We’ve reviewed dozens of the best organic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly mattresses that ship directly to your home—these are our top 10 selections.

We often think about organic ingredients when we grocery shop, pick a skincare brand, or choose baby clothes. But we spend nearly a third of our lives on our mattresses—and most mattresses are anything but organic. 

The average mattress contains a cocktail of toxic chemicals and flame retardants that harmfully impact the human endocrine, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems. The off-gassing can linger for months (I’ll never forget the potent smell in my first apartment, yikes!) and as a mattress’s protective outer layers wear over time, more toxic carcinogens are released.

In 2023, a new cohort of organic and eco-friendly mattress brands is disrupting this outdated industry and offering options that are better for our bodies and our families, and also the planet. 

So you want an organic mattress. How do you choose? 

There are now over 175 bed-in-a-box mattress brands to choose from 🤯. Our team has scoured the inventory, investigated the materials used, tested for comfort, and interviewed these companies to find the 10 best organic mattresses that are healthy, comfortable, reasonably priced, and good for the planet. (Many of these brands also make mattresses for kiddos, too, head here for our guide to organic crib and toddler mattresses.)

Our criteria:

• ORGANIC | Each of these brands uses non-toxic materials including certified organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex, and organic bamboo. None contain harsh flame retardants, and are free from toxic chemicals.
• COMFORT | Comfort is key—so we try the mattresses ourselves, spend hours reading online reviews across the internet, and, of course, we review all the comments and emails from our readers. The brands on this list are here because they are organic and because people love to sleep on them.
• AFFORDABLE | Every brand on this list sells directly to the consumer online and will ship the mattress to your home, removing retail sales commissions which will save you on the final cost.
• ECO-FRIENDLY & GIVE BACK | Each of these green mattress brands employ eco–friendly production practices. Many are made in the USA and give back to their communities by donating high-quality organic mattresses to families in need.

#1. Birch

Best For | Full body pressure relief
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | Organic cotton, natural wool fibers, natural latex
Mattress Type | GreenGuard Gold Certified & OEKO-TEX certified Talalay latex, GOTS Certified organic cotton, organic wool
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial, 0% financing options, 25-year warranty
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Firmness Options | Medium firm (6–7) and flippable firmness for kids mattresses
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1449
Discounts Available | Use code MEMORIALDAY25 for 25% off sitewide and receive two free eco rest pillows with a mattress purchase.

Birch’s natural and organic mattress may just be the coziest mattress in the world (Business Insider sure thinks so). The NYC-based brand boasts OEKO-TEX and Rainforest Alliance certifications and, for every mattress sold, Birch plants one tree through the National Forest Foundation. This green mattress is made with organic, natural, hypoallergenic, and anti-microbial materials, including a natural cotton cover, hygroscopic wool (from New Zealand), and sustainably-tapped latex to keep even the warmest sleeper cool. For support, the individually wrapped steel coils (steel made in the USA) offer extra comfort and optimized pressure relief. With all its awards and natural mattress components, Birch makes it easy to sleep soundly and safely.

Birch Mattress Review | “We are really impressed with this mattress; it has been some of the most comfortable sleep, and everything about the ordering, delivery, set-up was so easy and efficient. Great mattress, super satisfied.” – Michael D. (Read all reviews)

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#2. Awara

Best For | Medium firmness, hot sleepers, quick shipping/fulfillment
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | FSC certified organic latex, 100% certified organic cotton, 100% organic New Zealand wool, OEKO-TEX and GreenGuard Gold certified materials
Mattress Type | Organic latex hybrid
Features | 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Firmness Options | Medium firm (6.5–7)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1099
Discounts Available | Save $799 on your purchase—$300 off hybrid mattresses with $499 worth of sleep accessories with purchase

Purchasing a quality mattress is an investment, and it can feel like a daunting decision. But Awara made it easy to take the leap. With a 365-night trial, premium customer service, and a forever warranty, we knew we had to go for an Awara (and in our dream size too, the Cal King!), we’ve slept like babies and never looked back.

We love Awara’s latex hybrid mattress for its breathability and organic components, as well as the nine-inch contouring support core for pressure relief. It’s firm yet plush, and we feel confident the mattress is supporting our bodies and aiding in a healthy night’s sleep. Its ability to keep hot sleepers cool at night is outstanding (hello, fellow sweaty-sleepers! 👋), the latex is breathable and the coils boost airflow.

The mattress came straight to our door in a cardboard box, and it was as easy as rolling it out and using the fabric handles to place it on the bed frame. Best yet, we feel confident knowing Awara’s natural and non-toxic mattress is good for our health and for the planet. 

Awara Mattress Review | “It’s been three weeks since I got my Awara mattress and I feel like my bedroom has been transformed into a spa. Honestly, it’s just that comfortable.” – Sarah M. (Read all reviews)

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#3. Avocado Green Mattress

Best For | Best organic mattress for comfort
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | 100% GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, 100% natural latex
Mattress Types | Organic certified hybrid mattress, pillowtop plush mattress
Features | Awarded #1 Consumer Reports ratings, handmade in the USA, 100-night trial, 25-year warranty, Vegan Certified mattresses available, MADE SAFE Certified, Climate Neutral Certified
Sizes Available | Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Firmness Options | Avocado Green is gentle firm to medium firm (6–7), Eco Organic is medium firm (5), Luxury is soft to medium firm (3–5)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1199
Discounts Available | Use code HONOR to save 10% on all mattresses, toppers, and pillows. First time customers use code GOODTRADE to save 10% sitewide

Avocado Green Mattress is high on our list for their organic ingredients, range of products, and comfort. (I’ve literally napped on my daughter’s crib mattress because you guessed it, it’s an Avocado and it’s that dreamy). Consumer Reports polled its users on over 100 mattress brands and ranked Avocado #1 by a wide margin. 

Co­-founders Alex and Jeff D’Andrea couldn’t find an affordable, safe, and non-­toxic mattress for their family (specifically one without petroleum-based polyurethane foam, toxic fire retardants, chemical adhesives, dangerous pesticides, or other off­gassing chemicals). Even in a crowded marketplace, a truly green mattress at an affordable price point didn’t exist, so they set out to make one.

While many bed-in-a-box companies white-label products from the same factories and greenwash their eco-claims, Avocado owns their entire supply chain and meets the most stringent standards for ecology and social responsibility. Every mattress is handmade in California with 100 percent GOTS organic certified cotton, wool, and GOLS certified latex. All of Avocado’s mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions, and extremely comfortable for a wide range of sleepers.

The brand also offers a vegan-certified mattress, organic cotton mattress pad protectors, and bedroom furniture, handmade from reclaimed wood. As members of 1% for the Planet, Avocado gives back to environmental and social nonprofits and offsets 100 percent of its carbon emissions via CarbonFund. If you’re still not convinced, read our editor’s firsthand Avocado king mattress review!

Avocado Mattress Review | “I was reticent to buy sight unseen. I spent hundreds of hours researching beds and going to mattress companies locally to test out beds. My gut instinct kept me going back to Avocado. We are so happy we made this decision. If you are thinking about a new mattress, do not hesitate to put Avocado Green Mattress to the top of your list.” ­- Sharon G (Read all reviews)

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#4. Bear

Best For | Athletes, muscle recovery
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | GreenGuard Gold and CertiPur Certified foam
Mattress Type | Memory foam and gel memory foam
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Firmness Options | Original, Pro Hybrid, and Star Hybrid are medium firm (6.8–7.1), Elite Hybrid has options for soft, medium, and firm (5, 6, and 7)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $649
Discounts Available | Use code MEMDAY to save 35% sitewide and get $400 worth of sleep accessories with any mattress purchase

The Bear Hybrid is a GreenGuard Gold certified mattress designed for athletes and the most active people. A luxury mattress with coils and cooling foams, it boasts a Celliant Sleep Technology to promote better sleep and faster muscle recovery. Bear’s mattresses are GreenGuard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring low VOCs and beds that are free from toxic chemicals and harsh flame retardants.

Bear Mattress Review | “Since I’ve been having lower back problems for the past few years, I decided it was time to invest in a mattress that supported not only my sleep, but also my health. And I’ve not been disappointed. I’ve slept comfortably and soundly since my mattress arrived.” – Morgan R. (Read all reviews)

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#5. Brentwood Home

Best For | Value and affordability, social mission
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | 100% GOLS certified organic latex, 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, 100% GOTS certified organic wool from New Zealand, Fair Trade Certifications, Carbon Negative, OEKO-TEX Certified materials
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid
Features | Responsibly made in USA, 1-year sleep trial, 25-year warranty, in-home delivery, free shipping
Sizes Available | Crib, Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, 11″ and 13″ options available on select mattresses
Firmness Options | Oceano is medium soft (4.5), Hybrid is medium (5), Cypress ranges from medium firm (4.5) to medium firm (6), and Crystal Cove is flippable between medium soft (4.5) and medium firm (6.5)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $679
Discounts Available | First time customers use code GOODTRADE to save 10% sitewide, view more promo codes here. For returning customers, use code HONOR to save 10% sitewide

A California brand through and through, Brentwood Home has been handcrafting natural luxury mattresses here in Los Angeles since 1987. The company sources its natural, organic, and nontoxic materials directly—following rigorous standards for environmental responsibility and the health of the consumer. You’ll get your dreamiest (and greenest) sleep on Brentwood’s Hybrid Latex Mattress, representing the pinnacle of eco-conscious mattress design and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Brentwood Home also gives back to several social and environmental initiatives and partners with Carbonfund to offset its carbon footprint. They are your best if you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on the organic certifications, their twin mattress is the most affordable on our list and makes going organic more reasonable for the whole family.

