Posts tagged Jewelry & Accessories
7 Sustainable Brands Making Eco-Friendly Sunglasses for A Brighter Future (2024)
 

Image: Eco Eyewear

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

The Best Sustainable Sunglasses

Are you ready to step into a stylish and sustainable future?

Say hello to the world of sustainable sunglasses! These trendy shades protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and contribute to a healthier planet.

This article will dive into the exciting world of eco-friendly eyewear and discover the innovative materials, designs, and technologies revolutionizing the sunglasses industry. Whether you are an eco-conscious consumer or a fashion enthusiast, sustainable sunglasses offer the perfect combination of style and ethics. From sunglasses made from recycled plastic bottles to frames crafted from renewable materials like bamboo and wood, these conscious choices reduce waste and support sustainable practices.

Join us as we explore the latest trends, brands, and initiatives that pave the way toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

The Rise of Sustainable Fashion

Sustainable fashion has gained significant traction in recent years as consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions' environmental and social impact. As the fashion industry is one of the most significant contributors to pollution and waste, there is a growing demand for sustainable alternatives. This shift in consumer behavior has led to the rise of eco-friendly fashion brands that prioritize ethical sourcing, production, and materials. Sustainable sunglasses are a natural extension of this movement, offering consumers a stylish and eco-conscious option for eye protection. With an increasing number of brands embracing sustainability, the future of fashion looks brighter than ever.

What are Sustainable Sunglasses?

Sustainable sunglasses are eyewear products designed and manufactured with the environment in mind. They aim to reduce the fashion industry's carbon footprint by using recycled materials, renewable resources, and eco-friendly production processes. Every aspect of sustainable sunglasses is carefully considered, from the frames to the lenses, to minimize waste and maximize sustainability. These brands also ensure that the people creating the sunglasses are paid fair wages and are in safe working conditions. By choosing sustainable sunglasses, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment without compromising on style or quality.

Benefits of Sustainable Sunglasses

Sustainable sunglasses offer a range of benefits beyond their environmental impact:

  1. They provide the same level of protection as traditional sunglasses, shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays.

  2. Sustainable sunglasses often come in stylish designs, catering to the fashion-forward consumer. By wearing sustainable sunglasses, you can showcase your commitment to the environment while staying on-trend. Gone are the days when 'sustainable' was not 'fashionable'. 

  3. Many sustainable sunglass brands prioritize fair trade practices and ethical production, ensuring that workers in the manufacturing process are treated fairly.

  4. By supporting these brands, you contribute to a greener planet and a more equitable fashion industry.

What to Look for when shopping Eco-friendly, Sustainable Sunglasses

Recycled Plastic: Up until a few years ago, it was almost impossible to find sunglasses made from recycled plastic. Not anymore! Several of the brands below use plastic from discarded bottles and fishing nets to create their frames.

FSC-Certified and/or Reclaimed Wood: There are a lot of wooden sunglasses available out there, but just because it’s a natural material doesn’t mean it’s eco-friendly. Be sure to purchase sunglasses made from reclaimed/upcycled wood or carry the “FSC-Certified” label, which means the wood was sourced from a sustainably-managed forest.

Plant-Based Plastic Alternatives: You’ll see the term “acetate” on some eco-friendly sunglasses. But what exactly is it? Acetate is plant-based cellulose that often comes from trees (though it can come from other plants, like cotton). The verdict is still out on just how sustainable acetate actually is. It likely depends on where it’s made and the processes used to transform the plant fibers into a plastic-like material. But at the end of the day, it’s still a better option than virgin plastic.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Sunglasses:

1. Pela

Price | $40-80

You may be familiar with Pela and their incredible phone cases, but did you know they have sunglasses, too?

Their range of sunglasses has 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water usage, and 82% less waste compared to conventional sunglasses and packaging. They come in a range of colors and styles, and they are very affordable. Sometimes you can find a BOGO sale going on!


2. Proof Eyewear

Price | $55-120

Another great eyewear company, Proof Eyewear, is based in Boise, Idaho. They started with wooden frames and have since expanded to designs that use recycled aluminum and acetate (made from cotton). You can also send back your old frames with their recycling program. Plus, with your help, they have donated over 1,200 pairs of glasses, planted 200 trees, given almost 6,00 health & vision screenings, and 240 cataract surgeries!


3. Eco Eyewear

Price | $75-150

Founded in 2009, Eco Eyewear creates sustainable unisex eyewear and sunglasses made exclusively from eco-friendly, recycled, and biobased materials. Recently, they have partnered with Waste Free Oceans to use ocean plastic waste in a collection of sustainable frames! They also founded a program to plant trees called 'One Tree, One Frame', which has planted over 3.3 million trees to date, making them the world's first Carbon Negative eyewear brand. 


4. MITA

Price | $139+

MITA starts with five water bottles and transforms them into a pair of wearable, high-quality, lightweight, and super cute eyewear. Their cleaning cloths and cases are made from recycled materials, too. The MITA community works with a few different non-profit organizations to help clean up and protect our oceans and waterways. In addition to their sustainable sunglasses, MITA also carries prescription eyeglasses and blue light blocking recycled glasses as well. And I loved their virtual try-on feature—it really helped me choose which one to get!


5. Look Optic

Price | $72-108

Merging featherweight, fashion-forward design with 100% recycled materials, LOOK OPTIC's collection of sustainable eyewear offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditionally disposable readers, blue-light glasses, and sunglasses. Actively giving back to promote a more sustainable feature, the brand partners with Lion's Club to help upcycle and redistribute old frames and TerraCycle to assist in repurposing hard-to-recycle elements (frames, lenses and hinges), transforming old frames into running tracks, playgrounds, & more.


