10 Upcycled Beauty Brands that are Giving Discarded Food Waste a New Life

Image: Le Prunier
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WHAT IS UPCYCLED BEAUTY?

Who would have thought that used coffee grounds, bruised fruit, or fruit pits could be the star ingredients in skincare products? Upcycled beauty products give discarded food waste a new life by using waste products to create delicious new cleansers, balms, and scrubs. It’s all the rage in the skincare world right now, and let us tell you — the trend is here to stay.

We know the idea of discarded fruit or old tea leaves in your face mask might take some getting used to. But not only is it great for the planet, it can do wonders for your skin too. For example, did you know that brewed coffee grounds actually contain more antioxidants than unused ones?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BRAND:

Read the ingredient list carefully. Make sure the product is free of nasty toxins like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic colors or fragrances.
The brand should be cruelty-free, and plant-based is always a plus.
Look out for national or international certifications like ECOCERT, USDA Organic, or Leaping Bunny Certified.
Sustainable packaging: Is it reusable, recyclable, or compostable?
Is the brand paying its workers a living wage? What about ethical worker conditions?
Bonus points if the brand is BIPOC-owned!

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR UPCYCLED SKINCARE BRANDS:

1) UpCircle Beauty

Upcycled ingredients: Used coffee, stone fruit pits

If you’re a fan of coffee, this one’s for you. London-based UpCircle Beauty uses upcycled Arabica coffee grounds in most of its products, which they get from local cafes in London. They have a range of coffee scrubs, including a floral blend face scrub ($22) for sensitive skin, & a body scrub with peppermint ($22). The coffee is blended with coconut and shea butter, so the scrubs are not only exfoliating and brightening, but also incredibly nourishing.

If you’re not a coffee girl, they also use fruit stones and chai spices in their products. Check out the cinnamon + ginger chai soap bar ($10) or our favorite Kaolin clay face mask ($26), made with ground discarded olive stones.

Shop Upcircle Beauty

2) Kadalys

Upcycled ingredients: Rejected bananas

Kadalys rescues bruised or “ugly” bananas and extracts the banana bio-actives for its skincare products. Banana oils contain essential fatty acids, vitamin E, phytosterols, and polyphenols, all of which promote skin health. The antioxidants in the oils help with skin nutrition and hydration and prevent aging.

Kadaly’s products are certified organic by ECOCERT and are free of nasty parabens, silicones, and synthetic dyes and fragrances.

Shop Kadalys

3) Cocokind

Upcycled ingredients: Used coffee

Cocokind’s products with their Asian-inspired flavors are the stuff skincare dreams are made of — plus it’s Asian (woman) owned! While upcycled ingredients aren’t the core focus of their collection, we love this scrubbing clay ($19) made with used coffee grounds which are sourced from a local coffee manufacturer in California. Made with coffee grounds which gently exfoliate, prebiotic chicory root which helps feed your skin biome, and red clay which deeply cleanses skin and prevents clogged pores, this is an all-round star product.

Shop Cocokind

4) Three Ships

Upcycled ingredients: Leftover bark extract

The Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Day Cream ($35) from Three Ships contains one of the most unique ingredients in this list: Upcycled bark extract, which is high in polyphenols that aid in skin elasticity, hydration, and calm redness. The extract is made up of four types of upcycled tree barks (red maple, black spruce, yellow birch, and jack pine) that are by-products of the lumber industry in Quebec, Canada. The bark goes through an extraction, filtration, and purification process before it’s finally used in the skincare products.

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5) Circumference

Upcycled ingredients: Leftover olive leaves

This regenerative gel cleanser ($48) from Circumference is a great option if you’re looking for a gentle, daily cleanser. The key bioactive ingredient is an olive extract which comes from upcycled olive leaves. Circumference partners with Brightland Olive Oil for their Waste-Not Sourcing Initiative to upcycle their organic olive oil by-products into luxurious skincare products. The olive extract is rich in antioxidants, making the gel ultra purifying, healing, and restoring. Your skin will love this one!

Shop Circumference

6) Codex Beauty Labs

Upcycled ingredients: Leftover soap shavings

Codex beauty labs makes the yummiest soap bars, and we’re big fans of this one ($10) from their Bia Collection. It’s made from upcycled soap shavings from the production of other Bia bars — how cool is that? Perfect for all skin types, the soap is made from ultra-nourishing shea butter and purifying pink clay, and is infused with citrus for that refreshing and energizing kick. Plus, it’s so pretty!

Shop Codex Beauty Labs

7) BYBI

Upcycled ingredients: Pumpkin

You’ll never believe what BYBI’s Acid Gold deep renewal face mask ($23) is made of.

The key ingredient is a pumpkin enzyme which is extracted from pumpkin flesh, a by-product of the pumpkin seed industry. We’re obsessed with the texture — it’s a thick jelly which is super satisfying to apply. The pumpkin enzyme enhances cell renewal, and the mask also contains exfoliating natural AHAs, which results in brighter, smoother, and firmer skin.

Shop BYBI

8) LOLI Beauty

Upcycled ingredients: Plum seeds

LOLI Beauty uses upcycled superfoods to power its skincare line.

