How to Create an Eco-Friendly Household, According to Coyuchi’s Design Director

How to Create an Eco-Friendly Household, According to Coyuchi’s Design Director

Whitney Thornburg shares a few of her favorite products—from well-loved kitchen towels to stylish reusable containers.

Coyuchi’s design director, Whitney Thornburg, shares a few of her favorite products—from well-loved kitchen towels to stylish reusable containers.

Since 1991, Coyuchi has woven its best-selling bedding, home decor, and apparel from 100% organic cotton. The brand’s modus operandi is to make high-quality products that minimally impact the earth, and their design director, Whitney Thornburg, believes in this mission wholeheartedly. Here, she shares a few of the products that help her lead a sustainable lifestyle at home.

Photo: Coyuchi

"I constantly find uses for glass jars and bottles in my kitchen. They are perfect for storing bulk items—and they’re also great for holding leftovers, or an extra breakfast smoothie for the next day. My favorite for bulk storage are Fido Jars, which are square in shape so they fit together perfectly on a shelf, creating an organized and attractive pantry."

Bormioli Rocco Fido Jar

From Bormioli Rocco, one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world, comes this collection of sturdy glass jars. Sold individually, each features a flip-top lid with a rubber gasket and heavy-duty wire clasp to lock out air and moisture. Whether used for dry staples—sugar, flour, rice, pasta and more—on the countertop or fresh foods and leftovers in the refrigerator, there’s a Fido jar to suit every need. They also make great containers for gifting homemade delicacies.

"I couldn’t live without these towels, they are truly a kitchen staple. The waffle weave makes them super absorbent—even my parents swear by these!"

Coyuchi Organic Waffle Kitchen Towels, Set of 6

The first time you wash these towels, something magical happens: the smooth basket weave puckers into a waffle texture that offers more surface area per square inch, drinking in water like no flat woven towel can. Loomed from yarn-dyed organic cotton crossed with white, they have soft color that endures through hard work and frequent laundering. There is a slight color variation with each dye lot, but rest assured it is GOTS certified finishing, so there’s no change in product performance.

"Investing in quality, timeless pieces can help you build a sustainable home over time, and if you collect items that will last a lifetime they can even be passed down through generations. East Fork’s beautiful serving platter is one of those pieces."

East Fork Serving Platter

Substantial? Definitely. Dramatic? That, too. The Serving Platter shines, plated with food or all alone on your table.

"Aesop hand wash is a favorite luxury for my kitchen and bathrooms. They offer a variety of scents, so you can customize each space, and I love the amber glass containers."

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

Gentle, non-drying hand wash from Aesop. Leaves hands feeling cleansed and refreshed. Formulated with orange, rosemary, and lavender oils to effectively cleanse skin. Features a citrus, woody and herbaceous aroma. Cruelty-free.

"I always keep a reusable water bottle around so that I can avoid using plastic ones. I love this one from S’well for its wood grain design."

S'Well Blonde Wood Bottle

Imitating the charm of raw materials and natural fibers that can be found in the world’s most picturesque forests, the Wood Collection, featured in a smooth matte finish, resembles mixed distressed woods.

"I prefer to buy spices in the bulk section to avoid plastic waste. This way, I only buy what I need—and I use spices quickly while they’re fresh. I love the containers recommended by Breathing Room Organization—whose social feed is full of great organizing tips."

Soguaolo Ziplock Bag Storage Organizer, Set of Four

Organize all your sandwich and storage bags with this countertop bag organizer. Made of solid bamboo and fits most popular storage and sandwich bag brands.

ZiTour Ziplock Bag Storage Organizer

Compatible with most brands of sandwich bags, gallon bags, snack bags in the market.

WrapDock Dual Wrap Dispenser

This bamboo kitchen wrap dispenser places two rolls of kitchen wrap at your fingertips. The dual-storage compartments make it a cinch to load, store, and dispense things like plastic wrap, Reynolds Wrap wax paper, or aluminum foil—right from your drawer.

"I'm always on the lookout for great food storage for snacks and leftovers. For dry snacks, I love Coyuchi’s Conserve snack bags—and for wet snacks, I love Daiso’s stainless-steel containers (they’re both items I know my kids will not break!). For myself, I love using glass containers for leftovers and fridge storage. They are microwaveable, so it’s easy to heat up food without an additional dish as well."

Coyuchi Conserve Organic Snack Bags

The reusable, zero waste solution for plastic snack bags, this set of two includes one small and one medium zippered pouch. Crafted from our GOTS-certified Organic Crinkled Percale™ fabric, each bag is striped on one side and solid on the other, with a colorful top zipper matched to the interior. Ideal for dry snacks like nuts and crackers, or used as a travel pouch for things like reusable straws/utensils, pens, cords, and toiletries. Each snack bag is fully washable, so when they’re ready to be cleaned, just throw them in the laundry.

"Throughout the pandemic, I wanted to work on using fewer disposable items at home, but I was overwhelmed by the daunting task of introducing new habits. I found the easiest way for me to make the switch was to replace one item per month with a reusable alternative, and I was so inspired by the process that I decided to create a collection for Coyuchi. Our new bowl covers, produce bags, snack bags, and reusable paper towels are the result of doing a ton of personal market research and applying what I learned to the quality of these products."

Photo: Coyuchi

"I recently set up a Filtrol water filter for my home washing machine. It collects everything from microplastics to sand, pet hair, and other tiny substances and keeps them from entering our water system."

Filtrol

The Filtrol is a patented, re-usable inline filter that is compatible with all residential washing machines. The Filtrol attaches directly to your existing washing machine drain hose and removes non-biodegradable synthetic fibers and other debris before they are released into wastewater sources and the environment. Installation is easy and in most cases takes only 30 minutes or less. This product is made in the U.S.A and has a limited lifetime warranty.

"I recommend against the use of fabric softener for a few reasons, but mostly because it can leave a waxy handfeel on your laundry and make your towels less absorbent. To keep laundry soft, I use these dryer balls with no or low heat. If you miss the smell of fabric softener, try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to one of the balls and tossing it in the dryer for a few additional minutes after your laundry is done."

Coyuchi Climate Beneficial Wool Dryer Balls

Our dryer balls are now filled with Climate Beneficial Wool sourced from two ranches in Northern California, just 12 miles from our Point Reyes birthplace. A pure, natural alternative to conventional flammable, chemical-drenched dryer sheets, our handmade dryer balls will reduce static, cut drying time up to 25% and soften fabrics without reducing their breathability or absorption. Just pop them in the dryer with your clothes, and they'll go to work, absorbing up to ten times their weight in water and helping to separate clumps of wet laundry to improve air circulation. Naturally unscented, they're great for people with sensitivities to fragrance. But if you like a bit of scent, just remove a couple of the balls after the clothes have completely dried, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, and tumble them with your laundry for ten minutes on the no-heat setting (heat will destroy the fragrance oil).

We love the products we feature and hope you do, too. If you buy something through a link on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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