Posts in Fashion

How are Lawmakers Around the World Tackling Fast Fashion?

Laws & Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is a complex issue, and tackling it requires multi-layered solutions. Dedicated policies and citizens' awareness are necessary to solve problems stemming from systemic injustice. So, to make fashion fair by default, regulators must make decisions that effectively hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and the quality of life they give their employees.

With increasing awareness amongst the public about the exploitative conditions and environmental issues at the basis of fast fashion and thanks to the work of activists, NGOs, and trade unions, regulators worldwide are taking some steps to change the fashion industry for the better.

European Union LawMakers & Fast Fashion

The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles 

Textiles have a sizable environmental impact in the EU. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), in 2020, textile consumption put the third highest pressure on water and land use in the Union. This textile-industry-specific strategy aims to put the commitments of the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the European industrial strategy into practice by improving the environmental performance of this resource-intensive sector. To do so, it addresses issues throughout the textiles' life cycle through specific regulations and directives.

In terms of design, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) set new design requirements for textiles, intending to make them more durable and easier to maintain and repair. Entered into force on 18 July this year, it also set 'ecodesign requirements' to increase the recycled content and better the availability of information on goods sustainability. It also introduced the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a digitally accessible product ID that will store info related to products sustainability and circularity performance and their legal compliance.

The Waste Framework Directive tackles the end-of-life aspect of textiles. It will require EU member states to ensure a separate collection of textiles by 1 January 2025. It also presented extended producer responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy mechanism that requires producers to take responsibility for the waste management of their products.

United States Lawmakers & Fast Fashion

The NY Fashion Act

The New York State Fashion Act is a state bill that would apply to fashion companies doing business in New York with a global revenue of $100 million. If passed, it would mandate fashion sellers to be accountable for their environmental and social standards and bring about a shift in the fashion world by harnessing the economic power of New York in this sector and beyond.

Introduced in the 2022 New York legislative session by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles, it would set a legal framework to enforce standardized due diligence requirements across apparel and footwear supply chains. The action mandated by this bill would include "identifying, preventing, mitigating, accounting for, and taking remedial action to address actual and potential adverse impacts to the environment.". In addition, the apparel companies covered by the Fashion Act would have to collaborate with their suppliers to manage their chemical use throughout production.

This bill focuses on accountability. Through Mandatory Due Diligence, this state bill would demand the achievement of Science Based Targets (SBTs) in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and map and disclose their supply chain. Under this act, the Attorney General would be able to monitor, investigate and enforce compliance. Non-compliant brands who do not remedy within a three-month notice time-frame may be fined up to 2% of their annual revenue. This money would be invested in environmental projects and to the benefit of directly injured workers and communities.

The Responsible Textile Recovery Act

On the other side of America, in California, lawmakers are also working on tackling the burden fashion overproduction and overconsumption put on communities and the environment. In the Golden State, Senator Newman, along with Senators Skinner and Wiener, introduced Senate Bill 707 last year.

Passed by the California Assembly Natural Resources Committee last summer, apparel and textile articles would have to form and join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. In addition, this bill would establish a statewide extended producer responsibility program for fashion goods if it becomes law.

This EPR would facilitate rearing and reusing, improve fashion's environmental and social impact, and reduce hazardous waste production. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would cover manufacturers who are domiciled in California and those who operate there and establish the Textile Stewardship Recovery Fund in the State Treasury. This bill would be a move towards sustainability and circularity in the fashion industry in California, where 1.2 million tons of textiles were disposed of in 2021.

About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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The Best Secondhand Clothing Apps for Shopping & Selling Clothes

Are you looking for a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe? Shopping sustainably doesn’t have to mean buying something new; second-hand clothes can be a great alternative and better for the planet and your bank account.

Why Purchase used & Secondhand Clothing?

The average American throws away around 81 pounds of clothing each year, so it’s clear there are already more than enough clothes out there in circulation.

Shopping second-hand could mean visiting your local thrift store or vintage shop, but why not enjoy the great deals from the comfort of your own home?

Used clothing apps are the perfect way to shop second-hand, and we’ve handpicked our favorites to share with you!

Best Clothing Selling Apps & places to shop for secondhand clothes:

1. Flyp

Shipping: U.S.

Ideal for those of us who don’t have as much time to sell clothes, Flyp connects you to a network of independent “Pro Sellers” who will sell your clothes for you.

It's a great app to start your second-hand journey with everything from clothes and shoes to bags and accessories.

Flyp carefully curates what clothes are accepted on the app, meaning you will only find high-quality clothes on here from the more desirable brands like Nike, Lululemon and Urban Outfitters.

If you’re selling on the app, Pro sellers have a vested interest in selling your clothes, and it’s more likely that they will sell to someone who genuinely wants them – an added sustainability benefit. You do have to pay a commission to the person who sells your clothes for you, but this is a similar amount to other apps costs.

