A Guide to Beautiful, Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses

women wearing sustainable bridesmaid dresses at a wedding

Wedding planning can be overwhelming for newly engaged couples, with numerous tasks to manage. While it's an exciting time, there are many details to address before the big day. One particularly challenging aspect is choosing bridesmaid dresses that align with the wedding theme and appeal to all the bridesmaids. And if you throw sustainability into the mix, the task becomes even more complicated.

Fortunately, there are increasing options for sustainable bridesmaid dresses, allowing you to uphold your values while planning your wedding!

This article will teach you how to choose more sustainable dresses for your bridesmaids, and where they can be found. That way, your wedding (too) can be as sustainable as possible!

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Cover Image: Whimsy & Row

How to Choose Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses:

To choose eco-friendly dresses for your bridesmaids, prioritize options they can wear repeatedly, not just for your wedding. Even sustainable dresses are wasteful if worn only once. Allowing bridesmaids to select their own dresses increases the likelihood they'll wear them again. This is what Natalie, Sustainably Chic founder, did at her wedding and all her bridesmaids looked absolutely beautiful!

And why not ask your girlfriends if they already have a bridesmaid dress in their closets? They may have previously attended a wedding or formal event and can reuse their dress now.

Having a specific theme for your wedding can guide your discussions with your girlfriends. Check if your bridesmaids have dresses that fit the theme; if not, provide guidelines for their personal choices. If you prefer to choose, ask about their favorite colors and styles, considering their body shapes for a flattering fit.

Opt for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, Tencel, or recycled polyester, and ensure quality for lasting wear.

The dresses must make each of your bridesmaids feel confident and amazing. They need to complement their silhouettes and be comfortable to wear at the same time. If they feel good in them, your friends will be more likely to reuse them in the future!

Don't Forget to Consider Budgets!

When picking the dresses, also do not forget to be conscious of everyone’s budget. Buying a new bridesmaid dress can be a big expense for many, not to mention all the other costs of attending a wedding.

This is another reason why I think letting your girlfriends choose their dresses is a great idea. It means that not only they will be able to pick a dress they will absolutely love, but they will also be in control of how much they will spend on their dress. They will have more control over the price and buying a dress won’t have to be a big financial burden for them.

Finally, consider letting your bridesmaids choose their footwear and accessories as well. They all probably already own a nice pair of heels or beautiful earrings and necklaces. It would be an additional expense for them to buy new shoes and jewelry, and it would not be sustainable to do so.

Letting them pick their own accessories and shoes will allow them to express their personality, and it will make each of them truly unique. Plus, it is one less thing you need to worry about before your wedding day!

Where to shop for sustainable bridesmaid dresses:

Once you have decided whether you want to let your girlfriends pick their bridesmaid dresses or if you prefer choosing the specific models in advance, you need to know where to find them.

The dresses in your bridesmaids’ closets

As mentioned earlier, the most sustainable dresses are the ones your friends already have in their closets. If you do not mind a more mismatched look at your wedding or if you gave your bridesmaids a few guidelines and they have exactly what you want at home, why don’t they reuse what they already have?

Allowing them to wear dresses they bought in the past is awesome for preventing waste as they are reusing something that was collecting dust in a closet.

It also means that they do not need to purchase a new dress, thus not contributing to the demand for new dresses to be produced and saving a lot of money in the process.

All the bridesmaids could also swap their dresses if they wish to refresh their looks and do not want to always wear the same thing at weddings.

Rental services

As bridesmaid dresses are usually only worn once, or a couple of times at best, renting them can be a great option that is not only more sustainable but also more budget-friendly!

Since you can rent a formal dress at a fraction of the retail price, it means that you can afford more high-end, designer pieces that you would otherwise not be able to choose. And this option is better if your bridesmaids have a limited budget and you do not want them to break the bank for your wedding.

Check if you have a local renting shop in your area or visit an online store that rents dresses and formalwear. There are many websites available in the United States, but our favorite one is Rent The Runway.

It is a membership-based website that has a huge selection of flattering bridesmaid dresses, available in sizes 0 to 22. You get to choose between a large variety of colors, styles, and lengths, and it even has some dresses for pregnant women.

Second-hand stores or online websites

Even though it is a bit harder to find exactly what you are looking for, buying second-hand is another sustainable alternative to purchasing new dresses.

Many women sell their bridesmaid dresses because they don’t see themselves wearing them again in the future. Thus, you can find beautiful dresses in perfect condition that have only been worn once and that are sold at a more affordable price.

Choosing second-hand dresses is extremely eco-friendly as you are giving a new life to dresses that would have probably never been worn again, and you end up saving a lot of money at the same time.

Of course, finding the exact models and styles you want might be a bit more tricky if you look on the second-hand market, but you might find some cool, unique pieces, so do not ignore this option.

You may have a local resale shop in your area, but if it is not the case, consider looking for bridesmaid dresses on eBay, Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace. You can also find your dream dresses on specialized websites like Once Wed or Pre Owned Wedding Dresses.

Ethical & sustainable brands

If you still could not find the ideal bridesmaid dresses or if you want all your bridesmaids to have the same dress, you will probably have to buy them from an online shop.

