Posts by Alicia Briggs

11 Indigenous-Owned Sustainable Fashion & Wellness Brands You'll Love (2024)

Indigenous-Owned Sustainable brands

Sustainable brands have never been more popular than they are today, especially in the fashion and wellness space. However, it’s important to acknowledge that producing things in a sustainable way is not a new concept. Indigenous people have always prioritized sustainability. Be it through Indigenous weaving and dyeing methods, using plant based and ethically sourced materials, and producing handmade items in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment.

What is an Indigenous-Owned / Native-Owned Brand?

Indigenous-owned brands or businesses are majority-owned and run by Indigenous individuals and/or communities.

Most Indigenous-owned businesses will prioritize sustainability, as this is something that is often very important to Indigenous peoples.

According to the UN, Indigenous peoples manage 20-25% of the Earth’s land surface, rich in biodiversity, despite only accounting for roughly 5% of the world’s population.

Indigenous-owned businesses will most likely prioritize ethical production and sustainable materials. Many Indigenous-owned brands will employ fellow Indigenous peoples - a community that often lacks the same access to economic opportunity as non-Indigenous people.

Why it is Important to Support Indigenous Brands

Unfortunately, when it comes to sustainable fashion and wellness today, the majority of known brands are not Indigenous-owned or connected to Indigenous peoples - despite many of our sustainable practices originating from Indigenous peoples. Today, we owe much of what we know as sustainable fashion to Indigenous peoples.

If you’re interested in choosing sustainable brands, consider supporting Indigenous-owned businesses first.

Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite Indigenous-owned brands. I’ve included both sustainable fashion, beauty and wellness brands. With a variety of price points, sizes, and styles, there’s something for everyone in this article.

Our Top Pick for Sustainable Indigenous-Owned Clothing & Wellness Brands:

1. Aurora Heat

Categories: Cold Weather Accessories

Price: $29.99 - $429.99

Sizing: XS, S, M, L

Aurora Heat™ offers reusable and everlasting hand, foot, and body warmers made from sustainably sourced sheared beaver fur. A Dënesųłiné woman, Brenda Dragon is the brand’s creator and founder with ancestral roots in wild fur harvesting. She follows her passion, envisioning a world where humans live harmoniously with the natural world.

Choosing natural, biodegradable warmth is one step we can take towards this! Compared to disposable, plastic, or battery-operated options, real fur is the sustainable choice.

Located in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Aurora Heat’s workshop is nestled in the subarctic community of 2,500 people. The socially-minded business offers flexible and meaningful employment for Indigenous women earning a living wage or higher.

$1 from every product sold is donated to on-the-land education initiatives for youth and Indigenous knowledge holders.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 10% off your order

Shop Aurora Heat

2. Anne Mulaire

Categories: Clothing, Accessories

Price: $4-$649

Sizing: XXS-6X

Anne Mulaire is a family-run designer label located in Canada. They produce everyday basics, as well as sleepwear and winter wear, from a variety of sustainable materials.

Anne, the owner and designer, is of Anishinaabe and French Metis heritage. She works with both her sister and her father, who is the artist behind the traditional prints featured in their Heritage collection.

They design small batch collections and use made-to-order manufacturing to ensure that no clothing goes to waste.

Anne Mulaire has several notable programs focused on sustainability. Their Repair program offers alterations, repairs and customized designs. Their newly launched Revive Program takes previously owned pieces and resells, repairs or upcycles them. Their Zero Waste program ensures all fabric scraps and unused pieces are reused in their zero-waste collection. Additionally, they offset their carbon emissions to three different environmental organizations.

Shop Anne Mulaire

3. B. Yellowtail

Categories: Clothing, Accessories

Price: $12.50-$550

Sizing: XS-3XL

B. Yellowtail is one of my favorite Indigenous-owned brands. Based in LA, it was created by designer Bethany Yellowtail.

She creates gorgeous statement pieces and wardrobe staples, as well as handmade jewelry and accessories. There are options for all genders and most sizes.

Her designs are a “form of culture sharing & meant to amplify Indigenous voices.”

Bethany is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. She’s passionate about using fashion to uplift women and girls as well as to create economic opportunities for Native artisans. She created the B.Yellowtail Collective, which features a variety of products made by First Nations, Native American and Indigenous creators.

Shop B. Yellowtail

4. Cheekbone Beauty

Categories: Beauty

Price: $8-$56

Cheekbone beauty is an incredible, Indigenous-owned beauty brand based in Canada. Created by Jen Harper, who is of Anishinaabe heritage, Cheekbone Beauty is not simply a cruelty-free beauty brand.

They are passionate about supporting and empowering Indigenous youth through various initiatives and donate 2% of every purchase to organizations that do just that. Additionally, for every Sustain Lipstick sold, they donate a lipstick to Indigenous youth.

All Cheekbone Beauty make-up is vegan, sourced locally if possible, bio-based, Fair-trade, and made from certified clean ingredients. They develop and manufacture their products in their own sustainable lab using a circular process. Everything is recycled or repurposed.

Shop Cheekbone Beauty

5. Ginew

Categories: Clothing, Accessories

Price: $19-$895

Sizing: XS-2XL

If you’re looking for lifelong premium denim jeans & jackets, Ginew may be your new go-to.

Founded by a husband and wife, Ginew is the only Native American-owned denim line.

They draw inspiration for their designs and materials used from their Ojibwe, Oneida, & Mohican heritage.