Their signature Plum Elixer ($68) is made from upcycled plum kernels. Rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, the oil is incredibly nourishing and healing and works great for both your skin and hair.

It also contains brightening pomegranate oil, soothing tea seed oil, and healing sea buckthorn fruit oil.

Shop LOLI Beauty

9) Le Prunier

Upcycled ingredients: Plum kernels

Le Prunier, as the name suggests, is all about plums. The brand uses upcycled plum kernels for its beauty products, which are a by-product of the organic family plum farm. Their signature product is the Plum Beauty Oil ($72). Rich in essential fatty acids and phytochemicals, this oil is a powerful antioxidant booster and helps heal and hydrate your skin. Their newest product is Plumscreen ($78), a broad spectrum SPF 31 sunscreen that is reef-safe, white residue-free, and ultra-nourishing.

Shop Le Prunier

10) Pai

Upcycled Ingredients: Bilberry Extract

Pai's C-2 Believe Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer gives you radiance without irritation with its sustainably-sourced, up-cycled bilberry extract ingredient. It is excellent for dehydrated, sensitive skin and helps soothe and moisturize without tightness.

Their products are certified organic by COSMOS, the Soil Association, the Vegan Society, and Cruelty Free International and is London Living Wage accredited.

Shop Pai

About the Author:

Jyotika is a writer based in New Delhi. She writes about sustainable living and eco-friendly brands, covering fashion, food, travel, and wellness. Previously, she was the fashion manager at her family's bespoke fashion business, where in addition to her other responsibilities she worked on improving textile sourcing from local artisans to encourage grassroots production, as well as conducting sustainability workshops with employees regarding the eco-friendly disposal of fashion materials.

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Sustainable & Unique Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

As June 18th approaches, you might be starting to think about what to get your dad for Father's Day. It's the one day a year we get to celebrate the father figures in our lives and acknowledge all the things they do for us. Maybe your dad is making an effort to be more eco-friendly, or you're gently trying to encourage them to make some sustainable changes? Or maybe you're just desperate to avoid getting him yet another tie! Either way, if you're on the lookout for some sustainable gift ideas for Father's Day, we've got you covered.

Our team has searched high and low for gift ideas that will put a smile on your dad's face and let him know just how much you appreciate him. We've checked that each product is made sustainably and ethically, and that the brands are taking tangible steps to reduce their impact on the planet. Keep reading for some major gift inspiration and find that perfect present for your dad this Father's Day!

What makes a sustainable Father's Day gift?

When deciding if a product should be listed in one of our Sustainable Gift Guides, we look for several things. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself while searching for the ideal gift for your dad this Father's Day.

Is it what they want or need?

The first thing you should ask yourself when considering what to buy someone for a gift is "will they actually want this?". Unwanted gifts are a major source of waste, especially around annual holidays like Father's Day or Mother's Day. It's worthwhile starting your research off with a list of things your dad enjoys doing or are things that are relevant to him in some way. You could think about his hobbies, what he likes to do on his days off, things he's mentioned an interest in in the past, or something that you've seen before that could help him in some way.

Will it last?

If you're buying a gift for your dad you'll want it to stand the test of time and be something he can get enjoyment out of for a long time. Avoid cheaply made items or novelty gifts that will likely break or can only be used once. Durability is one of the most important aspects of any sustainable gift and you know your dad will be even more impressed if the gift is well made and built to last.

What is it made of?

Are the materials sustainably grown or sourced? Do they contain any harmful chemicals or toxins? Products that are circular in design (meaning they can be turned into something new at the end of it's lifespan) or upcycled are often the more sustainable option, and for beauty or skincare products refillable products are a great way to reduce waste.

Don't forget to check out our guides on sustainable fabrics to check which materials you should be opting for while shopping.

Who made it?

Have the people who made it been paid fairly? Do they work in safe conditions and have employment rights? These are questions any ethical brand should be able to tell you. Ensuring the gifts you buy are ethically made is an important element of being a conscious consumer, and helps spread awareness of brands that are looking out for their employees and partner factories.

What else is the brand doing for the planet?

Does the brand make sure they're implementing sustainability within its entire business? A truly sustainable brand will be taking action to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize their waste and only use sustainable or recycled materials. Look out for sustainability initiatives, plastic-free packaging, carbon neutral shipping, and certifications such as B-Corp, GOTS, Net-Zero or Climate Neutral certified.

Now, our top picks for sustainable Father's Day gift ideas:

1) Activewear top

Brand: Pangaia

Price: $130

For the outdoorsy dad who’s always planning the next family hike, this zipped long-sleeve top from sustainable B-Corp clothing brand Pangaia is the perfect gift for Father’s Day. Made with a specially formulated Bio-Based Polyamide, it can decompose faster. The Men’s Activewear 2.0 range comes in jade green, jasper red, taupe, or black and is available in sizes XS to XL. Pangaia’s packaging is compostable and they give back through their partnerships with grassroot conservation organizations.

Shop Activewear Top

2) Sustainable Sunglasses

Brand: MITA

Price: $149

Keep your dad looking chic with these eco-friendly frames from Mita.

