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the best sustainable workwear brands

Are you now going into your workplace in person a few times a week, or about to? If not, maybe you are like me and tired of wearing leggings and sweatshirts everyday? In the last 3 months, I know I have started dressing business casual twice a week and dressing a little nicer to go out to coffee or lunch outside with a friend or my hubby.

Either way, it’s time to discover 12 wonderful brands that will get you excited about dressing up a bit for the office or your office at home.

Why Should You Start a Capsule Work Wardrobe?

Some of the brands in this post include collections and/or tips specifically to build a capsule wardrobe. Why a capsule wardrobe? Capsule wardrobes are a small collection of garments that can be easily mixed and matched to create the majority of your wardrobe. Think 8 pieces making 24 outfits. Creating a capsule work wardrobe is a really great idea for many reasons, including:

• You don’t have to buy as many clothes, helping you save money

• You can easily put together outfits when getting ready in the morning as most things match

• The typical classic styles and neutral colors will last you for years

• They discourage the fast fashion movement and waste

• It is easy to accessorize your wardrobe to add your own personal flair

Many of the brands in this post have capsule wardrobe recommendations or collections. But, if they don’t, they offer amazing pieces for building your own. Need help figuring out how to create your own capsule wardrobe for work? This article provides great tips for getting started.

Our Top 12 Picks for Women’s Work Wardrobe Brands:

1) Amour Vert

Common Sustainable Materials: Tencel, closed-loop and FSC-certified beechwood fibers, organic cotton, linen, Lycocell, and Cupro

Size Range: XS-XL

Amour Vert is the brand that started my sustainable work wardrobe journey. I asked for a gift card for Christmas and bought 5 wonderful items. Amour Vert still remains one of my favorite brands 5 years later. They have one of the largest selections of work friendly clothes organized into several collections. They also recently introduced a curated closet with a work edit – so helpful for building your own capsule wardrobe.

They have a factory in Los Angeles close to their headquarters, so they can monitor working conditions and production processes, and they pay good wages to their employees. Their other sustainable practices include planting trees, plus recycled and recyclable packing.

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2) Reformation

Common Sustainable Materials: Deadstock, TENCEL, Organic Cotton, Linen

Size Range: XS-3X

Reformation is a Los Angeles-based sustainable brand selling beautiful clothes for women, many of which are available in a large selection of colors and patterns.

It offers various styles of dresses, sweaters, tops, jeans, and shoes, and it even has a great collection of blazers perfect for workwear.

This Climate-Neutral certified company is also very transparent about the factories it works with and how the products are made. Some of its clothes are produced locally in Los Angeles. 

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3) Universal Standard

Common Sustainable Materials: Vicose, Cupro, recycled polyester, and some not so sustainable materials like traditional cotton, polyester and rayon

Size Range: 00 to 40

Universal Standard is the most size inclusive brand of all the ones I found. There are no specific wardrobe capsules or collections on their site, however they carry many work friendly items and lots of classics.  They pride themselves on super high quality and long-lasting clothing.

They recycle jeans via their Denim Drive program to reduce waste. They also will recycle your clothing for up to $100 in credit and donate to programs like Dress for Success and First Step. I love that Universal Standard has a written plan with measurable goals around diversity, equity and inclusion, including supporting BIPOC makers.

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4) Eileen Fisher

Common Sustainable Materials: Organic cotton, organic linen, recycled materials, wool, and Bluesign certified dyeing

Size Range: XXS – 3X

Eileen Fisher, founded in 1984, is the mother of sustainable fashion. They also have been offering high quality work friendly options since their inception. Even though they don’t have capsule wardrobes on their site, they offer lots of neutral colors and classic styles that are easy to mix and match.

Have fun building your own capsule work wardrobe from their large selection. They offer transparent information on their factories, some of which are fair trade. They have a Waste No More program that takes their clothes back to repurpose – over 1.4 million so far.

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5) LOVETRUST

Sustainable Materials: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

Size Range: S-XXL

LOVETRUST’s pieces are not only perfect for work, but they’re also super comfortable! They can be easily dressed up or down, depending on whether you’re headed into the office for a meeting or just hopping on a Zoom call.

If you’re into creating a capsule wardrobe, you should definitely check out LOVETRUST. Not only are their pieces great for work, but also for lounging on the weekends or heading out for a sunny vacation.

Designed in Brooklyn, New York, and ethically made in Peru, everything from LOVETRUST is designed for both fit and function… Plus, their prices are affordable, too. They carry tees, tanks, tunics, and dresses, along with a couple of pairs of pants that look dressy but feel more like sweatpants when you’re wearing them!

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6) Encircled

Common Sustainable Materials: Modal, Tencel, bamboo, organic cotton and linen

Size Range: XS - XXL

Encircled started in 2012 with the Chyrallis Cardi that could be styled 8 ways. The idea of multi-purpose garments is naturally sustainable because it encourages purchasing less and using more of your wardrobe. Fashion waste is one area that makes the industry harmful to the environment. Encircled has expanded that concept with many more pieces that can be worn multiple ways.

