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The Best Natural & Organic Wine Subscriptions

Did you know that a lot of wine has stuff added to it? Additives can include yeasts, chemicals, coloring, pesticides, and more. That is *not* something I want to be sipping on. Don’t worry though, these 9 sustainable wine subscriptions are coming to the rescue.

From white to red, orange to sparkling, there are an overwhelming amount of wines out there to try. Wine subscriptions offer consumers the chance to try curated, hand-selected wines they might not have access to at their local grocery store or wine ship. Plus, with shipping straight to your door, stocking your wine collection has never been easier. (Pst, don’t worry, some of these subscriptions offer carbon-neutral shipping!)

To truly get a sustainable wine, you gotta go to the source: the grape. The way that wine grapes are farmed, harvested, and then produced into wine are all very important to the overall quality and taste of the bottle. The wine subscriptions on this list know the importance of treating the grape right, with most using organic, biodynamic, and/or regenerative farming methods at their vineyards.

What exactly is natural wine?

Natural wine is pretty similar to organic wine, but it is a big more laissez-faire, if you will. Organic wine doesn’t use any harmful ingredients, and typically doesn’t add or subtract anything from their wine, but they can sometimes use a natural yeast to increase fermentation. Natural wine, on the other hand, is made through “spontaneous fermentation”. That basically means that wineries making natural wine let their grapes work their own magic, monitor it, and then test it to their standards. One of the brands mentioned below, Mysa, has an Ultimate Guide to natural wine on their website. It can give you all the juicy info, but I’ll sum it up: natural wines are categorized by how the grapes were grown and treated to create the bottle you end up enjoying. They’re grown organically or biodynamically and then they are left alone to do their thing - no adding yeast to aid with fermentation or removing anything. And voila - natural wine! Red, rose, white, sparkling, and orange.

Organic versus Biodynamic - what’s the difference?

Organic is a pretty commonly used term, but biodynamic was new to me and might be new to you, too. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two farming methods.

Organic farming is done without using potentially harmful elements like chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or any other artificially produced agent. While some fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals can be made naturally, or without harmful ingredients, most commercial farms use the stuff that damages soil, air quality, and the overall crop. 

Biodynamic farming is basically like taking organic farming up a notch. Biodynamic farms work to create a harmonious cycle with the land they grow crops on. They compost, use crop rotation practices, incorporate animals for maintenance, diversity, and manure, among other things. If you want to read more about biodynamic farming, click here.

Enough talk, let’s drink to our top sustainable, natural & organic wine subscriptions:

1. Frey Wines

Subscription Price: 15% off bottles with Wine Subscription (choose 6 bottles ranging from $11 - 42)

This wine subscription is going full circle when it comes to sustainability!

Since 1980, Frey Wines has proudly been producing award-winning Organic and Biodynamic wines that are crafted without the addition of sulfites.

Their commitment to quality begins with the selection of premium organic grapes, which are cultivated with great care and respect for the environment. The winemaking process is built upon a thorough understanding of wine chemistry, combined with meticulous attention to detail at every stage, from vineyard management to fermentation and aging.

They exclusively use non-GMO certified organic yeast for fermentation, and their Biodynamic practices take the principles of organic farming and elevates them. Frey Wines uses composts that are created directly from materials sourced on the land, fostering a closed-loop system that enhances soil fertility and provides essential nutrients to the vines.

In 1996, Frey Wines made history by becoming the first Biodynamic® no-sulfites-added winery in the United States. An innovative feature of our winery is their unique approach to wastewater management: 100% of their winemaking wastewater is naturally filtered using earthworms. How cool is that?!

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2. Mysa

Subscription Price:

Mixed Natural Wine Club: $84 (3 bottles)

Orange Natural Wine Club: $125 (4 bottles)

Red Natural Wine Club: $125 (4 bottles)

This female-founded small business is all about natural wines.

They also offer individual tasting videos for each wine shipped out that month, for a more intimate experience - it’s like visiting a local wine shop without having to take off your pjs!

Though they are a small business, they are mighty! They are a 1% For The Planet partner, and they partner with Carbon Fund to help offset the carbon footprint of shipping unique wines to your door. Holly, the founder, also writes about sustainability within the natural wine industry on Porto Protocol. As a female-founded company, they are all about empowering other women in the wine industry. They work with Color of Change, The Roots Fund, and Lift Collective, to name a few. They offer wine club options that range from $85-$125.

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3. Dry Farm Wines

Subscription Price: $186 for 6 Bottles

Every bottle in Dry Farm Wines meticulously curated collection is either organically or biodynamically grown, ensuring that every sip is not just enjoyable but also environmentally sustainable. With an alcohol content of less than 12.5%, these wines cater to a diverse audience, making them friendly for those following keto, paleo, and vegan lifestyles.

They take pride in offering products that are low in sulfites and entirely sugar-free, along with being free from any harmful additives—checkmarks that represent a commitment to health and wellness.

Their commitment to quality and sustainability extends beyond the bottle. They proudly collaborate with approximately 600 small family vineyards across Europe, each dedicated to preserving traditional farming practices. These families not only cultivate the land with care but also prioritize creating and maintaining healthy soil through biodiverse farming techniques. Their goal is not just to produce exceptional wines but also to share this knowledge, teaching other farmers the importance of sustainable practices.

