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

Our Favorite Affordable, Sustainable Gift IDeas

If you’re on a budget, have a lot of gifts to buy, or are looking for smaller gifts to send through the mail, this gift guide is for you. All of the eco-friendly and ethically-made gifts on this guide are under $50.

The joy of gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank!

Why Affordability is Important to sustainability

Affordability and accessibility is a crucial part of true sustainability. If it’s not accessible to the majority, then “sustainability” is just another exclusive term for the elites of our society. That’s why—while we also don’t believe that a $5 t-shirt can be truly sustainable either—we strive to recommend sustainable and ethical brands and products at lower price ranges as much as possible.

P.S. If you’re looking for more affordable and eco-friendly brand recommendations, check out our post on affordable sustainable clothing brands, or check out this article on the best places to buy and sell vintage and secondhand!

Our Top Picks for Affordable, sustainable gifts Under $50:

Wooden Pin from Small Victories

Price: $10

A fun little stocking stuffer for your nature-loving friend, this cicada wooden pin from Small Victories is made with maple wood from fast-growing trees sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Did you know these musical insects emerge in synchronized cycles every 13 to 17 years across Eastern North America? We're sure you are familiar with their unique sound!

Small Victories, based out of Easthampton, MA, specializes in plantable seed cards, original illustrations, pronoun badges, and accessories. Plus, 10% of the profits are donated to LGBTQ+ and ecological organizations.

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Gift Card to Wearwell

Price: You choose!

Wearwell is a curated marketplace, membership, and styling service that would be a perfect gift for the sustainable fashionista in your your life. You can choose your gift card amount or gift a one-year membership to wearwell (for $96). Then, your loved one can cash in their gift card for clothing, accessories, home goods, or a membership and get 10% off every order, free shipping and returns, access to stylists who can help them decide on what looks are best for them, and more perks.

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Undies from Subset

Price: $18-20

I absolutely love my Subset undies and bralettes—they’re so comfortable but also cute.

They’re all Fair Trade Certified and made out of 95% GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton, combined with 5% elastane for comfort and stretch. They come in a range of neutrals along with beautiful, limited-edition hues.

Oh, and for the soon-to-be-moms out there, they have a new maternity collection as well!

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Toiletry Bag from Anchal

Price: $36

The cross-stitch toiletry bag is made from GOTS-certified cotton and canvas lined. The beautiful cross-stitch design comes in 6 colors. Anchal is women-owned, with Fair Trade products that support artisans in India. The toiletry bag has a front pocket, as well as the main compartment, for storing small items and ones you need to reach easily – we love multi-pocket bags.

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You can read more about why we love Obakki here.

Aubergine Scarf from Obakki

Price: $37

This beautifully vibrant, modal-blend scarf benefits the community of Obojil, Uganda, where the only water source is a contaminated stream that takes over two hours to reach and makes everyone sick. When Obakki sells 500 of these limited-edition scarves, 100% of the net proceeds will go directly toward drilling a water well in Obojil, changing every life for the better. They have several different gorgeous patterns and bold colors!

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Statement Roll-On® Bracelets from Aid Through Trade

Price: $38 for Set of 3

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

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Hamesha Socks from FAZL

Price: $29

These super cozy socks are hand-knit in the Himalayas of India using indigenous designs that have been passed down from mother to daughter. Fair Trade and vegan, the socks are made from acrylic yarn which is super durable and long-lasting, and doesn’t come with the itch that a lot of winter socks do. And the team at Fazl is in the process of transitioning to even more sustainable materials. Plus, every purchase gives back to an orphaned child in India.

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Mediterranean Turkish Towel from QuiQuattro

Price: $45

This lightweight and versatile towel is hand-loomed out of 100% Turkish cotton and non-toxic, AZO-free dyes - a great gift idea for the jet-setter in your life because it's compact & easy to travel with, whether you're headed to the beach or resort (or just to the pool down the street!). Plus, with each purchase, you support a micro-business in Turkey & give back to the communities they work with to promote women's education.

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Free to Protect Tote Bag from The Tote Project

Price: $36

All of The Tote Project’s canvas tote bags and pouches are made out of organic cotton and water-based, eco-friendly inks.

They’re all ethically made in India by a fair trade social enterprise, and 10% of their profits give back to fight human trafficking and support survivors.

They truly have some of the cutest designs!

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Organic Cotton T-shirt Hair Towels from Sunrise Bliss

Price: $30-39

Handmade from 100% GOTS certified organic knit cotton and low-impact dyes, these soft, absorbent t-shirt towels dry hair quickly while leaving you with less breakage, tangles, and frizz. They’re super lightweight, too, so they’re great for everyday use as well as travel. They come in three different sizes for various hair lengths. You can read more about why I LOVE these towels here and here!

