Image: Shades of Green

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the best Eco-Friendly & sustainable Dinnerware brands

Looking for sustainable and ethical plates, bowls, cups, serving utensils, and other dishes? We’ve compiled a list of all our favorite brands making unique kitchen and table staples. From salad bowls to napkin holders, we’re sure you’ll find something interesting to add some character to the busiest place in the home. Of course, you will also find many affordable price points and then a few luxury items worth the splurge. 

What is Sustainable Dinnerware? 

You may be wondering, what makes a dish ‘sustainable’? There are a few things we have to look at to determine whether or not the product is sustainably made. First, who made it? We made sure to include brands where artisan craft was prioritized, and makers are given fair work under safe, healthy conditions. Second, what is it made out of? We want to make sure the dish is made from eco-friendly materials that are easy on the planet. Many of these brands use recycled materials, which is always a plus! Lastly, is it is a quality product marked at an accessible price? We want to make sure we are only showing the best products made to last you many years - and many dinners - that are also a decent price. Therefore, we included price points to help cover a range of budgets. 

Bon Appétit!

Our Top Picks for Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Dinnerware and tableware:

1) East Fork

Products | Mug, Plates, Bowls, Napkins, Glassware, Flatware, Kitchen Tools & More

Price Points | $12-$290

Made In | USA, Japan, France, Italy, India

East Fork makes and sells beautiful, timeless dinnerware meant for everyday use in Asheville, North Carolina.

Their mugs, bowls, plates, and serving ware are made from regionally-sourced clays and glazes.

Alongside their pottery, East Fork sells an intentional collection of home goods from other craftsmen they admire around the globe. They are B-Corp & Climate Neutral Certified and raise money for local community partners throughout the year. Their pots come in 6 core colors and they release limited-edition seasonal colors throughout the year.

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2) Shades of Green

Products | Placemats, Plates, Glassware, Bowls, Tossers, Baskets, Trays, Napkins

Price Points | $32-240

Made In | USA, Colombia, France, Mexico, India

If you are looking for products that have undergone rigorous evaluation, this is the place for you. Shades of Green offers us carefully curated products that stand the test of time without sacrificing aesthetic. You can trust all of their dinnerware is made with people & planet in mind.

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3) Bibol

Products | Bowls, Soup Plates, Trays, Tumblers, Serving Bowls, Serving Utensils

Price Points | $16-115

Made In | Vietnam

Looking for the perfect bowl? Look no further! Bibol, a woman-owned company, tableware is handcrafted by artisans in Vietnam using sustainably harvested bamboo, water, marble powder, and natural pigment. The ethically-made bowls are a work of art.

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4) MINNA

Products | Napkins, Pot Holders, Placemats, Table Runners, Bowls, Tumblers, Mugs, Serving Bowls

Price Points | $12-95

Made In | Mexico, Guatemala, Uruguay

One of my favorite brands, MINNA works exclusively with master weavers and artisan collectives They support craft preservation and job creation, and allow their partners to set their own wages. Their textiles are absolutely beautiful!

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5) Ekobo

Products | Bowls, Plates, Serving Dishes, Cups, Serving Utensils, Trays, Kid’s Dishes

Price Points | $20-70

Made In | China

Ekobo’s tableware is made from raw organic bamboo sawdust, which is a bi-product of China’s chopstick & flooring industry. The sawdust is finely ground into a powder, & then mixed with a food-safe & non-toxic melamine binding resin to create strong BIOBU bamboo material. 

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6) Newly

Products | Pitchers, Tumblers, Pint, Wine, Collins & Dinner Glasses

Price Points | $38-58

Made In | Spain

All of their glassware is made from 100% recycled glass. Newly began in 2016 with five friends identifying what they believed to be a serious problem: not enough consumer goods are made with recycled content - and we could benefit from more!

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7) Middle Kingdom

Products | Bowls, Plates, Cups, Carafes

Price Points | $14-55

Made In | China

This brand is inspired by a long and distinguished history of design and craftsmanship. Each piece is handmade made by artisans in the ancient kiln city of Jingdezhen. They use the finest clays, glazes, & colors, and pay all their artisans well-above-average salaries for their craft. It’s also WOC-owned.