Unfortunately, not all brands are created equal and the majority of bridesmaid dresses on the market are made unsustainably and unethically, and their quality could be better.

But there are a couple of eco-friendly brands that decided to change the situation, which means that you can now pick beautiful bridesmaid dresses that will not harm the planet.

Here is our selection of 5 ethical brands selling sustainably-made bridesmaid dresses!

beautiful pink sustainable bridesmaid dress

1. Omnes

Materials: ECOVERO, Recycled Polyester

Price: $152-169

OMNES has an amazing collection of bridesmaid dresses that perfectly combines beauty and sustainability. These dresses made from LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose & recycled polyester are gentler on the planet than conventional polyester options.

Available in shades like soft sage, vintage pink, and butter yellow, there’s a perfect color for every wedding theme. Designed in London and produced ethically, they offer a beautiful and responsible choice.

Shop Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses from Omnes

woman wearing a deep red sustainable bridesmaid dress made from cotton

2. SeamsFriendly

Materials: Cotton

Price: $46-88

SeamsFriendly has a lovely collection of bridesmaid dresses made from 100% cotton. The fabric is hand spun and handwoven with azo-free dyes making the dresses both eco-friendly and non-toxic!

Each dress is customizable & tailor-made for all body types, so every bridesmaid can find something that fits her perfectly. With a range of colors and designs, SeamsFriendly’s dresses help create a beautiful and personalized look for any wedding party!

Shop Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses from SeamsFriendly

3. Whimsy & Row

Materials: Tencel, Cupro, ECOVERO

Price: $148-248

Whimsy & Row is a California-based fashion brand that creates clothing using low-impact fabrics only. It has different models of dresses that can easily be worn as bridesmaid dresses at a wedding.

The brand sells a beautiful wrap dress made of a blend of ECOVERO viscose and viscose Lenzing, which are both more eco-friendly types of viscose. You also get to choose between a few other models produced in a silky Tencel-cupro fabric.

Whimsy & Row is a carbon-neutral company that makes its clothes in limited quantities and upcycles its fabric scraps to avoid unnecessary waste. It also produces everything within a few miles from its office to minimize its carbon footprint.

Shop Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses from Whimsy + Row

4. Reformation

Materials: Linen, Silk, Viscose

Price: $198-498

Reformation has an incredible collection of dresses that can be worn as bridesmaid dresses or at any other formal event. You can choose between various styles, necklines, sleeves, lengths and colors.

Some dresses feature cool details such as waist ties, high slits, open backs, or ruffle-edged straps. Many dresses also have a floral print that makes the whole outfit even more feminine and elegant.

Reformation’s dresses are created in different fabrics, including linen, silk and viscose made from sustainably-sourced wood pulp. The company has been carbon-neutral since 2015, and it cuts and sews over 50% of its clothing locally, in Los Angeles.

Shop Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses from Reformation

5. Christy Dawn

Materials: Regenerative Silk

Price: $498

Christy Dawn's bridesmaid dresses are a perfect blend of classic style and eco-friendly practices. Made from 100% regenerative crepe de chine silk, each gown - like the Angelica, Helina, and Athena - is dyed using organic pigments and produced right in Los Angeles.

These dresses are designed to flatter with features like bias-cut skirts, empire waists, and delicate ruffles or flutter sleeves, making them both comfortable and beautiful. By partnering with BOMBYX, Christy Dawn ensures that their silk is sourced responsibly, keeping the environment in mind at every step.

Shop Sustainable Bridesmaid Dresses from Christy Dawn

where to find sustainable bridesmaid dresses Pinterest image

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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What is sustainable travel?

Sustainable travel is traveling in a way that lessens your impact on the places you’re visiting. Sustainable travel aims to support both the people and environment of any given destination.

There are numerous ways you can be a more sustainable traveler, but it essentially means being conscious of your actions while on vacation. This can look like staying at an eco-friendly hotel or choosing to shop at a local, sustainable boutique.

Sustainable travel doesn’t need to be complicated. If you make sustainable choices in your everyday life, try to do the same while on vacation.

Why you should consider responsible travel:

With travel more accessible than ever, many popular tourist destinations have begun to pay the price, resulting in overtourism. Overtourism is when a place experiences too many tourists at once and has a harmful effect. This has become increasingly common, with many popular destinations experiencing rising prices, environmental damage, exploitative labor, and locals being pushed out.

When traveling, what we do matters. From the resources we consume, to the places we stay, to the tours we book, and the businesses we give our money to, each choice we make can either have a positive or negative effect on a place.

Choosing to be more sustainable on vacation ensures that the places we visit aren’t harmed or changed by tourism and can be enjoyed for years to come.

two women in an airport planning their sustainable travel

10 Easy Ways to Be Sustainable on Vacation:

1. Bring Reusable Items

One of the easiest ways to be more sustainable on vacation is to pack your reusable items. While traveling, reducing plastic consumption can become difficult. Whether you’re purchasing water bottles while sightseeing, or other plastic-wrapped, single-use items, this can add up on a trip.

A good rule of thumb while traveling is to pack any reusable items you use on a daily basis. This will cut down on your plastic consumption and help you travel more sustainably.

