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Whether you’re looking for the perfect summer photoshoot outfit, or you just want a comfortable summer dress for your little one, boho-style dresses are the way to go!
Boho dresses are characterized by free flowing, breathable fabric that often times contains a hint of ethnic charm—minimal yet fashionable. Perhaps that’s why they’re a perfect addition to any minimalist or sustainable wardrobe.
With that said, below are 10 cutest boho dresses for toddler girls that look absolutely adorable for summer.
They’re made from light weight, breathable cotton/linen, and they pair really well with any sweater, jacket, tights and leggings.
10 Must-Have Boho Toddler Dresses
Brand | IzyJoy
Your toddler will get tons of compliments in this crewneck-style linen boho dress by IzyJoy! It’s lightweight, free-flowing, and comes in really soothing earthy colors.
For the little girl who loves collecting wild flowers and spending time outdoors, this adorable rainbow dress by Kekemi is a great addition to her wardrobe.
One of our favorite boho-style dresses for toddlers is this design by YoungerTree. The sleeveless style with little flowers simply represents summer, and is so fun to twirl in!
This charming boho-style dress for toddlers by Anata is especially perfect for photoshoots! We may be a little biased, but it looks especially cute in a slate color!
This boho-style toddler dress by Mubineo is perfect the free-spirited child! It’s great for tropical vacations, attending church, or simply playing in the backyard.
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If you’re shopping for eco-friendly gifts for him, then you’ve come to the right place!
Christmas and other occasions that require gift giving can be pretty wasteful to begin with, so it’s important that we switch our mindset from passive to conscious when it comes to shopping.
There are plenty of really thoughtful and unique plastic-free gifts that are just as trendy, if not cooler, than conventional products. And men love cool stuff.
Are Men Interested In Sustainability?
You bet!
All men are minimalists at heart. They prefer quality over quantity and need over want, which falls perfectly in line with environmentally friendly gift options.
Eco-friendly gifts consist of items that don’t have a negative impact on our environment; they’re reusable, recyclable, compostable and non-toxic.
Sustainable gifts are also more durable and don’t need frequent replacement, which is a product quality that men really like.
Hence, I’ve put together a uniue list of hand-picked eco-friendly gifts for him that we think he’ll really love. They vary from sustainable fashion to environmentally friendly outdoor gear—a little something for everyone on your list.
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MAN GIFT BOX
Man Gift Box
For the outdoorsman who loves camping and lighting fires, the ”Man Gift Box” is full of all the eco-friendly essentials for a fun camping experience. This gift box comes equipped with an insulated tumbler, natural coffee grit soap, masculine scented candle, Rambo style knife and a fire starting survival kit. It’s a nice gift set for an outdoor enthusiast!
The man in your life can keep his feet warm and cozy this winter in some hand-knitted Marty McFly’s! Made from yarn and recyclable EVA rubber soles, these nostalgic adult booties by Seay are a rare find and make an awesome Christmas gift for the man who has everything!
If the man in your life is in need of a new phone case, consider getting him a compostable phone case by Pela! Compostable phone cases are much better for your health and the environment because they’re non-toxic and will eventually biodegrade (instead of sitting around in landfills)—making these a really cool plastic-free gift for men in need of phone accessories!
The consensus amongst many men that we interviewed (and confirmed via Reddit) is that they want HIGH QUALITY socks. And the best recommended socks based on durability and comfort are DARN TOUGH socks, which come in many styles and will last an insanely long time. It’s a Christmas gift that men will actually put to use.
If the man in your life is in need of some new shoes, consider getting him a pair of sustainable shoes from Saola! Saola shoes are made from recycled and bio-based materials and are really stylish and comfortable. These shoes make a truly awesome eco-friendly gift for men.
The 55L Carry-On Duffle by United by Blue is the perfect companion for any travel plans—even the gym! This sustainable duffle bag is made of recycled materials and features a comfortable shoulder strap plus a plethora of interior and exterior pockets. And, for every product purchased, United by Blue removes 1 pound of trash from our waterways! It’s an awesome sustainable gift for men!
Bamboo boxers are incredibly soft, durable and maintain their color through numerous washes. If the man in your life hasn’t experienced the luxury of bamboo viscose boxers yet, then he is in for a treat! These bamboo boxers by Bamboo Cool are an awesome choice when it comes to sustainable boxers and make a great eco-friendly Christmas gift!
Help the man in your life protect his contactless credit cards from electronic pickpockets with this stainless steel card holder by Steel Smart. It will last way longer than a traditional wallet and has a sleeker design for easier storage. It’s a really cool sustainable gift for men.
If the man in your life owns an Apple Watch, give him an eco-friendly upgrade with the Compostable Apple Watch Band from Pela Case! This watch band is made from Flaxstic-– an innovative material comprised of a compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw materials, which will biodegrade when you decide you no longer want it. It’s an awesome plastic-free gift for men!
For the man who needs a few new t-shirts in his closet, consider opting for ultra soft, sustainable and hypoallergenic tees made from organic bamboo viscose. Big Boy Bamboo is your one stop eco-friendly shop for men’s organic bamboo t-shirts at affordable prices, and carries an impressive size range for regular as well as big and tall men (up to size 8XL). These t-shirts make excellent sustainable gifts for men!