They use a variety of sustainable materials like organic cotton, premium selvedge denim, and Pendleton wool in their products. Their leather items are handcrafted and hand-dyed, produced through traditional methods passed down through generations. They also collaborate with various Indigenous artisans to create new designs and collections.

Shop Ginew

6. Yukon Soap Co.

Categories: Wellness

Price: $8-$80

Yukon Soap Co. is a wonderful Indigenous-owned and operated beauty brand founded by Joella Hogan in Mayo, home to the Na-cho Nyak Dun people. Joella uses local plants and community knowledge to create her products.

From hand-crafted soaps, essential oils, body oils, shampoo bars, and beard kits, she has a great selection of eco-friendly wellness products.

Joella created Yukon Soap Co. as a way to “connect people to the land and culture.” She leads youth workshops and crafting classes, as well as only employs local and Indigenous people. She also has a line of specialty soaps created by Northern Tutchone women artisans that features traditional beadwork.

Shop Yukon Soap Co.

7. Eighth Generation

Categories: Accessories, Home Goods

Price: $14-$320

Eighth Generation is an Indigenous-owned business in Seattle and the first Native-owned company to create wool blankets. They are owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe and founded by artist and activist Louie Gong. Louie wanted Eighth Generation to be an ethical alternative to “Native-Inspired” products created by large companies. These products undermine actual Native artisans and support cultural appropriation.

Eighth Generation’s “Inspired Natives” Project, however, collaborates with numerous Native designers to help support local artisans and spread awareness of their work. Eighth Generation sells beautiful, handcrafted, artisan goods including blankets, jewelry, mugs, and accessories.

Shop Eighth Generation

8. Thundervoice Hat Co.

Categories: Hats, Accessories

Price: $5-$1,800

Thundervoice Hat Co. is a Native-owned and operated business founded by Thundervoice Eagle.

They are most known for their beautiful, high-quality upcycled hats, which they release for sale every Wednesday at 6 pm PST. Hats are designed by various Native artisans and sell out fast.

Additionally, Thundervoice Hat Co. produces sustainable blankets, t-shirts, scarves, bags, footwear and art prints. They use a variety of upcycled and reclaimed materials that they source themselves.

Shop Thundervoice Hat Co.

9. Sisters Sage

Categories: Wellness

Price: $7-$200

Sisters Sage is founded by two sisters, Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus.

They are of Gitxaala, Nisga’a, and Metis Nations heritage, which inspired the creation of their products.

Sisters Sage produces artisan, vegan, cruelty-free wellness products, including soaps, bath bombs, smudging sprays, and salves.

They use local, traditional ingredients like cedar, sweetgrass and lavender. Every soap is made by hand and palm oil-free. Sisters Sage wanted their business to be “a force for good.” They lead various workshops and hope their business can inspire and support future Indigenous youth and female entrepreneurs.

Shop Sisters Sage

10. 4kinship

Categories: Clothing, Accessories

Price: $175-$795

4kinship is a very unique Indigenous-owned clothing brand. Founded by Amy Leung of Navajo heritage, she chose to create this “sustainable artwear brand” after a career in fast fashion. Each item is upcycled or vintage with hand-painted and handmade designs.

Most pieces are one of a kind or a small batch collection, and everything is made by local artisans.

The colors and designs you’ll find at 4kinship are truly stunning. Amy draws inspiration from the natural elements in New Mexico. In addition, 4kinship has partnered with various community efforts like providing mutual aid during covid to the Navajo Nation, supporting domestic abuse shelters, and fundraising for the Dine Skate Garden Project.

Shop 4kinship

11. Urban Native Era

Categories: Clothing, Accessories

Price: $7.99 - $90

Sizing: XS-3XL

Urban Native Era is an Indigenous-owned business born out of a passion for activism and increasing the visibility of Indigenous people.

Based in LA, Urban Native Era is entirely Indigenous operated and aims to create a better life for Indigenous people globally.

They produce a small, locally made apparel collection that includes sweatpants, hats, hoodies, shirts and accessories. They work with sustainable manufacturers and use eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Shop Urban Native Era

About the Author

Alicia Briggs is a writer & editor specializing in slow travel & sustainable living. She has been a full-time traveler since 2018 and runs her own blog, Learning the Local Way, where she covers responsible travel tips and guides.

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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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A Spookingly-Green Halloween & A Guide to Sustainable Costumes

For many, Halloween is one of the best holidays of the year. It's the perfect opportunity to get creative, dress up and eat yummy treats with your friends. That being said, Halloween can be largely wasteful, primarily due to accumulating costumes and disposable decor. In this article, we'll cover how to create sustainable Halloween costumes and have a more green Halloween all around.

Why is Halloween Unsustainable?

Halloween is a relatively unsustainable holiday due to the amount of single-use items used in traditional celebrations. Most conventional Halloween decor is made from plastic materials and thrown out immediately after the holiday.

When it comes to costumes, the traditional norm has been to buy a new costume for each year. People typically buy brand new costumes from chain superstores that aren't made sustainably and that they usually never wear again.

For Trick or Treaters, most households put out candy unsustainably made by large corporations. These corporations produce large amounts of Halloween branded candy that just goes to waste after October 31st.

Thankfully, you don't need to forgo Halloween celebrations to be sustainable. There are numerous ways you can celebrate Halloween without having a negative environmental impact.

How to Have a "Green Halloween"

Reuse or DIY Decorations

One of the most unsustainable things about Halloween is disposable decorations. There are a few ways you can get festive while still being eco-friendly.