They have a wide range of styles, but we love the timeless Roma style, and you can choose either frame-only or add your own lens prescription. Mita sunglasses are made from recycled water bottles and sustainable sun lenses.

2% of their profits go to philanthropic charities, and you can even choose which one to send the donation to!

Shop Sustainable Sunglasses

3) Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Brand: Nc’nean

Price: $52

Presented in 100% recycled glass bottles, Nc’nean’s organic single malt would make the perfect Father’s Day gift for the whisky connoisseur. To reduce its impact in terms of carbon footprint, pollution and biodiversity, the B-Corp Nc’nean distillery is powered by renewable energy, uses 100% organically-farmed barley and recycles 99.97% of its waste.

Now that’s something worth raising a glass to!

Shop Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky

4) Non-Toxic Fragrance & Colognes

From: Credo Beauty

Price: $29-165

The main issue with conventional perfumes is that the perfume industry is incredibly opaque, and we rarely know what they are formulated with. Luckily, there are sites like Credo Beauty that make sure their fragrances are made with eco-friendly, sustainable ingredients that are not harmful to you or the planet.

They have popular brands such as Dedcool, Abott & Rosie Jane.

Shop Non-Toxic Fragrance & Colognes

5) Eco-Friendly Watch

Brand: Mondaine

Price: $220-845

How about a new watch for your dad who would never treat himself to one!

The Original Automatic from Mondaine is a classic style with Swiss quality, originally designed in 1986.

The watch features a vegan grape leather strap which is made of 75% eco-friendly plant-based composite material and 25% recycled PET. They have a 2-year warranty and offer a repair service with service centers across the world.

Shop Eco-Friendly Watch

6) Planet-Friendly Cookbook

Brand: Better World Books

Price: $29

Got a father who needs a bit of help in the kitchen? Why not treat him to a cookbook that sparks his culinary creativity whilst putting the planet first! “One: Pot, Pan, Planet: A Greener Way to Cook for You, Your Family and the Planet” by Anna Jones has over 200 simple recipes including one-pot soups and stews, baked dahls and pancakes. The book can also help you plan your meals and food shops, and reduce waste. Plus you’ll benefit from more home cooked meals - a win for you, your dad and the planet!

Shop Planet-Friendly Cookbook

7) Sustainable Pajama Pants

Brand: Coyuchi

Price: $78

Comfy and cooling pajama pants would make a fantastic gift for Father’s Day, especially as he probably hasn’t treated himself to new ones since before you were born! Made with GOTS certified organic cotton, these crinkled pants by Coyuchi feature an elasticated drawstring waistband and side seam pockets. Coyuchi is a women-owned company and only works with fair trade manufacturers. They also have a range of other nightwear products including short sleeve tees and joggers.

Shop Sustainable Pajama Pants

8) Simple Skin Care Set

Brand: Plaine Products

Price: $45

Is your dad finally ready to be introduced to skincare? Start him off easy with this simple skin care set from Plaine Products. The kit includes face wash, toner, and moisturizer and comes in citrus, green tea and unscented fragrances. The products are plastic-free and are refillable, so your dad can keep using them again and again without the waste. Plaine Products are vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, palm oil and sulfate-free, and biodegradable - absolutely no nasties here!

Shop Simple Skin Care Set

9) Vegan Sneakers

Brand: Hylo

Price: $135

Move over New Balances; these lab-certified vegan sneakers are made from renewable materials like corn and algae. They are perfect for dads who love to run and spend a lot of time on their feet. The packaging is made of FSC-recycled cardboard (no plastic), and when you are finished with your shoes, you can send them back to Hylo for recycling.

Shop Vegan Sneakers

10) Vegan Beard Care Kit

Brand: Zeus

Price: $68

For the father figure in your life with a beard that needs some TLC, why not get him some eco-friendly products? The Zeus beard care kit features beard shampoo and conditioner, beard oil, and a beard brush and comes in a black metal tin. The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben and sulfate-free. The beard brush handle is made with walnut wood, and the bristles are cut from undyed Tampico fibers. Perfect for beards of all shapes, sizes, & textures!

Shop Vegan Beard Care Kit

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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The Coziest SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC SWADDLES & MUSLIN BLANKETS for your baby

Swaddling is the practice of gently wrapping a baby up in a light blanket so that he or she can feel calm. Doing so is believed to help babies sleep better and reduce stress, which is why parents all around the world have swaddled their newborn children for millennia.

If you are a new mom (or dad) and want your little one to feel comfortable and cozy all day, you might be considering buying a few swaddles or muslin blankets. However, most brands make them using conventional cotton, which is not a sustainable or healthy option for our babies.

Cotton is a very water-intensive crop that is grown using tons of pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Child labor and forced labor are also very common in the cotton industry, not to mention that cotton workers are usually underpaid.

Thankfully, we can easily avoid buying swaddles and muslin blankets made from conventional cotton. There are many more sustainable and healthier options on the market.

