10 Sustainable Fall Must-Haves – Going Zero Waste

Last Updated on September 19, 2024

Fall in Maine is truly stunning. Until moving here, I never got to go pumpkin or apple picking! It was so satisfying to knock that off my bucket list.

Fall is a great time to get outdoors and do some leaf peeping, hiking, or visiting a local farm. The colors here in Maine are so breathtaking.

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I also love seeing the fall produce rolling in at the farmers market! Broccoli, butternut squash, and cauliflower all start making their appearance this time of year and they taste so fresh.

It’s also a great time for self-reflection and slowing down. Practicing some meditation, journaling or positive affirmations is a great idea.

Whatever you choose to do this fall, you don’t need much to make it unforgettable. But there are certain items I’ve been really loving lately and wanted to share them with you.

Here are some sustainable fall must-haves I’ll be keeping beside me all season long.

1. cozy sweater

Everyone needs at least one high quality sweater they wear all fall long. Of course, the most sustainable sweater is the one you already own.

But if you’re on the market for a new one, I really love Shokay’s sweaters. They’re made from high quality and responsibly sourced yak wool, which is all-natural. I know they will hold up for years with proper care and keep me warm on chilly fall days.

Yak wool has been compared to cashmere many times for its softness. It’s also 30x warmer than regular wool.

Shokay yak wool is sourced directly from Tibet, where yaks lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Yaks create less damage to the grass they eat from and are still herded using traditional nomadic practices rather than being farmed at a fixed location.

All herders follow natural herding practices to care for the yaks, guaranteeing the yaks are safe, secure, and free to roam around.

Additionally, Shokay maintains a dedication to equitable compensation and fair working conditions for every participant within their supply chain.

Sweaters made with yak wool are less likely to wear out quickly or go out of style, making them stand the test of time.

RELATED: How to Find a Sustainable Sweater

2. cute boots

The best boots for fall are the ones built to last. Alohas makes high quality and stylish boots I want to wear all season long.

They offer on-demand shopping to avoid overproduction, which means no waste of materials. They also have many vegan leather options.

Their shoes are designed in Barcelona and crafted by local artisans. They draw on timeless trends that can last a lifetime and be interchanged with so many different outfits and looks, making them consistently relevant.

RELATED: The 8 Best Repairable Shoes For Durable + Stylish Footwear

3. a cozy loungewear

Who doesn’t love a good loungewear set in the fall?

I love tossing on matching sweatpants and a sweatshirt to go on brisk fall morning walks with Nala. It’s also great for days you just want to cozy up on the couch.

Mate The Label is my go-to for sustainable loungewear because they utilize organic, plastic-free materials like organic cotton. They don’t use plastic for their labels and packaging.

I love how their loungewear sticks to neutral color palates made with non-toxic dyes. It’s a timeless choice that won’t go out of style.

They also have a Take Back Bag where you can send them unwanted clothing (from any brand) and receive store credit in exchange.

Additionally, they’re a B Corp and climate neutral certified.

4. warm socks

Warm, cozy socks are a must in the fall. I’ve really been loving Girlfriend Collective’s crew socks. They’re the perfect length and are made from 90% recycled plastic (from recycled water bottles).

They come in three different sizes and have a compressive stitch that helps to increase circulation and reduces swelling. The socks have a tighter fit to reduce friction at your pressure points too.

Best of all, when you’re done with them, you can even recycle it with ReGirlfriend.

RELATED: 9 Best Sustainable Socks

5. fall scented candle

I love a good fall-scented candle as much as the next gal. I mean, who doesn’t want their home to smell like pumpkin pie or a crisp autumn day?

But did you know conventional candles contribute to indoor air pollution? That’s largely due to the fact many are made using paraffin wax which releases toxic chemicals when burned.

It’s important to choose a non-toxic candle, like P.F. Candle Co. This brand makes 100% vegan and non-toxic soy wax candles hand-poured into apothecary inspired glass amber jars. I love that it has a kraft paper label and brass lid!

P.F. Candle Co. is paraben-free, phthalate-free and never tested on animals. It’s homemade in California with 100% domestically grown soy wax and has a cotton core wick.