Plus, the vineyards they source from practice "dry farming," a method that eliminates the need for irrigation. This approach significantly conserves water, saving around 16,000 gallons annually, which helps in the preservation of vital water resources. So, when you choose to drink from this collection, you're not only indulging in exquisite wines but also supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Cheers to that!

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4. Avaline

Subscription Price: 15% off with their Wine Club membership ($245+ for 12 bottles)

Avaline is committed to crafting wines that are pure and untainted by unnecessary additives. Their offerings are infused with natural goodness, ensuring that every sip is free from unwanted elements such as artificial concentrates, coloring agents, and added sugars. This dedication to quality sets Avaline apart from many other wine brands, as they believe in elevating the standard of what wine can be.

Transparency is a core principle for Avaline. Unlike many winemakers who are only legally obligated to disclose minimal information about their products, Avaline proudly lists the full ingredient composition on every bottle. This empowers consumers to know exactly what they are enjoying.

Plus, Avaline partners with like-minded growers who share their commitment to sustainability. These growers prioritize eco-friendly practices and rely entirely on natural methods to cultivate healthy grapes, steering clear of synthetic pesticides. This results in wines that not only taste exceptional but also reflect a harmonious relationship with the environment.

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5. Kind of Wild

Subscription Price: $120 for 6 Bottles

When you choose Kind of Wild wines, you are investing in much more than just a bottle of wine; you are actively contributing to a global movement dedicated to sustainable agriculture.

Their commitment extends beyond taste; it encompasses an entire ecosystem of growers who prioritize innovative farming practices aimed at fostering a healthier planet. These dedicated growers work tirelessly to enhance soil health, reduce soil erosion, and keep our precious waterways free from harmful chemicals.

Every wine produced by Kind of Wild is crafted with the highest standards in mind, boasting certifications that ensure they are organic, vegan, and contain zero sugar.

Each bottle reflects a passion for quality and a careful selection of grapes, allowing wine lovers to enjoy a pure and guilt-free experience!

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6. Orange Glou

Subscription Price: $105 for 3 Bottles or $195 for 6 Bottles

Sommelier Doreen Winkler has established Orange Glou in the vibrant city of New York, with the unique mission of providing a subscription service that exclusively highlights skin-contact wines, also known as orange wines.

This innovative service allows wine enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of orange wine by choosing from two subscription options: a selection of three bottles for $105 or a more extensive collection of six bottles for $195 each month.

Each month, Doreen carefully curates a diverse and exciting selection of orange wines sourced from various artisanal wineries across the country. These wineries are committed to sustainable and biodynamic practices, ensuring that the wines not only taste exceptional but are also produced with care for the environment. Doreen’s expertise as a sommelier, combined with her extensive network within the wine industry, means she selects only the finest examples of orange wine available, ensuring each bottle represents the best of what the category has to offer.

Think of Doreen as your expertly knowledgeable friend who happens to have an in-depth understanding of orange wine and an impressive list of industry contacts. With her discerning palate and passion for quality, she handpicks each wine as if curating a personal collection for you each month, making the experience feel tailored and intimate. Whether you're a seasoned orange wine lover or new to this intriguing style, Orange Glou promises an exciting journey through the flavorful and complex world of skin-contact wines.

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7. Tinto Amorio

Subscription Price: $98 for 3 Bottles

Tinto Amorio’s commitment to crafting natural wines starts with a foundation of sustainable farming practices. They prioritize the growth of their grapes through organic or biodynamic methodologies, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a healthy ecosystem. Once harvested, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation, utilizing the naturally occurring wild yeasts found on the grape skins, rather than relying on commercially produced lab-grown yeasts.

In the winemaking process, Tinto refuses the use of over 60 additives commonly found in conventional wines. This includes avoiding animal-derived products, synthetic chemicals, artificial flavorings, and manipulative processes such as pasteurization. The only addition they permit is a limited amount of sulfur, which is carefully used to protect the integrity of the wines during bottling.

Tinto offers flexible subscription options for enthusiasts looking to explore their range of natural wines, with choices for 3, 6, 9, or 12 bottles, allowing customers to tailor their experience according to their preferences.

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8. Plonk Wine club

Subscription Prices: $110 for 4 Bottles

Plonk is your ultimate destination for discovering rare, sustainably sourced boutique wines from around the globe.

Founded by the esteemed Etty Klein—who has garnered significant recognition as a wine expert, including being featured in the Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers and lauded as an Online Impresario by Food and Wine—Plonk prides itself on offering an exceptional selection of wines that are cultivated using organic and biodynamic farming methods. This commitment to sustainability not only highlights the quality of the wines but also supports environmentally friendly practices.

Plonk provides several subscription options tailored to your preferences, including a mixed wine club, a red wine club, and a white wine club. Each of these clubs is designed to cater to various tastes and occasions. One of the standout features of these subscriptions is their flexibility—customers have the freedom to choose among different bottle counts: four, six, or twelve bottles per shipment. In terms of billing, you can opt for a month-to-month payment plan, allowing you to easily adjust or pause your subscription at any time.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more structured approach, you can select a prepaid option for shipments every three, six, or twelve months, which makes it convenient to manage your wine collection without hassle. With everything organized for you, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and savor the exquisite wines that Plonk brings right to your doorstep!