The 12 sustainable brands we write about in this article sell eco-friendly, organic swaddles and muslin blankets that are not only healthier for our babies, but also incredibly cute! Thanks to them, you will be able to wrap your baby into the perfect little burrito and give him or her a comfortable, healthy sleep!

WHAT MAKES SWADDLES & MUSLIN BLANKETS SUSTAINABLE?

Sustainable swaddles and muslin blankets are made with natural, eco-friendly fabrics and dyed using non-toxic, sustainable dyes. Despite the delicacy of their fabric, they are also made to last for a long time and can stand all the laundering without showing signs of wear.

Plus, the brands selling them should prioritize and support workers’ welfare: all the workers in their supply chain should be paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and be treated humanely.

Try to support Fair Trade or B Corp-certified brands, and buy swaddles and muslin blankets that are certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to ensure they are completely free of harmful substances.

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Cotton muslin is a durable, yet very soft fabric, but try to stay away from swaddles and muslin blankets made from conventional cotton. Instead, opt for models crafted with GOTS-certified organic cotton, which is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and free of harsh chemicals. It is also one of the most sustainable fabrics you can find!

Some sustainable brands also make their swaddles and muslin blankets with bamboo fabric. When it is produced in a closed-loop system and the bamboo is grown organically in responsibly managed forests, this thermoregulating fabric is another great eco-friendly option you can choose when shopping for swaddles and muslin blankets.

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC SWADDLES & MUSLIN BLANKETS

1) Pottery Barn Kids

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $30-70

Pottery Barn is far from being the most eco-friendly brand out there, but it has taken major steps to minimize its environmental footprint over the years.

If you love this company, you will be happy to read that it has some great sustainable, organic swaddles and muslin blankets! They are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, and there are many patterns to choose from.

Pottery Barn has some adorable designs featuring cute animals and fishes, flowers, and hearts, as well as more neutral models in different solid colors. It even sells swaddles with Mickey Mouse, Winnie The Pooh, and Star Wars prints!

Many of the swaddles and muslin blankets are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, so they have been tested to be completely free of more than 350 harmful substances. Some are also produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, meaning that the factory has fair and safe labor practices and uses sustainable manufacturing processes to make its products.

Shop Pottery Barn Kids

2) Boody

Fabric: Bamboo Viscose

Price: $39

Boody crafts quality, everyday basics for women, men, and babies. It sells a pack of two muslin wraps available in white, light blue, and light pink.

These lightweight wraps feature a soft, odor-resistant fabric with an open weave that makes them very breathable. They are made of bamboo viscose, produced from bamboo grown organically in FSC-certified forests.

The bamboo used by Boody is also made in a closed-loop system and only grown with rainwater, and all the water used in the production process is recycled and reused.

The muslin wraps’ silky smooth fabric will keep your baby cool and comfortable thanks to its thermoregulating properties. It is also certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, so the wraps are 100% safe and non-toxic for your little one!

Plus, Boody is a certified B Corp, and it works with factories using computer knitting machines to minimize their fabric waste. It also regularly supports non-profits like Goodbye Malaria, Circle of Love Center, and Bridge of Hope SD.

Shop Boody

3) MakeMake Organics

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $40

MakeMake Organics is a sustainable baby clothing brand creating non-toxic and organic nursery essentials. It has several swaddles you can choose from, all of which come with a cute matching hat.

The company’s swaddles feature modern patterns that are all gender-neutral and printed with azo-free, non-toxic and water-based dyes.

From little suns to palm trees to wildcats, the prints look very minimalistic and simple.

MakeMake Organics crafts its swaddles with GOTS-certified organic cotton. They are produced in small batches in a GOTS-certified factory in India, and they are hypoallergenic and completely free of flame retardants, harmful dyes, and other toxic chemicals.

We also love that all the swaddle blankets and matching hats are Fair Trade Certified, meaning that they are made according to rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards.

The swaddles also come packed in a reusable drawstring bag made from excess fabrics, which you can reuse for traveling or storing things around the house!

Shop Makemake Organics

4) Monica + Andy

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $10-50

Monica + Andy is a one-stop shop for everything you may need for your nursery.

It has a great selection of lightweight swaddles made from super soft, GOTS-certified organic cotton.

They are designed in a variety of soothing solid colors like butter yellow or soft pink, and fun patterns such as little unicorns and rainbows.

The brand also sells different double-layered muslin blankets, which are both airy and warm. These feature cute elephants or stripes, but you can also choose one of the company’s limited edition prints including little pizzas or daffodils.

Monica + Andy makes sure all its swaddles are free of toxic chemicals like phthalates or flame retardants. The fabrics are also made to last for years, and they do not pill, fade, or shrink over time.

If you want to add a unique touch, you can even personalize them and have an embroidered name or monogram sewn onto your baby’s swaddles!

Shop Monica + Andy

5) Mercurii Baby

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $21-58

Mercurii Baby is a woman-owned baby brand making baby essentials with ethically sourced, organic materials.

It has different kinds of muslin blankets, including several larger models sold in pink, blue, navy, undyed, or featuring colorful moons. They are all made from GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin, which is naturally hypoallergenic and gets softer with each use.