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8) Ten Thousand Villages

Products | Napkins, Napkin Rings, Bowls, Utensils, Mugs, Table Cloths & Runners

Price Points | $5-150

Made In | All Over the World

More than just a store, this market-to-market movement is connecting us to some of the most talented artisans all over the world. Our purchase is directly contributing to sustainable livelihoods, and keeping crafts original. Every product celebrates culture and the planet.

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9) Sertodo Copper

Products | Moscow Mule Sets, Martini Sets, Bar Sets, Mixers, Platters, Shot Cups, Serving Bowls, Cups

Price Points | $29-500

Made In | USA, Mexico

Hammered copper is by far one of my favorite looks! Sertodo uses only 100% recycled copper for their entire collection. They are made to last, and will never go out of style. They make for the perfect gift for the entertainer!

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10) Zungleboo

Products | Plates & Bowls

Price Points | $28-40

Made In | China (Designed in Texas)

The Texas-based team at Zungleboo started by wondering: "Why should eco-friendly products be inconvenient, expensive, or ugly?"

They create dinnerware that’s not only beautiful and eco-friendly (made from corn starch and bamboo fiber), but affordable too. These plates and bowls are also microwave and dishwasher safe… and great for everyday use!

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11) LOIS

Products | Plates, Bowls, Bento Boxes, Coffee Tools

Price Points | $15-33

Made In | Japan

LOIS The Store’s TRIPWARE collection is made from 20% recycled ceramic and developed in Tajimi, Japan. The entire recycling process (collecting, grinding, clay production, firing, etc.) is all done by the same manufacturer. The bowls come with lids, too so that you can store & microwave your leftovers without plastic wrap!

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The Best Sustainable Makeup Bags & Toiletry Travel Bags

As some people begin to travel again via road trips or flights for personal or work reasons, the need for travel bags has increased. For example, we recently went on a trip to visit family in Arizona for the first time in more than a year and a half, and my daughter needed a new bag for her toiletries. I was surprised to see most stores were out. So, of course, I needed to research and find some sustainable options, and my research can benefit you. This article provides you with 13 wonderful options for your upcoming trip.

How to Choose Sustainable Toiletry Bags

When I first started researching toiletry bags, I thought, what makes toiletry bags sustainable, and what should I look for? It turns out the same as most other products – sustainable materials and ethical production practices. Look for materials like organic cotton, linen, canvas, and recycled plastic. Shop from trusted brands that follow ethical and humane practices. Most importantly, make sure it is high quality, functions for how you travel and is a style that you will keep for many years.

Now Our Top 13 Picks for Sustainable Makeup & Toiletry Bags:

1) Chebeague Toiletry Bag

Brand: Sea Bags

Price: $65

The Chebeague Bag has a minimalist design that works for all genders. The toiletry is made from recycled sails, like all of the products from Sea Bags. The side handle, zip-top, and being machine washable make it practical as well. Their products are all made in the USA by skilled Maine craftspeople.

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2) Cabana See All Vanity Case

Brand: Paravel

Price: $95

This clear case is made with canvas from recycled plastic bottles, LWG eco-certified leather, and silicone coating. The case is a classic and sophisticated design. It is easy to clean and waterproof. The vanity is also convenient with a simple handle for carrying, and you can see all the contents, so you don’t have to rifle through things to find one item. As a bonus you can get the vanity case monogrammed.

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3) Cross Stitch Toiletry Bag

Brand: Anchal

Price: $32

The cross-stitch base is made from GOTS certified cotton and canvas lined. The bag has a great cross stich design in 6 colors to choose from. Anchal is women owned, with Fair Trade products that support artisans in India. The toiletry bag has a front pocket, as well as the main compartment, for storing small items and ones you need to reach easily – I personally love multi-pocket bags.

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4) Makeup Bag

Brand: Sezane

Price: $55

The makeup bag from Sezane is made from all organic cotton and has a super cute print – one of my favorites. The softness of the bag makes it easy to collapse to the needed size to fit in most bags. Sezane makes most of their products in Europe and all of their workshops are audited by independent experts. I highly recommend their Behind the Label videos for educational information about their practices.

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5) Lok Pouch

Brand: Terra Thread

Price: $15

The LOK pouch comes in more than 10 colors and is a neutral enough style to be unisex. The pouch is made from organic cotton, lead free zippers, and using Fair Trade practices. I love that the Lok pouch is machine washable, large, and easy to roll down and resize as needed for your packing needs. Each purchase also provides support to Feeding America.