Help the man in your life minimize his dependence on single-use cutlery whenever he eats out with this best-selling reusable utensil kit by Topbooc. Reusable utensils are also incredibly handy to have when you’re traveling or dining out and it’s a must-have eco-friendly gift for men!
One of the coolest eco-friendly gifts for men are wooden fashion accessories—like bow ties. Elountik bow ties are hand-made from ethically sourced wood. They’re stylish, unique and totally biodegradable! So if you’re shopping for a bow tie enthusiast, this sustainable bow tie set is perfect!
For the bearded man in your life, this zero waste beard grooming kit by Viking Revolution comes with all-organic beard care essentials in a cool reusable metal storage tin. It’s the perfect zero waste gift for the man who prefers natural beard care.
If the man in your life needs a new lawn mower, consider an electric option that requires no gas—which means no emissions. The GreenWorks electric lawn mower is a top selling rechargeable eco-friendly mower that runs for 45 minutes (fully charged) and comes with an interchangeable lithium ion battery. It’s an awesome eco-friendly gift for men who love doing yard work.
Men who love to cook deserve a high quality cutting board—one that doesn’t dull your knife and isn’t pretreated with any toxic chemicals. The VBK extra large cutting board is made from durable and sustainable walnut wood, is pretreated with coconut oil and contains juice grooves. It’s an awesome eco-friendly gift for home cooks.
Everyone needs that special comfy top in their closet, and this comfortable hoodie by Tentree is it. This sustainable long sleeve hoodie from tentree is made from a blend of hemp and recycled polyester— and for every product sold, tentree plants 10 trees! This top makes both a stylish and environmentally friendly gift for men!
If you’re shopping for a gym enthusiast, this stainless steel protein shaker bottle will make a nice solid zero waste gift for him. The stainless steel BlenderBottle is odor and stain resistant and highly durable—so he won’t need to replace it as frequently as he does with the plastic variety (which develops an odor over time).
Women aren’t the only ones who should get cookware for Christmas—a lot of men enjoy cooking as well. And if they’re a bachelor or moving into their own place, they are definitely going to need some good quality cookware—and cast iron skillets last a long time. This cast iron skillet set by Utopia Kitchen is a great zero-waste gift for men and will last a lifetime.
Wooden sunglasses are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic frames. These polarized sunglasses by WoodOnly are made from ethically sourced walnut wood, and for every purchase, a tree is planted. These sunglasses are a fun, stylish and sustainable gift for men!
These hand-made shampoo bars by Apple Valley Natural Soap are incredibly luxurious yet have that subtle masculine scent that men enjoy. Shampoo bars are way more eco-friendly than plastic bottles, save space and are multi-functional (they can be used on your beard and body too!). The man in your life will love this zero waste gift!
The eco-conscious man in your life will love this recycled towel inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. This towel is made from recycled plastic bottles that have been transformed into a sand-resistant, slip-resistant, and pet-hair resistant fabric. It’s a really cool eco-friendly gift that keeps plastic bottles out of the landfill.
This insulated stainless steel TKPro thermos by Klean Kanteenkeeps your drinks hot for way longer than the competition. It’s the perfect zero waste gift for men who love camping, hiking or simply going on an adventure—they’re even great for work!
Electric bikes are perfect for commuters who live in a crowded metropolitan area, outdoor enthusiasts who need a little help riding up trails, and for those who simply want to get outside and ride around for fun. So for the guy who’s been hinting about wanting an e-bike, consider a top rated one like the Ecotric.
Many men practice mindfulness and enjoy meditating—but it’s not always comfortable. Sitting in an erect position for a long period of time can cause leg and back pain, but with the Alexia vegan leather meditation chair, you’ll be able to meditate comfortably. It’s a great gift for men who enjoy yoga and meditation.
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One of the most used cleaning products in the home is laundry detergent—and it’s used on products that make constant contact with our skin—clothing.
For years, consumers have purchased laundry detergent based on factors like popularity, price and performance, while completely turning a blind eye to the ingredient label—until now.
With cancer and other health conditions sky rocketing in the past couple of decades, people are starting to become more aware that certain environmental factors—to include household cleaning agents—are to blame for society’s declining health and overall life expectancy.
Mainstream multi-purpose cleaners, air fresheners, scented candles, and many laundry detergents are just a small example of household items that are actually packed full of carcinogens.
But thankfully, alternatives are available for a lot of household products, and in this article, we’re going to focus on laundry detergent alternatives for a non-toxic and environmentally friendly laundry routine.
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Why Should You Switch To A Plant-Based Laundry Detergent?
As mentioned above, mainstream laundry detergents contain ingredients that are actually harmful to our health—but how?
Well, even in the rinse cycle, detergent doesn’t entirely wash out—it lingers in the fibers. And when we sweat, our pores absorb whatever leaches out, resulting in skin conditions like rash and eczema.
That’s why it’s especially important to at least invest in non-toxic laundry detergent when it comes to your children, as well as undergarments, which are tight fitting, and can actually be the cause of your recurring BV (bacterial vaginitis) due to all the synthetic chemicals.