Download Flyp Secondhand Clothing App

2. Closest Closet

Disruptor and up-and-comer closestcloset.com is changing the secondhand marketplace by allowing paid members to use their own items as currency. Members pay $20 per month or can save 33% with an annual plan for $160 per year. They can post gently used, high-quality items from their physical closet to their virtual closet and earn instant hanger credits. These hanger credits can be used to shop for free among other members' items. Non-members can shop for items that have been posted for thirty days or longer by purchasing credits at checkout.

Pros: Closest Closet members save significantly through their monthly membership and get first access to items after they are posted. Members are encouraged to keep clothing in good condition so that purchased items can be easily reposted with just 1 click in order to earn credits back. Members also receive an Individualized Environmental Impact Score to educate them on how their Closest Closet membership is affecting the planet.

Cons: Closest Closet members do not earn cash for the items they post.

Shop Secondhand Clothing at Closest Closet

3. Lucky Sweater

Lucky Sweater is the go-to app for swapping your favorite vintage clothing, handmade pieces, and curated sustainable brands in welcoming and fun community clothing swap spaces! Imagine trading for AGOLDE jeans, an Ilana Kohn skort, Girlfriend Collective leggings, or a Mara Hoffman maxi dress.

In addition to swapping, explore the community space in the app to catalog your favorite outfits, showcase how you wear the items you've received, gain fashion inspiration, and seek sustainable fashion advice from a friendly community of secondhand fashion lovers.

With over 10,000 items available for swapping, there's always something new to discover! The community often gifts items to one another, making Lucky Sweater the ideal place to find unique, curated, secondhand items for yourself, family, or friends this holiday season. It's also a great way to kickstart a new year of embracing more secondhand fashion this year!

Download Lucky Sweater Clothing Swap App

4. Vestiaire Collective

Shipping: worldwide

A global marketplace of pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire is the top destination for discounted designer pieces and vintage clothing.

Clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry from hundreds of brands, with thousands of new items, added every day.

It’s definitely a fashion lover’s paradise.

Pros: Vestiaire offers an optional ‘authentication’ feature on items, so the product you’ve ordered is first checked and approved before being sent to you. The app enables you to ‘like’ items which are then added to your favorites, making it easier to go back and see your wish list.

Cons: Nearly everything on the app is expensive, so not accessible for most people. They also don’t have a good variety of sizes on offer, with most clothing items only available in small to petite sizes. A majority of the clothes and accessories on Vestiaire contain some form of animal material (silk, leather, wool, etc.), so it’s not suitable for vegan fashion shoppers. The authentication feature costs you extra as a buyer, so depending on the value of the item, this may not be worth adding on.

Shop Vestiaire Collective Secondhand Luxury Fashion

5. Grailed

Shipping: worldwide

One for the boys! Grailed is the one-stop destination for buying, selling and exploring menswear, although they do also offer womenswear now. Selling both used and new clothing on the app, Grailed is hailed as the world’s most popular menswear resale marketplace, and the place to go to find that item you obsessed over but couldn’t find. Grailed is filled with streetwear brands, vintage pieces and independent designers, and their team makes sure everything is authenticated.

Pros: Grailed offers a space for men to explore sustainable fashion in an inclusive setting, something that we need more of the industry. You have buyer protection as PayPal is the app’s payment method, so your transactions are eligible for refunds. You can also shop at Grailed through your desktop.

Cons: Grailed has been criticised for their high international seller fees; for domestic (American) sellers, the fee has risen to 9% per sale, on top of the mandatory 2.9% (plus 30 cents) PayPal fee.

Shop Grailed Secondhand Clothing

6. ThredUP

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering a huge range of brands, ThredUP is available as an app on your phone or through your desktop if that’s what you prefer.

When you’ve selected which clothes you’re ready to part ways with, you send them off to ThredUP, who sell them for you, keeping some commission and paying you a percentage.

This would be great for anyone who has a lot of clothes to get rid of and not much time to do it themselves.

Pros: The filter options make shopping on the app a painless experience, refining your search and saving you time. Plus, the “Buy & Bundle” shipping option combines items from multiple orders into a single package and ships everything together.

Cons: ThredUP is allowed to offer discounts on all clothing, meaning you may lose some profit from your sales. The payouts for your sold clothes are considerably lower than other second-hand clothing apps, so you could make less money selling on ThredUP.

Shop ThredUP Secondhand Clothing

7. Depop

Shipping: worldwide

Originally a social network, Depop is a fun, interactive second-hand shopping experience that replicates a lot of what we like about online shopping.

With a mix of fast fashion brands, vintage pieces and independent sellers, Depop offers a huge variety of different styles all under one (digital) roof.

Pros: Depop is a great place to find quirky, unique clothing items no one else would have. You can tailor the search criteria and save your preferred sizes, making it easier when you go back on the app and continue shopping.

