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 cleaner beauty industry. Thank you for supporting these brands - and us!

The Best Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Body Wash

As the place that likely holds the majority of your daily use products, revamping your bathroom to be more eco-friendly can make a big difference in limiting the amount of  plastic disposables in your home. With containers, wrappers, boxes, tubes, and bottles bursting out from nearly every shelf, it can feel like an overwhelming process to know where to start. Your shower essentials are your armor for the day, and a shift to be more sustainable does not mean a sacrifice of quality. With organic ingredients and natural scents that are better for your skin, and zero-waste packaging that’s better for the environment, swapping your standard body wash for a superb sustainable alternative allows you to self-care and save the planet.  

How can your shower be more sustainable? 

A quick and efficient shower is just one way to keep the earth cleaner while you wash, another is to take notice of the packaging for the products you use. A single bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or body wash can come in layers of plastic with a lifespan as short as the time it takes for you to finish it. Sustainable products are built to be reused, so the more you can refill instead of rebuy the better your shower will be for the environment.  When it comes to ingredients, beauty products are typically packed with harsh chemicals and synthetics, your eco-friendly wash alternatives should always be safe and non-toxic and carry an ingredients list of familiar, organic materials. 

What to Look For in a Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Body Wash

Though recycling your plastic body wash bottles after use is a notable effort, it’s far from a perfect solution to solve our planet’s plastic problems. An even better idea is to replace the need for single-use plastics all together. That’s why the best body wash bottle is no bottle at all. With bar soap, you get all the joys of a luxurious lather without the wasteful packaging. If bar soap doesn't feel like the right product for you, a refillable and reusable bottle is a great plastic-free alternative to disposable body wash. We all love a body wash that smells good, but manufactured fragrances can be packed with harmful parabens and sulphates. For this reason, look for smells that are organic and derived from natural essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or rose. You can also be mindful of a brand’s ethical practices and affiliations. A company that gives back to their community, or finds a way to offset their carbon footprint, deserves our extra attention.

Our Top Picks for Zero-Waste, Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Body Wash:

1. Everist

Waterless Body Wash Concentrate

Price: $24

This interesting 3x concentrated soap fits a whole bottle of body wash in a 100ml travel-friendly aluminum tube!

The body wash is activated in the shower by water and comes with a unique key to make sure every ounce is squeezed out of the bottle to avoid waste.

All their products are color-safe, vegan, and cruelty-free and free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, dyes, synthetic fragrances, and added preservatives!

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC10 for 10% off

---

2. Ethique

Bodywash Bars

Price: $6 - 13

Started in a small kitchen in her New Zealand home, founder Brianne West set out to find a formula to offset the amount of waste created by the cosmetics industry.

Ethique is a 100% plastic-free, plant-based, certified carbon neutral brand offering all types of zero-waste bath and body products.

Their body washes are made of biodegradable, sustainably sourced, naturally-derived and palm oil free ingredients.

Among their many natural scents, as well as an unscented option, are Lavender + Peppermint and Lime + Ginger. Furthering their efforts of carbon offsetting, for every purchase made one tree or mangrove is planted.

---

3. Plaine Products

Refillable Body Wash

Price: $6 - 30

Not a fan of bar soaps? Plaine Products provide a refillable and reusable body wash option to eliminate single-use plastic. 

When you are getting low on product simply order a refill bottle, empty and rinse your finished bottle, switch the pump to the refill bottle, and send the empty bottle back.

All Plaine Products are made using plant-based ingredients, free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicone, and palm oil, and designed to biodegrade.

Their body wash is available in two scents,  Citrus + Lavender or Rosemary + Mint + Vanilla, with an unscented option as well. Subscribe to one of their refill plans, and receive your refills automatically in a timeframe of your choice.

code: sustainablychic20 for 20% off

---

4. THE POWDER SHAMPOO

THE POWDER FOAM WASH

Price: $16 - 33

Are you looking for a completely plastic-free body wash brand? THE POWDER SHAMPOO offers something unique to the beauty industry with its vegan, cruelty-free, powder-to-foam formulas.