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9. Organic Wine Exchange

Subscription Price: $153 for 6 Bottles

The Organic Wine Exchange is dedicated to educating consumers about the world of organic wine and all the various aspects that come along with it. Their website features a comprehensive “Learn” tab, which serves as a rich resource for visitors. This section includes a plethora of information ranging from exciting events they host, insights into the winemaking process, and debunking common myths surrounding it.

Additionally, you can find valuable guidance on wine pairings, helping enthusiasts make informed decisions that elevate their drinking experience. One notable aspect of the Organic Wine Exchange is their commitment to purity; they exclusively feature organic wines on their platform. This means that any purchase made through their website guarantees that the wines contain no additives, allowing consumers to enjoy their selections with confidence.

To cater to diverse preferences, the Organic Wine Exchange offers four distinct wine club options: Organic, No Sulfites Added (NSA), Biodynamic, and Vegan. Each of these clubs allows members to tailor their experience by selecting the type of wine that best suits their palate, choosing the bottle count—options include three, six, or twelve bottles—and determining the frequency of their orders, which can be set to either monthly or quarterly delivery. This flexible approach makes it easy for wine lovers to explore and enjoy organic wines in a way that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles.

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About the Author:

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

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Cork & Sustainability

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

What is Cork?

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

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

How is cork made?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Favorite Sustainable Cork brands & products

Svala

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

EarthHero

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

Made Trade

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

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Conclusion

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

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

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The Best Sustainable Snack Foods For You to Try

Some people are “meh” about snacks, others are snack aficionados, and I happen to fall into the latter category. As I became more and more conscious of my consumer habits throughout my sustainability journey, however, I felt like I had to leave my love of snacking in the past; the majority of supermarket snacks are wrapped in difficult (if not impossible) to recycle plastic and most seem to have ingredient lists that go on for *way* too long. Of course, there’s the option to make your own low-waste snacks at home - like cucumber with homemade hummus - but sometimes you really just want a snack that’s easy to grab.

These snack brands are here to save the day with environmentally conscious products that put people and the planet first. Whether you’re craving sweet or salty or looking for a supermarket alternative to do all your shopping, this list can help you find what you’re looking for! 

So What Makes a Snack Sustainable?

A sustainable snack goes beyond just having packaging that can be responsibly disposed of (although that’s a great start!). If a candy bar comes in a compostable wrapper, but the farmers harvesting cacao seeds are being treated unfairly, that candy bar still has a lot of work to do. Putting people and the planet as priorities ensure that the product is sustainably-minded.

How Do I Know The Ingredients Are Sustainable?

Noticing labels and certifications like Fair Trade, Non-GMO, Organic, and Rain Forest Alliance are great places to start. This PDF is a great source for understanding different labels.

Companies that post sustainability reports and/or offer tons of transparent information about how they operate, where their ingredients come from, and how their products are made are paving the way for our future. The more we know, the more we can get behind a brand and support the work they’re doing!

Ok, So What Packaging Should I Look For?

To start, keep an eye out for backyard compostable packaging, post-consumer recycled materials like plastic or glass, or a company using a circular economy, like Loop, are great ways to narrow down the masses.

Backyard compostable packaging, specifically, means that the wrapping will decompose in a home compost pile; the other side of that coin is commercial compostable packaging, which *won’t* decompose in your backyard. For that option, you’ll actually need to send the packaging to a specific facility, or to Terracycle. 

While the majority of materials are not recycled in America, that doesn’t mean we should totally give up on the industry! If companies buy post-consumer recycled materials, that increases the demand for that material, which means that more effort goes toward actually recycling and reusing instead of that material being overlooked and sent to landfills. Post-consumer plastic only can be re-used a few times, but glass can be reused almost inifintley! Our purchasing power can cause a ripple effect that can shift the recycling industry.

If you’re living in an area that offers a circular economy, like Loop, then hop on that train my friend! This type of packaging uses a kind of “milk-man” mentality, with local deliveries and pick-ups of packaging that is industrially washed and then reused. This option is a lot more limited than the other two, but is a totally cool system for the future!

So without further ado, let’s eat!

Our Favorite Sustainable Snack Brands:

1) Askinosie

Askinosie Chocolate is a single origin craft chocolate company based in Missouri, sourcing all of their beans directly from the growers and ensuring fair wages.

They describe their values as being “fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact, and community enhancement”, and they back up this promise with a Transparency Report which details the “farm gate” price they’ve paid their farmers for their beans over the first decade of their business.

For their snacks they have delicious Malt Balls, Cocoa Nibs & Smore Bites.

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2) Alter Eco Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, Alter Eco is here for you! This chocolate company offers chocolate bars, chocolate truffles, chocolate nut butter bombs, and quinoa. Y’know, for balance.

In addition to having sweet products, they have some pretty sweet sustainable certifications, too! Alter Eco has been B-corp certified for over a decade and their products are Fair-trade, Gluten-free, and Organic certified.