6. SeaClean

Price | $98

We really like what this line of eyeglasses is all about. Frames from SeaClean by GlassesUSA are made entirely from up-cycled plastic bottles. It only takes five bottles to create a pair of sunglasses. Plus, for every SeaClean pair sold, they will donate $5 to The Ocean Cleanup to help them in their efforts towards a plastic-free ocean by 2050. There are only two frame styles at the moment, but hopefully we will see more in the future.


7. Pala Eyewear

Price | $120-204

As a certified B Corp, Pala is committed to making a positive impact with their business.

They provide eye care for communities around the globe, use recycled plastic for their cases, and offset their carbon emissions.

Their ethically-made sunglasses are made from plant-based bio-acetate, making them easier to biodegrade. 


Sustainable Sunglasses Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your sustainable sunglasses. Here are a few tips to keep them in top condition:

- Store your sunglasses in a protective case when not in use to prevent scratches and damage.

- Clean the lenses and frames regularly using a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner specifically designed for eyewear.

- Avoid placing your sunglasses face down on hard surfaces to prevent scratches on the lenses.

- Avoid exposing your sunglasses to extreme temperatures or prolonged periods of direct sunlight, as this can weaken the materials.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy your sustainable sunglasses for years while minimizing the need for replacements.

Supporting Sustainable Fashion: Ways to Promote and Advocate for Sustainable Sunglasses

As an eco-conscious consumer, there are several ways you can support and promote sustainable sunglasses:

1. Spread the word: Share your love for sustainable sunglasses with friends, family, and on social media. Educate others about the benefits of sustainable fashion and encourage them to make conscious choices when purchasing eyewear.

2. Choose sustainable brands: Choose sunglasses from brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production. By supporting these brands, you will contribute to the demand for eco-friendly fashion and encourage others to follow suit.

3. Participate in recycling programs: Some sustainable sunglasses brands offer recycling programs where you can return your old sunglasses for proper disposal or recycling. Take advantage of these initiatives to ensure your sunglasses are disposed of responsibly.

4. Advocate for change: Support initiatives and organizations that promote sustainable fashion and advocate for stricter regulations in the fashion industry. You can amplify your impact and drive positive change by joining forces with like-minded individuals and organizations.

5. Love what you have: Sustainability starts in your own closet. You are participating in the sustainable fashion movement just by wearing your old sunglasses!

By actively promoting and advocating for sustainable sunglasses, you can help shape a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.


 
 

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


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


Related Reading You May Also Enjoy:

 
15 Sustainable Jewelry Brands to Add Some Ethical Sparkle To Your Outfit (2024)
 

Image: illi

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 Bario Neal, Valley Rose, Truvai & Aiden Jae. 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!

The Best Ethical & Sustainable Jewelry

People have adorned themselves with jewelry and decoration for as long as 75,000 years. Today though, some jewelry is made at a significant cost to both the planet and the people making them. So, how can we continue to accessorize with sustainability and ethics in mind?

The jewelry industry is stepping up to the challenge in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the need for sustainability. Sustainable jewelry is not only exquisite and beautiful but also carries a profound purpose. With a commitment to social and environmental causes, sustainable jewelry brands are positively impacting communities. Their efforts contribute to fair trade practices, support local artisans, and promote eco-consciousness among consumers. This article delves into the brands leading the way in sustainable jewelry, highlighting their unique designs and the stories behind the pieces. Discover how sustainable jewelry is not just about adorning oneself but also about making a meaningful difference in the world. Join the revolution of conscious consumers who appreciate the beauty of jewelry with a purpose!

What Makes This Jewelry Sustainable?

When it comes to sustainable jewelry, there are many things we look for - Who makes it? What is it made from? Can you wear the piece for years to come? Transparency within the supply chain is so important to us. We want to make sure the person creating the jewelry is treated fairly and the planet is kept in mind during the entire process.

What Sustainable Materials Should Jewelry Brands Use?

There are also several materials we like to look for, like recycled metals and lab-grown gems. We have enough gold and silver circulating on this planet to reuse and not mine for more, and these brands are taking advantage of that! Also, the mining of precious gems is full of unethical practices, so sustainable brands are starting to create their gems in labs, reuse old gems or work with Fairmined sourcing (as well as other sustainable certifications).

You can read more about ethics and sustainability within the jewelry industry here.

Also, click to check out all of our favorite earrings!

Many minimalist designs below are perfect for any outfit, and you can feel confident they are easy on the planet and fair to the makers.

Our Top Picks for Sustainable Jewelry Brands:

1. Bario Neal

Price: $130-$5K

The team at Bario Neal was inspired to create pieces of jewelry representing deeply felt experiences, loves, and losses—armor, glitter, and vessels for meaning and value. But from the very start, they were committed to doing things in a way that’s better for the earth, the people and communities within the supply chain, and their customers. An industry leader in ethical sourcing and mindful production, Bario Neals’s jewelry reflects individualism, gender and marriage equality, and conscious values rooted in ethical origin from mine to market.


2. Valley Rose

Price: $98 - 1,820

This stunning jewelry is designed and handcrafted by Northern California-based designer Brittany Groshong. Each design is made with a technique called lost-wax casting. Valley Rose uses the highest quality and ethical materials like Fairmined gold and traceable conflict-free gemstones. The mystery and beauty of the cosmos inspire the collection. Their new zodiac constellation pendants make for the perfect everyday necklace!


3. Truvai

Price: $80-411

Truvai is a conscious, luxurious jewelry brand that creates micro-batch collections handmade by master artisans around the globe.

Pronounced /tro͞oˈvī/, Truvai means a lucky find; a chance encounter with something wonderful — and their pieces are just that! The brand was founded by Canadian designer Jenny Lillian, who works with artisans in Kenya, Indonesia, and Afghanistan using traditional handmade techniques.

