Here are 11 sustainable fall essentials you should try using this season so you can enjoy autumn without harming the planet!
For most of my life, I used to always hate fall and everything that came with it.
Fall meant lots of rain, cold weather, days that became shorter and shorter, and the end of my favorite season, summer.
When I think about it now, it’s really unfortunate that I felt that way because my birthday is in October.
And it’s been a few years since I’ve completely changed my mindset around it.
Now, I see autumn as the perfect opportunity to make everything in my home as cozy and comfy as possible.
I see it as the perfect season to curl up in a soft, warm blanket to read a book on a dark rainy day.
Plus, colder weather means that I’m making more and more tea during the day, which I absolutely love!
It’s one of my favorite self-care rituals that truly brings me joy.
At that time of the year, trees also let all their leaves go, so I find it to be a great reminder that it’s okay to let go of the past and focus on the present.
To slow down and embrace the present moment, I allow myself to enjoy some things that help make the season cozy and enjoyable.
Some of them are sustainable fall activities, but physical items can also help us cozy up and make the season even more magical.
In this article, I’m sharing with you what my favorite sustainable fall essentials are!
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What are sustainable fall essentials?
Fall essentials are items you may need to feel warm, comfortable and at home in your own space during autumn.
These can be all kinds of items making your home cozier and more welcoming.
However, most of those you can find on the market are usually mass-produced under very unsustainable and unethical conditions.
As consumers, I think it is essential that we choose the most sustainable options available to us.
That way, we can feel good about our purchases and choices and know we are not harming the planet.
Whether you choose to pick second-hand items or buy eco-friendly products from ethical brands, these sustainable fall essentials will help you enjoy autumn and all it has to offer, all while being gentle with the Earth.
11 sustainable fall essentials for a cozy autumn
1 – Comfy socks
If you’re like me and have cold feet almost all year round, a warm pair of socks is a must-have during the fall, especially as the weather gets cooler and cooler.
These plush lounge socks by Cozy Earth come in a pack of three and they are available in a variety of solid neutral colors.
Made from bamboo viscose and cotton, they are designed to last and don’t pill as time passes.
They also have moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties to keep you comfy, day and night.
They are so soft that you will feel like you are walking on clouds!
Ideal for cozy relaxing moments at home?!
2 – Lamp
When the sun sets early, I always like to light a few lamps in my space to create a nice atmosphere.
You probably already have some lamps in your home, but if you’re on the market for one this fall, the Oak table lamp from Parachute is exactly what you need!
It’s anchored by a gorgeous lacquered oak and antique brass base, and features an elegant linen shade.
The lamp is a work of art on its own!
Place it near your couch so you can enjoy it while reading your favorite book or watching a heartwarming movie with your loved ones.
3 – Upcycled fall decorations
To be sustainable, I recommend that you keep reusing the decor you already have from previous years.
But if you want to change things up, try to stay away from mass-produced decor sold at the store.
These are usually made of plastic and are far from being sustainably produced.
Thrift stores have great options, but you can also check Pinterest for some DIY inspiration.
There are tons of posts about how to make upcycled fall decorations using natural elements like pumpkins, leaves, and acorns.
If you choose to buy (real) pumpkins to decorate your home, try to source them from local, organic farms if you can.
Do not forget to eat the pulp and seeds, and compost the skin in your garden when you no longer want it.
Finally, if you prefer supporting ethical decor brands, I have an entire blog post about sustainable home decor.
For instance, The Citizenry has an amazing fall collection!
It has a wide variety of furnishings designed in warm, earthy colors!
Everything is made by talented artisans using sustainable materials and produced with a fair trade process.
4 – Cozy sweater
As the weather is getting cooler, I try to turn the heating on as late as possible to save energy (and money), so a good warm sweater is essential for my fall wardrobe.
Since I wear them all the time when it’s cold, I always have several on hand to make sure I’m covered for the whole season.
These are incredibly easy to find second-hand online or at thrift stores, but there are also many ethical fashion brands selling them.
One of my favorites is Outerknown!
The brand offers a large selection of cozy sweaters, made from recycled cashmere.
It means that they are incredibly soft, breathable and warm, all while being sustainable.
You can choose between different styles, including turtlenecks, hoodies, and basic crewnecks.
If you prefer to try out another brand, feel free to read my blog post about sustainable sweaters!
5 – Warm throw blanket
As I said earlier, you can always find me bundled up in a cozy throw blanket during the fall.
Whether I’m on the couch watching Netflix, reading a book, or even working at my desk!
I’ve been using the same two ones for years now, but unfortunately, they were not sustainably produced.
I got them when I was not aware of all the environmental issues caused by polyester.
Fortunately, they still look like new so I will continue using them forever.
If you need a new blanket and are looking for an eco-friendly option, consider getting one made from sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, linen, recycled or organic wool, or hemp.
Loomy Home has several beautiful throws that are hand-loomed in Peru from sustainably-sourced wool.
Since they are ethically crafted by artisans using ancient techniques, buying one of these supports traditional craftsmanship and artisan communities, all without harming the planet.