Their company is also climate neutral, and each yummy treat is packaged in backyard compostable and/or recyclable materials.

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3) Sun and Swell Foods

Each Sun and Swell product uses organic, vegan ingredients without any added sugars.

They have cookies, pantry staples, dried fruits, nuts, and other home goods available in their online shop.

75% of their products are packaging in compostable materials, and for the other 25%, Sun & Swell offers a send back program to responsibly dispose of the material! All their products are shipped carbon-neutral in boxes that can be composted (even the tape!) Sun and Swell is also a 1% For The Planet partner and is B-corp certified.

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4) Thrive Market

Thrive Market is an online supermarket that delivers a wide range of products (over 2,000+ organic!) to your door with carbon-neutral shipping.

For $5/month, their company cuts out the “middleman” of retailers, and the markups that ensue.

For each membership paid, Thrive donates a membership to someone in need, with a goal to raise $10 million in healthy groceries by 2025.

They carry pantry staples, sustainably sourced seafood, and meat, non-toxic cleaning supplies, and a TON of snacks.

Thrive is B-corp certified, and will be Zero Waste Certified by 2022, plastic neutral by 2023, and is working toward being carbon negative by 2025 - talk about setting goals! Since 2015, Thrive’s warehouses have diverted 90% of waste from landfills to recycling, composting, or re-use facilities.

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5) Hive

Hive is similar to Thrive in more than just name - they are also a sustainable grocery alternative.

Hive has five core values (their Hive Fives, love a pun). 1. Making sure ingredients are traceable and that sound practices are being used for harvesting. 2. Using recyclable packaging 3. Ensuring a low carbon footprint 4. Being dedicated to the social good 5. Making rave-worthy snacks, because sustainability doesn’t sacrifice taste - it enhances it!

Their website is very transparent, with tons of information about their company in the FAQ and even more in their blog.

Hive is carbon-neutral and 99% of packaging has a way to be responsibly disposed of, whether by composting, through TerraCycle, or recycling. In fact, they have a whole landing page dedicated to giving you the low-down on recycling their products, which is super helpful to the consumer!

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6) Misfits Market

Did you know, according to the USDA, “food waste is estimated at between 30-40 percent of the food supply” in the US alone, every year? Misfits Market is working to combat that by partnering with farms across the country and putting “ugly” produce that doesn’t fit grocery store standards, to use. Although they started out with the mission to reduce produce waste (and they have!), as they have grown they started saving more than just produce from landfills!

They take in pantry items that are surplus, or have out-of-date packaging, or are short-dated (meaning their “best by” sticker is within the next 6 weeks).

Cha-ching on discounted snacks that help cut down on food waste! Misfits Market currently delivers to nearly all 50 states, and is adding new delivery zones and zip codes frequently!

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7) This Saves Lives

This Saves Lives was created in 2013 by  Kristen Bell, Ryan Devlin, Todd Grinnell, and Ravi Patel to bring aid to people around the world suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a completely curable affliction. Each purchase acts as a one-for-one donation of a package of Plumpy’Nut, which is a Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), to someone suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This Bar Saves Lives partners with organizations like Action Against Hunger to distribute nutrition to those in need.

Since their founding, over 28 million packets of RUTF have been donated, saving over 184,000 lives.

In addition to doing good, these bars taste good, too! They are Gluten-free, Non-GMO certified, and kosher. Made with natural and vegan/vegetarian-friendly ingredients, they’re a delicious way to help others.

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8) Barnana

We love a brand that upcycles, and Barnana is all about it! Founded in 2012 to lessen banana waste in Latin America, this B-corp company sources bananas and plantains from small organic farms throughout the Amazon that typically are too remote or have too small of an operation (think, family-owned farms) to get their fruit to market. Barnana partners directly with these smaller farms and offers them steady incomes to rely on. These farms use regenerative farming efforts, which help carbon sequestration as well as encourage healthy soil. Barnana snacks are created using bananas deemed imperfect for mass markets or are surplus.

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9) Rind Dried Fruit

Fighting food waste is a trend we’re happy to hop on. In 2020, Rind diverted 120,000+ pounds of food waste from the landfills into bellies!

They’re all about eating the peels, which are great sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber - you name it!

Their program Love is Rind donates their healthy, nutrient-packed snacks to local school partners on the weekend, since that’s when access to food is harder for children struggling with hunger. More than 13,700 bags have been donated to schools across the country since the program’s foundation.

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10) Quinn Snacks

Quinn Snacks offers flavored popcorn and pretzels, so your movie night is ready to go!

Their “farm to bag” transparency puts a real emphasis on how they make their products and where they source ingredients from, showing a list of where each of their suppliers is, what they produce, and an overview of what they do.

They partner with farms that are using regenerative agriculture practicies. What is that, you ask? “Regenerative agriculture farming practices are proven to sequester Earth warming carbon from the atmosphere. These practices are rooted in improving the health of our soil.

Regenerative agriculture not only pulls carbon out of the atmosphere and puts it back into the soil where plants thrive on it, but it also improves crop yields, naturally reduces pests, and increases biodiversity. Pretty cool, huh?” This method is better for farmers, better for the planet, and better for consumers. Remember earlier when I was talking about putting people and the planet first :)

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11) Regrained

This company is making beer sustainable! Regrained takes waste created from making beer and makes it into crackers - Bazinga!

