. 

Try to avoid “stain-resistant” or “wrinkle-free” curtains. They may contain toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, like perfluorochemical or formaldehyde, and those might not break down in the environment.

Also, make sure that the brand is sweatshop-free, paying its workers fairly, and not using forced labor nor child labor. The supply chain should be transparent and traceable. Even better if the brand is Fair Trade certified!

WHAT SUSTAINABLE FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable curtains are made with natural and biodegradable materials, like linen, cotton or hemp. Recycled polyester is another great alternative you shouldn’t ignore.

Try to look for fabrics that are Oeko-Tex certified to make sure they do not contain harmful chemicals. And if you can, choose ones that received the GOTS certification. 

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR ECO-FRIENDLY, Sustainable CURTAINS:

1) MagicLinen

Materials: Linen

Price: $68-90

MagicLinen is a brand that creates all kinds of linen home textiles, from bedding and towels, to clothing, curtains and tablecloths. 

The brand sells a range of semi-sheer and sheer curtain panels, all made of linen. They are designed to fit various headings, have unique design details, and are available in many colors. They are perfect to create subtle lighting and ambiance in your home!

MagicLinen’s curtains are handcrafted in Vilnius, and all the fabric is sourced within Lithuania and neighboring countries. The brand’s products are Oeko-Tex certified, so they’re free of toxic chemicals and substances.  

MagicLinen has been making progress minimizing its waste by reusing most of the textile leftovers, like it did last year to create Christmas tree decorations.

All the brand’s mailers are 100% compostable, made out of corn starch and a bio-based polymer.

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2) Made Trade

Materials: Cotton, Linen

Price: $54-120

Made Trade is a sustainable online store featuring 130 ethical and conscious brands that sell clothing, accessories and a wide variety of home goods. Most curtains available on Made Trade are made by the brand Ichcha. Ichcha offers a great selection of bohemian-style curtains that are made of chemical-free cotton. Its curtains are colored with natural vegetable dyes made from flowers, spices, bark, minerals, and leaves.

Ichcha works with artisan families who create the brand’s products using traditional techniques, like hand weaving, block printing and hand embroidery.

You can also choose a set of curtains by the brand Soil to Studio. These Fair Trade linen curtains are handwoven and block-printed by weavers and artisans in India. They’ll add a minimalist touch of natural color to your home! 

Made Trade is climate-neutral certified: the company offsets its entire carbon footprint and supports several forest conservation projects around the world.

(use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+)

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3) April Notes

Materials: Linen

Price: $85-145

At April Notes, they create timeless home textiles made from natural materials, including linen, organic cotton, and merino wool.

From the fabrics they use to how they design, craft, and deliver the products; they work to advocate for a more mindful home.

Their sourcing of earth-friendly materials minimizes the environmental impact, while the on-demand model eliminates textile waste.

From the smallest button to the plant-based packaging, April Notes pushes the envelope on sustainability, evoking feelings of happiness, comfort, and warmth.

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4) Pottery Barn

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester

Price: $40-772

Over the years, Pottery Barn has been taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of its products. 

The brand has a great selection of curtains that are made in different materials.

While they’re not all sustainable, you can easily find curtains made from eco-friendly materials like cotton or Belgian linen. 

Pottery Barn uses cotton that is Fair Trade certified, sustainably sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative, and that received the Oeko-Tex certification. 

The brand’s curtains are available in a variety of neutral colors, which is ideal to give a modern yet cozy feel to your home! You can also find curtains that are perfect for children’s rooms.  

Most Pottery Barn’s blackout curtains have a polyester lining, but you can easily choose some that have a lining made of cotton.

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5) Parachute

Materials: Linen

Price: $169-189

Parachute is a brand creating various types of sheets, towels, rugs and other textiles for around the home. Available in three neutral colors, Parachute’s curtains are made of 100% linen, with cotton lining. They are produced in a family-owned factory in northern India. The brand’s curtains are certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, so they are free of toxic chemicals. And unlike most brands making home textiles, Parachute does not artificially soften its fabrics. 

If you need them, the company also sells curtain rods and curtain rings with hooks that are modern and have a matte black finish. Perfect to pair with Parachute’s curtains!  

Parachute has partnered with the United Nation’s Nothing But Nets campaign to send life-saving bed nets to prevent those in need from getting infected by malaria.

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6) West Elm

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester

Price: $25-890

West Elm has been taking the initiative to offer more sustainable products to its customers in the past few years. 

The brand offers a variety of curtains and blackout curtains, in different neutral colors.

Some are made using polyester, but many others are made of cotton or European flax linen. 

