image: Schoolhouse

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SUSTAINABLE LAMPS & LIGHT FIXTURES 

Ever since electricity became accessible to many households in the first half of the 20th century, lamps have been a must-have essential in our homes. 

We use them to illuminate every single room in our houses and apartments. Plus, we also see them as beautiful home decorations and find them helpful to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.  

However, the fact that they are very useful in our daily lives does not mean we should over-consume them and not be careful when buying them. We should still look for more eco-friendly lamps that will not harm our precious planet. And fortunately, there are many options on the market!  

These 14 brands design and create ethically made, sustainable lamps and light fixtures so that we can lighten up our spaces all while being eco-conscious consumers. 

 WHAT MAKES A LAMP SUSTAINABLE?

To be sustainable, a lamp or light fixture should be durable and built to last for many years. You do not want to replace it every year because it is so poorly made! 

Of course, it should also be made from high-quality and eco-friendly materials, and produced in an ethical environment. Try to look for lamps that are handmade and produced in small batches by artisan communities. 

Finally, if you want your lamp to be more sustainable, do not forget to use LED light bulbs with it. Not only are they more energy-efficient, but they also last a lot longer compared to other types of light bulbs! 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable lamps and light fixtures can be made from a variety of materials. For instance, you cannot go wrong by choosing lamps made from recycled materials. 

These are very sustainable as we are giving a new life to used resources that would otherwise go to waste, and we do not need to source new ones as well! You can find lamps made using recycled glass, reclaimed wood, or recycled metals. Some brands even incorporate recycled plastic into their designs!  

You can also choose lamps made of durable, heirloom-quality materials like brass, copper, or steel. While these may have a larger environmental footprint during their production process, they are extremely long-lasting materials that can last for generations.   

Sustainable lamps can also be made from natural materials that are usually sourced locally. Depending on the region where they are produced, it could be materials such as palm leaves, ceramic, rattan, bamboo or grass. FSC-certified wood is another great eco-friendly option! 

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR BEAUTIFUL, SUSTAINABLE LAMPS & LIGHT FIXTURES

1) 54kibo

Categories: Floor Lamps, Table Lamps, Pendant Lighting, Chandeliers, Wall Sconces

Materials: Copper, Brass, Wood, Glass, Steel

Price: $218-4,498

54kibo is a female-owned brand that sells African-style home decor and accessories made by artists from Africa and its diaspora. It has a huge selection of light fixtures, floor lamps, table lamps, chandeliers and wall sconces that are all handmade using centuries-old techniques. 

54kibo has a mesmerizing collection of Moroccan lamps made of locally sourced brass or copper. The Amur Copper floor lamp features an etched globular shade with tiny holes that allow the light to seep through the structure to create a soft illumination of the space. 

If you prefer a pendant light fixture, the Ndebele woven green pendant light is probably the most unique of all 54kibo lamps! Handcrafted in South Africa, it has carved wood rings that are wrapped in a colorful wax cord, creating a cool, fun pattern. 

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2) VivaTerra

Categories: Pendant Lights, Table Lamps, Nightlights 

Materials: Recycled Glass, Ceramic, Raffia, Recycled Metal, Bamboo 

Price: $19-599

VivaTerra is a California-based home decor brand that sells handmade goods for the home and the garden. It sources its products from artisan communities in more than 20 countries across the globe.  

The company offers many types of pendant light fixtures, as well as different wall sconces and table lamps, all made of eco-friendly materials. It even has several nightlights all made from recycled glass. 

If you love ceramic, you will fall in love with VivaTerra’s Terracotta glazed table lamp! Its ceramic base is finished in an earthy terracotta rust that transitions into a grayish glaze. Its crystal foot and gray linen shade make it even more beautiful and elegant. 

VivaTerra regularly supports local charitable organizations such as food pantries and non-profits specializing in environmental conservation.

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3) Chairish

Categories: Table Lamps, Floor Lamps, Desk Lamps, Chandeliers, Pendant Lighting, Wall Lights

Materials: Vintage Materials

Price: $15-50,000

Chairish is the ultimate destination for vintage and used furniture and home decor. The online shop currently has over 100,000 lighting options listed on its website, and it has lamps for every budget, from chandeliers and floor lamps to wall sconces and table lamps. 

Since all the products are vintage or second-hand, supporting this platform means that you are giving a new life to gently used pieces that are all incredibly beautiful and well made. 

If you want a unique pendant lamp, why not check the Louis Weisdorf “Multi-Lite” one? Created in 1972 by a Danish designer, it has two sculptural and geometrical shades that can be rotated to change the direction of the light. 

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4) Burrow

Categories: Floor Lamps, Table Lamps, Wall Sconces, Pendant Lights, Desk Lamps 

Materials: Brass, Wood, Marble, Glass

Price: $75-300

Burrow is a sustainable furniture brand selling all kinds of lamps that would fit into any home. It only uses high-quality, durable materials so that its products can last for years.

The brand has a great selection of table and desk lamps, some of which can be mounted on the wall as a sconce.

Most of them are made of brass, but you can also choose among a few wooden options. Some lamps even have an elegant black or white marble base.

Burrow also sells stylish, eye-catching pendant lights and sleek wall sconces, not to mention its mid-century-inspired floor lamps. With its three conical shades, the brand’s Lyle 3-arm floor lamp offers a warm, ambient glow. Its arms are adjustable, and each bulb can be controlled independently of the others. 

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5) Dounia Home

Categories: Pendant Lights, Chandeliers, Table Lamps, Wall Sconces

Materials: Brass, Copper, Nickel Silver

Price: $400-3,500

Dounia Home is Marrakech-based lighting and home decor brand that handcrafts its products using traditional metalworking techniques passed down through generations.

