Posts in Jewelry & Accessories

15 Best Etsy Shops for Sustainable Art, Jewelry, Gifts, and More

Etsy Shops Selling Sustainable Goods

Etsy has become one of the best places on the web to source handmade, local, and now sustainable goods. From shampoo bars and waste-free kits to upcycled art and apparel, Etsy provides an eco-friendly alternative to Amazon and other ecommerce giants that create more waste and cause more harm.

These days, Etsy also makes it easy for shoppers to identify and understand the different sustainability aspects of the stores they’re shopping from. Sustainability attributes are a newer, optional listing component that sellers can add to their listings. Shoppers can then search for these traits, such as “recycled” and “reusable” for example, and find products that match what they’re looking for.

Additionally, Etsy has committed to their own sustainability practices, becoming the first large ecommerce site to offset the entirety of their carbon emissions. They’ve also become partners with EcoEnclose, a company that makes it easier for sellers in the USA to use affordable, eco-friendly shipping options. That way, becoming a more sustainable seller on Etsy doesn’t cut into small business profits, and buyers can be part of the shift towards more environmentally friendly practices.

If you’re ready to support smaller businesses and make your lifestyle more sustainable in the process, get started with these 15 Etsy shops.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Etsy Shops:

1. Me Mother Earth

Me Mother Earth is a Las Vegas-based sustainable living company that donates a portion of its proceeds back to ocean conservation.

They sell a variety of cleaning items, such as wooden and coconut scrub brushes, quick-dry diatomite soap dishes, foaming soap dispensers, dishwashing soap bars, and more.

They also have personal hygiene products like eco dental floss and bamboo toothbrushes for a more sustainable oral care routine.

Plus, you can find a homemade, nontoxic laundry stain remover stick along with other unique home essentials.

Shop Me Mother Earth Etsy Shop

2. Hive and Honey Farm

Hive and Honey Farm is based in Minnesota, and they make full use of their honey farm’s byproducts by making beeswax candles, lip balms, and natural wood butter, which is designed to help you clean and polish wood surfaces. This Etsy seller’s main product is a range of beeswax food wraps for keeping food fresh without the plastic.

Their bees wrap comes in a range of sizes, with starter variety packs, food storage bags, and wraps for topping glass jars and bowls.

Shop Hive and Honey Farm Etsy Shop

3. Bunzow Glass

This Idaho-based Etsy shop was started by two former bartenders who wanted to repurpose some of the glass waste generated by the service industry. Now, they make upcycled drinkware, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and eco decor made from liquor and beer bottles.

All of the glassware they source is cut, shaped, and polished by hand. Since their company was started in 2016, they’ve diverted 10,000 bottles from their local landfill and helped buyers make more sustainable jewelry and lifestyle choices.

Shop Bunzow Glass Etsy Shop

4. Happy Earth Boutique

This sustainable, natural, and non-toxic boutique sells pillow sprays, potpourri, yoga mat spray, shower mats, and bath salts.

All of these scented items are made using only essential oils, with no harsh chemicals.

One of their most innovative products are their toilet fizzies, which use baking soda, citric acid, and essential oil to create a fizz when they come into contact with water, gently cleaning the toilet without using harsh ingredients.

Shop Happy Earth Boutique Etsy Shops

5. Manic Earth

Find reusable paper towels made from 100% cotton flannel in this Etsy shop based in Charleston, South Carolina.

You can buy a six-pack or a twelve-pack in a wide variety of playful designs and colors, from rainbow smiley faces and pickles to monstera leaves and sushi. These towels are absorbent and easy to wash and reuse, making them the perfect alternative to single-use paper towels that add waste to the environment—not to mention the cost savings in a product that can be used 10,000 times.

Shop Manic Earth Etsy Shop

6. Purple Turtle Co

If you’re looking for a place to buy eco-friendly gifts, Purple Turtle Co has you covered. Their Etsy store sells a range of gift sets that can help someone kickstart a more sustainable lifestyle. Their health and beauty gift set contains a bamboo toothbrush and comb, a wooden soap dish, a makeup remover pad, and other essentials. They also have plant propagation kits and grow-your-own herb boxes, in addition to candle making kits. These DIY boxes stand out because they offer instruction guides on how to get started with a new hobby and incorporate it into your daily life for lasting, mindful habit

Shop Purple Turtle Co Etsy Shop

7. Linen by MN

Linen by MN is a handmade linen apparel company that can help you on your journey toward ditching fast fashion. This shop is committed to sustainability by using ethical production, fair trade practices, and eco-conscious sourcing. This shop also relies on locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly packaging for all their shipments. Find linen dresses, pants, tops, aprons, and more apparel, with most of their items being tailored and handmade according to your specific measurements. Choose your color, send your sizes, and wait for the perfect-fitting linen piece to arrive at your door.

Shop Linen by MN Etsy Shop

8. Naturel USA

Shop owner Melissa started Naturel USA to combat the plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles filling up landfills worldwide. This Illinois-based shop has a wide range of zero-waste shampoo bars for all kinds of needs and concerns, including dry scalp shampoo, curly or dry hair shampoo, and purple toning shampoo for highlighted hair. She also has dry shampoo, starter kits, saver trays and bags that protect the bars, along with scrub-infused soaps that are vegan, handmade and cruelty-free.