Cons: Sellers can contact you through direct messages if they feel you’ve shown interest in their item, and it can get slightly intrusive. Be aware that fast fashion resellers operate heavily on Depop, buying up large volumes of the same piece of clothing and selling it on for a profit. They can also trick you into thinking you’re buying from an independent designer when it’s, in fact, cheap, imported fast fashion – lookout for sellers with multiple sizes of the same item. While you aren’t charged for listing items, there is a 10% fee to pay when it sells.

Shop Depop Secondhand Clothing

8. eBay

Shipping: worldwide

Not just for online auctions anymore, the eBay app offers some brilliant bargains on anything from designer bags to activewear.

There are also many independent businesses on the app to support, plus a lot of vintage clothing—an excellent place to start if you are testing the waters of second-hand fashion.

Pros: With 185 million active buyers by the end of 2020, eBay has an enormous built-in base of shoppers who are ready to buy your unwanted clothes, making selling them a lot easier. For buying on the app, you can set up alerts for keywords so you get notified when a new item is listed that you might be interested in.

Cons: On the flip side, there is a lot of competition for sellers on the app, which could make it harder for your clothes to get noticed. When searching for clothes to buy, it can feel quite daunting with the number of items available; it may take you some time to track down what you’re looking for.

Shop eBay Secondhand Clothing

9. Vinted

Shipping: worldwide

Vinted sells a wide range of low-cost second-hand clothing, with a focus on high street brands like Free People, Forever21, Gap and Anthropologie.

Vinted also offers buyers and sellers the option to swap clothes, with a ‘swap’ filter option so you can search for items that people are willing to swap with you.

Pros: There are zero listing or selling fees, so what you earn is yours to keep. Your orders are protected when you pay through Vinted, and you’re entitled to refunds, which is not always an option with second-hand apps. Vinted has forums on the app so you can engage with other buyers and sellers for support and advice.

Cons: Buyers are charged a service fee that covers the payment method's cost, which can vary in price. You will have to check if the seller has been active recently as you may be buying from someone who is no longer active on the app.

Shop Vinted Secondhand Clothing

10. Poshmark

Shipping: U.S., Canada

Offering up to 70% off prices on thousands of popular brands, Poshmark is an ideal app for bargain shoppers.

From clothing to homeware and even pet accessories, it’s a treasure chest of second-hand goodies.

Pros: Poshmark offers protected payments, so if it’s not what you thought you were buying. you can get a refund. The app is often referred to as a community, with 70 million ‘Poshers’ and ‘Posh Party’ selling events. Poshmark makes it easy to haggle a price with the “offer” button.

Cons: For items over $15, Poshmark takes a 20% commission from your sale; for more expensive items this could see you potentially losing a lot of money. When searching on Poshmark, they don’t indicate how many listings there are available, leading to endless scrolling trying to find the item you want.

Download Poshmark Secondhand Clothing App

11. Asos Marketplace

Shipping: worldwide

Marketplace launched in 2010 with just 20 sellers and has grown to become the leading online platform for independent brands and vintage boutiques, with over 800 boutiques from around the world.

Offering a unique range of clothing, footwear and accessories, Marketplace is the ultimate location for finding that one-of-a-kind item that you’ve been looking for.

Pros: By shopping with Marketplace, you are supporting independent retailers and designers, which helps support the sustainable fashion industry and gives you an added connection to your clothes that you just don’t get with big fashion brands. All transactions are protected, and they have a great customer service system in place to support you.

Cons: If you are an overseas buyer, you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once the package reaches your country. You will have to communicate with each boutique or brand for your purchase, so your experience can depend on their customer service skills.

Shop ASOS Secondhand Marketplace

12. Mercari

Shipping: U.S.

The go-to second-hand clothes destination for true bargain hunters, Mercari offers up to 70% off retail prices on thousands of popular brands. With 350,000 new items listed daily, there is always a huge selection of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Essentially a thrift store in an app, Mercari will definitely have something for you if you have the time to search!

Pros: You will definitely be able to save money on your clothes shopping when you buy from Mercari, and with buyer protection and easy returns, this app offers a safe and fun way to shop second-hand fashion. You can also set up email alerts to be notified when an item you’ve been hunting for is added to the app.

Cons: The app has been known to accept very used items to be sold, so watch out for transparency on sellers’ descriptions. Some sellers can be difficult to reach or slow to respond, making the buying process frustrating.

Shop Mercari Secondhand Clothing

About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Sustainable Brands Labor Day Sales

In the world of sustainable fashion, the common complaint is that most sustainable brands are not budget-friendly. It's true that the price tags of sustainable fashion items can be surprising, especially when compared to the low-cost alternatives we are used to. Unfortunately, the reason behind this stark contrast lies in the exploitation of garment workers and the pervasive use of petroleum-based fabrics in the fashion industry. Today, the value of the fashion industry seems to be centered around the sheer quantity of cheap clothing pieces that brands can sell, or that consumers can purchase, rather than the quality and ethics behind each garment. Shockingly, it's estimated that the average woman buys over 50 pieces of clothing each year, with the majority of these being fast fashion items. These cheaply made garments often end up being worn fewer than 10 times before being discarded or donated due to their poor quality or fleeting trendiness. It's essential to remember that fashion can coexist responsibly with our planet and its people. We encourage everyone to cherish what they have, consider secondhand options, and support sustainable brands when possible. So, if you were planning to splurge on multiple fast fashion items this weekend, why not reconsider and opt for quality over quantity? Take advantage of these weekend sales to support brands that are striving to make the fashion industry a better, more sustainable place for all.