They also offer kits with combination suggestions, plus a work from home style section. Encircled is a certified B Corp, one of the highest certifications for protecting the planet and people. Everything is made in factories in Canada close to their headquarters so they can easily visit and monitor working conditions.

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7) People Tree

Common Sustainable Materials: Organic cotton, wool, Tencel, linen, recycled nylon, and non-toxic dyes

Size Range: 2-14 or S-L

Like Eileen Fisher, People Tree is a pioneer in Fair Trade clothing and sustainable work wardrobes.

They have a large workwear collection to get you started in building your perfect work wardrobe.

Like many of these other brands they offer classic styles and neutral colors that can easily be accessorized in your unique style while lasting you many years.

People Tree also offers some unique styles made with traditional artisan skills like hand weaving, knitting, embroidery, and block printing. Some additional sustainability points for People Tree include being the first fashion brand to receive Fair Trade certification, and Soil Association Certification. They also harvest rainwater and recycle water used in the production process.

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8) Tonle

Common Sustainable Materials: Recycled or reclaimed materials from other manufacturers and non-toxic dyes from plants

Size Range: XS - 3XL

Tonle offers a curated capsule wardrobe and several themed collections. Their classic styles come in a wide variety of colors, so it is easy to create your own style.

Tonle takes their zero-waste commitment further by offering their own resale platform to support circular fashion. Plus, they strive to use as much material as possible when making their garments, to reduce waste.

Tonle is transparent about their labor and production practices, including their partnership with a hand weaving co-op in Cambodia. One unique thing I love about Tonle is that they started an activist community to promote deep change in the fashion industry.

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9) Sezane

Common Sustainable Materials: Organic cotton, recycled polyester, silk, Vicose, Alpaca, and mohair. They also include polyester and elastane in some clothes.

Size Range: XXS to XXXL

Sezane began by the founder making adjustments to French vintage clothing and selling them online. Their popularity grew quickly. Their Essentials collection is a great place to explore choices for your work wardrobe. Three-fourths of their materials are eco-friendly and more than 13,000 of their pieces are recycled.

One hundred percent of their locations are powered by renewable energy as well. They support various partner charities and projects in favor of equal access to education, culture and opportunities for children and young adults around the world. They have also just been B-Corp Certified!

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10) Aday

Common Sustainable Materials: Nearly all of their fabrics are Vegan. They have a custom fabric, Recycled Scuba which is made from water bottles. They also use less sustainable fabrics, like polyester and rayon.

Size Range: XS – XL

Aday offers 2 work capsule wardrobes, and 3 casual ones if you are also looking for more casual wear. They also have many other selections of classic colors and styles for building your own. They even offer a quiz to help you out.

Their site has choices organized by use like workout and work wear, and sizes (petite and tall) to make mixing and matching even easier. While Aday doesn’t have as many sustainable fabric choices as some of the other brands, their partners are all Oeko-tex + Bluesign approved. They also take back and recycle and repurpose your clothes for a design credit.

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11) M.M.Lafleur Second Act

Common Sustainable Materials: Their Second Act store is all pre-loved clothing!

Size Range: 0-22

M.M. Lafleur has a classic, high quality, elegant return to work collection for easy shopping. They take 3 of the most classic, popular pieces and suggest how to style together. Even though they don’t have as many sustainable fabric options as some of the other brands, they are really focused on quality and styling to promote slow fashion, they hem and lengthen their clothes for the perfect fit, and use sustainable packaging.

However, we’ve linked up this post to their Second Act shop, which is where you only find secondhand M.M. Lafleur pieces. Purchasing pre-loved is always a sustainable way to shop!

Also, M.M. Lafleur has a strong diversity commitment and donate to several causes that support the advancement of women.

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12) Kestan

Common Sustainable Materials: Recycled deadstock, Tencel, bamboo, organic cotton, Cupro, linen and ecofriendly dyes. They also use less eco-friendly materials like polyester and rayon.

Size Range: S - L

Kestan does not have specific work collections, and they don’t need it as nearly all of their clothes are work friendly. Like the other brands, they carry classic styles and colors that will last, along with some fun/unexpected pieces. Shopping is also fun thanks to their membership/points system where you can earn credits.

Bonus, they carry beautiful items for your home too. Kestan personally visits every factory, works with an organic cotton mill, and provides transparent information about their factories and processes.

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About the Author: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the world a better place!

Sustainable Yoga Mats, Clothing & Gear

Traditional yoga mats are typically not sustainable, with chemicals and plastics that are both hazardous to you and the environment. Whether you’re a devoted yogi or simply just looking for something to stretch out on at home, if you’re interested in choosing a sustainable yoga mat and gear to match, then you’ve come to the right place. Below I’ve compiled a list of the best eco-friendly yoga mats out there, as well as ethically and sustainably made yoga gear and apparel. 