Shop Naturel USA Etsy Shop

9. Fripp Designs

This Etsy shop sells unique, hand-crafted art in the form of t-shirts, mugs, prints, and more.

Since each of their items are small batch and handmade at home, they make a great alternative to art and clothing you can buy at a major retailer.

This Georgia-based shop makes art in a blend of music, sports, aviation, and automotive themes, making it the perfect place to find gifts for car hobbyists, pilots, musicians, and so much more.

Shop Fripp Design Etsy Shop

10. Wild Harvest Studio

This shop makes organic cotton and hemp loungewear items like tank tops, yoga pants, jumpers, and beyond.

All of Wild Harvest Studio’s clothing is handmade, small batch, and one of a kind.

These pieces are also hand dyed with nontoxic plant dyes and printed with botanical and nature-inspired patterns. Since these pieces are custom made to order, the shop owner helps reduce textile waste. Plus, the natural fibers used in all her clothes are designed to last, helping extend their life cycle and fight back against fast fashion.

Shop Wild Harvest Studio Etsy Shop

11. SimpleEcology

SimpleEcology is a sustainable lifestyle brand that helps people make easy, eco-friendly swaps.

They have a wide array of organic cotton totes, lunch bags, gift bags, aprons, and grocery bags.

Additionally, this family-run business sells reusable nut milk bags for creating your own almond milk, straining your own cheese and yogurt, or making loose leaf tea. Creating these products on your own helps reduce your consumption of single-use plastic and also saves money and resources.

Shop SimpleEcology Etsy Shop

12. ArtistRitasStudio

ArtistRitasStudio is a one woman artist shop that creates hand painted, customized pet portraits on salvaged wood boards.

Simply select your desired dimensions, make your purchase, and send in a photo of your pet with any additional specifications.

Florida-based Artist Rita also creates one-of-a-kind paintings of tropical wildlife, sunsets, and other nature scenes on palette wood, providing a sustainable alternative to the plastic-filled, easy discardable art that’s often found in big box stores.

Shop ArtistRitasStudio Etsy Shop

13. Honeywild Apothecary

This natural skincare brand creates conscious, sustainable products that support people and the earth. Owners Laura and Kate have a five-acre property where they grow their own flowers and herbs and forage wild resources for their products. They also use honey and beeswax harvested on their own land in partnership with a local beekeeper. Their products include mineral sunscreen, everything balm, organic lip balm, botanical bath salts, and cold process soap—all of which are made in small batches to maintain a high level of quality. Everything they make is also free from sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrances, aluminum, and synthetic preservatives.

Shop Honeywild Apothecary

14. Ocean Plastics

This brand takes one of our environment’s greatest threats—microplastics in the ocean—and turns it into beautiful jewelry and accessories. In addition to cleaning up their local Florida beaches, these Etsy shop owners are also bringing awareness to the issue of microplastics by showing just how prevalent they are. The plastic debris are set in eco resin and shipped with plastic-free packaging and seed paper that you can plant to watch wild flowers grow. Lastly, a dollar of every sale is given to the Surfrider Foundation, which helps clean up and protect oceans and beaches.

Shop Ocean Plastics Etsy Shop

15. Cork Culture USA

Cork Culture USA is an Etsy shop that makes wallets, purses, jewelry, bags, and accessories out of cork. As a biodegradable and recyclable material, cork comes from cork trees, whose forests sequester carbon and bolster biodiversity.

These cork goods are also a great alternative to leather, which is often tied to the environmentally degrading cattle industry, or faux leathers made from plastics. Cork Culture’s bags have a variety of colorful and interesting designs, from flowers and geometric shapes to plants and art.

Shop Cork Culture USA Etsy Shop

About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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The Best Sustainable Sunglasses

The future is looking bright…

Sustainable sunglasses are here to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays while contributing to a more sustainable planet! This article will explore the world of eco-friendly eyewear, highlighting the innovative materials, designs, and technologies that are revolutionizing the sunglasses industry. Whether you are a conscious consumer or a fashion enthusiast, sustainable sunglasses offer the perfect balance of style and ethics. These conscious choices reduce waste and support sustainable practices by using materials like recycled plastic bottles and renewable resources such as bamboo and wood.

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion has gained significant attention in recent years as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchases. The fashion industry is a major contributor to pollution and waste, so there is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives. As a result, eco-friendly fashion brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, production, and materials have emerged. Sustainable sunglasses are a natural extension of this movement, providing consumers with a stylish and eco-conscious option for eye protection.

What are Sustainable Sunglasses?

Sustainable sunglasses are eyewear products designed and manufactured with the environment in mind. They aim to reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint by using recycled materials, renewable resources, and eco-friendly production processes. Every aspect of sustainable sunglasses is carefully considered, from the frames to the lenses, to minimize waste and maximize sustainability. These brands also ensure that the people creating the sunglasses are paid fair wages and are in safe working conditions. By choosing sustainable sunglasses, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment without compromising on style or quality.