Mercurii Baby colors some of its muslin blankets using non-toxic, water-based dyes, but we particularly recommend the Dye Drop models. These are hand-dyed using natural pigments found in purple cabbage, logwood, or liquid chlorophyll.

One of them is also dyed using madder root and weld, which are both ancient dye pigments that have been used for millennia. How cool is that?!

Since they are derived from plants, the dyes are completely chemical-free and non-toxic. It is also incredibly rare nowadays to find brands using these sustainable dyeing techniques!

Mercurii Baby also has muslin blankets sold in sets with organic cotton crib sheets or onesies.

Shop Mercurii Baby

6) Burt’s Bees Baby

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $37

Burt’s Bees Baby makes affordable, organic baby clothes and nursery bedding that are timelessly stylish and designed to stand the test of time.

The brand offers different muslin blankets, all of which are sold in a pack of three matching swaddles with a similar color scheme. Each of them features adorable hand-painted patterns, including stripes, flowers, stars, butterflies, and cute animals like elephants, giraffes, and swans.

Burt’s Bees Baby’s swaddles are ethically crafted in India using 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. The fabric is also very breathable, and it is made for sensitive skin and to prevent overheating during the night.

The brand works with factories that follow sustainable production methods. For instance, they recycle their wastewater, use renewable energy sources, and even make building bricks with the silt waste from the water!

Burt’s Bees Baby’s team also regularly volunteers and makes donations to local communities, and it supports and helps fund disaster relief initiatives in the United States.

Shop Burt's Bees Baby

7) Takasa

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $27-90

Takasa is a Canadian organic bedding company manufacturing high-quality home textiles. It has several muslin swaddles that you can buy individually or in a set of three.

The pack of three swaddles features three different geometric patterns, which are designed in black and white or multiple colors. If you prefer to buy them individually, you will get to choose between beautiful stars or moons.

You can also buy one in a set with two fitted organic cotton percale crib sheets.

Made from 100% GOTS-certified organic and Fairtrade cotton, the swaddles are all completely free of harmful chemicals and dyes. Their fabric is also very soft and breathable and gets softer with every wash.

Takasa produces them ethically in India and plants one tree for each purchase in partnership with One Tree Planted. It also offsets their carbon footprint, which means that the swaddles are carbon-neutral.

Shop Takasa

8) Aden + Anais

Fabric: Cotton, Organic Cotton, Bamboo Viscose

Price: $13-65

Aden + Anais has been creating thoughtfully crafted baby products for over a decade. It has the largest selection of swaddles and muslin blankets on this list with almost 150 options!

The brand carefully designs each of its incredibly beautiful hand-painted prints. The patterns include lovely flowers, cute animals, dinosaurs, stars, little hearts, and hot air balloons.

It even has a Harry Potter-themed set of four swaddles!

Aden + Anais makes its swaddles using different fabrics such as muslin cotton or bamboo viscose. We also particularly recommend its collection of GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin blankets, which are dyed with low-impact non-toxic dyes.

All the swaddles are very soft and comfortable, and they are handcrafted to stand the test of time so you can pass them down to future babies. Plus, the company only uses fabrics that are completely free of azo chemical compounds.

Shop Aden + Anais

9) MORI

Fabric: Cotton, Bamboo Viscose, Organic Cotton

Price: $14-58

MORI creates super soft baby clothes and other essentials using high-quality, sustainably sourced fabrics.

It has a range of muslin swaddles that are available in different sizes, colors, and patterns to suit your needs and preferences. They are made ethically using non-GMO cotton in a certified factory in Turkey.

If you have a newborn and find it tricky to use a traditional muslin blanket for swaddling, MORI also sells a great swaddling sack, which is much simpler to use! The sack is made from a blend of organic cotton and bamboo viscose produced in a closed-loop system. The fabric is very soft, breathable, and thermoregulating, so your baby will be at the perfect temperature all night.

MORI even offers you to personalize your swaddles: you can have your baby’s name sewn into the fabric! Plus, the brand ships its products in recyclable kraft paper bags, and you can send unused MORI clothing back to the company and it will donate them to Little Village, a London-based charity giving away clothes to families in need.

Shop Mori

10) Colored Organics

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $19-30

Colored Organics is on a mission to help families make the switch to organic, ethical fashion. The brand has many swaddles and muslin blankets that are designed using different weaving techniques.

Sold in a few light, solid colors, its muslin swaddles feature a super soft and stretchy double-layered organic gauze fabric.

Colored Organics also sells several swaddles with cute little flowers made from organic cotton pointelle fabric, as well as gorgeous patterned models crafted with organic cotton jersey. All the brand’s swaddles are colored using water-based dyes that ensure durable color vibrancy.

The company is committed to being 100% sweatshop-free, and all the workers in its supply chain are provided with fair wages and safe working conditions.

Plus, Colored Organics donates 20% of the proceeds from some of its swaddles to different environmental non-profits. It also supports many other organizations, including its local children’s hospital and charities helping abandoned children in India.

Shop Colored Organics

11) Green Sprouts

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $24

Green Sprouts is an award-winning company selling a wide range of natural baby products, including a set of two muslin swaddle blankets. The set either includes two white swaddles, or a white and a bright blue model.

