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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.

The Best Clean & Sustainable Skincare Brands in 2023

Are you looking to switch your skincare routine to an organic, natural line?

I’ve spent several years trying many different skincare brands, and these have so far been my favorite. Several of these lines are organic and vegan, and made with sustainable ingredients created to nourish your skin in the best ways possible. I don’t like to start my day or go to bed without using at least one of these products from the listed beauty brands. Not only do I look for non-toxic ingredients, but I also prefer the packaging to be sustainable. Many of these brands use easy-to-recycle packaging, and a few have refillable, zero-waste skincare options. After switching to a more organic skincare regimen, my skin has never felt better, and I hope you enjoy it, too!

Why Should You Choose a clean Skincare Brand?

When shopping for skincare today, many conventional brands use numerous synthetic ingredients that harm humans and the planet. Because the beauty industry is largely unregulated, companies have been allowed to use thousands of harmful ingredients for years without any consequences. Why does this matter? Because these ingredients have been linked to cancer, respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and numerous disorders. What we put on our skin is directly absorbed by our bodies, so prioritizing sustainable products is important.

You can read more about Clean Beauty here and what common toxic ingredients you find today.

What Is Organic Skincare?

Organic means that something was grown without toxic pesticides, chemicals, or artificial fertilizers. If a brand claims to be organic, look for organic certification or transparency on where and how its organic ingredients were sourced. 

What is Non-Toxic Skincare?

This essentially means none of the ingredients included have been proven to cause harmful responses in humans. To verify this, check the ingredients list and research anything you don’t recognize. 

What is Sustainable Skincare?

Sustainable products do not harm people or the environment. Sustainable brands will be as transparent about their ingredients are they are about how and who manufactures their products. They should disclose the working conditions of their employees, including the farmers who source their ingredients. It is the most comprehensive ‘clean’ skincare term because it cares about people and the planet. 

our top picks for Clean & sustainable skincare:

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1. Activist Skincare

Featured Ingredients: Antioxidants, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Peptides, Organic Hydrosols, Panthenol, MSM, and More

Price: $18-68 (refills are 10% off)

This high-performance, refillable skincare line gives you the effective active ingredients and results you expect from clinical products without compromising sustainability. All of Activist’s products are available in eco-friendly glass containers and refill pouches, which reduce CO2 emissions by 99% and plastic waste by 75%. It’s also vegan & cruelty free, and Activist is a member of 1% for the Planet, too!

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2. Purity Woods

Featured Ingredients: Organic Extract of Maple Leaves, Vitamin C, Organic Mango Seed butter, Organic Camu Camu Fruit Extract, Organic Indian Gooseberry (Alma) Extract, Organic Astaxanthin Extract and more... 

Price: $64

Favorite Item: The Age-Defying Dream Cream

Purity Woods is one of today’s fastest-growing organic skincare companies. Its innovative products include nature's most effective plant-based ingredients -- many of them unique, such as maple leaf extracts -- to help you achieve your youngest-looking skin.  ALL Purity Woods' products are Certified USDA Organic, a strict independent certification that ensures they're all truly free of synthetic and potentially toxic ingredients

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3. F. Miller

Featured Ingredients: Bladderwrack, Sacha Inchi, Centella Asiatica, Camellia, Calendula, Tamanu, Rose Hydrosol, Aloe Vera, Nettle

Price: $50-98

F. Miller is hands down one of my favorite skincare lines. My face has felt exceptionally smooth and vibrant since starting this skincare routine a few weeks ago. Not to mention, it smells SO good! I recommend purchasing their Necessity Kit as an excellent starter to feel the brand out for yourself.

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4. Plaine Products

Featured Ingredients: Aloe, Vitamin C, Safflower, Shea, Rosewood, Green Tea

Price: $13-25

Plaine Products is a vegan company (now also B Corp Certified) eager to combat plastic pollution by offering eco-friendly, zero-waste skincare in refillable tubes. Their products are also biodegradable, Non-GMO, and palm-oil free. You can sign up for their subscription plan for 10% off each order. Choose the no-pump option on future orders to keep your purchases entirely plastic-free.

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5. Attitude

Featured Ingredients: Vitamin C, Phytoglycogen, Canadian dulse, Peptides, Watercress, Shae Butter, Bladderwrack

Price: $10-45

Attitude is the first complete line of solid, plastic-free and EWG VERIFIED™ skincare! If you’re looking for zero-waste skincare that is both vegan and cruelty-free, this will be your new favorite.

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6. Yina

Modern Beauty. Powered by Chinese Medicine.

Featured Ingredients: Chinese Medicinal Herbs

Price: $20-65

Favorite Item: Essential Mist

Yina’s effective formulas are developed by
Doctors of Chinese Medicine made from sustainably-harvested plants and compostable bio-cellulose. They are never tested on animals and have 21 days of fermentation for higher
efficacy and potency.

