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The Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Umbrellas
If you live in a climate where you often get day-long downpours and heavy rain, an umbrella is a must-have accessory that you probably carry around on a regular basis.
In some places, leaving your home without an umbrella is a risky game as you might end up soaked, and even get sick if you stay in wet clothes for a while.
Carrying your umbrella with you whenever it rains allows you to make the most of each rainy day and enhances your experience outside while staying protected from the elements.
However, most umbrellas we can find on the market are mass-produced and very poorly made, and they often break after only a few months of use, if not sooner. I cannot count how many umbrellas I have broken over the years before I have invested in a good quality one!
Millions of umbrellas (maybe even more) are discarded each year around the world and they cannot be recycled. This contributes to our global waste issue and adds to the ever-growing landfills.
Thankfully, you can choose an umbrella that is more sustainable and well-made, an umbrella that is not disposable or harming the planet.
Here are nine more sustainable umbrellas we recommend to protect yourself from the elements. They are either made from eco-friendly materials or they are umbrellas that are designed to last forever (or both).
WHAT MAKES AN UMBRELLA SUSTAINABLE?
An eco-friendly umbrella is above all high-quality and built to hold up over time. Thanks to a good design, it resists inversion when there are strong winds and should not break after only a few months.
An umbrella can also be sustainable when it is made with durable, eco-friendly materials. It should not be mass-produced by brands that do not even provide fair wages and healthy working conditions for their workers.
If the brand offers to repair its products, it is a great eco-friendly initiative that will extend the umbrella’s life by many more years. The umbrella can be a good product to invest in as you won’t need to throw it away if it stops functioning properly down the line.
WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?
It can be tricky to find a sustainable material for the umbrella’s canopy because it needs to be waterproof, which means that most will be made of synthetic fabrics. There are a few brands using waterproof cotton canvas with non-toxic waterproof coatings as a plastic-free alternative; however, we know some of you may be looking for something more practical that can dry quicker.
That is why recycled polyester might be the best option, and it is even better if it received the Global Recycled Standard certification!
When it comes to the frame of the umbrella, high-quality fiberglass or steel are durable materials that should last. On the other hand, wood, cork and bamboo are some of the most sustainable materials for the handle.
OUR TOP PICKS FOR HIGH-QUALITY AND SUSTAINABLE UMBRELLAS
Plastic-Free Umbrellas:
1. Haasch Design
Materials: Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo, Wood
Price: $100 - 122
A plastic-free umbrella does exist!
Haasch Design offers a unique range of umbrellas that are both chic and environmentally conscious. Crafted without any plastic, their umbrellas not only provide protection from sun and rain but also embody their commitment to fair trade principles. Each design is the result of careful consideration for the well-being of the planet, its animals, and human health.
Their umbrellas are handmade by a talented team of artisans in Thailand, ensuring that each piece is crafted with care and skill. They believe in supporting local economies and empowering artisans through fair compensation and ethical practices.
In addition to their sustainable efforts, Haasch Designs is proud to donate 10% of all sales from their PINK supabrella collection to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). This partnership helps fund vital research programs aimed at advancing breast cancer awareness and treatment.
2. Mia Sombrilla
Materials: Bamboo, Cotton Canvas
Price: $32 - 45
Mia Sombrilla specializes in creating vibrant, water-resistant parasols designed for use on both sunny and rainy days. These beautifully crafted parasols are perfect for adding a splash of color to a variety of occasions, including weddings, parties, garden gatherings, or even just for personal protection against the elements. Upon relocating to the Southwest, the founder of Mia Sombrilla quickly recognized the invaluable role that shade plays in enhancing comfort outdoors. She sought a lightweight solution that would provide protection from both the sun and occasional rain, without the bulk of a traditional umbrella.
Their basic cotton canvas parasols feature an elegant bamboo handle and a reliable locking mechanism, ensuring durability and ease of use. Handmade by skilled artisans in Thailand, each parasol is meticulously crafted and then hand-painted to create unique designs. After being painted, the parasols are waterproofed and finished in-house at Mia Sombrilla, guaranteeing their resilience against the elements. They include a beautifully braided hemp bracelet that keeps the parasol tightly closed when not in use, as well as a charming rope handle for comfortable holding or hanging. All of their parasols are designed to be sturdy and waterproofed, ensuring you stay protected and stylish, no matter the weather.
3. Princezices
Materials: Cork, Wood, Metal
Price: $113
This umbrella features a unique combination of materials, including a lightweight yet durable metal frame, a stylish wooden handle, and a canopy made of sustainable cork.
Its water-resistant properties make it an ideal choice for various weather conditions, while its eco-friendly design reflects a commitment to sustainability.
By choosing this cork design umbrella, you not only protect yourself from both sun and rain, but you also add a touch of elegance to your outdoor outings. The striking appearance of the cork material is sure to create some double takes!
Recycled Umbrellas:
1. Saffron Brush Original Duckhead
Materials: Recycled PET, Wood, Steel, Aluminum
Price: $42
The Saffron Brush compact umbrella from Original Duckhead is probably the most adorable umbrella you will ever see in your life! Besides protecting you from the elements, it will make you smile, stand out from the crowd and add a pop of color wherever you go. This umbrella is handmade using recycled PET fabric produced from nine recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, and its frame is made of steel and aluminum.
The most unique feature of Original Duckhead’s umbrella is its cute solid wood handle, made from sustainably sourced Birchwood, that has the shape of a duck head. It has an automatic open button to make opening the umbrella easy and practical.
The brand has 18 different designs, patterns and colors to choose from, from stripes to flowers, to solid colors and geometric patterns. Using age-old techniques, it only designs high-quality umbrellas that are made to hold up over time. Each umbrella is waterproof thanks to a sustainable, non-toxic AC coating.