Benefits of Sustainable Sunglasses

Sustainable sunglasses offer a range of benefits beyond their environmental impact:

They provide the same level of protection as traditional sunglasses, shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Sustainable sunglasses often come in stylish designs, catering to the fashion-forward consumer. By wearing sustainable sunglasses, you can showcase your commitment to the environment while staying on-trend. Gone are the days when 'sustainable' was not 'fashionable'.
Many sustainable sunglass brands prioritize fair trade practices and ethical production, ensuring that workers in the manufacturing process are treated fairly.
By supporting these brands, you contribute to a greener planet and a more equitable fashion industry.

What to Look for when shopping Eco-friendly, Sustainable Sunglasses

Recycled Plastic: Up until a few years ago, it was almost impossible to find sunglasses made from recycled plastic. Not anymore! Several of the brands below use plastic from discarded bottles and fishing nets to create their frames.

FSC-Certified and/or Reclaimed Wood: There are a lot of wooden sunglasses available out there, but just because it’s a natural material doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Be sure to purchase sunglasses made from reclaimed/upcycled wood or carry the “FSC-Certified” label, which means the wood was sourced from a sustainably-managed forest.

Plant-Based Plastic Alternatives: You’ll see the term “acetate” on some eco-friendly sunglasses. But what exactly is it? Acetate is plant-based cellulose that often comes from trees (though it can come from other plants, like cotton). The verdict is still out on just how sustainable acetate actually is. It likely depends on where it’s made and the processes used to transform the plant fibers into a plastic-like material. But at the end of the day, it’s still a better option than virgin plastic.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Sunglasses:

1. Pela

Price | $40-80

You may be familiar with Pela and their incredible phone cases, but did you know they have sunglasses, too?

Their range of sunglasses has 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water usage, and 82% less waste compared to conventional sunglasses and packaging. They come in a range of colors and styles, and they are very affordable. Sometimes you can find a BOGO sale going on!

Shop Pela

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2. Proof Eyewear

Price | $55-120

Another great eyewear company, Proof Eyewear, is based in Boise, Idaho. They started with wooden frames and have since expanded to designs that use recycled aluminum and acetate (made from cotton). You can also send back your old frames with their recycling program. Plus, with your help, they have donated over 1,200 pairs of glasses, planted 200 trees, given almost 6,00 health & vision screenings, and 240 cataract surgeries!

Shop Proof

3. Eco Eyewear

Price | $75-150

Founded in 2009, Eco Eyewear creates sustainable unisex eyewear and sunglasses made exclusively from eco-friendly, recycled, and biobased materials. Recently, they have partnered with Waste Free Oceans to use ocean plastic waste in a collection of sustainable frames! They also founded a program to plant trees called 'One Tree, One Frame', which has planted over 3.3 million trees to date, making them the world's first Carbon Negative eyewear brand.

Shop Eco Eyewear

4. MITA

Price | $139+

MITA starts with five water bottles and transforms them into a pair of wearable, high-quality, lightweight, and super cute eyewear. Their cleaning cloths and cases are made from recycled materials, too. The MITA community works with a few different non-profit organizations to help clean up and protect our oceans and waterways. In addition to their sustainable sunglasses, MITA also carries prescription eyeglasses and blue light blocking recycled glasses as well. And I loved their virtual try-on feature—it really helped me choose which one to get!

Shop MITA

5. Look Optic

Price | $72-108

Merging featherweight, fashion-forward design with 100% recycled materials, LOOK OPTIC's collection of sustainable eyewear offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditionally disposable readers, blue-light glasses, and sunglasses. Actively giving back to promote a more sustainable feature, the brand partners with Lion's Club to help upcycle and redistribute old frames and TerraCycle to assist in repurposing hard-to-recycle elements (frames, lenses and hinges), transforming old frames into running tracks, playgrounds, & more.

Shop Look Optic

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6. SeaClean

Price | $98

We really like what this line of eyeglasses is all about. Frames from SeaClean by GlassesUSA are made entirely from up-cycled plastic bottles. It only takes five bottles to create a pair of sunglasses. Plus, for every SeaClean pair sold, they will donate $5 to The Ocean Cleanup to help them in their efforts towards a plastic-free ocean by 2050. There are only two frame styles at the moment, but hopefully we will see more in the future.

Shop SeaClean

7. Pala Eyewear

Price | $120-204

As a certified B Corp, Pala is committed to making a positive impact with their business.

They provide eye care for communities around the globe, use recycled plastic for their cases, and offset their carbon emissions.

Their ethically-made sunglasses are made from plant-based bio-acetate, making them easier to biodegrade.

Shop PALA

Sustainable Sunglasses Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your sustainable sunglasses. Here are a few tips to keep them in top condition:

- Store your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches and damage.

- Clean the lenses and frames regularly using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner specifically designed for eyewear.

- Avoid placing your sunglasses face down on hard surfaces to prevent scratches on the lenses.

- Avoid exposing your sunglasses to extreme temperatures or prolonged periods of direct sunlight, as this can weaken the materials.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy your sustainable sunglasses for years while minimizing the need for replacements.