Since no water is added to their formula, you can get way more washes out of a single bottle. Their 100g bottle is over 100x washes - that’s over 3 months of body wash if you shower every day!

Their products are made with 28 botanical extracts and eight essential oils, all of which are free of harsh surfactants, sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and silicones. Plus, with every bottle sold, a tree is planted, with a goal of 1 million trees by 2030!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off

---

5. UpCircle

Soap Bars

Price: $10

These sustainable, award-winning soap bars from UpCircle are 100% certified natural, vegan, palm oil-free, and cruelty-free!

If you are passionate about food waste, you will love to hear they create their soaps from discarded coffee, fruit stones and chai spices.

Hundreds of reviews say their products are amazing, and if you live in the UK you can take advantage of their send-back program for their body wash bottle.

---

6. Herbivore

Charcoal & Pink Clay Soap Bars

Price: $14

This brand is particularly popular for its two soap bars - Bamboo Charcoal & Pink Clay.

Bamboo Charcoal has been used for centuries in the Far East, purifying and cleansing the skin of dirt by drawing impurities from deep within pores. The pink clay is known for drawing out impurities by cleansing without stripping or drying out your skin.

---

7. Ursa Major

Bar Soap

Price: $14

Ursa Major’s Morning Bar Soap is energizing and exfoliating - great for the start to your day.

It cleans while exfoliating, soothing and hydrating your skin, and is also made with RSPO certified sustainable palm oil!

The main ingredients are peppermint, honey, sea fennel, coconut, volcanic rock, and shea butter.

There are also no petrochemicals, SLS, SLES, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, glycols, silicones or PEGs.

---

8. Dr. Bronner’s

Pure-Castile Bar Soap

Price: $5 - 18

These 100% true pure-castile soaps are ethically manufactured using only the purest organic and certified fair-trade ingredients.

With a legacy that spans 150 years and 5 generations, the Dr. Bronner’s name guarantees a high quality product that is also environmentally responsible. Their soap bars are biodegradable and packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper.

With 7 different scents to choose from, plus an unscented option, there is sure to be something in stock for everyone. Awaken your skin with their most popular Peppermint scent, or embrace the floral freshness of their Rose. Use as a body, face, or hair wash for an all-in-one bar soap that soothes and softens without drying out.

---

9. Soap Distillery

Soap Bars

Price: $8

Soap Distillery's unique soap brand creates zero-waste soap bars inspired by drinks like Limoncello, Whiskey, and Mint Mojito!

Each soap bar is hand cut and handmade with love for people and the planet.

They also make sure to use only sustainably-sourced ingredients and plastic-free packaging.

---

10. Alpine Provisions

Refillable Castile Wash & Bars

Price: $22

Another similar brand to Plaine Products, Alpine Provisions, is making zero waste bath soap cooler than ever.

Their Castile Body Wash is made of a rich combination of organic Olive and Coconut Oils, and since it is super concentrated, you don’t have to use much.

In addition, the ingredients used are all sustainable, making it 100% biodegradable, natural, organic, and sourced with respect for people & the planet.

---

About the Author:

Julia Grinberg is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is a blog contributor for the vegan shoe brand Sylven New York, and the upcycled leather accessories brand Hyer Goods. When she is not writing on the topic of sustainable fashion, she is crafting short stories for various outlets and is currently working on a collection of creative nonfiction essays.

---

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

---

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.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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

how to have a zero waste period

The ability to wear white pants with mindless ease, complete control over emotional fluctuations, and unbridled physical comfort are just a few of the sacrifices women are prepared to make a week out of each month.  Our commitment to sustainability is not one of them. 

 In conventional period care the option to be eco-conscious has not always been available,  so it’s no wonder that most of us end up just going with the flow.  Unfortunately, from manufacturing to end of life, traditional pads and tampons come at too great of an environmental cost to ignore. 

Thanks to the brilliant brands behind the market’s most eco-friendly period products,  

maintaining a zero-waste lifestyle even on our periods is no longer out of reach. With modern design and innovative materials, we find a future that sheds us of our dependency on daily disposables.  These products also promote an approach to period care that emphasizes wellness and  livability.  