Its designs are inspired by 7th-century Moroccan architecture. 

The brand offers a great variety of pendant lights, chandeliers, wall sconces and lamps. They are made of locally-sourced metals, such as brass, copper and nickel silver. 

We particularly love Dounia Home’s Amur mushroom table lamp, which requires 80 hours of production time! Available in four colors, it has a fun mushroom-shaped silhouette with a perforated dome shade and a geometric base. The lamp combines a mid-century design with Moroccan craftsmanship. 

Dounia Home pays its artisans 30% more than the fair trade standards. All its products also come in handmade, reusable fabric bags. 

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6) Ten Thousand Villages

Categories: Table Lamps

Materials: Paper, Bamboo, Salt Crystal, Wood, Metal, Onyx Stone 

Price: $35-175

Ten Thousand Villages sells ethically-sourced, handcrafted goods in partnership with over 20,000 makers from more than 25 developing countries. 

The brand offers several table lamps, including different mood lamps made of metal or paper and bamboo. They are ideal if you want to set a relaxing and calming mood in your home! 

Ten Thousand Villages also has a one-of-a-kind lamp made out of an onyx stone, which is incredibly beautiful! Its salt lamps give a magical glow, particularly the Salt Crystal Globe lamp: with its colors varying from deep orange to pale pink, this lamp looks like the moon.

The brand is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization. 

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7) Golden Editions

Categories: Wall Lamps, Pendant Lights, Tables Lamps

Materials: Grass

Price: $172-571

Golden Editions is a home decor brand that creates hand-woven lamps, home textiles and baskets, working with two weaving communities in Ghana and highlighting the wonderful craftsmanship of this country. The brand makes all its pendant lights, table lamps and wall lamps using a locally-grown grass called Veta Vera.

They are produced in small batches using a traditional basket weaving technique from the north of Ghana. 

Golden Editions’ Admirador Double wall lamp, which requires two days to be woven, is a true work of art! It doubles as a unique, artistic wall decoration that will adorn any wall in your home. Available in three colors, the material is colored using vegetable or food dyes. 

The brand reinvests 10% of the sale price back into the weaving communities. 

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8) Schoolhouse

Categories: Wall Sconces, Pendant Lights, Chandeliers, Surface Mounts, Table Lamps, Floor Lamps, Outdoor Lights  

Materials: Brass, Steel, Wood, Linen

Price: $119-2,499

Founded in 2003, Schoolhouse is a lighting company dedicated to the preservation of the rich heritage of American manufacturing.

It has a very wide range of heirloom-inspired pendants, table lamps, wall sconces, and many others.

The brand’s lamps are made from ethically-sourced brass or steel in its factory located in Portland, Oregon. Some of its floor lamps also have wooden legs and a linen shade. 

If you are looking for a statement piece to brighten up your dining table or foyer, Schoolhouse’s Vega chandelier is made for you! Sold in different finishes, this timeless light fixture has adjustable arm joints that can be arranged in many ways. It casts a radiant glow across any space!

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9) David Trubridge

Categories: Pendant Lights, Table Lamps 

Materials: Bamboo Plywood

Price: $540-19,815

David Trubridge is a New Zealand-based lighting brand that creates incredibly beautiful pendant lights. The brand was founded by designer David Trubridge, a recognized leader in environmentally responsible design. 

The brand’s pendant lights are all inspired by nature and the places where David Trubridge has traveled.

Sold in various shapes and colors, they are all made from sustainably grown bamboo plywood produced in an FSC-certified factory. 

You will absolutely love David Trubridge’s Snowflake pendant light! Made with snowflake-shaped components, it features intricate diamond apertures that allow the light to spill out in dappled shadows.

David Trubridge received many awards for his amazing creations and talent, including the John Britten Award by the Designer’s Institute of New Zealand, the country’s highest design award! 

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10) Klaylife

Categories: Chandeliers, Tables Lamps, Pendant Lights, Wall Sconces, Floor Lamps

Materials: Clay, Iron

Price: $478-4,898

Klaylife creates meaningful lighting, furniture, home goods and jewelry. The brand has become very popular thanks to its clay bead chandeliers, which are all handcrafted by women artisans in South Africa. Made using raw clay and iron, Klaylife’s chandeliers are masterpieces that everyone will admire in your home!

They are produced in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes. 

The company’s L.I.M chandelier is ideal if you prefer modern pendant lighting and clean lines. Its minimalist, simple design will bring a bit of glam to your living room. Since each bead is hand rolled, each chandelier is a unique and one-of-a-kind piece.

Klaylife also sells several wall lamps, table lamps and floor lamps, all handmade in Spain combining contemporary design and traditional pottery techniques. 

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11) Uncommon Goods

Categories: Table Lamps, Pendant Lights, Wall Lights, Floor Lamps

Materials: Bamboo, Wood, Paper, Recycled Glass, Steel

Price: $30-760

The name says it all.

Uncommon Goods is an online marketplace selling truly unique home goods. It has everything from clothing and home decor, to kitchen things and lighting. 

The brand makes a wide range of lamps and light fixtures, all with a cool, fun design. For instance, Uncommon Goods’ Ginkgo Accordion Sculptural lamp has an accordion-like shape that shifts from warm radiance to a white glow as you expand and compress it. It features a beautiful pattern of ginkgo leaves printed on its tearproof Tyvek paper.  

Uncommon Goods creates many other models, including night lights made from recycled glass, a cloud-like pendant light, and even a wall light made of baked bread (yes, actual bread!). 