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7. 100% Pure

Featured Ingredients: Fruit, Veggies, Tea & Cocoa

Price: $6-60

Favorite Item: Bright Eyes Masks

Like the name says, all 100% PURE™ formulations have strict purity standards and will never contain harsh or toxic ingredients. I’ve loved every product I have tried from them - this matcha one sounds lovely - but their Bright Eyes Masks have been a favorite. I don’t use them often because of the packaging, but the masks are compostable!

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8. Indie Lee

Featured Ingredients: Avocado, Rose, Coconut, Chamomile, Cucumber, Daisy, Jasmine

Price: $16-80

Favorite Item: Retinol Alternative Cream

From cleansers to moisturizers, Indie Lee has everything you may need when looking for natural, eco-friendly skincare products. They always formulate without 1,300+ Banned Ingredients. The brand also offers carbon-neutral shipping, and it even takes your empties back so that they can get recycled!

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9. ACURE

Featured Ingredients: Argan, Rosehip & Hemp Oil

Price: $7-20

Best Seller: Radically Rejuvenating Retinoid Night Complex Face Treatment

ACURE sources the highest quality ingredients for your skin so you can feel confident there are no parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, mineral oil or animal testing! What we also love about this brand is its accessibility. You can find them at your local Target!

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10. Oil Divine

Featured Ingredients: Baobab Oil, Castor Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Brahmi Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil

Price: $34-185

Oil Divine is a skincare brand focusing only on vegan, clean, organic, and cruelty-free products. All products are made of high-quality bioactive ingredients sustainably sourced from wild plants or organic farming. The company minimized the use of plastic and only chose highly recyclable packaging like glass and FSC cardboard packaging.

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use code CHIC for 10% off your purchase

11. Grace & Stella

Featured Ingredients: Vegan List

Price: $18-36

Favorite Item: Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Grace & Stella specializes in vegan and cruelty-free beauty products with no sulfates or parabens. Instead, they pack their products with natural feel-good ingredients such as lavender, rose, and chamomile! If your eyes require a wake-up call, we suggest trying their If Eyes Could Smile Cream Eye Cream. The brightening and moisturizing eye cream is exactly as described, working to effectively combat puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles!

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12. OSEA

Featured Ingredient: Seaweed

Price: $18-108

Favorite Item: Advanced Protection Cream

Depending on which type of seaweed is added, it can help moisturize, tone, and fight against aging, and every product I’ve used has left my skin feeling rejuvenated and fresh!

Their Advanced Protection Cream is definitely worth a try - my face feels so soft when using this product.

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13. Organic Skin Co.

Featured Ingredients: Honeysuckle, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Pomegranate, Organic Oils

Price: $29-39

Favorite Item: The Good Oil

The Organic Skin Co. (TOSC) is at the forefront of the movement towards high-performing, regenerative skincare. Focused on natural beauty that delivers from every angle, TOSC creates synergistically blended products that care for your skin and our planet. It fuses high-tech science (it’s a world leader in the use of revolutionary supercritical CO2 extracts), with pure organic ingredients, and next-gen sustainable packaging.

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14. Agent Nateur

Featured Ingredients: Daisy Flower Extract, Date Seed Extract, Dragon Fruit Extract

Price: $21-120

Best Seller: Holi (oil) Ageless Face Serum

This brand believes beauty regimens should be a luxurious renewing experience for your skin. They focus on quality & efficacy, and all Agent Nateur products are organic, non-GMO, cruelty free and backed by science for natural healthy lifestyles.

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15. Herbivore

Featured Ingredients: Rosewater, plant-based AHAs and Willow Bark BHA, Papaya, Pineapple

Price: $12-88

Best Seller: PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser

Herbivore believes in the power of nature and and uses only natural ingredients, plant-based food-grade cold-pressed oils, steam distilled therapeutic-grade essential oils, GMO free soy wax, recyclable and reusable packaging, many certified organic ingredients.

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16. Josh Rosebrook

Featured Ingredients: Cacao Fruit Powder, Green Tea Flower Extract, Calendula Extract

Price: $22-165

Favorite Item: Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30

A California-based brand, Josh Rosebrook is a results-driven, plant-based skin and hair care line led by green science, nature, and sustainability. All of their ingredients are thought-fully sourced and effective. Their day cream is amazing and comes with SPF!

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17. REN Skincare

Featured Ingredients: Willow Bark Extract, Mandarin Peel Oil, Orange Flower Oil, Grapefruit Peel Oil

Price: $20-86

Best Seller: Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

From moisturizers to shampoos, to serums to toners, REN Skincare has everything you may need for your everyday skincare routine! The use ingredients that work with your skin, without causing irritation all from sustainable sources and they use recycled plastic packaging.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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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 add brands & products we truly believe in. Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make the fashion industry a better place!

Cork & Sustainability

When I think cork, I think wine, and I bet it’s not just me. But have you ever thought of cork outside of working it out of your way to enjoy a nice glass of red? Have you thought of where it goes after you finish that bottle? Or where it comes from? It turns out cork is actually *super* cool and equally as sustainable. This natural material is a powerhouse, a master of all trades, an overachiever. So, pop that cork and pour yourself a glass, and settle in for a little lesson on what cork has done for humanity.