How To Choose The Right Zero Waste Laundry Detergent
Choosing an all-natural, zero-waste laundry detergent can be confusing for anyone—especially because there are so many different kinds like: pods, sheets, powders, liquids and even “berries”. But, there are certain qualities to look for when shopping for eco-friendly and natural laundry detergents and those are:
Paraben Free
Pthalate Free
Phosphate Free
Bleach & Dye Free
Vegan & Cruelty Free
Recyclable & Compostable Packaging
Plastic-Free Packaging
Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist Tested
And to help make your decision easier, I’ve made a list of zero waste detergent brands that I have tried personally and found that they work very well on both stains and odor (as I’ve had the privilege to test a few out, while others I’ve purchased based on curiosity).
And for a complete zero-waste laundry routine, I recommend switching from dryer sheets to organic wool dryer balls and a Cora Microfiber Ball, which catches the microfibers that naturally shed from clothes in the wash, and end up in our waterways.
Altogether, these alternative laundry products greatly reduce your carbon footprint—because laundry is something we do often and contributes greatly to environmental pollution whether we like it or not.
EarthBreeze laundry strips are my zero waste detergent of choice. These pre-measured laundry strips are plant-based and smell absolutely fabulous. I also can’t stress enough how convenient these detergent strips are for travel, and can easily be stashed in a baby wipe box or pencil case. For my full review of EarthBreeze laundry strips, click here.
If you’re someone who loves the convenience of laundry pods minus the plastic waste, then you’ll love Dropps eco-friendly laundry detergent pods. This low-waste laundry detergent is wrapped in biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol film and packaged in a recyclable and compostable cardboard box to minimize single-use waste.
This zero-waste laundry powder from Bestowed Essentialsis an easy swap in making your laundry routine plastic-free. Just one tablespoon of this eco-friendly detergent will get your clothing nice and clean, and you’ll feel good knowing that the detergent bag and inner liner are both compostable.
TrueEarth is another fantastic eco-friendly laundry strip brand with pre-measured laundry strips. I love that they offer several scent options including a formula made just for baby clothing, and that they use recycled material for their packaging. The downside to laundry sheets is that they can sometimes clump when used in front load washers—resulting in slight goo on your fabric. I have a top load washer and the cascading water does a great job at dissolving these.
Soap berries (better known as soap nuts) are perhaps the most natural and affordable zero-waste alternative to mainstream laundry detergents. The shells of these Indian soap berries release saponin (a natural cleaning agent) when they come in contact with water. They are also pesticide free, anti-fungal and completely compostable—making these soap ‘nuts’ a truezero waste laundry detergent alternative. The downside is that soap nuts must be used with warm or hot water to activate.
If you love soap berries, but prefer the convenience of laundry pods, then the soap berry laundry pods are a fantastic laundry detergent alternative for your household. These eco-friendly laundry pods by Nature First are produced using a proprietary natural water extraction method to pull the super-concentrated cleansing agents (saponin surfactants) to create a soap berry concentrate, and they’re packaged in a compostable bag.
The Sheets liquid free laundry sheets are slightly bigger than their laundry strip competitors and do a fantastic job when it comes to stain and odor removal. The scented variety does have a very strong scent, but once used in the wash, clothing comes out with a subtle fragrance that’s not overpowering.
The Meliora Natural Powder Laundry Detergent is made with highly concentrated, all natural ingredients like baking soda, pH boosting washing soda, and skin softening coconut oil, which easily removes stains. This non-toxic laundry powder is packed in a recyclable and reusable stainless steel canister, and the brand donates 2% of all sales to environmental non-profit organizations.
If you prefer to stick with a liquid detergent, then Grove Collaborative is one of the best go-to brands for an all-natural liquid detergent—and their’s is ultra concentrated. What I love about Grove Collaborative is that is that they will send you a prepaid envelope so that you can mail them your empty detergent pouch and they will recycle it through Terra Cycle. The only downside to this non-toxic liquid detergent is that you have to buy a separate bottle to store and measure the contents.
The Lazy Coconuts eco-friendly laundry strips are yet another one of my favorite zero-waste laundry strips that are made with plant-based ingredients and come in recyclable packaging. I also love that they have a “gentle” formula for baby’s sensitive skin.
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If you’re on the search for an eco-friendly gift, you’re not alone! When it comes to gift giving, many people are opting for sustainable products that are nontoxic and earth-friendly, especially for the home.
Each year, more and more people are becoming conscious consumers who no longer want to fill their home with single-use plastic “junk”.
As a result, many areas of the home have been getting “green” makeovers—particularly bathrooms and kitchens, which tend to produce the most waste.
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That’s why when it comes to gifts, I love shopping for eco-friendly items that will help make a person’s home more sustainable—weather they live an eco-conscious lifestyle or not.
The kitchen in particular is one of my favorite areas of the home to shop for when it comes to sustainable kitchenware. Items made from ceramic, wood, silicone, stainless steel and recycled aluminum are just so much healthier and visually more appealing than stuff made from plastic. They’re more durable and last longer too.
Below you’ll find some pretty cool sustainable kitchen and cookware products! These eco-friendly and sustainable kitchenware items make perfect gifts for any occasion and some are inspired from cultures outside of the U.S.!