Brentwood Home Review | “Very relaxing, the latex feels exquisite and provides an almost floating feel when in bed, once you have been sleeping on it for a few weeks. I have experienced a cool sleep with the latex and cannot imagine sleeping on anything else again […] I researched latex mattresses for about a month before deciding on this one. Everything about it from the coils, 4 inches of latex, extra handles, covering material and price point make it the very best latex hybrid mattress anyone can buy.” – Sarah S. (Read all reviews)

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#6. DreamCloud

Best For | Hybrid mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | CertiPur Certified materials
Mattress Type | Luxury hybrid
Features | 365-night sleep trial, Everlong Warranty, free shipping, financing available
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Firmness Options | Medium firm (6.5)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $803
Discounts Available | Save 40% on all mattresses through June 5th, discount auto applied at checkout

A brand with one of the deepest options on this list (with a thickness of 14″), DreamCloud offers two luxury hybrid mattresses, both with latex, memory foam, handcrafted cashmere, tufting, and coil technology. This brand seems to suit every type of sleeper (scour the reviews, and you’ll see). DreamCloud’s mattresses are CertiPur Certified and backed by an Everlong Warranty, plus a year-long sleep trial. DreamCloud is committed to ensuring your mattress is right for you. The fine-tuned firmness of this mattress is great for folks who often wake up stiff or uncomfortable, as studies show that medium firm mattresses offer the best relief for back pain.

DreamCloud Mattress Review | “I got the DreamCloud because I was waking up so tired in the morning and I wanted to change that. DreamCloud did exactly that, restoring my faith in mattresses…The base is strong and supportive, and the cover on top felt soft and snug. If you’re looking for a restorative mattress experience that will leave you sighing in relief, this is the one for you. It definitely was the one for me.” – Kimmie N (Read all reviews)

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#7. Plank

Best For | Firm organic mattresses
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | GOTS certified organic cotton, FSC certified natural Talalay latex, organic wool, certified organic cotton & natural wool
Mattress Type | Natural latex hybrid mattress
Features | Made in USA, flippable for varied firmness, free shipping to the 48 US contiguous states, 10-year warranty, 120-night comfort trial
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Firmness Options | Flippable between medium firm (7) and firm (9.5)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1599
Discounts Available | Use code MEMORIAL25 to save 25% off in-store and sitewide through May 25th

In the world of organic bedding and green mattresses, it can be difficult to find a firm mattress option—that’s where Plank comes in. Plank’s firm natural bed is made using all the nontoxic materials we love most, and mattress is also flippable so you can choose between firmer and firmest (no more sinking into an overly plush bed!) Designed to keep your spine in line, this latex hybrid mattress also relies on the brand’s TitanCaliber™ coils for superior support and motion isolation. 

And when it comes to better sleep, you know they’re the experts: Plank is owned and operated by Brooklyn Bedding, which has been making quality mattresses in the USA since 2008 (and is one of the first brands to offer easy-to-ship boxed mattresses!)

Plank Mattress Review | “I did a lot of research before buying this mattress. I wanted an eco-friendly mattress that had all the natural upgrades: wool, organic cotton, and steel innersprings. This checked all the boxes. It’s the perfect supportive firmness—and I finally sleep through the night! Thank you, PLANK!!!” – Rebecca M. (Read more reviews)

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#8. PlushBeds

Best For | Memory foam options and back support
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | 100% GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, 100% GOLS certified organic latex, USDA Certified Organic, Eco Institute Certification
Mattress Type | Organic latex & memory foam options
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night trial, 25-year warranty, Vegan Certified mattresses available
Sizes Available | Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Firmness Options | Medium (5), medium-firm (6.5), and firm (9) options on most models
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1199
Discounts Available | Save $1,250 on any bedroom mattress and get $599 worth of sleep accessories with bedroom mattress purchase. Stack this deal with code GOODTRADE100 for an additional $100 off your purchase

PlushBeds is a leading online luxury mattress manufacturer and retailer, specializing in organic mattresses and bedding. All products are handcrafted in their GOLS and GOTS certified organic production facility in California, with free shipping within the contiguous USA. The company offers a thorough selection of certified organic and eco-friendly mattresses at accessible prices, especially through key holidays, so keep an eye out for their promotions. Each of the brand’s mattresses is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring your bed has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low chemical emissions. The company also provides environmental scholarships for college students, gives back to environmental and social nonprofits, and offsets 100% of its carbon emissions via TerraPass. For us side sleepers, we especially love PlushBeds memory foam options, which is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It doesn’t give us too much—or too little—firmness. Medium is just right!

PlushBeds Mattress Review | “This bed is by far one of the best investments I’ve ever made! I’ve struggled with neck and back pain most of my life and never thought I would find relief in a bed, but that’s exactly what happened. My husband and I couldn’t be happier with our purchase from Plushbeds and would definitely recommend this product to anyone!” – Brandi Perry (Read all reviews)

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#9. Saatva

Best For | Tempur-Pedic and iComfort lovers who want to pay a fraction of the cost
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | Certified organic cotton, plant-based materials, GOLS certified organic latex, 100% organic New Zealand wool, GreenGuard Gold Certified, recycled steel coils, Guardin botanical antimicrobial treatment
Mattress Type | Luxury innerspring mattress, Talalay latex, CertiPur Certified memory foam
Features | Made in the USA, 180-day trial, eco-friendly production, gives back to charity
Sizes Available | Crib, Kids Twin, Kids Twin XL, Kids Full, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
Firmness Options | Options available on most mattresses from soft plush (3) to firm (8-9), hybrid options come with zoned firmness, Solaire has 50 precise adjustable firmness options
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1526
Discounts Available | Save $350 on purchases of $1000 or more using this link

Saatva is a leading disruptor in the mattress industry. From latex to memory foam, the company has an impressive collection to fit every person’s sleep needs and, by cutting out retail commissions, the company can sell to consumers at a fraction of the cost. Saatva’s disruptive model goes even further than distribution as the mattresses are made with plant-based, eco-friendly materials and crafted in the USA. The company also gives back, donating hundreds of natural mattresses to high-need organizations around the country.

Several of our editors rave about the luxury innerspring mattress—it’s their forever pick. For a memory foam mattress comparable to iComfort and Tempur-Pedic (but at a fraction of the cost), we love Loom & Leaf, Saatva’s memory foam line. While memory foam is not an all-natural material, these mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foam is low in VOCs. For a latex option, Saatva’s Zenhaven Mattress is 100 percent all-natural Talalay latex, which is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, microbes, and dust mites. The Talalay manufacturing process is entirely water-based, minimizing the amount of environmentally harmful byproducts. 

Saatva Mattress Review | “I am a budget shopper, but after countless beds on sale and nights with less than stellar sleep, I caved. I called Saatva with twenty questions before I pulled the credit card lever… The bed came and it has been the best sleep my husband I have ever gotten and it has been that way for TWO years now.” – Dutch (Read all reviews)

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#10. Spindle

Best For | Customizable firmness
Organic & Eco-Friendly Materials | GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex, GOTS certified organic cotton & wool, OEKO-TEX Certified wool & latex
Mattress Type | Organic latex
Features | Adjustable firmness, 365-night trial, free shipping, 10 and 25 year warranty programs, made in USA, gives back
Sizes Available | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King
Firmness Options | Medium to firm customizable options (5 to 7.5 based on preference)
Price | Queen mattresses starting at $1599
Discounts Available | Save up to $700 on select mattresses through May 23rd, auto applied at checkout. Plus, use code TGT100 for an additional $100 off the flagship 10″ Spindle mattress

Looking for something that falls between extra soft and extra firm, but not sure exactly where to land? Spindle’s customizable organic latex lets you adjust the layers of foam for your perfect firmness. The mattresses are made from three layers of organic Dunlop latex, surrounded by a quilted cover made from organic wool and organic cotton. That’s it—the brand keeps it simple with high-quality materials, free from chemical flame retardants, synthetic rubber, or harmful VOCs.

Spindle mattresses ship with one layer of firm latex and two layers of medium (3 inches each) and a 1-inch organic cover. This means you can re-position the layers based on your personal firmness preferences. With a 365-night trial, you’ll find the most luxurious latex layering configuration for you—or you’ll get your money back.

Spindle Mattress Review | “We knew we wanted latex, but weren’t sure about exactly what. […] A reconfigurable mattress with multiple firmness options, all latex, and a good guarantee was exactly what I needed to try buying online. I’m so glad I did. I tend to like firmer beds so I used the medium-firm layering first. It was a bit too hard for my partner and I so we just rearranged the layers to the medium ordering. It sleeps perfect! I really can’t recommend this mattress enough. They also sell additional layers, so if you need softer or firmer than the standard layers allow, you’re covered” – Ian B. (Read all reviews)

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Header image from Amber Interior Design

The post 10 Best Organic Mattresses For Non-Toxic Sleep In 2023 appeared first on The Good Trade.

I wasn’t allowed to have friends over when I was a child. My mother might have allowed it if I’d asked. My father probably would have, not aware of how the way we lived was seen by the outside world. But I didn’t allow it. 

I don’t remember exactly what age I was when I realized our house didn’t look like other people’s.

I don’t remember exactly what age I was when I realized our house didn’t look like other people’s. When we visited our maternal grandparents, everything was clean and tidy; everything had a place. It was calming to be there, no paths between the furniture with stuff piled up several feet high. When we ate, the table was easily set; you didn’t have to spend an hour moving things onto other piles before you could put down a plate. 

My father’s hoarding, I now understand, came from anxiety. He was a quiet man who used acts of service and gifts to show his love, not one for affection or giving attention. If he was able to give someone something they needed from his stash of assorted household appliances, car parts, or Goodwill treasures, it made his day. That was the fear, the fear that all hoarders have, that he would need something and not have it, or someone else would need something and he wouldn’t be able to help. He lived by the “just in case” philosophy, combing through thrift stores on an almost daily basis looking for stuff someone he knew might someday need. 