This may look like bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at your accommodation or restaurant. You could also use reusable containers as packing cubes and then use them to pack lunch on the road or pick up takeout.

2. Avoid Buying Travel-Size Items

Another easy way to be a more sustainable traveler is to resist buying travel-size items for your trip. While this feels more convenient and lessens your overall baggage weight, it’s generally a wasteful practice. Most travel-size items are packaged in plastic and will be disposed of by the end of your trip.

Instead, consider packing the full-size toiletries you use daily. If you need new items, purchase zero-waste toiletries. Shampoo, conditioner, and lotion all come in zero-waste bars now, which are perfect for traveling.

These bars can even be packed in your carry-on since they aren’t liquid. They also weigh less than liquid toiletries and don’t contain plastic.

3. Pack Sustainably

What we bring with us on vacation can either increase or decrease our carbon footprint, especially our microplastic pollution. Prioritize packing sustainable clothing, and toiletries as well as using eco-friendly luggage if you have it.

You don’t have to bring or buy an entirely sustainable wardrobe to make an impact, however. A little goes a long way. Consider what things you’ll wear the most, and prioritize sustainable options for those items.

For example, if you’re going on a beach vacation, your sustainable swimsuit will probably get the most use and have a greater impact. If you’re heading on a trek through the mountains, then sustainable activewear may be the most important item to pack.

Swapping just a few items for ones made from sustainable materials will still make a difference.

4. Choose Eco-Friendly Methods of Transportation

One of the best things about vacation is that transportation becomes a form of sightseeing. This means eco-friendly methods of transportation can actually be more fun. Walking throughout the city is not just sustainable; it’s a great way to get to know your surroundings.

Taking the train or bus is an easy way to hop around while lowering your carbon footprint and still soaking up your surroundings. If you’re short on time and need to take a car, choose locally-owned transportation companies or hire a local driver.

Unfortunately, flying is the least sustainable form of transport. It’s also a necessity to get to many destinations. If your schedule allows and you’re heading somewhere accessible by train, bus, or car, consider choosing those forms of transport over flying.

If you need to fly, most airlines now offer the opportunity to offset the emissions. Google Flights will even show which flight has the least amount of emissions, so you choose the more sustainable option when possible.

5. Support Local Businesses

One of my favorite ways to be sustainable on vacation is to support local businesses. Many travelers tend to shop, stay and eat at the same chain restaurants as they do at home. Not only does this not support the local economy, but it also prevents you from getting the true local experience while on vacation.

Prioritize stepping out of your comfort zone and instead choosing to support local businesses. Taste local food at family-owned restaurants or restaurants that use locally grown ingredients.

Buy your souvenirs from locally-owned storefronts. Check out handmade goods, sustainable local boutiques, or thrift shops.

6. Choose Locally-Owned, Sustainable Accommodation

When it comes to choosing where to stay on vacation, there are a few things to look for as a sustainable traveler.

Look for family-run, locally-owned accommodation. These will typically be boutique hotels, bed, and breakfasts, or guest houses. Avoid staying in chain hotels or resorts. These properties tend to contribute to gentrification and rising prices. They also typically don’t use sustainable business practices.

If you’re looking to stay in a rental property like Airbnb, try to book from a local host and avoid any properties that are run by third-party companies.

Lastly, look for an accommodation that implements eco-friendly practices, like sustainable bedding, water-saving showerheads, composting, or energy-efficient lighting.

Many booking platforms now allow you to filter by sustainable or eco-friendly properties. You can also use eco-friendly booking sites like Fairbnb to find sustainable accommodation.

Just make sure that the eco-friendly accommodation you’re considering is transparent about the sustainable measures they’re taking so you can avoid greenwashing.

7. Travel During Off-Season

When popular destinations get too many crowds during peak season, and none during the rest of the year, this causes instability for the locals that live there. Many businesses are forced to close during the off-season, which isn’t sustainable long-term. Plus, the cost of living may spike artificially during the high season, while crowds make it difficult for locals to go about their daily lives.

Choosing to travel during the off-season is a great way to be a more sustainable traveler.

Plus, it has numerous benefits: fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and a more local experience.

Research the high and low seasons of the destinations you want to visit and plan your vacation outside of peak season. This is one of the best ways to combat overtourism as it gives destinations a break during high season but consistent tourism dollars year-round.

8. Choose Locally-Run Tours

If you like to do tours while on vacation, try to choose sustainable, locally-led tours. In most popular destinations, there are large, chain, or internationally-owned tour companies. Many of these companies monopolize the tourism industry, easily getting the majority of customers by partnering with chain hotels or having kiosks at airports.

While it can be convenient to book with the first company you see, take the time to research your options.

Look for locally-led tour companies or tour guides, as well as sustainably run tours. This is especially important if you’re choosing an activity that involves interacting with the natural environment or animals.

If you’re traveling in a city, research free walking tours. Most major cities offer these, and they are led by local experts that are so passionate about their city they are willing to lead you around for free. These tours will give you local insight and (through your tips) support locals directly.

Lastly, if you have the option to work with a female tour guide, choose to do so. Female tour guides are largely underrepresented in the tourism industry.