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6) Elise Makeup Bag

Brand: O My Bag

Price: $82

This very French styled makeup bag is made with GOTS certified cotton outside and a canvas lining inside. The Elise is a great choice for all your travels with an inner zip pocket for small items, a handle, classy style, padded sizes and plenty of room. The bag also ships from Europe, so I suggest ordering other items at the same time to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

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7) ReNew Catch-All

Brand: Everlane

Price: $30

The ReNew Catch-All Case features five interior drop-in pockets and one exterior zip pocket, which makes it perfect for organizing toiletries (and other small things). The catch all can snap down for smaller size or expand out as needed. The bag is made with 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles, a water resistant finish that is fluorine free, and Bluesign certified dyes.

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8) Blair Vegan Toiletry Case

Brand: Matt & Nat

Price: $65

Matt & Nat is a leader in sustainable vegan bags, so of course they would have a toiletry case. This bag is a classic, unisex style that comes in 8 colors, with a convenient side handle. There is an interior pocket to organize smaller items. The exterior is a vegan cruelty-free material and the interior lining is made from recycled water bottles. It looks durable and easy to clean. While the vegan material is PU (polyurethane), which is biodegradable, and not as eco-friendly as some other organic materials.

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9) Large Zebra Pouch

Brand: Ubuntu Life

Price: $27

This fun Zebra patterned pouch made by artisans in Kenya. The large pouch is made from 100% cotton canvas and lead-free water based inks, plus leather sourced from Kenya’s oldest tannery. All of Ubuntu Life’s products ensure living wages and a future for women artists in Kenya. It is a large size that is collapsible to hold as much or as little as you need. It only has one large pocket, which some people really prefer – I like an additional interior pocket for organizing.

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10) 2-in-1 Cosmetic Pouch

Brand: Sakroots

Price: $30

These cosmetic pouches are made from REPREVE Eco Twill which is durable, water repellent, stain resistant and made from recycled materials including plastic bottles! This set is also PETA-approved and Vegan Certified. Sakroots is focused on using original artwork that supports environmental charities.

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11) Sagebrush + Sand Clutch

Brand: MZ Made

Price: $44

The Sagebrush + Sand Clutch is unique in that it is the only one with an exterior made out of wool. The interior is cotton lining. It is handwoven, hand dyed with non-toxic dyes, and Fair Trade certified. The soft earth tones are really appealing, and it has an interior pocket for smaller items. MZ Made has a meet the maker section on their site where you can learn about each artisan they partner with.

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12) Free to Grow Houseplant Pouch

Brand: The Tote Project

Price: $22.50

These sweet little pouches are great for organizing your belongings for trips. It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the base expands out to hold many personal belongings! Based on friendship and a shared dream, Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez started The Tote Project to support the recovery of victims of modern-day slavery.

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13) Toiletry Bag

Brand: Grunbag

Price: $60

The Grunbag Toiletry bag is made from surplus material from tarpaulin production and a recycled zipper. The toiletry bag is very practical with 2 inner pockets, a side handle, and a zip closure at the top. It has a utilitarian look that comes in multiple colors, which gives it unisex appeal. It is also conveniently water resistant and easy to clean. The bag does ship from Europe, so I suggest ordering other items at the same time to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.

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About the Author: Mindy Redburn-Smoak has enjoyed a 20+ year career in corporate learning as a consultant, designer, and manager. She is passionate about sustainable living, family, travel, and dog rescue. She has been on a mission to live more sustainably for several years, and loves the journey of learning and trying new things in this space. She is on another journey pursuing her dream of writing about things she is passionate about and that can make a difference in the world. The best way to connect with Mindy is via email at mredsmoak@gmail.com.

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The Best Sustainable Toothpastes for Your Health

The impact of something as seemingly small as which toothpaste we choose is easily lost amongst the noise of life. Yet, different toothpastes might have vastly different impacts on our personal health, as well as on the environment we all share. So what kind of toothpaste is best, and which ingredients should we avoid?

There are plenty of ingredients in toothpaste, and we often don’t think about them much at all. Not only can toothpaste be tested on animals, some include ground up animal bone meal, glycerin from animal fat, and bee pollen. Toothpastes can even contain tiny pieces of plastic, and chemicals which wear down and hurt the inside of our mouths. 