Original Duckhead is a woman-owned company based in the United Kingdom that sends its products in fully recyclable packaging, and its poly-bags are certified 100% biodegradable.
2. Totes
Materials: Recycled Plastic, Wood
Price: $23
With a canopy made from 100% recycled PET bottles, this eco-friendly umbrella sold by Totes contains approximately 7 reclaimed plastic bottles. The totes auto open wooden stick umbrella features an innovative totescoat technology that effectively repels water, providing maximum protection against rain.
It’s also designed with user-friendliness in mind, and boasts a quick and easy auto open function. With just the touch of a button, the umbrella springs open, enabling you to shield yourself from rain instantly without fumbling. The totes auto open wooden stick umbrella is built to last, incorporating an impact-resistant metal tip that enhances durability and extends its life.
This umbrella combines style with functionality, featuring a beautifully crafted wooden j-handle. The classic crook shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. Its sturdy construction ensures easy handling and is lightweight enough for convenient carrying. Plus, the 48-inch canopy provides ample coverage, ensuring you stay protected from the elements while looking polished and put-together.
Founded in 1924, Totes has over 50 years of innovation and expertise in umbrella production and it was the first brand to create a foldable umbrella.
3. JollyBrolly ECO Bamboo
Materials: Recycled PET, Bamboo, Fiberglass
Price: $44
Made from sustainable materials, the ECO bamboo umbrella you can find on Jollybrolly’s website is the dream umbrella for all environmentalists!
In addition to being stylish and beautifully made, it doesn’t harm the planet.
Its high-quality canopy is made from 100% recycled PET bottles, which diverts them from ending up in landfills by creating an entirely new product.
The umbrella’s handle, pole and tips are made of bamboo, which is the fastest growing plant on Earth. It means that the environmental impact of cutting down bamboo compared to trees is much lower because the plant is so quick to regrow. Bamboo also does not need a lot of water to grow, and it is a natural material, so it biodegrades easily compared to synthetic materials.
Jollybrolly’s bamboo umbrella is entirely windproof thanks to its flexible and strong frame made of fiberglass. Available in five colors, this medium-size umbrella measures 40 inches across the canopy.
Jollybrolly is a British brand that sells all kinds of umbrellas, from wedding ones to golf umbrellas, to classic umbrellas for women, men and kids. The company also has a full range of sustainably-made umbrellas, so it has you covered!
Sustainably Durable Umbrellas:
1. Davek Elite umbrella from Davek
Materials: Polyester, Leather, Fiberglass
Price: $159
The Davek Elite umbrella designed by the American brand Davek is a beautiful classic cane umbrella that combines performance with elegance, making it ideal for everyday use and more formal events.
Created in three colors (black, navy blue, and copper), the umbrella has a 50 inches arc-diameter canopy and an auto-open system. Its wind-tension frame, made of fiberglass, resists inversion in strong winds.
Davek only uses durable materials of premium quality to make sure the umbrellas are made to last. Each umbrella is crafted using 96 steps and 12 different points of inspection.
The dome-shaped canopy is made with a 210-thread count fabric. The umbrella also features a beautiful handle made of top-grain leather that was elegantly stitched and a zinc alloy.
Each Davek umbrella comes with a unique serial number, which means that if you lose it, you can use the number to get a new umbrella at up to 50% off the regular price.
The New York-based brand also backs its umbrellas with an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Thus, the company can repair or replace your umbrella for free at any time if it stops functioning properly.
2. Collapsible umbrella from Weatherman
Materials: Polyester, Fiberglass
Price: $74
The Collapsible umbrella from the brand Weatherman is a great versatile and practical umbrella for everyday use. When you purchase one, you can choose between nine beautiful colors to match your style and preferences.
This umbrella is made from high-quality materials, and it should last for years.
Its industrial-strength fiberglass is designed to prevent inverting, and its hand-sewn canopy can withstand winds up to 55 mph.
With its open canopy measuring 40 inches in diameter, it will keep you dry no matter the weather conditions! Its water-repellent fabric also dries very fast, making it even more practical.
Weatherman’s umbrella opens itself by the push of a button, and it features reflective accents to provide its user extra safety when it is used in the dark. It has a wrist strap for carrying it easily wherever you go.
The brand includes optional Bluetooth technology in its umbrella so that you can track it from the Weatherman app. That way, you will know exactly where the umbrella is at all times and you won’t lose it anymore!
The app also tracks the weather outside and it is developed to send notifications when you need to bring your umbrella with you. I love how innovative and unique this feature is!
3. Classic umbrella from Blunt
Materials: Polyester, Fiberglass, Aluminum, Rubber
Price: $99
The Classic umbrella from Blunt, which has an eye-catching and unique shape, was created for people who love combining style with good design. Available in seven colors, the umbrella’s canopy is made of polyester that dries very quickly.
The frame is produced from polycarbonate fiberglass and the handle is made with rubber.
All these materials are of superior quality so that the umbrella can last for years, and every component does at least two jobs to enhance its durability. Each umbrella even undergoes a 38-point quality control check during the production process. It is tested in extreme weather conditions and resists wind up to 72 mph.
Blunt’s classic full-length umbrella features an easy-grip handle, double struts and an open diameter of 49 inches. Its patented Blunt tips open into their secure pockets so that they are safe for users and passersby, and to evenly distribute the tension to the edge, where it is needed the most.
Blunt is known for developing innovative umbrellas that are built for life. With their unique patented style and shape, they are both a fashion accessory and a high-performance product that will make you stand out wherever you are!
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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