Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

The Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Planners and Notebooks

Almost one billion trees worth of paper is thrown away in a single year in America, and that’s just in the U.S. Paper waste alone accounts for a quarter of landfill waste, so how do we help? Knowing what to look for when shopping for paper-focused products, like planners and notebooks, and selecting a tree-free paper alternative when possible is a great place to start. 

What does FSC-certified mean?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification means the wood used to create the product was harvested ethically and responsibly. However, FSC-certified wood only applies to virgin wood, so while the harvesting and forestry process may be more responsible, the products made from the wood still may not be. As always, no label should be trusted blindly. Be sure to research the individual company ethics and policies before deciding if the product you are considering purchasing meets your personal criteria for sustainability.

Does sustainable paper exist?

There are sustainable paper options, some completely tree-free and others that at least minimize the tree pulp needed. Recycled paper is not tree-free and is typically not 100% post-consumer recycled material. Most recycled paper uses a combination of recycled and virgin tree pulp, so while it is an improvement, don’t be fooled by greenwashing. Companies are required to list the percentage of recycled material in their paper and look for as close to 100% as possible when considering recycled paper. When purchasing a product like planners or notebooks, it may be harder to trace the paper composition. A better sustainable paper option is a fully tree-free material like the increasingly popular stone paper.

What is stone paper?

Stone paper uses ground stone, usually limestone and marble, processed into a smooth paper-like material. The stone fragments are typically sourced from the construction industry, where there is a surplus of leftover stone materials. When ground and processed into paper, it becomes a hydrophobic material that is waterproof and tearproof. It also has a smooth eggshell-like feel that allows pens and pencils to glide smoother than standard paper. Artists love stone paper for its high-quality composition, allowing their designs and drawings to appear richer than traditional paper. Writers love stone paper for its durability. Stone paper manufacturing is also more Earth-friendly as it requires no water or chemicals and uses waste material.

While there is never a perfect solution when it comes to sustainability, there are at least better options and these companies make use of the more sustainable options for planners and notebooks.

our favorite sustainable notebooks & planners:

1. agood Company 

Using stone paper, agood Company offers notebooks, journals, and pocket diaries that are stylish and sustainable. agood Company is B Corp certified and provides a breakdown of the environmental footprint associated with each product and part of its production chain. To be as sustainable as possible, they utilize climate-neutral shipping by compensating for transport, choosing environmentally-friendly raw materials, and packaging all products responsibly. agood Company also created a plant-a-tree initiative with WeForest and a foundation to support sustainability efforts in communities around the globe. For anyone who wants their purchase to go beyond a pretty planner or notebook, agood Company provides a simple, sustainable solution.

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2. Karst

Karst wants to disrupt the paper industry, so this company created a tree-free solution, paper made from recycled stone. This makes their paper smooth, tear-resistant, waterproof, and sustainable for our planet. Karst also partners with One Tree Planted and is a certified B Corp company. Notebooks are available lined, dotted, blank or with a grid. The planners are available in weekly or daily formats. Also available are sketchbooks, notepads, and tree-free pencils. Karst is for a notebook aficionado who appreciates thoughtful design.

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3. Papier

Created with sustainably sourced paper and using recycled packaging, Papier is known for seasonal collections and unique designs. They often team up with artists to bring their talents to Papier products for products you won’t find anywhere else. The planners are available in a variety of formats from yearly, monthly, daily and academic. The journals are available in classic or specialized formats for recipes, wellness, travel, gratitude, or standard and come lined, plain or specific for list-makers. Papier is perfect if you are looking for a more sustainable planner or journal that is beautiful inside and out.

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4. Dingbats*

At Dingbats*, all materials used for their journals are biodegradable, vegan, and recyclable.

Notebooks feature minimal nature and animal motifs on their faux leather covers and are V-label certified, which means no animal-based adhesives are used in their products.

The inside pages are acid-free, fountain-friendly, FSC-certified paper that lays flat for optimal writing, especially for lefties. Dingbats* offers a simple and minimal selection that puts the Earth and animals first. 