These brands are changing the yoga industry by making mats from natural, eco-friendly materials, as well as ensuring a fair-paying, ethical supply chain. Supporting any of these brands is a great way to practice yoga with true peace of mind, on and off the mat.

Why Aren’t Traditional Yoga Mats Sustainable?

Yoga mats are typically made using PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to make them grippy and easy to clean. Unfortunately, PVC is an incredibly toxic type of plastic. Not only is this something we shouldn’t be inhaling during our daily yoga practice, but it’s also harmful to the environment. Since yoga mats are made from plastic, they aren’t biodegradable and take years to break down. This further contributes to pollution and makes it impossible to dispose of your yoga mat safely.

To make sure our mats are flexible, cushy, and suitable for yoga, most manufacturers add a variety of plasticizers whose toxins we then absorb during our practice. Additionally, leading brands may not produce their products ethically. There’s often a lack of transparency when it comes to where their materials are sourced and if their supply chain involves fair-wage employment and safe working conditions. 

This is especially true when it comes to what we wear during our yoga practice. Many mainstream yoga apparel brands produce their clothes in sweatshops, using exploitative labor and synthetic materials. These materials break down into microplastics which are one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution in our oceans.

Choosing eco-friendly yoga mats, gear, and sustainably made yoga apparel is a great way to protect both the environment and your own health.

What Are Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats and Yoga Gear?

As sustainable fashion rises in popularity, many brands resort to greenwashing to appear sustainable when they are not. Many “eco-friendly” yoga mats are made from PER (polymer environmental resin) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomers). These materials should be avoided when possible. 

PER is essentially a less toxic form of PVC and research is still needed to know how safe PER is. TPE on the other hand can be recycled but is made from a variety of synthetic materials that are often not listed by the manufacturer. Therefore, we don’t necessarily know what the mat is truly made of and can't verify its safety if the manufacturer isn’t fully transparent.

When searching for eco-friendly yoga mats and sustainable apparel, look for companies that clearly state what their mats are made from. It’s best to choose mats that are made from natural, biodegradable materials like GOTS certified cotton, cork, or grass fiber. If they are using recycled materials, check to see if their materials are certified. 

Another thing to look for when deciding if a brand is sustainable is whether or not they are transparent about their supply chain practices. If they aren’t clear about where their products are made, who makes them, or if it’s fair-trade, this is usually a red flag and the brand is most likely not sustainable. 

Now, Our 11 Favorite Brands Creating Affordable Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats & Gear: 

1) Wolven

Made In: USA, China

Product Range: Yoga Apparel

Price: $40-$150

Wolven is an LA-Based, carbon-neutral company that makes some of the cutest, sustainable yoga apparel out there. Wolven makes their eco-friendly activewear from OEKO-TEX Certified recycled P.E.T. Each item is quick-drying and anti-bacterial so you can wear their designs as both yoga wear and swimwear.

I have so many pieces of theirs and can attest that they are of wonderful quality. Wolven also sells a microfiber washing bag so you can safely wash your apparel without further contributing to the microplastic pollution.

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2) Om Matters

Made In: USA

Product Range: Yoga Apparel, Yoga Accessories, Yoga App

Price: $25-$98

OM Matters has a great selection of yoga gear and accessories including meditation candles, crystals, yoga cards, and even a yoga app.

They also have a small, affordable line of yoga apparel for women, made from sustainable cotton and biodegradable Lenzing Modal. 

Based in the US, everything is produced locally. All of their products are created using eco-friendly and biodegradable, synthetic-free materials. They even use recycled materials to package and ship their products. Additionally, 10% of all sales goes to funding yoga for at-risk youth.

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3) Manduka 

Made In: Germany, China

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Yoga Gear, Yoga Accessories, Yoga Apparel

Price: $45-$120

Manduka is one of the most established yoga brands today.

They have extensive and high-quality options at a wide range of accessible prices.

They are, however, still growing when it comes to sustainability, and more transparency is needed. 

Their traditional mats are made with OEKO-TEX certified “non-harmful” PVC and natural rubber, which can’t be considered sustainable. However, Manduka’s EKOseries line is fully sustainable. These mats are made from natural rubber, with no PVC, toxic dyes, or plasticizers. They are also fully biodegradable and 99% latex-free.

The majority of Manduka’s other products are eco-friendly like their cork and recycled foam yoga blocks, and their unisex yoga apparel line that is made primarily from recycled polyester and organic cotton.

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4) Abhinehkrafts

Made In: India

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Kids Mats, Yoga Props, Yoga Apparel

Price: $60-$115

Based in India, Abhinehkrafts makes some of the most artisan, creative eco-friendly yoga mats and gear. Everything is handcrafted using natural fibers by women artisans.

Most of their products are made using GOTS certified organic cotton and natural dyes. 

