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15 Best Sustainable Loungewear Brands

published on March 5, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 2, 2023

It’s no secret that many ethical clothing brands focus on sustainable basics–they’re trendless staples in every closet and can often be more affordable than sustainable statement pieces. But thanks to the pandemic, loungewear is a trend born of necessity. I haven’t heard anyone complain about not having to wear jeans, have you? You may have already landed on your favorite sustainably made joggers, but how’s the rest of your wardrobe looking? Is it as cozy as those joggers? Whether it’s hoodies, sweaters, t-shirts, or any other favorite basics, we rounded up the coziest looking clothes in this list of the best sustainable loungewear brands. Go ahead, wear them out of the house.

Aurelie Crop Hoodie Lavender

1. Indigo Luna creates sustainably made yoga wear, loungewear, swimwear, and linen.

Hemp Wide Leg Pants

2. Uniform Handmade offers a minimal collection of thoughtfully and beautifully designed pieces. Perfect for zoom meetings!

3. We all know and love Girlfriend for their leggings and sport bras made from recycled plastic bottles, but if if you want to get even cozier than the leggings, they launched a collection of joggers and sweats, too.

4. Wisconsin-based Rawson Studio is home to basics, thermals, cozy modern workwear and other sustainable loungewear available on Etsy. While the above photo features ladies, they have lots of genderless and male garments too. They’re super affordable and sell vintage too!

Organic Cotton Henley Waffle Pullover

5. Back Beat Co, our long time eco club member, is the best of the best when it comes to sustainable loungewear. Their laidback California style clothing is exactly what you need to feel relaxed.

6. California Cloth Foundry (available from eco club member Made Trade) I’ve been eyeing this Colorgrown Split Crew Tee forever and ever. Doesn’t it looks so comfy, yet v cute?!

Easy Does It Tank

7. Foundationals focuses on high quality sustainable materials like organic cotton for their laidback basics. The fit looks incredible. They truly do make chic look effortless!

8. Does MATE even need an introduction? Their Organic Thermal sets are my fave. Over the holidays I treated myself to one of their thermal joggers and they are the best pair I own… and the most sustainable.

9. One of the more affordable options for sustainable loungewear, Softwear has super cozy matching sets, and loungewear for men, too.

10. Object Apparel unisex loungewear is made by hand in Detroit, all natural and nontoxic. I’m totally into their high waisted Hemp Blend Undies and Organic Poppy Pullover.

11. I own People of Leisure‘s Daybreak Hoodie (another quarantine purchase) and I love it! It’s super light and fitted so it’s good for going on long walks here in Seattle, where you start off chilly but want something light (and easy to tie around your waist) as you warm up. There are so many things from them on my wishlist!

12. Grant Blvd makes loungewear, basics, and even outerwear ALL from reclaimed fabric. Many are screenprinted with important messages like End Cash Bail, above. I have their ‘sustainable shit only’ fanny pack. Plus, they’re Beyonce approved!

Cap Tee in White

13. Sancho‘s women’s loungewear section just might be the capsule wardrobe we all need.

14. I recently met The Waight on Instagram, a slow fashion brand that accepts pre-orders to minimize waste. They have a collection of undyed garments and also use avocado dyes! Does this not look like the coziest sweat set ever?!

Bang Sweater Henley | Cloudy

15. Lastly, Ajaie Alaie creates handmade garments in Brooklyn with intention.

What’s your favorite sustainable loungewear brand? Let’s get this list even longer!

5 Ways To Make Your Houseplant Collection As Green As Their Leaves

published on March 2, 2021 by Katie Ford-Thomas
updated on November 2, 2021

Bringing the outside in is big business. With 80% of people in their 20’s now owning at least one houseplant, perhaps there’s no greater signal that you’ve just entered a millennial home. On Instagram, #plantsofinstagram boasts over nine million beautiful images of how this booming industry has entered our lives in all its green splendor. In the US alone, sales of indoor plants have surged by 50% since 2016. But it’s so much more than a social media fad. Having something to care for is a great stress reliever, and houseplants reduce tension and promote wellbeing.

But are there pitfalls to this plant revolution? With many species imported from other countries and an increasing desire to be sustainable at home, more and more of us are asking how to ensure our blossoming collections can be as good for the environment as they are for us.

Here are five of the best ways to nurture sustainable houseplants:

Less is more

With so many shops and online subscriptions for houseplants cropping up, and apartment living on the rise (no green space included) it’s no wonder that people want to fill their homes with a little bit of the great outdoors. Just like with any hobby, it’s easy to get carried away as you become more knowledgeable and start to covet more exotic species to plant parent.