A great start is to reuse what you already own. If you already have a collection of Halloween decor, prioritize that and get crafty for any new additions.

You can easily make your own Halloween decorations, thanks to the endless ideas and tutorials available online today. Try to create decorations from sustainable materials or items you already have lying around.

This could like like using old stockings or yarn to make spiderwebs. You can paint and cut cardboard boxes to turn them into tombstones. Use old bedsheets or t-shirts to create flying ghosts. Make use of natural items like straw bales, branches, leaves, pumpkins, and gourds to spice up your Halloween decor sustainably. If you have leftover paper or plastic bags, cotton balls, plastic bottles, or black garbage bags, DIY Halloween decorations are a great way to put them to use.

If you do want or need to buy something new, like a seasonal Pumpkin Spice candle, look for second-hand items or support sustainable brands and makers on platforms like Etsy. Whatever you buy, try to choose items that are reusable and that you will keep for years to come.

Skip or Utilize the Whole Pumpkin

Pumpkin carving and displaying your spookiest pumpkin creations is a Halloween highlight for many. Pumpkin carving can be relatively wasteful, however, if the whole pumpkin isn't utilized.

If you want to carve pumpkins, first choose locally grown pumpkins, ideally from a local pumpkin patch. Then, try to use the pumpkin in its entirety. Save the filling and make a pumpkin pie or mash. Roast the pumpkin seeds for a savory snack.

Lastly, avoid painting your pumpkin so that you can successfully compost it when you're done with it.

Give Out Ethically Made Treats

It can be tempting, and often very affordable, to opt for the super-size bags of Halloween-themed candy from chain grocery stores. These items are not very sustainable, however.

Most major candy corporations don't produce ethically made or sourced candy - especially when it comes to chocolate. Corporations also overproduce Halloween-themed goodies, which go on discount and end up in the trash right after the holiday.

If possible, look for ethically made, organic, or sustainable goodies to give out to trick-or-treaters. You can find non-GMO, local candy options at your neighborhood health food store. You can even now find fair-trade chocolate and candy brands at places like Costco and Target, which won't break the bank.

If you're hosting a Halloween party, bake your own themed treats to save money while being sustainable.

Choose Compostable Cutlery for Halloween Parties

No one wants to do the dishes after hosting a party, but disposable plates and cutlery are anything but sustainable. Until now, that is. There are several eco-friendly disposable cutlery options that make it convenient and eco-friendly to host a Halloween party.

One of our favorite sustainable cutlery brands is WoodU Shop. They offer dish and silverware sets that are biodegradable, reusable, and fully compostable.

If you want to serve food, encourage guests to bring homemade items, potluck style, or choose a local caterer. For leftovers, check out these eco-friendly options to wrap up and store food.

Now, Our Top 10 Ways to Create Sustainable Halloween Costumes

Reuse an Old Costume

Number one on the list for sustainable Halloween costume ideas is reusing what you already own. Chances are, you have several Halloween costumes from the past in a box somewhere. Why not reuse them?

If you want to spice it up, perhaps there's a way to revamp one of the costumes or add accessories to make it feel new again.

Consult Your Wardrobe

If you don't have any Halloween costumes lying around, the first step in generating recycled costume ideas is to consult your own wardrobe. This is easiest if you already have a costume idea in mind.

For example, if you want to be a witch, start by looking at your black clothing. See what you can put together from what you already own.

Revamp Items You Don't Love or Use

If you're willing to get crafty, see what you can create from clothing items or accessories you don't love, never wear, or no longer fit. If you have kids, this is especially relevant, as you probably have a pile of things they've outgrown. Could something be altered to create a costume?

Maybe there's an old t-shirt that's falling apart that could be cut up, dyed, or redesigned to create a costume.

Have a Costume Exchange Party

If you don't own anything you can utilize for this year's Halloween costume, chances are one of your friends does. A fun way to be sustainable together is to host a costume exchange party.

Everyone can bring old costumes or accessories and take turns swapping. This is a great way to spend $0 on eco-friendly costumes.

Get Crafty With Accessories

Accessories like masks, headwear, and even jewelry, can often be made from home. You can find handy craft supplies like outlines, fabric glue, material, etc., at your local craft supply store.

If you simply need to dye or add embellishments to items you already own, this is an easy thing to do yourself instead of buying new items. Sometimes this works out even better if you're looking to replicate a very specific accessory.

Make Your Own Body Paint

Instead of purchasing a Halloween paint or makeup set to use for one night, why not make your own? There are numerous recipes available for making Halloween paint using items that are often found in the pantry.

Consult Youtube or Google for homemade Halloween body paint recipes and see what you can create at home. If you have to buy items to make the paint, try to look for recipes that require ingredients you know you'll find another use for.

Turn DIY Halloween Costumes into a Group Activity

If you're struggling to design your own costume, or you lack some crafty skills, why not make DIY Halloween Costumes a group activity? You can get your friends or family together and help each other create Halloween costumes.

This can help motivate and inspire one another to have a green Halloween. It's also a fun way to pool together supplies, cutting down on the number of new items you'll need to buy this year.

Opt for Second-Hand or Artisan-Made Items

If you need to buy a Halloween costume, try to opt for used items first. You can find second-hand costumes and accessories online or in thrift stores. Check out Poshmark, eBay, or any of these second-hand clothing apps. If you'd rather shop in-store, head to your local thrift, vintage or second-hand shop.