9. Stay Longer

When traveling sustainably, consider the amount of time you’re staying in each destination. If you’re planning to hop to several different places in a short time frame, chances are, this isn’t very sustainable. When we travel this way, we tend to check off the most popular tourist attractions and do not have enough time to support local businesses.

If you’re able to stay longer, do so. This will allow you to have a more local experience, spend more money at local businesses, and lessen your carbon footprint by cutting down on the amount of transport you’re taking.

If you only have a few days for vacation, consider choosing one location over several. If you really want to hop around, choose places that are close together or that don’t require taking additional flights.

10. Be Mindful of Your Consumption

When we’re on vacation and not staying in our own homes, it can sometimes feel like a hall pass to do whatever we want. It may be tempting to take long baths in the hotel tub, get a fresh towel each day, or leave the AC and the lights on.

Unfortunately, what we consume on vacation still adds up. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations that take measures to conserve resources can be a great way to minimize your impact. Packing your reusable items will also help you cut down on waste.

Overall, try to be mindful of your consumption of resources like water, electricity, and plastic while on vacation.

how to travel sustainably pinterest image

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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What makes a tea kettle non-toxic and safe to use?

A non-toxic tea kettle is one made with safe materials that do not leach harmful chemicals when heated. So the number one thing you should look out for when buying a new kettle is what it is made out of.

Avoid models made from plastic, particularly those that have plastic parts directly exposed to boiling water. When heated, the plastic will release endocrine-disrupting chemicals into your beverages, no matter if it is BPA-free or not.

You also want to steer clear of tea kettles made from aluminum, cast iron, copper, or ceramic, including colored glaze kettles with enamel coatings. Those can leach heavy metals at high temperatures, such as lead and cadmium.

Finally, make sure the kettle’s heating elements are hidden. Those with exposed heating coils usually contain high percentages of nickel, which is problematic if you are allergic.

What non-toxic materials should you search for?

The best, non-toxic materials for tea kettles are stainless steel and borosilicate glass. Both are resistant to high temperatures, so they are great, durable options for both electric and stovetop kettles.

If you opt for a stainless steel model, avoid 201-grade stainless steel because it might rust over time. Instead, favor those made with 18/8, 18/10, 304, or 316 food-grade stainless steel.

If you buy a tea kettle made with either borosilicate glass or high-quality stainless steel, you can confidently drink your hot beverages without worrying. They will be free of heavy metals and other toxic substances like PTFEs, PFOAs, and PFAs!

Our Picks for Non-Toxic Tea Kettles:

1. Caraway

Materials: Stainless Steel

Price: $195

Caraway creates good-looking, non-toxic cookware that is entirely free of harmful chemicals. Its whistling tea kettle will become your stovetop’s new centerpiece!

It features a clean, modern, and minimalist design and is available in nine gorgeous colors, including some bright, bold ones, which are ideal if you want it to make a statement in your kitchen. It is designed for fast boiling and is compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops.

This beautiful kettle is constructed with a high-quality ceramic-coated stainless steel body, which will keep your boiled water free of toxic substances.

With its soothing single-tone whistle, Caraway also ensures its kettle is as easy on the ears as it is on the eyes. And the tea kettle even comes with a complementary pot holder for safe handling!

Plus, the brand ships it in eco-friendly packaging made from recycled cardboard and printed with low-impact dyes. It comes without any single-use plastics and with biodegradable cork trivets to protect it.

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Shop Caraway Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

A black non-toxic electric tea kettle from Fellow

2. Fellow

Materials: Stainless Steel, Wood

Price: $85 - 255

Fellow sells everything you may need to make the best coffee possible at home. It also has a variety of stovetop and electric tea kettles for all the tea lovers out there. They all have a sleek, elegant design with a large spout and ergonomic handle.

Its Corvo EKG electric kettle is sold in matte black, or black, white, or stone blue with a finely crafted walnut wood handle and lid pull. It is made with a 304 stainless steel body and lid, and a plastic base.

This tea kettle has a quick heat time, allows you to select your desired temperature, and can even maintain it for 60 minutes thanks to its Hold mode. It also features a built-in stopwatch, so you can time your steep and have the perfect cup of tea.

If you prefer a stovetop version, you might want to give Fellow’s Raven tea kettle a try. It has a color-coded thermometer and an integrated tea filter, which means you can easily switch from heating water to steeping your tea. How cool?!

Shop Fellow Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

3. Smeg

Materials: Stainless Steel

Price: $150 - 240

Smeg is an Italian brand that makes elegant, colorful appliances for our homes. It has a range of electric kettles, which are all made from stainless steel. They have a unique retro design, combining the style of the 50s with modern touches. You can choose from a large selection of colors that come with a matte or glossy finish. With their vibrant colors, these kettles will instantly brighten up your kitchen!

Smeg’s classic kettles have a 57 oz capacity and automatically shut off at 212°F for added peace of mind. They also feature a 360° swivel base with non-slip feet, and a built-in stainless steel filter, which filters out natural limescale and is removable for easy cleaning. The brand also offers a line of variable-temperature kettles. If you pick one of these, you will be able to choose from a number of temperature options between 122° and 212°F when preparing your warm beverages.