Like all consumerism, the best approach is to not buy on impulse and look into the implications of rarer species before making a purchase. We don’t all need a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Variegated Monstera, however beautiful they are. After all, using plants minimally doesn’t alter their impact or mood-lifting qualities. And having less means more time to take care of the ones you do have, instead of becoming overwhelmed when a passionate hobby becomes an obsession.

Plant swap

With so many people now enjoying living plants, why not learn to propagate and start, or join, a plant swapping community? Nothing is quite as sustainable as growing your own, and in doing so you aren’t contributing to the same level of import carbon emissions or uprooting plants from their native home.

Become a plant nurse

With so many stores now boasting houseplants for sale, it’s unsurprising that many end up neglected and on sale. While these plants might not be in great shape, they can almost always be nursed back to health and flourish. The right light and watering schedule can make all the difference alongside careful pruning of any shoots, stems and leaves that are too far gone. A leafless seedling Yucca I purchased for $1.00 now sits in pride of place in my home and is getting ready to move on to the next pot size.

Reuse plastic pots

If you’re lucky, you can find houseplants in biodegradable pots but the majority still come in the mass-produced terracotta or black plastic pots that aren’t suitable for recycling. If you’re into propagation, they’re perfect for growing and nurturing your cuttings once they reach the soil stage. Otherwise, to ensure they avoid landfill, you can ask your local garden centre if they’d like them, or offer them up on freecycle to another avid grower!

Get native

Native plants are vital to gardens as they promote healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, there aren’t many native North American plants suitable for indoors, except for two and luckily they’re great plant genus: cacti and succulents. Some ferns can also be kept indoors, such as American Maidenhair Fern, but they often require a little more work.

Overall, successfully caring for any plant, whether in the ground or hanging from a macrame shelf, is infinitely easier if it is native. Much of the hard work has been done for you when caring for plants already evolved to the climate you’re in. They may not have quite the same eco-prowess that a garden native would have, but with a combination of lower carbon footprints and a warm feeling of familiarity, they’re a pretty special thing to have in your home.

Which houseplants do you have? Do you have a favorite local spot for buying sustainable houseplants?

What I Learned About Living Sustainably On the Road

published on February 23, 2021 by Madi Beumee
updated on November 2, 2021

Seeing my first National Park, The Great Smoky Mountains, several years ago made me fall in love with nature in ways I had never experienced before. The massive scale of the trees kissing the sky was unlike anything I’d ever seen. In that moment, I realized how much I wanted to savor these incredible places on Earth. How much I wanted my children and grandchildren to one day get to experience that exact moment of being blown away. From that point on sustainability played an active role in my day to day activities and lifestyle. I discovered simple swaps that I could make or actions I could take that could make a positive impact on the world around me (no matter how tiny those impacts felt).

Fast forward to September 2020, when a pandemic and no attachment to a set location made me realize it was the perfect time to live on the road and visit those parks that had started this whole journey for me. The choice to do so was not made overnight. It took careful planning and consideration. In the midst of packing, I started to think about the items I wanted to take or plan for to continue some of my sustainable habits on the road.

The pandemic had already made certain elements of sustainable living more of a challenge. It felt like single-use items that I usually avoided were somehow unavoidable. The compost drop off I regularly utilized was no longer accepting drop offs. Being that I was facing these sustainability bumps in NYC, I figured it would not be any easier on the road—if anything it probably would be harder. That being said, I learned through my trials and tribulations of living sustainably on the road.

How To Live Sustainably On the Road

1. Pick your single-use alternatives. Having lived in the city prior to my adventures on the road, packing my sustainable go-to’s was something that was a part of my daily routine. Packing things like metal straws, reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and zero waste utensils is a super simple way to minimize your trash. The same goes for living on the road—and it’s nice not to scramble for single-use alternatives!

2. Opt for things that can be recharged. When searching for a flashlight and headlamp, I was really set on purchasing ones that could be recharged (as opposed to battery operated). Both because I knew I would save money not having to buy batteries, but also because I knew I wouldn’t have to keep going through batteries (and try to find a proper place to dispose of them). Though it took a little searching and was more of an investment, it was absolutely worth it.

3. Recycling programs vary. A few of the Airbnbs we’d stayed in didn’t have a recycling bin. So in those moments, we had to take the time to find a recycling center that we could drop off our recycling. We quickly realized that recycling programs and accessibility to recycling efforts definitely varies state to state! How2.recycle.org is a great resource for those of us in the US or Canada.