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Variety 6-Pack of Lip Balm from Zambeezi

Price: $21

Zambeezi’s six organic and Fair Trade flavors will leave your loved one’s lips looking and feeling as luscious as ever!

The flavors include: gingery Lemongrass, tangy Tangerine, delightful Wild Rose, tantalizing Sweet Basil, naturally-protecting Suncare and moisturizing Honeybalm. Each purchase helps to regenerate communities and ecosystems.

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Superwhisk & Matcha Kit from Golde

Price: $50

Golde’s Pure Matcha is made with 100% pure, shade-grown green tea leaves from Uji, Japan. It’s great for lattes, smoothies, and more. This kit comes with a Superwhisk, which is a USB-rechargeable whisk that instantly froths your favorite superfood lattes to perfection. It’s handheld and rechargeable, so it’s perfect for your caffeinated friend on the go.

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Champ Portable Charger from Go Nimble

Price: $49.95

This would be a great gift for your friend or family member who is always on their phone. Eco-friendly tech is still pretty difficult to find, so I’m always excited when I find tech accessories made from more sustainable materials.

This one from Go Nimble is made from recycled aluminum and plastic. It will work with both Apple and Android devices and you can get up to 80% charge in 30 minutes!

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Colorful Mini Porcelain Vase from Made Trade

Price: $22

How sweet is this vase?! It will surely add a cheery pop of color to a desk, windowsill, or countertop. Artisans handcraft them out of clay porcelain in the ancient kiln city of Jingdezhen, China. (Jingdezhen’s was a major kiln site in the 11th century — over 1,000 years ago!)

Made Trade carries an entire collection of gorgeous vases if you want a different size, color, or design.

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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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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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SUSTAINABLE SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Skiing and snowboarding make it easier to get through a long, cold winter, and they provide an epic adventure for anyone visiting the mountains from out of town. But like any other activity, skiing and snowboarding can have a cost on the environment. From the fibers that your boots are made from, to the fill keeping your jacket warm, all the materials used in ski and snowboard gear can have a positive or negative impact. 

Additionally, being mindful about how you source your gear — whether you buy it new or secondhand — can determine the overall impact of your winter activities. And since you’re likely someone who enjoys the beauty of nature (including those fresh pow days), these tips can help you choose sustainable ski and snowboard gear that performs for both you and the planet.

Sustainable Ski and Snowboard Gear

Like other sustainable clothing and accessories, you’ll want to look for ski and snowboard gear that uses recycled or post-consumer materials, low-impact production and distribution methods, and ethical labor. Unlike ordinary clothing, however, you’ll also want to find brands and products that keep you warm and suit your needs. 

For example, waterproof jackets can keep you dry on days when it’s actively snowing, and extra insulation in gloves can keep your hands toasty. Think about which features are most important to you when you hit the slopes — then keep an eye out for products that meet these goals as well as core sustainability pillars.

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Sustainable Base Layers

The proper base layers can keep you warm both on the slopes and afterwards. Sweat-wicking materials are best, as they won't hold moisture and make you cold. Instead of cotton, which is known to get heavy when wet, opt for recycled manmade materials like polyester and spandex, which will keep you dry.

Smartwool Women's Intraknit™ Thermal Merino Base Layer Colorblock 1/4 Zip

Balance temperature and moisture during long days on the mountain with the Smartwool Intraknit™ Thermal Merino Base Layer. These slim fit base layers are designed for cool to cold days and high intense activity. You can pair with this the Smartwool Intraknit™ Base Layer Bottom, which is designed to be layered beneath pants and works perfectly under snowpants. The Intraknit™ material uses a novel 3D knitting technique that reduces the amount of waste leftover compared to traditional methods. As a whole. Smartwool employs numerous sustainable manufacturing processes, such as using recycled wool fiber, reusing scraps from their Merino wool products, and partnering with sustainable manufacturers. 

Women's Merino 260 Vertex Long Sleeve Thermal Top Glacial Flow

Another sustainable option for a merino wool layer is the Vertex Long Sleeve by Icebreaker, a sustainability-led company. This lightweight, yet warm layer is super soft and designed for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Icebreaker publishes a transparency report where they detail their earth-friendly initiatives, which include a commitment to regenerative agriculture and a dedication to using natural alternatives to plastic fibers, with 95% of their global fabric consumption stemming from a natural or plant-based fiber.

Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Baselayer Crew

This base layer from Black Diamond is made from non-mulesed Merino certified wool, meaning it’s collected from sheep in an ethical way that doesn’t cause pain to the animals. This base layer is also designed to dry quickly, helping regulate moisture and temperature. As a brand, Black Diamond’s sustainability practices run deep, spanning corporate responsibility, product materials and social environmental advocacy. It’s a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps, an organization that advocates for ethical business innovation, sustainable trade policies, ethical business growth, and more.