Truvai focuses on creating the maximum positive social impact while using environmentally conscious & locally sourced materials. Their collections unite in a commitment to sustainability, empowerment, and cultural preservation — offering artisans a pathway out of generational poverty in Kenya, supporting Afghan jewelers affected by conflict, and preserving traditional Balinese techniques in Indonesia. If you love pearl earrings, we suggest checking out the gorgeous Fay earrings made with locally sourced mabe pearls. For a perfect everyday piece, look no further than the Margo Cuff bracelet, which contributes to the artisans' city's cleanup through upcycled local scrap metal. Truvai offers free shipping within the USA & Canada and affordable flat-rate shipping for international orders.

use code CHIC10 for 10% off your purchase


4. Aiden Jae

Price: $55-485

Aiden Jae creates beautiful everyday jewelry made for you to live in. This woman-owned jewelry brand uses 100% recycled gold and conflict-free, responsibly sourced gemstones. For fine jewelry, their prices are accessible, and their minimalistic designs make it perfect for pairing with every outfit.

We love their signature texture in the Banyan collection, inspired by the distinctive roots of the Banyan tree. For those who like a little sparkle, we suggest their Star Light, Star Bright collection, which features diamonds, white sapphires, and rainbow moonstones.

Aiden Jae’s manufacturing partners are certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

To top it all off, Aiden Jae uses eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral shipping, and they are a member of 1% for the Planet! 

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for 15% off your purchase


5. Aid Through Trade

Price: $15 - 62

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

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC30 for 30% off


6. illi

Price: $195 - 625

All of illi’s gorgeous and minimalistic pieces are made from lab-grown gemstones, and 100% recycled solid precious metals. This is one of the few brands that offer not only lab-grown diamond jewelry but also other gems like alexandrite, ruby, and sapphire! In addition, they carry necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that have a clean, simple aesthetic for true timelessness. The team at illi is committed to sustainability and is constantly improving its processes every step of the way.


7. Laura Elizabeth

Price: $65 - 265

Austin-based Laura Elizabeth Jewelry is a timeless, elevated, and accessible jewelry line. Many of her designs are made directly from nature; whether it’s bark from an Austin oak tree, a starfish, or succulents, these organic pieces are classic yet unique. You can swim, sweat, shower, and sleep in your LEJ necklaces, and the rings are adjustable and stackable.


8. Able

Price: $20 - 120

Able is a fashion brand that empowers and employs women to help them escape poverty. Initially, the company offered jobs to Ethiopian women from the commercial sex industry, but they have since expanded, and the jewelry is made in-house in Nashville, TN. Their jewelry collection is perfect for everyday wear and has several customizable options!


9. Obakki

Price: $22 - 102

Available in both 18K gold plated and silver plated, each piece from Obakki’s gorgeous jewelry collection is made by one of their artisan partners. The team at Obakki loves taking something forgotten and turning it into something beautiful and new, so almost everything is made from upcycled and locally sourced materials. Obakki also carries artisan-made and small-batch home goods, skincare, organic apparel, and more. You’ll love this shop!


10. Ten Thousand Villages

Price: $5 - 210

More than just a store, this market-to-market movement connects us to some of the most talented artisans worldwide. Our purchase is directly contributing to sustainable livelihoods and keeping crafts original.

Every product celebrates culture and the planet, so you know not one is compromised for the other. They have an extensive jewelry collection for anyone’s taste - we LOVE these earrings!


11. Made Trade

Price: $30 - 198

This online destination has you covered with almost any aesthetic within jewelry but has an extensive collection of minimalistic designs. While shopping through the collection, you can learn about each piece's values. Is it Fair Trade? Is it Made in the USA? Is it POC owned? It's genuinely a different experience, unlike anything else you find online. They have so many brands under one roof that you don't have to search far.


12. Ana Luisa

Price: $30-250

Ana Luisa is a sustainable jewelry brand on a mission to show the world that high-quality jewelry should not cost the planet. It crafts beautiful earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, which are ideal for wearing on a special occasion but will also spruce up your outfits if worn daily. Ana Luisa’s pieces are produced in limited batches and made of gold-plated brass (with a thick layer of recycled gold) or recycled Sterling silver.


13. Clean Origin

Price: $225 - 35000

Clean Origin ensures their hand-picked selections are ethical and gorgeous. Available in various shapes and colors, Clean Origin specializes in lab-created diamonds and only sells stones that are independently verified and graded for quality using the same scientific standards applied to mined diamonds. In addition, clean Origin offers free resizing, lifetime protection, and financing options. With dozens of jewelry styles and designs available, Clean Origin aims to provide diamonds without compromise.


14. Aurate New York 

Price: $40 - 6500

Aurate is based in New York and strives to change the jewelry industry. Aurate uses only sustainably sourced materials, all gold is 100% recycled, and pearls and precious gems are sourced from family-run establishments supporting local communities. You can choose between lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds, depending on your preference. Since there are no import taxes, no unnecessary middlemen, and pieces are made-to-order, Aurate jewelry is much more affordable than conventional jewelry. 


15. Catbird

Price: $14 - 3500

Catbird has been creating ethical jewelry since 2004. They work almost entirely with recycled gold and diamonds, make everything in their Brooklyn studio with a minimum carbon footprint, and always consider their impact at every step. If you love colors or stones other than diamonds, we recommend checking out Catbird’s selection!


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


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


related reading you may also enjoy:

 
10 Sustainable Brands Selling Hair Ties And Scrunchies Your Hair Will Love
 

Image: Kooshoo

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

THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY HAIR TIES AND SCRUNCHIES

It is estimated that each day, around 15 million hair ties are purchased in the United States. If we assume that the same number of elastics are thrown away or lost, it means that 20,000 pounds of hair ties are discarded in landfills, or worse, in nature, every single day.  

This is in the United States alone. But we need to remember that hundreds of millions of people use hair elastics around the world, so the environmental impact is huge. 

The main issue is that conventional hair ties are made from petroleum-based materials, such as synthetic rubber and polyester. 