What is Cork?

First of all, we gotta know what cork is, exactly. Cork is an extremely versatile, naturally occurring material that actually comes from a tree, specifically the outer bark of a mature cork oak. These cork oak forests, which are commonly found in theMediterranean, are important parts of the economic and environmental ecosystems they exist within. According to Amorim Cork Composites, “over 200 animal species and 135 plant species find ideal conditions for survival in the cork oak forest.” In addition to supporting such a biodiverse environment, the cork oak forests also absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and protect against soil erosion and fire hazards since it’s such a low-combustible material. 

Portugal, which hosts the largest amount of cork oak forests in the world and is responsible for half of the world’s cork production, has hundreds of companies that are directly linked to the forests. There are a plethora of ways these businesses rely on the cork oak forest, whether they are in charge of harvesting, storing, processing, or using the cork, or working with other aspects of the forest, like ecotourism. These forests have been creating and sustaining thousands of jobs for people for many, many years. 

How is cork made?

So how exactly does cork go from tree bark to a wine cork? It’s quite fascinating, actually. The outer layer of bark is stripped multiple times over the course of decades, and each time a layer is removed, a different cork product is created. The first removal results in “virgin cork” and only occurs after the tree has fully matured, which takes about 25 years. The second stripping results in “secunderia cork”. These two products are then used in a variety of ways, from insulation for housing to items in the fashion industry. Finally, after nearly fifty years, the third removal results in the highest quality of cork, “amadia cork” which you’re most familiar with as wine stoppers.  

Each harvest occurs every nine years or so during the spring to summer months, when the tree is experiencing the most growth. A cork tree is never cut down during harvest, so harvesting during its growth season ensures that the tree isn’t harmed, so it can continue maturing and producing cork for years to come. As we, as a society, are increasingly searching for sustainable alternatives, it’s important to look at the whole picture of how these products are created and how they play different roles within our lives.

What can cork do (or is the better question, what *can’t* it do?)

Cork works wonders at insulating due to the tiny bits of air within each cell. And we’re not just talking about typical insulation like you would think of in a home. Cork has gone to *space*, insulating rockets and spaceships since the 1960s! It’s also used for acoustic and thermal insulation and vibration absorption all across the construction industry - from flooring to boats to railways to skyscrapers. 

The air in each cell also lends elasticity to the material that others lack, which makes it extremely lightweight but also durable and able to withstand high amounts of pressure and temperature. This durability can help it extend the life of other machines, like car engines and electrical power plants; technology that mixes cork with other materials, like rubber, has led to massive improvements across multiple industries. Its superstar composition doesn't stop there; because of cork’s non-absorptive properties, it is mold-resistant and hypo-allergenic, which means it can stand the test of time since it doesn’t deteriorate as quickly as other materials.  

On the other side of the coin, cork is also consumer-friendly! Yoga blocks, chairs, fruit bowls, wallpaper, shoes - cork can do it all! We also consume cork products when watching movies, believe it or not! Props made of cork are lightweight and easy to move around or, you know, blow up in action scenes!This natural material is taking the consumer industry by storm as more and more people recognize that its versatility doesn’t sacrifice its sustainability. 

Why cork deserves to be in your life (and probably already is!)

Cork is an incredibly sustainable product in and of itself. In addition to that, it can also benefit your health and home. Since it’s a non-absorptive, hypoallergenic, heat/fire-resistant material, it can bring peace of mind into your home. Installing cork flooring or insulation in your home could not only benefit the environment but end up protecting you and your property for much longer than other alternatives.

On a lighter note, although there hasn’t been extensive research done, studies have found that cork wine-stoppers have imparted antioxidant benefits into wine. Cheers to that, and hopefully some more research!

Around your house, cork should always be welcome and easy to incorporate. It’s biodegradable, recyclable, and backyard-compostable. A triple threat, if you will! If you’re looking to recycle your cork within the U.S.A., check out ReCORK’s website. Along with tons of info about cork, they also have cork recycling locations available to search.

Since it is such a versatile product, cork can be used in a multitude of different ways in your daily life. You could wake up and walk along your cork insulated floors. You could slip on your sneakers with cork insoles. You could grab your cork wristlet on your way out the door. You could drive to the market and have your car engine being supported by cork. You could pick up a bottle of wine with a cork that supports cork farmers in Portugal. You could go to a yoga mat and use your cork mat and cork roller. Then head home and not need to turn on your heater/a/c because your walls are more temperature regulated due to the cork insulation. You could pour yourself a glass of wine and not even consciously think about how incorporated cork already is in your life-What a subtle little sustainable powerhouse. 

So cork is awesome, but is it too good to be true? Is there something we haven’t told you that will ruin cork forever? Short answer: no. Pinch yourself all you want; cork is cool! And for anyone worrying about the cork oak trees, wondering if they should just be left to their own devices, they actually are able to help their surrounding environment more after each harvesting process. According to a 2005 study by Luis Gil that Tiny Eco Home Life covered, it was “found that a harvested cork oak tree absorbs three to five times more CO2 than one that is not harvested.” And to repeat this very important fact: cork oak trees are NOT cut down to harvest the cork. Most trees live over 300 years, providing for people and the planet the whole time.