The brand is a certified B Corporation that donates $1 to a non-profit of your choice with every purchase you make. So far, it has donated more than 2.8 million dollars to charitable causes. 

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12) Bicycle Glass Co

Categories: Chandeliers, Pendant Lighting, Wall Sconces 

Materials: Recycled Glass

Price: $169-1,545

Bicycle Glass Co is a lighting company committed to sustainability and quality. It creates gorgeous pendant lighting, chandeliers and wall sconces all made of 100% pre- and post-consumer recycled glass. 

Every light fixture is hand blown by a team of talented artisans in Minneapolis, MN.

The recycled glass is sourced locally from a nearby recycling facility. 

If you are looking for pendant lighting to install over your dining table or kitchen island, we recommend the Swell 3 pendant cascade chandelier. It features three pendant lights in a cascading formation, and each of them has an elegant, distorted band that travels across the glass globe.  

Bicycle Glass Co molds all its glass shades using its local library’s recycled newspapers. It is a sustainable technique that prevents marks from being left on the shades during the molding process. 

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13) SIN

Categories: Wall Sconces, Table Lamps, Pendant Light Fixtures 

Materials: Ceramic, Terracotta, Brass

Price: $180-1,250

SIN designs minimalist-looking home goods combining fun shapes with functionality. The brand has many lamps available on its website, from mini table lamps to large pendant lights. 

All SIN’s lamps and light fixtures are inspired by the natural world: they are designed in shapes that remind us of mountains, the sun or the moon.

They are made to order and handcrafted using ceramic in Brooklyn, New York. 

Our favorite piece is the Ray sconce, a wall light that features ceramic coils and a terracotta backplate. Its glow is punctuated by the exposed light bulb, making everything look like the sun and its sun rays. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to have a small fixture with a large backplate, or alternatively, a large fixture with a small backplate. 

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14) PET Lamp

Categories: Wall Lights, Table Lamps, Floor Lamps, Pendant Lights 

Materials: Upcycled Plastic Bottles, Bamboo, Straw, Grass, Palm Leaves, Wicker

Price: $164-7,751

PET Lamp is a certified B Corporation that designs stunning lamps and light fixtures using upcycled plastic bottles. The lamps are made by artisans from all over the world, using traditional techniques specific to each location. 

PET Lamp combines a recycled fabric made from upcycled plastic bottles with natural, biodegradable materials, like wicker and palm leaves. It has created eight completely unique collections that add a cool touch to any home. 

For instance, the brand’s Pikul floor lamp is decorated with fun, hexagonal and floral patterns. Handcrafted in Thailand, this lamp is made of bamboo which is first cut into fine strips that are then woven along the recycled plastic strips. The final product brings a warm, welcoming atmosphere to your room. 

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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 Produce Delivery Services in 2023

Produce delivery boxes have become a go-to way to save time on grocery shopping and make nightly dinner prep a little bit easier. But it’s also true that food subscription boxes are notorious for creating lots of packaging waste, not to mention the impact of shipping them or keeping them cold. 

So how do you know which food boxes best suit your tastes? What boxes are best for couples, and which are better for families? Even more importantly, how can you be sure that your produce delivery box choices are having a positive impact on the environment, rather than contributing more waste to landfills? 

These are all questions it’s important to consider when signing up for a produce delivery box — and that’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up some of your best options, which can help you choose a box that tastes great for you, and has a great impact on the world.

How to Choose a Produce Delivery Box

Produce boxes vary greatly, from their driving mission to the goods and services they offer. For example, many boxes are dedicated to fighting food waste and diverting perfectly-good fruits and vegetables that would’ve gone to the landfill. Other companies create boxes with a mission to reduce food insecurity or foster regenerative agriculture. 

You’ll also want to consider your own driving forces. Do you want to save time and money, or are you just hoping to try new things? Do you want to support local farms, or are you just interested in what tastes good? 

Other factors to consider when choosing a produce box are frequency and price — and how many people will be eating — plus how much variety and personalization you prefer in your box. Certain boxes have their items set based on seasonality, which simplifies the process if you don’t want to deal with choosing items. But if you want more say in what you get, and you’d like a mix of snacks, condiments and pantry items, you might want to look for a box that you can personalize before every delivery.

Overall, produce delivery boxes create less waste than meal kit boxes, because most of their items are fruits and veggies, which don’t need to be packaged in plastic. When they do provide packaged items and snacks, they offer the full-size version, which results in less waste than a meal kit that has tiny packages of individually-wrapped ingredients. 

Once you’ve gotten clear on your purpose and desires, you can better choose the best box for you.

our favorite produce delivery boxes:

1) Misfits Market

Best for: Reduces food waste and saves you up to 40% on your grocery bill; customizable boxes and flexible shipping

Price: Starting at $35-$40/week

Misfits Market is on a mission to reduce food waste while making fresh, organic food more accessible to all.

They work directly with farmers, food hubs and other suppliers to source food that might otherwise be thrown away due to excess or cosmetic imperfections.

In addition to sourcing fruits and veggies, Misfits Markets boxes offer pantry staples, healthy snacks, cooking essentials, and high-quality meats and seafood. 

These top-tier items are cheaper than what you’ll find in the grocery store, since they’re from the extra inventory that couldn’t be sold to grocery stores. That, and the fact that they are delivered in eco-friendly packaging, ensures that Misfits Market is a produce box you can feel good about.

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2) Melissa’s  

Best for: Specialty fruits and vegetables, seasonal produce, plant-based eating

Price: Varies according to consumer purchase

Melissa’s Produce has been delivering specialty fruits and veggies nationwide since 1984. This delivery service is a great way to discover new seasonal produce you may not have tried before, including green-skinned pineapples, finger limes, and goldenberries. The family-owned business is also a trusted source for recipes, food storage tips, and many more ideas for eating — and feeling — your best. 