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THE BEST Eco-Friendly & SUSTAINABLE SANDALS

Sandals are go-to wardrobe staples in most closets during the warmer months. They are the ideal shoes to wear when it is hot outside or when we go to the beach!

But as we wear them all the time in the summer, they can quickly wear out and break, especially if we do not initially invest in quality. Worn-out sandals, which are by the way often made with unsustainable materials, then end up in landfill where they will not biodegrade for at least several centuries.

As a conscious consumer, you might want to reduce the environmental impact of your shoe collection and be on the lookout for durable and sustainably made sandals. Thankfully, thanks to many ethical brands, we can now purchase models that are not only comfortable and made to last but also crafted with the planet in mind.

In this article, we have rounded up 12 sustainable brands selling beautiful sandals that you will be able to wear for all your summer outings!

WHAT MAKES SANDALS SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable sandals are shoes that are built to last and that you can wear for multiple seasons. They are made with eco-friendly materials with longevity and quality in mind.

They are also crafted ethically by workers who are paid fair, living wages and offered employee benefits, and who work under safe, healthy, and dignified conditions.

Sustainable sandal brands should also be transparent about their manufacturing processes, produce their shoes in an eco-friendly way, and make them in smaller batches to avoid waste and overproduction.

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable brands use a variety of eco-friendly materials to produce their sandals. You can find models made from recycled plastic, organic cotton, cork, jute, or even deadstock and upcycled materials.

Some companies also use more innovative materials made from the byproducts of the food industry, like piñatex, apple leather, and VEGEA.

The outsoles are often made with natural rubber, and heeled pairs can feature a heel produced from sustainably-harvested wood.

Some sustainable brands choose to make their sandals from leather, which is generally not an eco-friendly material. However, if it is vegetable-tanned and sourced responsibly and from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, leather can be a great material for crafting very durable sandals that can last for years.

Brand Rating Guide:

❤︎ = we like ❤︎❤︎ = we really like ❤︎❤︎❤︎ = we LOVE

Click here to learn how we rate brands on Sustainably Chic

OUR TOP PICKS FOR COMFY, SUSTAINABLE SANDALS

1. Nisolo

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Leather, Wood, Rubber

Price: $55 - 138

Nisolo offers a wide variety of women’s sandals, from heeled sandals and flip-flops to slip-on models and closed-toe sandals. The company has a style for every occasion!

Men can also choose between different models, including slip-ons and huarache sandals that are perfect for dressing up or down.

The brand makes its sandals using water-resistant leather, meaning you can even wear them at the beach!

The leather is sourced as a byproduct of the meat industry, and it comes from Mexican or American tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. Nisolo also partners with tanneries using vegetable tanning, which is a lot more sustainable.

The company is B Corp and Climate-Neutral certified, and it was ranked as the best-performing brand in terms of transparency in Remake’s 2021 Accountability Report. It even has a shoe reclamation program!

Shop Nisolo Sustainable Sandals

2. Biankina

❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Microfiber, Natural Rubber, Cork, Jute

Price: $60

Biankina is an eco-conscious footwear brand that operates out of the city of Barcelona. Specializing in vegan shoes, they offer a diverse range of sandals tailored to women.

Each sandal from Biankina boasts a timeless, contemporary, and sophisticated design, ideal for both formal and casual occasions. Available in an array of colors, including metallic hues, these sandals are lightweight and offer exceptional comfort and support for all-day wear.

The uppers in the sandals are crafted from Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled microfiber, while the soles are made from 100% natural rubber and feature memory foam insoles for added comfort. Furthermore, the cork midsoles naturally absorb shock as you walk, and the incorporation of jute fiber reduces heat conductivity, making these sandals ideal for the summer months.

Every pair of Biankina's slides is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in an ethical workshop in Spain, ensuring that each shoe is made with expertise and care. Additionally, all of the brand's products are vegan, and the production process is free from harmful chemicals and glues. As a bonus, when you purchase the one-strap style from Biankina, the brand pledges to plant two trees on your behalf!

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off

Shop Biankina Sustainable Sandals

3. Sézane

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather, Rubber

Price: $205 - 245

Sézane is a French luxury fashion brand committed to sustainability and ethical production. It crafts beautiful leather sandals for women, all of which will complement your summer outfits.

You will particularly love its braided leather sandals: they are handwoven in the brand’s Portuguese atelier and are incredibly easy to dress up and down!