As this product becomes more and more popular with the trend toward sustainable alternatives, it will be increasingly easy to incorporate this super product into your daily life. 

Our Favorite Sustainable Cork brands & products

Svala

This sustainable handbag brand uses cork to create totes, backpacks, purses, and wallets. You may be relatively familiar with their Pinatex (pineapple leather) handbags we showcase on Sustainably Chic, and their cork products are just as lovely and of high quality. What we love about a cork handbag is that it can literally go with any outfit. It’s that perfect neutral color.

EarthHero

This sustainable online marketplace is home to several cork products. You can find cork yoga mats (like the one pictured here), pens for the office, desk mats, coasters, and even cork massage balls. It’s great to have one place to go to find many different sustainable cork products under one roof, so be sure to check it out from time to time to see if anything new has been added!

Made Trade

Another wonderful stop to make for all things cork. Made Trade is one of the best destinations for sustainable fashion and home decor. You can easily shop your values, and their aesthetic is worth checking out. We’ve linked up the cork products for you, and they have a ton for you to choose from. These adorable recycled bamboo storage jars are just one of the exciting cork products!

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Conclusion

I’m so glad that I stopped for a moment and thought past the wine stopper. That curiosity about cork has been sated, and in its place rests a deep appreciation for this natural product and all it’s done and will do in the future. Mother Nature really thinks of everything, doesn’t she?

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Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com

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sustainable & eco-friendly school supplies and back-to-school tips

Whether you are a college student or have kids that are in school, back-to-school shopping can be exciting. But it can also become stressful and overwhelming when you don’t know where to start and what items to buy. Stores have such a large selection for anything and everything we or our kids might need! 

It can be even more complicated to purchase school supplies if you’re trying to do it more sustainably. Yet, it is so important! Back-to-school shopping can be very wasteful if we over-consume and buy things that aren’t safe for the environment, nor our kids’ health. 

Whether you are homeschooling or sending your kids back to school, you have the power to make more sustainable choices while shopping for school supplies. 

This guide will help you make better buying decisions and choose more eco-friendly products. It will give you tips and tricks to have a successful and sustainable back-to-school season! 

3 simple steps for a sustainable back-to-school 

While shopping for school supplies, do your own research to make sure you are buying eco-friendly products, in a sustainable way. Ask yourself: What school supplies do my children really need? What do we already have? How can I buy them more sustainably? What products are more eco-friendly?

1) Reuse school supplies from last year

The most sustainable thing you can do for the back-to-school season is reusing all the school supplies you already have at home from last year. From pens and pencils, to backpacks and pencil cases, your kids probably didn’t use up everything you bought for them last year. 

Reusing what you already have ensures that those old supplies won’t go to waste, and you won’t need to buy as many things as you think you need. In short, you will save a lot of waste and money! 

When we buy school supplies, like pens or pencils, they often come in a pack of 10 or more, which is plenty to last a school year. So check if you still have supplies and backpacks left from last year! You could also go through half-used notebooks, remove used pages, and there you have a “new” notebook for this year! 

I always keep a bin at home where I store all my extra stationery and office supplies. That way, when I need a new pen or notebook, I first check in the box before heading to the store. 

2) Get your school supplies second-hand

If your kids used up some of their school supplies, you could look for new supplies second-hand. Look online on Facebook Marketplace if someone is selling their stationery and office supplies in your area. Buy Nothing groups are another amazing resource where parents might be giving away backpacks, school essentials and kids’ clothing for free.

Or ask around to see if your friends and family have any office and school supplies that they do not need anymore. People usually accumulate so many office supplies, and they would probably happily let your kids have them! 

3) Buy more sustainable options

It’s difficult to be 100% sustainable when it comes to buying school supplies. But some are definitely a lot better than others, so try to opt for the most sustainable options and support eco-friendly brands. 

For instance, look for products made from more natural materials. Some eco-friendly materials for school supplies are metal, wood, or recycled plastic. In general, try to avoid things made from virgin plastic, and reusable options should be your go-to. 

Do not forget that quality is very important! Poor-quality supplies break easily, and you will need to repurchase them more regularly. It is especially true when it comes to backpacks! Cheaply-made backpacks won’t last more than a year, so get a high-quality and timeless backpack that your kids will be able to wear for years to come. 

Last but not least, don’t overbuy school supplies. Try not to buy supplies that your children won’t need, or supplies in too large quantities. Remember that if your children need something during the year and you don’t have any more of it in your home, you will easily find it at the store or online. 

Sustainable school supplies and other essentials:

1) Backpacks

When looking for new backpacks, consider investing in high-quality ones that your kids will be able to wear for several school years. Make sure that your children truly love their new backpacks, so that they’ll be more likely to take care of them and want to use them for a long time. 