If you can't find what you're looking for used or make it yourself, you can usually find awesome Halloween options made by artisans on Etsy. You can also check out ethical marketplaces like these for accessories. If you are buying new, prioritize items that you can reuse or re-wear.

Rent Your Costume

If you're still struggling to put together a sustainable Halloween costume, try to rent one. If you or your kids just have to be a certain character this year, or you can't find or make what you want, renting a costume is the next best sustainable thing. This can also be a more budget-friendly option.

There are numerous choices for costume rentals both online and in-store. Most costume shops now offer rental options, which is awesome for parents whose kids will just outgrow their costumes by the following year.

You can also check out online costume stores and retailers, even Rent the Runway has options. This makes it easier than ever to find the Halloween costume of your dreams or participate in new costume trends sustainably.

Choose a Timeless Costume Idea

Overall, when it comes to creating an eco-friendly Halloween costume, what type of costume you choose can also have an impact. While it can be tempting to dress up as your new favorite superhero or TV Character from this year's latest release, these costume trends usually fade by the following season.

Try to think of "evergreen" costume ideas. This can look like costume ideas that stand the test of time and are relevant year after year (someone is always a witch or a vampire). It can also look like choosing a costume idea that can easily be made from timeless items you will reuse in your everyday life. This will benefit both the planet and your wallet in the long run.

If you're willing to get creative, you can create most Halloween costumes from items that can be reused and re-worn. Try to do so as much as possible and chances are, your Halloween costume will be sustainable.

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Sustainable Yoga Mats, Clothing & Gear

Traditional yoga mats are typically not sustainable, with chemicals and plastics that are both hazardous to you and the environment. Whether you’re a devoted yogi or simply just looking for something to stretch out on at home, if you’re interested in choosing a sustainable yoga mat and gear to match, then you’ve come to the right place. Below I’ve compiled a list of the best eco-friendly yoga mats out there, as well as ethically and sustainably made yoga gear and apparel.

These brands are changing the yoga industry by making mats from natural, eco-friendly materials, as well as ensuring a fair-paying, ethical supply chain. Supporting any of these brands is a great way to practice yoga with true peace of mind, on and off the mat.

Why Aren’t Traditional Yoga Mats Sustainable?

Yoga mats are typically made using PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to make them grippy and easy to clean. Unfortunately, PVC is an incredibly toxic type of plastic. Not only is this something we shouldn’t be inhaling during our daily yoga practice, but it’s also harmful to the environment. Since yoga mats are made from plastic, they aren’t biodegradable and take years to break down. This further contributes to pollution and makes it impossible to dispose of your yoga mat safely.

To make sure our mats are flexible, cushy, and suitable for yoga, most manufacturers add a variety of plasticizers whose toxins we then absorb during our practice. Additionally, leading brands may not produce their products ethically. There’s often a lack of transparency when it comes to where their materials are sourced and if their supply chain involves fair-wage employment and safe working conditions.

This is especially true when it comes to what we wear during our yoga practice. Many mainstream yoga apparel brands produce their clothes in sweatshops, using exploitative labor and synthetic materials. These materials break down into microplastics which are one of the biggest sources of plastic pollution in our oceans.

Choosing eco-friendly yoga mats, gear, and sustainably made yoga apparel is a great way to protect both the environment and your own health.

What Are Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats and Yoga Gear?

As sustainable fashion rises in popularity, many brands resort to greenwashing to appear sustainable when they are not. Many “eco-friendly” yoga mats are made from PER (polymer environmental resin) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomers). These materials should be avoided when possible.

PER is essentially a less toxic form of PVC and research is still needed to know how safe PER is. TPE on the other hand can be recycled but is made from a variety of synthetic materials that are often not listed by the manufacturer. Therefore, we don’t necessarily know what the mat is truly made of and can't verify its safety if the manufacturer isn’t fully transparent.

When searching for eco-friendly yoga mats and sustainable apparel, look for companies that clearly state what their mats are made from. It’s best to choose mats that are made from natural, biodegradable materials like GOTS certified cotton, cork, or grass fiber. If they are using recycled materials, check to see if their materials are certified.

Another thing to look for when deciding if a brand is sustainable is whether or not they are transparent about their supply chain practices. If they aren’t clear about where their products are made, who makes them, or if it’s fair-trade, this is usually a red flag and the brand is most likely not sustainable.

Now, Our 11 Favorite Brands Creating Affordable Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats & Gear:

1) Wolven

Made In: USA, China

Product Range: Yoga Apparel

Price: $40-$150

Wolven is an LA-Based, carbon-neutral company that makes some of the cutest, sustainable yoga apparel out there. Wolven makes their eco-friendly activewear from OEKO-TEX Certified recycled P.E.T. Each item is quick-drying and anti-bacterial so you can wear their designs as both yoga wear and swimwear.

I have so many pieces of theirs and can attest that they are of wonderful quality. Wolven also sells a microfiber washing bag so you can safely wash your apparel without further contributing to the microplastic pollution.

Shop Wolven

2) Om Matters

Made In: USA

Product Range: Yoga Apparel, Yoga Accessories, Yoga App

Price: $25-$98

OM Matters has a great selection of yoga gear and accessories including meditation candles, crystals, yoga cards, and even a yoga app.

They also have a small, affordable line of yoga apparel for women, made from sustainable cotton and biodegradable Lenzing Modal.