You can even pick one of its metallic leather styles if you want more unique pieces.

Some of Sézane’s leather sandals are made using vegetable tanning, and everything is shipped in recycled or FSC-certified cardboard boxes.

The brand is a certified B Corporation, and it has recycled over 13,000 pieces since the launch of its recycling program. It has also raised over four million euros for its philanthropic program supporting education and equal opportunities for children all over the world.

Shop Sézane Sustainable Sandals

4. Able

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather

Price: $61

Able is one of our favorite sustainable clothing brands here at Sustainably Chic! It sells different pairs of sandals, all of which are very stylish and will make your feet look amazing.

Along with its beautiful heeled models, the brand has several flat sandals that are good wardrobe staples to wear all summer long. It even has a white Birkenstock-style pair of sandals for those of us who prefer this look!

Most shoes feature a versatile design, making it easy for you to style them with any outfit! They are all made from high-quality leather upcycled from discarded cowhides.

Able prioritizes durability and longevity when it produces its pieces, and it aims to empower both the women who make them and those who wear them. It also works with leather partners who use a recycled closed-loop water system and utilize deadstock and scrap materials to minimize waste.

Shop Able Sustainable Sandals

5. Adelante Shoe Co.

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather

Price: $172 - 180

Adelante Shoe Co handcrafts gorgeous leather shoes in its small workshop in Guatemala. It has three styles of women’s sandals, all of which are made to order.

This means that they are produced when you order them, so there is no overproduction or unsold inventory.

The heeled and flat sandals are all available in many colors, including red, blue, and caramel. They are made from full-grain leather that comes from less-processed hides and is incredibly durable. They are also fully resoleable, so you will be able to wear them forever with proper care.

Adelante Shoe Co works with a tannery using non-toxic, vegetable-tanning methods. The tannery also uses solar panels and water-saving processes, and it repurposes its waste and byproducts.

The company offsets its carbon footprint, and it pays its artisans more than twice the local wage!

Shop Adelante Shoe Co. Sustainable Sandals

6. Will's Vegan Store

❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Bio-Based Vegan Leather, Polyurethane, Recycled Plastic, Jute, Cork, Rubber

Price: $59 - 104

Will’s Vegan Store is an ethical vegan shoe company selling different styles of sandals for both men and women.

Men can choose between slip-on models designed with shock-absorbing cork footbeds and arch support, and a comfortable sports pair featuring a lightweight Vibram outsole.

The brand has even more options for women, including elegant heeled sandals and stylish slides that can be worn both at the beach and while walking in the city.

Will’s Vegan Store makes its sandals in Italy or Portugal using only vegan materials, from the uppers down to the glue used in its shoes.

Most of its sandals are made from Italian bio-based vegan leather produced from cereal crops, and the outsoles and insoles contain recycled materials.

The company also ships its shoes in a carbon-neutral supply chain using plastic-free packaging.

Shop Will's Vegan Store Sustainable Sandals

7. Poppy Barley

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather

Price: $174 - 217

Poppy Barley is a Canadian-certified B Corporation producing eco-friendly shoes and accessories. It has two models of women’s sandals, both of which are made ethically in a women-owned factory in Mexico. Designed with all-day comfort in mind, both sandals feature flexible soles, cushioned footbeds with arch support, square toes, and adjustable ankle straps. The Fisherman sandals, which are available in four colors, are even sold in bright purple!

Poppy Barley makes its sandals using leather that comes from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, and that is a byproduct of food production. The leather lining is also vegetable-tanned and chemical-free and is produced using less water.

The brand even started a scholarship program to help the children of the artisans Poppy Barley works with gain access to post-secondary education! It also partners with Soles4Souls to give pre-loved shoes a new life.

Shop Poppy Barley Sustainable Sandals

8. Okabashi

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Soy-Based Material, Recycled Materials

Price: $25

If you are on a budget and trying to live more sustainably without breaking the bank, this brand is for you! Okabashi has some of the most affordable, sustainable sandals you can find on the market. The company crafts several pairs of slip-on sandals and flip-flops for men and women, all of which are waterproof & machine washable.

Each pair features slip-resistant soles, supportive heel cups, superior arch support, and a comfortable toe rest. Designed with foot therapy in mind, Okabashi’s shoes even have massaging beads placed on the footbeds to promote better circulation!

The brand makes its sandals in Georgia (USA) using a combination of soy-based and recycled materials. It also operates in a closed-loop manufacturing system and reuses its scrap materials.

You can even send back your worn-out Okabashi sandals, and the company will turn them into new products.

Shop Okabashi Sustainable Sandals

9. Vivaia

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Plastic, Rubber

Price: $69 - 119

Vivaia is a sustainable brand creating women’s shoes out of recycled plastic bottles saved from the ocean.

So far, it has turned almost 3.5 million bottles into new footwear!

It sells stylish yet comfortable sandals that are all very breathable.

