To celebrate Earth Day this week, I thought I would give you information to make some of the easiest and most cost-effective switches to minimize your impact and make positive changes for the planet! It's great to volunteer. It's great to make large gestures.

But these little choices we make all the time, the choices that look like habits, have some of the greatest impact.

Think of how many paper towels you use in a lifetime! Even if you switch over to recycled now, you could save so many trees from coming down with just your own family's purchases. Even better, every time you purchase post-consumer recycled paper, you send the message to companies that this matters and that it is worth their time and energy to make their products more Earth-friendly. It's a positive feedback loop, and those little good decisions echo outward.

We need trees. They are one of our best and only defenses against the obscene CO2 emissions that are effecting our climate. They work as the lungs for our planet, keeping it cleaner, cooler, and more beautiful. We can forget that every paper towel we use costs us trees, because we are alienated from the source of our product, but if you had to see one of God's creations fall every time you bought paper towels, wouldn't you buy less?

I get that sometimes you need whatever wrapping paper you can find or that you don't have space to buy paper towels in bulk. The point is that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something, so really consider making the switch over for at least some products, especially the ones you buy in bulk (because you know way ahead of time when you will refill that anyway).

A few other things to consider before we go through the list-

1. The closer the paper will be to your body, the more you need to consider what is in it. A lot of the eco-friendly wisdom right now is to not use recycled paper for toilet paper, because some paper that is recycled (namely magazines) has plastic in it. These plastics (not unlike the plastics your food comes packaged in and regular toilet paper is wrapped in) has chemicals that can seriously hurt your endocrine system. So you might consider Tree Free or other options when looking at that kind of paper.

2. Try it once, then Buy in Bulk- Almost all of these are very comparable in price if you just buy in larger quantities (it cuts down on packaging too). I get that you need to try it before you commit to months of it- so definitely do that! Think of it as a long term investment in the Earth.

3. You can read about more options on other posts on this blog. Greening the Basics Part One and Two are my absolute favorites, and they have tons of information you might need. I also wrote a blog on wrapping paper earlier this month, so check out lots of information on that! It's kind of a cool one to change!

Most of the links are to Amazon, where you can do subscribe and save to make eco-friendly choices even more affordable. On the other hand, you can find some of these products at local grocery stores (especially more organic ones) or at big box stores like Costco.

Paper Towels

So basic, such a perfect place to start. Have you ever made a mess so precious that a tree needed to die to clean it? Me either.

To Compare- Bounty Dura Towels- 9.79 (1.63 a roll)

Our Pick-Seventh Generation Unbleached Paper Towels- 4 packs of 6 rolls= 24 rolls- 41.76 (1.74 a roll)- We love them, and I can use one, rinsed multiple times, to clean the whole kitchen. We also like this company because the majority of their products are also made in the US. Never going back.

Three More Options-Seventh Generation White Recycled Paper Towels- 24 rolls- 37.96 (1.58 per roll)

Marcal Small Steps Recycled Paper- Pack of 12 rolls- 28.99 (2.41 a roll)

Boardwalk Recycled Paper Towels (these are the kind you get at restaurants and come on ginormous 800 ft rolls)- 6 rolls- is 35.20 or 5.86 for every 800 foot roll.

Skip the Paper Completely- You can greatly cut down the number of paper towels you use by simple starting with a washcloth. You are going to do laundry anyway, so just throw a kitchen towel in every few days. You might also try bamboo paper towels or Unpaper towels. Both are machine washable and reusable, so they cut way down on waste!

Side note- Do NOT replace paper towels with wipes. Yes, they are easy, but they have plastics that make them impossible to recycle, and they won't break down nearly as well. I get anti-bacterial wipes may come in handy for some jobs, but they aren't an eco-friendly paper replacement.

Tissues

Now, I don't know about you, but I don't find boogers all that precious. Again, this is a perfect place to replace brand new paper products with something recycled.

To Compare- Kleenex come in a wide variety of packs and prices dependent mostly on the fanciness of their packaging. Get something a little fancy and it costs 4 boxes of 50 tissues for 11.49 (about 5 cents a tissue! Pretty steep).

Our Pick- Tree Free Facial Tissue- 30 boxes of 90 tissues (less than 1 cent a tissue)- We tried this bamboo and sugar-cane biodegradable paper substitute as an experiment, and I think we like it pretty darn well. I think the long term plan is to switch to tree-free for toilet paper and get recycled face tissues, but we have so many tissues, it will be a long time before we get there.

Three More Options- Green Forest Facial Tissues- 24 boxes of 175 (about 1 cent a tissue). Not only is this way cheaper, they also have great reviews (my favorite  "I am not a major hippy, but if I could do something good for the environment, why not?") Preach it

Marcal Fluff Out Facial Tissue- 30 100 count boxes-24.99 (not great reviews, but really cost effective if you have a less sensitive nose.

Seventh Generation- Just to compare, their single box of 175 tissues is 2.84. In case you don't have the room to buy in bulk, there are still eco-friendly options for you!

Skip the Paper Completely- Get a hanky? Old-fashioned classy, and a little bit gross.

Napkins

To Compare-Vanity Fair Napkins are about 5 dollars for a 300 count pack (and straight to the Koch Brothers no less). Bounty is about 8 dollars for 400. So about 2 cents a piece on either.

Our Pick- Seventh Generation 2 Pack of 500 unbleached napkins- 90% post-consumer waste- 15.57 (or about 3 cents a napkin). Probably enough napkins to be set for life.

