Similar to the fashion industry, the home decor industry utilizes many different materials that are important to look at if you wish to furnish/decor your home with sustainable items. From the fabrics used to make pillows to the wood sourced to build furniture, and everything in between, here are some elements to consider before making a purchasing decision:

• Manufacturing location & practices
• Materials being sourced: Has the wood been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)? Is the cotton organic? Is the plastic recycled and recyclable?
• Chemicals to dye the fabrics
• Product design to fit into a circular economy
• Corporate Responsibility, Fair Trade and Giving Back
• Overall environmental footprint (including transportation)

A note about WOODS: the types of wood that are mostly found sustainable are:

• White Ash
• Oak
• Maple
• Black Cherry
• Mahogany
• Pine

Exotic woods (such as teak, Spanish cedar and rosewood) are typically not considered sustainable, but you may find some of them FSC-certified. It will be just more challenging and will need some research.

Here are a few home decor brands that are committed to sustainability, corporate responsibility and/or giving back:

• CRATE AND BARREL: Offers a wide range of environmentally friendly items.
• THE CITIZENRY: Features artisans’ work from all over the world.
• ETSY: Showcases a selection of reclaimed wood furniture pieces.
• BURROW: Eco-friendly furniture and rugs at a good price.
• AVOCADO MATTRESSES: Will fulfill all your bedding needs!
• KAZI: Handcrafted home decor ethically and environmentally-made in Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda.
• CISCO HOME: LA-based furniture makers.
• VIVA TERRA: Home decor and furniture e-shop dedicated to eco-living.
• MADETRADE: Woman-owned business dedicated to fair trade, sustainability, and made in the USA.
• COYUCHI: Textile home decor, Apparel.
• MEDLEY HOME: Eco-friendly California made furniture.
• ABC HOME: Eco-friendly furniture shop based out of NY.