They feature durable rubber outsoles and supportive insoles designed to prevent foot odors. With their square-toe design and small heels, the Jade sandals are the ideal summer shoes for looking put together without sacrificing comfort!

Combining sustainable practices with modern technology, Vivaia produces its shoes using an eco-friendly process that helps reduce production waste by over 30%.

The company ships its shoes in recycled cardboard boxes. It also regularly donates money and shoes to charities like Dress For Success and SOS Children’s Village.

Shop Vivaia Sustainable Sandals

10. Deux Mains

❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Upcycled Tires, Leather

Price: $60 - 100

Founded after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Deux Mains is on a mission to honor the country’s ancestral wisdom by crafting beautiful shoes and accessories all while creating empowering jobs for the locals. The brand offers comfortable slip-on sandals for both men and women.

There is also a pair of flip-flops for men as well as simple ankle strap sandals for women.

If you want to add color to your shoe collection, take a look at Deux Mains’ gorgeous hand-painted slide. Its design is inspired by the atmosphere of a busy Haitian marketplace!

The company’s sandals are all handcrafted in small batches using responsibly-sourced leather and upcycled tires found on the island.

Deux Mains also produces everything in its solar-powered, women-owned factory, and it makes sure all its pieces are made to last so that you can wear them for years.

Shop Deux Mains Sustainable Sandals

11. Nae

❤︎❤︎

For: Women, Men, Unisex

Materials: Piñatex, Cork, Apple Leather, Organic Cotton, Vegan Leather, Recycled PET

Price: $39 - 98

Nae, which stands for No Animal Exploitation, is a vegan footwear brand making cruelty-free shoes in its certified, ethical factories in Portugal.

It has a huge selection of sandals for both women and men, and it sells some unisex models as well.

You get to choose between many heeled sandals, slip-on models, Birkenstock-style shoes, and some more elegant pairs that you can easily wear at weddings or other special events.

Nae makes its sandals using sustainable materials such as cork, organic cotton, and recycled plastic. It even has some cool pairs made with piñatex (produced from pineapple leaf fibers) and apple leather (obtained from the waste of the apple juice industry)!

Plus, the brand also sends its products in recycled and recyclable packaging.

Shop Nae Sustainable Sandals

12. 1People

❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Plastic, VEGEA, Rubber, Cork, Jute, Piñatex, Wood, Recycled Brass

Price: $60

1People is a Danish fashion brand designing timeless pieces using innovative, sustainable materials.

It creates several models of sandals for women, including a lovely heeled pair that is perfect for wearing at work or during an outdoor brunch. The sandals are all versatile and provide a simple, yet stylish look!

1People makes its sandals using eco-friendly materials such as GOTS-certified piñatex, recycled plastic, and VEGEA (produced from grape marc from wine-making waste).

Its heels are crafted from ethically harvested teak wood, and some of its insoles contain rubber, cork, and jute collected from post-industrial waste. Each sandal also features the brand’s signature logo made of recycled brass.

What’s more, 1People offers carbon-neutral shipping and collects its material waste to produce new yarn and fabric. It even invests part of its profits in projects promoting education and helping eradicate hunger around the world.

Shop 1People Sustainable Sandals

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.

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THE BEST Eco-Friendly & SUSTAINABLE FLIP-FLOPS

Whether you only wear them at the beach or they are your favorite everyday shoes in the summer, you probably have at least one pair of flip-flops in your shoe collection.

Flip-flops are so practical and easy to wear that humans have worn them for thousands of years. Murals dating back to 4,000 BC show people wearing them as their primary type of shoes!

Nowadays, they are still extremely popular all around the world! This is particularly true in developing countries, where a large percentage of people can only afford to buy flip-flops as opposed to other forms of footwear.

Unfortunately, almost all the flip-flops we buy are made of synthetic rubber, or in other words, non-biodegradable plastic. They also break very easily because of their low quality, and they eventually end up in landfills or oceans where they will take hundreds of years to decompose.

If you too are tired of having plastic flip-flops that only last a season or two, consider investing in high-quality, sustainable flip-flops.

In this article, we are writing about 10 eco-friendly brands selling comfy flip-flops that are both durable and sustainable!

WHAT MAKES FLIP-FLOPS SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable flip-flops are made with eco-friendly materials and are built to last. You should be able to wear them for many years before seeing any visible signs of damage.

They are also produced in an ethical environment by brands that pay their workers a fair living wage. People working in the supply chain should be treated humanely and work under safe, healthy conditions.

Look for third-party certifications whenever you want to buy a pair of flip-flops. Brands that are B Corporation or Fairtrade certified are great brands to support!

Some companies even offer to recycle your flip-flops at the end of their lives, so consider giving them a chance!

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

When looking for new flip-flops, try to avoid petroleum-based materials and remember that investing in quality is worth it.

Sustainable brands make theirs using natural, recycled, or renewable materials. For instance, you can buy flip-flops made from cork (or recycled cork), FSC-certified natural rubber (or recycled rubber), hemp, algae, or bio-based materials.