Supporting Sustainable Fashion: Ways to Promote and Advocate for Sustainable Sunglasses

As an eco-conscious consumer, there are several ways you can support and promote sustainable sunglasses:

1. Spread the word: Share your love for sustainable sunglasses with friends, family, and on social media. Educate others about the benefits of sustainable fashion and encourage them to make conscious choices when purchasing eyewear.

2. Choose sustainable brands: Choose sunglasses from brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production. By supporting these brands, you will contribute to the demand for eco-friendly fashion and encourage others to follow suit.

3. Participate in recycling programs: Some sustainable sunglasses brands offer recycling programs where you can return your old sunglasses for proper disposal or recycling. Take advantage of these initiatives to ensure your sunglasses are disposed of responsibly.

4. Advocate for change: Support initiatives and organizations that promote sustainable fashion and advocate for stricter regulations in the fashion industry. You can amplify your impact and drive positive change by joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations.

5. Love what you have: Sustainability starts in your own closet. You are participating in the sustainable fashion movement just by wearing your old sunglasses!

By actively promoting and advocating for sustainable sunglasses, you can help shape a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.

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The Best Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry

People have adorned themselves with jewelry and decoration for as long as 75,000 years. Today though, some jewelry is made at a significant cost to both the planet and the people making them. So, how can we continue to accessorize with sustainability and ethics in mind?

The jewelry industry is stepping up to the challenge in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainability. Sustainable jewelry is not only exquisite and beautiful but also carries a profound purpose. With a commitment to social and environmental causes, sustainable jewelry brands are positively impacting communities. Their efforts contribute to fair trade practices, support local artisans, and promote eco-consciousness among consumers. This article delves into the brands leading the way in sustainable jewelry, highlighting their unique designs and the stories behind the pieces. Discover how sustainable jewelry is not just about adorning oneself but also about making a meaningful difference in the world. Join the revolution of conscious consumers who appreciate the beauty of jewelry with a purpose!

What Makes This Jewelry Sustainable?

When it comes to sustainable jewelry, there are many things we look for - Who makes it? What is it made from? Can you wear the piece for years to come? Transparency within the supply chain is so important to us. We want to make sure the person creating the jewelry is treated fairly and the planet is kept in mind during the entire process.

What Sustainable Materials Should Jewelry Brands Use?

There are also several materials we like to look for, like recycled metals and lab-grown gems. We have enough gold and silver circulating on this planet to reuse and not mine for more, and these brands are taking advantage of that! Also, the mining of precious gems is full of unethical practices, so sustainable brands are starting to create their gems in labs, reuse old gems or work with Fairmined sourcing (as well as other sustainable certifications).

You can read more about ethics and sustainability within the jewelry industry here.

Also, click to check out all of our favorite earrings!

Many minimalist designs below are perfect for any outfit, and you can feel confident they are easy on the planet and fair to the makers.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Jewelry Brands:

1. Bario Neal

Price: $130-$5K

The team at Bario Neal was inspired to create pieces of jewelry representing deeply felt experiences, loves, and losses—armor, glitter, and vessels for meaning and value. But from the very start, they were committed to doing things in a way that’s better for the earth, the people and communities within the supply chain, and their customers. An industry leader in ethical sourcing and mindful production, Bario Neals’s jewelry reflects individualism, gender and marriage equality, and conscious values rooted in ethical origin from mine to market.

Shop Bario Neal

2. Valley Rose

Price: $98 - 1,820

This stunning jewelry is designed and handcrafted by Northern California-based designer Brittany Groshong. Each design is made with a technique called lost-wax casting. Valley Rose uses the highest quality and ethical materials like Fairmined gold and traceable conflict-free gemstones. The mystery and beauty of the cosmos inspire the collection. Their new zodiac constellation pendants make for the perfect everyday necklace!

Shop Valley Rose

3. Truvai

Price: $80-411

Truvai is a conscious, luxurious jewelry brand that creates micro-batch collections handmade by master artisans around the globe.

Pronounced /tro͞oˈvī/, Truvai means a lucky find; a chance encounter with something wonderful — and their pieces are just that! The brand was founded by Canadian designer Jenny Lillian, who works with artisans in Kenya, Indonesia, and Afghanistan using traditional handmade techniques.

Truvai focuses on creating the maximum positive social impact while using environmentally conscious & locally sourced materials. Their collections unite in a commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and cultural preservation — offering artisans a pathway out of generational poverty in Kenya, supporting Afghan jewelers affected by conflict, and preserving traditional Balinese techniques in Indonesia. If you love pearl earrings, we suggest checking out the gorgeous Fay earrings made with locally sourced mabe pearls. For a perfect everyday piece, look no further than the Margo Cuff bracelet, which contributes to the artisans' city's cleanup through upcycled local scrap metal. Truvai offers free shipping within the USA & Canada and affordable flat-rate shipping for international orders.

use code CHIC10 for 10% off your purchase

Shop Truvai

4. Aiden Jae

Price: $55-485

Aiden Jae creates beautiful everyday jewelry made for you to live in. This woman-owned jewelry brand uses 100% recycled gold and conflict-free, responsibly sourced gemstones. For fine jewelry, their prices are accessible, and their minimalistic designs make it perfect for pairing with every outfit.