Three More Options- Seventh Generation White Napkins- 250 white napkins- 5.39

Natural Value Napkins (100% recycled/ 80% post-consumer)- 200 Count napkins- 6.37 (3 cents a napkin.

Marcal 100% Recycled Napkins- 400 for 10.69 (about 3 cents a napkin). They are also made in the US and have great reviews.

from Oh Little Rabbit

Skip the Paper Completely- For everyday use (especially for adults), there's really no reason not to just use cloth napkins, which do the job just as well and can be reused oodles of times. You can find cloth napkins at most secondhand stores, or more beautiful  and stylish options on Etsy stores like Oh Little Rabbit, JAQStudio, and Clear Sky Home. The upfront cost might be higher, but you can use them much longer in the end.

Toilet Paper

As I mentioned, this is the most complex of the recycled paper products, and these are just the kinds of issues our children will face ALL the time if we don't get it together as a planet. Plastic is going to choke out good options.

To Compare- The Charmin Bears are an embarrassment to America, to toilet paper, and to bears. Charmin Ultra Strong comes in a pack of 9 for 16.95 (1.88 a roll). Stop buying Charmin and stop the bears.

Our Pick-Seventh Generation- Unbleached with at least 50% post-consumer content- 60 rolls for about 68 dollars (about 1.14 a roll). It serves its purpose and we generally like it. It also comes in all recyclable packaging.

Three More Options- Green 2 Tree Free- If you decide the BPA risk is too much for you, this is your best option. It is made out of bamboo and sugar cane bi-products, both of which are quick-growing and sustainable, and you don't have to worry about BPA at all. If you buy in bulk (96 rolls at 114 dollars, so basically all you need forever, right?), you can get it for 1.16 a roll, which is even cheaper than the other options. This is what we will do from here on out, I think.

Marcal Small Steps- 40 rolls, 1000 sheets each, is 50.66, so about 1.20 a roll.

Skip the Paper Completely- There is a thing called a family cloth. If you are that hardcore, you can look into that. I will never get there.

Paper Plates

We have all been to the picnic with tons of paper plates filling the garbage bag tied to the table. What a waste of trees that these plates are used once and tossed. Can we at least change our approach so that trees aren't wasted?

To Compare-Dixie plates may be made in the US, but they don't use recycled paper and they coat the plates in plastic materials that make it hard to recycle. They are also super cheap- 220 plates cost 17.99 (or about 7 cents a plate)

Our Pick- Chinet's eco option is Made in the USA, made out of recycled materials, and is fully compostable. So like 1000 times better for the Earth than those Dixie or Vanity Fair plates. A Value Pack of 32 costs about 5 dollars, so it is about 15 cents a plate.

Three More Options-Earth's Natural- Compostable plates made out of sugar cane instead of trees (but they are made in China). 9.24 for 50, so about 18 cents a plate.

Stalkmarket- If you are looking for a lot of paper plates, Stalkmarket has a similar product- 420 plates for about 11 cents a plate. Totally compostable, able to handle hot, cold, and the microwave. It looks like you can even get it open box!

Susty Party Supplies- 100% Compostable and Tree-Free, comes in tons of pretty designs- 50 for 12.99

Skip the Paper Completely- Maybe not for your big picnics, but for your little ones, Preserve plates are made of 100% post-consumer plastic and are 100% recyclable. And if you decide you are done with them, you can mail them back to the company, and they will recycle them for you. The plates are 8 for 8.76, so about a dollar a plate, but you would only have to use them a couple of times a summer before  you recouped the cost.

Baking Cups

I love making cupcakes, and I never thought of my liner hoard as problematic (just preparation for future parties!) but I am not sure I am ok with trees coming down for something that is basically a luxury. I mean, are you turning down cake if it doesn't have a cutesy paper on it.

To Compare-Reynold's Baking Cups, the ones I know I have picked up at the store many a time is 36 liners for 1.28 (about 4 cents a liner)

Our Pick- Paper Chef- 2 pack of 60 for 8.25. (about 7 cents a liner). They also have mini and large liners. You can find these in lots of pretty common stores as well.

One More Option- If You Care- FSC Certified- 24 boxes of 60 for 36.25 (or about 3 cents a liner. Cheaper and better for the environment- plus you will basically be set for life). They also come in large and mini.

Skip the Paper Completely- Silicon liners! I can't find any made in America, but they can be used and reused so many times that you could probably save a thousand paper liners in the course of a baking lifetime. Anytime the cupcakes aren't going to leave the house, these make way more sense. We have these fortune ones which happily enable you to eat more cupcakes- best cupcake liners ever (they are 16.07, but they can have infinite use).You can get lots of different bright colored silicone sets- this one or this one.

Printer/Copier Paper

Ok seriously, why is any copier paper not made of recycled paper? This seems like a perfect use for post-consumer waste to just get reused again. Can you imagine if businesses switched over even 10% of their paper to recycled product? It would make such a huge difference!

To Compare- Ok, there is a lot of variety here, but I chose this HP bestseller- Bright White and wrapped in plastic (really, HP?). 20.36 for 500 sheets.

Our Pick- Hammermill Great White- 100% Post-consumer paper (seriously, 100%- why is anyone buying non-recycled printer paper?)- 62.99 for 5000 sheet case.

Three More Options- Printworks 100% postconsumer paper (made in the USA of recycled food packaging)- 400 sheets for 18.56

Staples Copy Paper 100 percent recycled/ FSC certified- 500 sheets for 16.99

Aspen 100- 100% post-consumer recycled- supports projects to build parks in urban areas- 500 for 10.49.