You can also choose ones made with all kinds of recycled materials, like recycled plastic, recycled car tires, used shoes, or scrap materials.

Leather is not always sustainable, but it is an incredibly durable material. So if you choose a pair of leather flip-flops, make sure to choose one made of vegetable-tanned leather.

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❤︎ = we like ❤︎❤︎ = we really like ❤︎❤︎❤︎ = we LOVE

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OUR TOP PICKS FOR DURABLE, SUSTAINABLE FLIP-FLOPS

1. Oka-B

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Bio-Based Soy Material

Price Range: $38 - 52

Oka-B is a woman-led, family-owned shoe brand selling sustainable ballet flats, sandals and flip-flops. The shoes are slip-resistant and completely waterproof, which means they are super easy to clean. The brand’s flip-flops are designed in many styles and flashy colors, so they will make you stand out from the crowd!

They also come with cool shoe attachments you can add to make them even more unique. For instance, you can decorate them with little bows, butterflies, flowers, cute turtles, or starfishes.

Made to stimulate foot health, Oka-B’s flip-flops have a comfortable footbed with built-in heel cups, soothing massage beads, toe rests, and premium arch support.

They are also handmade in Georgia using a bio-based soy material, and at the end of their lives, you can send them back and Oka-B will recycle them for you.

Through its partnership with Soles4Souls, the company has been regularly donating shoes to survivors of natural disasters and micro-entrepreneurs based in developing countries. So far, it has gifted over 8,000 pairs of shoes to communities in need!

Shop Oka-B Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

2. Third Oak

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Recycled & Bio-Based Soy Materials

Price: $30

Third Oak is a Georgia-based brand crafting comfortable, sustainable sandals and flip-flops for women. It offers eight different colors of flip-flops, featuring classic styles with a soft, neutral palette so that you can wear them with any outfit.

These minimalist-looking flip-flops are lightweight and designed to be water- and slip-resistant.

They have light arch support and a heel cup for increased stability and extra support.

Third Oak manufactures them in a closed-loop process combining recycled plastics with its proprietary bio-based soy material. This material blend is created to be the perfect balance of durability and flexibility, so you can wear them all day long and they last for years.

The brand produces its Scout flip-flops in the United States, and they are 100% recyclable. It means that Third Oak’s factory can reuse scraps of material during the manufacturing process, and when they get worn out, you can send them back and the company will turn them into new sandals!

Shop Third Oak Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

3. Teva

❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Recycled EVA

Price: $34 - 65

Founded in 1984, Teva has been making sports sandals and boots for those who love exploring the great outdoors. The brand has a very comfortable model of flip-flops, the ReFlip, which is made with upcycled post-industrial waste.

Teva’s flip-flops are the ideal pair of summer shoes you can wear all day long while wandering in nature or traveling.

They dry very quickly and are designed to prevent foot odors. The women’s model is sold in black only, but men will be able to choose between black, blue and a lovely brownish color.

Teva makes its straps with recycled plastic, using traceable recycled polyester yarn. The webbing is built to last, so you do not have to worry about them ripping on your next hike. The flip-flops also feature supportive, cushioned midsoles and outsoles crafted from a mixture of recycled EVA and new materials.

Since Teva transitioned to 100% recycled polyester straps in 2020, it has diverted over 24 million plastic bottles from landfills!

Shop Teva Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

4. Biankina

❤︎❤︎

For: Women

Materials: GRS Certified Recycled Synthetic Fibers, Natural Cork Sole

Price: $70

Biankina is an eco-conscious footwear brand headquartered in the city of Barcelona, Spain.

The company specializes in offering a stunning collection of vegan footwear, with a particular focus on an exquisite range of sandals tailored for women.

Among their offerings is the stylish Malaga, a versatile flip-flop-style sandal available in sleek Black, earthy Brown, and eye-catching Metallic Copper.

To prioritize sustainability, Biankina employs Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled microfiber in crafting the uppers of their footwear.

Handcrafted with precision and care, Biankina's slides are brought to life by skilled artisans in an ethical workshop located in Spain. With a commitment to ethical production practices, Biankina prides itself on creating footwear that is not only vegan but also free from harmful chemicals and glues, minimizing the environmental impact of the production process.

Shop Biankina Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

5. Okabashi

❤︎❤︎❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Bio-Based Soy Materials, Used Shoes, Scrap Materials

Price: $25

Okabashi has been producing high-quality shoes since 1984. This family-owned shoe company has different kinds of flip-flops for both men and women, and they are all made in the United States. Okabashi’s flip-flops are made with its innovative bio-based soy material as well as recycled materials from the brand’s closed-loop manufacturing process.

The final material is 100% recyclable, so you can send your shoes back at the end of their lives and Okabashi will recycle them into new shoes.

The company designs its footwear with foot therapy and reflexology in mind. Its flip-flops have heel cups to improve stability and arch support so that your feet and spine are properly aligned when walking. They also feature massage beads on the footbeds for better circulation, and toe rests to let your toes relax.