Melissa’s is a top choice for plant-based eaters who are looking to expand their palette to include new foods while also testing out gourmet recipes that have been tested by actual chefs. They also have some pantry items such as beans, salsas, and other staples to round out your options.

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3) Imperfect Foods

Best for: Diverting food waste, flexible options for plant-based and meat eaters

Price: No monthly fee; varies according to consumer purchase

Similar to Misfits Market, Imperfect Foods is on a mission to fight food waste by diverting foods that might have otherwise gone to the landfill. They categorize their food with different labels, such as “cosmetic imperfection,” “made with ugly produce,” and “made with rescued ingredients,” to show all the ways they’re repurposing goods. 

Buying a box from Imperfect Foods can save at least six pounds of food waste per week while conserving over 200 gallons of water. Since Imperfect Foods offers farm-fresh produce, curated grocery items, gourmet snacks, plant-based proteins, dairy products and more, you’ll always have variety in your Imperfect Foods box, making it a great foundation for healthy, creative meals.

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4) Hungryroot

Best for: Planned meals with flexibility; gluten-free and other allergen-friendly

Price: Starting at $65/ delivery

Hungryroot combines the convenience of meal kits with the personalization of produce boxes. They’ll send fresh fruits and veggies, meats, and plant-based protein, but also sauces and other accouterments, which you can use to make specific meals while also mixing and matching your own delicious creations.

Hungryroot has its own line of branded sauces, dips, grains, and other goods, but you’ll also find common organic brands like Kite Hill, Banza, Lightlife, and Califia Farms in their boxes. Overall, if you’re hoping for a faster way to buy your favorite foods, plus a little bit of inspiration for quick, healthy meals, Hungryroot might be your best bet.

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5) The Fruit Company

Best for: Premium hand-picked fruit, hard-to-find fruit and gourmet baskets

Price: Monthly box starting at $139/ box (~$35/week)

Based out of the beautiful Hood Valley, Oregon, The Fruit Company is exactly what it sounds like—a company selling fruit. But their fruit is beyond the average bananas and apples you’ll find at the grocery store. They grow some of the most coveted fruit across the nation, from Rainier Cherries and Seckel Pears to Honeybell Citrus. 

You can curate your own box of fruit, or you can sign up for The Fruit Company’s monthly fruit club, which has an assortment of seasonal and best-selling items. As part of the monthly club, you can choose from four tiers, including an exotic box and an organic box, all with varying offerings and price points.

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6) Farmer Jones Farm

Best for: Supporting regenerative agriculture and farm-chef relationships, herbs and flowers along with fresh veggie variety

Price: Farm fresh boxes starting at $79

Farmer Jones is a regenerative agriculture farm and market based in Huron, Ohio.

The family-run farm is on a mission to provide people with delicious fruits and vegetables, microgreens, herbs and even edible flowers, all while helping the planet.

Their regenerative farm techniques enrich the soil and reduce the need for chemicals, working in harmony with nature to grow delicious and healthy food for the masses. 

You can make your own vegetable box, or choose from curated options like the Eat the Rainbow Box or the Gourmet Vegetable Box. They also have a chef-curated box as part of their The Chef’s Garden program, in which they collaborate with chefs to inspire their growing season.

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7) Good Hill Farms

Best for: Exotic fruit, nursery trees, lemonade kits

Price: Variety boxes starting at $42

Produce boxes from Good Hill Farms include hand-sorted exotic fruit, nursery trees, and fruit variety boxes. All produce comes from a subtropical farm in California, where the sunny conditions allow them to grow fruit like guava, pomelo, dragon fruit, caviar lime, and other varieties that don’t grow in most other parts of the contiguous U.S.

If you’re new to exotic fruit, variety boxes from Good Hill Farms can be a fun way to try different items and discover your new favorites. Their variety box options include a mystery fruit variety box, tropical avocado variety box, summer’s best, and cherimoya variety. Another unique offering from Good Hill Farms are their exotic lemonade kits, which include everything you need to make a fresh, nutritious lemonade using their secret recipe.

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8)  Hungry Harvest

Best for: Delivery on the east coast, adventurous and plant-based eaters, diverting food waste

Price: $17 minimum for mini boxes

Hungry Harvest first rose to popularity by garnering a major investment on the show Shark Tank, which they have used to further their mission. Similar to other boxes on this list, Hungry Harvest aims to fight food waste, claiming that about 10 pounds of food is saved with every harvest. 

What makes them unique is their commitment to food equity—Hungry Harvest has a reduced-cost grocery offering. They also deliver to hunger-solving organizations, and they have an emergency box to help those in crisis. In the box, you’ll find fruits and veggies along with specialty items like Baltimore Cold Brew and arugula, beet and goat cheese ravioli, plus vegan favorites like Beyond Meat. 

Currently, Hungry Harvest delivery is restricted to the East Coast, with produce and grocery delivery across Maryland, Washington, DC, Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, Northern Delaware, and Raleigh, North Carolina, but the company has plans to expand.

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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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A Guide to Sustainable Tea & Five Sustainable Tea Brands to try

If you’re an avid tea drinker like me, your daily tea is a great place to make a difference in your sustainable habits. I enjoy iced matcha tea lattes in the mornings and usually prefer herbal or mint tea in the evenings to unwind. The way most people cherish their coffee breaks is how I savor my cups of tea. When I found out how problematic the tea industry can be I knew I needed to find brands that share the same values for people and the planet.