Skip the Paper Completely- Brown Bear Tree Free Paper- Made from bagasse (sugar cane extract)- 5 Ream case for 49.64

Notebooks

We buy so many of these in a lifetime- I loved a fresh new notebook for school shopping as a kid, and I love a new notebook now! I love it even more that you can find so many Earth-friendly options for this!

To Compare- Moleskine notebooks- Used by Ernest Hemmingway or something, but now they are made of all fresh paper and imported. The kind of thing hipsters and academics love because they aren't really paying attention. If the materials are not good, and the labor is not treated fairly, why is the price so high? Time to question what we are paying for. No more Moleskines! One book for 16.85.

Our Pick- Decomposition Books- I love these notebooks so much. Michael Rogers makes them with cool designs and 100% post-consumer recycled paper. They are also made in America. One of my favorite finds from 2015. One Notebook for 10.00. Look through at all the great designs before you pick.

Three More Options- New Leaf Basic- 100% Post-consumer paper/ college-ruled- One composition book for 3.99. Yes, you read that right.

Tops Second Nature Spiral Notebooks- 100% recycled/ 40% post-consumer- One notebook is 3.99.

Mead Notebooks- Classics. 100% recycled. 30% post-consumer- One Notebook 6.89.

Skip the Paper Completely- Onyx makes notebooks out of bamboo paper. Other than that, this is a hard one to do tree-free, but a great area to use recycled materials.

Greeting Cards/ Stationary

To Compare- Hallmark makes some beautiful cards mostly in the US, but they are mostly made of virgin tree paper, and they often come at a pretty high price. One card is often 7 dollars, like this one. Not the worst choice in the world, but we can do better.

Our Pick- I am currently in love with the Arbor Day foundation cards; they cost 6 dollars for one, but they are printed on all-recycled paper and the proceeds go to planting more trees (the price goes down as you order more)! Every card plants a tree. You can do so much good for the Earth and the person you are sending the card to just by buying these cards. So awesome.

Our other pick would be Darice Kraft paper cards; we bought a bulk pack of these blank cards and have used them for invitations and thank you cards so far. It is kind of fun to do the decoration ourselves, and we are using recycled paper! 50 cards for 9 dollars.

Three More Options- Minted sells photo cards much like Shutterfly, but unlike Shutterfly, you can get those printed on recycled paper. It's definitely a little more steep, but we used them for our save the dates and birth announcements, and both turned out beautiful. I don't know if people could even guess the paper was recycled.

Etsy is a PERFECT place to shop for cards made with recycled paper. When you write in "recycled greeting card" on search, you get almost 13,000 results, so there is plenty to choose from. And you will find so many creative options. You could also shop super cheap printables and print them on your own recycled paper! My favorite right now is Everyday's a Holiday.

RECYCLE YOUR CARDS- Ever wondered what to do with the giant pile of greeting cards you have in your house? Donate them to St. Jude's! Kids in one of their spaces (The Ranch) removes the fronts from their old cards and attach them to new backs so they can be reused again! You can buy their cards in packs to support kids with cancer and their families too. Come on, that's really cool. Check out the information here. I am totally doing this from now on!

Gift Bags

The most eco-friendly wrapping style, because as my Mother in Law taught me, you can use a gift bag a million times. A million. Wrapping paper? Once. Let's all become gift bag converts.

To Compare- This Cindus Foil gift bag is very festive and about 2 dollars. You can get them for up to probably 15 dollars depending on how many Disney princesses and Star Wars characters are on it.

Our Pick-Jillson Roberts sells gift bags that are recycled, but come in lots of colors and finishes so they feel bright and festive. You can also get them in bulk, and never buy another gift bag again. Yeah, the finish is plain, but you could buy stickers or get out your markers and decorate it yourself!

Three More Options- Creative Hobbies- 24 pack of 100% recycled kraft paper gift bags- 14.99

Bag Source- 50 Pack of white recycled gift bags- 23.00

Cosco- Kraft paper bags (a little larger) Pack of 50- 14.97

from Amazon

Skip the Paper Completely- Want to gift in a bag that will get LOTS of use? What about a reusable shopping bag? They can use them for all sorts of storage and shopping of their own, and you can even get ones made of recycled plastic.

Wrapping Paper

The bright side of wrapping paper is that you can usually find it Made in America and much of it is recyclable (so good- but look out for foil! You can't do anything with that nonsense, so get your sparkle another way). It is instant garbage, literally waste as soon as you use it, so buying it out of recycled materials just makes sense.

To Compare-American Greetings sells a set of three wrapping paper rolls for about 14 dollars, but this is another one of those things that just runs the gamut.

Our Pick- I may or may not have just bought us a roll of Pratt kraft paper, and much like my previous mountain of tissue paper blunder, I may have actually purchased two lifetimes worth of wrapping paper. Maybe three. But it was only 23 dollars and the color is warm and nice, so I only regret it when The Boy is giving me a dirty look about it.

Three More Options- Jillson Roberts All Occasion Recycled Paper- Bright! 6 rolls for 26.95.

Wrap and Revel- Fancypants and 100% recycled/ 30% post-consumer paper. Too fancy for me, but really pretty. Perfect for a special gift? 4 dollars for 2 19x26 sheets.

Anna Sees Supplies- Recycled kraft paper again. Pretty giftwrapping. 5.50

Skip the Paper Completely- Gift bags my friend! Or wrap your gifts in coloring book pages you already finished. or check pinterest for other cool gift wrap ideas- the options are endless!