Okabashi’s shoes come with a two-year warranty, and cleaning them is very easy as they are machine washable.

Shop Okabashi Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

6. Indosole

❤︎

For: Women, Men, Kids

Materials: Recycled Tires, Natural Rubber, Nylon

Price Range: $38 - 53

Indosole is a sustainable footwear brand selling flip-flops for each member of the family. It offers timeless, discreet looks that are all waterproof and very comfortable.

The company makes the shoes’ soles out of recycled car tires. So they are incredibly durable and provide maximum grip, preventing you from slipping even on slick and muddy surfaces.

These all-terrain flip-flops also feature footbeds made of responsibly-sourced natural rubber, which is dyed with natural dyes and no chemicals. They also provide arch support for ultimate comfort when walking.

Indosole uses a custom-made fiber for the uppers: they are designed not to rub against the skin and to withstand all conditions. This fiber is colored with all-natural dyes and little water is needed to produce it.

The brand is a certified B Corp, and it sources its materials locally. Not to mention it has saved over 80,000 tires from the landfill!

Shop Indosole Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

7. Feelgoodz

❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Natural Rubber, Recycled Rice Husks, Vegan Leather

Price Range: $25 - 60

Feelgoodz partners with different artisan groups around the world to make eco-friendly slippers, slides and flip-flops for both men and women.

The brand offers several models of flip-flops crafted with natural rubber by artisan farmers in Thailand.

They have a very simple design and are available in different colors. Designed for all-day comfort, they should become your go-to summer staple!

Feelgoodz also sells vegan leather flip-flops that feel like you are walking on a yoga mat. These Zensole sandals feature a sculpted footbed with arch support and a heel cup. The outsoles are made of a combination of natural rubber and recycled rice husks for added traction and wear resistance. Some Zensole flip-flops are even handwoven and sold in different colorful designs.

By crafting these flip-flops, the company directly supports rice-farming communities in Vietnam, traditional weavers in India, and rubber-farm co-ops and artisans in Thailand.

Shop Feelgoodz Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

8. Laidback London

❤︎

For: Women

Materials: Leather, EVA, Beads

Price Range: $64 - 105

Laidback London creates unique boots, sandals and accessories, all of which are handmade by local communities in Kenya using traditional craftsmanship. Buying them helps provide income for the locals all while preserving their skills and artistry.

The brand has a very large selection of flip-flops for women.

Produced the old-fashioned way, these beautiful shoes feature a hand-embellished leather upper and leather lining, which makes them very durable.

The leather upper is adorned with striking Maasai beaded detailing, and you have many styles to choose from. Most of them are very colorful, and they will make you stand out for sure!

Since the flip-flops are handcrafted and made of leather, each pair is a little different, adding to their authentic character and charm.

Laidback London makes sure to source its materials locally whenever possible, and it sends its products in recycled paper packaging.

Shop Laidback London Sustainable Flip Flops

9. SOLE

❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Recycled Cork, Leather, Bloom Algae Foam, EVA, Nylon, PU

Price Range: $65-99

Founded in 2001 in Canada, SOLE creates eco-friendly footwear designed to reduce and prevent foot issues, including plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and knee, back, or hip pain.

The brand has a great selection of flip-flops for men and women, many of which are made of recycled cork. SOLE has collected over 128 million wine corks over the years and has used them to replace fossil-fuel foams in its footwear.

Cork is an excellent material for shoes because it provides great shock absorption and long-lasting support. It also has moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties, and it naturally molds to your feet within days of wear.

SOLE also makes its footbeds with Bloom algae foam, which has a 40% smaller environmental impact than regular petroleum-based alternatives. Its production helps clear harmful algae from natural ecosystems and filter water.

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it plants cork oak trees to offset its carbon footprint.

Shop Sole Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Flip Flops

10. Jivanas

❤︎

For: Women & Men

Materials: Vegetable-Tanned Leather, Hemp

Price Range: $120-165

Jivanas works with artisans based in Nepal to create handmade sandals for men and women, using 100% natural and biodegradable materials. The brand has various pairs of flip-flops, available in different styles and colors. Crafted using remarkable workmanship, each pair is made of Italian vegetable-tanned leather, produced with tree bark, leaves and fruits.

The leather is extremely durable, so Jivanas’ shoes last for many years and become even more beautiful and unique as they age. They feature built-in arch support and an insole that molds to your footprint.

Some of the flip-flops have a Himalayan hemp upper, which adds to their authenticity. The brand also uses sustainable adhesives, dyes and conditioners, all made from organic, plant-based materials.

Everything Jivanas creates is handmade in its ethical workshop by skilled artisans who are provided fair wages, safe working conditions and healthcare. The brand helps them break the cycle of poverty, and it prevents unemployment and exploitation that are oh-so widespread in Nepal.

Shop Jivanas Sustainable Flip Fops