Of course, candles aren’t the only way to make the house smell nice. You can also try making a simmer pot using fall scents like apple, cinnamon and cloves.

6. cute jacket

Everyone needs at least one or two jackets they can rely on in fall! I am naturally cold natured, so I easily chill to the bone.

That’s why I absolutely love Bernardo jackets – not only are they made using recycled materials, but they do a fantastic job keeping me warm!

I have an in-depth Bernardo jacket review here you should check out: They gifted me a very flattering jacket that’s durable and well-made.

Their puffer jackets are made with Ecoplume fill, which transforms plastic bottles into 100% recycled insulation. And their Full Circle collection boasts 100% recycled materials in their jackets including fill, lining, shell. The only exception is hardware and thread.

7. cozy flannel shirt

What is fall without flannel? Everyone needs at least one flannel shirt in their wardrobe to break out on a crisp fall day to the pumpkin patch.

I love this comfy and cozy flannel shirt from Ten Tree: It’s a long sleeve button down that can be layered so easily. It’s made from kapok (from the kapok tree) and organic cotton.

Kapok fibers are naturally insulating and regeneratively grown. They also require minimal processing.

Tentree also utilizes shipping packaging that’s recycled or responsibly sourced materials. It can be recycled or composted after use.

The garment is also biodegradable, once the buttons (made from recycled materials) are removed.

8. hot loose-leaf tea

No fall is complete without sipping on some hot tea in a cute (reusable) mug. However, did you know most tea bags are made out of plastic?

A 2019 study by McGill University researchers found that a single plastic tea bag can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into tea when steeped in hot water. No thanks!

That’s why I love choosing loose leaf teas, like the ones from Arbor Teas! Arbor Teas utilizes organic ingredients, and it’s all packaged in compostable materials.

They have a wide array of teas to choose from, such as green, white, black, oolong, roobis and herbal blends.

You can also attempt to find some loose leaf tea at your local refill shop. Or, try growing your own (chamomile and mint are fairly easy tea herbs to grow) if you have the garden space!

9. baking yummy fall treats

Fall goes hand in hand with baking. There’s nothing better than the smell of an apple or pumpkin pie baking in the oven!

There are so many pumpkin and apple treats to bake this time of year. And doing it yourself helps you use up ingredients in your fridge and pantry, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

If you’re in need of some new bakeware this season, Caraway sells an 11-piece bakeware set that’s non-toxic and ceramic. Organizers are included which makes it so accessible and keeps things tidy.

There’s absolutely no Teflon in Caraway bakeware (it’s made using ceramic). This is important because Teflon can release toxic chemicals into the air as it’s heated up. Additionally, Teflon has been found to contains PFAs, aka Forever Chemicals, which have been found in the blood of people and animals all around the world.

If you’re still using non-stick cookware and bakeware, chances are they’re coated with Teflon. So it may be in your best interest to switch to something Teflon-free, like Caraway.

I can picture myself using this Caraway set to bake all kinds of fall goodies, like apple cinnamon muffins!

If you’re more of a pumpkin lover, here’s how to use up the whole pumpkin, alongside my favorite pumpkin recipes! Also, don’t forget to use up your pumpkin seeds – they’re delicious!

10. mug / thermos to keep drinks hot

Planning on going camping or hiking this fall? A REI camp mug is a great choice!

Not only are you avoiding single-use plastics, but it will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours due to the double-wall insulation. Plus, it comes with a lid which keeps your drink from spilling on the move.

Made of high-quality 18/8 stainless steel, this mug will last you a long time with proper care. The mug and lid are both BPA-free too.

If you’re not a camp or hiking person, consider snagging one of Rei’s travel mugs – like the Hydro Flask – for drinks on the go, be it hot or cold. This Hydro Flask is 20 fl. oz. and comes with a flex strap for easy transport.

REI is Climate Neutral Certified; that means they work to actively reduce their carbon footprint, all while simultaneously measuring annual carbon emissions and purchasing an equivalent amount of verified carbon credits.

So what do you think of these fall must-haves? What would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!