To say it simply, this is not your mother’s period. 

WHAT’S SO WRONG WITH TRADITIONAL PERIOD PRODUCTS?

Typically made with non-organic cotton and single-use plastic, the manufacturing of these products require an energy and water intensive process. A single pad can be made of up to 90% plastic and tampon applicators are made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The most harmful part of traditional period care comes after use. Designed to be disposable, a staggering amount of pads and tampons are discarded each year, and either sit for centuries in a landfill expelling chemicals or find their way into our sewer systems, contributing to the rising problem of plastics in our oceans. On top of that, pads and tampons come individually wrapped adding to the overuse of plastic packaging. 

HOW CAN PERIOD CARE BE MORE SUSTAINABLE?

It’s time to stop the cycle and welcome the era of a zero-waste period! Limiting our dependency on conventional cotton and single-use plastics are always going to be a win when it comes to caring for the environment in our purchases. Finding a product that lasts and doesn’t cause overcrowding in our landfills or harm to our oceans takes our efforts to the next level.  Menstrual cups, reusable pads, and reusable period underwear are all accessible sustainable swaps that eliminate the need to constantly throw away and rebuy. These products are not only designed to fit your body comfortably, but also your lifestyle, with no-leak protection no matter how you move throughout the day and without having to have harsh chemicals near your most sensitive parts. 

Better for your budget, body, and planet. PERIOD. 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR A ZERO WASTE PERIOD:

1) The EarthHero Collection

The eco-friendly online marketplace earns their name as planetary protectors with a variety of sustainable menstrual products. A standout on the site are the  Saalt Silicone Menstrual Cups. Made from 100% medical-grade silicon, these menstrual cups are completely chemical-free and not only offer 12 hours of protection, but an easy-to-use alternative to single use pads and tampons that will last you years. A follow-up favorite from EarthHero are the Smarliners Organic Reusable Pads and Liners . These GOTS certified products are made from organic cotton without the use of any plastic or toxic adhesives commonly found in their disposable counterparts. Just use, launder, and reuse! 

Not ready to go reusable, but still want to make a change? Check out their Tampon Tribe Organic Cotton Tampons, Pads, and Liners. EarthHero understands that when it comes to period care, it’s not always a one product fits all formula, and while these are disposable they make great strides in reducing their carbon footprint by using only organic cotton free from harmful chemicals. Tampon Tribe, a female-owned business, is also dedicated to giving back with their initiative that donates a pack to those in need for every pack sold.

---

2) The Cora Disk by Cora

Achieving high marks in both their environmental and social actions, CORA is a certified B-Corp company that spotted the need for women around the world to feel empowered by having a safe and sustainable period. The Cora Disc is equipped for your heavy or light days and can hold the equivalent of 5-7 regular tampons. Made to fit most bodies with their easy insertion/removal design, this reusable menstrual disc is meant to last up to 10 years.

Emphasizing convenience and care, the ultra-soft silicon disc also self-empties when you use the bathroom without you having to remove the product.

The “barely there” feeling allows you to wear your disc comfortably during sex, exercising, swimming, or however you move throughout your day.

---

3) The Lily Cup by Intimina

As one of the smallest reusable menstrual cups on the market, the Lily Cup is said to be the perfect starter for those who are new to the reusable cup game or have a higher cervix. Intimina, a Swedish brand who provide a range of feminine hygiene products, created the Lily Cup to roll as thin as a tampon for simple insertion. With up to 8 hours of protection, this sustainable period solution provides all day comfortable coverage with a no spill rim and easy to remove stem.

The Lily Cup is made from 100% medical grade silicone and comes in two sizes dependent on your flow and pelvic floor strength.

---

4) Organic Cotton Reusable Pads by Rael

Reusable and washable period pads are the perfect replacement for your daily disposables. Have a waste-free period with a product that is not only plastic-free and made from organic cotton, but can also be used up to 120 times. With reliable leak protection provided by their 5 layers of absorbent organic cotton, users experience the breathable comfort of a chemical free period product. The Rael reusable pads come in petite, regular, large, and overnight sizes to fit your needs, and their wrap wings with fastened snaps secure the pad in place for additional security.