That was the fear, the fear that all hoarders have, that he would need something and not have it.

My mother’s hoarding came from a desire to feel happiness. As children, we didn’t understand why shopping trips with her took all day, leaving in the morning and not getting home until well past dark. There was always something she had to find, trying to feel some moment of bliss, only to toss the shopping bags into a room, forgotten and abandoned. Then she would move on to finding the next thing. She asked my husband once if he thought his own mother was happy. He told her he knew his mom was content. My mother was baffled by that answer. She couldn’t understand how a woman with so little could not want more.

As I was tapering off a medication that caused emotional blunting, I realized I’d been doing the same things as my parents, buying objects trying to feel happy and keeping things, hoping I’d get a huge grateful response when I gifted them to someone. I opened the hall linen closet and saw the evidence. The entire 60 square feet of storage was full: dozens of bottles of shampoos, conditioners, and body washes crammed in with scented candles, room sprays, and bath salts. My closet was the same; clothes with tags still on them and boxes full of shoes I’d never worn. An entire drawer of my dresser was full of costume jewelry, all untouched in their boxes. 

That moment shocked me. This wasn’t how I wanted to live or how I wanted to feel in my home. I started taking an inventory of sorts and teaching myself how to slowly declutter. The physical work caused mental evaluations of my reasons for having all of this stuff which led to more physical work of sorting and removing. The mental work was more difficult.

If you don’t deal with the mental reasons behind the hoarding then the clutter will find its way back. 

I’ve seen episodes of the hoarding shows where they pull dumpsters up to the door, don gas masks, gloves, and hazmat-type suits, then start pitching stuff out by the armload as the devastated person they’re “helping” stands in shock or sobs uncontrollably. To a hoarder, those things aren’t garbage. Those things mean something to them, just like our things mean something to us. That’s why the massive clean-outs don’t work in the long term. If you don’t deal with the mental reasons behind the hoarding then the clutter will find its way back. 

I wanted my decluttering to last, so I started small.

I wanted my decluttering to last, so I started small. The idea of a whole house clean-out was overwhelming. Some weeks I only worked on one drawer, others a closet or two. I asked myself if every item was something I wanted, needed, or even liked. I started keeping a box in the bottom of a closet. I still do this. Whenever I walk through my house and see something I no longer need or like (books, clothes, kitchen appliances, home décor, etc.), I put it in the box. When the box gets full, it gets donated—the whole thing. 

I live in a two-story house and this idea came to me one day as I was going downstairs to get something and was running bath water in the tub upstairs. If the tub flooded and water started dripping on me downstairs in the kitchen, what would I do first? Would I grab towels and try to sop up the water? Would I get buckets to catch the drips downstairs? Of course not. The FIRST thing I would do would run back upstairs and turn off the faucet. What good would it do me to try cleaning up if the water was still running?

I switched from a want mentality to a need mentality.

I took that approach with the clutter. I had to turn off the faucet of stuff coming into my house and keep it turned off until I felt content in my home again. I switched from a want mentality to a need mentality, teaching myself that feeling uncomfortable in the moment when I wanted to buy something was minor in comparison to how uncomfortable my cluttered home was making me.

I remembered my mother buying food, clothes, and craft projects even though we had plenty at home. She thought something on sale was a bargain, even if it spoiled in the pantry before we had time to use it. I looked around my home and promised myself I wouldn’t buy anything until I shopped my stockpile first, to use what I already had. It took years to finally use all the shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in that cabinet. I also had over a hundred bottles of nail polish I slowly used up, feeling so proud of myself when I could finally throw away an empty bottle. 

Meals became based on what we already had in the cabinet, allowing myself to buy a few items to connect the other things into a meal. Cleaning supplies were all pulled out of the cabinets so I could see what I had, and nothing new was bought until the bottles were almost empty. I also stopped buying new clothes, combining pieces in new ways to create new outfits and donating things that didn’t fit or I knew I would never wear again. 

I studied the sentimental things I was keeping and realized I wasn’t honoring the memory of my relatives by shoving things in drawers.

I studied the sentimental things I was keeping and realized I wasn’t honoring the memory of my relatives by shoving things in drawers. If it was important enough to keep, it was important enough to be displayed. I gave most of my great-grandmother’s hats away to other family members and found a place to display the ones I kept. 

 I started looking at the true price of buying cheap things compared to making investments in things that will last longer. It taught me to take better care of my stuff and that having more wasn’t better. Having something that lasted was an investment. I slowly changed my clutter habits; not buying just to buy, not keeping things just because they were a gift, valuing experiences over stuff, and switching to buying quality over disposable. 

I want my home to be my sanctuary, a place to rest and recover from the day and recharge for the next one. Slowly decluttering my spaces, removing the things that no longer served me, revealed a calm in me, both physically and mentally. 

Now I honor my parents with the kind of home they wanted, one with room to breathe and to appreciate what really matters.

Regina McKay is the wife of a firefighter, mother of five adult children, and passionate advocate of all things vintage, especially her pink bathtub. She works as an accountant but plans on using her experiences with mental health treatment to transition into a career in Criminal Justice/Mental Health reform. After hitting her rock bottom, she learned for her happiness didn’t come in a pill bottle. She now strives for contentment and appreciates moments of joy when they come.

The post How I’ve Learned To Deal With Clutter, From A Hoarder’s Daughter appeared first on The Good Trade.

Babies sleep upwards of 10 to 20 hours per day, and this time is significant for their development, which is why the mattresses that they sleep on matter.

Traditional mattresses are made with polyurethane foam (which comes from petroleum) and are often soaked or sprayed with toxic fire retardants, such as formaldehyde or benzene. Crib mattresses are often coated in vinyl, which is waterproof but contains chemical plasticizers that leach and can be inhaled.

Because babies under two years of age are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins, reducing chemical exposure and prioritizing a mattress with natural ingredients is essential. While there are a lot of organic crib mattress brands on the market—from niche organic cotton crib mattress brands to affordable organic crib mattress lines from larger manufacturers—here are nine sustainable brands making the best nontoxic crib mattresses for your little ones.

While you’re on the hunt for the best crib mattress, don’t forget to get a nontoxic crib! (We’ve got also you covered for organic crib sheets for your new organic baby mattress, and organic baby clothes while you’re at it!) Need your own mattress upgrade? Head here for our guide to the best affordable eco-friendly mattresses.

Best Overall | Most Affordable

1. Naturepedic

Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, sugarcane PLA fibers
Sizes | Baby, mini, oval, twin
Ships To | Contiguous US & Canada
Price | Starts at $249

Naturepedic offers not one, not two, but three crib mattresses for your little one. Yet regardless of which you choose, they’re all 100 percent organic and waterproof. The waterproofing element is made from food-grade polyethylene that still meets fire safety and food contact standards. For maximum safety, Naturepedic’s mattresses are GOTS, MADE SAFE, and GREENGUARD GOLD certified. Enjoy a lifetime limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Naturepedic Review | “My daughter loves sleeping in her crib and I think the mattress has everything to do with it. The outer covering is very easy to wash and put back on.“—Janelle, verified buyer

2. Saatva

Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, natural latex, eucalyptus fibers, recycled steel coils
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | Contiguous US
Price | $355

Saatva is a leading disruptor in the mattress industry. All of Saatva’s products are made with plant-based materials and crafted in the USA. The Saatva Crib Mattress is essentially two beds in one, with one side focused on double-firm support for babies and the other with firm support for toddlers. Plus, the mattress is GREENGUARD GOLD, Cradle-To-Cradle, and OEKO-TEX certified, and treated with a water-repellent finish.

Saatva Review | “My husband and I shopped around for awhile for a crib mattress, which was a very daunting task—lots of options out there to set doubt in your mind about which is best for your child. Based on what to look for in our research we found that this was the best option!”—Lauren, verified reviewer (Read more reviews)

3. Avocado

Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, organic latex, organic wool
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | US
Price | Starts at $349

Avocado, a leading name in the mattress industry, has created some of the most organic, sustainable, and well-crafted crib mattresses around. These baby beds are handmade at a GOTS and GOLS organic certified factory in Los Angeles with safe and natural materials—including organic cotton, wool, and latex. Avocado’s mattress makes our list for its organic ingredients and comfort. (I’ve literally napped on my daughter’s crib mattress because it’s that dreamy.) It’s also dual-sided for two levels of firmness to transition from baby to toddler stage. With a 25-year warranty, a 30-night trial, and a range of price points, this B Corp touts the very best.

Avocado Review | “Love that it’s non toxic and it’s so comfortable. Probably more comfortable than my bed. The fabric is so soft and the quality is great. Smells fresh too!”—Melissa T., verified buyer (Read more reviews)

Shop AVocado

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4. Brentwood Home

Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | US
Price | $349

Brentwood Home’s waterproof crib mattress is designed for worry-free sleep. The recyclable PETE core is 90 percent air for breathability, includes two sides for babies and toddlers, and has an organic waterproof liner and removable cover. (The team has truly thought of it all!) Brentwood’s baby and kids’ mattresses are GREENGUARD GOLD certified, climate-neutral, and vegan—so it’s as safe for the planet as it is for your bundle of love.

Brentwood Home Review | “Couldn’t be happier with it! Makes me feel so much better knowing my child isn’t breathing in harmful chemicals from the old mattress and sleeping comfortably now.”—Kimberly C., verified buyer (Read more reviews)

5. Organic Dream

Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton
Sizes | Standard, mini, Pack and Play
Ships To | Contiguous US
Price | Starts at $80

Organic Dream makes crib mattresses in the USA from high quality materials that are GREENGUARD GOLD certified and hypoallergenic. The washable, breathable mattresses come with two stages of firmness to easily transition from infant to toddler sleep support. The #1 Pediatrician recommended mattress, the organic material is clean and free from
pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals. Your baby will rest easy so you can, too.