We love their signature texture in the Banyan collection, inspired by the distinctive roots of the Banyan tree. For those who like a little sparkle, we suggest their Star Light, Star Bright collection, which features diamonds, white sapphires, and rainbow moonstones.

Aiden Jae’s manufacturing partners are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

To top it all off, Aiden Jae uses eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping, and they are a member of 1% for the Planet!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase

Shop Aiden Jae

5. Aid Through Trade

Price: $15 - 62

Aid Through Trade (one of the founding members of the Fair Trade Federation!) is the original creator of the famous Roll-On® Bracelet. Now, the brand employs over 200 female artisans in Nepal. All of their Roll-On® Bracelets are made with the highest quality glass beads and hand-dyed cotton thread and come with a lifetime guarantee. They fit most wrists and come in a variety of colors.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC30 for 30% off

Shop Aid Through Trade

6. illi

Price: $195 - 625

All of illi’s gorgeous and minimalistic pieces are made from lab-grown gemstones, and 100% recycled solid precious metals. This is one of the few brands that offer not only lab-grown diamond jewelry but also other gems like alexandrite, ruby, and sapphire! In addition, they carry necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that have a clean, simple aesthetic for true timelessness. The team at illi is committed to sustainability and is constantly improving its processes every step of the way.

Shop illi

7. Laura Elizabeth

Price: $65 - 265

Austin-based Laura Elizabeth Jewelry is a timeless, elevated, and accessible jewelry line. Many of her designs are made directly from nature; whether it’s bark from an Austin oak tree, a starfish, or succulents, these organic pieces are classic yet unique. You can swim, sweat, shower, and sleep in your LEJ necklaces, and the rings are adjustable and stackable.

Shop Laura Elizabeth

8. Able

Price: $20 - 120

Able is a fashion brand that empowers and employs women to help them escape poverty. Initially, the company offered jobs to Ethiopian women from the commercial sex industry, but they have since expanded, and the jewelry is made in-house in Nashville, TN. Their jewelry collection is perfect for everyday wear and has several customizable options!

Shop ABLE

9. Obakki

Price: $22 - 102

Available in both 18K gold plated and silver plated, each piece from Obakki’s gorgeous jewelry collection is made by one of their artisan partners. The team at Obakki loves taking something forgotten and turning it into something beautiful and new, so almost everything is made from upcycled and locally sourced materials. Obakki also carries artisan-made and small-batch home goods, skincare, organic apparel, and more. You’ll love this shop!

Shop Obakki

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10. Ten Thousand Villages

Price: $5 - 210

More than just a store, this market-to-market movement connects us to some of the most talented artisans worldwide. Our purchase is directly contributing to sustainable livelihoods and keeping crafts original.

Every product celebrates culture and the planet, so you know not one is compromised for the other. They have an extensive jewelry collection for anyone’s taste - we LOVE these earrings!

Shop Ten Thousand Villages

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11. Made Trade

Price: $30 - 198

This online destination has you covered with almost any aesthetic within jewelry but has an extensive collection of minimalistic designs. While shopping through the collection, you can learn about each piece's values. Is it Fair Trade? Is it Made in the USA? Is it POC owned? It's genuinely a different experience, unlike anything else you find online. They have so many brands under one roof that you don't have to search far.

Shop Made Trade

12. Ana Luisa

Price: $30-250

Ana Luisa is a sustainable jewelry brand on a mission to show the world that high-quality jewelry should not cost the planet. It crafts beautiful earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, which are ideal for wearing on a special occasion but will also spruce up your outfits if worn daily. Ana Luisa’s pieces are produced in limited batches and made of gold-plated brass (with a thick layer of recycled gold) or recycled Sterling silver.

Shop Ana Luisa

13. Clean Origin

Price: $225 - 35000

Clean Origin ensures their hand-picked selections are ethical and gorgeous. Available in various shapes and colors, Clean Origin specializes in lab-created diamonds and only sells stones that are independently verified and graded for quality using the same scientific standards applied to mined diamonds. In addition, clean Origin offers free resizing, lifetime protection, and financing options. With dozens of jewelry styles and designs available, Clean Origin aims to provide diamonds without compromise.

Shop Clean Origin

14. Aurate New York

Price: $40 - 6500

Aurate is based in New York and strives to change the jewelry industry. Aurate uses only sustainably sourced materials, all gold is 100% recycled, and pearls and precious gems are sourced from family-run establishments supporting local communities. You can choose between lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds, depending on your preference. Since there are no import taxes, no unnecessary middlemen, and pieces are made-to-order, Aurate jewelry is much more affordable than conventional jewelry.

Shop Aurate New York

15. Catbird

Price: $14 - 3500

Catbird has been creating ethical jewelry since 2004. They work almost entirely with recycled gold and diamonds, make everything in their Brooklyn studio with a minimum carbon footprint, and always consider their impact at every step. If you love colors or stones other than diamonds, we recommend checking out Catbird’s selection!

Shop Catbird

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Ethical Engagement & Wedding Rings

Purchasing an engagement ring or a wedding band is a challenging task. There are many different jewelers and designs, making for a daunting process. And for many women today, where their diamonds come from is an essential aspect of the ring. Every jeweler we have listed here has high ethical standards for what, how & where their rings are produced. These rings are as sustainable as a wedding ring can get, from lab-grown diamonds to recycled metals. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they are GORGEOUS!