---

5) Period Underwear from Thinx

Although they already top nearly every “best of” list (including our own!) The benefits of THINX period underwear still bears repeating. Available in a variety of styles and absorbency levels, THINX products provide a zero-waste alternative to pads and tampons with their multiple absorbent layers of fabric that can be washed and reused. OEKO-TEX certified materials make up a pair of THINX underwear that are comfortable, absorbent, and washable. Initial fears about the feeling of wearing period underwear have been dispelled by a plethora of positive reviews from satisfied pad and tampon converts.

---

6) Reusable Tampon Applicator from Dame

For lifelong tampon users, the switch to something else may seem like a daunting feat. Dame is here to support your sustainable journey whenever you are in it, and provide the best options along the way. The reusable tampon applicator allows you to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a tampon applicator without the plastic waste. Built for every size tampon and with self-sanitizing technology, this reusable alternative can be used up to 12,000 times, saving that many single-use applicators from potentially ending up in our oceans. A safe swap that you need only rinse, dry, and go.

Consider pairing with Dame’s Organic Cotton Tampons for the complete eco-option.

---

7) Lena Cup

Made in the USA, the Lena Cup is another reusable silicone menstrual cup on the market receiving high praise. With the traditional bell shape, this cup is designed to sit comfortably to collect your flow. The product comes in two sizes - small or large - and also has an option for those with sensitive anatomies.

Trusted as a quality cup for first time users, 90% of Lena customers never go back to pad or tampons. Intended for the active, wear your Luna Cup all day and even overnight with stress-free leak protection up to 12 hours. Each Lena Cup also comes with its own cotton storage bag for secure and easy transport.

---

8) Disposable Bags from FabLittleBag

Big changes don’t happen overnight, and we recognize that habits are hard to break especially when it’s something as personal as period care. Even if reusable products aren’t right for you, there are still movements to be made in protecting the planet against the problems caused by pads and tampons. FabLittleBag exists to protect rivers, oceans and beaches from the pollution caused by flushed period products by providing sustainably sourced sanitary disposal bags. Instead of flushing your pads or tampons, discard your used products in a safe and discreet way.

FabLittleBags are made of plants, recycled plastics, and vegan glue, and remind us that even the little efforts make a big difference!

---

About the Author

Julia Grinberg is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is a blog contributor for the vegan shoe brand Sylven New York, and the upcycled leather accessories brand Hyer Goods. When she is not writing on the topic of sustainable fashion, she is crafting short stories for various outlets and is currently working on a collection of creative nonfiction essays.

---

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

---

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.

---

RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

---

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Certifications for Clothing

The phrases “green” and “eco-friendly” do little to uncover the extent of a clothing brand's environmental efforts. Though they imply ethical and sustainable practices, greenwashing tactics often use these buzzwords because of their vague nature. As the sustainable fashion industry grows, the need for transparency is more important than ever. Where the typical terms fall short on specifics, clothing certifications supply shoppers with the reassurance they need to invest in the right products. These voluntary certifications can represent any and all aspects of the manufacturing process, and help shoppers determine which standards and criteria brands are meeting. Whether searching for verified organic materials or confirmation of ethical working conditions, these certifications extend to nearly every part of our concerns as conscious shoppers. Now it’s time to understand what these labels actually mean, and where we can find them! 

1) Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

What is GOTS-Certified?

GOTS is recognized worldwide as the leading textile process standard for organic fibers, verifying that the supply chain meets its criteria for the coveted “Made With Organic” stamp. With a clear set of environmental and ethical requirements, this certification identifies brands committed to sourcing organic materials. GOTS-certified products ensure that all textiles are made from at least 70% organic natural fibers and that any chemical input (such as dyes) is evaluated for toxicity and biodegradability. Social criteria must also be met by upholding the labor standards set forth by the International Labor Organization.

Where Can You Find GOTS-Certified?

Brook There proudly promotes that their everyday undergarments are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. This minimalist lingerie brand designs for longevity by pairing durable material with timeless styles and colors. 