There are so many great sustainable brands making eco-friendly backpacks! If your children are in middle or high school, or if you’re a college student and looking for a bookbag, here are some suggestions for you: 

• Gala backpack from Allégorie: This backpack is made from apple peels and other plant-based materials. It is so cool! It’s available in pink and black, and has many interior and exterior pockets, including a laptop sleeve. We have an entire blog post about this awesome brand on Sustainably Chic, so go check it out!

• Refugio backpack from Patagonia: It is the perfect backpack for everyday activities, including school! Made from recycled nylon and recycled polyester, it features two main compartments and an external stash pocket. 

 If your children are younger, have a look at the following backpacks. Besides being eco-friendly, they’re all super cute! 

• Zem Mini backpack from Terra Thread: Available in multiple colors, this backpack is  made from organic cotton and entirely carbon neutral. Each purchase helps support Feeding America, which donates meals to kids and families in need. The brand is also a B Corporation!

• Brick Wall Heritage backpack from LEGO Bags: Made using recycled polyester, buying this backpack means that you are diverting 13 plastic bottles from landfills. It is functional and has ergonomically padded shoulder straps for extra comfort. 

• Joyride Roll Top backpack from Green Guru: This colorful backpack is made using upcycled nylon fabric and street signs scraps. It is handmade in the USA by a B Corporation. 

This selection of backpacks should help you choose more sustainable and ethical options for your kids (or yourself). The great thing is that all of them are also great for everyday wear and short trips! 

2) School supplies

You can probably find more sustainable school supplies at your local store. There are more and more options available for people who want to reduce their environmental impact! 

However, if you want to have a larger selection of eco-friendly supplies, Earth Hero is the perfect website for you! Earth Hero is an ethical and sustainable online marketplace where you can find everything from clothing and home goods, to tech and office supplies. It is like a green Amazon! All the products available on Earth Hero are sustainable, and you have a huge quantity of products to choose from!

On Sustainable Chic, we already have an entire blog post about eco-friendly office supplies from EarthHero. But here are some additional sustainable supplies that will be perfect for back-to-school! 

• Pencil Cases: Pencil cases are often made using synthetic materials, which is not ideal in terms of sustainability. Terra Thread has a great pencil case made in a Fair Trade certified factory from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. The style is timeless, so your kids will be able to use it for years. Plus, Terra Thread is carbon-neutral and a certified B Corporation! 

• Pencils: If you’re looking for pencils, these plantable graphite pencils are for you! They’re made from FSC-certified wood with a natural clay and graphite core, and it has a biodegradable stub end that contains seeds. That way, once your kids are done with them, you can plant them and grow a plant! 

• Pens: There are many eco-friendly options for pens! You could choose a plant-based pen, like this retractable pen made from wheat straw, or a recycled plastic pen. Even better, consider buying a refillable pen, because you will only need to dispose of the ink cartridge instead of the whole pen. I recommend looking through these bamboo ones, or get your kids a classic fountain pen. 

• Notebooks: Year after year, your kids probably use tons of notebooks, so it’s crucial to buy greener ones! Those made from recycled paper or hemp paper are great! Earth Hero sells a notebook with sugarcane paper, which is made from leftover sugarcane pulp. How cool is that?! It requires no bleach, and less energy and water to produce it compared to regular paper. We also have this dedicated guide to sustainable notebooks and planners to check out here.

• Glue: It is so important to get a more sustainable glue for your kids! Conventional glue is bad for their health and the environment, and who knows exactly what is in them? That’s why you should consider getting plant-based glues for your children. This one has non-toxic ingredients, utilizing plants instead of harmful chemicals!

• Art Supplies: These colored pencils made from recycled newspapers will be perfect for your children’s art classes! Also, do not forget to get them these natural watercolor paints: they’re non-toxic and come in a metal tin with a wood paintbrush. For younger kids, I recommend these crayons made from responsibly sourced beeswax using food-grade pigments. They’re easy to hold, ideal for smaller hands! 

• Rulers & Math Tools: Buying a ruler and triangle made from recycled plastic can be a great option for you. My personal favorites are wooden ones; I find that they’re a lot more durable! Earth Hero sells an awesome math set with a ruler, a triangle and a protractor, all made of bamboo. It also includes a metal compass, a wooden pencil sharpener and a non-toxic eraser. 

• A Few Other Essentials: I love that Earth Hero sells so many recycled products! Their eraser is made from recycled rubber to minimize virgin resource extraction. Your kids may also need these recycled plastic scissors, or these highlighters made from recycled water bottles. You can find so many other school supplies on the website, so have a look to get exactly what your children need! 

3) To-go lunch

If you are preparing to-go lunches for your kids to eat at school, you can make small, yet powerful, changes to make things more sustainable. You can easily avoid single-use plastic, swap all the disposable products your kids are using, and replace them with reusable options. 

My favorite swap, and probably the one that will make you save the most money, is to invest in a stainless steel water bottle for your children. Drinking out of a plastic bottle isn’t healthy, is expensive in the long run, and creates a lot of unnecessary waste. 