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Organic Cotton Plant Dyed Apron
Full Circle Home
The Kind collection apron from Full Circle Home is made from organic cotton and plant-based dyes. It’s durable, functional, and best of all, stylish and environmentally friendly.
Bamboo towels are 4 times more absorbent than cotton, and much more durable. These bamboo dish clothes come in a pack of 8 and come in compostable cardboard packaging.
Glass canisters are a great zero waste alternative to plastic Tupperware and look very elegant when displayed on a counter top. Each of these canisters contain an airtight bamboo lid, and come in a pack of 5 in various sizes.
This ceramic condiment bowl set is perfect for the kitchen table, kitchen countertop or coffee table—and especially perfect for occasions where you’re entertaining guests. Each ceramic bowl is suitable for spices, powdered creamer, sugar and more!
This minimalistic yet elegant 17 piece bamboo fiber dinnerware set is the perfect eco-friendly gift for the kitchen! It especially makes a wonderful housewarming and wedding gift for eco conscious couples who prefer simple and natural kitchenware.
Popular in juice markets all over Mexico, the Handmade Artisan Citrus Juicer from Verve Culture is a countertop citrus juicer that’s hand-made from 100% recycled aluminum and provides a traditional citrus juicing experience!
Every sustainable kitchen needs a small compost bin for food scraps! Compost isn’t just for gardens—it can be used as rich nutritious food for houseplants! This modern compost bin by BelleMark is perfect for kitchens of any size and looks great!
These large hand-made sink bars by Apple Valley Natural Soap are hand-made with natural and organic ingredients and are excellent zero-waste alternatives to liquid soap! They’re made with moisturizing cocoa butter and look fabulous on your kitchen sink!
These bamboo dish brushes by TresStones are made from renewable bamboo and coconut fibers. They’re also more durable than sponges, safer, healthier and environmental friendly—they won’t take hundreds of years to biodegrade. This brush set makes a perfect sustainable gift for any kitchen!
Decorate, organize, and beautifully display your cooking utensils in this ceramic kitchen utensil crock that adds a touch of French Country flare to any kitchen. The rustic look and porcelain-like finish on the ceramic container gives this stoneware utensil caddy a vintage charm that will look lovely on your countertop!
Serve up a more sustainable meal with the eco-friendly 3-Sided Acacia Wood Salad Bowl Serving Set from Pacific Merchants Trading Company! Handcrafted from one solid piece of 100% naturally renewable acacia wood that is sustainably harvested with low-impact foresting practices and minimal chemicals or waste.
Beeswax food wraps make wonderful eco-friendly gifts for the kitchen because they replace items like plastic lids and Saran Wrap. They’re even incredibly handy for keeping items fresh (like cheese) and make awesome lunchbox essentials for items like sandwiches.
The molinillo is a Mexican wooden whisk that’s used to mix up and add froth to a batch of Mexican hot chocolate. You simply roll the shaft between your palms to churn, mix, and foam the chocolate. The molinillo is also great for muddling fruits and herbs in your cocktails!
This gorgeous and exotic 6-piece Pakkawood cooking utensil set is nonstick and heat resistant. Pakkawood is crafted from many layers of beautiful hardwoods, and infused with natural and chemical-free dyes. They’re biodegradable and add some fun to the kitchen!
This Moroccan style cooking vessel from Verve Culture is both a cooking tool, and a serving dish – and is handmade from clay formed from the rich, red Moroccan soil of Wadi Lan, and then decorated with a lead-free glaze. Use it to caramelize food, or keep food warmer longer when serving!
This eco-friendly vintage themed ceramic cookware set is in the shape of mason jars. This set includes all of your most critical cooking tools, together and in one place: 4 measuring spoons, 4 measuring cups and a spoon holder.
Made from 450 chopsticks, this unique and versatile kitchen board will fulfill any of your food presentation needs. The recycled bamboo chopsticks that were used to make this charcuterie board create a sleek caramelized brown tone with a natural one-of-a-kind look.
This wooden salt and pepper grinder set comes with 2 grinders, a box with swivel lid, spoon and cleaning brush. This set fits in with any decor and looks fabulous on any kitchen or dining room table!
Ceramic pie pans make beautiful eco-friendly bakeware gifts for those who love to bake! These nontoxic ceramic pie pans by Avla are made from glazed ceramic material and resist staining, odors and cracking.
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Recycling is an important discussion topic because we are all doing it wrong.
There are certain items that we place into the recycling cart that are actually causing costly shut downs at recycling facilities all across the country because they jam machinery and even cause fires.
Hence, it’s crucial to take a few minutes out of your day and read up on your community recycling guidelines. Some recycling bins themselves even have a list of what you can or cannot recycle written right on them.
Recycling is a community effort. Yes, we pay to have our trash recycled, but we do it to help our environment—to keep unnecessary items from ending up in the landfill.
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Below are our tips on how to prepare for the recycling process as well as what you should and shouldn’t throw into the recycling bins to help the facility workers out.
We also encourage you to read your county’s rules and guidelines because they may be slightly different from this list. For example, in my county, they are currently not accepting glass containers—so it’s important to go on your local waste management website and double check their list of accepted recyclable products.
Before you Recycle:
Rinse food residue off of all recyclable items.
Crush recyclables like bottles, plastic jugs, and cans.
Flatten all cardboard boxes.