Komodo, self-proclaimed as “The Original Ethical Brand Since 1988,” declares that looking good while protecting the environment goes hand-in-hand. These sleek silhouettes with pops of color for both men and women are GOTS certified and a member of the soil association. 

Read more about GOTS-Certified Here

---

2) Fair Trade Certified

What is Fair Trade Certified?

A Fair Trade Certified seal confirms that a brand pays fair wages to workers in developing countries and ensures that all employees work in safe conditions. In addition, brands with this certification emphasize garment laborers' rights in their supply chain and environmental protection. Fair Trade prioritizes the treatment of people to build sustainable livelihoods and uplift communities through an internationally agreed set of social, economic, and ecological standards. There are a few types of Fair Trade certifications, each with personalized distinctions. 

Once the same entity, Fair Trade USA and Fair Trade International separated to allow Fair Trade USA to grant certifications to large and small farms. While their labor standards are nearly identical, Fair Trade International also includes an environmental standard prohibiting GMOs and toxic chemicals. As a result, shoppers can be sure that a Fair Trade certified product uses methods of production that protect not only the environment but also the people who made them. 

 Fair Trade Federation (FTF) and World Fair Trade Organization (WTFO) differ from Fair Trade USA and International because they are granted to a company or enterprise instead of a product or material. FTF, which relies upon self-reporting, is a network that grants companies membership based on ethical standards like safe working conditions, living wages, and environmental stewardship. WTFO is a community of enterprises dedicated to fair trade and demonstrating their commitment to serving marginalized communities and solutions to broad issues such as the overuse of natural resources, women's empowerment, refugee livelihoods, human rights, inequality, and sustainable farming. Through peer reviews and independent audits, WFTO verifies members are mission-led and implementing the 10 Principles of Fair Trade across their business and supply chains.

Where Can You Find Fair Trade Certified?

Kowtow is a women’s workwear brand you can feel proud to keep in rotation. Based in New Zealand, their boldness extends past picking patterns and into their commitment to the environment. With 100% Fair Trade certified cotton, Kowtow embodies what it means to be mindful of the communities where they work. 

Outerknown is certified by Fair Trade USA and is also dedicated to working with recycled material to combat the issues of textile waste. For the adventurous type, Outerknown makes clothes for those who get out into nature just as much as they talk about it.

Read more about Fair Trade Certified Here

---

3) Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX

What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100?

OEKO-TEX is a popular label with several certifications on chemical usage in garments. Standard 100 is the most common certification testing for substances that are harmful to humans. If an article of clothing carries this certification, it’s a guarantee that every component has been tested for toxic chemicals and given a clean bill of health. The test is conducted based on an extensive criteria catalog, updated at least once a year to expand with new knowledge and requirements. As a result, OEKO-TEX experts have consumers’ backs when protecting their health from potentially harmful chemicals in their clothing. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but OEKO-TEX keeps the chemicals away.

Where Can You Find OEKO-TEX Standard 100?

Outland Denim was founded as a training and employment opportunity for women who have experienced sex trafficking. Today, these women craft premium denim from the finest OEKO-TEX Certified materials worldwide. 

Read more about OEKO-TEX Certified Here & Find a List of 14 Brands who use the Certification

---

4) Certified B Corporations

What are Certified B Corporations?

B Corp certifications measure the full scope of a company’s social and environmental performance. This includes anything from materials to supply chain and employee treatment. The non-profit B Lab awards its stamp of approval and takes into consideration a brand’s approach to people, products, and profit. B Corp Certified businesses are expected to meet their rigorous social and environmental standards, focusing on transparency and accountability. This certification is about establishing a brand as a force for good and as leaders in the larger global movement for better practices. These companies balance profit with an emphasis on purpose. 

Where Can You Find Certified B Corps?

KOTN fulfills its responsibilities as a B Corp by directly working to benefit the lives of its cotton farmers. Their mission is to set the standard for conscious creation and consumption with underwear and loungewear for men and women. 

Read more about Certified B Corps Brands

---

5) Cradle to Cradle (C2C)

What is Cradle to Cradle Certification?