More than half of West Elm’s curtains are made in a Fair Trade certified facility, meaning that workers have access to fair wages and safe working conditions. It’s so cool because it’s rare to find Fair Trade certified curtains!  

If you want, you can also choose to order these curtains without the blackout lining, which is made of polyester. 

The brand also sells window hardware, like wooden or metal rods that have an adjustable length.

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7) Crate & Barrel

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Hemp, Silk, Polyester

Price: $70-230

Like other bigger brands, Crate and Barrel has been taking action to transition to selling more eco-friendly products. This is especially true for its curtains! Even though the brand sells some polyester curtains, the majority of curtains you can find at Crate and Barrel are made from natural materials, like linen, cotton, hemp and silk. The linings are also made of cotton, instead of polyester. 

For a big brand, it is unusual to find as many curtains made using natural materials, especially sustainable fabrics like hemp or linen.   

You can choose from a large selection of semi-sheer, sheer and blackout curtains. They’re mostly available in neutral colors, like whites, beiges, blacks, and greys. I love how simple their design is, and that they add a peaceful feel to any room!

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8) Rough Linen

Materials: Linen

Price: $94-160

Rough Linen is a brand making linen wares for the whole house, as well as linen clothing for women and men. 

The brand sells a variety of curtains in many colors, and they are all made of 100% linen fabric, woven from European flax.

The curtains are individually handcrafted in small batches by a team of women in California. 

Rough Linen offers five different types of linens, and each has a different texture and weight. All these curtains are 5-star rated by almost all verified buyers! 

The company practices small-scale and flexible production to make sure it meets the demand without creating unnecessary textile waste. It uses off-cuts to create smaller items, like napkins, quilts and storage bags. 

Rough Linen sends its products in minimal, plastic-free packaging, using tissue, ribbon and recycled cardboard boxes. 

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9) Ikea

Materials: Cotton, Recycled Polyester

Price: $10-90

Ikea isn’t the most eco-friendly home goods store out there, but it’s more affordable and accessible to many people. Fortunately, the brand has been making progress towards sustainability and has been sourcing more sustainable materials for some of its products. 

When typing “sustainable curtains” on Ikea’s website, you will find a great selection of curtains made with more eco-friendly materials. 

You can choose from a variety of room darkening curtains, blackout curtains, as well as normal curtains allowing the daylight to sprinkle through the fabric. 

They’re made of 100% cotton or recycled polyester, made from plastic bottles. Ikea also sells some sustainably made curtains for children’s rooms with beautiful and fun patterns. 

Ikea’s curtains have a simple yet stylish design, and they’ll make your home feel minimalistic and cozy! 

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10) I Love Linen

Materials: Linen

Price: $189

I Love Linen creates a wide range of bedding, towels, clothing and home textiles for the dining and living room. 

The brand sells a curtain set made from 100% French linen that has a simple yet stylish design. These curtains are sold in a natural beige color and are shipped in their own linen storage bag. I Love Linen makes its products in limited quantities to meet the demand and avoid waste.

The brand does not use formaldehyde to set its dyes, which is healthier for you and the environment. 

All the fibers are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning that they do not contain any harmful substances. They also received the ECOCERT certification, which certifies that the fibers have been 100% organically grown. 

I Love Linen is very transparent about where its products are made, and works closely with a factory that is SA8000 rated, which guarantees the fair and ethical treatment of workers.

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11) Barn & Willow

Materials: Linen

Price: $210-764

Barn & Willow is a brand specializing in the creation of high-quality custom-made curtains and shades for homes. 

You can choose from five different styles of curtains that are all made of 100% Belgian flax linen. Barn & Willow’s linen is made in a Belgian factory that has been producing linen for 150 years. 

It is certified by the Masters of Linen Club, which is a sign of excellence and quality for linen 100% made in Europe, from field to yarn to fabric. 

The great thing about the brand’s curtains is that they’re entirely custom-made. It means that you get to choose the exact measurements you need, the style, the color, the texture of the fabric and the type of lining. 

Barn & Willow’s curtains are available in a large selection of neutral colors, and they’re all 5-star rated by verified buyers.

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12) Epic Linen

Materials: Linen

Price: $107-157

Epic Linen is a family-owned business selling linen home textiles and clothing for women and children. The two founders are the fourth generation in their family working in the linen industry, making them experts in the field.

The brand makes a variety of curtains, all made of 100% linen. For some curtains, you have more than 20 colors to choose from, and you can pick the exact hanging method you need.

You can also choose among various length and width measurements. And since each set of curtains is made by a tailor, Epic Linen can make different sizes according to your needs!