The swaddle blankets are made from 100% organic cotton muslin that is very breathable, hypoallergenic, and lightweight.

The finely woven fabric is super soft and even gets softer with every wash, so your baby will be incredibly cozy and comfortable wrapped in them!

Green Sprouts’ muslin blankets are generously sized, which makes them very versatile and practical to use for swaddling but also as a stroller blanket, a nursing cover, a burp cloth, or even as a changing table cover.

They are also produced without harmful substances like azo dyes, pesticides, or formaldehyde, so they are safe for our babies and their delicate skin!

Shop Green Sprouts

12) Honest Baby Clothing

Fabric: Organic Cotton

Price: $25-37

Honest Baby Clothing is a sustainable brand founded by American actress Jessica Alba. It has an entire line of muslin swaddle blankets made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton.

You can choose to buy them in sets of two or three swaddles, and there are many beautiful prints available. They feature a cozy textured fabric that softens as you wash it, and an oversized design, making them very versatile and practical to use in multiple ways.

The swaddles are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX, so they are completely free of harmful dyes, pesticides, flame retardants, and other toxic substances.

Honest Baby Clothing also works with factories that received numerous certifications such as GOTS, WRAP, Fair Trade, OCS, BSCI, and SA8000, and one of its partner factories is entirely powered by its own windmills.

The brand uses recycled materials for its packaging, and it won the PARENTS’ Best for Baby and Good Housekeeping’s Parenting Awards in 2022!

Shop Honest Baby Clothing

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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Reasons Why Buying Fewer Clothes Is Good

Keeping up with fashion trends doesn’t have to be another pressure in your life. These are a few reasons why you might feel better after you stop buying more clothes than you need.

It Saves You Money

Companies are constantly producing new clothing. It’s why the apparel industry was worth $312 billion in 2022. People buy the latest styles to keep up with popular trends, but you can save money by wearing what you already enjoy. Instead, put your extra cash toward your life goals or dreams. You’ll invest in yourself and less in temporary fads.

Consider how much money you’ve spent on shopping throughout your life. It could have funded community classes or membership fees with local clubs. You can invest in yourself beyond clothing and get more joy from life. Remember what you want to do in the coming months when you think you want to shop for clothes you don’t need.

It Helps the Planet

Your old clothes might go in the garbage when you buy new clothing. Even if you donate them, the natural resources used to mass-produce fast fashion lines hurt the environment. You’ll live a more eco-friendly lifestyle by only buying clothes when it’s essential. Your money won’t fund companies that create pollution and you’ll get to stick with your sustainable values.

It Defines Your Style

Jumping between fashion trends is one way to explore your interests, but it doesn’t solidify your style. You might not find what authentically represents your personality if you’re always trying new clothes, colors and patterns.

You already like to wear what you own. That’s why you bought your current wardrobe. Have fun making new outfits with what’s in your closet to define your self-expression. You’ll get more in touch with your personality and stop spending money you don’t want to part with.

How to Stop Buying More Clothes Than You Need

If you’re one of the many people who make impulse purchases with clothing brands or just enjoy the experience of loading up a shopping cart, use these tips to stop buying what you don’t need. You’ll gain new perspectives that make your current wardrobe appealing.

Set a Timer

When you find something you love, set a timer. It could start 24 hours from now and give you space to consider your potential purchase. You can even save the link to the clothing. Bookmark the page or save the clothes to a list on your account. You might find it helpful to create an event in your virtual calendar with a reminder to reconsider that specific purchase.

Give yourself time to evaluate the potential new addition to your wardrobe and determine if it’s worth it. You’ll save yourself from impulsive purchases and keep more money in your pocket. Eventually, you won’t need a timer or calendar event to stall your shopping habits. You’ll intuitively know what’s worth your money and when it’s the right time to shop.

2. Test Your Home’s Water

People rarely think about their water quality when it’s time to do laundry. Why does it matter if the washing machine still cleans your clothes? The reality is that your water can affect your wardrobe’s life span.

A pH test could reveal that you have hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content that harms fabrics and dulls dyes. It’s easy to fix with a water treatment solution or assistance from your local municipality. Restoring the pH balance will keep your clothes from eroding with each trip through the washing machine.

3. Keep a Closet Inventory

You might think you need a new sweatshirt, only to discover five buried in the back of your closet after returning from the mall. It’s a problem most people encounter, but you can easily fix it by tracking your wardrobe with an inventory list.

Create a spreadsheet or open a notebook and record how many clothes you have. Note the exact number of each piece of clothing and how worn each item is. You’ll quickly realize if you have tons matching your green values or need newer skirts without frayed edges..

It’s also a resource you can refer to before making all future clothing purchases. Don’t forget to keep up with it as your clothes change with time. You’ll always have an accurate log to check before buying something you already have.

4. Donate With Each Shopping Trip

When you want to get something new, ensure that one of your older pieces of clothing goes to a donation center. It might make you think twice if your old clothes don’t need replacing. You might also avoid getting something new when the well-worn shirt or jacket is sentimental.