Two college guys who took up microbrewing as a hobby were using their “waste” grain to bake bread, to break even on their brewing business. But then they realize the potential.

In addition to the cool method of reducing waste, these crackers are also packed with nutrition.  Since the beer-making process eats up all the sugars in wheat, the stuff they’re using to make crackers is 0-sugar and packed with plant protein, prebiotic fibers, and micronutrients. Who knew?!

Their blog is super transparent and talks all about upcycling in your life, and Regrained’s journey to incorporate compostable packing.

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12) Nature’s Path

This family-owned business was founded in 1985 and was an innovative business in the 80s, offering organic granolas before they were popularized. Since then, they have achieved a Zero Waste certification at each of their manufacturing sites and redirect their wastewater to a biodigester to create energy. Nature’s Path donates at least $2 million each year to different organizations, and it working toward climate neutrality. Their granolas, oatmeals, chips, and more are organically grown and will be sold in compostable packaging by 2025. Nature’s Path partners with Loop, a circular shopping platform that deals with local deliveries and returns.

Bonus points: they have a link to their sustainability report on their website.

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13) One Degree Organic Foods

One Degree means business when it comes to transparency.

Consumers are able to trace every single ingredient in their products, from cereals to granolas to loaves of bread.

Slice me off some of that! Each product has a 6 digit code you can type into their site and trace - it acts as a kind of virtual, larger-scale farmer’s market where you can get to know who grew the product, where it’s coming from, and what’s in it.

One Degree partners with small-scale organic farmers, and even offers Gluten-free snacks!

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About the Author

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

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The best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Toilet Paper

When people start switching to a sustainably conscious lifestyle, a commonly shared tip is to work through each room in your house and slowly replace items with their sustainable/reusable counterparts. A good room to start in is the bathroom, and replacing your Charmin has never been so easy. There are seriously dozens of tree-free, low-waste toilet paper options on the market now. Some of the packaging options can even be reused for things like wrapping paper because it’s so vibrant and fun! Talk about getting a two-for-one deal!

Whether you’re looking to switch to bamboo, or try out a bidet, or go all-in for reusable toilet paper, this list should help you get a better idea of where to start and what to look for. Enjoy the go - and know that your toilet paper isn’t wrapped in plastic and harming the earth!

What’s the difference between conventional toilet paper and sustainable Toilet Paper?

The number one (haha) difference is trees. According to the NRDC’s Issue With Tissue report from 2019, this “destructive ‘tree-to-toilet pipeline’ does massive harm to Indigenous Peoples and iconic species” especially surrounding the Boreal Forest in Canada. First off, yes, that is in fact a real report and yes, it has a totally awesome name. Second, cutting down massive stretches of forests around the world won’t help anyone in the long run. Deforestation needs to stop. It’s as simple as that.

Our society has been able to develop tree-free toilet paper utilizing sustainable materials like bamboo, which is incredibly fast-growing. Bamboo can be harvested annually and doesn’t need to be replanted each time, which helps maintain healthy soil. In addition to its regenerative nature, bamboo requires less water than trees and produces more oxygen. Bamboo is one of those super materials that Mother Nature shows off with, like cork.

If you are going to use toilet paper that comes from trees, make it recycled tree paper! And if you’re wondering, no, recycled toilet paper doesn’t come from used toilet paper. It actually comes from post-consumer paper, like office paper. Recycling will only create a lasting and positive change if companies are actually buying recycled materials to create new products, so if you see that the material is “post-consumer” you know you’re encouraging the recycling industry to do what it should be doing!

Bamboo and recycled paper options do exactly the same job, but they don’t destroy ecosystems at the same time. If you’re interested, you can read more about the Issue With Tissue report here.

So is tree-free the only way to switch it up in the bathroom?

There are in fact more options than just recycled paper or bamboo paper. We can be so much more creative than cutting down trees to wipe our butts! America is trailing behind most countries when it comes to bidets. These devices are used widely throughout Asia and Europe, and they help cut down on toilet paper usage significantly. If your rolls are lasting longer, you’re buying less T.P. and saving money in the long run!

Plus, bidets are actually *way* more hygienic than using regular toilet paper. I mean, really think about toilet paper for a minute. Using a dry sheet of paper to cover our hands while we wipe away down there. Why is this super westernized idea promoted as the most hygienic? *Cough* Profit in the deforestation/toilet paper industry *Cough* Instead, think outside the corporate box and pair your bidet with a sustainable toilet paper option for a win-win situation!

Another option that some may see as a bit more “nuclear” is reusable toilet paper. If it’s not for you, that’s fine, but don’t roll your eyes at it. This is also the most affordable of all the options because you can DIY be repurposing old fabric in your home, like t-shirts. It is recommended to store used cloth strips in a container and wash them every 2-3 days. Make sure to wash the items on hot. If you want an extra level of cleanliness, you can also pre-soak your cloth strips in a vinegar mixture, or use bleach when washing. 

We’re on a roll (ha!) so here are 9 Eco-Friendly & sustainable toilet paper brands!