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5. Wisdom Supply Co

Created by two women frustrated with the amount of plastic and waste on the planet, especially associated with school supplies. Wisdom Supply Co makes fully recyclable notebooks and planners that are zero waste and made in the USA. As a certified B Corp, sustainable practices are upheld throughout production, and all orders are shipped plastic-free. Also available are zero waste binders, folders, dividers, and planners made with students and teachers in mind. So if you love back-to-school shopping but want to do it more sustainably, Wisdom Supply Co is a great place to start!

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6. Five Minute Journal

Transform your life with the Five Minute Journal. Spending just five minutes a day practicing gratitude can boost positivity, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being, even on the busiest of days. This approach is the simplest and scientifically backed way to a happier you. With the Five Minute Journal, you can practice mindfulness and gratitude journaling, while also taking advantage of additional features that traditional journals do not provide. The journal is made with 100% recycled, compostable and FSC-Certified paper and bound in linen fabric.

Five Minute Journal is available for iOS and Android, as well.

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7. Green Dreamer

Currently offering physical and digital planning options, Green Dreamer combines mindfulness and goalsetting in its planners.

The inside planner pages are made of recycled paper and feature a hardcover that is bound by recycled kraft paper.

You can also add an optional book cloth cover that is made from 100% recycled cotton.

While Green Dreamer is phasing out the physical planners, you will still be able to purchase the planner template to download.

The template features a minimalist and versatile design using undated monthly and weekly formats, and it even includes important social and eco-awareness dates. In addition, green Dreamer is a cost-effective option as their digital download is less expensive than traditional planners, and you can print it on your own sustainably-made paper.

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8. Gitchi Adventure Goods

If you or someone you know is always in search of their next adventure, Gitchi Adventure Goods makes journals to keep track of it all.

A small notebook made in the USA that will easily fit in a backpack so you can keep it with you on the go.

Gitchi Adventure notebooks are made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper that is FSC® and Green Seal® Certified and made with 100% renewable electricity. 

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Digital Planners and Notebooks

For all the digital planners and writers, there are some digital planning and notebook options created with you in mind.

1. reMarkable

reMarkable is as close to a digital notebook as it gets.

The creators of reMarkable had one goal, to create the best paper-like experience possible with the limitless connection that modern technology provides.

With reMarkable, your handwritten notes can be converted into text that syncs to your cloud, phone, or laptop. It is the thinnest tablet available, so you have a similar pencil-on-paper experience.

Since reMarkable was made for writing, it doesn’t come with the typical distractions regular tablets do, so you stay focused and organized. No trees are required, and your writing or planning experience is as close as it can get to using a traditional notebook.

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2. Notion

If you type notion in on YouTube, you’ll have a plethora of ways to customize this digital workspace.

You can use it as a planner, project manager, or journal; it is used by large companies and students alike to keep organized and capture thoughts. Digital planners love Notion because you can add custom templates, habit tracking, digital stickers and make it look and feel just like a regular planner. Notion is available for iOS, Android, and desktop.

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3. GoodNotes

If you dive into the digital note-keeping and planning space, chances are you’ve heard of GoodNotes.

An app that allows you to use your iPad as a journal and planner.

You can add as many notebooks as you want, all stored in one spot and synced with the cloud.

While only available for iPad users, it is a powerhouse app if you already have access to an iPad or Mac. 

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4. DayOne

If you’ve always wanted to be a journaler but never stuck with it, DayOne is for you!

Keep your thoughts and experiences together with text, audio, photo, and video all in one place.

Elegant and easy to navigate, DayOne allows you to maintain ownership of your data, keeps it safe and encrypted for you, and you can access it on any device.

DayOne is available for iOS, Android, and desktop.

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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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Sustainable Vegan Leathers

As a textile enthusiast, I get very excited about writing posts like these. I am fascinated by the innovation that goes into creating new sustainable fabrics. It's amazing how some of the fibers listed here can be derived from unexpected sources like apples and pineapples.

Why Vegan Leather?