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Sustainable Mid Layers

Every proper ski ‘fit needs a comfortable fleece mid layer. But there’s no denying that a long-sleeve fleece can get bunchy in the sleeves and make it hard to bend your elbows, especially when you’re layering it over a base layer. Plus, traditional fleece is a notorious source of plastic microfibers, which shed from the fabric as soon as it’s created. These can wind up in the ocean, where they’re one of the largest sources of pollution threatening marine life.

Girlfriend Collective Women’s Recycled Fleece Vest

A fleece vest is a smart (and cozy!) way to add warmth without bulk. Girlfriend, who’s known for manufacturing super-sustainable products from recycled plastic water bottles, hits the mark with their recycled fleece vest. The body is made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles, and the binding and pocketing is made with 90% RPET and 10% spandex. In addition to keeping you extra warm, this recycled fleece vest can be recycled with ReGirlfriend, a program that takes your used Girlfriend clothing, recycles it into new gear, and offers $15 in store credit in exchange. Lastly, we love that this vest is more chic than the average fleece, making it the perfect transition piece from the slopes to the afterparty.

Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Hybrid Hoody

This light, stretchy hoodie makes the perfect base layer because it’s both warm and breathable with lightweight insulation. Black Diamond is a Blue Sky Program participant at the “Champion Level” meaning that they purchase wind power offsets each year. Additionally, Black Diamond has a vendor code of conduct, meaning they only work with vendors who can commit to their standards of using ethical labor, workplace safety, ethical responsibility, and more.

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Sustainable Outer Layers

Even the perfect base layers aren’t going to keep you warm unless you have the right outer layer jacket to trap in heat and repel cold and rain. A waterproof jacket is ideal if you plan on skiing in snowy weather, and breathable armpits and other features can also make sure your temperature stays regulated throughout the day. Extra pockets, a cell phone leash, and a hood are all additional features to consider when choosing a sustainable ski or snowboard jacket.

Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Ski Shell 

This Black Diamond shell jacket is an ultra durable, waterproof outer layer that offers breathability on warm ski days and protection from the elements on stormy days, thanks to its signature BD.dry™ feature. The hood is designed to be roomy enough to fit over a helmet, there’s plenty of pockets in the jacket for storing your phone, ski pass, and other essentials. Overall, the durability of this jacket helps ensure that it’ll last for years to come, making it a solid investment from a sustainability-led company.

Fjallraven Women's Expedition Mid Winter Jacket

This lightweight jacket is made to keep you extra warm during the coldest weather as you engage in all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. The material and lining are made from 100% recycled polyamide and the filling is made from 100% recycled polyester. In addition to leveraging sustainable materials and production, Fjallraven also invests in sustainable product design. This means that they create their products to last a lifetime, which includes creating timeliness, functional designs that are mostly recycled, recyclable, and easy to repair.

Craft Adv Training Pants

The Craft advanced training pants are designed to be both warm and wind-protective, making them perfect for snowy days while skiing. Available in men’s and women's ski pants, they have a windproof front panel and a drawstring waist, plus reflective pipings for safer visibility. Craft highlights a transparent, circular supply chain across all of their products, showcasing the entire cycle from design conception to shipping logistics. Since this is a Swedish company, their sustainability practices adhere to UN standards and they’re actively working to improve their commitments to environmentally-friendly practices.

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Eco-Friendly Ski and Snowboard Accessories

Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Sock

The right socks can keep your feet warm and dry all day on the slopes. Darn Tough is a Vermont-based sock brand known for slim-fitting socks that are perfect for slipping into tall ski and snowboard boots. Their Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks check all the boxes, and they’re made ethically right here in the USA. Another dependable pair of Darn Tough socks for skiing and snowboarding are the Due North Over-the-Calf sock made from Thermolite®, a 100% recycled vegan material that keeps your feet extra warm. 

Turtlefur Taylor Knit Beanie

This sustainably-made beanie is perfect for aprés ski festivities and comes in three universally flattering colors. Turtlefur’s beanie is made from 50% recycled polyester, and they work toward a 100% transparent supply chain. They also aim for climate neutrality, publish an annual impact report, and measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

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Used and Vintage Ski Apparel

While it’s always fun to get new ski clothes, the truth is, there’s a lot of cute and functional clothing that already exists in the world. That’s why buying used and vintage clothing is one of the best ways to keep your ski habit sustainable. And fortunately, there are many marketplaces making it easy to do exactly that.