So many ways to do well by trees by just switching to more eco-friendly products. You can do this! Want to continue to improve your shopping? Check out that Mega-List of Shopping Lists and brainstorm other purchases you make regularly that you can do in a more eco-friendly way!

For our last post for Tree month this year, I want to address Palm Oil. Our first instinct when we think of tree products are wood and paper, but some of these oils remind us that the other resources trees can offer are both dangerous and precious. This is one of those issues where environmentalism deeply intertwines with animal activism and general critiques of globalization.

Palm oil can stand as the posterboy for all globalization- the ingredient has snuck into so much of what we use and eat everyday without us ever noticing or questioning it. But it is also epically destructive, razing precious rainforest ecosystems and trees at a ridiculous rate so we can get these products for cheap.

The acquisition of palm oil epitomizes the argument of this blog- we have been told again and again that we should have everything that we want for as little cost to us (in time or money) as possible. We want a deal with instant prime shipping. But this "cheap and easy" promise costs us everyday. In the case of Palm Oil it costs humans yet another ecosystem that keeps our earth in balance. It costs the environment thousands of palm trees that help keep the air clean and the planet cool. And it is costing thousands of orangutans, the majority of their population, their lives. If you had to watch someone chop down a tree or murder a beautiful animal so you could keep using that shampoo you like, would it be worth it? It's not baiting, it's a real question that we have been conditioned to ignore. But it's the reality everyday. Our choices have real and sometimes horrible consequences, and our willingness to overlook this carnage is costing us as a Church and as stewards of this world.

Palm oil can roll under the radar and you find it in all sorts of cheap food and beauty products, but it causes some really tragic and horrible problems. This is just a quick overview, because I want to focus on how to make more positive choices here, but you can find lots of information on Palm Oil here.

from susie's woodshop

I have been watching a lot of home renovation shows lately (ok, just Property Brothers) and it really has me thinking. First, are they elf people? Descendents of Arwen and Aragorn maybe? They are so pretty it's basically back to ugly again, and you don't see that often.

Secondly, they use a whole lot of wood in these renovations. Don't get me wrong, I love that they are taking houses that are one bad owner from being razed and restore them into something beautiful. That's the dream here, right? On the other hand, so much lumber liquidators. So much of the furniture, flooring, and building supplies are made of wood, Maybe some of this is necessary, and at least it gets a ton of use, but it does make me wonder where you can update your house without trees coming down? At least minimize the impact? I mean, maybe the Property Brothers aren't woodland elves, so this isn't a priority for them, but if they ran into an ent, maybe they would change their mind. Here are my thoughts on how to minimize the trees and maximize the awesomeness of your decor.

1. Get it Used- Wood furniture is probably the absolute easiest to find something beautiful, functional, and used. Unless you are buying some show piece, you can find a wood table in the shape and size you want with a minimal amount of thrifting and antiquing. Equally great is that you can sand down most tables and refinish them, so it isn't a huge leap to your style. A little bit more time, but a lot less money, and no new trees come down! Eat that Pottery Barn! You can find most wood furniture and accent pieces you would ever need used, so start there.

2. Get it in a More Sustainable Material- The answer is not plastic (in my heart, it is hardly ever plastic, and I think the ents would agree)! On the other hand, materials like bamboo and cork can give you a similar look to wood with a much more eco-friendly process behind it. Sustainably farmed bamboo can grow back at a much faster rate than wood, and for cork, they shave the material off the tree and never hurt the tree. I think if we ever get to refinishing our floors, I would go with bamboo or...

3. RECLAIMED- Have you seen those reclaimed wood floors? They are the prettiest. Reclaimed wood is a huge trend on Etsy, so you can buy all kind of beautiful housewares and decor in reclaimed wood (not just floors and doors). I poked around and found some truly beautiful stuff. When I hear reclaimed, I assume everything looks rustic, but reclaimed wood furniture comes in all sorts of styles. I am going to share some of my favorites, but be sure to look around!

Here are about 15 things you can buy made of reclaimed wood for your house or your gifting! I love these as inspiration, but know there is so much out there, so do your research!


Kitchen Islands- I bought The Boy this kitchen island from Herb's Furnishing for Christmas. It was a splurge, but we had just got a free dining room table from Buy Nothing, so it felt worth it. The extra prep space is popular with The Boy, and the middle shelf (known as the dinosaur shelf) is very popular with the Bub. It looks absolutely beautiful, while still being very simple and understated. So glad we went for this rather than whatever we could find on Amazon. They have lots of options and are very easy to work with if you write them to ask for a custom size or idea.

Another simpler version can be found from H Barnwood Creations. I like the low shelf, and it looks like a nice size for a smaller kitchen.

If this simple island isn't your style, you can find tons of other recycled and reclaimed options. This kitchen island from The Cultured Artisan has a chunky, country look, but it might look really pretty in a European or Tuscan style space as well.

from Eleventy One Studio

from Eleventy One Sudio

Art- You can really feature reclaimed wood in your home with your art, and you can absolutely find a piece that fits your style. Eleventy One Studio in Wisconsin makes soft, geometric pieces out of reclaimed wood that would look at home in lots of different homes. Priced between 50 and 250 dollars, these wall sculptures look much more expensive, so it might be a great way to fancy up a space. Dallas Farmhouse makes similar geometric pieces with a slightly rougher, more rustic aesthetic. Lakefront Woods makes gorgeous geometric wall sculptures of reclaimed wood that remind me of folk art or Southwestern art. Such a similar method with a totally different finish and effect. I also really love their wall shelf, so check it out.