1) Reel

Price | 24 Rolls for $37

This 100% bamboo toilet paper is shipped in biodegradable, plastic-free packaging.

Reel partners with SOIL, a company that has been working in Haiti since 2006 to transform waste into resources. This partnership provides toilets to communities that lack them and then collects and treats the waste to transform it into compost. Once this waste becomes a useful commodity, it is sold to support agriculture, reforestation, and climate change mitigation amongst Haitian communities. 

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2) Seedling by Grove

Price | 24 Rolls for $27

Grove Collaborative is a B-corp-certified online hub for healthier and more eco-friendly household essentials, including bamboo toilet paper.

Every Seedling order means a tree planted, and so far Grove has helped plant 653,000 trees and counting across the U.S. in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, with their overall goal to plant 1 million trees by 2022. Their bamboo, like other brands on this list, is grown in China on family farms. Since bamboo is native to China, it doesn’t require any fertilizer to prosper, further making it a better replacement for trees. 

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3) Who Gives A Crap

Price | 24 Rolls for $38+

Founded in 2013, this B-corp-certified company is on a mission to help build toilets and improve sanitation around the world.

50% of profits are donated to accomplishing this goal, so your roll goes a long way, and so far Who Gives A Crap has raised over $10 million.

In addition to raising funds and making brightly colored wrappers for their rolls, they also partner with WASH, an initiative focused on bringing water, sanitation, and hygiene to all.

They work with companies like SHOFCO to create innovative ways to make water accessible to people who usually have to travel upwards of 30 minutes one way to obtain water for their families, and Lwala, which installs handwashing stations stocked with soap in rural communities.

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4) Plant Paper

Price | 16 Rolls for $37

Plant Paper’s bamboo is FSC-certified and organically grown and harvested in China.

If you’re wondering about the carbon emissions from shipping materials from China to the States, so was I. But even with the additional carbon emissions from shipping bamboo paper, using a bamboo alternative like Plante Paper is still *three times* less harmful to the environment than using toilet paper made from trees. Three. Times. So, it’s definitely time to make the switch.

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5) Cloud Paper

Price | 24 Rolls for $35

To this date, Cloud Paper has saved over 25k trees using bamboo. They have also planted over 5k trees thanks to their customers.

Their bamboo is sourced from responsibly-managed forests in regions where it grows natively, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Your rolls are delivered in a 100% post-consumer recycled box with plastic-free packing that is entirely compostable or recyclable.

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6) No. 2

Price | 24 Rolls for $46

This bamboo-using company was founded in 2018 and is Responsible Forestry Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Each roll is individually wrapped in recycled paper that uses soy ink to print fun patterns that don’t need to hide under the bathroom sink!

No. 2 harvests their bamboo from the Sichuan province in China and ships from their warehouses in California and Nevada.

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7) Trader Joe’s Bath Tissue

This super accessible toilet paper option ranked “A” in the NRDC’s updated “Issues with Tissues 2.0” report.

This 2020 version of the original report (mentioned earlier), ranks some of the major brands in toilet paper on a grade scale of A-F. Having such an accessible sustainable option is fantastic, but if you are utilizing this option, but make sure to avoid Trader Joe’s *Super Soft* Bath Tissue, which actually earned a “D” ranking. Yikes.

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8) Tushy

If you’re looking for a different alternative to just bamboo or recycled toilet paper, let me introduce the bidet! For anyone wondering about water usage with bidets, just know that producing *one* roll of conventional toilet paper requires 37 gallons of water while using a bidet only uses about a pint for each wash. The numbers speak for themselves.

At the very beginning of the pandemic, when Americans had an issue with hoarding their tissues, a brand called Tushy entered the space and offered people a different option. This company makes easy-to-install, sleek bidets and “puts their money where their butt is”, too, by partnering with Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) projects as they work toward carbon neutrality. 

Tushy also has a line of Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper.

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9) Marley’s Monsters

And last, but certainly not least, we have a reusable toilet paper option from Marley’s Monsters. This product was also created in reaction to the sudden toilet paper shortage in 2020 and has been a hit amongst consumers since. This product is made from 100% cotton flannel for a truly soft wipe and is handmade in Eugene, Oregon. They offer detailed care instructions on their website, and since the fabric isn’t pre-washed, it becomes more absorbent with each use. Marley’s Monsters is a family-founded company focused on bringing reusable options to households everywhere. All fabric waste is donated locally to create new products, like hair accessories.

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About the Author

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

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Image: Karen Willis Holmes via Stillwhite

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Stillwhite. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

a guide to eco-friendly, sustainable wedding gowns

Ah, the wedding dress. It’s an outfit a lot of people think about for years and years, a piece of clothing meant to be sentimental and spectacular, a heap of fabric made for your big day. As someone recently engaged, let me tell you that the wedding dress thoughts have only become more pressing than ever before. I’m not just fantasizing as a little girl or pinning cute photos anymore; I’m on the hunt for my *actual* wedding dress! And it’s a lot more complicated than I thought it would be.