Another unhealthy item is plastic to-go containers. If your kids eat their lunch from plastic Tupperware, they risk ingesting harmful and toxic chemicals. Plus, plastic containers can break easily! That’s why I recommend that you get your children stainless steel to-go containers. They’re sturdy and 100% safe. 

Beeswax wraps and silicone bags are other practical swaps to pack sandwiches or snacks. Instead of disposable cutlery, your children could take utensils from home. But if you prefer them to have lighter options, reusable bamboo cutlery is great too! 

Do not forget to give them a few cloth napkins, because those always come in handy while eating. And if your kids need a new lunch bag, this one is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and is a great addition for them to have a plastic-free lunch. 

A final way you can make your kids’ lunches more sustainable is to cook them homemade meals with local and organic food, if that’s possible for you. 

4) Clothing

Whether you are a student yourself or have kids going back to school soon, you may need to buy a few new clothing pieces for back-to-school. It is especially true if you have younger kids, because they can grow so much in just a few months! It means that last year’s clothing might not fit them anymore, and you need to supplement with extra clothes.

When buying new clothing, opt for natural materials over synthetics. Natural fabrics are breathable and do not shed microplastics when they’re being washed. Also, try to invest in high-quality pieces so that they do not wear out so quickly. 

You could look if you can find clothing second-hand. But if you can’t find what your kids need, consider buying from sustainable brands, like Pact, Ten Little or Mightly. On Sustainably Chic, we have various articles to help you with that! Check this blog post about the best sustainable kids clothing brands! We’ve also recently published a post for Sustainable Tween Fashion, and here is a post of Affordable Sustainable Fashion Brands your teens may like.

Other essentials

Back-to-school season means that you may need to buy books for your kids (or yourself, if you’re a student). The best way to shop for books is second-hand! You’ll save tons of money, and save trees at the same time! 

You can look on websites like eBay, go to a second-hand store, or borrow them from the library. If you’re a student, textbooks are often expensive, so buying them from older students is a great option. 

If you’re homeschooling your kids or studying from home, you will probably also need a computer. If you don’t have any yet, consider getting a refurbished one. Tech is so bad for the environment, so buying it used is the best thing you can do! Try to do the same with calculators and other school gadgets. 

Final thoughts

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be complicated, even if you’re trying to do it sustainably. So many eco-friendly supplies are available to us; we just need to make better choices!

Reuse school supplies from the previous year, and once you’ve made an inventory, you will know exactly what supplies you’ll need to buy. Second-hand is always the best option, but you cannot go wrong buying sustainably-made products or items from sustainable brands! 

Make sure to avoid overconsuming, and you’ll be ready for a successful and sustainable back-to-school!

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Meet the Contributor:

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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Image: Moth Oddities

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

ONLINE STORES FOR SECONDHAND SHOPPING

A sustainable closet looks different for everyone, and if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new sustainably made dress, shopping secondhand is your best alternative! 

Shopping Secondhand is the most inexpensive way to build a sustainable closet

One of the biggest complaints I receive from viewers is how expensive are sustainable fashion brands. Because these brands produce sustainable clothes with high ethical guidelines, they cannot offer their designs at the low prices you see in conventional fast fashion stores. People are finally being paid a fair wage, which makes sustainable fashion a little more pricey. While some brands have started offering payment plans, great sales, and lower price points, shopping secondhand is typically your best bet for higher deals on clothes. 

secondhand shopping is a great way to support climate mitigation 

Did you know that the average American throws out around 80 pounds of textile waste yearly? Many of us are familiar with the fashion industry being one of the most polluting in the world, so giving new life to clothes that may have ended up in landfill is such a fantastic thing to do.

Now, our favorite places to shop for secondhand clothing:

1) Flyp

For | Men & Women

Categories | Clothing, Bags, Shoes, Handbags, Accessories

Flyp is a dream app for those who want to sell pieces from their wardrobe but don’t have the time or energy to do it themselves. With Flyp, you just upload photos of your clothing, shoes, or accessories, and then professional sellers apply to sell them for you. They take care of the rest of the process, and you just pay them an agreed-upon commission!

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code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 5% off (minimum purchase of £20)

2) Green Heart Collective

For | Women

Categories | Clothing, Accessories

Green Heart Collective is a treasure trove for preloved fashion, with every item carefully hand-picked from sizes 6-32. Help keep clothes out of landfill by taking part in a circular model of buying secondhand instead of new. This UK-based social enterprise reinvests its profits into its mission to reduce waste to landfill, as well as working with local charities in the North East of England - so you can look good, feel good and do good with every purchase.

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3) M.M.LaFleur Second Act

For | Women

Categories | Workwear Clothing & Shoes

Almost a year ago, I wrote about how secondhand shopping is growing 21x faster than traditional retail and how many brands were starting to create their own pre-loved sites to keep their clothing in circulation rather than at the landfill. That’s why when M.M.LaFleur came on our radar, I knew this would be the perfect example to showcase on Sustainably Chic.