Based in the US, everything is produced locally. All of their products are created using eco-friendly and biodegradable, synthetic-free materials. They even use recycled materials to package and ship their products. Additionally, 10% of all sales goes to funding yoga for at-risk youth.

Shop OM Matters

3) Manduka

Made In: Germany, China

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Yoga Gear, Yoga Accessories, Yoga Apparel

Price: $45-$120

Manduka is one of the most established yoga brands today.

They have extensive and high-quality options at a wide range of accessible prices.

They are, however, still growing when it comes to sustainability, and more transparency is needed.

Their traditional mats are made with OEKO-TEX certified “non-harmful” PVC and natural rubber, which can’t be considered sustainable. However, Manduka’s EKOseries line is fully sustainable. These mats are made from natural rubber, with no PVC, toxic dyes, or plasticizers. They are also fully biodegradable and 99% latex-free.

The majority of Manduka’s other products are eco-friendly like their cork and recycled foam yoga blocks, and their unisex yoga apparel line that is made primarily from recycled polyester and organic cotton.

Shop Manduka

4) Abhinehkrafts

Made In: India

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Kids Mats, Yoga Props, Yoga Apparel

Price: $60-$115

Based in India, Abhinehkrafts makes some of the most artisan, creative eco-friendly yoga mats and gear. Everything is handcrafted using natural fibers by women artisans.

Most of their products are made using GOTS certified organic cotton and natural dyes.

They have a variety of yoga mats to choose from, all from different materials. Abhinehkrafts mats use local, responsibly sourced natural or recycled cotton, grass fiber, jute fiber, and wool. Each mat is handwoven with traditional designs and varying degrees of thickness. They also have a wonderful, sustainable line of yoga gear and props, all affordably priced.

Shop Abhinehkrafts

5) Inhala Soulwear

Made In: Lima, Bali, Milan

Product Range: Yoga Apparel, Yoga Mats

Price: $36-$130

Inhala Soulwear is a Peruvian company committed to conscious production from the supply chain to the materials used. They produce a super cute line of sustainable women’s yoga apparel, with some options for men. They also have a small selection of non-toxic yoga mats made from vegan suede and recycled rubber.

Their apparel is made using eco-friendly supplies such as regenerated nylon and fair-trade organic cotton. Every item produced follows their zero-waste and plastic-free commitment, including their compostable garment bags. They also take measures to ensure they have a fully traceable, fair-paying supply chain.

Shop Inhala Soulwear

6) Yogasana

Made In: India

Product Range: Yoga Mats

Price: $99-$119

Yogasana makes beautiful, vibrant GOTS-certified cotton yoga mats in India.

The cotton is grown and harvested by fair-wage local farmers who are part of the Better Cotton Initiative and doesn’t involve any child labor.

Each mat is handmade by local weavers with a 15-year guarantee.

Their small collection is accessibly priced with a variety of colors and sizes to suit most needs. Additionally, $5 from each purchase goes to paying for school supplies for the children of the local farmers with the option to donate more.

Shop Yogasana

7) Urbivore

Made In: Canada

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Yoga Accessories

Price: $21-$118

Urbivore produces cute, vegan, non-toxic yoga mats made from cork.

Cork is naturally antimicrobial, non-slip, and self-cleaning. Urbivore doesn’t use any PVC or toxic chemicals in their products.

They sustainably harvest the cork from oak bark using fair-paying, local labor.

Urbivore sells a variety of mats, sustainable mat straps including an adorable macrame option, mala bracelets, cork massage balls, and mat cleaners. For every purchase you make they plant a tree around the world.

Shop Urbivore

8) Jade Yoga

Made In: USA, India, Nepal

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Travel Mats, Yoga Props, Yoga Gear

Price: $15-$179

Jade Yoga is incredibly established in the yoga community as they have been making eco-friendly yoga mats for over twenty years now. I bought my Jade mat almost ten years ago and still use it today. The majority of their yoga mats are sourced and produced in the United States and are made from natural rubber with no PVC or toxic chemicals.

They have a special organic cotton yoga mat line, handmade by artisans in India, as well as a recycled cotton line handmade by women in Nepal.

Jade sells a wide range of sustainable yoga gear such as organic cotton canvas mat bags, plant-based mat wash, and recycled cotton blankets. They guarantee fair-paying, ethical employment and distribute worldwide.

Shop Jade Yoga

9) Yoloha

Made In: USA

Product Range: Yoga Mats, Yoga Gear, Yoga Accessories

Price: $25-$179

If you’re curious about trying cork-based products, Yoloha should be your first stop. This brand uses sustainable cork in all of their handmade products. The cork is sustainably harvested from cork oak trees every 8-9 years and doesn’t require cutting down a single tree, since the bark is stripped by hand.

Their yoga mats are 100% vegan made from natural cork and recycled rubber with no PVCs or latex. Each mat is not only grippy, but anti-microbial, and quick drying. What makes Yoloha stand out is their beautiful, hand-painted artisan designs and the sheer quantity and range of yoga gear.

Shop Yoloha

10) 42 Birds

Made In: Spain, Portugal

Product Range: Yoga mats, Yoga Gear

Price Range: $32-$134

42 Birds is a brother and sister team that produces yoga mats and gear made from 100% cork in a zero-waste manufacturing process.

They’ve also partnered with 1% For the Planet and donate the proceeds to environmental organizations such as the Cork Forest Alliance and the National Audobon Society.