5. Learn How to Tailor Clothes

Watching videos to learn simple tailoring techniques can significantly extend the life of your clothes. You won’t have to replace anything that becomes too big, too small or develops holes. Investing in a sewing machine and watching free tailoring videos will teach you how to care for your wardrobe so you can spend years creating new looks with whatever you already own.

You might even get so invested in making your wardrobe that you stop shopping altogether. It’s the ultimate way to craft a sustainable closet since you’ll get to choose eco-friendly clothing and tailor each item to your measurements.

6. Find Better Stain Removers

People often buy new clothes when they find stains on older garments. Although some can ruin the fabric and require a shopping trip, others are easy to remove. Try new stain removers from your local grocery store to see what works best. You can also use baking soda to make a biodegradable remover that lifts multiple types of stains.

7. Keep Everything in One Place

You might feel tempted to get more clothes when your closet looks bare, but do you have more seasonal items in storage? Move everything into your closet so you don’t worry about your wardrobe looking sparse.

This is especially helpful if you have a capsule wardrobe for each season since they depend on minimalist styles that leave shelves emptier. You won’t get anxious about not having the clothes you need because everything is right in front of you.

8. Find Other Self-Expression Outlets

Shopping is a form of self-expression. You’re merging your personality with your external style, but there are other ways to do that. You might stop buying more clothes than you need if you start creative hobbies.

Express yourself with a hobby like painting. You could follow an artist by pressing play on a free video or attending a class at a community college. Consider learning how to sketch to express what matters to you.

Other art forms can represent your style and double as home decor. Read a book that explains embroidery stitches or follow the instructions in a kit. You could sew clothes from patterns or knit accessories when you need something new.

It’s possible to feel fulfilled without adding more clothes to your wardrobe. All you need is a hobby that captures your interest. Think about what you’d like to do or what pastimes might align with your life goals. As you build your self-confidence, you’ll also learn how you enjoy putting your personality into the world.

9. Unfollow Fashion Brands

If you follow many clothing or accessory brands on social media, consider unfollowing them. The reason for your constant shopping could relate to seeing new products on your feeds every time your apps refresh.

They could also post ads for time-limited sales that passively pressure you to buy something impulsively. Not having that content on your mind all the time makes it easier to avoid shopping. Consider following other accounts that help you achieve your goals, like self-care or inspirational quote accounts.

10. Start Clothing Swaps

Call your friends and ask if they have any clothes they don’t wear anymore. You could start a recurring clothing swap event that includes all your loved ones.

Your friends and family members could meet at someone’s house with the clothes they want to donate. You’ll get to swap sizes and try on different styles without purchasing new items. Ultimately, you might go home with free additions to your wardrobe while keeping your older garments out of landfills.

You could also volunteer to take the unwanted clothes from your swap event to the nearest donation center. Everyone will help those in need, prevent trash from cluttering landfills and avoid spending money you’d rather save.

Rethink Your Shopping Habits

Learning to stop buying more clothes than you need doesn’t have to feel complicated. Use these tips to get started toward a greener wardrobe. You’ll revolutionize your shopping habits, save money and help the planet.

About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn!

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How to Remove Stains more Naturally

Stains are an unavoidable part of life. You can treat them if you take care of them immediately, but you may need to make some substitutions in your regular products. How many stain removers do you use with ingredients that could affect your health and the environment? These all-natural methods will help you eliminate stains in their tracks without the same detrimental side effects you're used to.

How to Remove Grease Stains

Grease stains are tricky to avoid, and they appear no matter where you are. Luckily, they're easy to remove by natural methods as long as you handle them quickly. Remember to remove any excess grease with a cloth so you don't have to deal with as large of a stain. If you tackle the oil fast enough, you may have a smaller stain than you imagined.

Baking Soda Method

Baking soda is nontoxic, so it's often used in various homemade cleaners that are better for your health and the environment. First, thoroughly cover the area in baking soda and let sit overnight. Baking soda is alkaline, so it'll help soak up the grease and oil on your clothes. If that doesn't remove the stain, use a vinegar and water solution. You should let the fabric soak before running it through the washing machine.

Corn Starch Method

Alternatively, you can use cornstarch to draw out the grease. It's an absorbent substitute that, when scrubbed, can act abrasive and help remove the stain. Just let it sit for an hour or two after scrubbing. Once you do, you may notice the stain has been lifted, and you can wash the garment as usual.

How to Remove Sauce Stains

Tomato sauce leaves some of the worst stains, but it can also be difficult to avoid if you've got kids who love spaghetti. Tomatoes are the most produced vegetable worldwide, making them a common household staple that can lead to stain issues. Luckily, there are a few ways to get sauce out of your clothes so you don't have to deal with an eyesore.

Dish Detergent Method

This method will require you to have a few things on hand. Put dish detergent directly on the stain. You should choose a detergent that promotes sustainability goals by selecting a brand that has performed self-assessments about its methods or by using ingredients that won't harm the planet. Once you've saturated the stain with your dish liquid of choice, it's time to pull out the ice.

