Ten of the best ethical and sustainable lighting brands to suit every home
Does it annoy you that shopping ethically and sustainably for your home is still not as easy as it could be? It sure as hell bugs me.
It’s getting much better in terms of choice, but man it’s hard to find good, green interior products that match your style without spending copious amounts of time on the interweb. Time that most of us don’t have in this overworked, overstuffed world of busy we all live in.
Now as I’m the kind of weirdo that will happily scour the depths of the web for a good homewares brand, the time investment doesn’t bother me so much.
But what does bother me is that for most of us, if we can’t easily find what we need, we’re going to opt for an easier alternative. Which inevitably means something that has not been produced sustainably or fairly (because, let’s face it, those items still dominate) and that will leave us feeling guilty about the eventual purchase. And that sucks for everyone, right?
Anyway, this post tries to mitigate all that by providing you with ten of the best ethical and sustainable lighting brands to suit every home.
Whether you’re a minimalist, contemporary light-lover; seeking a bohemian-inspired space full of laid back vibes; or dreaming of a statement piece to hover above your dining table, I promise there will be something here for you.
Better yet, each brand is dripping with socially responsible and eco-friendly credentials for a guilt-free, illuminating experience (see what I did there?).
Enjoy.
Modern Moroccan style
Dounia Home
Stunning contemporary lighting designs using traditional techniques.
Products are sourced, developed and produced in Morocco by talented artisans who are paid a fair wage (30% higher than the norm), given reasonable working hours and training and development opportunities.
Based in: Morocco
Ships to: International
2. Contemporary design inspired by the natural world
David Trubridge
With environmental sustainability at the heart of his work, David Trubridge’s timeless designs are more than just inspired by nature.
The wood is sustainably sourced, with natural, non-toxic oils used instead of solvents and each light is shipped flat-packed to minimise its carbon footprint.
I have the Kina pendant (shown) above my dining table and I adore the shadows it casts around the room. Gorgeous.
Based in: New Zealand
Ships to: International
3. Oversized statement lighting
Ay Illuminate
The designers at Ay Illuminate work with local artisans in Asia and Africa to create beautiful lighting from natural (often waste) materials, such as bamboo, rattan, recycled cardboard and paper.
You’ve already got their Z-series pinned to your Pinterest board, you just didn’t know it!
Based in: The Netherlands
Ships to: International (via distributors)
4. Bohemian styling that empowers women
Klaylife
Each Klaylife light is made from clay beads, hand rolled using raw clay by women in the village of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, supporting their economic independence and the local community.
Based in: Australia
Ships to: International
5. sHAPE-SHIFTING LOVELINESS WITH A GREEN TOUCH
Tom Raffield
Contemporary lighting blending traditional techniques with modern technologies, with a strong focus on minimising their ecological footprint.
Tom Raffield’s designs use ‘steam-bending’ to manipulate wood, avoiding the need for toxic glue and minimising waste.
Based in: UK
Ships to: International
6. Sustainable lighting with functional flair
Tala
Founded on the premise that good design can help mitigate climate change, Tala select their methods and materials based on their environmental impact, and remain committed to reducing carbon emissions.
They also support reforestation efforts in the UK, US and India.
Based in: UK
Ships to: International (contact for rates)
7. award-winning lights with low environmental impact
mINNOW
Minnow seeks “the perfect balance between function and aesthetics using processes and materials that have the softest environmental impact”. All lighting components are sourced from within New Zealand with the aim of being reused, recycled or composted at the end of their life.
For every product sold Minnow pays for a native tree to be planted by the Native Forest Restoration Trust.
Based in: New Zealand
Ships to: International (via the Clever Design Store)
8. INDUSTRIAL STYLE THAT MIXES OLD WITH NEW
BLOM & BLOM
Blom & Blom make best use of existing industrial items.
The ‘Heritage’ collection includes distinctive lamps recovered from abandoned factories, carefully restored with respect for their past. Each one comes with a ‘passport’, sharing its unique history.
Their ‘Editions’ take existing items (like laboratory glassware, copper piping and textile waste) and turn them into unique lighting creations.
Based in: The Netherlands
Ships to: International (via distributors)
9. AFRICAN-INSPIRED DESIGNS WITH SUSTAINABLE SOUL
modern gesture
Modern Gesture believes in sustainability, using recycled wood offcuts to create spectacular, environmentally conscious pieces that celebrate the African aesthetic. Most of the designs are able to be flat-packed, reducing the environmental impact of shipping.
Founder and designer, Candice Lawrence, is always personally involved in the turning and manufacturing in her workshop in Cape Town.
Based in: South Africa
Ships to: International
10. 3D-Printed shades and low energy bulbs
plumen
The original Plumen 001 bulb was the world’s first designer low energy light bulb and Plumen remains true to its founding mission to explore new efficient technologies that don’t compromise on style or beauty.
Their new ‘Hive’ shades are 3D-printed (cool) in PLA bioplastic which is made up of 90% recycled plastic and other plant based resources (so cool). They are also completely biodegradable and can be customised extensively (so, so cool).
Based in: UK
Ships to: International
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