Those do not decompose when they end up in nature or landfills and might take hundreds, if not thousands of years to break down. During that time, those tiny plastic elastics are polluting natural ecosystems and are a threat to animals’ lives.

Conventional hair elastics and scrunchies are also rarely made to last and they break fairly easily, sometimes just after a few uses. 

Think about how many hair ties you have lost or broken in your lifetime? It all adds up over time and the environmental costs are too high to ignore. 

Fortunately, there are some eco-friendly alternatives, hair elastics that do not hurt the environment like their conventional counterparts. 

If you are looking to purchase new hair ties or scrunchies, you should check these 10 sustainable brands that create better alternatives for you and the planet. 

WHAT MAKES A HAIR TIE OR A SCRUNCHIE SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable hair tie or scrunchie is well-made, durable and high-quality, so that it does not break or stretch out easily. 

It is also made from 100% natural and biodegradable materials. That way, if you lose or break the elastic, it will be able to decompose and break down quickly, without harming the environment. 

But above all, a sustainable hair tie or scrunchie is one you will cherish and keep track of, one that you are less likely to lose. It is one that you won’t need to replace regularly because you always know where it is. 

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Natural materials are the best for eco-friendly hair ties because they are biodegradable. Try to always look for ones that have an elastic made from natural rubber. 

For the fabric part, linen, bamboo, cotton and hemp are great options. Those materials are even more sustainable if they are organic or if you manage to get ones that are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX.

Besides natural materials, some companies make hair ties from recycled plastic. Even though the material is not biodegradable, it is a great option because you are contributing to diverting waste from landfills or oceans. 

NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR BRANDS SELLING SUSTAINABLE HAIR TIES AND SCRUNCHIES:

1) tentree

Materials: (Upcycled) Tencel, Recycled Polyester & Organic Cotton Blend

Price: $15

tentree is an eco-friendly fashion brand that plants ten trees for every item sold. It has planted more than 66 million trees to date! 

The brand sells two sets of scrunchies that come in a pack of three.

They are affordable and are 5-star rated by more than 50 Tentree customers!

tentree makes their scrunchies from upcycled materials, using a blend of organic cotton, Tencel and recycled polyester. 

When you buy a scrunchie from tentree, you also get to see the amount of CO2, water and waste you contribute to saving compared to if you purchased a non-sustainable option. How fun is that?! 

The company is a certified B Corporation and is completely climate-neutral as it offsets its entire carbon footprint.


2) Kooshoo

Materials: Organic Cotton, Natural Rubber

Price: $15-20

Kooshoo is a small family-owned business founded by two yoga teachers, selling sustainable hair accessories for both women and men. 

The company created the world’s first 100% fair trade, plastic-free scrunchies and hair elastics. They are all completely biodegradable as they are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainably harvested natural rubber. No worries if you lose a Kooshoo hair tie as it will soon go back to the soil! 

The brand’s hair ties and scrunchies come in different colors and are designed to work for all hair types. They are great to complement any outfit, and they can even double as bracelets when not in your hair. 

Kooshoo works with artisans using traditional techniques, like vegetable dyeing, hand dyeing and block printing. The company is a SEDEX member, which ensures it has a responsible supply chain.


3) Ten Thousand Villages

Materials: Cotton, Recycled Cotton

Price: $6-13

Ten Thousand Villages sells unique handcrafted accessories and home goods, made by small artisans who use traditional maker skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

The brand creates a few scrunchies that are handmade in Bangladesh or Guatemala using natural materials, like cotton and recycled cotton. 

Each scrunchie has a beautiful pattern and color, and you can read all about the maker who handcrafted it and how it was made.

Ten Thousand Villages is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and the World Fair Trade Organization. 

The company employs more than 20,000 artisans in more than 30 countries. It also works with women and artisans with disabilities to help them gain independence and break the cycle of poverty. 


4) Girlfriend Collective

Materials: Recycled PET

Price: $6-9

Girlfriend Collective creates sustainable activewear and accessories for women, and aims to be as transparent as possible. 

The brand has two types of scrunchies on its website, and they are all made from recycled plastic bottles. Either sold individually or in a pack of three, Girlfriend Collective’s scrunchies are very affordable and created in a large range of colors.

Purchasing one of those contributes to diverting one plastic water bottle from landfills. The brand also discloses the amount of CO2 that is prevented and how much water is saved by choosing one of its scrunchies compared to a conventional one. 

To make them even more sustainable, Girlfriend Collective’s Neutral Multi Scrap Sport scrunchies are made from excess fabric from one of its collections. That way, the brand reduces its textile waste and turns it into new products.


5) TAMGA Designs

Materials: Viscose

Price: $20

TAMGA Designs is a sustainable brand that sells women’s clothing and accessories. It was created when its founders lived in Bangladesh and witnessed the pain of people after a garment factory collapse.

TAMGA Designs makes a zero-waste scrunchie, available in three different styles. Each has a very chic and feminine pattern, and they are perfect if you want to add a pop of color to your outfit.

They also feature eye-catching knotted details that elevate your hair game instantly. 

Printed with GOTS-certified dyes, the company’s scrunchies are made from fabric off-cuts from one of its collections. They are made from LENZING ECOVERO, a sustainable viscose, which uses 88% less water than mainstream viscose, and it is entirely traceable. 

TAMGA Designs is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it has partnered with two non-profits to help protect Indonesia’s rainforests.


6) Sustain by Kat

Materials: Organic Silk, Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton

Price: $7-12

Sustain By Kat is a sustainable brand that creates high-quality, timeless clothing and accessories for women and children. Its products are all made from natural and organic materials. 

The brand sells several types of hair ties, available in a large selection of colors.

They are made using organic silk, organic cotton and natural rubber, meaning they are entirely biodegradable. 

Something I love about Sustain By Kat’s hair ties is that the company uses non-violent silk (or Ahimsa silk), which is a lot more ethical than conventional silk. Plus, a great benefit of silk hair ties is that silk helps reduce breakage and pulls, making the elastic last longer. 