Finally, if you have limited space in your kitchen, why not buy one of Smeg’s mini kettles? They are more compact but have the same features as the classic models.

Shop Smeg Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

4. All Clad

Materials: Stainless Steel

Price: $100

All Clad has been crafting metal cookware for over 50 years.

It offers a durable, 2-quart stovetop tea kettle sold in a nice silver color.

The kettle has a heavy-gauge, single-ply stainless steel construction, which is made to stand the test of time.

It has a bonded base to resist warping and ensure compatibility with induction cooktops.

Its design is extremely simple, yet it is very convenient: the tea kettle features a visible fill line to prevent you from overfilling it, and it is dishwasher-safe.

Of course, its whistle will indicate when the water is boiling and ready for you to use.

This tea kettle is perfect for you if you want your kettle to be as simple as possible, like those we used to have in the past.

Shop All Clad Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

5. Alessi

Materials: Stainless Steel, Wood, Brass

Price: $115 - 547

Established in 1921, this Italian company creates everyday objects combining functionality and aesthetics. It offers a variety of stainless steel induction tea kettles. Each one of them is a piece of art on its own and provides a gorgeous kitchen centerpiece you will want to admire every time you see it!

If you are in the market for a non-toxic kettle, we particularly recommend Alessi’s Pito kettle, which is probably the most unique kettle you will ever see. Its top and handle are made from mahogany wood and have the shape of two fishes. The whistle produces a fascinating melody that sounds like a whale’s song!

We also love the Il Conico model, which is made of stainless steel 18/10 and features a cool conical design. You can even choose to have your name engraved on it to make it even more unique.

To top it all off, Alessi is a certified B Corporation, meaning that it meets the highest standards for social and environmental performance.

Shop Alessi Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

6. ZWILLING

Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Stainless Steel

Price: $80 - 150

ZWILLING is a German brand founded in 1731 and renowned for its incredible quality and craftsmanship. It sells a wide range of products for the kitchen, including several electric tea kettles. The brand has four different designs and five beautiful colors. The kettles offer a maximum capacity of 1, 1.5, or 1.7 liters, and they are all easy and safe to use. When boiled, your water only encounters stainless steel or borosilicate glass depending on the model you choose.

ZWILLING’s stainless steel kettles have a heat-insulated, double-walled body that keeps water hot longer while the outside remains cool to the touch. The heating elements are concealed, making them entirely safe and non-toxic. One of these kettles features six pre-set temperature programs and a keep-warm function that holds water at the desired temperature for 30 minutes.

The brand’s largest tea kettle is made from borosilicate glass and comes with a stainless steel steeper so you can prepare your tea directly in the kettle. It also offers different pre-set temperature control options, a keep-warm function, and a handy tea-steeping timer.

Shop Zwilling Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

7. Buydeem

Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Stainless Steel, Silicone

Price: $40 - 229

Buydeem is on a mission to deliver stylish, non-toxic, and high-quality kitchen appliances to conscious consumers. It has different electric tea kettles made from stainless steel or both borosilicate glass and stainless steel.

Buydeem also sells an electric tea maker with five different temperature options, which comes with a stainless steel infuser.

Not to mention its electric gooseneck kettle that allows you to choose a precise temperature between 104° and 212°F.

You can even choose from a variety of multifunctional kettles that come with all kinds of accessories. These can be used to make tea, stew soup, warm milk, and even cook baby food or to steam rice!

*if you want to avoid plastic on the inside, we do not recommend the Classic kettle

Shop Buydeem Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

8. ASCOT

Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Stainless Steel

Price: $56 - 66

Founded in 1986, ASCOT designs timeless, retro-looking tea kettles, focusing on quality, style, and aesthetics. It offers multiple models made from either 100% 304 food-grade stainless steel or borosilicate glass and stainless steel.

They all look refined and are available in a wide range of glossy and matte colors, like blue, green, and cream.

No matter if you choose a glass or stainless steel kettle, they are all made to resist scratching and scuffing. They are also 100% non-toxic and safe to use as no plastics touch the boiling water inside.

ASCOT’s tea kettles feature a 1.6L capacity, a non-slip anti-scald handle, a separate lid, an LED indicator light, and a spout filter. They are heat-resistant and easy to clean. Plus, they all boil water both quickly and quietly and offer overheat and boil-dry protection, meaning that they automatically shut off after they finish boiling.

Shop ASCOT Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

9. Hario

Materials: Stainless Steel, Wood

Price: $47 - 100

Hario has a large selection of stovetop kettles that can be used to prepare both coffee and tea. They all feature a nice slim, gooseneck spout, making it easy to control the speed and amount of hot water you are pouring.

Although not all of them are made with 100% non-toxic materials, we recommend those made with a stainless steel body. For instance, we love the V60 “Fit” Drip kettle, which is safe for all heat sources, from induction and gas to halogen and coil cooktops.

For a larger capacity, make sure to pick the Smart G kettle! Its lid accommodates a thermometer, which can be stored in the handle when not in use. And if you prefer a more rustic look, choose the V60 wood kettle. It features a brushed stainless steel body with a sharp angular design and lovely wood finishes on the lid and handle.

Hario also sells an electric kettle as well as several models designed to be used over a campfire. Perfect if you love camping outdoors!