What is an ethical engagement ring?

An ethical engagement ring has been made using fair labor and is made of materials that have also been sourced fairly. Unfortunately, the diamond industry is full of corruption and has extreme working conditions, forced labor, and child labor. The brands listed here do not partake in those activities and go above & beyond to see the jewelry industry more sustainable in the future.

What is a sustainable engagement ring?

A sustainable engagement ring is ideal because it looks at the ethics of how it is produced AND how it affects the planet. Now that we have found a way to create diamonds, we don’t have as high of a need to dig for more. Enough gold and silver are circulating, so we can easily recycle them to create new jewelry. Sustainable engagement rings can be made from eco-friendly materials like man-made diamonds, fair-mined diamonds (which hold strict regulations on who and how the diamond is mined), and vintage and recycled materials.

Our Top picks for Sustainable, ethical engagement & wedding rings:

1) Valley Rose

Price | $420 - 2990

If you are looking for something unique, yet stunning, you must check out these hand-crafted pieces by Northern California-based designer, Brittany Groshong. Valley Rose designs are each made with a technique called lost-wax casting, which is where they create an original model hand carved in wax. They use the highest quality and ethical materials like Fairmined gold and ethical gemstones including recycled diamonds and SCS certified sustainably rated grown diamonds. The collection is inspired by the mystery and beauty of the cosmos.

Shop Valley Rose

2) Gardens of the Sun

Price | $69 - 4399

This is your brand if you want a genuinely transparent (& exquisite) engagement ring! A Certified B-Corp brand, Gardens of the Sun was created by Meri Geraldine, who had a strong love for jewelry but wanted 100% ethical jewelry to wear. Their guilt-free line of bridal rings is mercury-free, doesn’t endanger forests and wildlife, and supports artisanal miners and makers. Plus, if you love color and something different than the usual wedding band, you will find this here - & they offer custom rings!

Shop Gardens of the Sun

3) AUrate New York

Price | $160-3,000

If you are looking for a more affordable option for a wedding band or engagement ring, AUrate New York is a great jeweler to check out. They are based in NY, and employ 7th generation jewelers to create their beautiful pieces. From recycled gold to high-grade pearls, their materials are all sustainably-sourced. They have an in-home try on program, but if you live in New York, they have 3 locations for you to visit so you can see all the beauty up-close and personal!

Shop Aurate New York

4) Holden

Price | $240 - 3999

Holden’s gorgeous rings are custom-made to order (meaning no wasteful excess inventory!) using 100% recycled gold and ethical lab-grown diamonds. They’re Climate Neutral Certified, which means they measure and offset 100% of their carbon emissions. Not only that, but they offer free shipping, resizing, and returns (they melt down returns to make new rings—how cool is that?). What sets this company apart even more is that their entire collection is gender-neutral and they donate 1% of sales to The Trevor Project!

Shop Holden

5) Plum Diamonds

Price | $590 - 12000

Another lab-grown diamond jewelry company, Plum Diamonds, was founded by female-led industry veterans and creates responsible luxury wedding jewelry for the modern couple. They offer an intuitive e-commerce customization process that brings a human touch to the digital experience of shopping for your engagement and wedding rings. Sustainability and ethics are at the core of their brand, and their diamonds are rated the highest in quality, clarity, and color.

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6) Miadonna

This is actually the brand we went with for our wedding bands. I fell in love with the Paris Vintage Stackable Band. It went perfect with my vintage Pearl engagement ring! Travis went for the Canyon Men’s Wedding Band, but in a 8mm Satin Hammer Yellow Gold. They both turned out absolutely beautiful, and we couldn’t be happier. MiaDonna uses only lab-grown diamonds and recycled metals to create all of their collections. They even have an in-home try on service if you are undecided!

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7) Taylor & Hart

Price | $1050-14,994

Based in the U.K., Taylor & Hart believes ethical sourcing should be something expected from them rather than setting themselves apart from others. Their diamonds are free of conflict & always ethically sourced whether it is mined or lab-grown. They only partner with diamond producing countries who are part of the Kimberly Process - an organization created to end & prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. You are able to also customize your ring, & can even add some beautiful colored stones in the design.

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8) Aether Diamonds

Price | $689-39,898

Aether Diamonds is the first jewelry company to actually use carbon that’s captured from the air to grow its diamonds! Aether is on a mission to become a completely carbon neutral company by 2023, but until then, you can still feel confident knowing that every diamond they sell has a positive impact on the environment. Not only do they carry gorgeous engagement and wedding rings, but also earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that come in both classic and modern designs. You can even order a completely customized piece for something even more unique.

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9) Clean Origin

With 100% lab-created diamonds, you can be sure your engagement and wedding ring is free from any conflict and is easier on the planet. Clean Origin, based in the US, uses only recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds to create their beautiful collections. They also offer free shipping, a 100 Day Return Policy, Free Resizing AND a Lifetime Manufacturers’ Warranty. You can choose from over 200 different engagement rings, over 50 wedding rings or you can choose to build your own!