There are TONS of reclaimed wood mirrors (mirrors can also be found in any antique store- why do we buy brand new mirrors?) on Etsy in lots of styles, like this one from HC Woodworking.It looks perfect for a beachy space. Here's a round one with a little more rustic (maybe Pacific Northwest?) feel from Bonsoni.

These fun, striped reclaimed wood letters (from Thomas Stinehart in South Carolina, who makes all sorts of stylish reclaimed wood decor pieces) might look perfect in a kitchen or a kid's room. I find it interesting you can find TONS of beautiful American flags made out of reclaimed wood, but I like some of them like this one from Simple Roots Decor so much that I might splurge on one for our 4th of July decor. Not Patriotic enough? Check out this amazing American map made out of reclaimed pallet wood from Susan Marie May. Barnwood Decor sells an arrow made of reclaimed wood as well.

from Reclaim the Shed

You can find all kinds of holiday decorations made of reclaimed wood, and I find that lovely and poetic- what speaks more to the beauty of Christmas than taking something old and unwanted and making it new again? Reclaim the Shed makes simple reclaimed Christmas ornaments that might make lovely gifts. GFT Woodcrafts makes miniature Christmas trees and Christmas candles out of reclaimed wood for the Christmas table. Alma Boheme in Savannah, Georgia makes all kinds of pallet wood signs, including Christmas trees like this one. Silver Holly LLC in Bend, Oregon makes reclaimed barnwood creches for Willow Tree Nativity sets.

from Unique Industry

Coffee Table- This is one of the best ones to look into, because there are oodles of choices. My favorite? This reclaimed table from Unique Industry in Boston. I like the balance between the rustic materials and modern design. Plus, there is storage, which every piece of furniture needs. For a less costly but similar table, check out Altas Wood Co's coffee table that also has a shelf, reclaimed wood, and a clean, modern look (and they have media console tables in a similar style). Equally modern (love these hairpin legs) but even simpler is this coffee table from Reclaimed Wood USA (check out their awesome end tables too).

If you want something really special and natural, Dendro Co in Chicago makes coffee tables with a live edge, and it looks just gorgeous. Really memorable because it looks like a tree trunk in your living room.

from Art Glamour Sligo

Headboards- I am sort of in love with the headboards I found on this search, which just look so consistently beautiful and unique. Have you ever seen anything like this headboard from Art Glamour Sligo? The stripes and colors are gorgeous, and they have a very smooth finish, so it's the find of headboard you can still lean against. They have lots of options, so be sure to poke around. This grey and geometric headboard from Wooden Geometric looks a little more rustic, but very pretty. You can even find a beautiful modern bed made of reclaimed wood from WeareMFO. I would feel like a poser sleeping in this bed, but wow is it a showstopper.

from Hippie House Co

Shelves- I love these wall shelves from Hippe House Co in Dallas, which look like a perfect gift for an apartment-dweller. Clean and modern without seeming overwrought. Woodengeometric makes reclaimed geometric shelves as well, in lots of shapes and configurations. I bought my beloved friend these reclaimed wood mountain art shelves for Christmas (as far as I know, they were pretty great in person- I hope Melissa doesn't mind me writing about this). The store, Bourbon Moth, sells a bunch of really cool reclaimed wood pieces for your house. Sound Side Carpentry sells simple floating shelves made entirely of reclaimed barn wood. I feel like these would go really well in lots of minimalist spaces, but it could also work in a cottage-style house like ours. Check out these hanging shelves from Makers Eyes too. Barnwood USA shelves are also made in the USA, and they have simple geometric squares.

from the Grain Expression

Coasters- The Grain Expression out of Wisconsin sells wood coasters with stripes of multiple kinds of wood, many of which are reclaimed. A very cool idea and perfect workmanship- it might makes for a good housewarming gift? My favorites might be these ones from susies woodshop, because the natural edge looks so pretty and fresh.

from Lakefront Woods

Serving Trays- This might make the perfect wedding gift (especially paired with some Breakfast in Bed themed presents?) Even better as a Mother's Day gift? You can find so many lovely ones on Etsy, though my favorite is probably this one from Lakefront Woods, because their intricate geometric designs remind me of a quilt or just home. There is a homey-ness to it that makes it feel like a special breakfast in bed. Check out the sweet arrow handles on this one from Reclaimed Look. Pear 44 has super simple serving trays at the same price you would get a serving tray at Target.

from Redwood Decor

Wind Chimes- These redwood chimes are so special (and really beautiful). Wes from Willits, California pulls pieces of redwood trees that were cut down 60 to 100 years ago and have just been laying on the forest floor and makes them into beautiful objects like these wind chimes for Redwood Decor. Might make an amazing gift!

from Brand MOJO Interiors

Dining Table- Brand MOJO Interiors from South Carolina sells this table that is exactly our style- if we hadn't found our table used, this is probably the one we would have picked up in the end. I like that it is round, simple, but still has some interesting detail underneath. If you like that look, but want something a little more modern and masculine, Mortise and Tenon sells a reclaimed table similar to this one, but with a metal bottom.  Cloud Noir in Los Angeles sells clean modern industrial benches and dining tables. They seem especially thoughtful about the choice of wood, and the grain looks beautiful. It is also a pretty budget-friendly option if you like that modernist look. Hippie House Co in Dallas sells all kinds of reclaimed wood objects (so poke around!) but my favorite is their herringbone design table. Beautiful and a little bit trendy all in one. Wonderland Woodworks sells all sorts of tables out of Baltimore, and this country-style one is my favorite, though I also love the ones that come with benches. Legacy Building sells reclaimed wood dining tables with a clean, more preppy and polished look. Stumptown Reclaimed makes minimalist tables and coffee tables with hairpin or iron legs. Both look great.

