12 Sustainable Flats, Loafers & Mules Keeping Your Feet Comfy, Yet Cute
 

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Comfortable and Sustainable FLATS, LOAFERS & MULES For 2023

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a good pair of high-quality flats in my shoe collection. These are always very easy to wear with most outfits, whether we want to look more put together or casual. 

Ballet flats, loafers and mules are also effortless to slip on and off, making them the perfect shoes for our daily activities. 

However, it is nowadays difficult to find quality flats that are made to last. Those sold by fast fashion brands often wear down after a couple of months and quickly become yet another wasted pair of shoes that will sit in a landfill. Plus, they are usually produced under unethical conditions and made with unsustainable materials. 

Fortunately, some brands are making things differently. These are brands that care about their workers and how their products impact the environment. 

I have selected 12 of the most eco-friendly, sustainable flats, loafers and mules, so you can finally get your hands, or should I say your feet, on some high-quality shoes that do not harm the planet.  

WHAT MAKES FLATS, LOAFERS AND MULES SUSTAINABLE?

One of the most important factors to take into account when shopping for flats, loafers, or mules is that they should be durable and built to last for many years. 

Of course, make sure to pick shoes that you love, that fit you, and that are comfortable so that you will actually want to wear them. 

The brand should also be transparent about where and how the shoes are produced, and make them using sustainable materials. Workers in the supply chain should be paid a fair, living wage and work in a safe environment. 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable flats, loafers and mules are usually made from natural or recycled materials, such as recycled plastic or plant-based fibers. Some brands also use apple leather produced from discarded apple peels, which is a great vegan alternative to leather. 

If used for many years, vegetable-tanned leather sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group can also be a more eco-friendly material compared to many others. Leather is extremely durable and can last for decades if taken care of properly. 

The soles can be made from recycled rubber, recycled plastic, and even from cork, algae, sugarcane, or other plant-based materials. 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR HIGH-QUALITY, SUSTAINABLE FLATS, LOAFERS & MULES

1. Monica Mule

Brand: Able

Materials: Leather

Price: $128

A beautiful luxe mule, these classic shoes feature a pointed toe, gold-chain, and ultimate comfort. They will be sure to dress up any casual outfit!

ABLE believes in ending poverty; we must provide jobs for those lacking opportunity, particularly women. They also work with leather partners who have taken steps to minimize material waste and use a 100% recycled, closed-loop water system. 


2. Emma d’Orsay Oxfords

Brand: Nisolo

Materials: Leather, Rubber

Price: $170

These Emma oxfords crafted by Nisolo are d’Orsay shoes that will make you look incredibly refined, chic, and put together.

Their timeless and versatile design is made to elevate any outfit! 

Sold in four neutral colors, these are classic, convenient shoes to have as a fashion staple. They are easy to slip on, built to last, and can be worn all year round. 

Nisolo’s oxfords feature waterproof leather uppers with an internal elastic stretch, stacked leather heels, slip-free rubber heel caps, and vegetable-tanned leather soles. They also have cushioned insoles with added shock absorption, as well as breathable leather-lined interiors. 

All the leather used to make the Emma d’Orsay shoes comes from a tannery that is certified by the Leather Working Group. 

Thanks to its numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, Nisolo has become a top-rated Certified B Corporation and is climate-neutral certified. It also received the highest score in Remake’s 2021 Accountability Report

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3. The Lug Mule

Brand: Poppy Barley

Materials: LWG Leather

Price: $243

A chunky-soled mule is everything this fall and winter season.

We LOVE the beautiful cinnamon color (also in taupe, black & pearl).

These mules can be styled with many different outfits and look cute with socks!

Poppy Barley is a Canadian brand and B-Corporation founded by two sisters in Edmonton, AB. Their company is committed to rethinking every step to create sustainably made, fairly-priced products designed to be worn on repeat.


5. Vegan Women’s Slip-On Loafers

Brand: Will’s Vegan Store

Materials: Vegan Suede, Recycled Rubber

Price: $90-108

Will’s Vegan Store creates beautiful loafers that are ideal for everyday wear and special occasions. They have small 0.4-inch heels and grippy outsoles that are designed to last for a long time. 

You can choose between three different models: a classic black one, as well as blue or black jacquard loafers with a lovely floral pattern.  

These slip-on loafers are made from Italian vegan suede that received the Ecolabel certification and meets Oeko Tex Standard 100 and REACH regulations. The inside of the shoes is lined with soft vegan suede, and the insoles are produced from recycled rubber. 