Animal-derived leather production has been linked to several ethical and environmental issues, including animal exploitation and slaughter, deforestation, inefficient land use, biodiversity destruction, significant greenhouse gas emissions, tannery pollution and worker’s rights issues across the supply chain. Before discussing leather alternatives, it is important to understand why there is a need for alternative materials. According to industry data, a Brazilian leather handbag can result in as much as 1,000 square meters of once biodiverse land being cleared for production. Similarly, a cow skin leather bag of the same size can have a carbon equivalent footprint of over 100kg and a water footprint of over 17,100 liters. While leather has been used for centuries to make shoes, bags, and clothes, the fashion industry is now evolving beyond animal-derived materials.

We also made a conscious decision to exclude some of the plastic alternatives like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU), which are sometimes marketed as sustainable because they are vegan. While PU is better than PVC, it's still plastic and does not last long. Some of the leathers mentioned below may contain a small amount of PU, but we still believe that they represent a significant step in the right direction. We want to emphasize that nothing is perfect, but these textiles are quite exciting!

Our Favorite Vegan Leather Alternatives:

Image: Veerah Apple Peel Heels (use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off your entire purchase)

1. Apple Leather

Apple leather is a type of bio-based material that is made using apple by-products from the juice industry. When apples are pressed to create juice, the leftover apple pomace and peels contain a high amount of cellulose content, which makes them ideal for producing new fabrics.

To make apple leather, the apple pomace is reduced to a powder and then combined with a synthetic material called polyurethane. This process results in a soft and durable material that has a much lower environmental impact compared to cowhide leather.

Apple leather is commonly used to make shoes and small accessories like wallets or handbags.

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2. Cactus Leather

Cacti are incredible plants that have many benefits for the environment. They help to regenerate soil, prevent soil erosion and desertification, and even absorb carbon dioxide. But did you know that cacti can also be used to create sustainable fabrics? In Mexico, a type of cactus leather is being developed using the Opuntia Cactus, also known as Nopal. The process is sustainable and no cacti are harmed in the making of this leather. Only mature leaves are harvested, and cacti require very little water to grow, making artificial irrigation and pesticides unnecessary. After the leaves are harvested, they are mashed and dried for several days before being mixed with non-toxic chemicals and attached to a backing.

Brands Using Cactus Leather: Allégorie, Poppy Barley and Lo & Sons

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3. Cork Leather

Cork is one of the most popular vegan leathers available today. Although not all cork products are of the same quality, many eco-friendly brands source their cork from Portugal, which is known for producing high-quality cork. Interestingly, a cork oak tree can produce up to 18 harvests of bark during its lifetime, which makes it a renewable material. This harvesting process does not disrupt the tree's natural lifecycle. Cork leather is not only recyclable, but also lightweight, water-resistant, and durable. Additionally, it can be easily dyed, cut, and sewn, which allows for a wide variety of products to be made using this material.

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4. Leaf Leather

Leaf leather is one of the most affordable types of vegan leather available. Although it doesn't possess the traditional leather appearance, it does have a unique, natural look to it which is hard to replicate in fashion. This type of leather is made from sustainably harvested Teak leaves which are all fallen, so no trees are harmed. The leaves are soaked, dyed, and arranged flat before being set out to dry and mended with cotton fabric. Beautiful colors can be achieved with leaf leather, ranging from green to red to beige to purple. To strengthen the fabric for sewing, a thin BOPP film is used, which is non-toxic.

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5. Mango Leather

Did you know that over 30% of mangos are wasted during harvesting and transportation, while another 7% can be wasted in supermarkets? Allégorie has partnered with supermarkets to collect discarded mangos, which are then shredded into a smoothie-like substance and processed into sheets using eco-friendly methods. The material is transformed into a leather-like substance using a water-based PU as a binding agent. After being colored and waterproofed, Mango Leather looks incredibly similar to conventional leather. It's amazing how this innovative process can repurpose unwanted fruit and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional leather!

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6. Pineapple Leather

Pineapple leather, or Piñatex, is an innovative natural textile made from pineapple leaf fiber, which is an agricultural waste product. When pineapples are harvested, their leaves are collected and the long fibers are extracted using specialized machines. These fibers are then washed, purified, and processed to remove impurities. The remaining fluffy pineapple leaf fiber is mixed with a corn-based polylactic acid and transformed into a non-woven mesh called Piñafelt. To make it even more durable and waterproof, the Piñafelt is colored using GOTS-certified pigments and coated with a resin made of polyurethane.