Organic Dream Review | “So good we had to get a second one for our little nephew that just arrived.” —Angela A. (Read more reviews)

6. Colgate

Natural & Nontoxic | Natural cotton, eco-friendly foam
Sizes | Crib mattress, mini, bassinet
Ships To | US
Price | Starts at $30

Colgate’s mattresses are as affordable as they are accessible, found at chains like Target and Bed Bath & Beyond. With various options, you can choose from the natural cotton crib mattresses or the foam mattresses made from plant oils and eco-friendly materials. Colgate mattresses are made in the USA, CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD GOLD certified, and water- and tear-resistant (and some are baby/toddler adaptable, too). These baby mattresses check all the boxes.

Colgate Review | “We received the mattress and were able to put it in the crib right away. The mattress is really firm and will hold up very well…The extra money is worth it!”—Britney, verified purchaser

7. Nest Bedding

Natural & Nontoxic | Organic cotton, wool, & latex
Sizes | Crib mattress, kids, twin
Ships To | US & Canada
Price | $700

For the sweetest (and safest) dreams, Nest Bedding’s organic crib Stork mattress checks all the boxes. The latex, cotton, and wool used in Nest’s mattresses are GOTS, GOLS, and GREENGUARD GOLD certified—and production takes place at an eco-factory in northern California. Nest also offers oval-sized crib mattresses upon request, so your child can enjoy the best wherever they rest. While the price is a bit higher than most, you can sign up for zero percent APR budget-friendly financing.

Nest Bedding Review | “My little girl [loves] going to bed. She literally cannot wait to go to sleep on her Nest Bedding crib mattress at night…It has been great for her as she sleeps a little hot. Amazing product and we couldn’t be happier.”—Chris (Read more reviews)

8. Lullaby Earth

Natural & Nontoxic | Polyurethane-free foam
Sizes | Dual-sided crib mattress
Ships To | US
Price | $179

Lullaby Earth’s dual-stage mattress will have your baby sleeping soundly for years to come. Its lightweight core is made with 50 percent foam, and the waterproof surface is made with food-grade polyethylene (both of which are entirely recyclable!). It’s both MADE SAFE and GREENGUARD GOLD certified, and crafted without flame retardants, toxic chemicals, polyurethane foam, and more. Safe, sustainable, and stylish enough for any nursery or bedroom.

Lullaby Earth Review | “I have 4 kids, and this mattress is better than any cheap one we have tried. It’s comfortable, holds its shape, and fits great in the crib or toddler bed. Don’t hesitate- the customer service is excellent too!”—jenn4kids, Target review

9. Essentia

Natural & Nontoxic | Natural foam and latex, organic cotton
Sizes | Standard
Ships To | Contiguous US
Price | $699

Essentia‘s LaLa Organic Crib Mattress is ahead of the class when it comes to clean certifications. Their natural memory foam mattresses are GOLS and GOTS certified, as well as nontoxic, ethically sourced, and sustainably made. Designed to support and cradle your little one without restricting blood flow or emitting allergens, these thoughtfully made mattresses are vegan, cruelty free, and biodegradable to boot!

Essentia Review | “Love love it! My 18 month old daughter likes to sleep on her belly with her knees tucked up, and as soon as we switched to this mattress she had fewer night wake ups. I love the quality and love how comfortable it is for my little girl!”—Sophie S., Verified Buyer

Featured image is from Brentwood Home

The post The Healthiest Organic Crib Mattresses For Your Baby (2023) appeared first on The Good Trade.

When I logged into my first online therapy session, I only had the intention of “feeling better.” I didn’t have the vocabulary for what I was experiencing—all I knew was that I was crying in my bathroom after a long weekend for no clear reason. I knew I needed a change.

When my therapist sent along a goals worksheet before our first therapy session, I was surprised. I had always imagined therapy to be a “show up, cry to a professional, become happy” kind of deal. Instead, I was getting homework. Wasn’t I paying someone else to do that for me? I didn’t understand what therapy goals were, or how important they’d become to me.

What are therapy goals?

News flash: Your therapist can’t do the work for you, they can only support you along the way. Therapy goals are the intentions we share with our therapist, who helps us create frameworks for measuring our progress and achieving them. (Plus, hello, accountability!)

Some types of goals for therapy might include: 

• Developing coping skills for anxiety or overwhelming emotions
• Reducing the intensity of symptoms related to anxiety and depression
• Increasing self-esteem and reducing negative self-talk
• Improving sleep quality and prioritizing restfulness
• Learning new communication strategies for complex friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics
• Processing thoughts and feelings about past trauma
• Exploring parenting questions and challenges
• Navigating a new or existing disability
• Inviting more mindfulness and presence into everyday life
• Changing harmful or unhelpful behaviors
• Sharpening your decision-making and boundary-setting skills
• Discovering more about who you are, what you want, and where your values lie

Embracing therapy as a safe place is precisely why goals, or intentions, are so important. This is your space, it’s your investment—it’s not a time to meet anyone else’s expectations but your own. I like to think of it this way: Our therapists are the personal trainers who offer meaningful feedback and support while we exercise our goal-setting muscles. If we can practice our goal setting in therapy, we may even be better equipped to set goals outside of it, too.

How do you set goals in therapy?

So say you’ve got a few ideas from the list above, or have some ideas of your own on what you want to focus on in therapy. How do you actually set them?

Not every therapist will use the word “goals,” but it’s common in your first session to let the therapist know what brings you to therapy and which outcomes are important to you. Erin Miller, a psychotherapist, asks first time clients: “If therapy ‘worked’ for you, what would that look like?” This helps focus on the optimal outcome of therapy—which is to journey a little closer to our best selves. 

If you don’t feel like you are setting goals, intentions, or feel like your outcomes are mutually understood, it’s worth exploring how to change the therapist you’re working with. (I’ve found it’s way easier to change therapists online than in person, which is a balm to my anxious mind).

The second, and equally important, half to goal setting is knowing how to measure them as you progress. “When I work with clients, I like to have them articulate their goals, and we put them in writing together,” says  Dr. Ruth L. Varkovitzky, a board-certified clinical psychologist. “We also try to identify how we would know if things were getting better, and how we want to measure progress.” That means you’re not just in charge of setting the goals but also having conversations about what progress and “success” looks like for you. 

This progress can be as straightforward as symptom improvement (which can be easier to measure in physical scenarios like fatigue, panic attacks, or sleep patterns). But not all emotional and mental progress is easy to measure, which is why you should create a framework together with your provider. Daino and the professionals at Talkspace encourage us to discuss with our therapists what it means for us to feel more fulfilled, cope with stress effectively, or find a better balance at work or with our partners.

For me, it’s usually—am I showering, eating, and staying hydrated? Am I proactively calling friends and family, and am I easefully doing the things I love to do? I can also always tell I’m on the mend from a difficult time by the state of my apartment; the cleaner it is, the clearer my mind and vice versa.

“Not all emotional and mental progress is easy to measure, which is why you should create a framework together with your provider.”

Can your therapy goals change?

I’m several years into therapy, and I speak from experience: let your goals change when they need to. Clients will frequently come in with one area of focus in mind, says Miller, and “through their work, they understand new goals and challenges that would be meaningful to conquer in therapy. Therapy is a journey, and throughout your work, your goals should be ever-evolving as you grow.”

This can be the same for your approach, too—maybe you thought you needed help solving an immediate problem but instead discover that it’s more worthwhile to explore the roots of why you’re experiencing it in the first place. Varkovitzky puts it succinctly and without a twinge of judgment: “Sometimes life presents us with situations that change our priorities.”

I’ve learned that mental well-being is a process, not a product, but the effort and investment is worth it. I admit, being honest and sharing your goals with someone else feels vulnerable. But the real vulnerability, the real work I think, lies in acknowledging our own need for healing. We deserve to feel fulfilled, and to have a network of friends, families, and professionals, who will uplift us and hold us accountable.

Because sometimes we just need a little help reaching our goals.

Looking to start therapy? Here are a few tips for finding a therapist and our favorite online therapy options. Additionally, here are our favorite online couples therapy options.

This post is in partnership with our friends at Talkspace. Use code GOODTRADE at checkout for $100 off your first month of therapy.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post How To Set (Actually Helpful) Goals For Therapy appeared first on The Good Trade.

Consistent alcohol consumption in large quantities can adversely affect physical and mental health, especially for those with addiction or heavy drinking tendencies. But for much of the population, enjoying the occasional cocktail, beer, or glass of wine with friends is a common and harmless socialization practice.

As a freshly minted legal drinker during college, I admit to having my fair share of such hangovers. Attending the number one party school in the nation meant I while excelled in my classes by day, I also learned to excel in beer pong by night, followed by football game tailgating by the weekend. Hangovers in those college days seemed easily managed with a nap, a sports drink, and a large meal.

The effects of happy hour and book club came with a more significant and longer physical recovery to the extent that I wondered if I’d developed an allergy to alcohol.

As I matured into adulthood, my beverage intake lessened, and my preferences became more refined. I could consume skinny margaritas or red wine in moderation and seldom feel yucky the next day.

Now in my early 40s, that has changed. More regularly, even just one glass of wine or one cocktail can leave me with next-day regrets, including anxiety, migraines, and digestive upset, and taking up to two days to recover. The effects of happy hour and book club came with a more significant and longer physical recovery to the extent that I wondered if I’d developed an allergy to alcohol.

But as I started to research, I found that a true allergy to alcohol is uncommon. I also learned that people with non-life-threatening allergy-like symptoms—e.g., sneezing, congestion, headaches, nausea, flushing—during or after drinking are more than likely experiencing intolerance to substances within the alcohol, often added in the process of making it. These include sulfites, eggs, grapes, yeast, hops, barley, and wheat. 