C2C Certified products focus on circularity. To receive certification, products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reuse, water stewardship, social fairness, and renewable energy and carbon management. A product is assigned an achievement level (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for each category. In addition, cradle to Cradle works to identify brands that not only have ethical materials sourcing on the front end but also consider the end-of-life impact of their product.

Where Can You Find Cradle to Cradle Certification?

Eileen Fisher is a C2C Certified brand committed to making circularity the new standard for the sustainable fashion industry. For over a decade, they have collected gently worn EF garments to clean and resell, finding innovative ways to keep clothes out of landfill. 

Loomstate is a sustainable brand based in New York City that has also reached C2C Certified status. Through its unique sourcing and design, Loomstate is changing how we see professional uniforms in sustainable fashion. As if that wasn’t enough, they are also Fair Trade and OEKO-TEX certified.

Read more about Why Circular Fashion Matters Here

---

6) Leather Working Group (LWG)

What is LWG Certified?

The LWG certifies tanneries and leather traders based on their adherence to environmental protection guidelines. LWG ratings (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) are based on how companies' production processes affect the environment. Audits are done by several third parties using the same standards, considering waste management, energy consumption, and water usage. This certification aims to reward brands sourcing leather from environmentally responsible suppliers.

Where Can You Find LWG Certified?

Nisolo is not only a certified B Corp; most of their leather comes from LWG Certified tanners in León, Mexico. This 100% carbon-neutral footwear brand pushes the industry toward a more sustainable and ethical direction. 

Everlane has established itself by designing comfortable basics with what they call "radical transparency" in its manufacturing processes. In addition, Everlane continues its commitment to sustainable staple items with a Gold certification from the LWG. 

Although better than conventional leather, LWG has its criticisms. Read them here.

---

7) Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

What is FSC Certified?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization with standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial way. An FSC certification is considered the "gold standard" designation for wood harvested from forests. Though we usually think of wood usage in terms of furniture, construction material, and paper, it's also expanding into the textile world. Forest-based fabrics, such as rayon, Tencel, viscose, modal, or lyocell, are becoming increasingly more popular in the fashion industry and can be more environmentally friendly than synthetic textiles or cotton if the cellulose fibers come from well-managed forests. There are three types of labels that the FSC distributes: FSC 100 Percent for products from FSC-certified forests, FSC Recycled for products made from reclaimed material, and FSC Mixed for when a product is made from at least 70 percent FSC-certified or recycled materials. 

Where Can You Find FSC Certified?

Sézane is a French ready-to-wear brand that has been bestowed an FSC certification for its commitment to a more sustainable world. Their collection includes a detailed breakdown of each component showcasing 68% FSC-certified mixed viscose. These pieces may be vintage-inspired, but they are made from sustainable fashion's most innovative materials. 

Nau is an outerwear and loungewear brand that has earned its sustainable stripes by producing durable products made from certified natural materials. Their breathable, moisture-wicking activewear consists of FSC-certified eucalyptus Tencel and promises to be your favorite pick for warm weather days.

---

A Few More Certifications…

Bluesign: A standard awarded to textile manufacturers who provide safe working conditions for their employees and work to minimize their environmental impact. For example, Toad&Co

Better Cotton Initiative: A non-profit organization that supports a more sustainable way to source cotton through a defined set of standards. For example, Kathmandu

Climate Beneficial: A verification awarded to farmers by the non-profit Fibershed ensures that the materials (typically wool) are created by farming that sequesters more carbon than it emits. For example, Coyuchi

---

& One Last Note…

PETA labels are not typically considered a sustainable certification since they don’t consider workers’ rights or environmental impact. However, their standards for animal treatment and plant-based products are still worth noting since they’re seen so frequently. In addition, both of these labels are based on self-reporting without using a third-party auditor to verify. 

Approved-Vegan: This label signifies that the brand or product has signed PETA’s statement of assurance verifying that their product is vegan.

Cruelty-Free: This bunny logo is most commonly used for personal care and beauty products to signify that the company did not conduct or commission any animal tests during product research.