Piñatex has been adopted by over 1,000 brands, including Nae & Svala, and the company that creates it, Ananas Anam, is a certified B Corporation.

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7. Mirum

MIRUM is a revolutionary material that closely resembles leather but is entirely plastic-free. It is certified by the USDA’s biopreferred program to be made of 100% bio-content and does not use any plastic in its production. MIRUM is made entirely of natural materials that can be recycled once the material has reached the end of its life as a bag, shoe, or belt. The material is created using abundant plant matter and upcycled agricultural side streams instead of primary products, similar to how Piñatex uses pineapple plant leaves rather than the fruit itself. This process makes the material environmentally friendly, efficient, and renewable.

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8. Vegea

Vegea, which is also known as wine leather, is a unique fabric made from leftover grape skins, vegetable oils, and natural fibers from the agroindustry. It is estimated that for every 10 liters of wine produced, 2.5 liters of waste are generated. However, this waste can be upcycled into one square meter of wine leather! To produce Vegea, the grape marc (which consists of grape skins, stalks, and seeds) must first be dried. After this step, it is combined with vegetable oil and water-based polyurethane to create a bio-based material that is coated into a fabric. The production process does not involve any toxic chemicals, dangerous solvents, or heavy metals, making it safe and eco-friendly.

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Here are a few vegan leathers that are very exciting, but unfortunately, have not gained a lot of popularity among sustainable brands, yet. We’re sure we will find many brands using these options in the near future!

• Biofabricated Leather: These leathers are just absolutely fascinating, and created in a lab. Learn all about these incredible textiles at Modern Meadow.

• Coconut Leather: Durable, Compostable, Water Resistant, Moldable & Flexible, Range of Thicknesses. Created by Malai

• Coffee Leather: Over 99% of coffee goes to waste, so why not do something useful with all the leftovers (besides body scrubs)? Created by Alice Genberg

• Mushroom Leather: We hear a lot of buzz around this one! It’s probably the one we’re most interested in getting our hands on, but it’s almost impossible. Created by Bolt Threads

Do you have a favorite vegan leather product you use?

We would love to hear all about in the comments below!

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The Best Sustainable & Organic Cotton Bath Mats

It’s time to upgrade your bathroom with an organic bath mat and indulge in the ultimate combination of luxury and sustainability! In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect sustainable bath mat that will complement your bathroom.

Why Choose an Organic Bath Mat?

Most bath mats available today are made from synthetic materials, which are essentially plastic. Washing these bath mats can release thousands of microplastics into the environment, causing harm to the planet. Even traditional bath mats made from conventional cotton can be detrimental to the environment.

Organic cotton is a much better alternative to regular cotton. It is produced and certified to organic agricultural standards, which helps maintain the health of soils, ecosystems and people by using natural processes instead of artificial inputs. The most significant benefit of organic cotton farming is that it doesn't allow the use of toxic chemicals or GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Switching to organic cotton can save up to 91% of the water needed to grow crops, emit 46% fewer greenhouse gases, and give farmers more control as they don't need to purchase expensive genetically modified seeds from a few big companies. Currently, only about 1% of all cotton produced is organic, so we need more people to choose organic cotton instead of traditional cotton to support a more sustainable option.

side note: we included two options not made from *organic cotton that are still sustainably sourced and handwoven by artisans!

Our Top Picks for Organic Bath Mats:

1. Under the Canopy

Price: $14 - 30

Under the Canopy offers a great selection of organic cotton bath mats, one of which is even made with a blend of hemp. They've been catering to conscious consumers since the beginning, providing them with high-quality, organic, and fair products. Their organic cotton products are some of the most affordable on the market. They comply with many different certifications, including FAIR TRADE, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, C2C, RCS, and FSC.

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2. Grund

Price: $40 - 72

Grund offers three different styles of organic bath mats, available in multiple colors and sizes.