from Terramae and Co

Dart Board- If you have a game room (or live in a bar), you can house your dartboard in a semi-rustic reclaimed wood cabinet from Terramae and Co. Random, but it goes to show just how many things come in reclaimed wood! Need another manly accessory? Terramae and Co sells a beer cooler that looks awesome even to this beer non-drinker.

from Kodama Joinery

Kitchen Accessories- I love this magnetic knife board from Kodama Joinery so much more than the regular on the counter rack- so pretty, simple, and all reclaimed wood. You can get so much for your kitchen in reclaimed wood instead of regular wood (or even worse, plastic). You can even get a potato bin  from Grindstone Designs in Missouri (they make all kinds of cool reclaimed wood stuff), which would make for pretty kitchen decor or a great place to store your epic number of potatoes. No judgement, everyone's got their something. You can find lots of reclaimed bottle openers like this especially good-looking one from Wood Thumb USA, I even found reclaimed wood dog bowls!

from Cherry Hill Design Co

Lazy Susan- How old are you when these stop seeming really cool? They make your food twirl for goodness sakes! I love this lazy susan from Cherry Hill Design Co, which looks fresh and a little rustic. This Massachusets store has such classy stuff.

from Rustic Reproductions

Benches and Seating- Rustic Reproductions makes reclaimed wood stools that would look great in industrial or even more natural kitchens. If you have a less distinctive space, these are the kind of pieces that won't look out of place, but will make the counter look more special. You can find any kind of seating made of reclaimed wood and pallets. I like this storage bench from Designs 2 Create, because it has a lot of good options and flexibility; it could even be used at the foot of a bed or in a bedroom. This shoe storage bench from Knotty Pallet would be perfect for a mudroom space.

from Tiny Shed

Desk- My favorite reclaimed wood desk is this drafting table, where you can tip up the desktop from Tiny Shed in Portland, Oregon. It is made of recycled shipping gontainers, if you can believe it.  Linden Avenue North sells a small simple writing desk with a lot of variation and color on the desktop. Unique Industry sells a gorgeous desk made of reclaimed wood and antique printer drawers, with tons of little pockets, historical interest, and modern style (it sounds impossible, but seriously, check it out- the coolest thing). iReclaimed sells a rustic industrial desk with an l-shaped design.

from Split Grain

Lighting- Split Grain makes light sculptures (that would look perfect on a desk or table) from reclaimed wood from trees that were mostly decimated in forest fires near Los Angeles. This artist works with Treasured Landscape to use wood that would otherwise be destroyed. Their pieces are incredibly unique (I have never seen anything like them), modern, and clean-lined. Yet they also are loyal to the organic lines and materiality of the wood. To me, they look like they belong in an office with a modern leather chair. Born Again Woodworks makes most of their lighting fixtures out of reclaimed materials, including their wood bases. They have the mason jar chandeliers, but they also have some other options that are a little less country.

from Rooster Studios

Yarn Bowl- Because obviously we all need one, right? I do think it's sweet that Rooster Studios knows the exact story of the wood they are using, and the bowls do look smooth, lovely, and maybe useful? Could be a great gift for the knitter in your life.

from Once Upon a Hive

Firewood Holders, Floor Mats, Shower Mats- I want to bring attention to Once Upon a Hive from Estes Park, Colorado. This etsy store is trying to keep wood out of landfills and has come up with some beautiful and creative uses for the materials. My favorite is the wood holder, which looks like it would work so well and make what could be an eyesore into a pretty spot.

from DANIELLE id

Jewelry Holders- One of The Boy's cousins hung her jewelry up in her room on an old window frame, and it was the first it ever occurred to me that you could treat your jewelry like art in your room. With holders like this one from DANIELLE id, your jewelry collection can really be the most beautiful part of your room! One of my favorite Etsy stores, Andrews Reclaimed, sells a beautiful rack for jewelry as well.

Picture Frames- ABW Frames makes collage frames and picture frames out of reclaimed barn wood (they also sell materials for making a barnwood wall in your house, which I just think is so cool. If anyone wants to try this, invite me over and I will help!). We have bought quite a few frames from Rustic and Refined design, which is made from repurposed wood in the United States, and they have worked out really well. Depending on the design you choose, it looks like a brand new frame, no rusticness needed.

Need to see more? There are tons of reclaimed wood furniture companies, but here are a few of my favorites I found- Urban Hardwoods (these are so gorgeous and organic looking), Reclaimed Barnwood  Furniture (sturdy, piecey, and traditional), Woodland Creek Furniture, Ecochic Furniture (super colorful and bright), Western Heritage Furniture (really fancy, but super cool ideas), and The Old Wood Co (tagline "Remade in the USA").

They even have reclaimed wood options at Uncommon Goods, Pottery Barn (but not nearly everything, so keep an eye out), and Crate and Barrel. Reclaimed wood may be a trend, but I expect it will pick up steam, not lose it.

All of this is really cool, and I love that you can get so many things made out of reclaimed wood. But how many times do we purchase a coffee table in a year? How many headboards in a lifetime? Unless we are on the Property Brothers purchasing team (I want that job), probably not many. The rest of the month we will focus on those tree-based purchases we make all the time- paper products!