As the second most consumed beverage in the world and increasing commercialization due to demand, the tea industry has become filled with unsustainable practices like wasteful packaging, worker exploitation and environmental destruction. However, it doesn’t have to be this way and there are tea companies out there committed to a sustainable business model. To make it easier for my fellow tea and planet lovers, I did the research for you and put together a guide for what you need to know about sustainable tea consumption and some great companies to check out!  

image from The Tea Spot

What makes tea sustainable?

There are a lot of opportunities to make tea consumption more sustainable from the way tea leaves are grown and sourced to how they’re packaged. Many industrial tea companies use heavy machinery when harvesting tea and destroy the surrounding land in the process. Tea from organic tea leaves, grown without the use of pesticides, direct relationships with farmers and thoughtful packaging will be easy ways you can recognize more sustainable tea companies.

image from The Tea Spot

What to look for when shopping for sustainable tea?

There are four key values to keep in mind as you make your tea shopping more sustainable. Just by having conscious consideration to the sourcing, packaging,resources and ingredients can make a big difference.

While sourcing the high quality tea, look for companies with close relationships with their farmers. Direct sourcing, or close to it, will help you avoid industrially cultivated tea and be more traceable with their supply. It will also guarantee that what is being advertised is what actually makes it into your tea and not just a strategically marketed product.

When looking at packaging, loose leaf tea decreases the carbon footprint considerably since it cuts out the production for tea bags and the need for individual product packaging. It also eliminates the need for string, staples, inks, and adhesives. Not to mention, loose leaf tea will be fresher and better quality. Look for tea packed in reusable and recyclable containers like tins or backyard compostable packaging.

The resources used to produce the tea like solar power, energy efficient buildings and carbon emission offset policies are all feasible ways companies can make their production more sustainable. Conscious companies will ensure the resources used to produce the tea do not destroy the environment in the process or pollute the nearby communities.

For the actual tea ingredients you want to look for loose leaf tea that is organic and fair trade. This will ensure your tea is made from high-quality ingredients and harvested by workers being paid a fair wage in a safe work environment. Choosing organic is important with tea because if any pesticides or herbicides are sprayed on the tea plants, the first time the leaves ever get washed will be when you steep the leaves in your cup. Those chemicals are not what you want to be drinking with your delicious tea. If you do not see the organic or fair trade label on the packaging, not all is lost. These certifications are not the end all be all, especially in the tea industry. Any company that shares these values will be transparent and proudly share about their production on their website. Keep reading for a list of companies I already researched for you.

image from Rare Tea Co.

What are some sustainable tea brands?

1) The Tea Spot

Why this company is great: Founder Maria Uspenski used loose leaf tea as part of her cancer recovery and created The Tea Spot to provide high quality tea to others. It is a B Corp certified company and they donate 10% of all profits to cancer survivors and wellness programs. In addition to their loose leaf tea selections, they also have individually packaged pyramid sachets. However, they are made with plant-based, compostable and biodegradable materials. Not all teas are organic but they are labeled so you know which is certified organic.

Teas To Try: Organic Lights Out, Organic Meditative Mind, Organic Clouds and Mist

2) Arbor Teas

Why this company is great: As a small family-owned business, Arbor Teas is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified while offering a wide selection of loose leaf teas. Their packaging is fully backyard compostable and they offset carbon emissions with CarbonFund.org. Their website is so comprehensive and transparent providing direct actions they take for sustainability from sourcing to shipment.

Teas To Try: Organic Dragon Well Green Tea, Organic Peach Rooibos, Organic Masala Chai Black Tea

3) Rare Tea

Why this company is great: Rare Tea is a small London-based company offering a variety of small-batched loose leaf teas that only works with fully sustainable farms. They pay the costs associated with having the tea checked for quality, which is usually the responsibility of the farm. This allows small farms that cannot afford or don’t have access to the organic or fair trade certification procedures the same opportunities as large industrialize farms Rare Tea even started their own Rare Charity, which re-invests a percentage of the revenue from Rare Tea sales into the education for young people connected to the Satemwa Tea Estate, a small farm in Malawi.

Teas To Try: Recovery Tea, Rare Nepalese Cherry Blossom, Chinese Iron Goddess Oolong

4) Rishi Tea

Why this company is great: Rishi Tea is an independently owned company that works directly with the farms they obtain their organic teas from. While they offer both loose leaf tea and tea in sachets, their sachets are plant-based and biodegradable making them more sustainable than most individually wrapped tea options.

Teas To Try: Chamomile Medley, Everyday Matcha, Earl Grey Supreme

5) Young Mountain Tea

Why this company is great: Young Mountain Tea works closely with Indian and Nepali communities to raise the quality of their tea. This empowers them to earn more and the formerly abandoned farms and unsafe fields are becoming areas with 90% women farmers achieving financial independence. Additionally, the packaging is high quality so it can be reused and repurposed to reduce waste. Most of their tea is organic certified.

Teas To Try: Organic Darjeeling Ruby Oolong, Organic Kumaon White, Organic Darjeeling First Flush

How can I make preparing my tea more sustainable?

By choosing loose leaf tea, you eliminate a lot of packaging waste. Also, be mindful of water use by only heating the amount of water needed for your pot or cup of tea helps to conserve water. Keep your tea in an air-tight container away from light and heat to prolong freshness and quality. Re-steeping your tea leaves is a great way to make your tea last longer and many tea makers believe tea is best after the second or third steep. While the world of teaware is filled with beautifully handcrafted pottery and tea pots, the mug you already have works just as well! However, if you need a few accessories to make your steeping easier, here are some reusable items that are helpful for your sustainable tea enjoyment!

Rare Tea Glass Teapot

The clear glass allows you to view the tea as it brews and includes a strainer to catch most tea leaves as you pour.