Their non-slip, eco-friendly yoga mats come with a complimentary cotton mat carrier strap. They also sell cork bundles that include a mat and yoga props at an affordable price.

Shop 42 Birds

11) Bennd Yoga

Made In: India

Product Range: Yoga mats, Yoga Gear

Price Range: $160-$195

Bennd Yoga is an “Ayurvedic Yoga Mat Company” that produces medicinally dyed products. Everything is hand-made and hand-loomed by artisans in India. Their yoga mats and meditation cushions are made from 100% ethically sourced raw cotton which is then hand-dyed. Bennd’s dyes are made from specific natural Ayurvedic herbs.

Each yoga collection is then designed to assist a different ailment like digestion or circulation depending on the herb used to produce it. Each cotton mat also comes in a complimentary cotton travel bag with an eco-friendly mat cleaner.

Bennd’s products are natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable, including their packaging. Any leftover textiles are recycled and reused while the extra dyes and organic materials are composted in their gardens. Their products are colorful, beautiful and one of a kind.

Shop Bennd Yoga

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Go Plastic-Free with these Zero Waste Lotions

For most of us, lotion is one of our skincare essentials. Lotion keeps our skin moisturized and healthy, and we tend to use it every day. As such, choosing a sustainable, zero waste lotion can have a big environmental impact over time. Thankfully, switching to zero waste lotion bars and balms is pretty easy to do, thanks to the numerous sustainable skincare brands producing them.

Below, we’ve put together the ten best brands to find the perfect zero waste lotion for any skin type.

Why You Should Choose Zero Waste Lotion

The majority of lotion brands package their products in large plastic bottles. It can be difficult, or impossible, to get the bottles clean enough to recycle after use. While more brands are using recycled and recyclable plastic packaging, lotion pumps or caps usually can’t be recycled. This waste adds up - especially when we use lotion daily.

Thankfully, numerous brands are now producing a variety of zero waste lotions to choose from.

Zero waste lotion doesn’t further contribute to landfill waste. Everything is biodegradable and/or recyclable. From the ingredients to the packaging, if there is any packaging, no waste is left behind. This is why it’s best to choose a zero waste option if possible.

What to Look for in Zero Waste & Sustainable Lotion

There are numerous ways a lotion can be sustainable. What you’re looking for depends on your needs and preferences. That being said, there are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing a zero waste, sustainable lotion.

Most zero waste lotions should have several, if not all, of the following:

Reusable and/or recyclable, recycled/upcycled packaging
Biodegradable ingredients and packaging
Cruelty-Free
Organic
Vegan
Natural fragrance
Sustainably, ethically or locally sourced ingredients
Chemical-free
No parabens, sulfates or silicone
Transparent and sustainable production methods

Our Top Picks for Zero Waste Lotion, Bars, and Balms:

1) Ethique

Lotion Bars

Pricing: $13-$17 USD

Ethique is one of my personal favorite brands for zero waste products. They are an entirely plastic-free, cruelty-free, woman-owned company. Ethique has a wide variety of zero waste lotion bars to choose from, both scented and unscented. They even have a travel size option that comes in a compostable tube so you can easily transport your lotion with no mess. Each lotion bar is vegan, palm oil-free, and made with only natural ingredients like organic cocoa butter ethically sourced from a farm in the Dominican Republic.

Ethique is a climate-positive company and they donate 2% of their proceeds to different charity organizations.

Shop Ethique

2) Plaine Products

Body Lotion

Pricing: $30 USD

Last but not least, Plaine Products is founded and led by two sisters. They are a vegan company eager to combat plastic pollution. Their zero-waste body lotion is biodegradable, Non-GMO, and palm-oil free. Plaine Products lotion comes unscented or in Rosemary Mint Vanilla and Citrus Lavender. They offer a refill option that doesn’t include a lotion pump to prevent unnecessary waste. They also give you the choice to subscribe in 2-6 monthly installments and save 10% on the total price.

Plaine Products was founded after one of the founders noticed the amount of plastic pollution on a beach vacation. This inspired her to launch a zero-waste skincare company that’s completely plastic-free and chemical-free. Everything they make, including their lotion, they use themselves. Each product is zero waste and comes in recycled packaging. Plaine Products is now a certified B Corp.

use code sustainablychic20 for 20% off your entire purchase

Shop Plaine Products

3) EcoRoots

Lotion Balm

Pricing: $34 USD

EcoRoots makes a moisturizing and nurturing lotion balm. EcoRoots uses primarily organic ingredients and it’s compostable and fair-trade. Their lotion is plastic-free and comes in reusable glass jar. The Grapeseed and Organic Jojoba Seed Oils used in this lotion help nourish skin by delivering rejuvenating antioxidants and essential fatty acids to help skin perform at its best. EcoRoots even uses plant-based labels that are made from wildflower seeds, designed to break down into food for bees after use.

Shop EcoRoots

4) Cocokind

Lotion and Balm

Pricing: $11-$19 USD

Cocokind is a woman-owned skincare brand based in San Francisco. They have several zero waste options to choose from, such as their multi-use balm and skin butter. I’m personally obsessed with their skin butter. It’s made from natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, perfect for the whole body.

Their vegan multi-use balm is ideal for dryer spots like lips and hands. For each purchase, they donate 5% of the proceeds to One Tree Planted.

Cocokind is leading the way in transparency when it comes to sustainable brands. For each product, they break down each ingredient used, how it’s made, how to use it, and how to recycle it properly.