First, let’s look at what toothpaste ingredients (as well as those listed above) are worth avoiding, so that we can consider which toothpastes are better for us all, in an informed way. There are both harmful and ineffective toothpastes available today -- some chemical filled and some natural. We need to find a happy balance, with toothpaste which is healthy for our body and planet, while actually working to protect our teeth.

Which toothpaste ingredients are worth avoiding, for personal health?

SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:

SLS is a foaming agent used in a lot of shampoos, toothpastes and other foamy personal care products. This ingredient is one that dentists widely agree should be avoided. 

This is because SLS can cause canker sores, with studies showing that SLS irritates the soft tissue of the mouth by reducing its protective barrier, as well as by inflaming existing sores, and stopping them from healing.

Toothpaste doesn’t need to be foamy in order for it to be effective, so SLS is worth saying goodbye to!

Artificial Colorings:

Artificial colorings in toothpaste, with names that include ‘FD&C Green No. 3’, ‘D&C Yellow No. 10’, and FD&C Blue No. 1’ are reportedly cytotoxic, meaning that they can ‘kill good cells’, according to renowned dentist, Dr Maddahi. 

Typically, there are over 70 different types of bacteria in your mouth at one time, and these mostly occur naturally, without causing any harm. Just some bacteria are considered ‘bad’, contributing to dental decay and gum disease. Stripping back your mouth to a point where nothing can live is not a good thing. 

What’s more, these colorings are synthetically produced. FD&C Blue No.1 for example is produced from petroleum, according to The Environmental Working Group. There is some suggestion that such synthetic food dyes can cause a host of different health issues, and there’s no need for toothpaste to be colored for it to work. Best to avoid. 

Chemical Preservatives:

Similar to artificial colorings, chemical preservatives like sodium benzoate, methyl paraben, and ethyl paraben can reportedly by cytotoxic, impacting oral health. For the same reasons as listed above, these could be worth avoiding for your health. 

Which toothpaste ingredients are worth avoiding, for both personal and planetary health?

It’s not only how your toothpaste is packaged -- whether in a recyclable tube, or in a glass jar (hello, toothpaste tablets) -- but what is in your toothpaste, that can impact the planet. When our environment is harmed, we are, too. So what ingredients are worth avoiding, for the planet?

While banned in some areas, microbeads are still in many toothpastes. Restrictions around the use of microbeads are less stringent than they seem, with many Governments simply supporting a voluntary phase out period.

But what are microbeads? These are tiny, manufactured plastic particles that are under 5mm in diameter. These microbeads don’t biodegrade or dissolve in water, yet they are found in some toothpastes, exfoliates and other personal care items. When washed down our drains, these microbeads are eaten by birds, fish and other marine creatures, harming them all.

In the case of toothpaste, microbeads -- and other kinds of plastic polymers -- are used for abrasion, though they’re not needed for this. Baking soda is commonly used in toothpaste for this same purpose, and is largely used to a safe degree -- because too much abrasion is not a good thing!

So what toothpastes are good, full of ingredients that are not only non-harmful, but beneficial? 

Of course, we’re not only looking to avoid harm to our teeth when we brush them, but to actually help keep them healthy. Below are some great toothpastes which are not tested on animals, which are free from animal-derived ingredients, microbeads, SLS, and other noted harmful substances, like artificial colorings. 

As much as possible, we’ve kept environmentally friendly dental packaging in mind, but we also need to prioritise toothpaste that is actually beneficial to dental health -- and many more eco-friendly toothpastes haven’t yet been proven to be so good. In many places, you can’t recycle toothpaste packaging through your curbside bin, but you can through specialist recycling programs, like TerraCycle, where you send off your tubes in the mail. Too, more and more brands are starting to introduce more easily recyclable, and even recycled packaging. 

Our Top Picks for Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Toothpastes:

1) by Humankind

This brand is a favorite of the creator of Sustainably Chic Natalie. She loves that the toothpaste tablets are made with safe, natural ingredients, and there is NO single-use plastic involved! Just crush them in your mouth and start brushing. This zero-waste toothpaste offers refills that ship with a compostable pouch made from kraft paper and a sugar-based lining. By Humankind also offsets 100% of their carbon footprint by investing in strategic forest preservation projects.