My original plan was to alter my mom’s wedding dress. I’ve always loved her wedding photos, and she was totally on board with me taking the fabric and creating something totally new. Plus, it would’ve taken care of my “something old!” But when we pulled it out of the fancy, sealed box it had been resting in for 25 years, those dreams came crashing down. The dress looks like my mom got in a spaghetti fight at her wedding - and they didn’t even serve spaghetti! Tiny old stains tend to become much more obvious when they have a quarter of a century to set in. Her defense? “It was a party, I had a good time!”

Ok, mom. Valid. But now, my quest for the wedding dress of my dream begins anew. But the laundry list seems a bit daunting: ethical production, sustainable material, custom alterations, potentially locally made to try it on, something I might only wear once, the list goes on. And to me, it’s an important list. It has me rethinking the “traditional” expectations for a wedding dress and even wondering where those traditions come from.

A Brief History of the Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses are actually a pretty modern tradition in the scope of human existence. They’ve been around for less time than wedding rings, actual wedding ceremonies, and way less time than the concept of marriage. And the traditional white dress that comes to mind for a lot of us is actually a Western practice. Many Eastern brides wear significant colors, like red, on their wedding day. 

And here’s a kicker: it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that wedding dresses became a “wear once” garment. Even the wealthiest of brides would repurpose her dress, dyeing or altering it to use as her new Sunday best outfit. In fact, “even Queen Victoria repurposed her own wedding dress and veil for subsequent use.” Yes, Queen. It was also Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding that turns the tide toward white wedding dresses in Western culture, with the dispersal of images and photographs influencing the trend.

After those famous nuptials, the reign of the white wedding dress began.

If you want to dive deeper, I found this JSTOR Daily article fascinating. 

Thanks for the history lesson, but what about dresses in the present?

Learning the history of wedding dresses really opened me up to get creative with my options. Plus, sustainability is predicted as a 2022 wedding trend. Women have worn dresses and garments with significant colors or meaning, they’ve repurposed gowns and veils to be worn again, and they’ve used what’s on hand to make something grand. They’ve done all of these things, so why can’t I?

Here Are a Few Ideas for Getting Creative With Your Wedding Dress

1. Find something that won’t sit in an airtight box for the rest of its life. Think of something that could work if you hemmed it short. Depending on the material and style, you could even dye it.

2. You can take an “untraditional” route and nix the white. The Pantone color of 2022 is Very Peri, a vibrant periwinkle color, or you could go for a white dress still, but one dappled with florals. It’s really whatever your heart desires.

3. Think about a “transitional dress,” or something that will be versatile on your wedding day and beyond. If you have a two-piece dress, you can swap the formal skirt out for pants to dance the night away. Later, you could wear the top out for your 1-year anniversary, or whenever. The key part of this idea is finding pieces you’ll use more than once.

4. Accessorize. Invest in a simple gown that can be worn other ways, but spice it up and make it special for the big day. Add a cape or dramatic gloves or a layer of fabric worn over the dress. Go big on the jewelry or the flowers or the shoes. You can get creative with it!

5. If you’re big on customizable items, do the research and find a local seamstress that can bring your vision to life. That way, you can prioritize your materials, like “Peace Silk” for a cruelty-free option or organic cotton, Fairtrade certified silk, linen, cashmere, cotton, bamboo - the list goes on! This site provides a crazy amount of info on materials and their impacts.

Love it! But Where Do I Start?

The actual finding and purchasing of the dress can get stressful. I’ve already been there, done that, and I don’t recommend it! Try to reframe the search in your mind as something positive. A creative project, a treasure hunt, or simply a way to find something truly special to you. Take these suggestions for a spin:

1. If your mom’s dress isn’t an option, maybe reach out to an aunt, grandmother, or your future mother-in-law! Ask your family members and friends to see who would part with their dress. 

2. Go thrifting! The classic, long, white dress isn’t for everybody, but you can probably find some of those in your hunt too. Colored dresses, jumpsuits, full suits, you name it - your wedding “dress” is whatever *you* want it to be. 

3. “But what if my daughter wants to wear my wedding gown?” Totally! Make sure you invest in the material now - get something high-quality and durable so you’re not let down in the future when it doesn’t look up to par. And take a lesson from my mom and try not to spill if the goal is preservation - ha!

4. If you’re planning to shop at local bridal boutiques, keep an eye out for the terms “made to order” and “micro-batch”. And if you’re a sample size, take advantage of your local shops. Plus, you may even be able to get a discount for buying “off the rack.” No harm in asking.

5. If you’re a two-birds-one-stone kind of person, consider renting your dress. That way, you don’t have to worry about splurging on something that’s only worn once, and you check off your “something borrowed”!

   If secondhand shopping is your Thing, try these shops:

Stillwhite

You can shop from a huge collection of gently-used wedding dresses on Stillwhite, and they make it easy to filter according to size, price, designer, silhouette shape, and more. And then, when you’re finished, you can resell the dress on the site so it can find another home. (Or, if you get a dress from another shop, you can still resell it on Stillwhite to make some of your money back!) So, not only is Stillwhite on a mission to increase the circularity of wedding dresses, but they also donate 1% of revenue to environmental non-profits. Plus, all the dresses purchased through Stillwhite have saved $20 million!

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Etsy

While slightly overwhelming in quantity, Etsy is a carbon-neutral company that supports artists around the world!