4. You’re not as dirty as you think you are. When you’re constantly surrounded by the luxury of a warm running shower, you’re less inclined to actually consider if it’s something you really need. On the road I would go a few days without a shower and it made me realize how I am definitely an “over” shower-er. It was such a great reminder to take a break from just going through the motions and try to save water. It’s definitely something I’m implementing into my life now too!

I always like to be transparent when I talk about my sustainability journey and emphasize that you don’t have to be perfect. Small steps and actions DO MATTER. If living sustainably on the road taught me anything, it’s that it is all a journey.

Have you ever tried living sustainably on the road? Tell us where you went!

15 Unique Zero Waste Goods For Design Lovers

published on February 22, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 2, 2023

I don’t know about you, but in my circles, the zero waste movement isn’t exactly known for beautiful design. Whether it’s the packaging (or cleverly, lack thereof) or products themselves, zero waste goods often look like undone versions of their more popular, plastic-using, corner-cutting counterparts. But while most zero waste gifts are less than glamorous (and yeah, that’s kind of the point), there are plenty of intelligently designed, and beautifully done, sustainable products to own and to give. Not quite sold? Find our favorite unique zero waste gift ideas below, that make your conscious living journey (and that of your design friends) a whole lot more interesting!

Top to bottom, left to right:

You’ve probably seen Pela’s zero waste iPhone cases, but they now have compostable Apple watch bands in a few cute colors!

Taste Plant’s breath mints harness the power of plant extracts not only for not only fresh breath, but good oral health too. Fun fact, they’re made locally in Tacoma, WA!

Still so intrigued by the idea of a stone deodorant, which is made with mineral salt and will actually last years. WHAT?! (I don’t need deodorant at the moment, or I would have tried it already!)

Swedish dishcloths are 100% biodegradable and compostable, and these flower printed versions from Sister Collective are the cutest.

The beauty world is full of single use products, but you can cut down on your impact with these reusable beauty swabs, which are tucked away in a biodegradable case.

Love these bottle cleaning brushes from Public–they’re made of natural fiber bristles and have wool tips!

Everist is a brand new waterless haircare company who produces shampoo concentrates in zero waste packaging. So cool!

Furoshiki wrap is one of the prettiest ways to ensure your gift packaging is not only sustainable but beautiful. These linen kitchen towel wraps from Ardent Goods are designed to act as gift wrap that can be reused by the recipient in the kitchen afterward!

These Sprout plantable pencils would make a fun gift for eco-friendly mamas or teachers! They’re customizable and when they’re all outta juice, you can plant them!

Truthbrush beautiful bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste tablets are gorgeously designed and ship carbon neutral.

Goldrick Natural Living has many beautiful products to support your conscious living journey but their pocket soaps are especially clever.

Another amazing find from Eco Collective is their stain removal laundry stick! It’s plastic, fragrance, and palm oil free too.

Blue Heron Botanicals lip balm comes in the prettiest eco friendly, plastic-free packaging.

Axiology’s zero waste balmies come in such innovative packaging for a beauty product in an industry known for waste (and toxins). I also love that these products are multi-functional, they literally do the work of your blush, highlighter, eye shadow, and lip color!

We found Bio Scents on Instagram and have been eyeing their essential oils that come in thoughtful eco friendly packaging ever since. They’ve replaced the traditionally chunky plastic caps most essential oils come in with a super pretty wood design and colorful labels, and the only bit of plastic on them is recycled. They’re also starting a refill process!

Which zero waste goods are you most inspired by? I love when good design is applied to an essential, like low-waste household and personal care!

How To Decorate Like A Conscious Maximalist

published on February 17, 2021 by Angela Hamilton
updated on May 2, 2023

Did you check out our introduction to conscious maximalism? There we covered all things conscious maximalist fashion but I’ve been secretly even more excited about this post because home decor is my favorite topic. While what we’re calling it is new, we’ve actually shared many sustainable decor ideas inspired by conscious maximalism in the past, like our favorite artisan boutiques to shop online and our guide to ethically made rugs, so be sure to reference those if you’re into this layered, colorful style. Since color, craft, and creativity, and mindful living are our jam, conscious maximalism isn’t so much a trend for us as a way of life! Let’s dive a little deeper into what this means in terms of design and decor.

Artisan home decor brand Zuahaza’s moodboard as seen in their studio tour by Ali Campbell Photography.