Pertaining to my particular situation though, I discovered it just might be simply getting older that’s the root cause of my reaction to alcohol. Here’s why:

Dehydration

Dehydration causes a problem no matter what age we are while drinking. But as we get older, our bodies naturally hold less water. Since alcohol is a diuretic, consumption leads to quicker and easier dehydration—one of the primary sources of classic hangover symptoms.

To combat this, we need to hydrate more than usual the day we drink (I like Ten Water), then replenish lost nutrients such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium the day after by sipping low-sugar electrolyte drinks and lemon or coconut water.

Poor Sleep

Alcohol can affect sleep in several ways. But as we get older, how much we sleep and the quality of our sleep declines. Per a study published by the National Library of Medicine: “While alcohol is initially sedating, this effect disappears after a few hours, resulting in a fragmented and disturbed sleep in the second half of the night.”

That means drinking before bed hits you with a double doozy in the lack of restorative sleep. To ensure you get your zzzs, avoid alcohol for at least two (ideally four) hours before turning in.

Body composition

Somewhere north of 40, we lose muscle mass and gain fat. A person’s body fat percentage contributes to the amount of alcohol that enters the bloodstream and the time it stays. According to an article by the University of Texas, “Alcohol diffuses more into muscle than fat because muscle tissue has a large amount of blood that flows through it. An individual’s muscle-to-body fat ratio will impact their BAC, as it correlates to the amount of blood available for alcohol to enter.”

Although age and body composition matter, so does weight and sex. Women tend to naturally have more body fat and so feel the effects of alcohol quicker and longer than men. 

Liver function

Liver function declines as we age, making the processing of alcohol slower, and keeping it in our systems longer. Older adults also have less of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) used by liver cells to metabolize alcohol. 

Consider taking a quality milk thistle supplement to support liver function and detoxification. Milk thistle is said to support liver function and stimulate the immune system. Look for milk thistle that contains at least 80% silymarin to be effective. Milk thistle comes in capsule and tincture forms and is also effective as a tea. Some people experience minor digestive discomfort while taking it, so use caution and always consult your doctor.

Digestion

We absorb alcohol through the lining of the small intestine. Still, it can wreak havoc on multiple parts of your digestive system and gut health, causing bacteria imbalances, slowing the production of helpful mucus, causing acid reflux, and more. As we age, we are already fighting such imbalances and a natural slowing of gut motility. Drinking can compound these issues. 

To support your gut while having cocktails, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as food can help slow the absorption of alcohol. To aid in the prevention and recovery of hangovers, avoid processed, fatty junk food and high-sugar beverages. Fight the urge for a fountain Coke and fries and instead reach for fresh fruits like cucumbers and watermelons, green juices, and whole foods that support detoxification and hydration.

Planning for and keeping all of these elements in mind can help curb the adverse effects of light drinking as we age and allow for social drinking time as part of a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. 

However, if you continue to have poor or worsening reactions when you drink, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether, which is certainly not the end of the world. Thanks to the sober-curious movement, there are many great alcohol alternatives available so you can still relax or even be the life of the party and wake up feeling great the next day.

Randi Donahue is a freelance writer who lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is fortunate to live right next to a glorious nature preserve and a few miles from a white sandy beach. She and her family are passionate about nature, health & wellness, and sustainable living and believe the path to a healthy and prosperous life requires authenticity, kindness and a whole lot of fresh air.

The post How Alcohol Affects Our Bodies As We Age appeared first on The Good Trade.

Historically, my feelings around food have been pragmatic. 

It wasn’t uncommon to sit down to eat only to look up just a moment later and find licked-clean forks and a few crumbs left. 

I grew up in a productivity-focused environment that sang clichés like “Food is fuel” and “Eat to live; don’t live to eat.” My mom dutifully cooked most nights—roasted chicken, macaroni and cheese, the occasional frozen lasagna. After piling up our plates in the kitchen, my family would collapse on the couch, and we’d wolf down dinner without much thought as to what we were tasting. It wasn’t uncommon to sit down to eat only to look up just a moment later and find licked-clean forks and a few crumbs left. 

With so many dinners spent in front of the TV, mealtime wasn’t a moment for my family to unwind from our days as we filled our bellies. Rather, it was an irritating pit stop before the stint of chores or schoolwork before bed, and we routinely checked it off as just another item on the to-do list. The underlying message was that eating was a burden. Eating was a task to complete as quickly as you could chew, making the potential delight of a thoughtful meal not worth investing in. 

The busier I was, the less eating well, if at all, was a priority.

This passive relationship with food carried over into my adult life. The busier I was, the less eating well, if at all, was a priority. I’d spend many late nights scrounging the back of the freezer in hopes of a TV dinner I forgot I purchased, or I would slather a slice of bread with peanut butter just to get my stomach to stop growling so I could get back to work. 

It wasn’t until developing severe acne in my mid-20s when something changed. After my dermatologist prescribed me a medication I didn’t want to take, I heard an internal voice whisper, “Your face is telling the story of what’s happening beneath your skin.” I politely declined the prescription and left the doctor’s office that morning, determined to find a holistic approach. I had little control over the factors that contributed to my breakouts—I couldn’t force them to heal quicker or prevent new blemishes from forming—but I could control what I was feeding my body. As I learned how to be more thoughtful of what I ate, food began to not only bring me healing but bring me surprising joy as well. 

I started with grocery shopping. Previously, this was a tedious errand. I’d grab my basket and mindlessly zoom through the aisles with the same enthusiasm as driving my morning commute. I’d throw in the usual items—a box of this, a can of that—and get out of there as quickly as I came in.

Suddenly, I was exploring the color cornucopia of the supermarket, and it began to shift my relationship with food. 

In my revamp, however, I began to walk the store slowly, letting my eyes wander. I took note of what caught my gaze without judgment—the hues of reds, greens, and yellows speckling the apple selection, the starchy rough skins of heaps of potatoes, the variety of bread and rice and pasta. Even if I had no idea what an item was or how to prepare it, I honored the fact that my eyes were drawn to it and placed it in the cart. Suddenly, I was exploring the color cornucopia of the supermarket, and it began to shift my relationship with food. 

I started seeing ingredients in the grocery store like art supplies I could take home, blend, and play with. With the inspiration of open cookbooks on my coffee table and the feeds of a handful of Instagram accounts guiding me, I started experimenting with ingredients new to my kitchen and new to me. A new world gradually opened up, and it smelled delicious. 

My most beloved meal became a hearty breakfast of pasture-raised eggs cooked over-easy with roasted sweet potatoes prepared with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I’d break the yolk and it would run over the potatoes like a gentle waterfall. On the side, I’d add fresh microgreens and a handful of blueberries. With this dance of colors, my breakfast plate became a delicious treat for my eyes each morning, and as time went on, that flimsy beige packet of oatmeal I was previously settling for would no longer do. 

I learned to trust my intuition as I developed my taste buds and began to see my plate like a canvas.

I won’t lie. As I toyed with ingredients I’d never cooked with before, I made a lot of bizarre, unpalatable meals. Trial and error led many items to the trash in blurred memories of rubbery eggplant and couscous gone wrong. But gradually, I learned to trust my intuition as I developed my taste buds and began to see my plate like a canvas. If a meal came off visually bland, I’d find the right color to make it pop. Maybe it was a handful of dried cranberries for a dash of deep red or chopped walnuts for crunch and a neutral break between hues. Whatever the ingredient, I found the relation to color, taste, and nutrition intertwined in such a way that it made meal prep an exciting arrangement to create rather than a mundane task to endure. 

For the first time, food became a space for joy. After a while, I learned to concoct dishes I could feel my heart and body thanking me for as I ate them–dishes I no longer wanted to mindlessly devour in front of the TV or quickly consume between sessions of work: Fluffy quinoa served as a bed for angle-cut asparagus dressed in tangy, dark balsamic vinegar. Chunky chorizo stew sprinkled with thinly sliced green onions made each steamy spoonful feel like a loving hug from a burly grandpa. Toasted bruschetta peppered with fresh basil and a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio—are we in Italy? 

Nutritionists call this eating the rainbow. Colors in fruits and vegetables indicate the presence of rich phytonutrients, a compound that Harvard Medical School reports protects us from chronic diseases. Suddenly there was intentionality put into every bite, and I could not resist savoring it. 

Meals are still “fuel” to me, but now in a way that is much more joy-driven, creative, and life-giving. The act of preparing a nutritious and colorful plate is no longer a task to put up with. It’s a daily gift to indulge in. 

The act of preparing a nutritious and colorful plate is no longer a task to put up with. It’s a daily gift to indulge in. 

Rethinking our relationship with food and cooking can feel complex, emotional, and daunting. So let’s start with one meal. Let’s start with one plate. If we stop to notice its hues, textures, temperatures, and portions, we can identify the gaps and experiment to create balance. Whether it be a different color to add depth or a grain or veggie to incorporate a new shape, our plates are our canvases, and we have all the intuition we need to paint them beautifully.

Cheyanne Solis is a writer from California. When she’s not planning weddings or acting like a grandpa by bird-watching in the park with a copy of the Sunday Times, she is falling into fascination about the human experience, working to write words to wrap around it all. 

The post How Joy-Driven Eating Has Changed My Relationship With Food appeared first on The Good Trade.

Looking to freshen up your plate this year? Why not start with an organic produce subscription box. They’re great for the environment (less international shipping), fantastic for local farmers (less food waste), and good for your budget. No shade to conventional grocery stores though; shop where you can, however works best for you!

Our editors have rolled up their sleeves and dug up the five best produce delivery companies for organic fruit, vegetable, and protein boxes right to your door. We’ve paid special attention to finding produce boxes in a wide range of locations, from Los Angeles and New York to Minneapolis, Tulsa, Houston, and many others.