Rare Tea Overcup Strainer

To help catch tea leaves while pouring fresh brewed tea.

Everest Tea Tumbler

For taking your loose leaf tea on the go!

Tea Infuser

If you prefer to steep your loose leaf tea right in your cup without straining

Japanese Washi Tea Tin

For storing your teas, these air-tight containers are beautiful and functional.

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About the Author

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

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Image: Obakki

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9 Brands making Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Baskets

Storage is something we always need in our homes whether it is a place to put your kid’s toys, bills, collectables, books, blankets or more. When buying household storage many people think of Target, Amazon, Ikea or another big-name brand first. What you might not realize is you can get beautiful, practical storage from many sustainable fair-trade businesses that support women artisans and local economies. Let us introduce you to some great brands for baskets that will beautify your home while doing good.

What Types of Materials and Certifications To Look For

Baskets can be made from just about anything from plastic to fabric to grasses. Look for materials such as those that are sourced locally where the baskets are made, are organic, naturally sustainable like bamboo, use no to few pesticides, are biodegradable, use natural dyes, or are recycled. Palm leaves, banana leaves, and local grasses like sisal are really common in baskets. If they are sourced locally, handmade, and grown without heavy pesticide use these materials are a highly sustainable option. Definitely avoid plastic that is not recycled, mass produced palm baskets, and non-organic cotton.

Transparency of the production process and treatment of the artisans making your home storage is a very important factor to consider when shopping for baskets. Many baskets might look like they are authentically made by artisans from other countries, when in fact they are produced using cheap labor in not so great working conditions. Fair Trade certifications help ensure the beauty in what you are buying is also creating a beautiful life for someone else. A brand sharing specifics about their artisans, production processes and labor practices is also a good sign of humane treatment. All of the brands featured here carry at least some Fair Trade made baskets.

Now, our top picks for sustainable baskets:

1) Obakki

Types of baskets: A couple dozen storage and decorative baskets that are versatile enough to use for anything from laundry to planters

Common Materials: Sisal, palm leaves, wicker, banana leaves, and natural dyes

Obakki’s baskets make me think of versatility – style and colors that would complement nearly every home.

I would love one of their bowls on my kitchen table filled with fruit.

Obakki’s model is different as they purchase products directly from their artisan partners at above market prices and reinvest profits into their partner’s businesses and communities through their foundation. Their items are made in small batches using only local materials to reduce waste and the environmental impact of production. They provide information on the artisans for each product, ensuring transparency.

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2) Ten Thousand Villages

Types of baskets: Over 50 choices in everything from storage, to décor, to bowls, to hamper baskets, to kids storage, to bread baskets, and even a bike basket.

Common Materials: Recycled cotton, palm leaves, wire and thread, grass, banana stalks, and natural dyes

Ten Thousand Villages has an abundance of basket selections with a variety of price points to suit nearly every home. No matter your need, you should be able to find a basket or two (or more) you love on their site.

Ten Thousand Villages is a pioneer of Fair Trade, and of the maker‑to‑market movement that breaks the cycle of generational poverty. They have the most transparent and educational information on fair trade practices I have seen. They focus on the use of locally sourced, recycled and renewable materials in their products. Most baskets are handmade, which reduces waste. They even hold workshops on how to creatively re-use products and minimize waste in the supply chain.

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3) Made Trade

Types of baskets: Around 50 baskets for everything from storage, laundry, round bowls, décor, hampers, planters, and even a bassinet.

Materials: Seagrass, jute, locally sourced, handmade, recycled cotton, recycled thread, grass, recycled plastic, and food safe dyes

Made Trade has classic neutral baskets, as well as some unique patterns and colors sure to be showcase pieces in any home. Made Trade is a woman owned, family run company right here in my area – Portland Oregon.

Shopping is easy as they have options to shop by Fair Trade, sustainability, women owned, POC owned, Made in USA and more. Made Trade’s products are sourced locally, and they provide transparent information about each brand and how their artisans are treated. Nice bonus, Made Trade is certified climate neutral due to carbon emission offsets and conservation projects to which they contribute.

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

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4) The Citizenry

Types of baskets: Over a dozen baskets of various sizes for storage, décor and laundry

Materials: Hand woven palm leaves, chocolatillo, paja tetera, and leather handles

The Citizenry has some of the most elegant baskets I have seen, elevating them beyond function to statement decor. I would call the style luxurious boho.

The baskets come individually or in sets, making it easy to mix and match. All the baskets have handles and some come with lids.

Their baskets are almost all handwoven and Fair Trade certified, with artisan information provided for each product. The baskets are made in small batches, reducing the chance of waste. The Citizenry travel to each country where their products are produced and build relationships with their artisans – how cool is that.

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5) Shades of Green

Types of baskets: Storage, waste baskets, and laundry hampers

Common Materials: Biodegradable palm fiber, grass, and natural dyes

Shades of Green’s baskets are beautiful and classic styles that will compliment nearly every home. I love the two-tone style of their baskets in particular. Shades of Green not only specializes in high quality products for homes and workplaces, they also offer design consultation services.

All of their products are put through a 5-tier evaluation scale ensuring you know the quality and sustainability of your selections. Shopping is easy too, as you can shop by material, price range and color. I appreciate that Shades of Green is transparent about their production processes and treatment of the artisans they partner with.

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6) Goodee World

Types of baskets: Around 30 baskets for storage, laundry, decoration, and bikes.

Common Materials: Grass, leather handles, straw, palm fibers

Goodee World has some of the most unique baskets I have found, amongst the already uniqueness you find in the fair trade market. Their unstructured type baskets from the Baba Tree brand are one of my favorites. They also have many classic style baskets that would fit most homes.

