Sustainable Alternatives to Stores like Home Depot and Lowe's

Major home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's are contributing significantly to climate-obstructive policies through their political donations. From 2018-2024, Home Depot contributed $16.2 million to climate-obstructive campaign candidates and PACs, while Lowe's donated over $1.5 million. Neither of these retail giants shows any evidence of investing in pro-climate initiatives.

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Instead of supporting these home improvement giants, you could vote with your dollar and try these alternatives:

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Tools

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Many tools are only needed a few times a year. Instead of buying new ones, consider borrowing from friends and family. Local Buy Nothing Groups are another great option — neighbors post items they're willing to share or give away. Need a soldering tool for a few hours? Post a request to the group, and someone might lend it to you for free. These groups are also perfect for finding gardening supplies and lawn tools. Some cities also have a tool lending library where you can check out tools just like library books.

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Decor, Furniture and Outdoor Living

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Instead of buying new furniture items for your living room or patio, explore secondhand alternatives. It’s a sustainable and affordable way to keep existing furniture out of landfills and prevent deforestation. Secondhand furniture also adds warmth, comfort, and rustic charm to your space. Check out brands like Chairish (check out their vintage collection) and AptDeco and resell pre-owned furniture and home decor. For short-term needs, consider furniture rental subscriptions from brands like Fernish. If you prefer to buy new pieces, sustainable brands like Sabai, Mast Furniture, and Grain offer eco-friendly options.

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Building Materials

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For building materials, local lumber yards and sawmills provide excellent alternatives to major retailers. These places stock high-quality hardwoods and softwoods while offering personalized service. They frequently source materials responsibly and provide unique options like reclaimed wood and specialty cuts. For free materials, check out local recycling centers that often have scrap wood available. You can also explore woodworking clubs, online communities, or specialty retailers like Woodcraft and Rockler.

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Home Appliances and Smart Home Products

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You can buy both small appliances (coffee makers, blenders, toasters, and electric grills) and large appliances (air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators) secondhand. Refurbished marketplaces like Back Market have huge collections of these items. Shopping secondhand helps reduce e-waste and saves money. Plus, they deliver right to your door—no need to rent a pickup truck. Back Market also offers smart home devices like connected thermostats and smart assistants.

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Cleaning Supplies

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Rather than purchasing conventional cleaning products in bulky plastic containers, explore low-waste, sustainable cleaning brands. These companies actively work to minimize water usage, plastic waste, and petrochemicals in their formulations. Some excellent options include Blueland, Grove Co., and Dirty Labs. For an even more eco-friendly approach, consider making your own kitchen and bathroom cleaners using DIY recipes.

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Bathroom Hardware

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When shopping for bathroom fixtures like faucets, bathtubs, or toilet seats, Home Depot and Lowe's might be the first stores that come to mind. While they offer extensive product selections, local hardware stores provide a more sustainable alternative. Though these mom-and-pop shops may stock fewer items, they can often special-order specific products you need. Shopping at these local stores not only meets your home improvement needs but also strengthens the local economy.

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