They have a variety of yoga mats to choose from, all from different materials. Abhinehkrafts mats use local, responsibly sourced natural or recycled cotton, grass fiber, jute fiber, and wool. Each mat is handwoven with traditional designs and varying degrees of thickness. They also have a wonderful, sustainable line of yoga gear and props, all affordably priced.

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5) Inhala Soulwear

Made In: Lima, Bali, Milan

Product Range: Yoga Apparel, Yoga Mats

Price: $36-$130

Inhala Soulwear is a Peruvian company committed to conscious production from the supply chain to the materials used. They produce a super cute line of sustainable women’s yoga apparel, with some options for men. They also have a small selection of non-toxic yoga mats made from vegan suede and recycled rubber. 

Their apparel is made using eco-friendly supplies such as regenerated nylon and fair-trade organic cotton. Every item produced follows their zero-waste and plastic-free commitment, including their compostable garment bags. They also take measures to ensure they have a fully traceable, fair-paying supply chain.

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6) Yogasana

Made In: India

Product Range: Yoga Mats

Price: $99-$119

Yogasana makes beautiful, vibrant GOTS-certified cotton yoga mats in India.

The cotton is grown and harvested by fair-wage local farmers who are part of the Better Cotton Initiative and doesn’t involve any child labor.  

Each mat is handmade by local weavers with a 15-year guarantee.

Their small collection is accessibly priced with a variety of colors and sizes to suit most needs.  Additionally, $5 from each purchase goes to paying for school supplies for the children of the local farmers with the option to donate more.

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7) Urbivore

Made In: Canada

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Yoga Accessories

Price: $21-$118

Urbivore produces cute, vegan, non-toxic yoga mats made from cork.

Cork is naturally antimicrobial, non-slip, and self-cleaning. Urbivore doesn’t use any PVC or toxic chemicals in their products.

They sustainably harvest the cork from oak bark using fair-paying, local labor.

Urbivore sells a variety of mats, sustainable mat straps including an adorable macrame option, mala bracelets, cork massage balls, and mat cleaners. For every purchase you make they plant a tree around the world.

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8) Jade Yoga

Made In: USA, India, Nepal

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Travel Mats, Yoga Props, Yoga Gear

Price: $15-$179

Jade Yoga is incredibly established in the yoga community as they have been making eco-friendly yoga mats for over twenty years now. I bought my Jade mat almost ten years ago and still use it today. The majority of their yoga mats are sourced and produced in the United States and are made from natural rubber with no PVC or toxic chemicals.

They have a special organic cotton yoga mat line, handmade by artisans in India, as well as a recycled cotton line handmade by women in Nepal.

Jade sells a wide range of sustainable yoga gear such as organic cotton canvas mat bags, plant-based mat wash, and recycled cotton blankets. They guarantee fair-paying, ethical employment and distribute worldwide.

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9) Yoloha

Made In: USA

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Yoga Gear, Yoga Accessories

Price: $25-$179

If you’re curious about trying cork-based products, Yoloha should be your first stop. This brand uses sustainable cork in all of their handmade products. The cork is sustainably harvested from cork oak trees every 8-9 years and doesn’t require cutting down a single tree, since the bark is stripped by hand.

Their yoga mats are 100% vegan made from natural cork and recycled rubber with no PVCs or latex. Each mat is not only grippy, but anti-microbial, and quick drying. What makes Yoloha stand out is their beautiful, hand-painted artisan designs and the sheer quantity and range of yoga gear.

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10)  42 Birds

Made In: Spain, Portugal

Product Range: Yoga mats, Yoga Gear

Price Range: $32-$134 

42 Birds is a brother and sister team that produces yoga mats and gear made from 100% cork in a zero-waste manufacturing process.

They’ve also partnered with 1% For the Planet and donate the proceeds to environmental organizations such as the Cork Forest Alliance and the National Audobon Society.   

Their non-slip, eco-friendly yoga mats come with a complimentary cotton mat carrier strap. They also sell cork bundles that include a mat and yoga props at an affordable price.

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11)  Bennd Yoga

Made In: India

Product Range: Yoga mats, Yoga Gear

Price Range: $160-$195 

Bennd Yoga is an “Ayurvedic Yoga Mat Company” that produces medicinally dyed products.  Everything is hand-made and hand-loomed by artisans in India. Their yoga mats and meditation cushions are made from 100% ethically sourced raw cotton which is then hand-dyed. Bennd’s dyes are made from specific natural Ayurvedic herbs.

Each yoga collection is then designed to assist a different ailment like digestion or circulation depending on the herb used to produce it. Each cotton mat also comes in a complimentary cotton travel bag with an eco-friendly mat cleaner. 

Bennd’s products are natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable, including their packaging. Any leftover textiles are recycled and reused while the extra dyes and organic materials are composted in their gardens. Their products are colorful, beautiful and one of a kind.