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2) Dr Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

This toothpaste comes in a recyclable box and tube, and is free from synthetic detergents and foaming agents, as well as from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners.

It’s made up of 70% certified organic ingredients, and many certified fair trade ingredients, like coconut oil, aloe leaf juice, baking soda, and xanthan gum.

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3) Hello

With both fluoride and fluoride free options, Hello toothpastes also include ‘sustainably sourced’ ingredients like white turmeric, coconut-based glycerin, sorbitol, hemp seed oil, hydrated silica, calcium, aloe vera and more. 

Hello toothpastes never include SLS, animal testing or animal-derived ingredients, triclosan, peroxide, and artificial dyes. They also offer tablet toothpaste!

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4) BOKA

This toothpaste is free from artificial flavors and colours, parabens, and SLS.

The key ingredient that makes this toothpaste unique and effective is called nano-hydroxyapatite.

This ingredient ‘has remarkable remineralizing effects on initial lesions of enamel’. This cruelty-free toothpaste is science-based.

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5) Risewell

Another scientifically backed toothpaste that makes use of hydroxyapatite for the purpose of enamel protection and remineralisation, is RiseWell. Like all of these other more health-conscious toothpastes, RiseWell is free from SLS, artificial colors and flavors, as well as Propylene glycol and other cheap ingredients. RiseWell notes that too often, toothpaste brands seeking to move away from the ‘norm’ remove ‘bad’ ingredients, but don’t replace them with anything effective. They’re working to change this.

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6) Attitude

ATTITUDE® - an EWG-approved brand - has been on a mission to reduce its use of disposable packaging. Therefore, when it came to their toothpaste, they wanted to avoid unnecessary packaging and use biodegradable packaging tubes that don’t come in a box.

Find fluoride-free toothpaste, and toothpaste for kids! All are vegan, and paraben/alcohol-free.

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7) Tom’s of Maine

This brand has a page on their website dedicated to their stewardship model, which outlines the ways in which they ensure that their company doesn’t cause harm to the planet or those on it.

Such efforts include focussing on more sustainable packaging, ensuring no animal testing, being mostly vegan, and sourcing ingredients which are natural, sustainable, & free from harm to people or the planet.

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8) Dr. Brite

The toothpaste made by this company is Environmental Working Group certified as a safe toothpaste, which is also safe to swallow -- isn’t it wild that some toothpastes aren’t?! Using aloe vera juice, coconut oil, calcium carbonate, tea tree leaf oil and other ingredients, this toothpaste is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from artificial flavors and colors, from SLS, phthalate, parabens and sulfates. With toothpaste options for kids, those wanting extra whitening, & who need extra sensitive paste, this brand has a solid range.

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9) Kiss My Face

‘Cruelty free and clean since 1983’, this brand has both fluoride and non-fluoride options, with all their pastes being free from SLS, parabens and phthalates.

You can find different toothpastes for your preference like Super White, Triple Action and Sensitive. They also have a berry toothpaste for kids! The majority of their products are vegan, 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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Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated and/or sponsored; 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 Period Underwear Brands

The first time I heard about period underwear, my first thought was, “Ew.” I’ve always preferred tampons to pads and recently transitioned to a menstrual cup, so the thought of walking around with underwear that absorbed everything just grossed me out. But as a twenty-something who uses social media, I was eventually influenced by a sustainable account I had grown to trust. She was a skeptic turned believer, and it didn’t feel like a ploy for her to get paid by the brand. Besides, it was only $30. Now, I am that skeptic turned believer.

Period underwear is comfortable, cute, sustainable, easy, and, best of all, it actually works. I’m still a lover of my period cup, but on days that I don’t want to have to stress about changing my cup midday, period underwear comes in clutch. The material is simultaneously breathable and moisture-wicking, confidently absorbent and subtly smooth. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a diaper (which was a fear of mine) or even a pad for that matter. It just feels like underwear you can rock all day while you conquer the world, just as you normally would.

Is Period Underwear Sustainable?