---

Julia Grinberg is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is a blog contributor for the vegan shoe brand Sylven New York, and the upcycled leather accessories brand Hyer Goods. When she is not writing on the topic of sustainable fashion, she is crafting short stories for various outlets and is currently working on a collection of creative nonfiction essays.

---

The search for the best summer beach read normally drives you to the romance or mystery aisles, but this year we challenge you to check out some of our favorite books on sustainability. These books not only inform us of the issues, but they also paint the picture of a world worth fighting for and uplift the efforts we can make to be the heroes of our own sustainable stories. 

Whether highlighting the simple daily choices, encouraging a commitment to large lifestyle changes, or illuminating the industries whose inherent environmental strain pushes them towards innovation, these books elevate the genre of sustainable writing through their unique approaches to providing a powerful range of resourceful information. Enjoy! 

THRIVE by Kamea Chayne

Published in 2016, Thrive remains a go-to guide for an environmentally conscious lifestyle. First-time book author Kamea Chayne takes a holistic approach to healthy living with the ideology that total wellness requires us to not only take care of ourselves, but also the planet we call home. This comprehensive introduction into world sustainability offers suggestions, exercises, and evidence that call upon readers to participate in sustainability in all parts of their life – from their shopping and eating habits to their health and wealth aspirations.

Chayne sees happiness as something that is cultivated within and intrinsically linked to how sustainably we navigate through our lives.

---

SOURCE MY GARMENT by Adila Cokar 

Source My Garment, An Insider’s Guide to Responsible Offshore Manufacturing by Adila Coaker provides a step-by-step guide for designers to build a successful and sustainable business in the fashion industry.

With over a decade of experience in everything from product development to manufacturing and business strategy, Coaker calls on entrepreneurs and start-ups to follow her set of tried and true practices in every facet of production.

Coaker’s writing tackles the most challenging parts of manufacturing by providing the tools to avoid problems and enhance fun. By humanizing the production process, Coaker shows how designing sustainably – and keeping profits on par with people and the planet – is the right recipe for a prosperous business. 

---

ON FIRE by Naomi Klein 

As a fierce journalistic voice reporting on the political policies that affect our planet for over twenty years, Naomi Klein writes On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal from an unapologetically raw perspective.

Klein explores the battles we face from the political and economic giants who take our environment for granted.

Harnessing the urgency of the climate crisis as it propels the rising movement towards a Green New Deal.

Through long-form essays that chronicle the cultural response to environmental crises, society itself is called upon to not just fix our immediate problems, but to change the system that allowed them to happen in the first place. 

---

ZERO WASTE HOME by Bea Johnson

Known as the pioneer of zero-waste living, Bea Johnson breaks down her transformation into a sustainable lifestyle by the 5 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot. Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life shows how these key principles can be applied to every aspect of your home to reduce waste and save money, along with the planet. With tips on how to diminish your environmental footprint and improve your quality of life, this manual for simplicity is a reflection of the writer’s own experience with her home and family.

By sharing insight and advice, she shows how attainable (and easy!) cutting back really is, and the big impact made by even the tiniest changes.

---

HOW VEGANISM CAN SAVE US by Emma Hakansson

Written by one of our very own contributors, How Veganism Can Save Us is “a little book about the big ideas behind veganism.”

It discusses the impact animal agriculture is having on our environment, waterways, as well as our personal wellbeing and mental health. She explores the potential benefits of eating a plant-based diet can help make change that will help reverse environmental devastation, improve our overall health and save animals from the violent and oppressive system they have been born into.

A great primer for any curious or beginner vegan, this book is small enough to fit in a pocket and read on the daily commute!

---

CRADLE TO CRADLE by Michael Braungart and William McDonough

Though originally released nearly 20 years ago, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things remains a highly recommended book on sustainability. German chemist Michael Braungart and U.S. architect William McDonough put forth a manifesto of what was then a radical approach to the philosophy of environmentalism: creating value from waste. Upcycling is more common in today’s conversations, but this book was the first of its kind to disrupt the normal pattern of cradle-to-grave and paved a path towards the mainstream for this new strategy.