Shop Cocokind

5) Blendily

Lotion Bars

Pricing: $16-$18 USD

Blendily is a woman-owned company that produces handmade, zero waste botanical skincare. They have a full sustainable skincare line, but their lotion bars are wonderful. They offer two scents, Lavender and Rosemary. Each small batch sustainable lotion bar is vegan and made from organic ingredients. One awesome thing about Blendily is that they have their own garden where they grow most of their ingredients. If they can’t grow it themselves, they source directly from local farmers.

They also handmake each bar in their storefront, in their “Skincare Kitchen.” Blendily even invites customers to visit and watch them make their products.

Shop Blendily

6) Etee

Lotion Bars

Pricing: $8.10 USD

Etee has a complete line of zero waste products including their lotion bar. Each lotion bar comes in a refillable tin, and they offer the option to purchase refill bars with no packaging. Their lotion is biodegradable, compostable, and made from six sustainable ingredients. Etee’s lotion bars are cruelty-free, palm-oil-free, and without sulfates, parabens, or toxic chemicals. As a company, they are completely plastic-free. Plus their lower price point makes their products more accessible.

Shop Etee

7) Alaffia

Balm and Body Butter

Pricing: $5.99-$16.79 USD

Alaffia is another personal favorite of mine when it comes to sustainable skincare companies. This Black-owned company sells its products at an accessible price point in numerous convenient storefronts like Target. Alaffia is Fair-trade, For Life, and Good Manufacturing Practices Certified. While all of Alaffia’s products are low waste and natural, their line of balms and body butter are perfect zero-waste moisturizers. Each product is made from a base of unrefined shea butter sourced from West Africa and from West African recipes.

Each lotion comes in a variety of scents and unscented options, perfect for dry skin, daily use, or treating skin conditions. Their products are packaged in a fully recyclable tin.

Shop Alaffia

8) The Best Kind

Body Butter

Pricing: $11- $100 USD

The Best Kind makes a luxurious handmade body butter from shea and cocoa butter. Their body butter only contains seven ingredients, all-natural. The Best Kind’s lotion is non-GMO, vegan, mostly organic, with natural fragrance and no parabens. It’s available in a range of sizes starting from 1 ounce up to 100 ounces. Their body butter is a great choice if you’re someone with dry to combination skin and looking for something to use on both your face and body. Each lotion is made with love in Brooklyn, in small batches.

Shop The Best Kind

9) Moon Valley Organics

Lotion Bars

Pricing: $13.19 USD

Moon Valley Organics is a B Corp Certified sustainable skincare brand based in Washington. They make lovely herbal lotion bars in a variety of essential oil-based scents like Lemon Vanilla and Bergamont Geranium. Each lotion bar comes in a reusable metal tin, but they also offer refill options without packaging.

Their products are Non-GMO and Certified Organic. One unique thing about Moon Valley Organics is that they are working on expanding habitats for pollinators on their farm.

They have their own four-acre “pollinator sanctuary,” where they grow many of their ingredients. Anything that they can’t grow themselves is sourced from local, organic suppliers and farms. They also host volunteers from WWOOF to provide education on organic farming and pollinator habitats. Plus, they donate 10% of their profits to organizations that support this cause.

Shop Moon Valley Organics

10) Fat and the Moon

Lotion

Pricing: $18 USD

Fat and the Moon’s sustainable “All Cream” lotion is a botanical blend made from shea butter. They also have an aloe lotion if you’re looking for something more lightweight. Each ingredient is ethically sourced, wild, or organic. They source from local farmers when possible. Their lotion is handmade and packaged in reusable jars. Fat and the Moon is a woman-owned company passionate about being a body-affirming, sustainable skincare brand that promotes conscious self-care.

They use botanical wisdom to create nourishing, healing products. Fat and the Moon also donates a portion of their proceeds to different justice organizations whose causes they support. As a plastic-free company, all their shipping materials are recyclable, upcycled, or biodegradable.

Shop Fat & the Moon

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A Guide to Clean Beauty

More people than ever are interested in personal care products that are better for them and the planet. Many now realize that what we put on our skin matters, and that traditional beauty products have long contained artificial and harmful chemicals. In the beauty industry today, we often see brands use terms like natural, conscious or clean to promote their products. But what is clean beauty and how do you know if a product is indeed better for you?

Below, we’ll break down what clean beauty means, what to look for before buying, and what to avoid.

What is Clean Beauty?

Clean beauty is a common umbrella term used to describe any cosmetic products that are made without synthetic chemicals. This includes products designed for the skin and body, from skincare to makeup to hair care.

Clean beauty doesn’t necessarily have one definition. A clean beauty brand might be vegan, organic, or biodegradable, or it may not be any of those things. The issue with not having clear criteria for clean beauty is that it opens the doors for brands to make hollow claims for marketing purposes i.e. greenwashing.

The beauty industry as a whole is largely unregulated, but If a brand uses the term clean or natural, that is not enough to verify them as a trustworthy brand. As more consumers begin to prioritize sustainable products, brands understand that they need to appear “clean and green” to sell. Brands also know that consumers often take terms at face value, and may not know how to research or verify these claims.

If you’re looking for sustainable beauty products that are healthier for both you and the planet, a good place to start is to know what you’re looking for. You can then understand whether or not a brand aligns with your values.

Common Terms Used for Clean Beauty and What They Mean:

There are numerous additional terms that clean beauty brands will use to verify that they are trustworthy brands. It’s a great sign that a brand is sustainable if they fit the criteria below.