Goodee is a BIPOC owned company and B Corp certified, meeting the highest standards of benefiting people and the planet. They require all of their brand partners to report on the materials used, supply chain, labor standards, ecological footprint and business practices ensuring transparency and alignment to their values.

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7) Serrv International

Types of baskets: Over 50 baskets including a large selection of decorative baskets, storage, planters and even a vase.

Common materials: Banana fibers, rafia, elephant grass, rope, leaves, jute, and leather wrapped handles

Serrv’s baskets are really colorful and designed to authentically reflect the culture of their artisan partners, which makes them even more eye-catching. They will be statement pieces in your house.

Serrv is one of the first fair trade organizations in the world. They have worked with over 8,000 artisans from around the world to ensure fair trade practices for their products since 1949. When shopping for products on their site they share stories and pictures about the artisans that make the products. Serrv ensures their artisans have regular orders and advanced payment so their uses of resources are reliable and little is wasted. Finally, they clearly outline the causes each purchase supports.

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8) Indego Africa

Types of baskets: Approximately a dozen storage and tote baskets

Common Materials: Sweetgrass, palm leaf, bolga straw, elephant swamp grass, banana leaf, organic yarn, and dyes from flowers, fruit and vegetable material.

If you are looking for adorable baskets with handles to easily tote around, Indego Africa is the place for you.

They are neutral colors with cute details like shells and colored handles.

Indego Africa partners with women artisans from Rwanda and Ghana to create locally sourced handmade baskets that keep true to the history and beautiful craftsmanship of traditional African artistry. They further support their artisans by investing profits into their education. Indego Africa also focuses on sustainability through using recycled and upcycled materials, repurposed fabric scraps, and other salvaged textiles. Finally, I love that Indego Africa has a very diverse executive team.

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9) Aziz Life

Types of baskets: Approximately 20 choices for storage, planters, dividers, serving trays, and a tote

Common Materials: Banana leaves, sisal, papyrus, natural dyes, and woven tassels

Aziz Life’s divider baskets and storage sets are so versatile because you can mix and match your storage needs.

The base of each basket are neutral colors with some flair in the pattern.

They have cute tassels that you can purchase separately and add to most of the baskets so you can change up the style to suit your mood. Many of the baskets come with a detailed story of who made the basket, how long it takes to make and how it is made. Aziz partners with over 30 rural artisan groups in Rwanda to ensure economic security, traditional designs, humane conditions and even honoring of their spiritual beliefs. They have a handful of impact projects they focus on supporting with their sales and you can read about each one on their site.

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

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A GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SOLAR

One of the most dramatic steps we can take to reduce our carbon footprint is to power our homes with clean energy. Unfortunately, because the question of what counts as “clean” energy is such a contentious and complex issue, figuring out how to make the best choice for the planet, as well as for your home and budget, can be an overwhelming task. Researching the options, it can feel like there isn’t a perfect or totally “green” solution, but there are certainly some types of energy that are better for the environment than others.

Solar technology, for example, has been going through some big innovations recently; one major development in recent years is that it’s now becoming more commonly available, even to people who can’t install solar panels on their homes. A new report from the Energy Department suggests that while solar energy currently provides 3% of US electricity, it could provide 40% by 2035, and, combined with wind energy, meet 90% of US electricity needs by 2050. For that to happen, though, the solar energy capabilities (as in, the number of panels installed nation-wide) of the US would need to increase substantially.

What are the most sustainable options for home energy?

Renewable energy, sometimes referred to as green or clean energy, comes from renewable sources; unlike finite natural resources like oil, coal, and other carbon-based fossil fuels that aren’t naturally renewed quickly enough to meet human demand, renewable resources don’t deplete the earth’s supply and also don’t add to climate change because they don’t emit carbon dioxide. In 2020, carbon-emitting non-renewable fossil fuels accounted for approximately 79 per cent of the total primary energy production of the USA. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gas emissions in the USA in 2019 were 13 percent below their 2005 levels; we’re slowly seeing a shift in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go.

There are various different renewable energy options out there, all with their pros and cons, including wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, and solar energy. It’s important to note that renewable energy sources can have very serious downsides of their own; hydro-power dams and wind turbines can have a negative impact on local wildlife and ecosystems, for example. Some energy companies will claim they use renewable or sustainable energy because they use nuclear energy, which, while renewable, is arguably one of the most dangerous and environmentally harmful forms of energy there is because of the amount of toxic waste it creates, and the potential for large-scale accidents if there’s a fault or failure at a nuclear power plant.

The good news, however, is that there are some incredible innovations in clean energy happening around the world. One example is how communities in India are using biogas digesters to turn food waste into a source of energy for electricity; a stroke of genius that helps reduce landfill, cut waste disposal and energy costs, and reduce emissions. The biogas digesters are expensive, but have reportedly been installed in more than 75 locations across India.

Until innovations like this become more commonly available, solar energy is arguably one of the easiest forms of renewable energy to adopt, which is why the US government has been focusing on it so much in their plans to shift away from fossil fuels. 

There are a number of things that hold people back from embracing rooftop solar energy, perhaps the largest roadblock being that solar panels take up a lot of space, and need big batteries to store energy and provide a constant supply. Not everyone has enough (or any) viable roof space to make it work, and the fact that you need to have a good credit score to install solar panels, as well as needing to be a homeowner rather than a renter, means that generating your own solar energy is usually a luxury for the privileged few.