6 – Fall jacket
Where I live, a lightweight jacket always comes in handy in autumn, especially when it’s windy or in the cool evenings.
The Safari jacket sold by Pact ticks all the boxes!
It’s a high-quality, reliable jacket you can wear every day that features four practical pockets for carrying all your essentials with you.
Sold in three lovely colors, the jacket is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade factory.
Also, Pact offsets the carbon footprint of its entire supply chain, so it’s completely carbon-neutral.
Wear this jacket on your next fall adventures, or simply when you’re out and about!
Read more: 9 sustainable winter coats & jackets for braving the cold & staying toasty
7 – Candles
What is cozier than lighting a candle on a fall evening to warm up the ambiance?
I love candles, but I also hate all the nasty ingredients that are in most conventional candles you can buy at the store.
Most of them are made from synthetic, petroleum-derived ingredients, and when you light them, they release harmful chemicals into the air.
These are extremely toxic to humans, so you do not want to inhale them and you should stay away from them as much as possible.
Thankfully, it doesn’t mean you need to stop buying candles.
There are many non-toxic, sustainable alternatives made with soy wax or beeswax, which are safe to use in our homes.
The brand Public Goods makes different types of eco-friendly candles.
They contain natural, hand-poured soy wax, cotton wicks, and essential oils, and are free of toxic chemicals like phthalates, lead, or BPA.
P.F. Candle Co and Dear Sundays are two other brands you should check out if you’re on the hunt for nice-smelling non-toxic candles!
P.F. Candle Co even has a few scents specially made for the fall.
Read more: The 8 best non-toxic candles to create a cozy atmosphere in your home
8 – Ceramic mug
One of the best ways to warm up after a long day outside in the cold or the rain is to prepare yourself a hot beverage.
Whether you prefer coffee, tea or hot chocolate, pouring the warm beverage into a beautiful, ceramic mug feels like a magical ritual.
Unfortunately, mugs are fragile items that sometimes break, especially when used regularly.
So from time to time, we need to buy a new one.
If you need a new mug, sustainable kitchenware brand Our Place creates incredibly unique ceramic stoneware mugs.
You can stack them neatly on top of each other to save space in your cupboards.
And you get to choose between five colors, including a few earthy tones, which are ideal for autumn!
Read more: 18 minimalist kitchen essentials for simple, efficient cooking
9 – Organic, loose-leaf tea
Speaking of hot beverages, I’m a huge tea drinker, especially in the colder months.
So I always make sure to have a few different ones stocked up in my kitchen so that I can prepare a nice cup of tea whenever I want!
But a few years ago, I realized that the number of tea bags I was putting in the trash was ridiculous, and I didn’t want to contribute to this anymore.
That is when I completely stopped buying tea bags and switched my entire tea collection to loose-leaf tea.
I’ve also recently started buying organic loose-leaf tea to further minimize the environmental impact of my tea addiction.
If you too love tea, The Republic Of Tea offers different kinds of USDA-certified organic, loose-leaf tea.
Plus, it’s a great brand to buy from as it regularly supports charities like Feeding America and the American Red Cross.
10 – Ankle boots
Ankle boots are one of my favorite fall essentials in my wardrobe!
I like that they protect our feet from the cold and rain, but they’re also stylish at the same time.
They’re super easy to dress up and dress down, and can be worn with many outfit combinations.
Nisolo has a great selection of ankle boots, which are all comfy and very chic.
Made from sustainably-sourced leather, they feature a flattering cut that will elevate your looks and complement your legs on your autumn walks!
This footwear brand is also one of the most sustainable out there: it is a certified B Corporation and it’s completely climate-neutral!
11 – Umbrella
Where I live, it doesn’t rain a lot, but autumn is the wettest season of the year.
So whenever I see dark clouds in the sky, I make sure to bring my umbrella with me.
Umbrellas are especially hard to choose as they tend to break easily if they are poorly made.
Choosing a high-quality one that is designed to last is thus the most sustainable option we have.
Some umbrellas are also made with sustainable materials, like recycled plastic, which is a great option!
This one from totes features a bamboo handle and a canopy made from seven recycled plastic bottles, and it is sold in black as well as in two lovely patterns.
Bring this sustainable fall essential with you wherever you go if you live in a rainy climate!
Final thoughts on these sustainable fall essentials
I hope this list of 11 sustainable fall essentials will help you create an unforgettable, cozy atmosphere this autumn season!
Of course, you don’t have to incorporate them all into your life.
Take what you want from this article and make the most of it!
These items are things I love to use in the fall to make my home and life more comfortable, cozy, and heart-warming.
They bring calm to my space and help me reduce stress, relax and slow down.
In short, they help me enjoy autumn and all the little pleasures that come with it.
If you liked this article, you will also enjoy my other posts about my favorite essentials by season:
- 13 sustainable winter essentials that will keep you cozy and warm
- 8 sustainable spring essentials to make the most out of the season
- 12 sustainable summer essentials to have fun under the sun
And you, what are your favorite fall essentials?
Don’t forget to share this article with your friends to inspire them to cozy up in a sustainable way this fall!