Shop Hario Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

10. MEGAWISE

Materials: Borosilicate Glass, Stainless Steel

Price: $23

If you are looking for a non-toxic tea kettle that is both affordable and healthy to use, MEGAWISE has exactly what you need.

The brand offers a 1500W electric kettle crafted from heat-resistant borosilicate glass with a 304 stainless steel heating plate, inner base, and lid. Its design ensures no plastics touch the boiling water.

It provides a generous 1.8-liter capacity, meaning that you will be able to serve seven people at once, not to mention it boils water in less than three minutes.

MEGAWISE’s tea kettle automatically shuts off within 20 seconds of boiling, and it provides double protection against dry burning. It has a durable construction and features an ergonomic, non-slip handle and an elegant LED blue light ring that indicates when the heating is complete.

You will also love that it comes with a practical handheld sponge brush so you can clean the kettle and any scale deposits easily and effortlessly!

Shop MEGAWISE Non-Toxic Tea Kettle

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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What is Nylon?

Nylon (or polyamide) is a synthetic polymer, a type of plastic that was invented in 1935 by Wallace Carothers, an American chemist working at the chemical manufacturing DuPont company.

The first commercial use of nylon was the nylon-bristled toothbrush created in 1938. However, the main invention that made nylon’s success was women’s stockings, back in 1940.

These quickly became a staple in women’s wardrobes and were considered a great replacement for silk in hosiery.

During World War II, nylon production was diverted to produce parachutes, fuel tanks, ropes, and other military equipment.

Nylon is now widely used in the fashion industry to make swimsuits, raincoats, tights, socks, and activewear. It represents around 12% of all synthetic fibers produced worldwide.

This material is also used in other industrial sectors such as automotive and aeronautics, as well as in the production of packaging and various household items.

Is the production of Nylon sustainable?

There are different types of nylons. But the most common one is called nylon 6,6 (because each of the two starting molecules has 6 carbon atoms).

To produce nylon 6,6, we need to combine two molecules we can find in petroleum: adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.

These molecules are heated and once they reach a certain temperature and pressure, they fuse releasing water and creating a big polymer molecule. This process is called condensation polymerization.

The final polymer is nylon 6,6. Other types of nylon can be produced if we combine different starting molecules, but the process remains the same.

In the end, we are left with a long ribbon of nylon, which is then cut into small bits. Those nylon bits can later be molded into whatever item or clothing piece we want to produce.

For instance, to make clothes, the small nylon bits are melted, drawn through a spinneret, and loaded onto a spool. This creates nylon fibers that, after being stretched, are spun into a yarn we can use to create nylon clothes.

Why is nylon so popular?

Nylon has been widely popular in the production of a variety of household and clothing items for decades now. There are different reasons for that.

One of the main benefits of nylon is that it is strong and durable, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.

Thanks to their low absorbency, nylon clothes dry faster than natural fabrics like cotton, and it doesn’t need ironing. It is also waterproof, which makes it suitable to produce raincoats or umbrellas.

Nylon is stretchy and elastic, so it's a great candidate material to create activewear.

This material also takes dye well, which is a bonus for the fashion industry.

All those characteristics of nylon offer a large spectrum of possibilities when it comes to its commercial applications. That’s why it is widely used these days!

Why you should not buy nylon:

Despite these advantages, there are drawbacks to this material that we cannot ignore.

Nylon is very durable, so we might think that we should be able to wear nylon clothes for years without needing to discard them.

However, in the last decades, fashion manufacturers have been focusing more on profits and less on quality. This means that nylon clothes are often very cheaply made.

For instance, it is frequent to buy nylon tights and get runs in them after only one use. This contributes to the global waste problem we have on our planet.

Not Biodegradable & Microplastics

The main issue with that is that this material is not biodegradable: it cannot be naturally broken down by microorganisms and in a way that is not harmful to the environment.

Scientists estimate that nylon takes between 30 and 40 years to decompose. During that time, wildlife risks eating nylon bits or getting trapped in nylon fishing nets, one of the biggest sources of ocean pollution.

We also have to mention the millions of microplastics shed by nylon clothing when washed in our washing machines, which end up in the oceans.

In total, nylon accounts for 10% of the debris in the oceans!

Derived from Petroleum, Energy-Intensive & Chemically-Treated

Another problem is that nylon is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable energy. Creating things out of nylon thus contributes to the depletion of Earth’s natural resources. Not to mention, the oil industry is one of the most destructive and polluting ones for our planet!

In addition to being a lot more energy-intensive than cotton production, producing nylon emits high carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide levels. The latter is a greenhouse gas that is 310 times more potent than carbon dioxide, contributing even more to global warming.

Nylon clothing is also heavily treated with harmful chemicals, synthetic dyes, and bleaching agents. They contribute to water pollution as they’re often released in water streams. These toxic chemicals are also linked to increased risks of skin allergies, immune system issues, and cancer.

To top it all, clothes made of nylon aren’t breathable. So wearing them, especially during a workout, creates a breeding ground for bacteria to grow as sweat is trapped against the skin. This is not ideal in terms of hygiene and could lead to skin issues!