I’m lucky enough to live in a beautiful cottage in the UK that dates back several hundred years, and while I love the fact that it’s full of character and history, it unfortunately means that we can’t get permission from the local authorities to install solar panels on the roof because of the historical significance of our home (the intrusive appearance of solar panels are still one of the biggest downsides of solar energy for many people). Until recently, I thought this meant that we wouldn’t be able to use solar energy to provide our home’s electricity—that is, until I came across the concept of community solar.

image from Arcadia

What is community solar?

Community solar projects provide diverse local communities with solar energy, even if they can’t install solar panels at home. Community solar projects make it possible for people who don’t own a home, or don’t have a home with viable roof space, to fund a local solar energy farm that in turn provides them with clean energy for their home at a reduced price. 

There are various dedicated community solar projects around the US (and worldwide) you can subscribe to if you’re not able to install your own solar panels at home, and more and more mainstream energy companies are developing ways for their users to opt for solar energy these days, too. 

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, as of 2020 about a third of states in the US had enabling policies for community solar in place to encourage and support the growth of community solar projects, so there’s reason to hope that projects like this will grow and become more readily available in the near future.

How does community solar work?

To power your home via community solar power, you have to first sign up to a local community power project and pay a monthly subscription for membership or shares in that solar farm. One community solar project can provide power for hundreds, even thousands, of homes in the local area.

As Joel Gamoran, Vice President & General Manager of Energy Services at Arcadia explains, “As a community solar program member, you subscribe to a number of solar panels in a solar garden that supplies energy to your community.” Your subscription helps fund the installation of the solar panels at the solar farm or “solar garden”, and then you pay your monthly utilities bill on top of that (generally very low) subscription fee. Essentially, your subscription helps crowdfund the solar panels, and gives you money off the clean energy that those panels produce.

Does subscribing to a community solar project save money or cost more?

According to Arcadia, signing up for a community solar project actually saves you money and reduces your monthly utilities bill. “Installing large solar gardens allows solar developers to achieve lower setup costs and a lower average cost per watt that they can ultimately pass down to community solar subscribers whose subscriptions help fund the upfront cost of the installation,” Joel Gamoran told Sustainably Chic. “Every single project we manage at Arcadia is at a 5-10% savings to the traditional local utility rate.”

Meanwhile, the Solar Energy Industries Association reports that utilities using solar energy have now reached a point where they are “competitive with all other forms of [energy] generation.”

Pros of community solar:

There are many benefits to using community solar as your home’s energy source:

• Solar power (energy derived from the sun) is renewable energy that doesn’t create carbon dioxide by-product as that energy is generated, although it’s important to remember that the materials for the technology has to be responsibly and sustainably mined and disposed of to be considered fully sustainable.

• Solar energy projects can be installed on land that needs to lie fallow before being used for crops, and won’t make permanent changes to the landscape or harm local wildlife while they’re there.

• One of the biggest benefits of community solar projects is that it makes solar energy accessible for people living in low income communities. “Not all households have access to clean energy,” Joel Gamoran points out. “In fact, two out of three renters, apartment dwellers and homeowners in the U.S. don't have access to or can't afford rooftop solar, including poor and BIPOC communities… Community solar will help democratize the transition to clean energy.” Anyone living in the locality of a community solar project can use this solar energy, regardless of their economic status or living situation—community solar projects mean that you don’t even need a roof to access solar energy anymore. 

• The developers at the solar farm are responsible for the installation and maintenance of the solar panels, and they guarantee that your electricity supply won’t cut out.

• Generally, once a community solar project starts generating energy, it also starts generating savings which you, as a subscriber, will see reflected in lower energy bills.

  Cons of community solar:

  So, what are the downsides to community solar (and solar energy more generally)? If you’re thinking this all sounds too good to be true, here are some potential cons to consider:

• Community solar projects are, by nature, very localized. This means that not everyone will have access to a community solar project if there aren’t any running in their local area. As the concept of community solar catches on and our awareness of the importance of clean energy grows, however, you can expect to find more options near you, so keep an eye out for new projects near you, and find out what community solar projects are available near you using Arcadia’s zip code checker.

• As a subscriber to a community solar project, you won’t get the tax benefits that owners of personal rooftop solar panels get. 

• Solar energy requires large amounts of space—big surface areas—for solar panels to collect and store the energy generated from sunlight in batteries. The best practice for large-scale solar energy projects is to find multiple ways to use the land, for example by positioning solar panels such that animals can be let out to graze underneath and in between panels.

• Many people have concerns that solar panels are unsightly—though, they’re arguably less unsightly than a traditional electrical power plant. It can be hard to get permission to install solar panels on protected land or historical buildings.

• Solar panels (and other “eco” technologies, including electric cars) require batteries which have a limited life and have to be disposed of very carefully, because they contain materials and substances that are harmful for the environment. According to the Institute of Energy Research, batteries are expensive to recycle. The US doesn’t currently have systems in place to recycle this kind of technology on a large scale, meaning that as more people opt for solar energy, we also have to campaign for adequate local recycling facilities.

The most striking downside of solar energy in general does seem to be the tech waste that it produces, especially as newer and more effective models of solar panels are developed and people inevitably want to replace perfectly functional panels for the latest model. Some estimates suggest that there’ll be well over 70 million tons of solar panel waste worldwide by 2050. It’s not all bad news, though; Bloomberg reports that the market for used solar panels is growing fast, and that re-used solar panels are already powering communities in the developing world.

All in all, switching to clean energy via a community solar project is an easy and affordable positive step to take for the environment (as long as there’s one available in your area), and will dramatically reduce your household’s carbon footprint. As we work towards a carbon neutral world, supporting solar energy, and campaigning for more innovation and transparency in the clean energy industries, is one major way to live a more sustainable life.

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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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