Rub an ice cube on the fabric to help remove the stain. You should smear the detergent around and fade the stain slowly. If it isn't completely gone by then, you can dab some vinegar onto the fabric and run it through the laundry.

Salt and Baking Soda Method

Salt and baking soda are readily available in the home, making them a great option for tackling any tricky stains that emerge when enjoying dinner. Combine equal parts of baking soda and salt with water to create a paste. You can apply this paste to the stain and let it sink into the clothing. Then, run it through the laundry like you normally do.

How to Remove Blood Stains

You may be tempted to toss blood-stained clothes. However, you should attempt to save your clothes and treat stains rather than throw them out. The fashion industry pollutes water with the chemicals it uses when making textiles, so making what you have last a long time can make a difference.

One of the most important things to remember about treating blood stains is that you shouldn't dry your laundry before dealing with them. Otherwise, it will be there forever. Unfortunately, blood stains can be tricky to get out of fabric. Treat your clothes as soon as possible for the best results.

Vinegar Method

Use white vinegar for the best results when dealing with blood stains. All you need to do is pour it onto the stain and let it sit, dabbing it with a damp cloth as necessary. Over time, the stain should lift, and you can launder your clothing as usual.

Salt Method

Though not as well-known, the salt method might be an effective way of lifting stains from your favorite garments. Salt is a great dehydrator, so it can dry water and blood well. A paste of salt and water rubbed directly onto the stain should yield the desired results. Scrape it off once it's dry, and use cold water to wash off the rest.

How to Remove Sweat Stains

Nearly everyone has experienced sweat stains before. Whether you work out regularly or live in a warm climate, you've encountered sweat and know how tricky it can be to remove from a shirt. Fortunately, these stains can be conquered. However, you may have to apply a different method depending on the color of the garment you're treating.

White Shirt Method

The white shirt method is a bit complicated. You'll need baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water to lift the stain from your white or light-colored shirt. Mix equal parts of all three ingredients, then rub into the stain with a slightly abrasive brush or sponge. Let the solution sit on the clothes before tossing them into the washing machine.

Dark Shirt Method

This method is a bit simpler. To make your darker shirts look new, you only need a mixture of water and white vinegar. Use a brush to apply the solution to the stains if you want to pretreat them. Otherwise, you'll submerge the affected clothing in a tub full of equal parts water and white vinegar. After about 30 minutes, you can run the clothes through the laundry as usual.

If you need something with odor-fighting properties, use a bit of baking soda on the garment after you've taken care of the stain. You can use it on anything from clothes to carpets to help treat odors. Letting it sit overnight might be the best option, but sometimes, baking soda can remove smells in just half an hour.

How to Remove Wine and Coffee Stains

Many people turn to coffee to wake up before a long workday. Similarly, around 60% of adults consume alcoholic beverages regularly. While these stains might be different, they originate the same way — typically by spilling something on yourself. The quicker you deal with these stains, the better your clothes will look.

Wine Removal Method

Wine stains can leave a deep, dark red blotch on your clothing, so it's best to tackle it as soon as possible. First, pour vinegar directly onto the stain. Then, make a paste of vinegar and baking soda and rub it into the spot aggressively.

Add a small bit of vinegar to a container of cold water, dunk your clothes in and let them soak overnight. There may be some remnant of a stain in the morning, but it won't be as pronounced as before. Alternatively, you can use salt to take the red wine out overnight, then continue repeating the steps as necessary.

Coffee Removal Method

Since people often experience coffee spills in the workplace on business clothes, you may want to test this removal method on an unseen part of your garment to ensure it doesn't harm the fabric. Mix a lot of warm water with 1 tablespoon each of dish detergent and white vinegar. Then, dab at the stain with a clean cloth. With enough blotting, the stain should disappear.

How to Remove Grass Stains

You may want to roll around in the grass when the weather warms up. Spending time in nature promotes vitamin D production, which could lower depression and anxiety levels. However, you may end up with grass stains on your clothing. Luckily, there's an easy way to take care of them, too.

White Vinegar Method

This method is the best option for treating grass stains, regardless of the fabric. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar with water. Coat the stain and let it stand for about an hour or so, or dab and scrub. Afterward, rinse it off in cold water.

If that method doesn't remove the stain, you can also use a mild detergent on your fabric. Scrub it with the detergent, then rinse it off. Before long, you should notice the stain is completely gone.

Rubbing Alcohol Method

This method might be a bit harsher than the one before it, but you can still remove the stain with something you likely have in your household. Wet the affected area with rubbing alcohol. Once it's fully dry, rinse it off with cold water. You can also follow up with detergent and cool water. Repeating this method a few times should get rid of grass stains completely. This method works exceptionally well on jeans.

Become a Stain-Fighting Professional — Naturally

Dealing with stains in clothing can be difficult, especially when you don't know the natural swaps you can make to tackle tough ones. Keep your cupboards stocked with substitutes that won't put chemicals into the water or harm your health to tackle stains without worry.

This will also give you a natural way to help your clothing last longer, potentially keeping it out of landfills and preventing you from buying more. Some items can't be saved, especially if you've waited a while to treat a stain, but you can always just wear it at home to make the most of it.