However, as you’ll notice, many of these terms are widely unregulated. It’s important to always do your research when a brand claims any of the below labels as they could still be making false statements.

Third-party certifications are a great thing to look for because they help verify that a brand does what they say they do. It’s important to note that not every brand has access to these certifications, however. Not all certifications are globally available and many charge a significant fee to become certified. This makes it difficult for small businesses to obtain.

While third-party certifications are a good sign, if a brand doesn’t have one, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are making false claims. Always look for transparency from the company on their ingredients and manufacturing so you can do your research to verify their claims.

Organic:

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

Non-GMO:

GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. If a brand states they are non-GMO they are claiming their product contains only natural ingredients. Look for Non-GMO verifications or organic certifications to back this up.

Non-Toxic:

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

Chemical-Free:

Nothing can truly be chemical-free, but this term is meant to describe products that don’t contain any harmful chemicals. You’ll need to read and research their ingredient list to ensure this is a valid claim.

Vegan:

Vegan skincare products should not contain any ingredients that are animal-derived or from animal by-products. Look for certified vegan products and always double-check the ingredient list.

Cruelty-Free:

This means a product was manufactured in a way that doesn’t involve harm to animals or animal testing. Look for third-party certifications such as Leaping Bunny Certified.

Sustainable:

Sustainable products do not harm people or the environment. Sustainable brands will be as transparent about their ingredients are they are about how and who manufactures their products. They should disclose the working conditions of their employees, including the farmers who source their ingredients.

Eco-friendly:

Eco-friendly beauty products are products that do as little harm as possible to the environment. This means using primarily eco-friendly ingredients and manufacturing in a way that conserves resources. Look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing process and how they reduce waste.

Zero-Waste:

Zero-waste means a product was made in a way that generates as little waste as possible. Zero-waste products should use recyclable or recycled packaging or none at all. Their ingredients should also be biodegradable. Examples of zero-waste products are natural lotion bars that use compostable packaging.

Biodegradable:

A biodegradable beauty product contains ingredients that will quickly break down and not harm the natural environment. Look for the biodegradable label and research the ingredient list to ensure there are no hidden artificial ingredients.

Plant-based:

Plant-based beauty products are made from ingredients that are derived from plants, such as plant oils and extracts. Brands may also use the term botanical to describe this. These products tend to be vegan, without harmful chemicals, but remember to research the ingredient list to confirm.

Common Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Cosmetics:

Traditional beauty brands use numerous synthetic ingredients that are harmful to humans and the planet. Because the beauty industry is largely unregulated, there are thousands of harmful ingredients that companies have been allowed to use for years without any consequences.

Why does this matter? Because these ingredients have been linked to cancer, respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and numerous disorders. What we put on our skin is directly absorbed by our bodies, which is why it’s important to prioritize sustainable products.

While the above information will greatly help you vet sustainable beauty brands, it does require some research. The easiest way to ensure that a product is safe to use is to confirm that it doesn’t have any of the following chemicals:

Parabens:

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

Phthalates:

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

Artificial Fragrance:

Most fragrances found in beauty and household products are made up of numerous chemicals. Since you don’t know what it’s made of, you can’t research how it may affect you. Try to steer clear of any products that include fragrance on their ingredient list and look for non-toxic options instead.

Formaldehyde:

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

Petrolatum:

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

BHA/BHT:

These are both common chemicals used as preservatives in food and beauty products. They are suspected carcinogens however as well as skin irritants and endocrine disruptors.

Ethanolamines:

These chemicals are often used in skincare products and act as preservatives and foaming agents (what makes your shampoo sudsy). They have been linked to cancer, however, so it’s best to avoid them.

What About Ethically and Sustainably Sourcing Ingredients?

Some natural ingredients are in high demand and sourcing these products has become exploitative. One of the most common examples of this is palm oil.

Palm oil is a natural vegetable oil that is extremely shelf-stable and versatile. As such, it’s found in almost every product you can think of - from beauty products to food products. Due to this high demand, it is now causing deforestation of crucial habitats and forests. Palm oil plantations are also notorious for using unethical labor, such as slave and child labor.

Palm oil is a great example of a plant-based, natural ingredient that has become largely unsustainable. This is why brands need to be transparent about their ingredient list and their sourcing. There are numerous commonly used natural ingredients whose value will only increase as the demand for sustainable products rises.

Ensuring that brands are sourcing their products in a way that doesn’t involve unethical labor, environmental damage, or hazardous production will help combat continuous exploitative sourcing.

What to Look For From Clean Beauty Brands Before Buying:

Overall, if you’re trying to avoid greenwashing, there are a few things you should look for before buying into a beauty brand's claims. Ask yourself (and the company) the following questions:

What claims do they make? Do they have any information available that backs up these claims?
What are the ingredients? Beauty products list the ingredients from most to least used. Take into consideration what the first ingredients are and how many ingredients there are in total.
How transparent are they? Do they provide information on how they manufacture their products, and where? Do you know who runs the company?
Do they have any relevant third-party certifications?
Do they include enough information to back up each green claim? Or are they only using vague, marketable statements?
If they use clean ingredients, are they also a sustainable company? Is their manufacturing process eco-friendly? Do they use sustainable packaging? Do they pay their staff a fair wage? Do they give back?
When you look them up, what comes up? Do any trustworthy organizations vouch for them?