Period underwear is the sustainable option for any time of the month, too. You don’t *just* have to wear it while menstruating; a lot of these brands offer products that are absorbent as well as moisture-wicking, keeping you comfortable no matter what the day throws at you. With that being said, some brands do use some materials that might not necessarily be sustainable, like nylon, but the concept of period underwear and the accessibility that they offer is sustainable. Reducing the waste of tampons and pads and other feminine hygiene products that end up in landfills and our oceans is a sustainable win. 

These nine period underwear brands will make sure you can still conquer the world in comfort, even while you’re on your period.

Our Top Picks for Period Underwear Brands:

1) Hannah

Price | Underwear: $30-$45

Sizing | XS-2XL

In addition to their reusable pads and period cups, Hannah also has a collection of period panties that come in a variety of styles—from thongs to standard briefs to boyshorts and more. They’re made using undyed and unbleached certified organic cotton, and are guaranteed to be PFAS-free.

Give them a follow on Instagram, too (@thebrand_hannah) for more tips on care, cleaning, and more!

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2) Thinx

Price | Underwear: $24-$42 // Saver Sets: $64 (2 pairs)-$159 (5 pairs)

Sizing | XXS-3XL

Thinx was founded in 2013 and encompasses Thinx (period underwear), Thinx BTWN (period underwear for teens), and Speax (underwear for bladder leaks). Your purchase of a pair of Thinx underwear has power, helping to uphold initiatives like EveryBody campaign that educates and empowers young people and MAS’ Women Go Beyond initiative at their facility in Sri Lanka. Their underwear materials are transparently outlined on their site, all OEKO-TEX certified.

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3) Knix

Price | Underwear: $23-$38 // Bundles: $105 (light flow: 4 pairs)-$125 (heavy flow: 4 pairs)

Sizing | XS-4XL

This woman-founded brand also prioritizes transparency and women empowerment, a theme with most period underwear brands (so awesome!). As Knix continues to grow, the company continues to work toward more sustainable practices, believing that imperfectly starting somewhere is better than not starting at all - which I agree with! Their blog, The Lift, has tons of inclusive, accessible, and informative content on topics from wellness to parenthood. 

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4) Proof

Price | Underwear: $25-$43 // Bundle: Buy 3 pairs save 10%, Buy 5 pairs save 15%, Buy 7 pairs save 20%

Sizing | XS-3XL

Founded by the three Caden sisters, Proof focuses on covering all kinds of leaks, like period, bladder, maternity and postpartum, sweat, and post-sex - whatever it is, they got you covered. They also have period underwear that is eligible for reimbursement under your HSA and FSA. Talk about progress! Proof is paired with the Period Menstrual Movement, Black Women for Wellness, and the High Five Grant for Moms to help further women empowerment throughout the world. 

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5) Modibodi

Price | Underwear: $18.50-$45 // Bundle: $44.50 (5 moisture-wicking pairs)-$307 (10 mix of moderate to overnight pairs)

Sizing | XS-6XL

At Modibodi, part of each purchase goes toward donating pairs of period underwear to girls in need around the world. So far, Modibodi has donated 23,341 pairs. They also have donated period underwear during crises like the Australian Brushfire and the Covid-19 pandemic. Modibodi uses materials like bamboo viscose, sports merino wool, and microfiber. Their Made To Feel film campaign shows that the sustainable choice can also be the most comfortable & impactful choice. 

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6) Saalt

Price | Underwear: $29-$39 // Bundles: $98 (1 undie, 2 cups, period cup wash) - $171 (3 undies, 2 cups, period cup wash) // Build Your Own Bundle & Save

Sizing | XS-XXL

Saalt is another B-corp certified company, and they give 2% back to fund initiatives in education, sustainability, and menstrual health. Their packaging is 100% recyclable, and their products are ethically made with partners that create positive change, like access to clean drinking water, in their communities. Saalt’s Impact page is informative and transparent, and you can find their 2020 Impact Report linked there. We love an openly communicative company. 

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7) Ruby Love

Price | Underwear: $17.99-$29.99 // Bundles: $74.99 (3 pairs)- $225 (9 pairs)

Sizing | Bikini, High-waist, Brief, and Hipster: XS-3XL // Bliss Seamless Underwear: XXS-8X

Ruby Love’s technology has 5 layers of protection (and no plastic), with the option to add one of their double-sided pads for extra absorbency and protection. This brand is all about inclusivity, clarifying that their products are for any person who wants extra security due to periods, bladder leaks, incontinence, age, or any other personal preference. Ruby Love also offers the widest variety of options, in sizes, colors, and styles.

