Last updated: September 19, 2024
Autumn in Maine is absolutely gorgeous. Until I moved here, I couldn’t go pumpkin picking or apple picking. I was so happy to be able to cross that off my bucket list.
Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy fall foliage, hiking, and visiting local farms. The colors here in Maine are breathtaking.
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I also love seeing the fall produce at the farmers market. Broccoli, butternut squash, and cauliflower all start appearing this time of year and taste so fresh.
It’s also a great time for self-reflection and slowing down. Meditation, journaling, or practicing positive affirmations are great ideas.
Whatever you do this fall, you don’t need much to make it unforgettable. However, there are some items that I really like lately, so I would like to share them with you.
Here are some sustainable fall must-haves you’ll want to have on hand all season long.
1. A comfortable sweater
Everyone needs at least one quality sweater to wear all fall. Of course, the most sustainable sweaters are the ones you already own.
But if you’re looking for a new sweater, I love Shokay sweaters. Made from responsibly sourced, all-natural, high-quality yak hair. With proper care, they can last for years and keep you warm on chilly fall days.
Yak wool has been compared many times to cashmere due to its softness. 30 times warmer than regular wool.
Shokei yak wool is sourced directly from Tibet, where yaks live a semi-nomadic life. Because yaks cause less damage to the grass they eat, they are not kept in fixed locations, but instead continue to form herds according to traditional nomadic practices.
All pastoralists care for their yaks using natural pastoral practices, ensuring that the yaks are safe, secure and roam free.
Additionally, Shokay is committed to maintaining fair compensation and fair working conditions for all participants in our supply chain.
Sweaters made from yak hair are less likely to wear out or go out of style quickly and can stand the test of time.
Related: How to find sustainable sweaters
2. Cute boots
The best boots for fall are those that are built to last. Alohas makes high quality and stylish boots that you can wear all season.
We offer on-demand shopping to avoid overproduction, so there is no wastage of materials. There are also many vegan leather options.
Their shoes are designed in Barcelona and made by local artisans. They embrace timeless trends that can last a lifetime, be interchangeable with so many different outfits and looks, and remain consistently relevant.
Related: 8 Best Repairable Shoes for Durability and Stylish Shoes
3. Comfortable loungewear
Who doesn’t love loungewear that’s perfect for fall?
I love going for breezy walks on fall mornings with Nala in matching sweatpants and sweatshirts. Perfect for those days when you want to relax on the sofa.
Mate the Label is my go-to for sustainable loungewear because it uses plastic-free organic materials like organic cotton. No plastic is used in labels or packaging.
I love that their loungewear focuses on neutral colors made with non-toxic dyes. It’s a timeless choice that never goes out of style.
There’s also Take Back Bag, where you can send in your unwanted clothing (any brand) and receive store credit in exchange.
Plus, it’s B Corp and climate neutral certified.
4. Warm socks
Warm and comfortable socks are a must-have for fall. I love Girlfriend Collective’s crew socks. Perfect length and made from 90% recycled plastic (from recycled water bottles).
They come in three sizes and feature compression stitches to increase circulation and reduce swelling. Socks have a tighter fit and also reduce friction at pressure points.
Best of all, when you’re done with it, you can also recycle it at ReGirlfriend.
Related: 9 of the best sustainable socks
5. Autumn scented candles
I love a nice fall-scented candle just as much as the gal next to me. I mean, who wouldn’t want their home to smell like pumpkin pie and a crisp fall day?
But did you know that traditional candles contribute to indoor air pollution? The main culprit is that many products are made using paraffin wax, which releases toxic chemicals when burned. It depends on the facts.
It’s important to choose non-toxic candles like those from PF Candle Co. The brand produces 100% vegan, non-toxic soy wax candles that are hand-poured into amber glass jars inspired by apothecaries. I love that it comes with a craft paper label and brass lid!
