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The Best Sustainable Camping & Hiking Gear

Exploring the great outdoors is one of the most sustainable things we can do. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it can be easier than not to harm the natural environment. However, if you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, certain things can be considered to explore more sustainably. One of the most important things we can do is to be mindful of what we bring with us into nature. In this article, we’ll cover the best eco-friendly outdoor gear so you can enjoy your next hiking or camping adventure more sustainably. 

Why Does Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear Matter? 

Many of the things we use in our everyday life aren’t great for the environment, but it’s especially important to be mindful of what we use and do when spending time outdoors. Popular places to hike and camp are typically protected, natural areas that aren’t used to human interference like cities are. As such, diverse habitats can become endangered when we bring plastic, pollutants, and other unnatural substances. 

Whether hiking on a trail or camping in the woods, it’s crucial to pack eco-friendly items that won’t negatively impact the natural surroundings. That may look like not bringing plastic items when possible, choosing biodegradable toiletries, and properly disposing of our trash. 

One source of plastic pollution that we commonly forget about is our clothes and fabrics. Traditional outdoor gear is usually made with plastic and synthetic materials that break down while using them. Choosing items made from natural materials with as few synthetic or plastic materials as possible can help combat this. 

Where to Find Sustainable Hiking and Camping Gear: 

If you’re looking for sustainable outdoor gear, look for items made from natural and recycled materials. Numerous sustainable brands produce items like compostable cutlery, plastic-free coolers, and eco-friendly activewear. 

Another great option is to buy used instead of new. In general, the most sustainable item is the one you already own or one that someone else has already owned. Sporting goods stores, and some prominent sustainable brands, sell or rent camping gear essentials. This is a great way to avoid supporting new consumption and instead reusing what’s already been made.  

Some awesome places to find sustainable and used outdoor gear are: 

• Patagonia

• REI

• Secondhand sites like GearTrade

That being said, many used items may still be made from plastic or synthetic materials. So finding an eco-friendly version from a sustainable brand is best if you need something traditionally made from unsustainable materials, like plastic coolers. 

Below, you’ll find the top eco-friendly outdoor gear essentials to help you hike or camp as sustainably as possible. 

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gear: 

1) Sustainable Hiking Boots

Suggested Pick: The Weekend Boot from Thesus Outdoors

Price: $198

If you’re looking for the perfect hiking boot to wear both on the trails and with any outfit, then look no further. The Weekend Boot is a stylish, vegan, water-proof boot. It comes in a variety of fun and evergreen colors and is designed for the outdoors. 

Each boot is made from 95% recycled and natural materials with anti-slip soles and temperature-controlled lining. 

Thesus Outdoors handmakes their products in their family factory in Portugal. Everything is vegan and made almost entirely from recycled materials. They even provide a handy chart that breaks down what material was used for each part of the boot. 

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2) Solar Lantern

Suggested Pick: Luci Outdoor 2.0 from MPowered

Price: $24.95

What could be better for a backpacking trip than a lightweight, inflatable light that is also sustainable? Luci Outdoor 2.0 is a portable, solar-powered lantern perfect for your next trip.

Cost-effective and long-lasting, this lantern makes it easy to get power sustainably while off the grid. It recharges naturally in just 7 hours of light and each charge lasts 24 hours.

The lantern is easy to carry thanks to an adjustable base and top strap, plus, it’s inflatable so you can pack it effortlessly. It’s also waterproof with four different light settings.

MPowered is a B Corp that provides sustainable, accessible power to as many people globally as they can. 

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3) Recycled Cooler

Suggested Pick: Hielo from Cotopaxi

Price: $105-$150

If you don’t have a cooler and you’re looking for a more sustainable option, Cotopaxi has two great designs for the outdoors. You can choose between the Hielo 12L Cooler Bag or 24L Cooler Backpack. Both options are waterproof, easy to carry, lightweight, and made from recycled fabric. 

The cooler bag has an easy-to-close roll top and side carrying strap.

Both coolers use repurposed foam to insulate the cooler and even have an external water bottle holder, so you can drink your cool beverages on the go. 

What makes this collection (and company) unique is that every item is a colorful, one-of-a-kind design from the makers themselves. Cotopaxi is a B Corp and they donate 1% of their proceeds to alleviate poverty in disadvantaged regions. 

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4) Sustainable Cookware

Suggested Pick: Camping Cookware from GSI Outdoors

Price: Varies

When heading on a weekend camping trip, packing a sustainable cooking set is essential. This will help you cut down on your plastic consumption and cook without harming the natural environment. GSI Outdoors is your one-stop shop for all sustainable camping cookware. 

They offer a variety of cookware sets and items including frying pans, pots, and tea kettles.

They even have cooking sets for one. Thanks to their rust-free finish and durable design, GSI cookware is designed for use over campfires or outdoor stoves. Most cookware is BPA, phthalate, and plastic-free and made from stainless steel. 

GSI Outdoors was founded by nature lovers for nature lovers. They design gear as efficiently and sustainably as possible, meant to last lifetimes and be passed down between generations. 

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5) Eco-Friendly Running Shoes

Suggested Pick: Trail Runners from Allbirds

Price: $140 

For hiking, running, or everyday wear in nature, look no further than Allbirds Trail Runners. Available for all in a selection of colors, these sustainable sneakers are perfect for the great outdoors.

 Their shoes are durable with a tear-proof mudguard as well as water resistant. They are made from FSC-certified TENCEL™ Lyocell and ZQ Merino Wool. 

Allbirds is a Certified B Corp that makes their products from ethically and sustainably sourced natural materials. While Allbirds specializes in shoes, they also have a line of sustainable activewear, underwear, and accessories. 

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6) Reusable Water Bottle

Suggested Pick: Bottle PureVis from LARQ

Price: $109

There are few water bottles as handy as this one for a weekend outdoors. Dubbed “the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle,” PureVis sustainable water bottle filters your water after filling. This makes it an ideal choice for even the most remote backpacking destinations. 

You can leave plastic water bottles and containers at home when you have a portable filtration system built in.

LARQ offers different insulation, weight, and size options. You can get an insulated bottle for 24 hours of cold water or a non-insulated bottle, which is more lightweight. You can also choose between the 500 ml or 740 ml water bottle. 

LARQ is part of 1% for the Planet. They donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations providing clean water worldwide. 

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7) Fuel-Efficient Camping Stove

Suggested Pick: CampStove 2+ from BioLite

Price: $149.95

If you’re planning on cooking meals outside, a fuel-efficient, eco-friendly camping stove is a great investment.

The Campstove 2+ is an awesome choice.

This wood-burning, portable stove converts fire into electricity. You can even charge your phone while cooking dinner comfortably, thanks to its “smokeless flames” technology. 

This smart, sustainable stove comes with foldable aluminum legs which make it easy to pack and set up. All you need to start your fire is the kindling and sticks surrounding you. 

BioLite produces a variety of energy-efficient products including outdoor grills, headlamps, and battery packs. They aim to provide clean energy to 20 million people world.

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8) Sustainable Apparel & Activewear

Suggested Pick: Happy Earth and Prana

When it comes to choosing eco-friendly outdoor activewear and apparel, try to look for items made from natural materials.

Choose clothes made from plastic-free materials like organic cotton, bamboo, or other plant-based fibers. 

Two brands producing sustainable apparel from natural materials are Happy Earth and Prana.

Happy Earth is a social enterprise and B Corp that gives back to the environment for each product purchased. Here you’ll find uni-sex basics, leggings, loungewear, hats, and sweatshirts. 

At Prana, you’ll find uni-sex sustainable outdoor gear like hiking pants, waterproof jackets, and swimwear. Prana uses natural & recycled materials, gives back to various environmental projects, and is Fair-Trade Certified. 

Not finding what you’re looking for from the brands above? Thankfully, there are numerous places to find eco-friendly sportswear. United by Blue and Patagonia are wonderful brands to check out for a larger variety of sustainable outdoor apparel. 

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9) Sustainable Sleeping Bag

Suggested Pick: Noches Sleeping Bag from Cotopaxi

Price: $84

Another awesome outdoor gear essential from Cotopaxi is their sustainable sleeping bag.

Designed for camping in 45F and above temperatures, the Noches Sleeping bag is made from 100% repurposed fabric. It has a wrap-around zipper and comes with an internal pocket to stash your valuables while sleeping.

Each one-of-a-kind bag is insulated entirely with recycled polyester. Weighing in at three pounds, this lightweight, roll-up sleeping bag is easy to transport. 

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10) Eco-Friendly Blanket

Suggested Pick: Puffy Blankets from Rumpl

Price: $69- $199

You may be looking for a warm outdoor blanket if you’re planning on spending a weekend camping. Rumpl’s Puffy Blankets are waterproof and designed for year-round use. Each blanket is insulated with recycled polyester and made from 16-100 plastic water bottles, depending on the size. 

They have three different sizes: Junior, 1-person, and 2-person.

The 1-person blanket has a “cape clip” so you can wear your blanket hands-free. Each blanket comes in very unique designs including retro prints and fun colors. 

Rumpl is a member of 1% for the Planet and they give back to environmental non-profits. They also produce a line of quick-drying travel towels to take with you on your outdoor adventures. 

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11) Low-Impact Tent

Suggested Pick: Sustainable Tents from Vaude

Price: $300-1700

It can be tricky to find a tent made entirely from eco-friendly materials, but Vaude's sustainable tents are a great start. They sell a variety of lightweight, different-sized tents to suit your needs. This includes trekking, backpacking, mountain, family, car, and camping tents. 

Some tents are PVC-free, while others are PFC-free.

Most of their tents are made primarily from organic cotton or recycled materials with eco-friendly dye. Each tent lists how it's sustainable to help you make the best choice for you. They also offer various waterproof tent footprints made from recycled materials.

Vaude offsets their emissions so that their products are climate neutral. Vaude is a part of the Fair Wear Foundation, which works to improve working conditions and wages for garment workers. 

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12) Compostable Cutlery

Suggested Pick: Disposable Wooden Cutlery Set from WoodU

Price: $17.99

If taking your normal silverware camping isn’t an option, this compostable cutlery set from WoodU is the next best thing.

It comes with 100 forks, 50 knives, and 50 spoons, all made from birch wood. Each wooden utensil is entirely compostable and biodegradable. They are chemical-free and non-toxic. 

While the cutlery is disposable, you can wash and reuse them. The set is packaged in an easy-to-carry compostable container.  

WoodU is a family-run company that aims to eliminate single-use, plastic cutlery. They also sell compostable wooden plates, tasting spoons, and coffee stirrers, if you need anything else for your trip. 

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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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The Best sustainable Gifts For Plant Lovers

Do you want to give a more practical and sustainable gift this year?

We’ve created several gift guides that will make your holiday shopping more accessible than ever. Whether you are shopping for your parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, or friends, we make sure to only list products we genuinely believe are making a difference in the world and treating the planet and makers the way they should be - with love & respect. 

WHAT MAKES A GIFT SUSTAINABLE? 

We look for several things when deciding if a product should be listed in our sustainable holiday gift guides. 

1) What is the gift made out of? The gift we add must be made from eco-friendly materials that are easy on the planet. 2) Who made the gift? The maker behind the item is just as important and should be compensated fairly for their time. 3) Does the brand implement sustainability within its entire business? We don’t want surface-level eco-friendly products; we want brands who genuinely care about sustainability and enforce it throughout their business wherever they can - from shipping to giving back. 4) Is the gift practical & something they can use for many years? We’ve all been given gifts we could have done without, but we find every gift we add to these lists are practical and going to be loved for a very long time. 

This gift guide was particularly fun to make because plants make for a very sustainable gift. We added a few other items which might not necessarily fit a plant in it but would still be of interest to any plant lover!

Now, the best holiday gifts for plant lovers:

code: Sustainablychic15 for 15% off your order

1. Katelyn Petal Earrings

Brand | Laura Elizabeth Jewelry

These gorgeous earrings are made out of REAL petals! The petals are sustainably cast in Los Angeles using 100% recycled brass and 14 karat gold/sterling silver. You won’t find anything like nickel, cadmium, or lead in LEJ’s jewelry, making it low toxic. Plus, these stud earrings come with even more good vibes because they are inspired by and named after a very important woman in the designer’s life. A friend, business owner, and mother, Katelyn represents unconditional love and support.

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2. Plant Subscription

Brand| The Sill

The gift that keeps giving throughout the year!

The Sill has two different options to choose from - you can either go with the pet friendly plant subscription or the classic.

You even pick the planter - cream or black - which are all made by a women-owned pottery company.

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code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC15 for 15% off your entire order

3. Lemongrass Body Balm

Brand | Zambeezi

A more convenient and travel-friendly alternative to traditional lotions, this skin-soothing body balm is infused with plant-based ingredients like lemongrass oil, rosemary, and jojoba. Plus, it’s got sustainably sourced beeswax, which helps to keep endangered pollinators buzzing back and forth on our favorite plants. Most of these ingredients are organic, Fair Trade, and/or ethically-produced in Zambia, Africa. This body balm will leave your plant lover’s skin feeling and smelling so fresh!

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4. Swan Hurricane

Brand | Shades of Green

This hurricane is hand-crafted from Iraca palm leaves by artisans in northern Columbia. It comes with a glass liner making it great for candles and floral displays.

Shades of Green offers us carefully curated products that stand the test of time without sacrificing aesthetic. You can trust all of their products are made with people & planet in mind.

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5. Hanging Stoneware Planter

Brand | Katie Mudd from Made Trade

The perfect addition to any plant lover's home!

This lovely stoneware planter features a hole in bottom for drainage, and is handmade in Portland, Oregon.

Katie Mudd - the owner - only uses materials sourced from local small businesses in the Pacific Northwest to ensure high quality and reduce her company’s carbon footprint.

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6. Sisal Baskets

Brand | Obakki

These versatile baskets are handmade by Obakki’s artisan partners in Kenya using natural dyes and locally sourced sisal fiber. Sisal is a species of flowering plant that creates a stiff fiber making it a great use for rope and other household items.

You can easily use these baskets as a blanket holder or catch-all in your living room or a beautiful woven plant pot!

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7. Birth Month Flower Grow Kit

Brand | Uncommon Goods

A more symbolic plant gift to give!

Such an easy way for your plant lover friend to grow beautiful flowers in their home. This kit comes with seeds, a glass bottle to grow them in, soil-less growing medium, instructions, and info about what their flower symbolizes.

Even better, they can wash the grow bottle and use as a vase when they are done - plus, the cork lid doubles as a coaster!

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8. Indoor Herb Garden Grow Kit

Brand | My Garden Provisions on Etsy

Made for the chef & green thumb - but this kit is really easy enough for anyone who loves herbs! And growing food from home is always an amazing sustainable alternative.

This set comes with Non-GMO Heirloom seed for Cilantro, Parsley, Chives, and Basil, biodegradable pots, bamboo plant markers and recipes!

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9. Plant Mug

Brand| Loftipop on Etsy

Etsy is one of my favorite places to support small businesses, and this mug I find hilarious!

Not only is this saying ‘Yes, I really do need all these plants’ completly accurate for all the plant lovers in my life, but the text is made from eco-friendly and lead-free inks!

This Etsy shop has a ton of plant lover mugs to check out.

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10. A Guide to Your Indoor Jungle

From | Better World Books

A book for creating a jungle right in your very own living room & the best part is, you can purchase this book secondhand! Better World Books has donated over 26,502,000 books, $28,430,000 for literacy and libraries, and has recycled and reused over 320,019,000 books!

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

Looking for a prom dress is an exciting moment for most young women. We imagine ourselves in a gorgeous, elegant dress that will make us feel special and incredibly beautiful. 

But how can we make the right decision when we know that most prom dresses can cost hundreds of dollars and yet, they are very poorly made? 

The environmental impact of prom dresses is huge! Most of them are made using synthetic fabrics, like polyester, and they are produced by fast fashion brands that are not only unsustainable but also very unethical as they only care about profits. 

What’s maybe even worse is that most prom dresses are only used once, for a few hours at most. After prom, those dresses are usually stored away in closets for years, not being worn a single time.

Thankfully, we can mitigate the environmental footprint of a prom dress by choosing more eco-friendly options. And doing so is not only better for the planet, but it is also often a lot cheaper. Win-win! 

This guide will help you find a more sustainable prom dress in which you will feel amazing without harming the environment!

How to find a sustainable prom dress

Use what you already have

If you already own a formal dress, why not reuse it for prom? We often don’t realize it, but we sometimes already have exactly what we are looking for in our closets.

Have you ever attended a wedding or any other type of formal event? If so, you probably have a beautiful, elegant dress in your wardrobe that you could wear for prom. 

Reusing a dress you already bought is not only the easiest option available to you, but it is also the most sustainable since you don’t have to purchase a new dress. Not to mention that prom dresses are expensive, so you will save a lot of money! 

If the dress you have is not ideal for prom, you can upcycle it and transform it into the dress of your dreams with a few tweaks. For instance, you could easily dye the dress if you want to change its color, or cut it short if you prefer a shorter version. You can also change its style by adding or removing straps, and incorporating lace or embroidery into the fabric. 

Transforming a dress does not have to be complicated if you have some basic sewing skills. But if you are afraid to ruin it, hiring a seamstress might be a great alternative for you! 

Borrow your dress

When I was a teenager, I used to always borrow clothes from my mom, and she always loved lending me her precious pieces whenever I needed a specific outfit. And even today, I know that if I ever need something she has, she would happily have me wear it. 

Borrowing clothes from relatives or friends is a great way to try new pieces in a sustainable way. But this is especially true for clothes that we wear for one-time events, like prom dresses! 

If you have older sisters or friends that are no longer in high school, why don’t you ask them if you could borrow their prom dresses? They might have the exact dress you are looking for! 

You could also ask your mom if she kept hers. You never know, but you might end up with a cool, vintage prom dress that will make you stand out from all the other girls! 

I find that it makes the whole event even more special if you are wearing a dress that was cherished by someone you love at her prom! 

And if the dress is not 100% what you are looking for, they might even allow you to upcycle and transform it so that it can better suit your style! 

Find your dress second-hand 

If you cannot find a prom dress in your wardrobe and your friends do not have any to lend you, the second-hand market is there for you! There are so many preloved prom dresses out there, and you have a huge variety of styles and colors to choose from!  

Since prom dresses are only used once, or at most a couple of times, second-hand prom dresses are usually in excellent condition, with no signs of wear. And you can even find brand new ones (with tags) at a fraction of their original price!  

In 2020 and 2021, many high schools canceled their proms, so students were left with their new prom dresses and nowhere to wear them. As a result, many decided to sell them or donate them to charity shops. 

So if you are looking for a prom dress, visit your local thrift stores or consignment shops to check if they are selling any. 

Online second-hand platforms are another amazing resource to find some great, unique hidden gems. Facebook Marketplace and eBay are two of the most popular, but you can also check Poshmark, thredUP or Depop. 

Purchasing a second-hand prom dress is so much cheaper compared to if you bought it new. You can even find models at a tenth of the original price, so you are saving the planet and your wallet at the same time. 

You could also join a few “Buy Nothing” groups (on Facebook) in your local area. Some members in these groups may want to donate their used prom dresses to girls who need them. You could be the lucky one, so it is worth trying!  

Rent your dress 

When we need a new prom dress, we usually think about where we can purchase it from. However, in recent years, a new option has become more and more popular: renting. Yes, you can rent your prom dress! 

Renting your dress, instead of buying it, has many benefits! You get to choose from a large selection of dresses, including designer pieces, without having to pay exorbitant prices. You can thus wear a dress that you would have never been able to afford if you bought it new.  

The dress is worn by many women, meaning that it was not produced for a single event. It is reused over and over again, which is great for the planet! Renting reduces waste and helps save resources as it does not increase the demand for new dresses to be made. 

Most renting services also make sure that the dress is washed before and after each use, so it is not something you need to worry about.  

If you think renting is the right option for you, here are a few online websites where you can rent the dress of your dreams: 

1) Rent The Runway

Rent The Runway specializes in renting all kinds of clothes, including designer prom dresses. It offers monthly membership plans as well as one-time rentals, perfect for proms! The company sends its clothes in reusable garment bags that are reused for each order, and it offsets 100% of carbon emissions from shipments to and from customers. 

2) Lending Luxury

Lending Luxury is your go-to website if you want to rent a dress from a designer. It has a great selection of short and long dresses that you can rent for as little as $50 (dry cleaning is included). And if you want to keep it at the end of your rental, you can purchase it at a discounted price.

3) Armoire

Armoire is a membership-based website specialized in renting all types of clothes, including designer dresses for formal events. You can rent a dress for $69, or less if you choose several models. Armoire’s stylists can assist you in finding the best style for your body type, and the company allows you to keep the item for 30 days. 

4) Charlotte’s Closet

If you’re looking for a rental service where you can rent clothing for all special occasions, Charlotte’s Closet is for you. The platform has a great variety of prom dresses that you can rent for five days. You can even request a second size for free to make sure the dress will fit you! 

5) Poshare

Poshare is a platform where you can rent or buy designer clothing and accessories. Its prom dresses are available in most sizes, colors and styles. The website has dresses to rent for all budgets, starting at $40, ideal for those who do not want to break the bank. 

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Purchase from sustainable brands 

If none of the mentioned options are right for you and you need to purchase a brand new dress, you can still do it in a sustainable way. You can choose to support ethical and eco-friendly brands that sell high-quality dresses. 

What makes a new prom dress sustainable? 

A sustainable prom dress is designed to last, and you should be able to wear it many times and for many years. Having a dress for a one-time event is very unsustainable, so the best thing you can do is choose a dress that you will not only be able to wear to prom, but also to other formal events. 

An eco-friendly prom dress is made by a conscious brand that ensures its workers are paid fairly and treated humanely, and that they work in safe conditions. It should also be produced using sustainable materials such as organic cotton or Tencel.

Finally, an eco-friendly prom dress is usually not made using glitter and sequins, as these often fall off the fabric and end up in the environment. 

5 sustainable brands that sell beautiful prom dresses 

1) Bastet Noir

Bastet Noir is a sustainable brand that creates made-to-order clothing to make sure its pieces fit its clients perfectly. 

The company creates beautiful, elegant dresses made out of discarded materials like silk and cotton. Each piece features cool details that make them even more unique and luxurious. Whether you prefer a mermaid-style silhouette or a more flowy look, Bastet Noir has you covered!

You will love that the brand always discloses how much time was needed to make the dress and the detailed costs of each step of the production process!   

Bastet Noir’s dresses are produced in Macedonia by a community of single mothers. The brand reinvests its profits to help these women grow their businesses and fund the education of their children.

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2) Whimsy & Row

Founded in 2014, Whimsy & Row is a lifestyle brand creating clothing, accessories and home goods for eco-conscious women. 

The company has a few models of long, elegant dresses that could be worn to prom. They are all made from a blend of Tencel and cupro, making them look and feel like silk. Hypoallergenic and thermo-regulating, this cool fabric is made in a closed-loop system using cotton fibers that are usually thrown away.

The brand produces its products with only upcycled, locally sourced and low-impact materials.

They are all made within a few miles from the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles, which minimizes their carbon footprint. 

Whimsy & Row dyes its clothing with low-impact dyes and produces it in limited quantities to avoid unnecessary waste. 

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3) Transcend

Inspired by the colors and textures of India’s shopping bazaars, Transcend’s dresses and separates are handmade and embroidered by artisans out of eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton and linen.

Founder and Designer Nazia Siddiqui wanted to make high-quality embroidery and prints accessible to women through timeless silhouettes.

These pieces are designed to last, with an incredible attention to detail—one dress can take up to 70 hours to make!

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4) Reformation

Reformation specializes in selling sustainably-made clothing and shoes for women. The brand creates dresses for pretty much any special occasion, including weddings and proms. 

It has many styles of maxi dresses that would all be ideal for prom-goers. Most dresses are designed in different colors and patterns, and some feature beautiful flowery styles making them very feminine. 

Reformation’s dresses are produced using materials such as silk, Tencel, viscose, and organic cotton.

For most pieces, you get to see how much water was saved and how many carbon emissions were avoided during the production process. 

Reformation is climate-neutral certified, and it is a member of Textile Exchange, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Fair Labor Association. 

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Final Thoughts

Buying a new dress for a one-time event is very unsustainable, as it will be used once and probably never again. But thankfully, it is possible to be more eco-friendly when looking for a prom dress. 

From borrowing a dress or reusing one we already have, to renting or buying it second-hand or from sustainable brands, there are many options available to us! 

However, if we decide to buy a prom dress, we should always try to give it a new life after prom to minimize its environmental impact. It would be such a shame to let it collect dust in our closets and get damaged over time. 

I think it is important to have a plan and know what to do with the dress afterward. For instance, you could probably reuse the dress for future formal events and special occasions such as weddings, parties or date nights. 

Reselling your prom dress online is another great option to make sure it will get reused. You can also pass it along to other women or to organizations that collect dresses for girls who might not be able to afford them otherwise. 

Being mindful of how you purchase your dress and how you will use or get rid of it afterward is essential for eco-conscious prom-goers!

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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.

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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image: Time IV Change

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a guide to the Vegan Leather Piñatex & Brands Who use it

Before we dive into Piñatex—what it is, and why we love it—let’s talk briefly about why a material designed to be used in place of leather and synthetics needs to exist in the first place. 

The need for alternative leather

On the animal side of things, let’s start with sustainability. All animal-derived leathers are processed skins, tanned in order to make them last. This, in turn, renders these skins non-biodegradable (yes, even when they’re vegetable tanned). Cowskin leather is the third most impactful material of all to produce, according to Sustainable Apparel Coalition data, with Amazonian Rainforest clearing, enormous greenhouse gas emissions, and wasteful water use behind it.  

What’s more, animal leather is made from sentient individuals, and purchasing it financially contributes to ongoing cruelty—like mutilation—and slaughter. It’s for this reason that leather is actually considered by the meat and dairy industries as a ‘co-product’, not a ‘by-product’. For this reason, many people opt for vegan leather. And while cow skin leather has a worse eco-impact than even synthetics like polyurethane, fully synthetic materials are not an eco-friendly solution. They are made from plastic, and fuel harmful mining industries. They will also never biodegrade, resulting in plastic waste and pollution. 

What is Piñatex, and how is it made?

Dr. Carmen Hijosa, having once worked amidst the leather industry, saw a need for a fashion solution that was free from both animals and a heavy reliance on petrochemicals. Thus, she came to create Piñatex, one of the first primarily plant-based leather alternatives to become more widely available. 

Piñatex is largely made up of pineapple plant leaves. It is not the leaves sprouting out the top of the sweet fruit, but rather out of the plant which pineapples themselves spurt out of. Normally in pineapple production, these leaves are simply discarded.

To create Piñatex, these leaves, which for now all if not mostly come from the Philippines, are instead pulled apart into long, stringy fibres. Next, in the non-rain season, they are dried under the sun. These fibres are then turned into a kind of fluff, which gets mixed up with a corn-based polylactic acid. 

At this point, the material is sort of like a felt. This felt gets coloured with GOTS-certified dye and coated with resin made from water-based PU, which is REACH compliant to ensure environmental safety. It’s at this point that the material is completed to make a strong, sturdy, and more water- and wear-resistant material that is great for everyday use. 

Image: Svala

Is Piñatex a sustainable material?

Piñatex is an extremely low-impact material. Before we get into this though, it’s worth noting that, just like cow skin leather and synthetic leather, the material is not 100% biodegradable. However, the base of the material—the mixed-up pineapple leaf fibre and corn-based polylactic acid—is biodegradable, but just in controlled industry conditions (so don’t put it in your compost bin at home). This base material makes up about 95% of the entirety of Piñatex.

Given that none of these materials (leather, synthetic leather, or Piñatex) are completely biodegradable, what’s perhaps more important to talk about when it comes to environmental impact is production. When considering impacts like global warming, fossil fuel use, water scarcity, chemistry, and eutrophication (which can lead to dead zones in waterways and oceans), Piñatex has an extremely small comparative impact. To produce the pineapple-leaf-based material, the eco-impact is about two-thirds less than that of polyurethane synthetic leather. Compared to cow skin leather, Piñatex is around an incredible nine times less impactful to produce. 

This is because producing this material is far less water-intensive, releases less greenhouse gas emissions, involves a lot less chemistry and fossil fuels, and leads to less eutrophication as well.

Is Piñatex also ethically produced?

Sustainability is not the only important factor to consider when choosing a material; ethics must come into play, too. Not only is Piñatex free from animal slaughter, but the humans involved in producing this bio-based material are treated well, too. 

Earlier it was noted that the leaves of pineapple plants are normally discarded. Just like selling cow skins makes raising cattle for the sale of meat far more profitable, selling leaves to create Piñatex makes growing pineapples for fruit sales much more financially beneficial. Essentially, the creation of Piñatex has created a pineapple fruit co-product, economically supporting farmers and their communities in the Philippines. Each year, about 13 million tonnes of leaves from the global pineapple industry are turned from waste into profitable materials, thanks to Piñatex!

This is important because too often we forget to consider not only who made our clothes and accessories, but who made the materials and grew the fibres that make up these items. Piñatex is produced in a supply chain that is largely transparent, with information about where each process takes place available for everyone to see. 

How does Piñatex perform?

The coating on this material allows for a more sturdy, long-lasting finish. Piñatex softens over time, like animal-derived leather, and can be cared for with balms, similar to those used on animal leathers, too.

Piñatex has also released Piñatex Performance, a material with a slightly higher PU percentage, which is even more sturdy and long-lasting. This particular material is especially beneficial to those seeking to use it for instances where high water and abrasion resistance is important. For example, this material might be preferred for some shoemakers, but is less needed for bag makers. Piñatex Performance is still 58% biodegradable. 

Where can I get Piñatex?

There are a whole lot of brands creating gorgeous bags, shoes, wallets, watches, and even jackets with Piñatex. Below, you’ll find some favourite brands making ethical, sustainable garments, shoes, and accessories.

Luxtra

Carries | Bags, wallets, & small accessories

A brand that is always at the forefront of material innovation, Luxtra is made ethically in Florence, Italy.

The brand uses Piñatex in their bags, wallets and other accessories.

Look out for their cactus and apple leather bags, too! 

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Svala

Carries | Handbags & accessories

This sustainable handbag brand uses materials like Piñatex and cork to create totes, backpacks, purses, and wallets. Everything is handcrafted in L.A. from premium, European, innovative fabrics. The inspiration for Svala’s name comes from Iceland, where the founder, Helga's, mother is from. Svala means swallow in Icelandic; the swallow bird is a symbol of love, loyalty, freedom, and hope in many cultures.

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Time IV Change

Carries | Watches for men & women

Made in a Hong Kong factory with ethical credentials, Time IV Change is an Australian designed and owned brand creating watches with leather-free straps.

The label’s Piñatex collection offers gorgeous, classic, and minimal styles.

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Nae

Carries | Shoes for men & women

This Portuguese vegan footwear brand creates one of the best pinatex shoe collections.

From heels to sandals and boots to sneakers, they have a pinatex shoe for every day of the week.

NAE is short for No Animal Exploitation, and their shoes and accessories are manufactured in certified ethical factories in Portugal.

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HFS Collective

Carries | Bags, wallets, and more

This brand is locally and ethically handcrafted in Los Angeles, and creates bags and purses from Piñatex.

These bags are also lined with sustainable materials like eco-suede made from 70% recycled and 30% plant-derived materials. 

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No Saints

Carries | Sneakers for men & women

This shoe brand is ethically made shoes in Portugal, and designed with love in Australia.

Using Piñatex, alongside other sustainable, animal-free materials, they create sneakers that are as comfortable on your feet as they are kind to the planet.

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Conclusion

Even a decade ago, it was almost impossible to find leather alternatives that weren’t made from fossil fuels. But lucky for us, that’s changing! There are now so many great leather alternatives like Piñatex that are not only more ethical when it comes to animal rights, but also plastic-free and beautiful, too!

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About the Author

Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.

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image from Pact

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Check out our new sweater post for 2023 here

THE BEST SUSTAINABLE SWEATERS & Cardigans

It’s sweater weather yet again so this list needed a little update with all the new sustainable sweaters for Fall 2021 - and it was difficult for me to pick my favorites!

p.s. I added one at the bottom for the guys!

What Makes a Sweater Sustainable?

A sustainable sweater usually consists of natural fibers that are responsibly sourced, ethically-made, and made to last you many years. We even have a sweater made from recycled cashmere! At times, we will add fibers which are synthetic if made from recycled materials because it does help with durability. However, nothing keeps you warm and cozy like natural fibers do - and it’s easier for them to decompose back into the environment when it’s no longer wearable.

What Eco-Friendly Materials should you look for?

Our go-tos for sweater fabrics are organic cotton, cashmere, alpaca, and wool. If using animal fibers, we only list brands who use responsible sourcing and hold high standards of ethical treatment of the animals. Like I mentioned above, we also include recycled synthetics like polyesters. If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable fibers, I highly recommend checking out our Fabrics & Certifications posts!

Now, Our Top Picks for Sustainable Sweaters for Fall 2021:

1) Ribbed Oversized Cardigan

Brand | WVN

Material |Organic Cotton & Wool

Price | $158

Colors |Rust, Light Pink, Grey & Sand

Sizes |XS-XL

This GOTS-Certified cardigan is a beautiful throw on for everyday wear - & this color is perfection!

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2) Nova Cashmere Sweater

Brand | Outerknown

Material | Cashmere

Price | $298

Colors | Heather Grey & Deep Purple

Sizes | XS-XL

A cloud-soft experience - the Donegal cashmere yarn honors the homespun feel and colorful flecks of traditional yarn from Donegal, Ireland.

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3) Peek-a-Boo Poet Sleeve Sweater

Brand | Pact

Material | Organic Cotton

Price | $110

Colors | Green, Brown, Pink, Ivory, Grey

Sizes | XS-XXL

Love the design of this sweater. Pact always has the coziest fall sweaters, so we know this one is going to be a fan favorite!

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4) Relaxed Sweater Tunic

Brand | ABLE

Material | Organic Cotton

Price | $140

Sizes | XS-XXL

Colors | Black & Tan

I have this sweater in black, & it’s the perfect throw on with leggings. Cotton is one of my favorites for when you want to layer or the temps haven’t gotten too cold, yet.

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5) Highline Cable Crew Sweater

Brand | TenTree

Material | Recycled Poly, Organic Cotton & Wool

Price | $88

Colors |Off-White & Burgundy

Sizes | XS-XL

Can’t be a sweater post without a great cable crew to add to the mix. TenTree plants trees with each purchase, too!

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6) Better Sweater Fleece

Brand | Patagonia

Material | Recycled Polyester

Price | $139

Colors | 10 Different Colors!

Sizes | XS-XXL

Had to add a classic with Patagonia’s Fleeces! This one is made with 100% recycled polyester with a low-impact process significantly reducing the use of dyestuffs, energy & water.

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7) Renee Raglan Turtleneck

Brand | Universal Standard

Material | Recycled Cotton/Polyester

Price | $88

Colors | Grey, Black, & Navy

Sizes | 00-40

Last year, I had one of their sweaters listed here that was made from virgin synthetics because I love their size inclusivity - but this year I’m happy to report I found some made with recycled materials!!

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8) Cashmere Sweater

Brand | Asket

Material | Recycled Cashmere

Price | $215

Colors | Light Brown, Light Grey, Dark Grey & Navy

Sizes | XS-XL

With Italian engineering, this sweater is a fully fashioned knit and made of 97% recycled and mechanically dyed Cashmere. Soft on the skin & planet! You can also choose different lengths.

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We are constantly updating blog posts to give you the best in sustainable fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

This post contains affiliate links.

As always, views are genuine and brands are truly loved.

Thanks for supporting the brands who are working to make this industry a fairer and cleaner place!

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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

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