Made in Los Angeles, the brand’s hair ties are all dyed with plants, and the dyes are GOTS certified organic, meaning they are safer for you and the environment.


7) Encircled

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Tencel, Organic Cotton, Modal

Price: $16-18

Encircled promotes slow fashion by selling ethically made and eco-friendly clothing and accessories for women, all made in Toronto, Canada. 

The company has two beautiful scrunchies on its website. Ultra-soft and made using upcycled textile waste, the Renew scrunchie is made from modal or a blend of Tencel and organic cotton.

You get to choose between seven different colors. 

You can also pick Encircled’s black Recycled Satin scrunchie that is made from a luxurious, silky recycled polyester blend. This one is very chic and you’ll want to keep it on hand at all times. 

Encircled is a certified B Corporation, and all its products are OEKO-TEX 100 certified, which means that no harmful substances are used during the manufacturing process.


8) Terra Ties

Materials: Organic Cotton, Natural Rubber

Price: $15

Terra Ties is a small online brand that specializes in creating 100% biodegradable hair elastics. 

The brand’s hair ties are made using natural rubber from rubber trees and organic cotton, two renewable and biodegradable resources. They come in a pack of 27 black hair elastics to have you covered for years to come, without harming the environment. 

Terra Ties makes hair ties that are softer, thicker and more durable than most conventional hair ties, and they also do not pull or damage your hair. 

Terra Ties’ biodegradable elastics are ideal for all genders. They are colored with natural dyes, making them a healthier alternative for you and the planet. 

To top it all, the product and shipping packaging is plastic-free and made with recycled content.


9) OhSevenDays

Materials: Up-Cycled Scrap Fabrics

Price: $25

OhSevenDay's scrunchies come in a pack of 3, and you can choose which patterns you want!

Based in Istanbul, Turkey, OhSevenDays is a mindfully made womenswear label creating sustainable staples from deadstock fabrics. So if you like color and multi-functional garments, this brand is for you! The label was created after the founder, Megan Mummery, stumbled across a small district of Istanbul selling off-cut fabric rolls left over from large garment manufacturers.

Unfortunately, they were doomed to landfill, which sparked an idea to create a sustainable, regenerative fashion line.


10) Elle Evans

Materials: Recycled Nylon & Regenerated ECONYL®

Price: $11

The perfect scrunchie to match your Elle Evans swimsuit! We love that Elle Evans chooses to make each piece to order, meaning it is only produced when you buy it. This helps reduce fabric waste to a minimum, and the company even reuses smaller scraps and turns them into frills or straps for other swimsuits! They work with a digital printer that uses water-based, non-toxic inks and never discards inks down the drain.

It also ships its products through carbon-neutral couriers.

The company also donates 1% of all its sales to the Healthy Seas Initiative, which is the organization that collects the nylon waste used in Elle Evans’ collections.


About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
15 Sustainable Hat Brands To Have You Covered For All Seasons
 

Image: Village Thrive at Made Trade

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

The Best Sustainable & Eco Friendly Hat Brands

Even though hats aren’t a centerpiece in your wardrobe, it is usually very convenient and helpful to have a few around all year long. 

For hot summer days, having a good Panama hat or a bucket hat will help you stay protected under the scorching sun. Baseball caps are also ideal for when you’re more active and exploring outdoors. 

As is sunscreen, wearing a sun hat is essential for your health and will prevent sunstroke, eye damage and sunburns.

In the winter, a soft and comfy beanie protects your head and ears and keeps them warm, especially when it is freezing outside. 

Whatever the season, hats are also great accessories to style and elevate your outfits!

However, most hats are made unsustainably by unethical brands, and the production process often comes at the expense of the environment and factory workers.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way and you can choose to buy better, more eco-friendly hats. 

To help you with that, here is a list of 15 sustainable hat brands that sell beautiful and eco-friendly hats. They will have you covered for all seasons!

WHAT MAKES A HAT SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable hat is always well-made and high-quality, and it should keep its shape over time. 

Ideally, it is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory by a transparent brand that follows fair labor principles. The brand needs to pay its workers fairly, and offer them decent and humane working conditions. 

An eco-friendly hat is also made using natural or recycled materials. Producing hats should not pollute the environment or contribute to the depletion of natural resources.

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

There are many sustainable fabrics you should look for when buying a hat, whether a sun hat or a beanie. 

These are some of the best ones you shouldn’t ignore: 

  • Organic cotton

  • Recycled and/or cruelty-free wool

  • Hemp

  • Tencel

  • Linen

  • Bamboo

  • Sustainably-harvested straw

  • Recycled polyester

  • Recycled nylon

    Each of these fabrics has its environmental benefits, so pick the one that you prefer!

    NOW, OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE HATS:

1) tentree

Category: Wool Hats, Bucket Hats, Beanies, Baseball Caps

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Wool, Tencel, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Hemp

Price: $13-50

tentree creates all kinds of sustainably made clothes and accessories for women and men. The brand sells a huge variety of sun hats, featuring multiple styles, colors and materials.

You can choose between sun hats made of organic cotton, recycled wool, hemp, Tencel or recycled polyester. There are even bucket hats if that’s the style you’re looking for!  

The company partnered with environmental organizations to plant ten trees for every item purchased, and has contributed to planting more than 61 million trees to date.  

tentree is entirely climate-neutral and a certified B Corporation. The brand also works with Go Climate Plus and allows you to offset your own carbon footprint directly on tentree’s website.


2) Made Trade

Category: Sun Visors, Bucket Hats, Sun Hats, Beanies

For: Men & Women

Materials: Wool, Organic Cotton, Palm Leaves, Cork, Rattan

Price: $25-105

Made Trade is a w woman-owned and family-run company with various ethical and sustainable brands.