Shop secondhand/vintage, or even find a custom-made dress.

Sift through for shops that have great customer communication so you can really get detailed in the chat.

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Rent the Runway

A perk of renting a dress is that you can go all out with a style you would never wear again because someone else will be able to wear it after you! Rent the Runway offers monthly memberships and one-time rentals. If you go for a monthly subscription, you could also rent your bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner outfits, too! For the one-time renting option, you choose a 4- or 8-day span of time to rent the item. If you’re worried about trying styles on, you could always do a one-time rent months earlier for ease of mind, then rent again - it would still probably be cheaper than most bridal boutiques!

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Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses

This company has been in the business of secondhand wedding gowns since 2004.

Similar to secondhand shopping apps like Poshmark or Depop, you can scroll through both sites to find your dream gown!

Also, if you end up finding a local seller, you can get in touch with them about potentially trying the dress on!

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Borrowing Magnolia

It’s all about options when you’re looking for “the one” (the dress version)!

Borrowing Magnolia has been connecting buyers and sellers since 2014.

Their site even features a “Dress Estimate Calculator” for brides looking to sell their dresses and figure out what the listing price should be. 

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Nearly Newlywed

Nearly Newlywed is a secondhand dress brand founded on transparency: the first office space for this company was the founder, Jackie’s, living room! After finding her wedding dress secondhand, then having another bride buy it from her, and then *another* bride after that, Jackie realized that there were women out there who needed a platform to connect and put their gowns to good use. This site also provides risk-free returns for 5 business days after you get the dress, which helps a bit with peace of mind.

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KYHA Studios

With a mission of slowing down the fashion cycle, KYHA Studios’ utilizes a made-to-order model to reduce waste and prevent deadstock. Fostering craftsmanship with ethical labor practices employing highly-skilled artisans, the brand’s signature beaded designs are crafted in-house over a 12-18 month period. Celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity, KYHA Studios caters to sizes 00-18 and offers an invisible tulle color range to suit different skin tones. Their new sustainable initiative, Renew, further encourages circularity by offering a space for eco and budget-conscious customers to shop statement gowns for less. 

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P.S. A great personal option for these secondhand sites is off-setting your shipping costs (unless it’s Etsy, which does so automatically). I use this site a lot.

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Or Get a New Dress from a Sustainable Brand

If you’re set on a designer gown, but want to keep sustainability in mind, check out these brands:

Reformation

Reformation is one of the more well-known sustainable fashion brands on this list because they offer a plethora of styles, not just bridal.

They are a certified carbon neutral company and are working to be climate positive by 2025.

RefRecylcing gives customers the options of circularity and RefScale is their transparent calculator that shows the company’s impact compared to others. Huge perk: most of their options are less than $500!

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Christy Dawn

We are just in awe of Christy Dawn’s new Bridal Collection! It is absolutely stunning and made with regenerative silk. From $2500-3000, their prices are very reasonable for bridal wear, and you are getting a truly sustainable and ethical gown. Christy Dawn is a very transparent brand that takes pride in creating clothing that is both good to the planet and people!

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Fite Fashion

Fite Fashion is incredibly transparent, which is always a good sign. They openly discuss their circularity, working conditions, packaging, waste management, and more on their website - and bonus, it’s actually easy to find! This company was founded in 2018 and is located in the Northeastern U.S. and only uses deadstock, fair-trade, certified, organic, and low-impact dyed fabrics to create its pieces. They are big on creating “transitional” pieces that can be re-worn in multiple ways. 

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Nordeen Bridal

The pieces from this brand are made to order and are hand-sewn in NYC or LA. They have a list of each company they work with within these cities, the materials that are used, and their company’s certifications (GOTS for all materials and production, Seri.Co for silk, and RWS for wool). Nordeen places importance on the ability to have interchangeable pieces that you can reuse and re-wear for many years to come, not just the night of your wedding. They offer gowns, attachments, layers, and separates.

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Wear Your Love

All Wear Your Love dresses are made by hand with comfort-focused materials in Northern California. It is also a direct-to-consumer company and makes each dress to the custom order.

They have a made-to-measure model on their website so that the gown you order is fitted solely for you.

You can order swatches of the material to make sure they fit your vision, and all of their dresses can be made vegan.

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Leanne Marshall

All production of Leanne Marshall gowns happens in NYC where they are hand-sewn one by one in order to create less waste. The fabric waste they do create is recycled through the program FABSCARP. Each gown on their site has a detailed materials list, and most of their gowns are made with silk and natural materials.

One perk of this more well-known bridal brand is that, depending on where you’re located, you may be able to go try some of these gowns on!

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Lastly, here are some brides that have inspired me lately!

1. @JessMarlo took scissors to her dress and danced the night away in the new-length gown!

2. @TheBlendedBeauty rented her gown and all her accessories! If you’re in Georgia, look into Laine London.

3. @ReLauren used her mother-in-law’s dress and worked with a local tailor to bring her vision to life. 

4. @OatMilkLottie provided this great post on how she found an inclusive brand for her dress.

5. @SustainablyChic used her mother’s wedding dress to make a reception dress.

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About the Author:

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

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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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