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About the Author:

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the world a better place!

the best Eco-Friendly & Non toxic cookware brands

When it comes to curating a sustainable home, pots and pans might not be the first items that come to mind. But sustainability in the kitchen is important too, since many pots, pans, and utensils contain toxic materials like teflon, heavy metals, flame retardants, and other chemicals—all of which can leach into food when heated. 

Fortunately, an increased emphasis on eco-friendly kitchens has sparked the emergence of more sustainable, non-toxic cookware available for your home. Whether you’re roasting a chicken, braising veggies, or baking a batch of cookies, here’s what to look for when browsing cookware—plus a list of sustainable brands you can feel safe using.

How to Choose Sustainable Cookware

Opting for eco-friendly, healthy cookware isn’t difficult when you know what to look for. The first thing to stay away from is Teflon, a core ingredient in traditional, non-stick cookware. Teflon is the brand name for a waterproof chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the manufacture of which can cause the creation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)—a known carcinogen. 

In fact, ovarian, prostate, bladder, and testicular cancers have all been linked to PFOAs (also known as PFAs). While Teflon itself has mostly been phased out in new cookware creation, other non-stick coatings may still contain PFOAs, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Plus, PFOAs have endured in environments for many years. Since the FDA allows certain PFOAs in cookware and other consumer products, it’s important to steer clear of any cookware brands that don’t consider themselves PFOA-free.

Opting for certain cookware materials can reduce the chance of exposure to PFOAs and other toxins. The best options for cookware include:

• Cast iron. As long as your iron levels aren’t high, cast iron pans are a durable, long-lasting solution for any kitchen. Plus, they’ll get seasoned over time, meaning the flavor will get richer (with minimal cleanup required).

• Enameled cast iron. A step up from standard cast iron pans, non-toxic enamel surfaces help prevent sticking and rusting, so this kind of cookware may last longer than unenameled counterparts. 

• Stainless steel. Using stainless steel cookware is a smart choice, since it’s extremely durable and distributes heat well. They also wont tarnish or affect the flavor of your food—just make sure to prepare the pan properly to prevent sticking.

• Ceramic. Today, ceramic is one of the best options for cookware, as it’s nontoxic and easy to use. Plus, it tends to be more eco-friendly (and comes in a range of colors and styles).

our top picks for sustainable, non-toxic cookware brands:

1) Kana Lifestyle

Kana Lifesyle's Milo cookware is responsible kitchenware that's made to be shared for generations. They are ethically made with 40% recycled cast iron, dishwasher safe, have enameled cast iron, and come in 10 different beautiful colors. You can also find non-toxic bakeware! Kana is among the few e-commerce brands to offset 100% of shipping-related carbon emissions, and they are also a proud member of 1% for the Planet.

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2) Our Place

Our Place has been advertised everywhere as of late, and for good reason. Their sell-out product, The Always Pan, is eight pieces of cookware in one, making it great for minimalists. It's made of non-toxic, non-stick ceramic and is free of harmful materials like PFOAs, lead, heavy metals, and more. Plus, it comes in a range of earth tones that look sharp in a modern kitchen. They also have knives, plates, and mugs that can accompany your new eco-friendly setup.

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3) Caraway

Caraway is a newer company that cares just as much about consumer health as it does about design. This ceramic-coated cookware looks sleek and fresh, but operates at maximum non-stick capacity (without the chemicals). In fact, their ceramic coating is made from minerals and requires less oil or butter for easier cooking prep and cleanup. You can choose from items like sauce pans, dutch ovens, and sauté and fry pans. If that’s not enough to love, their cookware comes in a range of gorgeous color options like sage, marigold, and perracotta.

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4) Xtrema

Versatile, non-toxic, and purely ceramic, Xtrema makes some of the best sustainable cookware options on the market today. Their cookware is known for retaining heat evenly across every pot and pan, offering a clean, regulated bake or sautée from start to finish. You can also use their pans anywhere, from the microwave, to the stovetop, to the barbeque, offering more creativity to bring all your imaginative cooking creations to life. The best part? They’re made to last forever—and then some.

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5) Great Jones

Great Jones makes trendy, functional cookware that empowers your greatest creations in the kitchen. Their non-toxic, enameled cast iron is non-stick and easy to clean. Additionally, these products are dishwasher-friendly and multifunctional, so they don’t cause a fuss to use. Great Jones is also known for its bakeware, including non-stick baking sheets that are PFOA-free and require minimal oil (and no parchment paper) for perfect baked goods. Another reason to love them: they’ve been known to take a stance against injustice and support equality initiatives both in-house and throughout society.

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6) Lodge Cast Iron

Since 1896, Lodge Cast Iron has been making high-quality cast iron cookware. Today, they sell a range of items spanning seasoned cast iron, enameled cookware, bakeware, and more. In addition to the fact that cast iron is a durable, long-lasting material that doesn’t contain toxins, Lodge is a company committed to sustainable practices. For example, they use biodegradable packaging, enforce company-wide recycling, and leverage equipment that minimizes energy usage.