They value fair trade and handcrafted products by workers paid fair wages, and we love that you can shop multiple brands at once.

Made Trade is known for its excellent customer experience, where you can sort items by values like POC-owned, vegan, fair trade, etc.

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+


3) Happy Earth

Category: Beanies, Caps

For: Men & Women

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $24-28

Happy Earth is a brand selling eco-friendly clothing, blankets and accessories for women. The brand offers a combination of beanies and sun hats in various colors, with fun logos inspired by nature. Whichever hat you choose to purchase, they are all affordable and made of organic cotton that is ethically grown.  

With every item you buy, you get to decide a project Happy Earth will give back to. It could be tree-planting, nature clean-ups or projects that help prevent greenhouse gas emissions. 

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet and a certified B Corporation. It is also climate positive and all its products are vegan. Happy Earth works with a partner factory that is certified by the World Fair Trade Organization.


4) Girlfriend

Category: Bucket Hats, Visors, Beanies

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Cotton, Recycled Plastic Bottles

Price: $14-38

Girlfriend Collective is an ethical activewear brand crafting workout clothes using recycled materials, like recycled plastic and fabric scraps.

All its shipping packaging is 100% recycled, and once you are done with them, you can send back your worn-out Girlfriend Collective sports bras, & the company will recycle them into new clothing.

One of the great things Girlfriend Collective does is make it easy for consumers to understand exactly what they are buying. Underneath each product is a comprehensive description of what it’s made of. They also clearly and boldly list how many plastic bottles were used to make it, as well as the CO2 and water it saved.


5) Patagonia

Category: Trucker Hats, Caps, Beanies, Bucket, Brimmer, Earflap

For: Men & Women

Materials: Wool, Recycled Wool, Recycled Polyester, Recycled Nylon, Organic Cotton, Hemp

Price: $39-59

Patagonia is a brand that sells outdoor clothing and gear for adults and children who love adventures. The brand has a very large selection of sun hats and beanies for both women and men, and they are Fair Trade Certified. 

Patagonia’s beanies are made using recycled polyester, recycled wool, recycled nylon or wool that received the Responsible Wool Standard certification. They are very soft and warm, perfect for hiking in the winter! 

The brand’s baseball caps are available in a wide range of colors, and they are made from organic cotton, hemp, and recycled polyester. The brims are made of 100% recycled fishing nets. 

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet. It offers to repair worn-out Patagonia clothes, and has a second-hand marketplace where you can buy used clothing and gear to give them a new life.


6) Vitamin A

Category: Bucket Hats

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Toyo Straw, Organic Cotton

Price: $45-99

We love Vitamin A’s hand-woven bucket straw hats that come in 4 colors - black, white, natural, and carmel.

They also have bucket hats made from organic cotton with prints matching some of their gorgeous swimwear designs.

While Vitamin A started with swimsuits, they have expanded to include other fun summer-inspired styles like rompers, ribbed tank dresses, crop tops, shorts, oversized shirts, midi dresses, wide-legged pants, and more.


7) Organic Basics

Category: Beanies

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Merino Wool, Recycled Cashmere 

Price: $28-38

Organic Basics is a fashion brand creating clothing and accessories from sustainable materials, for women and men. 

The brand sells two models of very soft and warm beanies in a few colors.

You can choose a beanie made with GRS-certified recycled cashmere yarn that is produced in Italy from used, worn-out cashmere textiles.

Organic Basics also has a beanie made of 100% recycled merino wool, made using pre-consumer textile waste. The brand completely cuts out the dyeing process, which saves chemicals and water and eliminates wastewater production. 

Organic Basics is a certified B Corporation and a member of 1% For The Planet. It is also very transparent about where and how its products are made.


8) Outerknown

Category: Trucker Hats, Caps, Beanies

For: Men & Women

Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Hemp, Recycled Cashmere, Econyl

Price: $30-98

Outerknown is a fashion brand creating sustainable clothing for men and women.  

The brand sells a huge selection of baseball caps for men. Most of them are made with organic cotton and recycled polyester. But you can also choose a sun hat made of Econyl, produced using recycled fishing nets and other nylon waste. 

Outerknown also sells beanies for both women and men. They are made using cashmere, recycled cashmere, merino wool and organic cotton. If you’re a woman, you might also buy the brand’s bucket hat made from recycled nylon and recycled polyester. 

The company works with three partners that are certified through Fair Trade USA. Plus, Outerknown is fully accredited by the Fair Labor Association.


9) Underprotection

Category: Bucket & Sun Hats

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $21-33

Underprotection is a Danish brand making sustainable lingerie, swimwear, loungewear, and hosiery using eco-friendly materials only. So naturally, adding a few sun hats to go with their swimwear was a must! Underprotection is a certified B Corporation, and most of its products are approved vegan by PETA.

They also have a great take-back program and regularly partner with different organizations working to help the environment.


10) Dazey LA

Category: Bucket Hats

For: Women

Materials: Silk

Price: $34-46

Dazey LA is one of the best sustainable clothing brands for dopamine dressing.

From funky accessories to graphic tees and printed swimwear, Dazey LA has what you need to spice up your wardrobe.

Everything is designed by the founder, Dani Dazey, and made to order locally in LA. We love that they make matching hats in their fun prints to go with their unique designs! 


11) Hyer Goods

Category: Beanie

For: Women

Materials: Merino Wool

Price: $53

HYER GOODS is a brand that offers accessories made of leather and fabric sourced from deadstock materials and factory scraps, which helps keep these materials from ending up in landfills! For example, their limited edition beanies are sourced, knit, and finished in NYC using leftover Italian merino yarns abandoned by the fashion industry.

Their Better Beanie was knit a 20-minute drive from their studio. Find it in over 10 colors!