Some of the organic grocery delivery subscription services on this list work with surplus fruit, while others sell “ugly” vegetables that don’t sell in stores. These boxes are bringing fresh, seasonal goods to the forefront, rescuing produce from landfills, and making delivery more convenient than ever. Win-win.

If you’re looking for full meal delivery, check out our guide to organic meal delivery services, and our CSA guide to learn more about community-supported agriculture. If it sounds like something you’d like to try, you can search Local Harvest to find one near you.

(Psst! Have you made the switch to sustainable cookware or eco-friendly knives, yet?)

  Best Overall | Most Affordable | Best Nationwide Delivery

1. Misfits Market 

Best For | Accessible organic produce delivery across the US
Price | Boxes start at $30+ with flat-rate shipping
Delivers To | Contiguous US (See all)

Misfits Market finds fresh, certified organic produce that major stores can’t sell due to scarring, surplus, or cosmetic blemishes, and ships boxes directly to you at up to 40 percent off regular costs. (Think onions that are too small, oddly shaped squash, or twisted carrots.) With up to 22 pounds of organic produce delivery coming your way, this biz uses compostable plant-based bags, eco-friendly insulation, and recycled cardboard. Box minimums start at $30 to minimize packaging and carbon emissions, and MM delivers to nearly all zip codes across the contiguous US.

Misfits Market Review | “I love saving food so it doesn’t go to waste. And I love the challenge of creating meals out of the products that are available each week.” –@chefjennyben (Read all reviews)

Sign Up For Misfits Market

2. Farmer Jones Farm

Best For | Fresh greens, supporting regenerative & sustainable farming practices
Price | Boxes start at $69
Delivers To | Nationwide (See more)

Farmer Jones Farm is a second-gen family farm as part of The Chef’s Garden in Ohio. The team invests in organic and regenerative farming practices such as rotating field plantings between produce and multi-species crops, which benefits both the plants and the soil. In addition to one-time produce boxes such as “powerhouse vegetables” and “high-nitrate fresh greens”, Farmer Jones Farms has robust subscription options as well, with a five percent discount. You can also donate fresh vegetables locally to tackle food scarcity!

Farmer Jones Review | “The most amazing assortment of beautiful veggies. Things I’ve never heard of before, like oca. And the flavors! NOTHING like what you get in the stores. Doesn’t even compare.” – Mary L (See all reviews)

Sign Up For Farmer Jones Farm

3. Hungry Harvest

Best For | Waste-free produce
Price | Boxes start at $15
Delivers To | Maryland, Washington, DC, Greater Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey, Northern Delaware, and Raleigh, North Carolina. (Check your zip code)

Hungry Harvest wants us to use every part of every plant. By working with farmers to rescue fresh, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, the company delivers fresh produce to our doors instead. Starting at $15, the boxes come in a variety of sizes and Hungry Harvest shares simple recipes, storage tips, and kitchen hacks so that we can make the most of our produce. It’s worth noting that every delivery saves at least 10 pounds of food from going to waste.

Hungry Harvest Review | “I love getting fresh food delivered. I know my money is going to people who truly care about the community.” – Eileen (Read all reviews)

Sign Up For Hungry Harvest

4. Oddbox

Best For | Affordable, varied produce deliveries
Price | Boxes start at £12
Delivers To | The UK (See all)

Oddbox, a certified B Corp based in the UK, ethically sources fresh produce from dozens of fairly paid farmers and suppliers across the country. Delivered overnight to minimize excessive emissions, Oddbox’s fruits and veggies arrive at your doorstep in recyclable packaging. Weekly sustainable produce boxes start at £12 perfect for a couple, or you can opt for a large family-sized box for £23. Leftover produce is donated to orgs fighting food poverty in the UK.

Oddbox Review | “It’s great to test your ideas for the week incorporating the latest group of veggies and fruits from oddbox whilst knowing you are helping to reduce unnecessary waste. Brilliant initiative.” – Deborah L. (See all reviews)

Sign Up For Oddbox

5. Farm to People

Best For | Vegetarian, paleo, & omnivore boxes, protein & dairy add-ons
Price | Boxes start at $25
Delivers To | NYC & Jersey City/Hoboken (See all)

Farm to People brings the farmer’s market experience to NYC’s door with its organic, seasonal produce, protein, and groceries. The produce, in particular, is sourced from GMO-free, organic, and regenerative farms. Best yet, half of every food dollar raised goes directly to the farmer or small-batch maker. You can go a la carte or opt for a subscription—and swap with items you don’t want and add the ones you do. Paleo, omnivore, and vegetarian diets are also accommodated with specific boxes.

Farm to People Review | “I’ve been using Farm to People for over 2 years now. I love the fact that the produce is sourced locally, which reduces travel time, waste, and emissions. It’s also a great way to support local farms & farmers.” – @thevicstyles (Read all reviews)

Sign Up For Farm To People

The post 5 Produce Delivery Boxes For Fresh Fruits And Veggies (2023) appeared first on The Good Trade.

At the most basic level, protein helps our bodies function—and we can’t live without it! It’s an essential macronutrient, supporting everything from gut and immune health to muscle building to hair and skin growth. The National Academy of Medicine suggests that we get seven grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight daily, so for most folks, the range runs from 35-70 grams. But many diets don’t include enough protein…and that’s where protein powder comes in!

Unfortunately, not all protein powders are made equally since there aren’t strict regulations for protein supplements in the US. Instead, for a cleaner alternative: You’ll want to look for a plant-based or whey protein as the first ingredient in their labels, double check for unnecessary sugar or synthetics, and prioritize powders that have at least 20g of protein per serving. (Ideally, it’ll have verification like NSF Certified for Sport or USDA Organic, too!)

We’ve found six protein powders that are free of processed fillers, focus on organic or bioavailable ingredients, and are independently tested for efficacy and purity! Plus, the products below are made with women’s health in mind, with options for prenatal and postpartum support.

Whether you want to level up your workouts, support your baby’s development, or just enjoy an energy boost to avoid the 3 PM slump, these protein powders will do just that—and more. Drink up!

1. Ritual

Best For | Pregnancy & postpartum
Clean Ingredients | Choline, organic pea protein, organic coconut oil, organic monk fruit extract
Price | $40 for 1 lb. (15 servings)

Ritual offers the best daily essentials for women, whether it’s for living life or creating it! These non-GMO, vegan, and third-party tested formulas are about as clean as they come, and the Essential Protein for Pregnancy and Postpartum has everything you need for strong bones and muscles (yes, for you and little ones!). That’s all thanks to the 250mg of choline and 20g of plant-based protein. And while it is a powder, it goes seamlessly into any smoothie or milkshake with a subtle vanilla taste. And best of all, you can see exactly where every ingredient comes from on the product page, down to the supplier and final location for manufacturing.

2. Momentous

Best For | Whey protein
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed whey protein isolate, ProHydrolase (probiotics & enzymes)
Price | $50-$65 for 1 lb+ (20+ servings); discounted subscriptions available (10%+)

Some of the best athletes and doctors in the world love Momentous—and we can see why. There are a number of proteins available here supporting joint and bone health, gut health, and recovery. Our favorite, though, is the Grass-Fed Whey Protein, since it’s full of essential amino acids, easily digests, and quickly boosts energy day after day. Momentous sources its grass-fed whey isolate from German cows (who are each fully traceable!), where it’s then cold-processed to keep the most important nutrients. Whether you’re about to head to your workout or coming down from one, Momentous’ Essential Whey Protein will help you feel (and look) your best!

3. Be Well By Kelly 

Best For | Formulas sweetened with monk fruit
Clean Ingredients | Grass-fed beef protein isolate, organic monk fruit extract, chocho bean protein
Price | $60 for 1.59 lb (30 servings); discounted subscriptions available (5%+)

Be Well By Kelly was founded by celebrity holistic nutritionist and wellness expert Kelly LeVeque. With a minimalist but precise approach to nutrition, the brand wants to help you ditch dieting by embracing a clear and simple approach to clean nutrition using Kelly’s Fab 4 formula of getting the right amount of protein, fat, fiber, greens in every meal. They make the protein part easy with their grass-fed beef protein powder or vegan plant-based protein powder, available in unflavored, chocolate, or vanilla. 

4. Needed

Best For | Collagen protein & prenatal protein
Clean Ingredients | Hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides
Price | $50 for 1 lb (30 servings); discounted subscriptions available (15%+)

Needed recognized the gap in the market for quality prenatal support, so they filled it! Today, this brand also offers collagen protein as a two-in-one powder. With just one serving, you’ll support your blood sugar, joint health, gut health, immune function, and more—the pure collagen peptides act as both a source of protein and skin support. We also like that it’s unflavored, and many users claim it dissolves well into drinks and smoothies without the “funky texture or flavor.” If you’re hoping to conceive or on your way to optimal health, Needed’s Collagen Protein is a great choice.

5. Ora Organic

Best For | USDA-certified organic vegan protein
Clean Ingredients | Organic pea & rice proteins, organic cranberries, blueberries & blackberries, lactase, cellulase
Price | $40 for 20 oz (20 servings); discounted subscriptions available (20%+)

Deriving its ingredients solely from the earth without the manmade fluff, Ora Organic’s Plant-Based Superfood Protein is a best-seller. Available in chocolate, vanilla, vanilla chai, and unflavored, these ingredients are all ones you’ve heard of before blended into one powerful mix. The flavors are subtly sweet enough to be mixed into water, milk, or even baked goods—that’s our kind of daily nutrition. If you’re not ready to commit to the full-sized bag, you can grab one serving for $4 to test out first. Green, clean, protein.