 If we can combine some great big decisions with making regular positive decisions by buying recycled and tree-free everyday products, we could save thousands of trees in a lifetime. That's a lot of oxygen produced and CO2 sucked up! If you want some ideas of basic purchases to switch up, check out Greening the Basics Part One and Part Two. Also, if you want more Eco-Friendly Shopping Inspiration, check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists!

Want to make your home greener? No matter the size or location, you can limit your waste and make your house have a more positive impact on the environment. Check out the Green Home Page for thousands of ideas on how to do it.

My Grandfather's Tree pieces, 2015- from Azure Magazine

Max Lamb is a designer focused on where and how he gets his materials, so this guy is right up my alley. I am currently obsessed with his piece "My Grandfather's Tree" which was entirely sourced from an old ash tree on his grandfather's property in Yorkshire. The tree was threatening a neighboring structure, so they pulled it down, and Lamb took the tree and split it into 130 pieces. He didn't interfere much, but level the tops and bottoms, and he exhibited the segments in long rows organized by size. You can see all 187 of its life rings in the piece, and it makes it obvious to the viewer what we can sometimes forget- wood objects are made of trees, which once had their own life and function. I just think the piece is sweet and personal while also being pretty epic and wide-reaching for a designer. Look it up and be amazed!

Azure Magazine wrote a great piece on this work with some great images of all the pieces of the "reconstructed" tree together and in various settings and arrangements. Check it out!

To see more of Max Lamb's work, check out his Artsy page here.

Planning a great party is a fun challenge, so it is a perfect opportunity to take on more eco-friendly (and tree-friendly) options as part of the challenge. We buy so much stuff for parties that quickly makes it into the trash, could there be better options? Wrapping paper that doesn't take down trees? One time use plates that won't turn up in a landfill? It sounds crazy, and maybe not worth it, but it turns out there are TONS of options, most of which are plenty affordable. Time to change the way we gift and party!

Wrapping Paper

from Amazon

Recycled Kraft Paper- Once I make it through our wedding tissue paper (so basically never), I think my next wrapping plan is to just buy a gigantic roll of all-recycled kraft paper to wrap with and cloth ribbons I can reuse. That will be the whole plan. Pratt Paper is based in Georgia and their kraft roll is made of 100 recycled material. Avidti also makes their rolls of kraft paper out of 100% recycled material; it looks a little intense if you aren't working in shipping or art with kids, but you could buy one roll of this and be set for life. You will never have to buy wrapping paper again. Anna Sees Supplies also sells some giant rolls of 100% recycled, Made in America kraft paper among their recycled wrapping supplies (so does Give it Pretty, Soiree Supply, ha supply, The Paper Chickie, and Handmade Craft Supply- so many choices).

from le Box Boutique

You can find recycled kraft bags, paper and boxes on stores like le Box Boutique (they have so many things on this store, but not everything is recycled).

Recycled Kraft Cards and Envelopes- You can even kraft paper your cards, because recycled paper is taking over everything (oh, is that only in my heart? I haven't changed your mind?). We bought these Darice bulk kraft envelopes to make The Bub's first birthday invitations (with a set of letter stamps), and we have used them at every chance since. Blank canvases that can go in any direction, I feel confident these cards are going to greatly reduce our mail-related footprint. This is a new favorite for sure, and I don't think we would go back. Want to do postcards? You can find those too.

Everyday's a Holiday sells wrapping paper and cards all made on kraft paper. I love the idea of getting your greeting cards on all recycled paper as well or making them on your own. Certainly a little more thoughtful, but also a lot more work, so it's nice that Etsy stores have options like these to try.

from Amazon

Buttons Bags and Bows sells pretty recycled kraft wrapping paper with pretty and holiday-appropriate designs and patterns. Perfect if you want to wrap with lots of interesting patterns but you don't want to chop down a tree in the process.

Caroline Creates makes geometric patterns on wrapping paper out of 100% recycled and recyclable paper. So pretty and simple to dramatic effect. It also kind of inspires me to stamp my own kraft paper to make some homemade wrapping paper myself. Paper Forward makes similar papers with more figurative, less geometric paper.

The Gift Wrap Company is a favorite of mine, and they sell it at one of my favorite grocery stores- PCC- so we can buy  recycled, and recyclable product locally. I love it- though I really wish it was also made in America. Still, their wrapping paper, bows, and bags are very pretty and this might be a good option for you to finish up the supplies they need.

from Amazon

Jillson Roberts sells bright and patterned wrapping paper made of 100% post-consumer product (and they are even on 90% post consumer rolls). I love any option where you can wrap a gift where no tree comes down, and if minimalist/ kraft paper isn't your aesthetic, than this gives you a much more fun and varied option.  They aren't all the same, so check into it, but I think this company might be a great starting place.

from Le Box Boutique

LeBox Boutique from Missouri sells recycled kraft paper wrapping products, including boxes, bags, and (my favorite) tissue paper. I really think it looks pretty and subtle to use kraft paper for all of your wrapping, and if you tie on some bright or colorful ribbons, you can make it look so pretty.

from Knot and Bow

Knot and Bow out of Brooklyn are mostly known for their party supplies (check them out in that section too), but I do think their parcel gift tags (coming in coordinating colors sets or you pick your own) are adorable and worth pointing out on their own merits. You can buy smaller sets as well, though they seem to come in pointless plastic packaging. Knot and Bow also sells their own 100% recycled kraft wrapping paper.

from Popular Designs

Popular Designs makes some of my favorite wrapping accessories (and most of them are recycled- awesome), but my favorite is definitely their bows. They are made of recycled magazines for goodness sake! That's genius. Who would have thought you could still use cutesy bows and be eco-friendly? New favorite thing. I also would buy the pantone gift tags, straight out of a vintage book in a second. So cool. This store may be my new Etsy favorite. You can get simple recycled kraft bows from Leaf and Grain.

from Tone and State

Tone and State sells gorgeous handmade and geometric wrapping paper. It's not your cheapest option, but it might make a beautiful wedding gift wrap or wrap for a very special event.