Remove metal components from plastic items.
Leave bottle caps and lids on your items.
Make sure that paper is dry.
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Do Not Bag Your Recyclables!
And Lastly, even though we all hate to see debris flying out onto the road, please place recyclable items loosely in your recycling bin. Bagging isn’t necessary, and it slows up workers’ abilities at the recycling center—bags will even jam machinery.
What You Should Recycle
Plastic water & soda bottles, dish soap bottles, shampoo bottles, laundry detergent jugs and some cleaning product containers that are recyclable (rinse out and leave the caps on).
Flattened cardboard boxes, cereal and food boxes, shoe boxes, beer boxes, milk and juice cartons, toilet paper rolls, and paper towel rolls.
Clean aluminum foil, aluminum cans, tin cans, steel cans and aluminum, tin or steel food pans that are not coated.
Paper bags, junk mail, catalogs, paperback books, office paper, magazines, envelopes, telephone books and newspapers.
Glass bottles and jars (lids too!)
What You Should Not Recycle
Plastic Bags (they jam the processing equipment).
Plastic Straws (too lightweight and fail to get sorted).
Shredded Paper (too tiny to pass through sorting—it’s a nightmare for facility workers).
Clamshell Fruit Containers (they melt differently and turn into ash that contaminates other good recyclable plastic).
Cardboard With Grease Stains (like pizza boxes) or Moving Boxes With Oil Stains.
Oven Cookware (because some contain a coating).
Scrap Metal (they might oil residue or contain asbestos).
Drinking Glasses (they have a different composition and melting point compared to container glass).
Ceramics (they can’t be melted down).
Paper Towels (the fibers are too short to be recycled and contain dirt, cleaning chemicals and more unsanitary items).
Prescription Bottles (these are indeed recyclable, but recycling facilities can’t process these due to their size—they’re too small to get picked up by the sorting process on the conveyor belt).
Hangers (they jam machinery—just donate them to Goodwill or another thrift store of your choice).
Christmas Lights (too many different components).
Clothing (clogs the machinery—donate to goodwill or place them into the regular trash bin).
Batteries (when compressed by the collection truck or at the recycling facility, they can spark and cause a fire).
All Electronics like computers, printers, phones, radios, remote controls, etc. (they contain toxic materials like mercury, lead and other products that are harmful to the environment—even in the landfill).
Aerosol Cans (though the containers are metal, the pressurized contents can cause damage at the recycling facility).
Treated Wood (finished or painted wood cannot be burned and can also contaminate water).
Mirrors (they contain a reflective coating that simply can’t be recycled).
Pet Food Bags (they contain plastic layers to keep the food fresh).
Styrofoam (it’s 95% air, hard to clean because it’s porous and it would jam machinery).
Ice Cream Cartons (they contain a plastic lining to keep liquid in place if melted).
Yard Waste (you simply can’t recycle grass, leaves or other even garden hoses).
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School bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They’re an essential school supply that your child will utilize on a daily basis—so it’s important to get a good quality brand that can withstand heavy hauls and take on unexpected weather.
I personally like to put a lot of thought into buying a backpack because I want to set my child up for success. I know that a lot of parents choose whatever is on sale at Walmart, but those backpacks aren’t eco-friendly, sustainable and certainly not durable.
Eco-friendly backpacks are something that parents should definitely consider. Sustainable school bags are better for the environment—and some brands support environmental initiatives through each sale.
The eco-friendly school bags in this article are made from sustainable material such as recycled polyester and organic fabrics that are free of lead, BPA, PVC and phthalates.
These nontoxic grade school bags are also really stylish, which is an important quality that many kids seek when it comes to choosing a backpack.
Sustainable Backpacks For Back To School
JanSport
Jansport
The sustainable Superbreak backpack from JanSport is made from 100% recycled materials—like recycled polyester and nylon. These bags are also manufactured in a facility that’s powered entirely by solar energy. We love that this eco-friendly backpack is made without foam which makes it completely packable and spacious. With that said, it’s great for school as well as travel.
Aside from being a fashion must-have in all middle schools throughout the country, the Fjallraven Kanken backpack is entirely eco-friendly—from the nontoxic dyes and sustainable materials that used to construct it, to the manufacturing process. The school bags come in all different shapes and sizes, and are made from recycled polyester and organic cotton.
This eco-friendly school bag by Terra Thread is made from 100% GOTS Certified heavy-weight organic cotton. It has a generous amount of space and two side pockets for water bottles. Terra Thread is a carbon-neutral and Certified B Corp company that’s committed to giving back! Ok Each purchase donates meals to kids and families in need through Feeding America. This bag donates 20 meals!
Posh Peanut makes the most adorable non-toxic backpacks for kids that are functional, spacious and fun. There are various patterns for both boys and girls that both parents and kids really love. Posh Peanut is a brand that specializes in hypoallergenic baby and kids’ clothing, and we are ecstatic that they also make backpacks!
State creates stylish and thoughtfully designed backpacks that give back. For every State bag purchased, this B Corp will support American children and families in need. These eco-friendly backpacks are durable, and kids love how spacious they are for school supplies.
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If you want to give your kids the best advantage when it comes to academic learning, a good quality homework desk is a great investment to help a child excel.