6. Cymbiotika

Best For | Gut health & energy
Clean Ingredients | Organic hemp & pea proteins, organic spirulina, organic mushrooms, organic raw greens, organic baobab & banana powders
Price | $88 for 24 servings; discounted subscriptions available (10%)

Want to up your gut health and your energy? Cymbiotika’s Plant Protein is our go-to. This formula is thoughtfully made to include complex proteins, fiber, pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogenic mushrooms—so food really is the best medicine sometimes. Plus, Cymbiotika prioritizes full transparency and traceable ingredients, avoiding fillers and chemicals, and sustainability as an ethos. According to the science-driven team, you can enjoy this power booster any time of the day but especially after workouts to aid in recovery and lean muscle mass development.

Featured image is from Needed.

The post The Best Protein Powders For Women Who Need A Little Extra appeared first on The Good Trade.

By now, you probably know all about the benefits of using sulfate-free shampoo to help preserve your hair’s shine and color and to reduce irritation. Sulfates can also be potential endocrine disruptors, meaning they can dysregulate your body’s natural hormone production, causing you to produce too much or too little of certain hormones. 

But good shampoo doesn’t need sulfates to do its job—we’ve rounded up some of our favorite shampoos that clean hair with other surfactants or cleansing agents. These science-backed brands use clinically-proven formulas to boost hair health and target specific hair goals, like repairing damage, managing frizz, or adding volume. And our very favorite formulas keep sustainability top of mind—some are even Certified B Corps. Read on for our favorite sulfate-free shampoos.

1. Prose

Best For | Custom formulas
Natural & Organic | Organic & natural ingredients, free from parabens, sulfates, & GMOs
Price | $32

Prose believes that all hair is different, so all shampoo should be, too. They make custom clean sulfate-free formulas based on your hair type, specific concerns, and where you live, adding in more of what your hair actually needs—like oat oil for color protection, honey for volume, arginine for heat protection, or apple cider vinegar for shine—without the junk. Prose is a B Corp and Climate Neutral, and they’re constantly updating their formulas with the newest research from their Paris lab.

2. Jupiter

Best For | Dandruff
Natural & Organic | Naturally derived and plant-based ingredients
Price | $25

Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo calms scalp irritation and rejuvenates locks with a color-protecting, sulfate-free formula that controls oil production. It’s made with 1% zinc pyrithione, an active anti-fungal commonly used to treat skin conditions that cause flaking (like dandruff), while keeping hair moisturized with ingredients like squalane and coconut oil. Best combined with Jupiter’s Nourishing Conditioner, the shampoo leaves a natural mint, vanilla, sage, and lavender scent, to make fighting dandruff one of the most luxurious parts of your day.

3. Vegamour

Best For | Sustainable ingredient sourcing
Natural & Organic | Nontoxic, 100% vegan ingredients from fair trade partnerships
Price | $38-58

Vegamour develops its hair products with four core pillars in mind: vegan ingredients, a holistic approach to hair wellness, clinically-proven formulas, and bioavailability, or the body’s ability to absorb ingredients. Their shampoo line includes products formulated for different hair types or hair concerns like volumizing or strengthening. They’re all color-safe and free of sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and artificial fragrance—they scent their products with natural ingredients like citrus and ylang ylang. The brand is committed to sustainability, too, creating its own supply chains and fair trade partnerships. 

4. JVN Hair

Best For | Patented hemisqualane
Natural & Organic | Free from silicone & sulfates
Price | $21

Founded by Queer Eye star and hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness, JVN Hair makes products created with 100% clean ingredients, keeping sustainability and inclusivity top of mind. They make three shampoos—hydrating (for all hair types), volumizing (for finer hair types), and strengthening (for damaged hair types). All three formulations are color-safe, vegan, and free from sulfates and silicones, and they all use JVN’s patented hemisqualane, a molecule made from sustainably sourced sugarcane that penetrates the hair shaft for deep nourishment.

5. Sienna Naturals

Best For | Curly, coily, and textured hair
Natural & Organic | Nontoxic, free from sulfates, silicone, & parabens
Price | $24

The breakthrough line by actress Issa Rae and entrepreneur Hannah Diop makes hair care products formulated for textured hair and rooted in technology. Sienna Naturals products are all vegan, cruelty-free, responsibly sourced, and dermatologist approved. Their H.A.P.I. Shampoo is a moisture-rich cleanser that’s effective enough to remove build-up from styling products but gentle enough to restore natural curl patterns. It’s making waves in the beauty world, winning 2022 beauty awards from Elite Daily and Byrdie. It soothes irritation, detangles, and leaves a subtle spa-like lavender and geranium scent.

6. Authentic Beauty Concept

Best For | Ingredient-driven products
Natural & Organic | Sulfate- and silicone-free, 95% naturally-derived ingredients
Price | $31

Authentic Beauty Concept has five straightforward shampoos: one for colored hair, one for dry hair, one for fine hair, one for damaged hair, and a deep-cleaning shampoo for all hair types. Each one is formulated with different botanicals—date extract helps color-treated hair appear more shiny and soft, mango’s vitamins C and E give dry hair more bounce, and green tea and lime add body to fine, thin hair. All of Authentic Beauty’s products are vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free.

7. Ursa Major

Best For | Sustainable packaging
Natural & Organic | Free from parabens, sulfates, & silicones
Price | $26

Ursa Major’s Go Easy Shampoo is sulfate-free and lightly conditioning to clean hair without stripping it. The shampoo has coconut-derived surfactants to give a creamy lather, macadamia for its nourishing fatty acids, and licorice to help combat scalp flakes, and the natural scent is a woodsy blend of ginger and balsam. The B Corp certified brand launched by a Vermont couple makes gender neutral, sustainably sourced, and responsibly packaged skin and body products. The brand is even plastic negative—in partnership with rePurpose Global, for every plastic bottle they sell, they remove two from the environment.

Featured image is from Prose

The post 7 Best Sulfate Free Shampoos That Won’t Disrupt Your Hormones appeared first on The Good Trade.

Today, I actually enjoy seeking out coupons and money hacks. I eagerly check in on my monthly spreadsheets and financial trackers, and you’ll never catch me “adding to cart” without also searching for promo codes.

Now I’m here to share my favorite money tips and lessons learned with you. Because those are your hard-earned dollars after all, and you deserve to stretch them as far as they will go. (And if you’re in your 20s, check out these financial wellness tips here that my colleague Kayti wishes she’d known then!)

Budgeting Hacks For Home

1. Moving into a new space? See if you can negotiate a few bucks off your rent or ask for upgrades if the amount seems too high.

2. If you have a reliable track record as a tenant, ask a landlord if they’ll accept a lower security deposit.

3. Or, the most effective rent hack of all: Live with a roommate.

4. If you have very high electricity bills in one season and very low bills in another, reach out to your utility company to see if they offer budget plans. During a particularly cold winter in a basement apartment surrounded by concrete, our heat bill came out to nearly $400. We were able to pay closer to $120/month through a budgeting plan, rather than $400 chunks in the winter and $80 bills in the summer.

“Reach out to your utility company to see if they offer budget plans.”

5. Ask for an electricity audit from your service provider to see where the costs are adding up. A service member will examine your space and show you where energy is most used, and you can make sure they’re documenting your actual use versus estimates. (The US Department of Energy has a DIY assessment you can try, too.)

6. My parents relentlessly reminded me to turn lights and ACs off when leaving a room, to which I rolled my eyes. Now that I have to pay for it myself? I see their point. Turn off and unplug electronics—it adds up.

7. If you own your home, consider switching to renewable energy. There are often tax credits for this as well as lowered utility bills!

8. While you’re at it, think about smart devices to upgrade, like plugs, bulbs, and thermostats.

9. Live in a warm city? Keep the blinds closed in rooms you’re not using to conserve energy. Live in a cool city? Keep them open to stay warm.

10. Buy seasonal produce and avoid meat for extra savings at the grocery store.

11. Cut cable and switch to subscriptions to save money.

12. Save an extra penny by splitting subscriptions with friends or family.

13. If you have standard internet use (aka, you’re not gaming or streaming), save on your internet bill by switching to a lower upload/download rate. You likely won’t even notice the difference in your internet service.

14. Go through your bills and cancel any memberships you’re no longer using. (Cough cough, that gym you signed up for three months ago and haven’t gone to.)

15. Buy in bulk for goods you know you’ll need time and again, like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or laundry detergent.

16. Plan your meals to double up ingredients for two meals. Today’s tacos make for great frittatas tomorrow! Check out these 99 healthy dinner recipes if you need ideas.

“Take produce clippings to regenerate and grow your own.”

17. If you have a partner and share bills, refer one another for extra credit card bonuses, especially on no-fee cards.

18. Take produce clippings to regenerate and grow your own; save on buying basil or tomatoes every week!

19. Borrow books from the library if you won’t reread your books.

20. Buy secondhand books if you want to keep them.

21. The ol’ meal plan is a tried-and-true method for a reason. Stick to recipes you enjoy cooking (rather than dread), and avoid the takeout.

22. Thrift furniture and home decor on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or these apps for secondhand furniture.

23. Check the weekly ads for grocery stores near you. Compare between multiples if you can.

24. Learn some simple DIY repairs so you can fix or mend things yourself instead of calling in costly contractors or services.

25. Program your thermostat to adjust to natural weather whenever you’re not home.

26. Buy goods that can last in the freezer whenever they’re on sale.

Budgeting Hacks For Transport + Travel

27. Check for a certified pre-owned car rather than a new one. (Also, the personal finance community will suggest always owning over leasing, but you do you, boo. Everyone’s circumstances are different.)

28. Drive a lot? Look up gas apps to find the cheapest gas near you. Google Maps now has this feature, too.

29. Sign up for a gas program if you’re loyal to one place, like the Shell you pass every day on your way to work.

30. Enroll in a rebate app for gas like Upside.

“Enroll in a rebate app for gas like Upside.”