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10) Vrai

Price | $745-2,500

Their diamonds are the world’s only diamonds produced with zero carbon footprint: Certified Carbon Neutral(R). By choosing one of their rings, you are helping save 250 tons of earth removed to mine a carat of diamond, 120 gallons of water used to mine a carat of diamond & 143 lbs of carbon dioxide emitted to extract a carat of diamond. Can you believe it?! Their collection of engagement and wedding rings is over 50, and filled with very classic, timeless designs.

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11) Catbird

Price | $294-14k

Catbird has been creating ethical jewelry since 2004. They work almost entirely with recycled gold and diamonds, make everything in their Brooklyn studio with a minimum carbon footprint, and always consider their impact every step of the way. If you love colors or stones other than diamonds, we highly recommend checking out Catbird’s selection!

Shop Catbird

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop The Sustainable Brand Directory

THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY HAIR TIES AND SCRUNCHIES

It is estimated that each day, around 15 million hair ties are purchased in the United States. If we assume that the same number of elastics are thrown away or lost, it means that 20,000 pounds of hair ties are discarded in landfills, or worse, in nature, every single day.

This is in the United States alone. But we need to remember that hundreds of millions of people use hair elastics around the world, so the environmental impact is huge.

The main issue is that conventional hair ties are made from petroleum-based materials, such as synthetic rubber and polyester.

Those do not decompose when they end up in nature or landfills and might take hundreds, if not thousands of years to break down. During that time, those tiny plastic elastics are polluting natural ecosystems and are a threat to animals’ lives.

Conventional hair elastics and scrunchies are also rarely made to last and they break fairly easily, sometimes just after a few uses.

Think about how many hair ties you have lost or broken in your lifetime? It all adds up over time and the environmental costs are too high to ignore.

Fortunately, there are some eco-friendly alternatives, hair elastics that do not hurt the environment like their conventional counterparts.

If you are looking to purchase new hair ties or scrunchies, you should check these 10 sustainable brands that create better alternatives for you and the planet.

WHAT MAKES A HAIR TIE OR A SCRUNCHIE SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable hair tie or scrunchie is well-made, durable and high-quality, so that it does not break or stretch out easily.

It is also made from 100% natural and biodegradable materials. That way, if you lose or break the elastic, it will be able to decompose and break down quickly, without harming the environment.

But above all, a sustainable hair tie or scrunchie is one you will cherish and keep track of, one that you are less likely to lose. It is one that you won’t need to replace regularly because you always know where it is.

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Natural materials are the best for eco-friendly hair ties because they are biodegradable. Try to always look for ones that have an elastic made from natural rubber.

For the fabric part, linen, bamboo, cotton and hemp are great options. Those materials are even more sustainable if they are organic or if you manage to get ones that are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX.

Besides natural materials, some companies make hair ties from recycled plastic. Even though the material is not biodegradable, it is a great option because you are contributing to diverting waste from landfills or oceans.

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR BRANDS SELLING SUSTAINABLE HAIR TIES AND SCRUNCHIES:

1) tentree

Materials: (Upcycled) Tencel, Recycled Polyester & Organic Cotton Blend

Price: $15

tentree is an eco-friendly fashion brand that plants ten trees for every item sold. It has planted more than 66 million trees to date!

The brand sells two sets of scrunchies that come in a pack of three.

They are affordable and are 5-star rated by more than 50 Tentree customers!

tentree makes their scrunchies from upcycled materials, using a blend of organic cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester.

When you buy a scrunchie from tentree, you also get to see the amount of CO2, water and waste you contribute to saving compared to if you purchased a non-sustainable option. How fun is that?!

The company is a certified B Corporation and is completely climate-neutral as it offsets its entire carbon footprint.

Shop Tentree

2) Kooshoo

Materials: Organic Cotton, Natural Rubber

Price: $15-20

Kooshoo is a small family-owned business founded by two yoga teachers, selling sustainable hair accessories for both women and men.

The company created the world’s first 100% fair trade, plastic-free scrunchies and hair elastics. They are all completely biodegradable as they are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainably harvested natural rubber. No worries if you lose a Kooshoo hair tie as it will soon go back to the soil!

The brand’s hair ties and scrunchies come in different colors and are designed to work for all hair types. They are great to complement any outfit, and they can even double as bracelets when not in your hair.

Kooshoo works with artisans using traditional techniques, like vegetable dyeing, hand dyeing and block printing. The company is a SEDEX member, which ensures it has a responsible supply chain.

Shop Kooshoo

3) Ten Thousand Villages

Materials: Cotton, Recycled Cotton

Price: $6-13

Ten Thousand Villages sells unique handcrafted accessories and home goods, made by small artisans who use traditional maker skills that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The brand creates a few scrunchies that are handmade in Bangladesh or Guatemala using natural materials, like cotton and recycled cotton.

Each scrunchie has a beautiful pattern and color, and you can read all about the maker who handcrafted it and how it was made.

Ten Thousand Villages is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and the World Fair Trade Organization.

The company employs more than 20,000 artisans in more than 30 countries. It also works with women and artisans with disabilities to help them gain independence and break the cycle of poverty.