Cradle to Cradle provides the framework of the redesign revolution that encourages manufacturing to be done with the goal of removing the idea of waste altogether. 

---

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by  Robin Wall Kimmerer

For all our plant lovers, this is the book for you! Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist, writes Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants.  Kimmerer draws on her experiences of being a woman in science to show how our biggest questions of nature can be answered by our oldest teachers — plants and animals. This book introduces the reader to a way of listening to the lessons that plants and animals teach us and, in turn, better understand the generosity of the earth.

In her reflections, we are guided through an awakening of ecological consciousness to celebrate how we receive from living things, and how we can give back. 

---

OVERDRESSED by Elizabeth Cline 

In her debut book, Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, journalist Elizabeth Cline reveals her past obsession with fast fashion and how she has come to see it as a destructive enemy of our environment. Putting a spotlight on the plague of the typical American shopper whose habits often include buying cheap, poorly made clothes in abundance. Cline sets out to uncover the true nature of the fast fashion juggernaut, and shows how consumers can break the buy-and-toss cycle by supporting sustainable designers and optimizing the lifespan of the clothes they own. 

---

THE CONSCIOUS CLOSET by Elizabeth Cline 

Much like the clothing she promotes, Cline is just as good the second time around.Her follow-up book, The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good, finds readers who are asking how they should change their approach to fashion and walks them through the necessary steps. Acknowledging that clothes are one of our strongest avenues of personal expression, Cline helps readers to build a wardrobe that they love, but with greater intention and awareness of where their clothes come from and the materials on the tag.

Most importantly, she shares why it matters with a call to action looking to transform a polluting industry into a force for good by starting with our own closets. From there, we can connect to the impassioned community fighting for systematic change. 

---

HAPPY CITY by Charles Montgomery

City dwellers who love the environment often find themselves at this perplexing intersection of enjoying urban life while being surrounded by the infrastructures and industries that pollute our planet.

Charles Montgomery’s Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design discusses the challenges cities face and the innovative solutions being implemented all over the world to empower communities to be more sustainable.

Using the disciplines of psychology, neuroscience, and urban planning, Montgomery makes the argument that the way we build our cities affects the way we feel as individuals and as a society. When we build a green, low-carbon city, we are building a Happy City. 

---

NEW RELEASES! 

A POCKET GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SHOPPING By Kate Bratskeir

Having hit shelves in January 2021, A Pocket Guide to Sustainable Food Shopping: How to Navigate the Grocery Store, Read Labels, and Help Save the Planet by Kate Bratskeir helps shoppers make better decisions in the grocery store. A practical, modern guide to reducing your food and packaging waste – and in return, your carbon footprint – starts in the aisles.

Regardless of where you are in your sustainability journey, this book offers the tools you need to make a difference when choosing your favorite dairy products, vegetables, and everything in between. Kratskeir gives shoppers the confidence to better understand what is written on food labels, recognizing greenwashing terms, asking questions about food sourcing, and picking the right packaging. 

---

IMAGINE IT!  by Laurie David and Heather Reisman

Imagine It!: A Handbook for a Happier Planet offers easy ways to replace old, planet-hurting habits with healthy new ones. Though only on the market for a few months as of May 2021, it comes with the stamp of approval from Former Vice President Al Gore right on the cover. Co-author Laurie David acted as a producer on Gore’s 2006 documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and is a lifelong environmental activist.

The handbook highlights necessary changes to our food, clothing, and transportation habits, with each chapter dedicated to a different lifestyle shift to lower our use of plastic, paper, water, and harmful chemicals to create lasting change. 

---

[SPECIAL MENTION : Renowned writer of fashion, feminism, and sustainability, Aja Barber’s book Consumed: On Colonialism, Climate Change, Consumerism & the Need for Collective Change will be released in September of this year and currently available for pre-order!] 

---

About the Author
Julia Grinberg is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is a blog contributor for the vegan shoe brand Sylven New York, and the upcycled leather accessories brand Hyer Goods. When she is not writing on the topic of sustainable fashion, she is crafting short stories for various outlets and is currently working on a collection of creative nonfiction essays.

---