Two of the mats are made entirely of organic cotton, while the third features a non-slip rubber backing.

We appreciate that Grund provides organic bath runners (great for longer bathrooms), which can often be challenging to find elsewhere. Plus, all of their bath mats - including the non-slip - are machine washable.

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3. Pottery Barn

Price: $34 - 55

Pottery Barn, although not the most eco-friendly brand, has made significant strides in minimizing its environmental impact over the years. If you're a fan of this company, you'll be pleased to know that they offer some fantastic organic cotton bath mats! Take a look at this lovely scalloped edge option. Pottery Barn's 100% GOTS organic cotton bath mats are made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, thereby empowering the workers who produced them.

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4. West Elm

Price: $39-59

If you are searching for prints and colors that are fun and sustainable, we have found a great option for you! West Elm has been actively offering more organic and eco-friendly products in recent years.

While browsing their website, be sure to check for the categories under each product that indicate whether it is 'Organic', 'Handcrafted', or 'Fair Trade'. Any of these options would be a fantastic sustainable choice!

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5. Coyuchi

Price: $38 - 98

Coyuchi offers a wide range of high-quality organic cotton home textiles including a fantastic selection of organic bath mats available. Their cotton is certified by GOTS, Fair Trade, and MADE SAFE, ensuring that it is non-toxic, sustainable, and ethically produced. As a member of 1% For The Planet, Coyuchi works with factories that recycle 98% of their wastewater. In addition, they are a partner of the Chetna Coalition, which supports sustainable farming communities in India.

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6. Kiliim

Price: $69 - 135

These bath mats are not certified as ‘organic’, but they are handmade with cotton using traditional kilim weaving techniques by artisans in Fowwa, a small village near the Nile Delta in Egypt.

Kiliim, a socially responsible enterprise based in Egypt, specializes in creating sustainable rugs with stunning and colorful designs. These particular bath mats are crafted from high-quality cotton and dyed with care.

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7. Minna

Price: $200

MINNA is a business that works with artisans in Mexico and Guatemala. Their aim is to provide ethically made products with modern designs. On their website, you can find detailed information about the people they work with, so you know exactly where the items come from. The Steps Mat is one of their products inspired by architect Luis Barragan. It's a handwoven cotton mat with a looped weave, which creates a cozy texture for stepping and standing. It's perfect to use as a bath mat or in front of the kitchen sink!

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Where to Find Sustainable Flowers

On Saturday mornings in the Summer and Fall I treasure taking a little time to myself to stroll through the farmer’s market and pick out a beautiful, fresh bunch of flowers. Flowers are so commonly used to mark special occasions, such as weddings and birthdays, that they are often equated to joy and love. Through all these years, I haven’t given much thought to where flowers come from when my husband brings some home or I get some delivered to my mom. In researching for this article, I found out there is much to learn about the flower industry.

Let’s explore what is currently unsustainable about the flower industry, what to look for when searching for more sustainable choices, and where you can find the best options.

Why the Flower Industry is not Sustainable

According to this article in ideas.ted.com, flowers are annually a 55-billion-dollar industry in the USA. Most of the flowers we buy don’t come from the USA, most come from Columbia, and the environmental impact of growing and transporting them is much greater than I realized. The negative impacts of flower growth include:

• High water usage: According to that same article, more than half of the water extraction from Lake Naivasha in Kenya is used to grow flowers.

• Pollution from chemical pesticides and runoff into the water: According to Green Matters,“There are no limits on the amount of pesticide residues on these plants…. The result is a highly toxic workplace and a highly toxic rose.”

• High carbon emissions from refrigeration, transportation, and greenhouse growing methods: Also according to Green Matters, in 2018, Valentine’s Day flowers grown in Colombia and flown to US airports produced some 360,000 metric tons of CO2.

• Dangerous working conditions: Exposure to toxic chemicals for labor in the floral agriculture industry is high. In Kenya and Columbia, flower production is one of their biggest industries, and mainly employs women who work up to 16 hours a day for low wages.