How to reduce nylon's negative impact:

We saw why nylon clothes, as any item made of nylon, are detrimental to the environment. However, if you already own things in this material, the most eco-friendly thing you can do is to extend their life as much as possible.

It is important to take care of your nylon clothing so that it doesn’t end up in a landfill too soon, or worse, in the ocean, when it could have been avoided.

Always wash your nylon clothing at low temperatures with a gentle cycle. And remember to put them in a bag that will prevent microplastics from being released into the water. A Guppy Bag is great for that; I highly recommend it!

After you wash your nylon clothes, consider air-drying them if you can. Doing so will help them keep their best shape in the long run!

I also don’t think that it is necessary to iron nylon clothing. They don’t wrinkle easily, and the fabric risks melting with the heat.

woman wearing a sustainable alternative to nylon called eco rib from vitamin A swimwear

Sustainable Alternatives to Nylon

If you’re on the lookout for a new piece of clothing, think twice about picking something made of nylon. The fabric has some positive characteristics, but I find that its footprint on the environment far outweighs them.

The best thing you can do is to choose a natural fabric, like linen or hemp. But at times, synthetic materials are more suitable for what we’re looking for. For instance, you might find activewear or swimsuits to be more practical when made of synthetic fiber.

When that is the case, consider picking a more sustainable version of nylon.

1. Recycled Nylon

A great alternative to nylon is recycled nylon!

Since we are reusing used nylon and turning it into new material, we are reducing our demand for new nylon to be produced. This reduces our need for more oil to be extracted from the Earth.

As it is often created from old fishing nets that are abandoned in the ocean, choosing recycled nylon also means that we are diverting existing nylon from going to the ocean or landfills. It reduces the overall footprint of the “new” item.

The main downside, however, is that recycled nylon is still plastic, so it’s not biodegradable. This means that microplastics are still being released in water streams, ending in our oceans. That’s why you need to take proper care of recycled nylon and use a Guppy Bag when washing it.

There are several types of recycled nylon, depending on how they are made, including the following two:

Econyl:

Econyl is a 100% recycled and recyclable fiber and is the most common type of recycled nylon we can find. It is made from pre-consumer (fabric scraps) and post-consumer waste (fishing nets, old carpets...). Econyl received certification from Oeko-Tex Standard 100. It guarantees that the material does not contain any harmful products to our health. Many sustainable brands use Econyl to create recycled nylon clothing, including Patagonia & Peony.

Ecorib:

EcoRib is a stretch-ribbed fabric made from nylon fiber scraps. It is lightweight and breathable. The brand Vitamin A (pictured above) creates a variety of swimsuits in EcoRib as well as in EcoLux, another type of recycled nylon. Since most swimsuits are made from synthetic materials, EcoRib is a more sustainable option to try next time you need new swimwear!

Also, when thinking of the word nylon, stockings may first come to mind. Swedish Stockings is one of our favorites for recycled nylon tights!

2. Biodegradable Nylon

Another more sustainable alternative to nylon is biodegradable nylon.

The main benefit of biodegradable nylon is that, unlike recycled nylon, it decomposes naturally under certain environmental conditions. So it doesn’t stay in nature for decades or hundreds of years.

There are two types of biodegradable nylon: bio-nylon and biodegradable synthetic nylon.

Bio-nylon:

Bio-nylon is the most common one. It is a material that is made from plant-based renewable ingredients, such as sugarcane or cornstarch. As bio-nylon is made from plants, there is no plastic in the final product. So there is no risk to shed microplastics in water streams. Producing bio-nylon also doesn’t contribute to increasing the demand for crude oil. And as mentioned above, it’s biodegradable under the right environmental conditions.

A great example of a bio-nylon is EVO by the company Fulgar. This fabric is derived from castor oil, a renewable resource that isn’t very water-intensive. EVO fabric is lighter than most synthetic materials and has a high elasticity. It also dries twice as quickly as conventional nylon and is thermo-insulated.

Another plant-based nylon is BioSculpt fabric. It is produced with plant-based fiber created from castor beans. Again, the brand Vitamin A creates some of its activewear in BioSculpt material.

Biodegradable synthetic nylon (Amni Soul Eco):

Amni Soul Eco fabric is a polyamide, a synthetic material like nylon. But the surprising thing is that it’s biodegradable! This fabric biodegrades in 5 years when disposed of in a landfill, which is about 10 times quicker than most other synthetic materials. It is breathable, recyclable and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. BAM has a range of bras and briefs (pictured above) for your workout routine made from this fabric.

However, a big downside to the Amni Soul Eco fabric is that, since it is polyamide, it is made from crude oil. And the problem of shedding microplastics in water streams while washing it remains, so it can be a threat to the environment. But it’s still a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional nylon!

Conclusion: Is Nylon Sustainable?

We would not consider conventional nylon sustainable. While nylon has certain characteristics that make it more suitable for specific purposes, we cannot ignore the negative impacts its widespread use has on the Earth and ecosystems.

It is important to choose more sustainable materials and create a demand for alternative fabrics to help save our planet.

Supporting businesses and brands that are paving the way towards a more sustainable fashion industry is key in making a difference!