PF Candle Co. is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and never tested on animals. Homemade in California using 100% domestic soy wax and has a cotton wick.
Of course, candles aren’t the only thing that makes your home smell nice. You can also try making a stew pot with fall scents like apple, cinnamon, and cloves.
6. Cute jacket
Everyone has at least one or two fall go-to jackets. I’m a cold person by nature, so I quickly get cold to the bone.
That’s why I love Bernardo jackets so much. Not only are they made using recycled materials, they also do a great job of keeping you warm.
Check out our detailed review of the Bernardo jacket here. They gifted me a durable, well made and very attractive jacket.
Their down jackets are made with Ecoplume fill, which turns plastic bottles into 100% recycled insulation. Their Full Circle collection also boasts 100% recycled materials in their jackets, including the batting, lining, and shell. The only exceptions are hardware and threads.
7. Comfy flannel shirt
What’s autumn without flannel? Everyone needs at least one flannel shirt in their wardrobe to head out to the pumpkin patch on a crisp fall day.
I love this cozy flannel shirt from Ten Tree. The button-down long sleeve allows for easy layering. Made from kapok (Kapok tree) and organic cotton.
Kapok fiber is a natural insulator and grows regeneratively. It also requires minimal processing.
Tentree also uses shipping packaging made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials. After use, it can be recycled or composted.
Also, if you remove the buttons (which are made from recycled materials), the garment becomes biodegradable.
8. Hot loose leaf tea
Autumn can’t be complete without drinking hot tea in a cute (reusable) mug. But did you know that most tea bags are made of plastic?
A 2019 study by researchers at McGill University found that soaking a single plastic tea bag in hot water can release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the tea. It turned out. no thanks!
That’s why I love choosing loose leaf teas like Arbor Teas. Arbor Teas uses organic ingredients and is packaged entirely in compostable materials.
Choose from a wide variety of teas, including green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, Rubis tea, herbal blends, and more.
You can also look for loose leaf tea at your local refill shop. Or, if you have garden space, try growing your own (chamomile and mint are very easy tea herbs to grow).
9. Bake delicious fall treats
Autumn is closely associated with baking. There’s nothing quite like the smell of apple or pumpkin pie baking in the oven.
At this time of year, many sweets such as pumpkins and apples are available. When you make your own meals, you can use up the ingredients you have in your fridge and pantry, eliminating waste.
If you need some new bakeware this season, Caraway sells an 11-piece non-toxic ceramic bakeware set. Comes with an organizer for easy access and organization.
Caraway bakeware has no Teflon at all (it’s made using ceramic). This is important because Teflon can release toxic chemicals into the air when heated. Additionally, Teflon has been found to contain PFA, also known as Forever Chemical, which has been found in the blood of people and animals around the world.
If you’re still using nonstick cookware or bakeware, chances are they’re coated with Teflon. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to switch to something Teflon-free like caraway.
You can imagine yourself baking all kinds of fall treats, including apple cinnamon muffins, with this caraway set.
If you love pumpkin, I’ll show you how to use up a whole pumpkin and share some of my favorite pumpkin recipes. Also, don’t forget to use up pumpkin seeds because they are delicious.
10. Mug/Thermos flask to keep drinks warm
Are you planning on camping or hiking this fall? The REI Camping Mug is a great choice!
Not only do you avoid single-use plastics, but the double wall insulation will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. Plus, it comes with a lid to prevent drinks from spilling while on the go.
Made from high quality 18/8 stainless steel, this mug will last a long time with proper care. The mug and lid are also BPA-free.
If you don’t camp or hike, why not try a Rei travel mug like the Hydro Flask for hot or cold drinks on the go? This hydro flask has a 20 fluid volume. Comes with a flex strap for easy carrying.
REI is certified climate neutral. This means they actively work to reduce their carbon footprint, while simultaneously measuring their annual carbon footprint and purchasing the same amount of verified carbon credits.
So what do you think of these fall essentials? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