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8) Aisle

Price | Underwear: $32-$46 // Bundle: Set of 3 save 5%, Set of 5 save 10%

Sizing | XS-5XL

Aisle has been a certified B-corp company since 2012, and the co-founders have been in the business of sustainable products for women since 1993. Each pair of their period underwear comes with a bonus absorbency booster that can be slipped into the underwear on extra heavy days, for extra peace of mind. They are uber transparent about materials, production, and partnerships. 

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9) Dear Kate

Price | $34-$46

Sizing | XS-3X

Dear Kate is all about “protecting against leaks and stains every day of the month.” They partner with Days for Girls and donate a pair of underwear for every purchase over $100 (which seems like a lot, but that’s only 3 pairs of undies!). Their “leak-resistant” underwear is made of their patent-pending 100% fabric lining using Tactel® and LYRCA® yarns. The site’s “How It Works” page has a ton of transparent information about the product.  

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About the Author:

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

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Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Cold-Weather Date Ideas

When cold weather hits, we naturally retreat indoors to share time with our loved ones in warm, cozy spaces. But this shift can often morph into high-spending nights, whether that’s fancy cocktails or dinner and a movie. And while there’s nothing wrong with an evening out, it can get old (and expensive) quite fast. 

The ordinary date might also not be nurturing to your relationship in the way that you need. For example, The Gottman Institute explains that the most successful couples are attentive to one another. Instead of half-heartedly listening or scrolling through your phone while your partner talks, the most successful relationships prioritize responding to each other's “bids” for attention, which happen in little ways throughout the day. 

So, whether you’re sharing time with a partner, bestie, or family member, getting creative with time spent together can save money while also deepening your connection in fresh and unexpected ways. Here, we explore some creative cold-weather date ideas for enjoying yourself mindfully and sustainability in the colder months.

Our top sustainable cold-weather date ideas:

1) At-Home Spa Night

Spa night is a classic way to connect with your love at home. Research shows that a massage from your partner can boost physical and mental wellbeing, in addition to reducing perceived stress and boosting coping skills. Learning a few massage therapy techniques (or learning what your partner likes and needs) can go a long way in boosting personal wellness while strengthening your interpersonal connection.You can take these benefits to the next level with Selfmade’s intimacy serum for massages and bodily exploration. Intimacy serum has ingredients specifically designed to soothe stress, promote relaxation, and increase feeling of pleasure.

While it isn’t meant to be a personal lubricant, specifically, it’s great for using as a massage oil to nourish skin while connecting more deeply.

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2) Local art or history museum

When’s the last time you went to a local art or history museum? Chances are, there’s a museum (or exhibit) nearby you haven’t visited yet. This is a great cold-weather date idea for a number of reasons, the first being that it can support your and your partner’s well-being. In fact, a study showed that time spent at an art museum can improve positive relationships with others while increasing overall feelings of engagement in your life experiences.

Additionally, museums provide opportunities to expand conversation and discuss new topics with your loved one.

Since museums aren’t the best place for conversation, consider bringing notebooks along to record thoughts and feelings you have while viewing the art, then be sure to reserve time to share and discuss after you’ve left.

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3) Buy Seasonal Ingredients for a Sustainable Dinner

Eating seasonal food is an easy and effective way to support the planet.

That’s because you’re not contributing to the fossil fuels spent to transport something out-of-season long distances, and you’re supporting small farmers in your local area who follow regenerative agriculture practices.

While it’s harder to find a farmers market in colder months, you can search for a local farm that might have vegetables for sale, or head to a natural foods store that sells locally-harvested items. 

Another idea is to check out the Seasonal Food Guide—a great resource to discover what’s currently in-season in your specific area. Then, you can look up recipes based on what’s currently growing, and head out to find ingredients. Be sure to bring a sustainable bag (we love the size and durability of Baggu for groceries!).

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4) Book a Green Getaway

Looking for some travel time with your special someone?

Book a getaway at a green spa or wellness retreat using the Green Spa Network.

Their locator tool makes it easy to discover all the wellness resorts near you that make a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. 

We highly suggest checking out Getaway - their cozy cabins provide restorative stays in nature where your loved ones can take a break from work, wifi, and routines!