What You Can Do When Shopping for Your Next Bouquet

The most helpful thing you can do is look for flowers grown by local farmers. This reduces carbon emissions, supports the local economy, and gives you beautiful bouquets that last longer. Keep in mind, just because a store is local doesn’t mean their flowers are. Ask your florist if their flowers are locally sourced. If they are not, ask them to source their blooms from local farmers. If there are no local flowers in season, then find a florist who at least has flowers from the USA to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.

Visit a farmer’s market to find local, in-season, amazing bouquets that are usually cheaper than at the florist. Farmer’s markets are really one of the best places for fresh flowers. When shopping, even locally, look for farms that grow their flowers organically without harmful pesticides and use sustainable growing methods. Certified organic flowers are available; however, they are not yet in high demand. The more people seek them though, the more florists will carry them.

Don’t just stop at the flowers though; consider the packaging. Ask for flowers that are not packaged in plastic or with floral foam to reduce single-use plastic waste. Finally, consider what to do when the flowers die. You can recycle flowers by making potpourri; or incorporating them into soaps, candles, or bath bombs. Flowers can also be composted.

Online Sustainable and Ethical Floral delivery Options

Due to the growing interest in sustainable products, there are now a few online options for buying sustainably and ethically grown flowers as well.

Bouqs

One option for your floral needs is Bouqs. According to their website, “Bouqs believes in farm-direct, transparent sourcing, which means partnering with farmers who use sustainable growing practices like minimizing waste and recycling water”. Ensuring their products are grown more sustainably and with few toxic chemicals, also means safer conditions for the workers who grow your flowers. Bouqs offers several shipping options. Same-day shipping is guaranteed to come from a local florist, next day from a domestic farm, and no rush which is shipped internationally. Finally, I love the Bouqs has a clear commitment to diversity and inclusion in their company and partnerships.

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Farmgirl Flowers

Farmgirl Flowers, which is woman-owned, started with a single high-quality bouquet, and they still offer a minimalist model. They create one high-quality arrangement a day made entirely from flowers sourced from American farmers. Don’t worry, they offer more than one product on their site, so you have many choices.

According to their site, they offer signature burlap-wrapped bouquets, shippable vase arrangements, single variety bouquets, plants, and gifts. The burlap wrap is even repurposed from coffee roasters.

Their aesthetic is unique and just fabulous too!

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ReVased

Another good bet for your bouquets is Revased, which started in 2019 by upcycling flowers from events. When COVID hit they shifted their model to sourcing flowers directly from farms to the consumer to reduce waste and pollution from shipping. Most of their partner farms are Rainforest Alliance Certified, meaning they pass rigorous checks for sustainable and humane practices. They also still upcycle flowers from events, further reducing waste. A big bonus of shopping from Revased is part of your purchase will go to support several non-profits monthly, including senior service centers, women’s shelters, and cancer support centers.

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online resources for local flowers

Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers : Find Local Flowers

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) was “created to educate, unite, and support commercial cut flower growers.” That sounds pretty generic, but what makes the organization worth checking out is its strong focus on supporting the use of locally grown flowers. They support research, mentoring programs, grants, events, and public education to help grow the local floral industry. The best tool they have for us as consumers is the ability to search for their site to find local flowers for everyday occasions or large special events just by entering your zip code. I was able to find 11 options within 30 miles of my zip code! You really should check it out next time you are searching for fabulous flowers, no matter where you are.

Local Harvest

Local Harvest has long been a go-to site to connect you to local farms for food. They offer much more than that though. You can search for herbs, health products, coffee and tea, restaurants that use produce from your favorite farms, farmer markets, chocolate, and more. Their searching options include dried flowers, edible flowers, and fresh flowers. Local Harvest provides user reviews for the farms. They also indicate if the farm is certified USDA organic and if they are a Local Harvest supporter. Local Harvest is one of the best sources for getting to know farms in your area.

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a few more sustainable floral arrangement ideas

Whole Foods

If you have a Whole Foods in your area, they are a good option for picking up flowers at the last minute. Look for flowers that are marked organic or locally grown. If you are not certain while shopping you can ask one of the floral department employees. They also have flowers that are designated as Sourced for Good. In this program, they partner with farms that have certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance to ensure they are meeting high standards for how they treat the planet and people.