Wrap and Revel sells recycled wrapping paper (30% post-consumer content) in fresh and modern designs. Looks very chic and light-hearted to me. If Kate Spade made recycled wrapping paper... You can find other more chic options at Ruff House Art and Dandelion Paper.

Tissue Paper- There is no reason to buy wrapping tissue made of fresh new trees because it is like pre-garbage garbage. It isn't just instatrash. It's already trash. It's already crumpled up for goodness sake! For that reason, recycled paper makes a lot of sense. You can get it in kraft paper colors like this from Premium Quality Gift Wrap Paper or Your Party and Gift Shop.

Party Supplies

I addressed some of these on the Greening the Basics, but these are party decorations that are unabashedly festive while also being eco-friendly awesome. Woot!

from Young Hearts Love

Bunting- A bunch of Etsy stores sell all kinds of cool bunting made of all sorts of recycled paper. You may buy something you think is great, like this map bunting from Young Hearts Love, or you might feel inspired to make something yourself! Making a bunting is totally doable no matter your crafty skill level, and it can have a big effect on party decor.



Cold Porcelain Shop sells made in America and recycled tissue paper to make things like tissue paper flowers. Then, if you are like us, you can be the proud owner of a gargantuan pile of tissue paper for the rest of your life. Someday, we will use it up. Someday. Still, the tissue paper poof is a great way to get a lot of impact at nearly no cost (just lots of time and resentment from family members). Ladies who Lunch Poms sells recycled tissue paper in a wide variety of colors as well, so you can find something you would like.

Green Party Goods sells helpful things like recycled cocktail napkins and the like. Not any more expensive than cocktail napkins (and cheaper than the monogrammed ones- that is a mistake, my engaged friends), and it keeps another tree from being chopped down.

We used some Knot and Bow ribbon and tags for our wedding decor, so I can vouch for this etsy store's gorgeous products. They sell sweet birthday candles out of beeswax (candles are worth getting a healthier version) that will last 15 minutes (that's a lot of renditions of the Birthday Song). They even come in cute glass jars instead of wasting paper or plastic on packaging. Be sure to check out their selection of party stuff; though not all of it is recycled or eco-friendly, I think everything is made in the US or Canada.

from Pretty Paper Musings

Pretty Paper Musings sells paper confetti made out of recycled paper goods like books, magazines, and maps. Sure to be a hit at a party, and you give the paper a second chance at usefulness. Those little plastic confetti, though super fun to flick, are a hot mess of environmental waste. What are you going to do with them after the party is over anyway? I love these heart-shaped ones made from books- they remind me of Jane Austen and just seem really romantic to me. Pretty Parties also sells adorable recycled confetti with a different fluffier/ crinkled texture if you are looking for something with more body. Funk T Junk sells confetti too (it's almost like all you need is a shaped cutter and a piece of paper ready to be retired- I might try to do this myself next time).

from Soiree Supply

Soiree Supply,  out of Des Moines, also sells large rolls of 100% recycled kraft paper (see? This is really a thing) intended for wrapping or a big decor wall like this one. They have all kinds of cool party supplies in the store too, so I know I will be coming back here next time we are planning something.

from Amazon

Susty Party Supplies sell my favorite party supplies right now (just what we all need strong opinions on, right? Party Supplies)This genius company makes party plates that are tree-free, 100% compostable, and stay comparably priced to all the paper stuff that tears down trees or (worse) plastics that end up in landfills. They have a pretty wide variety of plates and silverware, so you can find an option that works for your shindig! And it's all on prime, so don't give me any of the "had to run to the store" business. You knew this was coming; buy party supplies that wont cause any trees to be cut down or fill any landfills! They also have sustainably made napkins and cups! Does your solo cup help train blind and visually impaired individuals for green collar jobs? No? So maybe do these instead.

from Amazon

Tranquilo Earth Friendly Supplies- This company sells paper straws that are made in the USA from responsibly sourced trees (this means the trees are cut and replanted in a sustainable way. They will biodegrade in days instead of filling landfills and oceans for all of eternity. If you want straws at your party, skip the plastic and go with these.

Wrapping me Up sells oodles of party and wrapping supplies, but my favorite might be pint berry baskets made of recycled paper, which they say you can put party favors in. Please, someone invite me to this party, because I want to know what you put in it. Or, if there are berries as a favor, I would be all over it.

Ready to host a party? Me too! These seem awesome. If you are looking to green other parts of your shopping, check out my Mega List of Shopping lists, which has all sorts of cool lists and suggestions so you can green up your everyday and special occasion shopping. Companies want us to feel like we don't have options, so they can get away with treating the environment and their workers badly, but we almost always do have a choice, so check out the list and see how many options you really do have!

Want to make your home greener? No matter the size or location, you can limit your waste and make your house have a more positive impact on the environment. Check out the Green Home Page for thousands of ideas on how to do it.