All Epic Linen’s products are cut and sewn by hand in the company’s workshop located in Lithuania. The company buys its linen fabric from a local manufacturer that is Oeko-Tex certified.

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13) Hemp Gallery

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton, Linen

Price: $133-1,785

Hemp Gallery has been a pioneer in the Australian hemp industry since the late 90’s. The company sells all kinds of products made of hemp, from homewares and bedding, to clothing for the whole family and food. The brand’s curtains are handmade in Australia, and you have a range of fabrics and colors to choose from. These curtains are made to order to prevent any fabric waste. They are chemical-free, non-toxic and perfect for allergy sufferers. 

Hemp Gallery also sells unique ready-made curtains that are on the pricier side. However, they look luxurious, elegant and they’re made with high-quality organic cotton and hemp fabric! 

Since 2005, the company has been using off-cuts to produce tea towels, nut bags, beeswax wraps and produce bags. It also has a recycling program to which we can send used textiles.

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14) Wayfair

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester, Recycled Polyester

Price: $13-360

While home goods store Wayfair isn’t ideal when it comes to ethics and sustainability, it recently added a filter on its website to make it easier for customers to find more eco-friendly products. When looking for curtains, check the “shop sustainably” filter and you’ll find a huge selection of more eco-friendly curtains. You can choose more specific filters, including“organic”, “recycled” or “made clean”. 

Many curtains available on the website received official and trustworthy certifications, like Fair Trade, Oeko-Tex, USDA, GOTS, Bluesign, and many others.

Wayfair offers curtains in multiple styles, shapes, colors and materials. Most of them will provide a modern and elegant look to your room! 

There are also curtains for all budgets, so you don’t need to break the bank to buy a set of greener curtains.

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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 best SUSTAINABLE & NON-TOXIC PILLOWS

For many years, sleep was not my priority. As a young adult, I thought that neglecting my sleep wouldn’t do much harm. I know that so many people are guilty of this, but this isn’t a healthy way to live. A good night’s sleep is crucial for our well-being, health, and ability to concentrate. We not only should get at least seven hours of shut-eye per night, but we also need to make sure that we are sleeping well. 

One of the best ways to improve our sleep quality is by investing in comfortable pillows. However, most pillows contain hazardous chemicals and toxins that we are exposed to all night long. 

These conventional pillows are not only unhealthy, but they’re also not sustainably made. The key to avoiding them is to buy your sleep pillows from brands that care about your health and the planet.

Here is a compilation of 14 brands that make sustainable and non-toxic pillows! 

WHAT MAKES PILLOWS SUSTAINABLE & NON-TOXIC?

Sustainable and non-toxic pillows are made from eco-friendly materials, without using any harsh chemicals and treatments. 

An easy way to know if you’re investing in a healthy pillow is to check if it has been certified non-toxic by MADE SAFE, or if the brand received the Greenguard Gold certification. Both are proof that you will not be exposed to unsafe chemicals while sleeping. 

Do not forget to make sure that the pillow you are purchasing is of good quality. It needs to be comfortable, provide proper support, and keep its shape with time. 

Sustainable pillows are also made by transparent companies that pay their workers well, and that often give back to non-profit organizations. 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

When looking for a non-toxic pillow, always choose one made from natural materials. Here are some materials you can find in sustainable pillows:

• GOTS-certified organic cotton

• GOLS-certified organic latex 

• Buckwheat hulls

• Eucalyptus or kapok tree fiber

• Sugarcane fiber

• Woolmark-certified wool

• Responsible Down Standard certified down 

  These materials are even more sustainable if they’re organic and certified by Oeko-Tex or CertiPur-US. They’re all sustainable, but each one has a different feel. So choose your favorite depending on your preferences! 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE PILLOWS:

1) Birch

Materials: Organic Cotton, Latex, Wool, Recycled Material 

Price: $75-99 

Birch is an American brand selling organic sleep products made from sustainable materials. All its products are handcrafted and made in the United States. 

The brand makes two pillows, each with different eco-friendly materials. The Birch Organic Pillow includes cruelty-free wool that is ethically sourced from New Zealand farms, organic cotton, and natural latex that is Oeko-Tex certified. 

The Eco-Rest Pillow is filled with 100% recycled material that is sustainably sourced in the US, and wrapped in an organic cotton case. 

All Birch’s products are GOTS-certified, meaning that they’re organic, ethically produced and free of hazardous chemicals. They also received the Greenguard Gold certification, and the company works with Fair Trade certified factories.

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2) Saatva

Materials: Fair Trade Certified Organic Cotton, Natural Latex

Price: $165-185

Saatva is a sustainable mattress and bedding brand handcrafting products in the United States using responsibly sourced materials.