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7) Tuxton

Tuxton is one cookware brand that’s leading the way in sustainability. In addition to creating pots and pans that are 100% food safe and totally free from BPA, PFOAs, PTFEs and lead, they pursue company-wide eco-friendly practices, including recycling of materials like clay, plaster, and ceramic, plus a water recycling and energy reduction program. They also use recyclable stainless steel handles. Lastly, Tuxton is known for having an impressive non-stick coating that’s also non-toxic and long-lasting.

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8) Ozeri

When you want a transparent cookware company, look no further. The product developers at Ozeri chose to use Greblon ceramic in their cookware, a material that’s 100% free from PTFEs, PFOAs, APEOs, NMPs and NEPs. In other words, you won’t find any nasty chemicals here—but you will find lots of perks. Take the textured surfaces of their pans, for example, which distributes heat evenly for a solid cook. The base of their pans are made from heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum, which is long-lasting and free from heavy metals.

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Crafting a Safe Kitchen with Non-Toxic Cookware

From baking pans, to dutch ovens, to spoons and spatulas, the average kitchen is filled with opportunities for toxins and other unclean materials to seep into our food. Fortunately, opting for sustainable cookware is a healthy investment that protects both your family and the environment for years to come.

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

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What is modal?

Over recent years, as we’ve become more aware and interested in the fabrics that make our clothes, you may have noticed a lot of new types of materials being talked about. Especially within the sustainable fashion world where materials are constantly battling to be named the most sustainable. One such fabric that you may have heard about is modal, but what do we actually know about it? 

You may have spotted modal in your favourite activewear brand’s new collection, or even in the sheets and pillowcases of a bedding brand, and it has rapidly increased in popularity within sustainable brands. Known for its silky-smooth texture and being incredibly lightweight, modal has the versatility brands crave, and a sustainable accreditation to go with it only makes it more desirable. But it’s worth having a more in-depth look at modal to determine what the true sustainability factors are, and what is simply greenwashing.

When we’re deciding if an item of clothing is sustainable or not, we need to know what fabric it’s made of, what goes into making that fabric, and whether it’s been produced ethically. Being informed on the facts behind our fabrics helps us make better decisions when we shop, so let’s get to know modal a bit better!

The science behind the fabric

Modal was first developed in Japan in 1951 but was then produced by an Austrian company called Lenzing Fibers (now Lenzing) in 1964. The fabric belongs to the “rayon” family and is considered an upgrade to the fabric “viscose”. Originally, modal was developed in order to refine viscose by imitating the properties of cotton. Modal is known as a semi-natural fiber, as the original source it is made from is beech trees, but the process of turning the wood pulp into yarn requires chemicals. Because of this combination, modal fibers are also called “regenerated cellulosic” fibers.

The process of creating modal requires the harvesting of beech trees, which are then turned into small chips and then purified to extract their cellulose content. This cellulose is formed into sheets and immersed in vats of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide before being broken down again and forced through a ‘spinneret’ to create fibers. These fibers are then woven together to make the modal fabric, which can be used on its own or in a textile blend with other materials like cotton. 

In 1977, Lenzing invented a process of bleaching the wood pulp in a more environmentally friendly way. Today, Lenzing’s modal is made of wood pulp sourced from beech trees which are harvested in sustainable forests under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). 

Where do you find modal? 

To this day, the largest producer of modal fabric worldwide is still Lenzing, which is based in Europe but has factories all over the world, with some of their biggest modal fabric factories being in China. A variety of other companies also make modal rayon, and most of these companies are based in China, which is why China is now the world’s largest exporter of modal. 

Originally, the fabric was used to create scarves as it was thought of as the perfect alternative to silk. Now modal is mostly used in underwear, nightwear, sportswear, t-shirts, and even bedding. In clothing modal is often used as an alternative to cotton or silk, as it has the same lightweight and breathable feel. Many sustainable brands have opted to use modal in their products as it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to viscose, and it can be marketed as a ‘plant-based material’. 

In terms of the benefits of using modal as a fabric for clothes, the list is pretty long. Modal is stretchy, soft, breathable, water absorbent, durable, drapes well, doesn’t pill, color fast, shrink-resistant, doesn't crease, and is biodegradable. It’s no wonder that sustainable fashion designers were keen to start using this fabric in their collections! 

You’ll often see that modal is blended with other fibers like cotton and spandex for added strength. Modal is considered a luxurious textile due to both its soft feel and high cost, as it is more expensive than either cotton or viscose. For this reason it is often favoured by more high-end designers, adding to the luxury appeal of their brand. 

Sustainable brands across the world have also adopted the use of sustainably-produced modals within their collections, such as Amour Vert, TAMGA Designs, and Whimsy and Row.

What makes modal unsustainable?