Made in Portugal, the loafers are certified carbon-neutral, and they are shipped to you in paper and cardboard packaging. 

At the end of their life, you can send them back and Will’s Vegan Store will give them a new life by turning them into new outsoles and uppers. 


6. Taylor Matte Jelly Ballet Flats

Brand: Oka-B

Materials: Soy-Based Materials, Recycled Materials

Price: $42

With its Taylor jelly flats, Oka-B proves that shoes do not have to be expensive to be sustainable and comfortable. Not only are these shoes very affordable, but they are also made with comfort and the planet in mind! They are classic ballet flats with a soft, matte finish, and they are designed for a wide range of foot shapes.

They provide arch support and feature soothing massage beads and a heel cup to improve stability and comfort. 

Oka-B flats are made from a blend of scrap materials, used shoes, and the brand’s proprietary bio-based material produced from 45% US-grown soy. The material is waterproof, flexible, and slip-resistant. 

The Taylor jelly flats are made-to-order in Oka-B’s family-owned factory located in Georgia, USA. When you are done with them, you can send them back and the company will make sure they get recycled. 


7. Margot 2.0 Square-Toe V-Cut Flats

Brand: Vivaia

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Hemp, Rubber

Price: $97-139

The Margot 2.0 flats sold by Vivaia are the perfect everyday shoes you can wear at work, to run errands, or to walk in the park. Designed in more than ten colors, they are breathable and very practical as you can put them in your washing machine when they get dirty.

They are also extremely flexible, meaning that they can easily fit in your handbag.

Vivaia’s flats are produced from six plastic water bottles that were saved from the ocean, and the slip-resistant outsole is made of natural rubber. 

The flats’ insoles contain Artemisia Argyi, a plant that helps inhibit bacterial growth and keep your feet fresh even in the heat and humidity. 

With its arch support and cushioning, walking with the Margot 2.0 feels like wearing sneakers, and its heel padding prevents you from having blisters! 

We also love that the brand ships them in packaging made of 100% recycled cardboard.


8. The Point

Brand: Rothy’s 

Materials: Recycled Plastic

Price: $145

The Point flats are slip-ons that you can wear year-round to elevate your outfits. These are versatile pointed-toe flats that are so comfortable that you will not even have to break them in! They feature a soft, flexible knit made from the brand’s signature thread, spun from 11 recycled plastic bottles.

Each shoe also has durable outsoles, comfortable insoles, and a V-shaped vamp. 

Rothy’s offers them in 28 colors, including a few bold colors and several unique patterns that will make them stand out from the other pairs of flats you may have. The back of each shoe also has the brand’s signature blue halo. 

The Point flats are fully machine washable whenever they need a refresh, so you will be able to keep them for a long time.

Rothy’s makes its shoes using an innovative knitting technique that helps avoid the 30% of material waste usually generated in traditional “cut and sew” production! 


9. Black Apple Leather House Mules

Brand: Dooeys

Materials: Apple Leather, Recycled Plastic, Latex, Cork, Sugarcane 

Price: $142

These house mules, crafted by Dooeys and sold on Made Trade’s website, are comfy slippers that are easy to slip on and off during the day when you are at home. 

Very stylish, they can be dressed up or dressed down, and their cushioned insoles provide the support you need for your daily activities. 

Dooeys’ house mules are made from natural, plant-based, and recycled materials. They feature a vegan apple leather upper, sugarcane soles, a recycled plastic lining, and footbeds made of cork and natural latex. 

The mules are crafted in an ethical workshop based in Portugal, and they are made in small batches to prevent unnecessary waste. 

Buying mules from Dooeys means that you are supporting a woman-owned company that regularly gives back to environmental organizations and offsets its carbon emissions from shipping. 

Made Trade is also climate-neutral certified, so you can feel good about your purchase!


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10. The Vicky

Brand: Veerah

Materials: Apple Leather, Organic Cotton, Algae Foam 

Price: $228

These chic flats, crafted by sustainable footwear brand Veerah, have an asymmetric cut and a pointed-toe silhouette, making them very elegant and a staple piece for your wardrobe.

Designed for walking, they provide sneaker-like comfort, so you can easily wear them all day long. 

The Vicky flats are ethically crafted from apple leather, a USDA-certified bio-based leather made from upcycled apple peels. Available in brown, red, black, or metallic gold, they are colored using non-toxic, organic pigments. 

Veerah’s flats also feature an organic cotton sock lining and impact-absorbing insoles made of algae biomass. Since algae blooms can be very harmful to aquatic ecosystems, using them to create these flats helps save 11 gallons of filtered water and keep eight balloons of CO2 out of the atmosphere! 

The Vicky flats are 100% cruelty-free and vegan, and as a public benefit corporation, Veerah regularly donates at least 1% of its revenue to social impact causes. 


11. Black Ballet Flats With Black Velvet Marie Straps

Brand: Alterre

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Leather, Rubber

Price: $225

With their comfortable low heels, these black ballet flats sold by Alterre will make you look very elegant while keeping your feet happy. If you want a more unique style, you can customize them with the black velvet straps they come with, so you can wear them in two different ways!

Produced in Brazil, Alterre’s flats are made of chrome-free leather and have durable rubber soles and cushioned midsoles that provide all-day comfort. 

The brand reduces its leather and plastic waste by using a laser cutter to make its shoes and by crafting all of its heels from recycled plastic. 

Striving to reduce its environmental footprint as much as possible, Alterre also sources its leathers and other materials locally and works with suppliers certified by the Leather Working Group.  

The company has even been awarded the Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury for its commitment to sustainability, and it donates 5% of its profits to Restore NYC to help them fight sex trafficking. 


12). Uchi Flats in Tannat

Brand: ZOU XOU

Materials: Leather, Rubber

Price: $290

Ethical footwear brand ZOU XOU designed brown, square-toe flats that can be worn year-round with multiple outfit combinations. Whether you choose to pair them with a feminine dress or classic trousers with a button-down shirt, you will always look amazing in them!  The Uchi flats are made of deep burgundy glazed leather and feature a faux tortoise shell buckle that adds personality to the whole shoe. 

They have rubber outsoles, leather midsoles and stacked heels, and an interior lining made from vegetable-tanned leather. All these materials are selected for their durability to make sure the Uchi flats are designed to last for many years. 

ZOU XOU’s shoes are handmade in Argentina using old-school techniques, and they are produced on-demand or in small batches to avoid overproduction and waste. Most of the leathers the brand uses are sourced from tanneries specialized in vegetable tanning or certified by the Leather Working Group. 

ZOU XOU also has an incredibly ethical business model in which the artisans establish their own wages and work in healthy, safe environments. 


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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9 Things You can do with Your Old Wedding Dress
 

What to do with Old Wedding Dresses

For countless people, the day of their wedding is a day they look forward to for years. It's a great occasion to celebrate your relationship and spouse with your family and friends and, of course, to have a good time with everyone you hold dear.  

For many of us, it is also the perfect occasion to go big and bold with our outfits by wearing something we wouldn't normally wear in our everyday life. After all, most of us wouldn't show up at the grocery store in a tuxedo. 

The same goes for wedding dresses. Often these dresses aren't just any dress to those who wear them, but a cherished memento that can hold a lot of memories and mean a lot to the wearer. If you bought one for your wedding, chances are your wedding gown is the most lavish, elaborate garment you have ever owned.  

Why you might want to give your old wedding dress a new life

Given all the sentimental meaning this type of dress can have for those who choose to wear it on their wedding day, it’s easy to see how simply storing it in a closet might feel like an underwhelming end for the dress we wore on one of the most memorable days of our life. 

Plus, we have all heard that the most sustainable thing we can do when it comes to our clothes is to wear them as much as we can, and while wearing a wedding gown in our everyday life may not be precisely feasible, we can still reuse it and repurpose it. 

Doing that won't only lower the environmental impact of the gown, but it will also allow us to cherish the dress we wore on such a special day and the fond memories it holds. We might not often get to spend a day laughing and celebrating with all we love, but we might get to remember that day by giving a new life to our beloved wedding dress and bringing it into our everyday life. 

  1. Dye it and re-wear it 

While there are many more budget-friendly options for wedding dresses, such as choosing a hand-me-down wedding dress or purchasing a second-hand one, wedding dresses tend to be quite an investment. That's why it makes perfect sense both environmentally and financially to wear it if that is something we are comfortable with and suits our personal style. 

This option may be perfect for those who chose a dress closer to a special occasion or even an everyday dress rather than a classic wedding gown. It is, in fact, way easier to adapt a wedding dress for day-to-day wear if it doesn't have a full skirt and a structured or heavily decorated top. If that's you, you can take your dress from reception dinner to dinner with your besties appropriate with just a few touch-ups. 

If you went with the classic white or off-white for your wedding dress, dyeing the dress might be a great idea to make your wedding dress more wearable outside the wedding hall.

To turn this alteration into a fun and sustainable activity, you might want to look into dyeing your dress using plants and flowers that are locally available to you. That will make the result more sustainable and more unique.

2. Donate it 

Your wedding dress has already accompanied you during a meaningful and memorable day. To give even more meaning to your wedding dress, even after your wedding day is over, you can choose to donate it. 

By donating your dress, you will allow your dress to make someone else happy on their wedding day and support a charitable cause. In fact, by mindfully parting from your old wedding dress, you can contribute to various causes, such as supporting brides who cannot afford a new gown, funding cancer research, or closing the gender gap in technology. 

Several organizations in the United States, like Brides for a Cause and Brides Against Breast Cancer, sell second-hand wedding dresses and donate their profits to charities and other good causes. 

Such organizations are only great places to buy your wedding if you still need to, but if you have purchased your dress already, they give you a great chance to provide even more meaning to the wedding dress you bought. 

Just remember that there tend to be limits on how old the donated dresses can be, so you might want to decide if and to which organization you'd like to donate your wedding dress before your wedding day.   

3. Pass it down

Passing down one's wedding dress is a beautiful way to start a beautiful family tradition or keep it going and allows a younger loved one to feel more connected to you and your family history. Passing the dress down can be a great option for those who got married many moons ago and whose dresses might not be fit anymore for the other options we have listed here. 

While a vintage dress might be an excellent fit for some, the loved one you are passing it down to might want to alter the dress to make it more modern, in addition to taking care of the cleaning and minor repairs it might need.

To ensure this is a happy step in getting ready for a happy occasion, ensure that the loved one you want to pass the dress down to is genuinely pleased getting married in a hand-me-down dress and that you are both comfortable with the eventual alterations.  

No worries, if you can't take care of that yourself, a good dry-cleaner and a talented sewist can give back your wedding dress all the luster it had on your special day. 

Bonus points, getting your old wedding dress ready for its next wedding might be a great bonding experience for your and the wedding dress's next wearer.  

4. Create keepsakes

Many people treasure the tradition of keeping a wedding dress as a visual reminder of their special day. Making keepsakes out of your wedding dress enables you to relive the unforgettable moments of your big day and leave irreplaceable heirlooms for the future generations of your family.

You have many options to preserve the beauty and significance of your wedding dress by turning it into a keepsake. These one-of-a-kind creations, which range from customizing the dress into anything from a quilt or cushion to tableware, serve as daily reminders of the happiness you and your loved ones felt on your wedding day.

5. Sell it    

Selling your wedding dress is an excellent option for those on a budget to give their wedding dress a new life. As wedding dresses can be a considerable expense for many, selling them can easily offset part of the cost of the dress you fell in love with.  

You can sell your old wedding dress on specialized platforms like Still White and Nearly Newlywed and on more generalist clothing resale apps like Vinted or Depop.  

Remember that when it comes to selling a wedding dress, a seller should go through the same checklist as those selling regular clothes, so make sure that your dress is clean, be honest about its conditions, and make sure to provide the pictures, info, and measurements prospective buyers might need.     

6. Repurpose your wedding dress into other items

Repurposing your wedding dress into other garments is a fantastic way to take your wedding dress into your everyday life, even if your wedding dress is fairy-tale-ready.  

A skilled professional can help you in this task to ensure you can save as much of the dress as possible while making one or more garments that are warble and to your taste.  

By taking apart your wedding dress, you can turn the structured top part into a corset-style top to wear with anything from jeans to other dresses. 

The skirt can be de-puffed and shortened, and the layers you take out can be repurposed as petticoats to wear under other dresses and skirts to give them form and volume. You can also save the bodice and remove the sleeves to add them to a sleeveless dress. 

Alternatively, you can even use the fabric to make a beautiful dressing gown which can even become a beautiful familiar heirloom. 

7. Rent it out

If you want to keep the dress in its original form and don't want to part from it forever, renting it out can be a terrific option. 

You can rent it out locally to you or via services like By Rotation, the platform allowing users to lend their clothing and accessories by simply listing their fashion items on the app. You can then approve or deny requests and ship the dress to your renter of choice. 

8. Display it

If there is one characteristic wedding dresses are known for is their beauty, so why not display such a gorgeous item in your home? This is an easy, hassle-free option to turn your wedding dress into a memento of your special day.

If you wish to display your dress, you can either frame it and hang it on the wall or place it on a mannequin. Either way, you'll get to see your wedding dress's unadulterated beauty in your everyday life, adding a touch of magic to the mundane.  

 9. Wear it on special anniversaries

Another excellent option for those who want to keep their wedding dress just as it is is to wear it on special anniversaries. 

If that tickles your fancy, it is of the utmost importance that the dress is kept in tip-top shape in the years you won't be wearing it. So make sure to get your dress cleaned adequately after your wedding day and avoid covering it with the standard plastic bags they wrap clothing in at the dry cleaner as those could cause yellowing in the long run, and opt for a breathable garment bag. 

Also, make sure to take the dress out periodically to intervene as soon as possible if any damage has occurred.  


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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A Beginner’s Guide to Apartment Gardening (& Why You Should Start One)
 

A Guide to Apartment Gardening

There are many reasons to love gardening. Whether you like seeing a tiny seed turn into a lush plant, enjoy spending time away from technology or want to harvest your food instead of purchasing expensive alternatives, there are many options. 

You might think you need a house with plenty of land to enjoy a garden, but that’s far from the truth. You can grow and harvest many plant varieties in a small section of your apartment. 

Here’s how to get started with apartment gardening. 

Benefits of Apartment Gardening 

There are many advantages to having a garden in your apartment, whether large or small. 

Grow Your Own Food 

Growing produce in your apartment reduces waste caused by mass food production. Big farming and associated transportation make up 26% of global carbon emissions. Grocery store visits are unlikely to stop with an apartment garden, but you can reduce your carbon footprint by locally growing and sourcing your food. You’ll likely save money since you won’t be as impacted by inflated prices. 

Buying and using fewer things helps the environment. It’s hard to control the amount of snacks in a package, but you can grow more or less food each year, so you get a lot of delicious food without wasting much. 

Evidence shows that locally grown food is more nutritious and tastes better than mass-produced options. It makes sense since produce might travel the world before getting to you. The freshness and nutritional value decrease by the time it reaches your plate. Grocery store items can still be good for you, but picking crops yourself might make you more willing to eat them, improving your overall health. 

Purify the Air 

One of the disadvantages of living in an urban area is the higher concentration of air pollutants in the atmosphere. Having plants in your apartment can reduce the amount of irritants in the air and help you breathe easier. 

Plants take in carbon dioxide and expel more oxygen for people to breathe. It’s an incomparable relationship. Gardens and houseplants remove the CO2 you inhale as well as the carbon emissions in and around your apartment. Growing plants is a sustainable and inexpensive alternative to an air purifier. 

High pollution levels can contribute to respiratory conditions like allergies, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Having an apartment garden can reduce your risk. 

Improve Your Mental Health

Having an apartment garden might make you feel calmer or happier. Research shows that being around plants can help reduce symptoms of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Having plants around can also improve your focus and inspire your creative side. 

There is a connection between physical and mental health. Eating more fresh foods from your garden could lift your spirits. 

People who live with chronic stress can find benefits in mindfulness. Gardening is an excellent way to practice it because you focus on your actions. Ensuring each plant has enough soil, fertilizer, water and sunshine are things you can concentrate on but are simple enough tasks that they don’t stress you out. 

Gardening is also a surprisingly physical activity and contributes to the suggested 150 minutes of aerobic activity adults should partake in each week. Regular exercise is a great mood booster that can strengthen your mental health.


Creating an Apartment Garden

Starting an apartment garden is easier than you might think. All plants need the same type of care, whether in a field or a windowsill. Choosing your crops carefully and tending to them well will yield a harvest in no time.  

Choose Your Location 

You’ll need to plant your garden in a location with the following conditions: 

  • Sun: Sunlight helps your budding beauties turn water and CO2 into energy. Some plants need more than others, so look at the directions on your seed packets to ensure you give them enough but not too much natural light. 

  • Water access: Plants need water to hydrate and continue growing. 

  • Drainage: Your crops need water, but too much could drown their roots. Having a pot or container with drainage can prevent this issue. 

  • Fertilizer: Giving your plants a boost with fertilizer can help them grow stronger inside or outside your apartment. 

Balcony or Patio 

Take advantage of any outdoor space to give your plants a good chance of growing like they would in the ground. You can use containers or grow bags to produce taller crops since you don’t have to worry about them invading your living space. Just watch for potential frosts so you know when to cover them or bring them in for the night. 

Near a Window 

Another good option is growing plants in a window. Depending on the sunlight it lets in your apartment, you could get a good number of crops. If you don’t have many windows, consider setting up a small herb and vegetable garden to grow delicious produce while minimizing used space. 

Windows can be an excellent solution for plants and produce that only need partial sunlight to thrive. Being indoors protects them from pests that may try to eat their leaves and damage your hard work. You can also better regulate the temperature of your garden inside, helping it last longer. 

Indoor Gardening System from MyGardyn

Gardening Systems 

Many companies recognize the desire for apartment gardens and offer systems that give your plants what they need without worrying about their care. They are excellent solutions if you are tech-savvy, can afford one and don’t have much time to spend on your plants. 

One example is a hydroponic version, which has the right temperature and frequency of light to practically eliminate the need for any sun. It and similar models have lights to alert you when to add more water or fertilizer to your plants. 

Many brands and options are available, and with some research, you can find which system works best for your budget, skills and desired plants. 

Decide What to Plant 

Determine what to grow as you figure out where you can plant things. Many plant options can thrive in an apartment. 

Fruits and Vegetables

You can grow many different fruits and vegetables in your home, and dwarf varieties are available. Lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and peppers are some of the many great options for container gardening. You can also pot dwarf lemon, banana, clementine and even apple trees in an apartment. 

What you choose to plant should depend on the space available, the climate you live in, the care the plant would need, and your aesthetic or taste preferences. 

Flowers 

You can grow flowers and other decorative plants indoors. Use small or large beds for your windows or balcony. You can also pair various houseplants to provide a sense of nature in the city. 

Small flowers work well in border gardens surrounding your walkway, patio or balcony. You could also choose to plant a cut flower garden, which you can use for homegrown bouquets. Consider planting sunflowers and taller plants that can block your neighbors’ views if you want more privacy. 

Choose Your Container 

Once you know what and where to choose which containers you will use for your apartment garden, you’ll need items that accommodate the needs of your plants’ future size and root growth. You can replant some seedlings as needed, but others work best if you plant them in the gardening container they’ll remain in. 

You can purchase a container garden frame or build one that fits best for your space. Large pots can work well for some plants and are easy to rearrange to get the best setup for you. If you want to conserve space when you’re not growing plants, consider using fabric grow bags that you can clean and fold away at the end of the season. 

Another thing to consider is how easy it will be to clean your containers. You don’t have as much space to grow, so choose a solution that minimizes the mess. Pots are easy to sweep around, and a tarp can help prevent balcony plants from dripping on your downstairs neighbors. 

Using Your Garden 

Once your plants bloom or are ready to harvest, you can start enjoying them. 

Experiment with different recipes or make preserves to access healthy, fresh food all year. There are also many other ways to use your harvest. 

Give Back 

If you have more than you want, consider donating some of your food or plants to community members who could use them. Share your bounty with neighbors and friends who can appreciate the hard work that went into their growth. 

You could also use your plants as a source of extra income. Offer locally grown fruits and vegetables or make flower arrangements to sell to individuals or other local businesses. 

Compost 

Get a head start on next year’s garden by composting the organic waste your current plants create. Apartment composting doesn’t have to be a smelly affair. Many companies now produce countertop options that conceal odors and create nutritious soil to help your next crops thrive. 

Beginning Your Apartment Garden 

You can enjoy fresh plants all year from your apartment garden. Whether you grow food, flowers or other greenery, having live plants around can significantly impact your life, the environment and the lives of others.


About the Author:

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn


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15 Eco-Friendly & Organic Blankets for The Best Snuggles
 

Image: Bearaby

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The Best Sustainable Blankets for Your Home

What feels better than curling up with a cozy blanket after a long day?? And what makes it even better is knowing your blanket is eco-friendly and sustainably-made. We have quite the collection at our house, so I added some of our favorites!

What makes a blanket ‘sustainable’?

When looking for sustainable blankets, the first thing we look for is the material. Is it made from a natural, eco-friendly fabric? Each of these blankets is made with sustainable fabric, and many are labeled ‘organic,’ meaning they have gone through a stricter farming process than conventional fabrics. Next question - are they ethically made? We need to know if the person behind the product was paid a fair wage in safe working conditions. Finally, are they cozy and made to last? We want them to be practical and future staples of your home you can enjoy for many years.

Our Top Picks for Organic & Sustainable Blankets:

1. Organic Cotton & Wool Throw

Brand: Under the Canopy

Material: Organic Cotton & Wool

Price: $107+

We always direct people to this brand because they create affordable organic products for the home. Under the Canopy adheres to 6 certifications {FAIR TRADE, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, C2C, RCS & FSC}. This beautiful throw comes in 4 different colors/prints and is made with 70% organic cotton grown in Turkey and 30% organic Merino wool from Argentina.


2. Cascade Matelasse Blanket

Brand: Coyuchi

Material: Organic Cotton

Price: $248+

Made from 100% GOTS organic cotton sourced from India and then woven in Portugal. We love how Coyuchi breaks down its product’s impact. These blankets save almost 3k days of drinking water, avoid 13 miles of driving emissions, and 276 square feet of land farmed without pesticides.


3. Waffle Bed Blanket

Brand: Boll & Branch

Material: Organic Cotton

Price: $219+

With a breathable weight and touchable texture, the Waffle Bed Blanket has the highest quality threads sourced from the finest long-staple 100% organic cotton. Find it in ten different colors (we love this natural one) and three sizes (twin, full/queen, and king/cal. king)!


4. Happy Habitat Recycled Throw

From: West Elm

Material: Recycled Cotton (+ 20% acrylic)

Price: $175

Kansas City-based Karrie Dean of Happy Habitat makes the sweetest handmade blankets!

We love the retro flower & geometric print and the use of recycled cotton threads.


5. Organic Cotton Blanket

Brand: Savvy Rest

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $89+

Savvy Rest is an employee-owned B Corp offering cozy organic bedding, mattresses, and more. We love that they source only the highest quality organic and natural materials for their home products. This organic cotton blanket is available in sizes Throw - CA King. The neutral cream color goes with any decor & the gorgeous herringbone weave adds a classic design and texture.


6. Diamond Blanket

Brand: Pottery Barn

Material: Organic Cotton

Price: $62

A great way to add texture to your bedding, this diamond blanket is responsibly made from 100% organic cotton and comes in several sizes and neutral colors. I love that Pottery Barn has been using more organic cotton!


7. Weighted Blanket

Brand: Saatva

Material: Cotton, Glass Beads

Price: $345+

This beautiful weighted blanket is made from ethically sourced cotton free of potentially harmful chemicals, non-toxic dyes, and all-natural glass beads. Its soft diamond velvet exterior provides comfort, while the beads in the blanket provides gentle, even pressure. Find it in two sizes: single (12 lbs) or Queen/King (20 lbs).


8. Woodrose Waffle Blanket

Brand: Magic Linen

Material: Linen & Cotton

Price: $149

Magic Linen is one of those brands I would occasionally browse, making mental wish lists of what I want our future room to look like. So I’m finally happy to say I own one of their blankets, and it’s this beauty right here! We have it in my office / spare guest room, and with the pinks and blues I’ve already put into the room, it fits in perfectly. Find it in ten different colors!


9. Array Quilt Throw

Brand: Anchal

Material: Organic Cotton

Price: $298

Made in Ajmer, India, with 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, the Array Quilt Throw features a beautiful geometric embroidery pattern. It’s a great way to add warmth and texture to your room. Anchal’s approach to creating their textiles revolutionizes the traditional Kantha quilting techniques from north India to create modern, heirloom-quality pieces.


10. La Calle Alpaca Throw

Brand: The Citizenry

Material: Baby Alpaca

Price: $159

Made from 100% super soft baby alpaca and handwoven by master artisans in a quiet mountain village in the Peruvian Andes, each throw takes about a week to complete. Plus, all are made exclusively in a fair trade environment.


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11. Knit Throw

Brand: Zestt

Material: Organic Cotton

Price: $111

We own this blanket from when I partnered with Green Roost. It is one of my favorites, and I use it every day! The Knit Throw is made in India with 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, and the neutral colors (grey and soft white) are perfect for the chair or couch in your living room.


12. Cross Throw Blanket

Brand: Newly

Material: Recycled Cotton & Plastic Bottles

Price: $128

We own this blanket, and it is so soft!! I love the fact it is reversible.

Their soft, classic cross throw in neutral, grayscale tones is made from 51% recycled cotton &12 water bottles worth of plastic! Because of this, it also saves 2,250 gallons of water. It is also made right here in the US.


13. Ilse Throw

Brand: MINNA

Material: Cotton

Price: $165

Handwoven in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Ilse throw is perfect for the living room or bedroom or thrown on the table as a tablecloth. They use a flying shuttle loom, & they look pretty impressive!! MINNA, the brand and store, is a queer woman-owned and majority queer or woman-operated business.


14. Throw Blanket

Brand: Grund America

Material: Organic Cotton

Price: $118

Another beautiful throw that can fit perfectly in any room is this 100% organic cotton blanket from Grund America.

This brand is well known for its home goods and bath towels. Their prices are more accessible than most, but the quality is still excellent. This style comes in 4 neutral colors.


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15. Weighted Blanket

Brand: Bearaby

Material: Tencel, Organic Cotton

Price: $199+

We have been using Bearaby’s Tree Napper for the last couple of years - well, my husband has officially taken it as his own. It is fantastic, and I love that these weighted blankets are made with organic cotton and (my fave) Tencel - and they look so cute in your living room or on your bed - or, in this case, on a hammock.


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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.


related reading you may also enjoy:

 
7 Natural, Non-Toxic Candles to Welcome the Fall & Holiday Season
 

Image: Grow Fragrance

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the world a better place!

The Best Non-Toxic Fall & Christmas Candles

Are you looking for sustainable candles to bring in the holiday cheer? I don’t know about you, but it’s almost impossible not to light my first fall candle before September. There is always a day in August with just the right breeze to put me in the mood for the new season. Then, right after Halloween, I immediately go for the Christmas tree-scented candles! The last four months of the year are always a favorite of mine, and I feel like the candles are a special part of it all.

I’ve been guilty of buying scents at stores like Target, but there are many better places to buy candles. You want to ensure what you are burning in your home is made with safe ingredients and poured ethically. Many candles you find today are made with paraffin wax derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. When burning, this wax releases toxic compounds into the air, like acetone, benzene, and toluene, all known carcinogens. With this list, you don’t have to worry about those! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with all the best smells :D

Fall Collection

Grow Fragrance

$34

Hands down, my favorite non-toxic candle brand! Grow Fragrance’s new Fall Collection transports you to pumpkin patches and orchards. Choose from Pear Cider, Ginger Pumpkin and Woodland Sage - or get the entire set for a discounted price! These 100% plant-based, refillable candles also make the best gifts for your holiday hosts!


Butternut Bakery Bundle

Siblings Co.

$71

Siblings wanted to fix the wasteful candle industry by offering a more sustainable way of doing candles - refilling them yourselves. Their wax is a 100% natural blend of coconut and soy wax and uses non-toxic, cruelty-free fragrances and essential oils. The bags are 100% compostable and made using 99% plant-based materials!


Spiced Pumpkin

P. F. CANDLE CO.

$24

There's nothing like lighting your first spiced pumpkin candle of the season! This P.F. Candle Co. candle is hand-poured with 100% domestically-grown soy wax into apothecary-inspired amber jars with a signature kraft label and a brass lid. It's meant for dressers, countertops, nightstands – everywhere - and can be reused after, right?!


Apple Cider Minimalist Candle

Brooklyn Candle Studio

$28

Made in a Brooklyn workshop, these candles use sustainable soy wax and phthalate-free perfume oils infused with essential oils, and are inspired by nature and travel, moments and memories. All candles are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan, and poured and labeled by hand by their team of artisans.


Trentino Organic Candle

Sanari Candle

$34

The Trentino Organic Candle infuses certified organic essential oils of cinnamon bark and clove with a vegan coconut wax blend, hand-poured into a reusable wine glass (how amazing is that?!) in small batches in Los Angeles, California. This one is infused with woody cinnamon bark, vanilla bean & clove.


Mountain Happiness

Prosperity Candle

$24

This one smells good any time of the year when you want to feel like you are in the mountains, but it fits perfectly with the holiday season. Every candle is ethically made by women artisans and refugees here in the U.S. They never add dyes or enhancers, & each is poured with all-natural soy and coconut waxes, pure cotton and wood wicks, & premium fragrances made with essential oils.


Freakshow Wine Bottle Candle

Candleholic Shop

$20

Candleholic candles are unique because they're handcrafted from recycled and upcycled wine and liquor bottles. The wax is hand-poured in the USA out of paraben-free, natural soy. Mulled Cider and Chestnut's fragrance puts a twist on the classic fall and winter scents of spiced cider and roasted chestnuts. You'd love this brand if you're a wine connoisseur or bartender - or appreciate an excellent upcycled product!