JoJo Ski

If you’re in the market for a vintage ski suit, look no further than JoJo Ski. These ski suits are straight from the 80’s and 90’s, preserved in great condition over the past decades so you can rock them in modern day. This site has hundreds of ski suits for both men and women, and these one-of-a-kind pieces span all sizes, including petite. As the largest vintage ski suit retailer online today, JoJo Ski truly has something for everyone.

Out and Back Outdoor

This online marketplace provides a platform for buying and selling used ski gear. They have everything from skis and snowboards to jackets and boots, all at a huge discount (up to 60% off retail). Out and Back Outdoor is on a mission to make outdoor gear both more sustainable and more attainable for everyone, acknowledging that ski gear often comes at a high price point. Plus, it’s a great way to trade in old gear that’s still in great condition but no longer fits, especially if you’re ready for an upgrade.

REI Re/Supply

Find your favorite sustainable brands like Patagonia and Prana for a much lower price at REI’s Re/Supply, a site specifically for used gear and clothing. Here, you can see a snapshot of a product’s original and current price, plus any damage or defects to be aware of. REI’s secondhand site also has kids clothing and gear, so it’s great for outfitting the whole family for a truly sustainable ski trip.

Whether you’re shreddin the ‘gnar or scouting the best aprés ski look, these brands will ensure that you do so sustainably and in style.

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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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WANT TO FIND 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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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

Image: Pact 

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

The Best Comfy & Organic Cotton T-Shirts

Ah — the classic t-shirt. Great for dressing up, dressing down, or just lounging around. Everyone already has this fashion essential in their closet, but there’s a good chance that the average t-shirt isn’t meeting the mark when it comes to sustainability. So if you’re in the market for a better T-shirt that’s more gentle on the planet, let’s take a look at some of the best organic cotton T-shirt brands on the market today.

Why organic cotton?

Since t-shirts are seemingly so simple, you might wonder why they’re not all the same. The truth is, conventional cotton can contribute to environmental degradation and unethical practices in many ways. 

For one, ordinarily-grown cotton requires a large amount of pesticides and insecticides that can seep into the environment and affect both workers and nearby plants and animals. An example of this is seen in butterfly decline in agricultural areas with heavy pesticide use. Cotton also requires an incredible amount of water to produce, in part due to pesticide use and ineffective farming practices. 

In contrast, regenerative agriculture and methods used to grow organic cotton use significantly less water while also reducing the amount of runoff that normally pollutes streams and waterways. Another important reason to choose organic cotton is because, like many of the brands on this list, most organic products also use fair-trade labor resources. This means that farmers and other people in the production line are paid and treated fairly, which is especially important in such a labor-intensive industry such as cotton.

One unexpected benefit of organic cotton is that it’s often more durable and long-lasting, both because the cotton itself is healthier when it’s picked and because the cotton doesn’t go through a ton of bleaching and other processing methods that can minimize the material’s integrity.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a t-shirt that has a better impact on the environment, you’ve come to the right place. And, since tees are so simple and often on the cheaper side compared to other sustainable clothing, this is a great place to start if you want to update your wardrobe to be more eco-friendly.

Our Favorite Organic Cotton T-Shirts:

1. Pact 

Price: $24-44

Sizes: XS-XXL

Pact has become a go-to sustainable clothing brand, and for good reason.

They focus on organic, carbon neutral, and fair trade apparel for men and women.

For each item, you can click “learn more” about its sustainability features and see the actual factory where it’s made.

For example, the Portside Simple Crew saves 12 gallons of water, offsets 3 pounds of Co2 for the climate, and is made in an ethical factory with 247 people. This organic cotton t-shirt comes in five trendy colors and features a breathable cotton/linen blend.

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2. The Good Tee 

Price: Starting at $32 for one tee, $51 for the two-pack

Sizes: XS-3XL

The Good Tee is a fair-trade-first brand that emphasizes an ethical supply chain. They foster mutually-beneficial relationships with farmers, knitters, dyers, and everyone else throughout the process of making a sustainable t-shirt. Their Fave & Fair unisex tee comes solo or as a two-pack with one black and one white shirt. This ultra-soft tee is also made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) dyes, meaning it meets all standards for eco-friendly dyeing.

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3. Fair Indigo 

Price: Starting at $39.90

Sizes: XS-XL

Fair Indigo has a wide range of organic cotton tee-shirts for every occasion.

Their comfortable, sustainable tee-shirts are made with pima cotton sourced from Peru, which has a light stretch and is known for being more durable and breathable than basic cotton.

They also utilize low-impact materials that reduce the amount of chemical input into the environment while tracing its supply chain and visiting its suppliers regularly.

Fair Indigo’s organic scoop and v-neck tees are a great place to start for solid basics, and the slim short sleeve mock neck has everything you love about a comfy t-shirt with an elevated look that you can wear out or to work.

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4. Harvest & Mill 

Price: $48-86

Sizes: XS-XL

Discover elevated organic cotton basics in neutral and pastel colors that go with everything.

Harvest and Mill doesn’t only implement ethical supply chains; they also rebuild old supply chains by reopening heritage mills and leveraging their local sewing communities. Their t-shirts have a 100% domestic supply chain, with cotton grown, spun, and knit right in the USA. Their white t-shirts retain the true, creamy off-white color of organic cotton, rather than the bleached white often seen in white t-shirts.

The organic unisex style tee comes in a two-pack with both this white shirt and a black shirt. Since these are sized to be truly unisex, be sure to size down for a smaller fit.

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5. Happy Earth 

Price: Starting at $38

Sizes: XS-3XL

Happy Earth makes sustainable, polyester-free t-shirts with respect for every person involved in its supply chain. They also have a net zero facility, meaning they offset all of their emissions and invest in clean energy practices, and give back to the earth. You can choose to plant 15 trees, clean up trash, or avert greenhouse gasses with every purchase. Many Happy Earth t-shirts are adorned with beautifully-designed graphics that allow you to show your love of the earth and all its wonders.

For example, the all-gender Superbloom tee, available in short and long sleeve, features California’s native poppies, which light up hillsides across the coast. They also have a super soft, thick yet airy Premium-Weight Tee that’s perfect for fall days.

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6. People of Leisure

Price: Organic band tees starting at $68

Sizes: S-XL

People of Leisure makes all of its clothes in Los Angeles and utilizes recycled, upcycled, and organic materials.

This brand was created by people who used to work in the fast fashion industry, and all of their processes are an attempt to dismantle the destruction wrought by the commercial apparel and footwear industries. They primarily feature rock n’ roll t-shirts, with graphics depicting bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

They also have basic tanks, tees, and hoodies like The Holly Tank and the Clementine Hoodie. Another reason to love People of Leisure is that they take their environmental impact seriously, and they’ve committed to four key sustainable development goals: clean water and sanitation, life on land, reduced inequities, and responsible consumption and production.

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7. Tentree

Price: $24-45

Sizes: XS-XL

Tentree is an increasingly popular sustainable brand that’s dedicated to using their profits to help the earth.

In fact, they’ve planted 100,000 trees since their initiatives began and are on an incredible mission to plant 1 billion trees by the year 2030. With every purchase, they work to divert trash from landfills, conserve water, and protect critical resources.

Tentree has lots of fashion apparel and could outfit your whole wardrobe, but their t-shirts are comfy, supportive and made to last. They have scoop necks, v-necks and a variety of graphic tees, but the Organic Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt is the perfect staple that comes in multiple colors, and it won't shrink or fade with washing, so you can keep it for a long time.

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8. MATE the Label 

Price: $48

Sizes: XS-XL

MATE the Label is a Certified B Corporation that follows eight sustainable principles for their products, including using organic materials, fostering ethical working conditions, building a women-centered company and the elimination of plastic across all of their products.

Made in Los Angeles, MATE the Label t-shirts are on a mission to reinvent the fashion industry and put purpose over profit.

The Organic Cotton Classic Tee uses 88.6% less water than other leading non-organic t-shirt brands, and almost 30% less carbon. Find this shirt in colors like jet black, bone, sedona, safe and nettle.

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9. The Classic T-Shirt Company

Price: $64

Sizes: XXS-XXL

The Classic T-Shirt Company makes luxury, organic cotton shirts for men and women that are sustainable made right here in the USA. Their high-quality shirts sit at a higher price point than average t-shirts but are designed for longevity, so you can feel confident that you’ll get many wears out of these comfy, yet durable shirts. Plus, 1% of all sales are donated to charities that support tree planting, ocean cleanup, & safe drinking water.

For basics, the women’s short sleeve crew neck t-shirt is made to flatter and comes in 17 beautiful colors with a wider size range than most other brands on this list.

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10. Terra Thread 

Price: on sale $15

Sizes: XS-XXXL

With Terra Thread, you can find carbon neutral fair trade factories and production processes that give back to the earth. This father-daughter brand belongs to the parent company Gallant International, which makes wholesale totes, tees, aprons, and more. Terra Thread’s Regenerative Organic Certified® cotton t-shirts are all genders and feature GOTS certified cotton — they’re also manufactured in a fair trade factory in India.  

This incredibly soft t-shirt doesn’t have an itchy tag and has been known to keep its shape and color long after the first wear.

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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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MAKE SURE TO PIN THE PHOTO BELOW TO SAVE THIS POST FOR LATER!

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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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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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image: Ilia 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated, so we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only add brands & products we truly believe in.

The Best Zero-Waste, Cruelty-Free and Vegan Beauty Brands

Coloring your lips with the perfect red, painting a wing along your lash line, adding a warm glow to your cheeks or experimenting with playful eyeshadow tones can be fun, confidence-boosting and expressive. At the same time, so many cosmetics companies aren’t exactly known for their protection of the planet and those living on it, so it can be tough to make ourselves up without feeling a little ethically compromised. To remedy these troubles, learn what brands are vegan and cruelty-free…

What’s zero-waste makeup, and why’s it matter? 

In 2018, some 120 billion units of cosmetics packaging were produced around the globe. Most beauty packaging is made of virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels and largely unrecyclable. Most cosmetics don’t even come with the details we see printed and embossed onto other plastics, which help with effective recycling. 

This is a massive problem, as we need to stop mining for fossil fuels, and while just 6% of global plastics are recycled, 275 million tonnes of plastic is wasted each year. That’s as much plastic as the weight of over 4.3 million heavy commercial airplanes. Potentially, some 100,000 tonnes of plastic have made their way into the ocean, polluting this critically important ecosystem and killing marine life. 

In response to this crisis, a growing number of beauty brands are making changes: packaging their lipsticks, mascaras, contouring palettes, sticks and other makeup products in compostable, recycled and reusable materials.

Before we get further into this, though, what do these terms mean?

Recycled beauty packaging:

Some beauty brands talk about their use of ‘recyclable’ packaging, which shouldn’t be confused with ‘recycled’ packaging. The former means plastic (which is likely brand new, if not labeled otherwise), which has the potential to be recycled (even if a brand hasn’t set up a system to ensure this), while the latter means the plastic has been recycled and reproduced from another plastic product. That’s a lot better.

Materials like glass and metals like aluminum are particularly valuable and more likely to be recycled than plastics, so watch out for these when looking for zero-waste beauty products. 

Compostable beauty packaging: 

Packaging which can completely biodegrade and transform into non-toxic components like water, carbon and biomass, which return to the Earth as ‘food’. We often talk about composting food scraps, but materials like cotton, cardboard, wood and some newly created plant-based packaging materials used in the beauty industry can be composted in the right conditions, too. 

Recycling materials can require a lot of energy, so home compostable materials can be a positive solution to that concern. 

Reusable beauty packaging:

Packaging which can be refilled and reused avoids the need to buy more plastic filled products. Some brands claim their product packaging is ‘reusable’ because, say, a glass foundation bottle could be cleaned out and used as a vase for flowers. This sort of ‘upcycling’ is positive to encourage, but it’s a little misleading for brands to use the term ‘reusable’ unless they ensure their packaging can be ‘reused’ in the same context again, by offering refills for that packaging, so it can house foundation again. 

LCA Centre in the Netherlands found that if all cosmetics containers in the industry were refillable, an incredible 70% of carbon emissions tied to the beauty industry could be cut back. 

What’s cruelty-free makeup, and why’s it worth looking out for? 

The term ‘cruelty-free’ in relation to cosmetics specifically means ‘free from animal testing’. While many brands have moved away from all cruel cosmetics tests on animals, unfortunately, many still have not. While the major progress made is worth celebrating, it’s important not to let our guard down and assume all makeup is free from such cruelty. 

Today, animals like rabbits, guinea pigs and rats are still cruelly experimented on; forced to consume cosmetics ingredients until they die to test for toxicity. Some are left with blinded, red and bleeding eyes after eye irritation tests, while others are shaved for skin tests which can cause inflammation, ulcers and gaping wounds. An estimated more than 192 million animals, including dogs, cats and monkeys continue to be tested on, around the world. 

Animal tests are often ineffective, as our bodies work uniquely to other animals. Fortunately, there are numerous scientifically advanced and superior testing methods available which do not require animals. However, some ingredients cannot be tested using these methods. Brands dedicated to protecting animals from testing use already approved ingredients which do not require further testing, or ingredients which can legally be tested through non-animal methods. 

What’s vegan makeup, is it different from ‘cruelty-free’?

Cosmetics that are labeled as ‘cruelty-free’ can be misleading, as ‘cruelty-free’ implies no cruelty involved in making that lipstick, concealer or brow gel, rather than no cruelty tied to animal testing specifically. But it’s not only animal testing which harms our furry friends exploited in the cosmetics industry, but the use of animal-derived ingredients, too. 

While ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘animal testing free’ have become synonymous, it’s important to look out for cosmetics that are also labelled ‘vegan’, if we want to protect animals. If not, a number of animal-based ingredients are likely to be hiding in your beauty bag:

Tallow: Hardened animal fat from slaughtered animals like cows and sheep, found in lipsticks, foundations and many other makeup products

Lanolin: A kind of grease extracted from wool, produced in an industry which unfortunately mutilates and slaughters sheep. This one pops up in lots of products like eyeshadows, lip liners and more

Guanine: Sparkly highlighters, bronzers, lip glosses and other makeup is often made with this ingredient, derived from fish scales scraped off their bodies

Shellac: This ingredient is secreted by female lac bugs, killed in the scraping process which collects the ‘resin’ like substance used in mascara, eye liner and nail polish, to name a few

The best brands to get sustainable and ethical beauty products

To offer you the best variety, some of these brands use more sustainable packaging but aren’t totally zero-waste, while others go the whole way. All of these brands are doing far better than the industry standard, which should be applauded. 

1. Axiology 

Your new go-to for lipstick, Axiology has a range of shimmery, rich and creamy, sheer and soft textures, in a variety of gorgeous colors. Their lipstick tubes are made from recycled aluminum, and arrive to you boxed in recycled card that can be either composted or recycled, depending on what’s available to you. The brand is not only free from animal testing and ingredients, but from palm oil too, working to use natural ingredients as much as possible. 

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2. Ilia 

This brand – not entirely vegan but largely so, with a clearly labeled vegan collection – offers serum highlighters, lipsticks, foundations, cheek and lip tints, gorgeous eyeshadow palettes, brow gels, lip liners, finishing powders and more. Free from animal testing, the label runs a recycling program so that your empties never see landfill. Even letting you send empties from other brands, Ilia doesn’t over complicate their formulas with lots of different ingredients, and they use packaging materials like recycled aluminum and glass when suitable. 

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3. Micellar Oil Cleansing Wipes by Fig.1

These new cleansing wipes from Fig.1 are derm-developed and dissolvable! They are great for taking off your makeup, leave your skin feeling soft & smooth, and easily wash away with water. The packets they come in are also at-home compostable. These are perfect for traveling and on-the-go! & of course, they are vegan, cruelty-free AND gluten-free!

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4. Stack the Odds Refillable by Alleyoop

Save space with this beautiful, refillable blush, bronzer & highlighter! Not only is this convenient for travel, but you will cut back on plastic waste by having all your essentials in one compact. Refilling is the future of the beauty industry, and seeing more vegan makeup brands adopt the concept makes us so happy!

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5. Elate

A totally vegan and animal testing free brand, Elate sells refillable blush and eye shadow compacts. Refills are sent out in seed paper envelopes that grow flowers when planted – super cute. The brand also offers lipsticks and other makeup with less plastic packaging, made from Forest Stewardship Certified bamboo and glass. Their packaging materials can be sent back to be effectively recycled – something that often isn’t possible for cosmetics through home recycling systems.

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6. NOTO

This genderless beauty brand is based in Los Angeles, where you can refill their products in store. Using locally sourced vegan ingredients to produce animal testing free products that are also fair trade certified (ticking all those boxes!), NOTO makes multi-purpose products. Sticks and pots of color to use on your lips, eyelids and cheeks, the need to buy fewer products helps to reduce overconsumption and waste. All of their packaging is either glass, metal, biodegradable or made from recycled plastics. 

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7. Trestique

Another brand using refillable packaging, Trestique uses recycled materials for their 2-in-1 products, which are designed to be endlessly refillable with all kinds of products like blush and concealer sticks, highlighters and bronzers, brow pencils and gels, mascara and lip crayons. The vegan brand is transparent about the percentage of recycled materials they use (as much as 98% in their packaging materials – many ‘recycled plastics’ are only slightly so), and anything that isn’t going to be refilled for any reason can be returned to them for proper recycling. 

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8. Flavedo & Albedo

An almost entirely vegan brand that’s free from animal testing (just check the labels, only a few products aren’t totally animal friendly), Flavedo & Albedo prides itself on creating ‘high-performance makeup’ with ‘plastic-free packaging’. With playful colors and shades, the label offers eye, lip and cheek cosmetics. This is one of few brands which can state that they have ‘zero plastic, anywhere. No tubs, no lids, no seals, no nothing.’. Nice.

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9. Izzy

Check out Izzy for the world’s first zero-waste mascara (& they recently have launched lip gloss and brow gel) . It comes with no outer packaging and is shipped in reusable mailers which have been made with upcycled materials. The tube doesn’t contain any plastic and is made from stainless steel. It’s designed to be cleaned and refilled over 10,000 times — so you basically never have to throw away another mascara for the rest of your life! And of course, Izzy only uses certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, and paraben-free ingredients. 

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10. Sienna

Byron Bay based with a US-specific website, this certified B Corp uses a plant-focussed formula to create nail polish which is manufactured in a system that recycles waste and wastewater – something so many brands don’t even touch on. Totally traceable, these nail polishes – free from all the nastier substances found in some polishes, like formaldehyde – are vegan, animal testing free, and bottled in glass, with a non-native weed wood bottle cap that can be composted. The brand also supports a number of charitable causes. 

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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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Unique and Thoughtful Sustainable Gift Ideas for Vegans

Looking for the perfect gift for the vegan in your life? Look no further. In this article, we offer a range of unique and thoughtful gift ideas that are sure to bring a smile to any vegan's face. Finding a gift that aligns with a vegan lifestyle can sometimes be a challenge, but we've done the hard work for you. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned vegan or someone who is just starting their plant-based journey, our suggestions cater to all tastes and preferences. From vegan recipe books to cruelty-free fashion accessories, we have curated a selection of gifts that not only show your thoughtfulness but also support a vegan lifestyle. Our goal is to inspire and help you find the perfect gift that will be cherished and put to good use. So, get ready to get creative and surprise your vegan loved ones with gifts that are both practical and heartfelt. Let's dive in and explore these unique gift ideas that will make any vegan feel appreciated and loved.

What is a Vegan Gift?

Vegan gifts are completely free of any animal products. This means you won’t find materials like wool, leather or even honey in any of these listed gifts. Another important part of a vegan gift is being cruelty-free, which means the product was not tested on animals. We made sure to include vegan gifts of all kinds from fashion accessories to clean beauty products. Any animal lover would be pleased to know these products are being kind to not only the animals, but the planet, as well!

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a product is truly vegan so we hope this gift guide makes things easier for your holiday shopping!

our top picks for Sustainable, vegan gifts:

Socks that Protect Animals

Brand: Conscious Step

Price: $32

Conscious Step’s entire supply chain is GOTS and Vegan certified. With each Conscious Step purchase, a portion of proceeds are donated to the charity associated with that pair of socks. They have many different options when it comes to socks that give back to animals!

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BetterBone Chew Toy

From: The Kind Pet

Price: $19.99

The Kind Pet is a sustainable online pet store dedicated to reducing our pets’ and our own impact on the planet. With products like this vegan, nylon-free BetterBone chew toy (made with only sustainably forested wood floor and renewable sugarcane oil), the team is dedicated to sourcing low-waste pet products and advocating for sustainable pet ownership. 

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Organic Cotton Underwear

Brand: Pact

Price: $48 (6-Pack)

The best underwear we’ve tried! Pact’s underwear saves 72 galloons of water compared to conventional cotton ones. They are made with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton in a Fair Trade Certified Factory.

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A Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook

From: BetterWorldBooks

Price: $22

The perfect vegan gift for the Harry Potter lover…

BetterWorldBooks is a great sustainable place to purchase books from, and they have donated over 26,502,000 books, $28,430,000 for literacy and libraries, and have recycled and reused over 320,019,000 books!

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Lip-to-Lid Balmies

Brand: Axiology

Price: $38

Your new go-to for lips & eyes, Axiology has a range of shimmery, rich and creamy, sheer and soft textures, in a variety of gorgeous colors. These tubes are made from recycled aluminum, and arrive to you boxed in recycled card that can be either composted or recycled, depending on what’s available to you. The brand is not only free from animal testing and ingredients, but from palm oil too!

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Sumac Candle Gift Set

Brand: Obakki

Price: $23-93

Handmade by a family run business in Ishikawa, Japan, these elegant, sustainable, and vegan candles have been made in the exact same way since 1892. Made from wax that is harvested from the fruit of the Japanese Haze tree, their unique hollow wicks allow them to produce a bright, tall flame. These candles are available to purchase individually or as gift sets (some shipped in a beautiful reusable wooden gift box).

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Vegan Sneakers

Brand: SAOLA

Price: $90-140

SAOLA is a French footwear brand that makes its shoes out of recycled water bottles. Its men’s shoes are all sneakers that are 100% vegan, comfortable and ultra-light. Each pair is made with several recycled water bottles, diverting them from going to landfill. Their laces are all made of organic cotton.

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Vegan Silk Robe

Brand: Maylyn & Co.

Price: $185-230

Maylyn & Co. sets a high bar for luxurious, sustainable sleepwear and bedding. The brand designs everything to last using premium PETA-Approved Vegan and Organic fabrics that are ethically crafted in the Founder's home country, Persia. The Eco-conscious brand also takes pride in its innovative cruelty-free Vegan silk™ fabric, a plant-based alternative to animal-derived silk.

code: SustainablyChic for 10% off

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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