By: Elena Senechal-Becker
Originally published: April 20, 2022
Designlines Magazine

With Earth Day just around the corner, our planet could use a little TLC — these environment-friendly design objects should do just the trick.

Every year, when mid-April comes around, we take a day to celebrate the Earth and to re-examine how our habits impact our home planet. This time of year is also the perfect moment to make changes to our daily routines — it’s Spring, after all, and we all need a refresh. Whether that’s a weekend of spring cleaning or installing a brand new wallpaper, we know that our homes are the centre of our universe — and where change starts. To help you get your affairs in order (while keeping things environmentally friendly), we’ve rounded up some of our favourite sustainably-minded products.

Guests on Earth is a female-founded, Toronto-based start-up on a mission to rethink the way we use cleaning products in our homes. Co-founder Jackie Prince was working from home with two small kids and cleaning constantly when she realized how much trash she was accumulating. After learning that only 9% of plastics are recycled, she set out to re-define cleaning products as not only sustainably packaged, but counter-worthy — their packaging made from recyclable aluminum and offered in small refills. The brand’s Good Guest kit is the perfect entry point into the world of cleaning as self-care — and Earth-care, too. $67 at Guests on Earth.

Silk & Snow Organic Mattress

Ever opened up a new mattress and had to let it off-gas for a while to get rid of that chemical smell? Silk & Snow uses eco-friendly materials such as linen and cotton, paired with conscious manufacturing and OEKO-TEX certification to make some of the best environmentally-conscious sheets, mattresses and bedding available.  Plus, the brand recently partnered with EQ3 to bring their wares to brick-and-mortar stores — find one near you to avoid shipping costs (and carbon emissions!). $1,100 at EQ3.

Lohn’s beautifully-scented candles can be spotted in many design shops in Toronto — and for good reason. The brand’s delicious scents are inspired by an ancient trade route called the Amber Road, which crosses the founder’s home countries of Poland and Estonia. Made of soy and coconut-based wax and cotton wicks, the candles are packaged in recyclable glass jars (we love to use these as drinking glasses after use — they are food grade!). And best of all, they’re all made by a small team of artisans in Toronto. $42 at Lohn.

Inspired by traditional Indian cots, CB2’s Natural Wrap Bench is crafted of solid sustainable acacia wood and wrapped in a durable jute. The design, by Ayush Kasliwal, is versatile enough to fit into any home design scheme — the spare, minimal style is perfectly functional, too. Handcrafted in India, it’s sturdy enough to last forever — as they say, buy better, buy less. $449 at CB2.

Hoi bo Bag

Founded in 2007, Hoi Bo is a darling of Toronto’s sustainable fashion scene. The brand’s Supernova bag, shown above, is a uniquely scuptural 3D form with an easy-pull drawstring and a leather cross-body strap — the perfect companion for everyday wear. Crafted in North America, it’s a durable yet elegant choice to tote around — it’s made to last (and can even be mended if necessary), so expect to have this one in your closet for years to come.

Rainstick

This innovative product, designed by a British-Columbia-based company, recycles your shower water by passing it through a micron filter and UV-LED, effectively cleansing it of debris and hair, as well as bacteria and viruses. The result: a shower that uses 80% less water overall, while still properly rinsing the shampoo out of your hair. How’s that for sustainability?