  Other Sustainable Options

Other even more eco-friendly options are house plants, dried flowers, or growing your own. House plants and dried flowers can last much longer, thereby making them more sustainable. Just like with your flowers, verify that the farm is local and uses organic or other sustainable practices. Get recommendations for local nurseries in your area and ask where they source their seeds or starts from, how they grow their plants, and their expert tips on plant care. I just put in my first flower bed this year and it is doing pretty good. I have only had to replace 2 out of 12 flowers so far, which is better than I thought I would do. Every time I see a flower head pop up it brings a little joy. It is fun to watch them grow and relaxing to tend to them. Investing your time in growing plants and flowers means you are not only doing good for the planet; you are also doing good for yourself.

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

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the best Non-Toxic Makeup brands in 2024

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the beauty industry, with more and more consumers seeking non-toxic makeup options. The rise of non-toxic makeup can be attributed to a growing awareness of the potentially harmful ingredients found in traditional cosmetics. People are now more conscious about what they put on their skin and opt for products free from chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.

Non-toxic makeup not only offers a safer alternative but also provides numerous benefits for the skin. These products are often made with natural and organic ingredients that nourish and protect the skin from environmental damage. They are also gentle on sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation.

In addition to being healthier for the skin, non-toxic makeup also aligns with the values of many consumers. People are increasingly concerned about sustainability, animal welfare, and supporting ethically sourced ingredients. Non-toxic makeup brands prioritize these values and offer cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable products.

So, if you want to transform your beauty routine into a healthier and more conscious one, non-toxic makeup is the key!

Why Switch to Non-Toxic Makeup?

One of the key benefits of non-toxic makeup is that it is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for many different skin types, including those that are more sensitive. Conventional makeup products often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin, leading to redness, itching, and breakouts. On the other hand, non-toxic makeup is formulated with more gentle and soothing ingredients that minimize the risk of irritation.

Another benefit of non-toxic makeup is that it can improve the overall appearance of your skin. Traditional cosmetics often contain ingredients that clog pores and contribute to acne breakouts. Non-toxic makeup, on the other hand, allows your skin to breathe and promotes a clear and radiant complexion.

Furthermore, non-toxic makeup brands often prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. You are contributing to a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry by supporting these brands. Non-toxic makeup is often cruelty-free, vegan, and packaged in eco-friendly materials. If you prefer for your makeup to be Vegan, as well as Non-Toxic, make sure to check out this post here.

COMMON TOXIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN COSMETICS: 

Traditional beauty brands use numerous synthetic ingredients that can 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, non-toxic products is essential. 

The easiest way to ensure that a product is safe to use is to confirm that it doesn't have any of the following chemicals: 

Parabens: 

Parabens are extremely common in beauty products and are used as preservatives. Unfortunately, parabens are endocrine disruptors that negatively impact both humans and animals.

Phthalates:

These chemicals are commonly used in beauty products that contain fragrance or nail polish. They are also linked to endocrine disruption. Phthalates can be labeled as DMP, DEP, DBP, and DEHP. 

Artificial Fragrance: 

Most fragrances in beauty and household products are made of numerous chemicals. You can't research how it may affect you since you don't know what it's made of. Try to avoid any products that include fragrance on their ingredient list and look for non-toxic options instead.  

Formaldehyde: 

Formaldehyde is a commonly used gas that acts as a preservative. Unfortunately, despite how often it's used, it is a known carcinogen at high levels of exposure and can act as a skin irritant. 

Petrolatum: 

Petrolatum, i.e. petroleum jelly, isn't unsafe when properly refined. Many petroleum-based products, particularly in the U.S., are not properly refined. If they aren't, they may contain PAHs, which are toxic chemicals and suspected carcinogens. The only way to ensure petrolatum is safe for use is for brands to be transparent about their refinery history, which isn't required in the U.S. 