Shop Ten Thousand Villages

4) Girlfriend Collective

Materials: Recycled PET

Price: $6-9

Girlfriend Collective creates sustainable activewear and accessories for women, and aims to be as transparent as possible.

The brand has two types of scrunchies on its website, and they are all made from recycled plastic bottles. Either sold individually or in a pack of three, Girlfriend Collective’s scrunchies are very affordable and created in a large range of colors.

Purchasing one of those contributes to diverting one plastic water bottle from landfills. The brand also discloses the amount of CO2 that is prevented and how much water is saved by choosing one of its scrunchies compared to a conventional one.

To make them even more sustainable, Girlfriend Collective’s Neutral Multi Scrap Sport scrunchies are made from excess fabric from one of its collections. That way, the brand reduces its textile waste and turns it into new products.

Shop Girlfriend

5) TAMGA Designs

Materials: Viscose

Price: $20

TAMGA Designs is a sustainable brand that sells women’s clothing and accessories. It was created when its founders lived in Bangladesh and witnessed the pain of people after a garment factory collapse.

TAMGA Designs makes a zero-waste scrunchie, available in three different styles. Each has a very chic and feminine pattern, and they are perfect if you want to add a pop of color to your outfit.

They also feature eye-catching knotted details that elevate your hair game instantly.

Printed with GOTS-certified dyes, the company’s scrunchies are made from fabric off-cuts from one of its collections. They are made from LENZING ECOVERO, a sustainable viscose, which uses 88% less water than mainstream viscose, and it is entirely traceable.

TAMGA Designs is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it has partnered with two non-profits to help protect Indonesia’s rainforests.

Shop TAMGA designs

6) Sustain by Kat

Materials: Organic Silk, Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton

Price: $7-12

Sustain By Kat is a sustainable brand that creates high-quality, timeless clothing and accessories for women and children. Its products are all made from natural and organic materials.

The brand sells several types of hair ties, available in a large selection of colors.

They are made using organic silk, organic cotton and natural rubber, meaning they are entirely biodegradable.

Something I love about Sustain By Kat’s hair ties is that the company uses non-violent silk (or Ahimsa silk), which is a lot more ethical than conventional silk. Plus, a great benefit of silk hair ties is that silk helps reduce breakage and pulls, making the elastic last longer.

Made in Los Angeles, the brand’s hair ties are all dyed with plants, and the dyes are GOTS certified organic, meaning they are safer for you and the environment.

Shop Sustain by Kat

7) Encircled

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Tencel, Organic Cotton, Modal

Price: $16-18

Encircled promotes slow fashion by selling ethically made and eco-friendly clothing and accessories for women, all made in Toronto, Canada.

The company has two beautiful scrunchies on its website. Ultra-soft and made using upcycled textile waste, the Renew scrunchie is made from modal or a blend of Tencel and organic cotton.

You get to choose between seven different colors.

You can also pick Encircled’s black Recycled Satin scrunchie that is made from a luxurious, silky recycled polyester blend. This one is very chic and you’ll want to keep it on hand at all times.

Encircled is a certified B Corporation, and all its products are OEKO-TEX 100 certified, which means that no harmful substances are used during the manufacturing process.

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8) Terra Ties

Materials: Organic Cotton, Natural Rubber

Price: $15

Terra Ties is a small online brand that specializes in creating 100% biodegradable hair elastics.

The brand’s hair ties are made using natural rubber from rubber trees and organic cotton, two renewable and biodegradable resources. They come in a pack of 27 black hair elastics to have you covered for years to come, without harming the environment.

Terra Ties makes hair ties that are softer, thicker and more durable than most conventional hair ties, and they also do not pull or damage your hair.

Terra Ties’ biodegradable elastics are ideal for all genders. They are colored with natural dyes, making them a healthier alternative for you and the planet.

To top it all, the product and shipping packaging is plastic-free and made with recycled content.

Shop Terra Ties

9) OhSevenDays

Materials: Up-Cycled Scrap Fabrics

Price: $25

OhSevenDay's scrunchies come in a pack of 3, and you can choose which patterns you want!

Based in Istanbul, Turkey, OhSevenDays is a mindfully made womenswear label creating sustainable staples from deadstock fabrics. So if you like color and multi-functional garments, this brand is for you! The label was created after the founder, Megan Mummery, stumbled across a small district of Istanbul selling off-cut fabric rolls left over from large garment manufacturers.

Unfortunately, they were doomed to landfill, which sparked an idea to create a sustainable, regenerative fashion line.

Shop OhSevenDays

10) Elle Evans

Materials: Recycled Nylon & Regenerated ECONYL®

Price: $11

The perfect scrunchie to match your Elle Evans swimsuit! We love that Elle Evans chooses to make each piece to order, meaning it is only produced when you buy it. This helps reduce fabric waste to a minimum, and the company even reuses smaller scraps and turns them into frills or straps for other swimsuits! They work with a digital printer that uses water-based, non-toxic inks and never discards inks down the drain.

It also ships its products through carbon-neutral couriers.

The company also donates 1% of all its sales to the Healthy Seas Initiative, which is the organization that collects the nylon waste used in Elle Evans’ collections.

Shop Elle Evans

About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.