Another resource is Ecobnb, which operates just like Airbnb or VRBO but lists only sustainable properties. On this list, you’ll find a place to stay that meets Ecobnb’s top ten sustainability criteria, including energy standards like solar panels, rainwater recovery and reuse, and 100% renewable energy. They also look at lifestyle elements, like local or organic food and ecological cleaning products. If you’re up for splurging on a night away from home, doing so sustainably can reduce the impact of your travel while spicing up the average hotel experience.

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5) Wind Down with a Themed Movie & Mocktails 

Tired of the same old Netflix and chill, but still want a cozy night at home? Switch it up with a sustainable cocktail from Parch, which is made with a curated mix of desert botanicals, adaptogens, and other ingredients.

Pair this desert-themed cocktail with a modern western like The Power of The Dog, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, or Django Unchained.

If westerns aren’t your vibe, create your own pairing with any other drink (or food!) that might suit something you’d like to watch.

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6) Make a Mini Fire Inside

Don’t have a firepit but want authentic smores? We’re in love with the mini fire pits from Colsen Fire Pits. Unlike propane-based stoves, which obviously rely on fossil fuels, these fire pits actually use rubbing alcohol to stay lit. They’re also made with heavy duty materials meant to last a lifetime, so they’re a great investment. 

We recommend pairing your Colsen fire pit with a s’mores bar, where you can DIY different s’mores flavors. You can also use the little fire pit to simply spice up the ambiance during dinner at home.

No matter what you choose to do with it, we guarantee you’ll love the way this cozy addition brings warmth to special time spent with your loved one.

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7) Hit the Library for Activity Ideas

If you’re searching for a low-impact date idea that doesn’t cost money, consider spending an afternoon at your local library. And while time spent at the library could feel like a date in itself for bibliophiles, we recommend searching for books that detail new crafts, hobbies, or recipes you and your partner can do together. There are tons of books and resources on sustainable crafts that leverage repurposed materials you might already have lying around (or could find at the thrift store). For example, DIY Sustainable Projects by Audrey Love features 15 objects that are not only made from sustainable materials, recycled materials, but that support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Another idea is to get a sustainable craft kit from Pottery With a Purpose, which has a range of craft options like a plant and pottery kit, a ceramic candle and clay kit, and more.

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8) Try Indoor Rock Climbing

If there’s a rock climbing gym near you and you’re up for an adventure, this is a great couples activity. Experts say that working out with your partner can strengthen your bond, because it helps you find one another more attractive.

Moreover, trying something new together adds excitement so that you can share in the learning and growing together. If you wind up loving it and want to go again, you might consider stocking up on some climbing essentials that can help you better prepare for the experience. If climbing isn’t in the cards for you, we also love roller skating and pickleball as great couples activities that help you reap the benefits of being active together.

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9)  Get Deep with Conversation Cards

Did you know that deep conversations can foster a greater sense of connection? Research shows that, when compared to smalltalk, deep conversations fostered more meaningful conversations that people preferred having (even when they expected the deeper conversations to be more awkward). Whether or not you and your partner struggle to get deep, one of our favorite ways to connect with loved ones is through conversation story cards.

We’re a big fan of these cards because they foster mindfulness and promote connection in a more meaningful way than the average night out. Ester Perel’s cards are specifically designed to help you tell stories about your past, your present, and your future. 

It uses prompts like, “A rule I secretly love to break is…” to foster emotional intimacy. Multiple games can be played from this single deck of cards, making them a great investment—and they’re great to use when deepening connections with friends, family members, coworkers, and other people in your life. 

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10) Volunteer Together

Volunteering is a great way to help your community while connecting with your partner over a shared mission. Volunteer Match is the go-to resource for finding local organizations that need your help. You can also filter opportunities based on your skills and interested cause areas, such as crisis support, literacy, and more. In addition to making a difference in other people’s lives, volunteering has been proven to support your own health. In particular, research on the benefits of volunteering have shown it to improve life satisfaction, lower depression, and decrease feelings of isolation.

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Whether you’re seeking to connect with a longtime partner or you want to spice up your winter dates, these 10 cold weather ideas are scientifically proven to help you connect on a deeper level while fostering happiness during the chilly season.

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About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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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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RELATED READING YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY:

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