5 Sustainable Ways to Stay Cozy During Winter
Winter has always been the season where everyone wants to be cozy; whether it’s through warm blankets, hot drinks or comfy clothing. However, staying cozy can at times ramp up costs and can lead to energy or environmental waste piling up. Our seasonal habits can sometimes have a bigger environmental impact than we realise.
Fortunately, staying cozy during winter and reducing waste don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Here are five practical ways to stay cozy during winter whilst staying sustainable.
1. Layer Up Instead of Cranking Up the Heat
Turning on the heating all day can be very tempting, especially when the cold makes your skin have goosebumps. However, a smarter and greener alternative would be layering clothing. Wearing multiple layers helps your body to trap heat better compared to a single thick later (one sweater).
The key with layering is thermal efficiency and some ways to go about it would be –
Start with a base layer
Thermal tops and leggings / leg warmers made of merino wool or organic cotton keep heat close to your skin.
Add insulating layers
Chunky knit jumpers, fleece-lined leggings / leg warmers, or even a stylish cardigan can help lock in warmth without making you feel bulky.
Finish with a cozy top layer
A warm robe, blanket scarf or a well-insulated hoodie can make all the difference.
By opting for natural fibers like wool and organic cotton, you’re not only keeping warm but also reducing microplastic pollution that synthetic fabrics release into waterways during washing. Investing in high-quality, long-lasting clothes pays off in both warmth and sustainability.
2. Use Draft Stoppers and Insulation Tricks
You could turn on the heating in your home, but how much of that warmth is slipping through cracks? Up to 30% of household heat can be lost through doors and windows if they’re not properly insulated.
Try dealing with this using some simple effective solutions –
Draft stoppers
Place them at the bottom of doors (especially external doors) to block cold air from seeping in. If you don’t have one, roll up an old towel and place it along the gap—it works just as well!
Thermal curtains
Keep curtains closed at night to trap warmth inside. During the day, open them to let in natural sunlight, which can raise the room temperature without extra energy use.
Rugs and carpets
Hardwood and tile floors can feel cold underfoot and can make rooms lose heat faster. A thick rug acts as insulation, making a noticeable difference in room temperature and comfort. If a carpet can’t be laid across the entire floor, aim for key spots such as by sofas and beds.
3. Hot Water Bottles 
Electric blankets are very effective when it comes to keeping warm; especially with the heat they store up. For more energy efficiency with the same coziness, try these extra steps –
Use Under Covers
A hot water bottle under the covers before bedtime can keep your bed warm for hours, eliminating the need to heat the whole room overnight. You can also alternate uses between this and the electric blanket, maintaining warmth whilst reducing energy usage.
Pre Warm Socks / Slippers
Cheeky tip: Pre-warming your socks or slippers with a hot water bottle makes putting them on a warming experience on frosty mornings!
4. Use Reusable Travel Mugs at Home
Picture this – You’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, nestled into the warmest corner of the sofa, fully immersed in your favorite show. Or maybe you’re deep in a spreadsheet, finally making sense of those stubborn numbers. You take a sip of your tea or coffee—only to realize it’s gone cold. Now comes the dreaded shuffle to the kitchen to reheat it… again.
Every microwave reheat adds up not just in energy consumption, but also wasted time and sometimes even wasted drinks. Reusable travel mugs or coffee cups help you keep your drink hot for hours. Reducing the number of times you need to leave that comfy spot and spend more time uncovering plot twists or finally aligning those columns.
For home use
Quality insulated mugs and coffee cups keeps drinks warm for 3-6 hours, letting you sip slowly without losing heat. Circular&Co Travel mugs and coffee cups keep drinks hot for 6 hours and come in sizes up to 454ml. Meaning you can sip your favourite drinks in more quantities and for longer!
For work or errands
If you need to step out, take your mug with you instead of buying a takeaway cup—saving money and reducing disposable waste. Many coffee shops / cafes will take your reusable coffee cup / mug and make your drinks for you.
It’s a win-win—better for your wallet, your schedule, your binging time and the planet.
5. Upcycle Old Clothing into Cozy Home Accessories 
Before tossing out an old jumper or scarf, think about how it can be repurposed into something useful (and stylish) for your home. Upcycling is an eco-friendly way to extend the life of textiles while adding a personal, cozy touch to your space.
Some ways to go about that would be –
DIY draft excluders
Stuff old tights or sleeves with fabric scraps and place them against door gaps to block cold air.
Sweater cushion covers
Cut and sew an old wool sweater into a snug cushion cover for an instant warm and rustic look.
Patchwork blankets
Combine pieces of old fabric to create a homemade quilt or throw, perfect for snuggling up on the sofa.
Mittens and slippers
Turn an old fleece or wool jumper into homemade mittens, socks, or even indoor slippers for extra warmth.
Not only does this save money and reduce textile waste, but it also gives your home a warm, handmade touch—perfect for winter!
Embrace Coziness with Sustainability
Staying warm in winter isn’t just about cranking up the thermostat—it’s about wrapping yourself in comfort and creating a snug haven at home. With these few simple tweaks, you can keep the chill out and the coziness in.
A winter spent in warmth, comfort, and pure coziness? Now that’s the dream.