Now, let’s go over some brands we DO recommend for your non-toxic beauty journey…

Our Favorite Sustainable, Non-Toxic MakeUp Brands:

1. ILIA

Favorites: Multi-Stick / Super Serum Skin Tint

An ethical & sustainable line dedicated to creating the purest products, ILIA uses certified organic bio-active botanicals to rejuvenate your skin. Not only do their products perform exceptionally well, but they also have a sleek look with conscious packaging.

The label runs a recycling program, so your empties never see a landfill. Even letting you send empties from other brands, Ilia doesn’t overcomplicate its formulas with many different ingredients, and they use packaging materials like recycled aluminum and glass when suitable.

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2. Zakiella

Zakiella is Reimagining Clean Beauty™ through its eco-conscious and ethically sourced colourful cosmetics. They opt for high-quality natural and certified organic ingredients to create their lip colors and eyeshadows. Zakiella's cosmetics line is certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny and handcrafted in Canada. Zakiella takes a minimalist view with their ingredients (the list is short enough to fit on a lipstick cap!), keeping only the best for excellent performance. They are mindful of their packaging and print their labels directly on the product to avoid unnecessary individual cardboard boxes. You can even purchase eyeshadow refills!

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3. Axiology 

Favorite: Balmie Duo Set

Your new go-to for plastic-free & vegan lipstick!

Axiology offers a variety of lip balmies in different textures and colors, ranging from shimmery, creamy, rich, sheer to soft. Additionally, their lipstick comes with a tubeless application to reduce environmental impact, and their packaging is made from recycled cardboard which is compostable or recyclable.

Axiology is a brand that is dedicated to avoiding animal testing and ingredients, as well as palm oil, and aims to utilize natural ingredients as much as possible.

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4. The Organic Skin Co.

Favorite: Draw the Line Eye Liner

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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5. Elate

Favorite: Essential Mascara

A toxin-free, vegan & sustainable line with a mission to care for each other, our communities, and our planet, Elate uses healthy ingredients to make clean cosmetics to add to your beauty ritual.

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. In addition, their packaging materials can be sent back to be effectively recycled.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off

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6. NOTO

This beauty brand is based in Los Angeles and is known for its gender-neutral products. Customers can refill their products in-store, and all ingredients are locally sourced and vegan. Additionally, the products are animal-testing free and fair trade certified - ticking all the boxes for ethical and sustainable beauty.

NOTO's multi-purpose sticks and pots of color can be used on your lips, eyelids, and cheeks, which means you need to buy fewer products, helping to reduce overconsumption and waste.

All packaging is made from glass, metal, biodegradable materials, or recycled plastics.

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7. Au Naturale

Favorite: Matte Lip Stain

Au Naturale is a line of vegan, organic, and paraben-free beauty products made with ethically sourced ingredients.

They are leading a revolution in clean beauty and encourage consumers to demand responsibility from other cosmetic brands.

Our favorite product from their line is the Matte Lip Stain, which is made with ethically sourced ECOCERT pigments and crafted with organic oils and waxes.

This formula is incredibly long-lasting!

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8. Gabriel

Favorite: Nail Polish

A natural, gluten-free & vegan line advocating healthy living, Gabriel is bringing out the existing natural beauty in women.

They are committed to reducing their carbon footprint and have a recycling program for makeup products.

Most of their makeup line is made in the US, and they use eco-friendly packaging.

Their non-toxic nail polish line is among the best we've tried and highly recommended!

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9. Trestique

Trestique is another brand that uses refillable packaging and recycled materials for their 2-in-1 products.

These products are designed to be endlessly refillable with a variety of items such as blush and concealer sticks, highlighters and bronzers, brow pencils and gels, mascara, and lip crayons.

The brand is vegan and transparent about its use of recycled materials, with up to 98% in their packaging materials.

Additionally, any product that is not refilled can be returned to the company for proper recycling.

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10. Izzy

Check out Izzy for the world’s first zero-waste mascara ($39 for a one-time purchase, or you can sign up for more cost-effective membership).

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!

Plus, they recently launched lip gloss, lip butter & brow balms.

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WANT TO FIND MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS?

The Brand Directory features hundreds of sustainable brands approved by us!

We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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