We highly suggest trying the Natural Latex pillows! They are comfortable and made with a breathable Fair Trade Certified™ cotton pillow cover that is machine washable. You can choose from either a standard or high loft.

The brand works with 19 factory partners across the United States, meaning that, on average, its products travel less than 100 miles from the factory to your home. This drastically reduces Saatva’s carbon footprint! The company also regularly donates mattresses to those in need and supports different reforestation projects.

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3) Coyuchi

Materials: Organic Latex, Organic Cotton, Down 

Price: $128-248

Coyuchi creates clothing for the whole family, as well as a variety of home goods, including sheets, pillows and towels. 

The brand sells different GOLS-certified latex pillows. They’re all super soft, comfortable and supportive! You can also choose down pillows, filled with down from an Indiana farm that raises its ducks humanely. 

Coyuchi even makes a small pillow, perfect for toddlers or for traveling. The brand’s body pillow offers extra support, which is great for pregnant women or people suffering from back pain. I love that all the inner pillow covers are made of GOTS organic cotton! 

Coyuchi also has a take-back program for old linens that are either renewed and sold on the second-hand Coyuchi platform, or they are recycled.

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4) Cozy Earth

Materials: Silk, Bamboo

Price: $223

Cozy Earth creates beautiful bedding and loungewear for women and men, mainly from bamboo. 

Available in standard and king size, the brand’s pillow is made from an all-natural AAA grade 100% long-strand Mulberry silk, and is free of harsh chemicals. The shell is super soft and luxurious, made of viscose from pesticide-free bamboo fabric. This pillow is temperature regulating, which means that you don’t need to worry about sweaty nights anymore.

It’s also easily moldable and great for allergy sufferers. It truly feels like a cloud! 

Cozy Earth’s pillow is on the pricier side, but it’s well-made, long-lasting and the brand offers a 10-year warranty. The pillow is also machine-washable and free of harmful dyes.

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5) Buffy

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Eucalyptus Fiber 

Price: $49-69

Buffy sells eco-friendly pillows, comforters and linens made from innovative and sustainable materials like eucalyptus, hemp, and recycled plastic. 

The brand makes a standard sleep pillow, as well as a body pillow, both filled with a soft fiber made from recycled plastic bottles that were diverted from landfills and oceans. 

They’re covered in a 100% eucalyptus fabric that is certified by Oeko-Tex. It is more sustainable than cotton as eucalyptus is grown using a lot less water. The mill also plants four trees for every three it harvests, thus contributing to forest conservation. 

Buffy reveals the carbon footprint of its pillows, and offsets all its CO2 emissions from freight and shipping. To top it all, it ships its pillows in FSC-certified recycled cardboard boxes! 

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6) Brentwood Home

Materials: Memory Foam, Tencel, Polyester

Price: $25-87

Brentwood Home makes mattresses, sheets, pillows and yoga cushions for the whole family. 

The brand sells classic and wedge pillows that received the Greenguard Gold certification. Its wedge pillows have a gradual slope, providing comfortable support. They should help ease respiratory problems, as well as neck and shoulder pain. 

Brentwood Home’s pillows are crafted in its Los Angeles factory that is FSC, GOLS and GOTS organic certified. They’re all made with plant-based memory foam, derived from vegetable materials, such as castor oil beans, corn, soybeans and sunflower seeds. 

The company is 100% carbon negative, and it has partnered with the National Forest Foundation to plant more than 10,000 trees within the United States.

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7) Avocado

Materials: Organic Latex, Organic Cotton

Price: $25-99

Avocado makes mattresses, pillows and bedding with only organic, natural, and non-toxic materials. 

The brand sells standard pillows that are handmade from GOLS organic latex and GOTS organic cotton in its factory in California. It even sells mini pillows that are great for traveling, as well as a small non-toxic pillow made for toddlers. 

All Avocado’s pillows are Greenguard Gold certified by UL Environment. It means that they meet the most rigorous standards for chemical and pollutant exposure. 

Avocado is a certified B Corporation, a member of 1% For The Planet, and it became climate-neutral in 2019. One year later, the company took it one step further by going carbon negative, offsetting more carbon emissions than it generates.

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8) Savvy Rest

Materials: Natural Latex, Organic Wool, a Wool-Natural Latex Blend, Organic Kapok Fiber

Price: $109-239

Savvy Rest has 7 styles of organic pillows!

Three are formed natural latex, and four have customizable loose fill—shredded natural latex, organic wool, a wool-natural latex blend, or organic kapok fiber.

All their organic pillows have unbleached, naturally-colored organic cotton casings with a soft flannel finish. They even have body pillows!

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC20 for 20% off

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9) SOL Organics

Materials: Down, Organic Cotton

Price: $119

SOL Organics is a bedding company that makes its linens and other products from organic cotton, using low-impact organic dyes. 

The brand sells a hypoallergenic pillow made from 100% Canadian white down that is responsibly sourced, and wrapped in an organic cotton shell. Since it’s made from 100% natural materials, this pillow is very lightweight and breathable. 

SOL Organics uses Fair Trade and GOTS-certified cotton, and its down received the DOWNMARK certification. It means that the company meets strict requirements, ensuring humane down harvesting practices and ethical treatment of birds. 

The brand offers carbon-free shipping, and donates $7.50 of each purchase to a social justice or environmental charity selected by the customer.

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10) Sleep & Beyond

Materials: Latex, Wool, Cotton 

Price: $119-139

Sleep & Beyond is a family-owned manufacturer of organic and natural bedding. It creates pillows of various shapes, including sleep training pillows, side pillows as well as standard pillows. The brand’s pillows are filled with latex or wool, encased in Oeko-Tex certified cotton fiber. They’re designed to provide proper neck support and help reduce neck pains and headaches. 

All Sleep & Beyond’s wool is Woolmark-certified for 100% pure wool quality, and the brand received the Fair Trade certification. It also makes sure that every left-over raw material from the production process is reused in some way. 

The company has also been providing comforters and pillows to different social justice organizations, including GIFT, a non-profit that helps victims of human trafficking.

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11) Naturepedic

Materials: Organic Latex, Organic Cotton, Sugarcane Fiber

Price: $79-99

Naturepedic creates comfortable bedding, pillows and mattresses for the whole family. 

The brand offers three types of pillows, all made in the USA. They’re made of FSC and GOLS-certified organic latex, or PLA, a non-toxic sustainable fiber derived from non-GMO sugarcane. 

PLA is a great innovative material that has wonderful moisture-wicking properties, and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. The outer fabric of Naturepedic pillows is made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, which makes the pillow super soft and breathable. 

The brand’s pillows are certified non-toxic by MADE SAFE and the company received the Gold certification by GreenGuard. 

Naturepedic is also a member of 1% For The Planet, and has partnered with many other environmental organizations.

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12) White Lotus Home

Materials: Kapok Fiber, Organic Cotton, Latex, Buckwheat, Wool

Price: $32-139

White Lotus Home has been making high-quality mattresses, bedding, pillows and other home goods since 1981. All its products are handcrafted by skilled artisans in New Jersey. 

It has a variety of sleep pillows to choose from, for all budgets and in different natural materials. The company sells 100% organic cotton pillows hand-stuffed to avoid lumps for extra comfort. 

White Lotus Home’s wool pillows are made from free-range and pasture-fed sheep, and its latex pillow is perfect for people with dust and mold allergies. 

The brand also sells pillows made from buckwheat hulls, as well as pillows made with kapok fiber, which comes from a Central American tree. How cool is that?!

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13) Happsy

Materials: Organic Latex, Organic Cotton

Price: $59

Happsy sells the first fully certified organic mattress in-a-box, as well as a few sleep accessories, including pillows. 

The company makes a soft pillow made with GOLS organic latex, and wrapped in a GOTS organic cotton fabric. Handcrafted by skilled artisans in the United States, it is designed to provide great support and proper spinal alignment.

Happsy pillow has been scrutinized by MADE SAFE experts who make sure products do not contain harmful ingredients. It also received the Greenguard Gold certification, which means that you will not be exposed to dangerous chemicals while sleeping. 

The company is climate-neutral and partnered with 1% For The Planet to donate part of its profits to environmental causes.

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14) PlushBeds

Materials: Latex, Memory Foam, Tencel, Wool, Down, Cotton, Polyester

Price: $48-236

PlushBeds has been a pioneer in the production of sustainable American-made mattresses and sleep accessories. 

The company offers a wide variety of pillows to choose from. It sells GOLS-certified latex pillows that have wonderful ventilation, which is ideal for people who tend to be hot during the night.

PlushBeds’ goose down pillows are Responsible Down Standard certified. It means that the down was produced ethically, without animal cruelty (including no live-plucking and force-feeding).

You can buy pillows made of responsibly sourced wool that is 100% chemical and cruelty-free. The brand also makes awesome soothing and pressure-relieving memory foam pillows.

PlushBeds’ products are eco-INSTITUT and Greenguard Gold certified. The company regularly supports social justice and environmental non-profits.

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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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MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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