Like the more open-ended maximalist style of interior design, conscious maximalism is all about blending different styles to create unexpected spaces. While I think all design is intentional to some degree, conscious maximalists dive a little deeper into each item they bring home, taking time to learn the story of the designer, process, or sourcing. They also, as you might expect, make a conscious effort to source more ethically or sustainably, depending on whatever that means to them. Blogger and vintage curator Sara Louise Thomas perfectly represents this concept with her vintage pastel living room and gallery wall full of meaningful prints. She makes an effort to shop small (find recommendations on her blog), which she mixes with vintage finds, not to mention flowers, which if sourced locally are a great example of decorating more consciously.

Astrid Wilson (also featured in Sara’s gallery wall above) via eco club member Woven Rosa

Leah Singh is one of our favorite destinations for bright, graphic artisan made decor and textiles.

It’s often a curated blend of artisan, vintage, thrifted, and other ethically sourced styles of decor all at once. It could be bohemian, it could be contemporary, and it could even be a bit traditional, with a punchy twist. It can also, as in fashion, be achieved with any price point. I love an entirely thrifted home as much as I love the elevated designer furniture from ABC Home (a maximalist designer’s dream).

Conscious maximalism can channel any style, as long as it follows these two principles: considered, mindful sourcing of products and layering of unexpected textures, colors, intentionally styled and arranged.

See below for our favorite ethical brands to shop the trend (which you’d blend with your own thrift/vintage finds!).

Bole Road Textiles / Sonal Patel-Cochran / Coming Soon New York / Amara / *member Made Trade / ABC Carpet & Home / Astrid Wilson / AHALife / *member Woven Rosa / *member Kazi Goods / Leah Singh / *member Zuahaza / Archive New York / MINNA / St Frank / Nahla Artesano / Here & There Collective

Are you a conscious maximalist when it comes to decor? How else would you describe your style?

Here’s Why Knowing The Three Pillars of Sustainability Is So Important

published on February 16, 2021 by Katie Ford-Thomas
updated on November 2, 2021

Now that we’ve covered what they are (read our last post, if you haven’t!), let’s look at how to use the three pillars of sustainability to check a company’s ethics. Unfortunately, sustainable goods have a reputation as premium goods, the very antithesis of what they should be—accessible, everyday, and for everyone. But the more businesses that adopt the three pillars of sustainability into their practice, the easier it becomes for consumers to shop ethically.

Until then, weighing up which issues matter most to you is an excellent way to becoming more sustainable in your shopping habits. While these three pillars are succinct, they are built on the foundations of many other issues, and the UN Sustainability Goals are a great resource for learning about these and aligning them with your most significant concerns. Perhaps you want to support businesses with a positive labor track record, or maybe you are keen to support companies who are carbon offsetting. Nobody can solve sustainability alone, but if we all commit to one purposeful pillar, we can make a hugely positive impact overall.

It’s a popular argument, and not necessarily wrong, to say that the changes need to come from the top down; that tackling climate change is the responsibility of major corporations and governments. Yet, consumer power still exists, and if everyone committed to a better world uses the tools they do have—in this case, voice and money—to demand these values are upheld, we have a healthier future ahead of us.

Three ways to find out how sustainable a business is

1. Explore their website. Look for transparency in their policies and other literature. Do they show where their products are manufactured? Are they open about wages? Their diversity policy? Or do they fail to mention? Then, look for specifics in any environmental commitments they make, such as checking the validity of claims such as charity partners. And if the answer remains unclear, ask for one by emailing them. And if something is clear, but you think they can do better, let them know how.

2. Look for certifications. Several sustainable certifications can be awarded to businesses of any size. The best way to check the credentials of a claimed certification is to go directly to the organization providing it. There, you can learn more about how they certify a company. Two to look out for with major industries are Fair Trade (for workers’ rights) and B-Corp (for all three pillars). This doesn’t mean you should write off every business that hasn’t been certified, but it’s a helpful place to start.

3. Use an app for easy research. Many free apps are now available to help everyone shop consciously, such as Sustainable Life App which helps you discover a range of shops, products, and services near you. Ethical fashion is booming, and so are apps to help you find out how sustainable a brand is. Good on You offers a comprehensive guide for major fashion brands globally. GoodHuman features brands of all kinds. Search for your favorites, and you’ll be able to read about their overall rating plus a breakdown of their Labour, Environment and Animal policies. Just search ‘sustainability’ in your Appstore, and you’ll come up with a variety of options that can help you to build an app collection that prioritizes what matters most to you or even track the carbon impact of your purchases.

The three pillars of sustainability work beyond business plans and growth. They create accountability for every type of business, highlighting the genuine need for change for the good of everyone and everything that lives on earth, as well as the planet itself. It might not be easy for businesses of old to change but pivoting to ethical policies is a safeguard for a promising, sustainable future.

How do you find out if a company is sustainable or ethical? Let us know in the comments.