31. See if you can triple-stack those gas savings. The Points Guy has a great primer on this.

32. If you find yourself flying the same airline over and over again—hi, United at Newark Airport—look up airline credit cards. These usually come with generous sign-up bonuses once you hit a minimum spend (i.e., spend $1,000 in two months and we’ll give you 50,000 miles) for purchases you may need to make anyway.

33. If you’ve had a negative flight experience, speak up. Passengers are entitled to certain rights when they fly—though most don’t take the time to look them up—and airlines will provide flight vouchers, refunds, or coupons if your experience was particularly rough (airline policy actually mandates it). My travel bank currently has $100 from one airline due to a severe flight delay and $100 to another because both the entertainment and charging systems were broken. (If you live in the US, I recommend checking out the Department of Transportation’s Fly Rights, which outlines issues around overbooking, delayed, and canceled flights.)

34. Always search for flights, rentals, and hotels in Incognito mode. Most websites save your cookies and change the price, knowing you’re looking for a specific option. If you search on a private browser, the prices will not only stay the same but are more likely to drop. Some will even show you the in-country currencies for international destinations, so you don’t have to worry about conversation rates or fees.

35. Subscribe to flight or vacation deal websites like The Flight Deal, Skyscanner, and Scott’s Cheap Flights; you can often find last-minute steals or mistake fares if you’re flexible! In 2014, a friend and I leveraged a mistake fare from The Flight Deal from NYC to Prague, Amsterdam, and Milan for $179 one-way. These fares do happen, and it’s glorious.

36. Book a flight, car rental, or hotel stay with credit card points. Most times, it’s recommended that instead of booking through a credit card’s travel portal, you should transfer the points to a respective vendor like United Airlines or Hertz to maximize your rewards.

“If you’re looking to travel abroad on a budget, utilize a city’s day pass.”

37. Or, if you want to redeem points but aren’t traveling, leverage cash-back rewards on your statement. Some cards do an automatic percentage back for every purchase, while others offer them in incremental chunks ($25, $50, $75).

38. If you’re looking to travel abroad on a budget, utilize a city’s day pass. You can use Go City to find one in your area or Google for other smaller passes.

39. Turn on tweet notifications for The Flight Deal and similar accounts so you can see deals as soon as they go live (aka before they’re gone!).

40. Consider a home swap if you’re going on vacation, so you can save on the cost of lodging—and get free pet care if you need it.

41. Check out annual companion passes for airlines like Southwest, so you and a friend can fly together for the price of one seat.

42. Public transportation often sells monthly or weekly passes at a discount.

Budgeting Hacks For Shopping

43. Sign up for a Rakuten account to earn cash back on purchases. You can also add the Rakuten extension to your browser for pre-emptive deals. I’ve saved more than $400 to date, thanks to this app.

44. Speaking of browser extensions, add Honey, too. Honey searches the internet for the best coupon codes and promos.

45. Similarly, Fetch offers gift cards and rewards for any purchases made in stores or at restaurants. Simply upload your receipt.

46. Let things sit in your cart without purchasing and exit out. If you’re still thinking about it a day or two (or three!) later, you can always come back and check out.

47. Buy pieces for next winter or summer at the end of your current season when they’re most on clearance. It’ll be cold or warm again before you know it!

48. Ask for discounts, especially if you’re a student, veteran, or teacher. Many brands give them if you ask.

49. Check Poshmark or other secondhand apps for items currently retailing above your budget.

“Let things sit in your cart without purchasing and exit out.”

50. Find multiple uses for one product—Vaseline doesn’t just have to be for your lips.

51. Just because you have a coupon for something doesn’t mean you need to use it! Use your discretion if you truly need an object or not.

52. Use “cash envelopes” for certain parts of your budget. If the money’s gone, you’re out of money to spend that month.

53. Invest in a capsule wardrobe over time, rather than seasonal purchases that fall apart.

54. Have one retailer you love? Try buying discounted gift cards from them if you know you’ll be a repeat customer. You can do this on Raise, the Honey extension, or even in your local Facebook group.

55. Go for generic over name-brand. Most times, you’ll find the same effective ingredients or materials.

56. If you’re short like me, consider shopping in the kids’ section. Both my mother and I have purchased shoes in kids’ sizes that fit just the same but cost half the price.

57. Make some extra money by filling out surveys using sites like Swagbucks.

58. If you enjoy a product or service and can genuinely recommend it, earn referral codes by sharing about them with friends!

Budgeting Hacks To Make Your Money & Bank Work For You

59. Want to invest in the stock market or ETFs but don’t know where to start? Consider robo-advising companies like Betterment which make it easier to invest with just $10—and it helps automate and optimize your taxes. (You can also invest with your values!)

60. Or, if you’re excited to invest in real estate but don’t have thousands of dollars, check out Fundrise, where anyone can help own property starting at $10.

61. If you think you’ll owe on your taxes this year, get a proactive conversation going with a CPA to figure out ways to cut down on that bill!

“Did you know you can negotiate medical bills?”

62. Look at your credit card or bank perks for percentages off purchases with specific retailers; think 10 percent off at IKEA or $20 off $100 at your Gelson’s grocery stores.

63. Put aside at least 10 percent of your income towards savings (if not more). This can be across your emergency fund, retirement account(s), or sinking fund if you’re saving for a special occasion.

64. Max out your 401K if you have a company match.

65. If an employer-offered 401K is not an option, max out an IRA. Check the tax implications for a traditional, Roth, or even mega-backdoor IRA depending on your income.

66. Shop around and compare rates when looking for a new service. Car insurance companies, contractors, and photographers all have wide ranges, and you should find the one that is most optimized for your needs and budget.

67. Did you know you can negotiate medical bills? Ask for an itemized bill to understand each expense, and check out these negotiation strategies.

68. Are you a student? Apply for scholarships. Millions of dollars go unclaimed every year, and there’s a scholarship opportunity for just about anything—like being left-handed.

69. If your credit card has an annual fee, consider downgrading to a free card from the same bank or asking for a retention offer. A retention offer is an incentive they’ll offer you, like free miles or a reduced fee, so banks can retain you as a customer.

70. Don’t skimp on insurance. Whether for your iPhone, your newly adopted pup (congrats!), or your apartment, there’s usually a related and worthwhile insurance to think about. Emergencies happen, and even the best budgeter can be caught off-guard.

“Set up auto-pay and mark those dates on a calendar.”

71. Set up auto-pay and mark those dates on a calendar. Auto-pay ensures your most important expenses are covered no matter what, especially in an emergency. And in addition to never having to wonder if you paid rent or your phone bill, some providers will give you a discount for setting it up as well. T-Mobile, for example, gives us five dollars off our plan each month thanks to auto-pay.

72. Ask for cheaper options if services you love and consistently use are truly out of reach (i.e., NYT subscriptions can go for as low as $4/mo.).

73. Consider an ATM fee-free account or bank if you need cash on hand often.

74. Have an FSA? Use that for daily hygiene and menstrual needs. It’s tax-free!

75. If an FSA isn’t an option, but you have a high-deductible health plan, you can also try an HSA for tax-free medical needs.

76. If you have credit card debt with a high APR, consider moving your balance to a 0% APR card to avoid paying extra interest. This calculator from Affirm is helpful for seeing any loan amount, interest rate, and payments from three to 36 months.

77. Sell gently used goods or clothes you no longer use and save anything you make.

Budgeting Hacks To Shift Your Mindset

78. Consider working with a financial coach or therapist to deal with fear around money. The Financial Gym is a great place to start.

79. Make checking your budget a ritual so that it doesn’t cause you stress. Pair your check-in with your favorite wine or dessert.

80. Remember, it’s okay to say no to asks that might break the bank! The Financial Diet has great posts on setting boundaries and reframing your financial priorities.

“Remember who you are saving for.”

81. Avoid expensive social events and opt for free or low-cost hangouts instead.

82. Remember who you are saving for: Your future self, your children, your future generations. Consider it an heirloom.

83. Order water at restaurants. Drink costs can add up quickly.

84. Forgo the gym membership and use the great outdoors or a fitness subscription to work out from home.

85. If you are going out to eat, go out for lunch instead of dinner—similar portion sizes, way more affordable.

86. Did you get a raise recently? Congratulations! Use that extra money to buffer your savings.

87. Instead of splurging on expensive gifts, go the DIY route for loved ones and hone a craft you enjoy. A handmade card, cookies from scratch, or a pet portrait will be just as meaningful.

88. Download an app like You Need A Budget or Mint to understand your cash flow.

89. Follow these finance newsletters written by and for women.

90. Check out these personal finance accounts on Instagram from women.

91. My mom’s second-most important piece of tactical advice is one I will scream from the rooftops: Pay your credit card in full every month. This way, you’ll always remember to spend within your means and only carry minimum debt (read: the monthly statement balance).

92. Turn your checking account into your “cash” account and only use what’s in there instead of ever touching your savings.

“Try a no-spend day, week, or month, to avoid tempting purchases.”

93. If you only need something once or twice (like a saw or special occasion dress), consider renting or borrowing over buying.

94. Celebrating your birthday soon? (Our happiest wishes to you!) Don’t forget about birthday discounts, meals, and treats.

95. Save spare change for a “rainy day” fund. My parents did this over the years, eventually accumulating $800.

96. Don’t sleep on buy-nothing or local swap groups.

97. Try a no-spend day, week, or month, to avoid tempting purchases.

98. Keep a photo or Post-It around of what you’re saving up for as extra motivation.

99. Talk. About. Money.

Have a budget hack of your own? Share in the comments below to add to this master list! 💸

Henah Velez (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Money with Katie at Morning Brew, as well as a writer at The Good Trade. She holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in the Bay Area where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Budget Hacks That Make Your Money Work For You appeared first on The Good Trade.