Homework desks aren’t just for homeschooled children who participate in remote learning, they’re also a wonderful workspace for children who go to school and return home with homework assignments.
What To Look For In A Homework Desk
Finding an age appropriate desk is important because you want your child to be seated comfortably and have their supplies within arm’s reach. The recommended homework desks in this article are perfectly suited for children ages 5-12.
It’s up to you on whether you would like to purchase a desk made of wood, metal or hard plastic, but we recommend a homework desk made out of wood. Wooden desks are more sustainable, durable, less wobbly and more inviting.
All of the recommended homework desks in this article are made of different types of wood—from bamboo to engineered wood (which is eco-friendly because engineered wood utilizes less tree material per plank).
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Benefits of Homework Desks:
Promotes Concentration
Homework desks are a personal safe space that allow your child to concentrate and focus on their learning. Kids need a distraction free workspace that will help them retain what they’re learning.
Teaches Organization
Most homework desks come equipped with open and closed storage features which help your child learn to organize their learning material. It’s a great way to store writing material, books, and even a laptop while having it within arm’s reach yet out of the way to prevent clutter.
Provides Structure
Kids (and students) do best when they have structure, and a homework desk provides them with a familiar study space that belongs to them. Instead of bouncing around from doing written work at the kitchen table and reading a chapter book on the couch, a child can focus on those tasks in one area—their desk.
If a homework desk sounds good right about now and you’d like to get one for your child, then check out our 10 recommendations below!
KidKraft
KidKraft
KidKraft homework desks are especially great for children as young as 5 because they’re so low to the ground and have perfect sized chairs for little bodies. This particular homework desk is one of their best models and contains a nice amount of shelving and storage.
GuideCraft
GuideCraft
GuideCraft creates really lovely homework desks in multiple colors. And we really love the multiple storage compartments that this desk has to offer—perfect for separating homework assignments.
Melissa And Doug
Melissa & Doug
Melissa and Doug is household name for many families who have purchased the brand’s wooden toys throughout the years. This homework desk contains storage space for all of your child’s homework essentials and is great for small spaces.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart
The Martha Stewart brand creates really lovely and durable furniture—and this homework desk is no different. It contains nice shelving and storage space for your child’s supplies and still has plenty of room for a laptop.
Lipper International
Lipper International
This homework desk by Lipper International is great for when you have more than one child. It has storage space all around and comes with two chairs. It’s also nice spacious up top which is perfect for puzzle building, arts and crafts and board games.
Unicoo
Unicoo
This sturdy homework desk by Unicoo is made from sustainable bamboo and contains a nice amount of shelving. It’s a great fit for any space in the home and perfect for either gender.
PrePac
PrePac
If space is lacking, then consider this floating homework desk by PrePac. It has a good amount of storage shelving and looks functional in any room of the house. The only con to this floating desk is that it does not come with a chair like other homework desks do.
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By now you’ve most likely heard of fast fashion. It’s cheap, it’s mass-produced, and it’s loaded with unhealthy chemicals. The same goes with furniture.
New furniture tends to off-gas unhealthy fumes which fill the air and dust particles within your home. That’s why the inside of our homes are actually more polluted than the outside.
To make your home (and particularly your child’s bedroom more healthy) it’s best to purchase eco-friendly furniture made with non-toxic materials.
Hence, if you’re shopping for a bunk bed, sustainable brands are the best choice, and many of them are responsibly sourced solid wood with non-toxic finish.
The Benefits Of Solid Wood Bunk Beds
Solid Wood Is Sturdier & Safer
When it comes to choosing a frame, you should definitely go for solid wood. That’s because solid wood bunk beds are sustainable and sturdy, won’t wobble like some metal frames can, and will withstand the test of time.
Wooden bunk beds are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye and make a room look more inviting as opposed to a bed with a metal frame. That’s why wooden bed frames are better suited for young children who naturally don’t care so much about “contemporary” aesthetics.
Bunk Beds Are Convenient For Visiting Guests
Bunk beds are perfect for when you’re hosting a sleepover or need someplace for a visiting family member to sleep for a couple of days! That’s because most bunk beds have an extra ‘pull-out’ bed that you can store underneath the bottom bunk. It’s an incredibly convenient feature.
No Need For A Box Spring Mattress
A bunk bed doesn’t require a box spring mattress because a box spring is far too bulky for a bunk bed frame and can actually be dangerous. So you’re actually saving money by not having to buy a box spring—which is way more expensive than a regular mattress. And if you’d like a recommendation for an organic mattress, check out our article on the best organic mattress brand!
Bunk Beds Save Space
You could have two separate beds in your children’s room, but that takes up a lot of space that could otherwise be useful for more activities! Some bunk beds even come with storage shelves which help keep a room clutter free.
Bunk Beds Are Great For Creative Play
Bed beds are great for creative play, especially since some come with additional features—like a slide, a cabin-style design and staircase. All of these features are practical, functional, and best all, fun! Your child can sleep at night and pretend play during the day.
Below are several non-toxic bunk bed brands made from sustainably sourced solid wood and safe finish. These bunks are a healthy choice to have in your child’s bedroom, and although all meet or exceed safety standards, a few are also Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that they’ve been tested for over 10,000 volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.