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4) Etsy

Stores to Check Out | Wayward Collection, Vaux Vintage, Downhouse

There are SO many vintage/secondhand stores on Etsy, and it’s a platform I’m sure many of us have used at some point.

I used to own an Etsy shop, and always loved how easy the platform was to shop and list goods. Etsy is also the first major online shopping destination to offset 100% of shipping carbon emissions.

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5) Wearwell

For | Women

Categories | Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry, & Home Goods

Wearwell is a sustainable fashion marketplace and membership platform (with lots of perks like a personal styling service!), but they also have a wearwellagain circularity initiative, too.

All you have to do is ship back your gently used wearwell pieces and then you get a discount on your future purchases. (The more pieces you send back, the bigger discount you get!) Then, they close the loop by offering affordable secondhand pieces on their site.

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6) Moth Oddities

For | Men & Women

Categories | Clothing, Accessories

This is Yana Pietras & Ian O'Neill, and they are the creators of Moth Oddities. I had the joy of meeting them a few years ago in Charleston, SC during their USA roadtrip. They were traveling all over the US, finding really great vintage pieces along the way. They have a great eye for fashion, and always some cute dress pops up in my feed that I feel like needs to be in my closet. And the prices are always great!

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7) Swap Society

For | Women & Kids

Categories | Clothing, Jewelry

The ultimate online clothing swap! For just a small monthly fee, you have access to one of the biggest clothing swaps in the world. Swap Society has 2 types of monthly memberships- LUXE & BASIC. The site works on a point system. When you send clothing in, a certain amount of points are awarded to you based on brand & quality of garment. With those points you are able to swap it for something of equal value.

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8) Worn Wear

For | Men, Women & Kids

Categories | Outdoor Apparel, Activewear

I just LOVE that Patagonia has a used store so you can shop their repaired and secondhand clothes at a discounted rate. And they have clothing for the entire family! It would be great if more sustainable brands would have a platform like this where you could trade in your old clothes or have clothes repaired so you can keep on loving them.

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9) Vestiaire Collective

For | Men & Women

Categories | Clothing, Bags, Watches, Jewelry

This online luxury thrift store has A LOT of secondhand categories and products to go through. Vestiaire Collective has over 25,000 new items submitted by their community of sellers every week, which enables buyers to search over 3,500 coveted and must have fashion pieces a day!! It’s an amazing collection.

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10) eBay

Stores to Check Out | vonvixenvtg, DowntownGenerations, ShannonMyIndi

This may be an obvious one, but Ebay really does have some of the best secondhand and vintage finds on the internet.

I will definitely be making a much bigger list of great eBay stores to shop in the future, but here are just a few cool ones I recently found. It’s fun to be able to bid on items, but the prices are usually always pretty good.

I also look for a lot of sustainable brands like Sezane and Christy Dawn to see if anyone has listed anything!

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11) Recurate

For | Shopify businesses to set up their own secondhand program

This idea is just too cool! A new startup called Recurate is making it easier than ever for sustainable brands to create their own secondhand shop. Being able to shop secondhand products we know are sustainably-made in the first place is like a double win! Recurate understands that secondhand shopping is growing 21x faster than traditional retail, and so many brands could benefit from this amazing concept. If you are a Shopify store, visit Recurate here, today, to learn more!!

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click - here - to find 10 more used clothing apps for secondhand shopping

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A Guide to Sustainable Tea & Five Sustainable Tea Brands to try

If you’re an avid tea drinker like me, your daily tea is a great place to make a difference in your sustainable habits. I enjoy iced matcha tea lattes in the mornings and usually prefer herbal or mint tea in the evenings to unwind. The way most people cherish their coffee breaks is how I savor my cups of tea. When I found out how problematic the tea industry can be I knew I needed to find brands that share the same values for people and the planet.

As the second most consumed beverage in the world and increasing commercialization due to demand, the tea industry has become filled with unsustainable practices like wasteful packaging, worker exploitation and environmental destruction. However, it doesn’t have to be this way and there are tea companies out there committed to a sustainable business model. To make it easier for my fellow tea and planet lovers, I did the research for you and put together a guide for what you need to know about sustainable tea consumption and some great companies to check out!  

image from The Tea Spot

What makes tea sustainable?

There are a lot of opportunities to make tea consumption more sustainable from the way tea leaves are grown and sourced to how they’re packaged. Many industrial tea companies use heavy machinery when harvesting tea and destroy the surrounding land in the process. Tea from organic tea leaves, grown without the use of pesticides, direct relationships with farmers and thoughtful packaging will be easy ways you can recognize more sustainable tea companies.

image from The Tea Spot

What to look for when shopping for sustainable tea?

There are four key values to keep in mind as you make your tea shopping more sustainable. Just by having conscious consideration to the sourcing, packaging,resources and ingredients can make a big difference.

While sourcing the high quality tea, look for companies with close relationships with their farmers. Direct sourcing, or close to it, will help you avoid industrially cultivated tea and be more traceable with their supply. It will also guarantee that what is being advertised is what actually makes it into your tea and not just a strategically marketed product.

When looking at packaging, loose leaf tea decreases the carbon footprint considerably since it cuts out the production for tea bags and the need for individual product packaging. It also eliminates the need for string, staples, inks, and adhesives. Not to mention, loose leaf tea will be fresher and better quality. Look for tea packed in reusable and recyclable containers like tins or backyard compostable packaging.

The resources used to produce the tea like solar power, energy efficient buildings and carbon emission offset policies are all feasible ways companies can make their production more sustainable. Conscious companies will ensure the resources used to produce the tea do not destroy the environment in the process or pollute the nearby communities.

For the actual tea ingredients you want to look for loose leaf tea that is organic and fair trade. This will ensure your tea is made from high-quality ingredients and harvested by workers being paid a fair wage in a safe work environment. Choosing organic is important with tea because if any pesticides or herbicides are sprayed on the tea plants, the first time the leaves ever get washed will be when you steep the leaves in your cup. Those chemicals are not what you want to be drinking with your delicious tea. If you do not see the organic or fair trade label on the packaging, not all is lost. These certifications are not the end all be all, especially in the tea industry. Any company that shares these values will be transparent and proudly share about their production on their website. Keep reading for a list of companies I already researched for you.

image from Rare Tea Co.

What are some sustainable tea brands?

1) The Tea Spot

Why this company is great: Founder Maria Uspenski used loose leaf tea as part of her cancer recovery and created The Tea Spot to provide high quality tea to others. It is a B Corp certified company and they donate 10% of all profits to cancer survivors and wellness programs. In addition to their loose leaf tea selections, they also have individually packaged pyramid sachets. However, they are made with plant-based, compostable and biodegradable materials. Not all teas are organic but they are labeled so you know which is certified organic.

Teas To Try: Organic Lights Out, Organic Meditative Mind, Organic Clouds and Mist

2) Arbor Teas

Why this company is great: As a small family-owned business, Arbor Teas is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified while offering a wide selection of loose leaf teas. Their packaging is fully backyard compostable and they offset carbon emissions with CarbonFund.org. Their website is so comprehensive and transparent providing direct actions they take for sustainability from sourcing to shipment.

Teas To Try: Organic Dragon Well Green Tea, Organic Peach Rooibos, Organic Masala Chai Black Tea

3) Rare Tea

Why this company is great: Rare Tea is a small London-based company offering a variety of small-batched loose leaf teas that only works with fully sustainable farms. They pay the costs associated with having the tea checked for quality, which is usually the responsibility of the farm. This allows small farms that cannot afford or don’t have access to the organic or fair trade certification procedures the same opportunities as large industrialize farms Rare Tea even started their own Rare Charity, which re-invests a percentage of the revenue from Rare Tea sales into the education for young people connected to the Satemwa Tea Estate, a small farm in Malawi.

Teas To Try: Recovery Tea, Rare Nepalese Cherry Blossom, Chinese Iron Goddess Oolong

4) Rishi Tea

Why this company is great: Rishi Tea is an independently owned company that works directly with the farms they obtain their organic teas from. While they offer both loose leaf tea and tea in sachets, their sachets are plant-based and biodegradable making them more sustainable than most individually wrapped tea options.

Teas To Try: Chamomile Medley, Everyday Matcha, Earl Grey Supreme

5) Young Mountain Tea

Why this company is great: Young Mountain Tea works closely with Indian and Nepali communities to raise the quality of their tea. This empowers them to earn more and the formerly abandoned farms and unsafe fields are becoming areas with 90% women farmers achieving financial independence. Additionally, the packaging is high quality so it can be reused and repurposed to reduce waste. Most of their tea is organic certified.

Teas To Try: Organic Darjeeling Ruby Oolong, Organic Kumaon White, Organic Darjeeling First Flush

How can I make preparing my tea more sustainable?

By choosing loose leaf tea, you eliminate a lot of packaging waste. Also, be mindful of water use by only heating the amount of water needed for your pot or cup of tea helps to conserve water. Keep your tea in an air-tight container away from light and heat to prolong freshness and quality. Re-steeping your tea leaves is a great way to make your tea last longer and many tea makers believe tea is best after the second or third steep. While the world of teaware is filled with beautifully handcrafted pottery and tea pots, the mug you already have works just as well! However, if you need a few accessories to make your steeping easier, here are some reusable items that are helpful for your sustainable tea enjoyment!

Rare Tea Glass Teapot

The clear glass allows you to view the tea as it brews and includes a strainer to catch most tea leaves as you pour.

Rare Tea Overcup Strainer

To help catch tea leaves while pouring fresh brewed tea.

Everest Tea Tumbler

For taking your loose leaf tea on the go!

Tea Infuser

If you prefer to steep your loose leaf tea right in your cup without straining

Japanese Washi Tea Tin

For storing your teas, these air-tight containers are beautiful and functional.

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About the Author

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based and sustainable, intentional living on her blog Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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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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