12) prAna

Category: Bucket Hats, Beanies, Trucker Hats, Flat Brim Hats, Snap Back

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Organic Cotton, Hemp, Merino Wool, Tencel, Acrylic 

Price: $20-45

prAna is a fashion brand creating sustainable clothing for both men and women. The brand has a large selection of sun hats, baseball caps and beanies to choose from. They feature cute and fun patterns and logos, and they are well-made using sustainable materials, like organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, recycled polyester and merino wool. 

prAna has partnered with Fair Trade USA and works with Fair Trade Certified factories to make its products. It is also an accredited participating company of the Fair Labor Association.  

The company works with The Renewal Workshop to renew and repair used prAna products, before reselling them. This initiative has helped divert 44,000 pounds of garments from the landfill since 2016!


13) Eileen Fisher

Category: Beanies, Sun Hats, Bucket Hats

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Denim Fabric, Raffia 

Price: $64-125

Eileen Fisher is a fashion brand making timeless, well-made clothing, shoes and accessories for women. The brand sells three different sun hats that are perfect for hot summer days on the beach. Two of them are handcrafted by artisans in Madagascar using responsibly sourced raffia palm fiber. 

You can also choose Eileen Fisher’s denim hat made with upcycled denim fabric that is collected through the brand’s take-back program. 

Eileen Fisher is a certified B Corporation, and its products are dyed in dyehouses that are Bluesign-certified, meaning that they do not use hazardous chemicals in the dyeing process, and use less water and energy. 

The company is very transparent about where its factories are located and how its products are made.


14) Faherty

Category: Sun Hats, Rancher, Straw Hats, Beanies, Baseball Hats

For: Men & Women

Materials: Merino Wool, Wool, Raffia, Cotton, Recycled Polyester

Price: $29-168

Faherty is a family-owned company that creates clothing for the whole family, as well as various fashion accessories and blankets. The brand sells different kinds of sun hats for both women and men.

The women’s models are comfortable and easy to wear, and they are the perfect summer accessory to style your outfits! They are made of merino wool, wool or raffia. 

Faherty also has several styles of sun hats for men, that are made of recycled polyester or cotton. 

The company is a member of 1% For The Planet, received the Bluesign certification and is a partner of the Surfrider Foundation. Faherty also regularly works with Native American artists to create new designs and promote their work.


15) Afends

Category: Bucket Bags, Beanies, Caps,

For: Men & Women

Materials: Hemp, Recycled Fabrics, Organic Cotton

Price: $18-65

This Australian brand grows its own hemp and offers beanies, knit sweaters, and other garments made from the planet, as well as from recycled and organic cotton. The brand also details how much better its hemp products are for the environment than others made across the fashion industry.

Choose from over 40 different hats, and make sure to check out each piece’s journey from its origin to the final product!

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off full-priced items


About the Author:

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.


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


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:


 
Where to Find Sustainable and Ethically Made Earrings
 

Image: Soko

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

SUSTAINABLE & ETHICAL EARRINGS

People have adorned themselves with different forms of jewelry and decoration for as long as 75,000 years. Earrings specifically, have long been considered precious investment pieces, worthy of caring for, and even passing on as an heirloom. Today though, some earrings are made at a great cost to both the planet, and the people making them. So, how can we continue to accessorize, with sustainability and ethics in mind

What makes earrings unsustainable

Most earrings are made from some kind of metal. Metals are natural resources found in the ground, which means they need to be mined for. This is the case too, for many of the gemstones found in earrings – from those that are more expensive like diamonds, to those which are more widely available, like garnet or citrine.

There are multiple environmental concerns that can be tied up with this mining. First, in order to mine land, it is cleared, eradicating a biodiverse ecosystem full of plant and animal life. Land clearing not only harms biodiversity but results in the release of carbon into our atmosphere, warming the planet. Mining can also cause soil erosion surrounding the site. 

This damage can be long-lasting, as even after excavation, should the land be left to regrow vegetation, the soil, and natural water supply can be damaged, remaining less fertile and able to support plant and animal life that follows. This is because mining involves the use of intense chemicals. In gold mining, for example, cyanide is commonly used. 

Cyanide is a potentially deadly chemical that is used to leach gold out from iron ore. It is often sprayed over a massive heap of crushed, mined ore, or this ore is bathed in a tank full of the chemical. This is a problem not only because this modern way of mining is often more land-intensive but because cyanide is toxic, with environmental contamination leading to major fish kills, the contamination of local communities' drinking water, and more. 

Even without the use of additional chemicals and land clearing aside, there is pollution involved in mining. Any time we disturb the earth, we release emissions into the atmosphere; this even happens on farms tilling the topsoil in preparation for crop cultivation – imagine the impact of digging up so much earth. In addition, as the earth's different rocks, minerals, and gases are mined, carbon monoxide and dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide can be released

The impact of mining is clear when we compare the carbon emissions associated with sourcing recycled silver and gold with the emissions linked to mining new silver and gold. Recycled silver has just a third of the impact of mined silver, while recycled gold has a shocking 600 times less carbon tied to it than new gold.

What makes earrings unethical?

Now that we’re aware of just some of the environmental problems that can be involved in the mining of raw materials for earrings (where much of the impact lies), we need to ask ourselves about the social impact of earring production. 

Now that we’re aware of just some of the environmental problems involved in the mining of raw materials for earrings (where much of the impact lies), we need to ask ourselves about the social impact of earring production. 

Just as we should ask questions about who made our clothes, we need to ask ‘who made our earrings?’. When we consider this, again, we need to start at mines. Mining is very dangerous, with the industry employing just 1% of the global labor force while generating 8% of all fatal accidents. Mines sometimes collapse, cave in, or explode due to gasses released inside of them. More commonly, mining accidents and health issues are related to poor air quality caused by work in confined spaces amongst sometimes toxic gases and dust and by work in extreme temperatures. Other risks include falling down open mining shafts or into scattered pits in the mining area. Mercury poisoning can be a serious issue for gold mining in particular, as mercury is also used like cyanide to separate the gold from iron ore.