Best Eco-Friendly Bunk Bed Brands For Children
Max & Lily
Max & Lily
Material | New Zealand Pine
Weight Capacity | 400 Pounds
The Max & Lily twin over twin bunk bed is made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood. This bunk bed is unique because it’s low to the ground, making it ideal for low-ceiling bedrooms and younger children. This bed can hold 400 pounds, and the frame is durable, non-toxic, and has a low VOC finish.
The unique Perch bunk bed by Oeuf is compact by design and is Greenguard Gold certified. It’s made of FSC Certified Baltic birch plywood and low emission E1 certified MDF. The finishes are non-toxic, water-based, and VOC health hazard-free.
The Perch Bunk Bed can be separated into a loft bed and a standalone twin for new room configurations as your child grows and changes. It has a weight limit of 250 pounds, and ships in recycled packaging.
Material | Spruce wood, CARB II TSCA compliant MDF, CARB II TSCA compliant plywood and rubber wood
Weight Capacity | 250 Pounds
Babyletto TipToe Bunk Bed in White and Washed Natural fits a standard twin-size bed mattress and converts into two individual twin size beds. It’s Greenguard Gold certified and made with eco-friendly non-toxic materials. The rounded edges make for safe fun, and the ladder can be placed on either side.
The Ti Amo Adirondack Cabin bunk bed is made from a combination of solid and engineered wood. It is a skillfully crafted bunk bed that combines a sleek, contemporary design with a creative and inspiring space for your kiddos. The weight capacity for this Montessori style bunk bed is 225lbs for the top bunk and 350lbs for the bottom bunk.
The Walker Edison Della is a classic twin over twin bunk bed made from responsibly sourced pine wood. It can hold 250 pounds on both top and bottom bunk and can be converted to two single twin beds. This bunk is great for small bedrooms, and has a minimalist style that parents like.
The EcoFlex full on full bunk bed is great for kids for want a little more space, and includes a trundle. The frame is made from verifiably sustainable wood and can hold up to 650 pounds. Parents love the easy assembly and Pottery Barn quality at 1/4th the cost!
This minimalist style teepee and trundle bed by Ti Amo is perfect for younger children who are afraid of heights. It’s also great for little outdoor enthusiasts who love camping under the stars, without the inconvenience of mud, bad weather or wild animal encounters. The weight capacity for this minimalist gem is 225lbs for the top bunk and 350lbs for the bottom bunk.
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Pretend play is crucial to a young child’s development because it helps them practice emotional and social roles that they’ll have to put to use in real life; imaginative play is also a great way for children to learn problem solving skills.
Pretend play toys are basically toys that aid imaginative scenarios, which your child acts out. Some examples are pretending to be a chef and cooking with a pretend stove, or fixing a toy car using pretend play tools and workbench.
While there are many fun pretend play toys on the market, many of them are plastic, and made with toxic paint and adhesives.
Plastic toys will also never biodegrade. That’s why wooden pretend play toys are a better, more environmentally friendly choice when shopping for your child.
All of the toys in this article are sustainable, made from ethically sourced material, made with nontoxic paint and adhesives and are shipped in compostable packaging.
The brand PlanToys, for example, are made from “sustainably harvested rubberwood trees that can no longer produce latex paired with surplus sawdust chips that are thermally reprocessed to form a durable wood, and finished with E-Zero non-formaldehyde glue, and non-toxic water-based dyes”—PlanToys
EverEarth is another brand showcased in this article that use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to create their toys—like beechwood.
Below you’ll find a few amazing pretend play toys by these eco-friendly brands that are not only non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable, but made with exquisite details that kids will love and appreciate.
Pretend Play Waffle Set
Plantoys
This fun and sustainable Pretend Play Waffle Set from PlanToys is sure to bring on the smiles. The set includes a wooden waffle, fruit slices, syrup, and a pretend play waffle iron.
Have an animal lover in the family? Encourage them to share their love of animals with PlanToys’ Pretend Play Kids Vet Set! With medical equipment like a vaccine bottle, bandage, collar, and 2 x-ray films – that all fit into a teal vet bag – this pretend play set is perfect for encouraging empathy in your little one!
Puppet show? Lemonade stand? Pop-up kitchen? Wherever your little one’s imagination takes them, this Multi-Use Kids Play Center from PlanToys will support it! It comes equipped with everything your kiddo might need; fabric curtains, chalkboards, storage space, and even a pretend stovetop.
Make trips to the dentist a little easier by making your little one a dentist with PlanToys’ Pretend Play Kids Dentist Kit! This non-toxic, responsibly sourced wooden kit contains all the essentials to teach your kid about the importance of dental care – like a toothbrush, dental tools, and tool belt.
Your little one will have an awesome time using their imagination with this wooden Pretend Play Fire Station Set by Hape! This wooden pretend play set even comes with a firetruck and helicopter for fun pretend play rescues!
Complete the play room’s kitchen with the Pretend Play Refrigerator by Plan Toys! Featuring freezer and fridge areas and an adorable faux ice maker, this piece encourages imagination and doubles as extra storage for toys and games.
With the Carpenter’s Playset from EverEarth, kiddos will have everything they need to lose themselves in imaginative crafting! Complete with a variety of fun tools and accessories, this playset features everything a little woodworker could hope for. Plus, it’s made exclusively from FSC Certified Beechwood!
Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the Pretend Play Kitchen Stove by PlanToys! Your mini-chef will enjoy using both the stovetop and oven for any and all pretend food creations.
Take playtime anywhere with the Pretend Play Shopping Cart from PlanToys! With reinforced rubber wheels paired with a large roomy compartment that can transport and store tons of toys, this wooden shopping cart is fun to push around and play with.
Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the eco-friendly PlanToys Pretend Play Microwave! Featuring realistic knobs and a swinging door, this toy is perfect for mini chefs in the making!
Pretend play has never been so fun! Encourage your little one to get crafty with the Kids Play Workbench from EverEarth. Complete with a workstation, level, saw, wrench, and other play tools, you’ll have a little handy man (or woman) on your hands in no time!
Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the PlanToys Pretend Play Microwave! Featuring realistic knobs and a swinging door, this toy is perfect for mini chefs in the making!
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Consumers are becoming more conscious about brand selection. They’re starting to question where their clothing is made, who’s making it, and what it’s made of. And chances are, you are too.
So whether you’re a man shopping for yourself or the significant other shopping for the eco-conscious man in your life, it’s great that you’re considering an alternative to “fast-fashion” brands. And there are some really great eco-friendly clothing brands that make great quality, stylish and functional clothing for men.
Why should you should sustainable and ethical brands over mainstream “fast fashion” brands?
Your typical “fast-fashion” brand typically sources production in other countries that are void of any ethical standards—and where child labor is utilized to achieve high production. The work conditions are horrible, and so is the pay. It’s just wrong and unethical.
When you support an eco-friendly, ethical fashion brand, you’re most likely getting clothing that’s made right here in the USA, or within worldwide manufacturing facilities that are held to strict ethical standards.
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Below are several of our favorite eco-friendly clothing brands that are not only practical, outdoor friendly and stylish, but do their part in contributing to non-profit organizations—such as 1% for the planet.
When you buy a product made by these eco-conscious brands, you’re literally helping to plant trees, clean up trash and help battle poverty.
Big Boy Bamboo
Big Boy Bamboo
I am really excited to share this specific sustainable fashion brand with you because they have what many other eco-friendly clothing brands do not—BIG SIZES.
Big Boy Bamboo currently makes t-shirts, face masks and boxer shorts made out of sustainable bamboo fiber which feels like silk. Some reviewers haven gone on to state that the fabric fees as luxurious as a $100 shirt.
“We’re an unapologetic, down-to-earth bamboo clothing brand for plus size men – specifically Big Guys who wear 3XL-8XL and Big & Tall guys who wear 1XLT-4XLT”—Big Boy Bamboo
The Classic T-Shirt Company designs and ethically manufactures organic cotton t-shirts which have a great feel to them, are environmentally friendly, and are a must-have ”classic” closet staple.
“Our t-shirts are handcrafted in the USA using fair trade and sustainable practices. Our premium organic cotton uses 70% less water than conventional cotton. Our workers receive fair wages and excellent treatment”—The Classic T-Shirt Company
The Classic T-Shirt Company gives back by cleaning up our oceans, helping provide safe drinking water and plants trees.
ONNO is a sustainable clothing brand based in Boulder, CO that makes t-shirts and long sleeve shirts out of several eco-friendly material: hemp, bamboo, organic cotton and pima cotton.
ONNO t-shirts are ethically manufactured at two small family owned factories overseas who provide fair wages and treatment to their workers. And to offset the carbon dioxide produced by moving the t-shirts from one country to another, ONNO purchases carbon offsets.
“To balance the harm we’re doing by moving materials from here to there, we purchase carbon offsets from http://www.carbonfund.org. We chose CarbonFund because they are a non-profit, and they are third party audited. CarbonFund can offset one metric ton of carbon dioxide for $10.00.” —ONNO
Seek Dry Goods is a really cool eco-friendly clothing brand that creates their clothing from responsibly sourced material. And their t-shirt graphics bring awareness to famous North American hiking trails and promote outdoor recreation.
Seek Dry Goods makes their t-shirts from organic cotton and recycled polyester, along with water-based ink for their graphics. These clothes are made right here in the USA.
Seek Dry Goods is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of sales to high-impact environmental non-profits across the globe.
TenTree has a very diverse line of sustainable clothing—from t-shirts to button down shirts and comfy bottoms.
TenTree ethically manufactures their clothing using organic cotton, recycled polyester and TENCEL™ Lyocell (which is a man-made fiber that’s made from the wood pulp of sustainable trees).
TenTree is a proud Plant-A-Tree partner with Trees For The Future. For every item purchased, 10 trees are planted.
Cotopaxi is a sustainable outdoor fashion brand founded by Davis Smith—an outdoor enthusiast who spent a lot of time at the Cotopaxi National Park during his childhood.
Cotopaxi’s backpacks, dopp kits, duffel bags, and other outdoor gear is made sustainably using recycled remnant materials which provide work to disadvantaged communities in countries such as the Philippines, India, Bolivia, Cambodia, and China.
Cotopaxi is a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of sales to high-impact environmental non-profits across the globe.
Eco Mom Diaries 