There has been confusion over whether or not modal could be classed as a sustainable material. At a basic level, modal is made from trees which would suggest that, if sourced from sustainably-managed forests, it would be an eco-friendly material. However, the chemicals and processes involved to turn the wood chips into fibers have caused people to question it’s sustainability accreditations.

Forests

The main raw material for producing modal is wood from beech and softwood trees. However, due to the rise in popularity of modal, we’ve seen an increase in unregulated production, which has added to the global issue of deforestation. In a report by Canopy Planet, several producers of modal were sourcing trees from ancient or endangered forests. The Rainforest Action Network even ran a global campaign called ‘Out of Fashion’ to pressure fashion brands away from their use of unsustainable modal, rayon and viscose.

As with any material created from trees, there needs to be external audits carried out and certifications awarded to suppliers and brands who are following the appropriate guidelines to ensure sustainability. It can be incredibly difficult to trace back materials to their original source, so transparent supply chains are also crucial in sustainable modal production.

Chemicals 

Another common objection to modal is the use of several chemicals involved in processing the fiber. Modal requires many toxic chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and carbon disulfide. The latter is a well-known neurotoxin that can enter the water or air through the processing of modal if it’s not manufactured in a closed-loop process. This then affects wildlife, aquatic life and humans, who can experience critical medical problems ranging from liver damage, blindness and even death. 

Image: Amour Vert

Can modal be sustainable?

While there are unsustainable fiber producers, not all modal is created equal. Lenzing currently produces the most sustainable modal called TENCEL Modal®. They operate under a global certification system and have developed environmental processes for their modal, which are not currently commercially available to others. Lenzing’s technologies are less-toxic and have a high rate of recovery for process ingredients, meaning fewer chemicals end up being wasted. They also source their trees from PEFC or FSC accredited forests which have sustainably managed beech tree plantations. The environmental footprint of TENCEL Modal® is carbon-neutral, requires much less land per tonne than cotton fibers, and requires 10-20 times less water than cotton does. 

To be clear, Tencel is a brand name that produces certain types of modal and lyocell. Check out our guide to Tencel and some of our favorite brands that use it!

Micromodal is a more recent version of modal that is even more lightweight and soft, rivaling even the highest quality of silk. In addition, it is considered to be more environmentally friendly than modal as it is highly homogenous, with only one company currently producing micromodal. Micromodal also requires far lesser concentrations of caustic soda during the processing of the fiber. 

Sustainable modal production should encompass, at minimum, these main aspects:

• Closed loop production. This means any chemical used once in the process is not discarded in the environment, and is instead reused. The only small amount that is discharged is also non-hazardous. Many rayon manufacturers have started to use “chemical scrubbers” or machines to trap the chemicals before they make their way into the ecosystem, further reducing harm. 

• Sustainably-sourced wood. Sustainable modal should be made of wood pulp sourced from beech trees which are harvested in sustainable forests.

• Low water consumption. Modal requires a surprisingly low consumption of water during its production. Compared to cotton, its water consumption is about 20 times less. This means the Modal’s carbon footprint is also much less than other fabrics. 

• Biodegradable status. Although semi-synthetic, modal fiber is completely biodegradable. The production chemicals that are used are also biodegradable.

Sustainable alternatives to modal

If you can’t find TENCEL Modal®, there are other sustainable alternatives to look out for if you’re after something with a similar weight or feel to modal. 

TENCEL™ Lyocell is a more sustainable alternative to modal as it is a completely organic form of rayon. It is made using an organic solution that replaces the sodium hydroxide used in modal production. 

According to the ‘Environmental Benchmark for Fibres’ from materials experts Made-By, there are several materials that are classed as more sustainable than modal. These include organic hemp, organic linen, recycled wool and recycled cotton. Depending on these fabrics' thread count, they could be perfect alternatives to modal. 

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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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Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands

Spending time in nature is such a special way to remind ourselves of the beauty of this planet, and our responsibility to care for it and those living on it. That being said, many of the clothes that make spending time in the great outdoors more comfortable can often be harmful to the planet, as well as the people who made them, and animals. Luckily, there are some excellent sustainable outdoor clothing brands.

What makes outdoor clothing unsustainable?

Synthetic Fibers

The clothes that are made to keep us comfortable outside are often made of both virgin synthetic material and animal-derived materials. If we start with synthetics, here’s what we know: virgin synthetic fibers used to make leggings, rain jackets, coats and thermals, as well as winter warmers like fleeces, are made from plastic. 

In fact, about 60% of clothes made today are made from petroleum. Even before we talk about what this means when it comes to washing our clothes, this is a problem. These synthetic, petroleum-based materials fund the incredibly environmentally harmful mining industry. In 2015 alone, more than 330 million barrels of oil were used to make cheap nylon, polyester, acrylic and other synthetic fibers. So when we talk about the need to move away from fossil fuels for the sake of the climate, that means in the fashion industry, too.