The people working in these often dangerous conditions are sometimes extremely vulnerable. For example, child labor remains a severe problem in the metal industry. Across some parts of Africa, Asia, and South America particularly, tens of thousands of children are made to work in these dangerous conditions. Child labor is a human rights violation, with nearly 1 in 10 children worldwide impacted, often due to poverty. With children working in gold and silver mines, a Human Rights Watch interviews with young people working in small-scale gold mines heard children describe being ‘terrified’ when climbing down shafts or diving into underwater mining pits. 

It’s not only in the mining of precious metals and gems that hazardous work takes place but in the cutting and polishing of gems. Tiny dust particles released as gems are cut can lead to serious respiratory issues. This work, as well as work in the earring-making process, such as welding, cutting silver links together, or flattening silver with a hammer, is often performed by children over long hours. These jobs often involve sharp, hot, and heavy equipment and can lead not only to the aforementioned lung disorder risks but to hand deformities in children, eye strain and headaches. Many workers in the jewelry and, specifically, the earring industry, whether children or adults, are underpaid and exploited, with brands taking profit without fairly paying those who truly earned it. 

Some of our favorite sustainable and ethical earring brands:

Luckily, there is a huge range of gorgeous jewelry brands that are committed to doing better, and to making earrings that are made as beautifully as the earrings themselves look. While transparency is sometimes very difficult to find in the jewelry industry, improvement is continuing, especially as more independent jewelers recognize that everyone producing the metals and stones they use, deserves to be treated and paid fairly, just like they do.

1) Laura Elizabeth Jewelry

Our Pick: Stella Earrings, $125

100% recycled brass & 14 karat-gold/sterling silver plated

These sweet tiny succulent petal earring stud pendants are sustainably cast in downtown LA. They’re actually made directly from nature, cast from a real petal! Laura Elizabeth jewelry is perfect for everyday life, and their kid-friendly designs are so fun to layer and easy to style with your wardrobe. It is also a woman-owned, US-based business!


2) Illi Fine Jewelry

Our Pick: Como Earrings, $1008

Elevate your look with these lab-grown diamonds set in recycled solid 14k gold. This is one of the few brands that offer not only lab-grown diamond jewelry but also other gems like alexandrite, ruby, and sapphire! The team at illi is committed to sustainability and is constantly improving its processes every step of the way.


3) Bario Neal

Our Pick: Sol Emerald Octagonal Studs Yellow Gold, $2780

Reclaimed 14kt Yellow Gold, Sustainably-Mined Emeralds

These contemporary octagonal-cut emerald earrings are absolutely stunning! An industry leader in ethical sourcing and mindful production, Bario Neals’s jewelry reflects individualism, gender and marriage equality, and conscious values rooted in ethical origin from mine to market.


4) Valley Rose

Our Pick: Amare Heart Clickers, $4,255

Certified 14K Fairmined Gold, Vietnamese Rubies

These beauties are made with carefully sourced, ethically mined Vietnamese Rubies. They have a stunning fuschia-red hue, and each ruby is individually hand set in wax and then cast in gold. Valley Rose’s jewelry is designed and handcrafted by Northern California-based designer Brittany Groshong.


5) DUSA

Our Pick: Bar Diamonds Earrings, $360

Recycled Gold & Lab-Grown Diamonds

DUSA is a sustainable fine jewelry brand making gorgeous handmade jewelry from recycled gold and ethically sourced, conflict-free diamonds and gems.

In addition to their minimalist earrings, they also handcraft rings, necklaces, and even one-of-a-kind pieces at their Tel Aviv workshop. Plus, they donate 1% of profits to an organization that plants trees!


6) Ten Thousand Villages

Our Pick: Art Deco Leaf Earrings, $59.99

Recycled bombshell brass

Decades of conflict have left Cambodia littered with bombs so makers from Ten Thousand Villages’ fair trade partner, Rajana use the brass bomb casings (safely cleared by a demining agency) to create jewelry.

Every product at Ten Thousand Villages celebrates culture and the planet, so you know not one is compromised for the other.


7) Astor & Orion

Our Pick: Dreamer Rose Gold Hoop Earrings, $168

70% recycled stainless steel dipped in rose gold

If you love to wear hoop earrings, maybe add a more unique, intricate pair to your collection? These beauties are designed in Seattle and ethically made in Thailand.

They utilize circular design principles & hand sculpt each piece in a 3D environment.


8) Stefano Navi

Our Pick: Lab Grown Diamond Stud Earrings, $345

Round lab-created diamonds, recycled gold

A classic piece for your jewelry collection, these diamond stud earrings are handcrafted in the US using ethically sourced materials.

Choose from white or yellow gold (rose gold can be chosen upon request). They also come with free shipping and a lifetime guarantee!


9) Soko

Our Pick: Shujaa Wood Link Hoop, $88

24k gold plated brass, wood

Soko is a fair trade, certified B Corp that empowers artisans by connecting Kenyan creators with a global consumer market of people wanting to buy their upcycled, more sustainable and ethical earrings. With minimalist pieces as well as those that are bolder, Soko is a purpose-led brand of beauty.


10) Adele Dejak

Our Pick: Richa Afri Earrrings, $85

Up-cycled brass

These is a beautiful dangle down earring made of loops of polished brass.

Creating upcycled and recycled earrings made in a transparent supply chain, Adele Dejak is a Kenyan label with ethical credentials. With partnerships with the UNHCR, this brand offers bold and sophisticated designs that give back.


11) Aid Through Trade

Our Pick: The Waldorf Earring, $22

Glass beads, brass

All of Aid Through Trade’s jewelry is verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which ensures fair pay, transparency, and empowering work conditions. They are also ethically crafted with love in Nepal, and each purchase directly empowers a Nepali woman and supports a sustainable livelihood. Plus, they give back to the communities through scholarships!


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


WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.


RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: