Home Goods That Do Good
It’s no secret that trying to get your house to “go green” can be a challenge. With so many products on the market today, from cleaning supplies to furnishings, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when trying to choose eco-friendly options that benefit both your home and the planet. That’s why we’ve put together this collection of sustainable home goods that we hope will help you make your life a little bit more environmentally friendly.
The MK Free Board
Plastic cutting boards slough microplastics and chemicals into our food, while wood ones absorb odors and can’t be sanitized in a dishwasher. The new Free Board by Material combines the ease of plastic with the nontoxic and sustainable construction of wood. This sleek lightweight board is made from an innovative plant-based material that’s a mix of clay and 100% USDA-certified biobased biopolymers. Nonporous, dishwasher-safe, and textured for controlled cutting, it’s also free of fossil fuels, PFAS, and food allergens. www.materialkitchen.com
Whalebuk
Why settle for a boring basket when you can conceal your clutter in a cheery, brightly hued sea creature. Part of B Corp-certified Swiss shoemaker Baabuk’s Chalet Collection, the Whalebuk is handcrafted from mulesing-free New Zealand wool by artisans in Nepal. Mulesing is a painful procedure that removes strips of skin from a lamb’s backside to help prevent a common parasitic infection known as “flystrike.” The felted wool, colored with REACH-certified dyes, is soft, durable, and stain-resistant, making it easy to clean. With an inviting shape and lovable grin, Whalebuk makes cleanup fun for all ages. Cats love it, too! www.baabuk.com
Bamboo Sheet Set
We spend one-third of our life in bed, so we might as well sleep with the knowledge that our sheets are earth-friendly. Vesta Sleep’s Bamboo Sheet Set is made from FSC-certified ultra-long organic bamboo fibers instead of synthetic materials and colored with plant-based dyes for silky smooth comfort that’s gentle on the skin, breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic. And it’s from a company that is committed to making its entire footprint — from its supply chain to the products it makes — carbon neutral by 2030. Use coupon code GREENLIVING for 10% off any Vesta Sleep purchase. www.vesta-sleep.com
Plantable Pencil
At first glance, the Plantable Pencil looks like a standard writing utensil. Made from sustainably harvested wood by SproutWorld, a certified B Corp, it features a 100% natural and nontoxic graphite core. But instead of an eraser, hidden at its end is a plant-based capsule filled with seeds. Once the pencil gets too short to use, simply plant it capsule-end down, and you’ll end up with cherry tomatoes for your garden, forget-me-nots for your windowsill, or even a Christmas tree. Each Plantable Pencil contains a single variety of flower, vegetable, or herb, and the labeled stub serves as a plant identification marker. www.sproutworld.com
Charlie Chair
Each year, more than 1.3 billion pounds of plastic toys are discarded, with an estimated 80% ending up in landfills and oceans. Belgian company ecoBirdy transforms these unwanted playthings into colorful furnishings that are sturdy enough for children yet stylish enough for modern homes. With its rounded edges, wide stance, and large seating surface, the Charlie Chair is safe and comfortable for little ones. Crafted from ecothylene — ecoBirdy’s patented material made from recycled post-consumer plastic — it’s lightweight, stable, and easy to clean. And its unique speckled pattern, created from remnants of the source toys, ensures that no two chairs are ever the same. www.ecoBirdy.com
Laundry Powder
You wash your clothes to get them clean, so why use products that coat them with harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances? This powder detergent by women-owned B Corp Meliora contains only what’s needed: an all-natural MADE SAFE-certified formula of baking soda, washing soda, and vegetable soap made with organic coconut oil. But don’t let its simple ingredient list fool you. It’s as effective as a liquid detergent. And, it’s Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free and vegan. Choose from unscented or lavender, lemon, lemon-lavender clove, or peppermint, all made with organic essential oils. Each comes in a paper-and-steel canister that can be replenished with low-waste refills. www.meliorameansbetter.com
Kobble Task Light
Great lighting can transform a space — and California-based innovator Gantri has transformed the way lighting is made. Designs are 3D printed on demand using a proprietary biodegradable polymer derived from non-GMO sugarcane and free from phthalates and BPA. This removes the need for large inventories and prevents unsold products from ending up in landfills. It also allows Gantri to partner with a range of designers from around the world, such as internationally renowned industrial designer Karim Rashid. The award-winning Kobble Task Light showcases Rashid’s signature “blobject” style, combining biomorphic shapes with a touch of futuristic whimsy to evoke a sense of harmony and energy. www.gantri.com