Synthetics are an issue too, because they shed non-biodegradable, plastic microfibers into the waterways, and ultimately the ocean, when we wash them. 

Animal-derived materials

When it comes to animal-derived materials like wool, leather and down used in thermals, jackets, coats and accessories, environmental issues are also largely tied up in climate impact and greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations says that the farming of animals is one of today’s most serious environmental problems, requiring urgent action. Animal-derived materials are the most harmful to our climate, according to the best available data.

This is not only due to the fact that farmed animals and their waste release methane into the atmosphere, but because animal agriculture is land-intensive, requiring more land to be cleared to produce less material than could be made with plant-based, recycled, bio-based or in the future, lab-grown materials. When we clear land, we release carbon, and we also stop carbon from being sequestered (soaked in and stored) by the vegetation that could have been growing there.

Mass Production

The last thing to consider around sustainability in the realm of outdoor clothing is mass production. Brands that are producing endless amounts of clothing – no matter what they are made of – aren’t sustainable, as 33% of clothing made every year is sent unsold, directly to landfill. Here, clothes break down, releasing more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

What makes outdoor clothing unethical?

When we think about outdoor clothing that is sustainable, we also need to consider the ethics of how they are made – because we can’t sustain the unjust treatment of garment workers, or the exploitation of animals in fashion. 

Some outdoor brands continue to use even the most controversial animal-derived materials, like fur, to line their coats and jackets, while materials like down and wool are far more common. These materials are all made in industries which harm and ultimately kill animals – even wool, despite common misperception. 

Many outdoor clothing brands also use unjust and exploitative labor. Around the world, just 2% of garment workers are paid a living wage that covers their basic needs like food, clean water, shelter and medical care. Garment workers are also often made to work in unsafe conditions, and in a workforce made up largely of women of colour, unfortunately incidences of harassment and assault are common, too. It’s important we consider not only what our outdoor clothes are made of, but who made them.

Luckily, there are plenty of excellent outdoor clothing brands that consider and respect the planet, and everyone living on it! Below are some of the clothing brands that we love most for when we need some great clothes to suit the great outdoors.

Outdoor clothing brands we love:

1) Patagonia

Patagonia is one of those brands almost everyone knows of, and for good reason. The brand, which offers a wide range of outdoor clothing and gear, has long been a trailblazer for the sustainable and ethical fashion movement.

Having written a living wage standard into their code of conduct for the sake of garment workers, and using recycled and organic materials, including many which are clearly labelled to be animal-free, Patagonia has great options. Some of their quilted jackets are filled with PrimaLoft, the most sustainable, recycled jacket filling available, while many of their Fair Trade fleeces are made of recycled materials, too.

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2) Apricoat

Apricoat loves the planet, and knows you do too, offering stylish, sustainable and functional gear for any and every adventure. All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), and meets the fair labor factory certifications. The community based brand offers more of the most innovative adventure gear yet.

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3) Outerknown

Pro surfer Kelly Slater is behind this Fair Labor Association accredited brand which makes garments that 90% of the time, are made of recycled, organic and ‘regenerative’ materials.

The brand, which has lots of animal-free and sustainable options, has fleeces, rain jackets, activewear like leggings, joggers and shorts, and a bunch of other great garments.

Plus, the company works with three partners that are certified through Fair Trade USA.

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4) Ecoalf

This brand caters to people of all genders, and children, too! The brand uses a whole range of sustainable materials like those made from recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets and tires, as well as recycled cotton, nylon and more. Talk about champion recyclers! 

This brand labels which of their garments are vegan, has certifications to show their social responsibility and safe work environment for garment workers, and is all round cool. We particularly love their range of 100% recycled puffer jackets, and comfortable basics.

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5) Embassy of Bricks & Logs

This brand offers a range of quilted jackets, raincoats, and basics.

The brand, which offers feminine and masculine styles, prides themselves on producing ‘premium ethical attire’. 

Designing for longevity with recycled, organic and other more sustainable, animal-free materials. Made ethically across small factories in China and Germany, this brand is dedicated to continually becoming more transparent and fair.

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6) Save the Duck

Using recycled and innovative materials, this brand has created advanced outdoor clothing that has seen the top of Mount Everest.

A certified B-Corp, this ethical, animal-free and sustainable brand is ticking all the boxes.

The brand offers clothes for men, women and children, like rain jackets, puffer jackets, ‘athleisure’ and more.

In 2019, PETA awarded them the Company of the Year!

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7) Finisterre

Finisterre is a pioneering, sustainable outdoor brand, built to inspire a love of the sea and anchored in exceptional product.’

This brand is B-Corp certified, and extremely transparent about their ethical manufacturing processes. 

Using lots of great materials worth looking for in their collection like Tencel, organic and recycled cotton, hemp, and recycled synthetics, the brand makes base layers, basics, rain jackets, puffers, beanies and more.

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About the Author
Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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

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