Meet 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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Water and the Fashion Industry

Clothing relies on water in every stage of its lifecycle, from growing the actual fibers to throwing the clothes away. From production to disposal, the fashion industry has three major negative environmental impacts related to water: high water usage, high levels of chemical pollution, and high levels of physical microfiber pollution.

Water Usage

Our global water supply is severely threatened; it is estimated that over 2 billion people are already affected by water shortages in over 40 countries. As water scarcity increases globally, the fashion industry continues to exacerbate the problem.

The first step in clothing manufacturing is obtaining raw materials. For some clothes, this includes the production of polyester or other synthetic fabrics from plastic. For conventional cotton clothing, which makes up about 33% of all clothes, this includes growing the cotton. Growing cotton is extremely water-intensive, as it is one of the thirstiest crops. Simply making one cotton shirt can take up to 2700 liters of water, which is enough water for one person to drink for 2 ½ years. The water used for irrigating cotton has serious impacts on the environment and local communities, as it depletes drinking water in addition to precious aquifer and groundwater stores.

The actual processing of textiles (turning them from a raw material into a fabric) also uses immense amounts of water, and creates pollution.

Water Pollution

The main source of water pollution in the clothing production process is the “wet-processing” stage. After manufacturers spin and weave cotton into fabric, they wet-process it by dyeing, printing, and finishing the material. Not only is this process water-intensive, but it also pollutes water.

Textile processing involves applying a huge amount of chemicals to the fabric. In fact, the process of turning raw materials into textiles often takes over 8000 different synthetic chemicals. One of the major chemical-culprits used in clothing manufacturing is chemical dye. It’s estimated that around 20% of all global water pollution comes from the dyeing of textiles. Many industries dump the water used to apply chemicals and dye fabrics back into rivers and other waterways.

According to the 2016 documentary RiverBlue, which follows the textile industry’s contamination of China’s rivers, it’s estimated that around 70% of China’s freshwater is contaminated by 2.5 billion gallons of wastewater produced by the fashion industry. Unfortunately, this pollution is largely unregulated and continues to occur.

Microfibers

Finally, some types of clothing continue to pollute water even after they’ve made it into your closet! Many synthetic clothing fabrics, like polyester and nylon, come from plastic. As these fabrics break down, they release “microfibers” into the natural environment. In the case of plastic-based fabrics like polyester and nylon, these small fibers that are dropped from clothing in use or when washed are actually microplastics, very small pieces of plastic that do not degrade over time.

When you wash your polyester clothing (such as athletic clothing), small pieces of the fabric enter the wash water, and eventually make their way into the ocean. Studies show that 35% of microplastics found in the ocean result from washing clothes made of synthetic material. These microplastics don’t just stay in one place, either, because water is an extremely efficient method of transport! Synthetic microfibers pollute freshwater, contaminate drinking water, and even make their way into Arctic sea ice.

When people throw clothes away instead of recycling them, the fibers break down into microplastics in the landfill. Because microplastics don’t degrade, they instead make their way into water sources over time.

Impacts of Fashion’s Water Pollution

The most obvious damage the fashion industry’s water use creates is harm to the environment. The introduction of toxic chemicals into water sources harms wildlife and destroys sensitive marine and freshwater environments. Some chemicals may also contribute to ocean acidification, which has far-reaching impacts throughout the marine food chain.

"">Water pollution from clothing production also harms human health. First, while not directly linked to water pollution, the chemicals used in textile manufacturing can have severe impacts on workers’ health.

Additionally, chemical dumping into water supplies damages the health of nearby communities that depend on the water for resources, whether that’s drinking water or seafood. For example, shellfish often soak up toxic chemicals like AZO dyes from textile production, which can cause harm to people who eat them.

The microfibers released from fabrics can cause health issues as well. Microplastics in seafood or drinking water are especially harmful, as ingestion can cause a variety of health problems.

polluted water from the fashion industry — Image Credit: RiverBlue

Where do we go from here?

Much of the change must come from the fashion industry itself. For example, manufacturers must invest in less water-intensive production methods, and find ways to reduce the amount of chemicals used in clothing production. For example, some companies are taking steps towards only using natural dyes, which have a much lower environmental impact. Many clothing companies also choose to follow guidelines from the Higg Index, a set of standards created by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to help businesses ensure sustainable supply chains.

Some scientists are also working on solutions to clean chemicals from wastewater before it’s released into the environment. For example, one team of researchers believes that chitin, a biological chemical found in shells, can be used to filter chemicals out of the textile industry’s wastewater.

Increased regulation of the fashion industry’s wastewater habits is another step that will help reduce the amount of toxic chemicals in our waterways. While this has begun in some countries, more oversight is needed in many countries that produce large amounts of clothing, such as China.

Luckily, there are also a few things you can do to reduce the fashion world’s water use and pollution. For example, it’s important to buy new clothes only when you need them to reduce the amount of clothing (and waste) that is produced. Another great, sustainable option is to thrift clothes, rather than buying new. This also reduces the amount of new clothing that must be produced, and thus reduces the amount of water and pollution created in clothing production. Finally, consider recycling your clothes rather than just throwing them out. This will help reduce the amount of microplastics that make their way to the ocean from landfill.

For more tips on making your closet more sustainable, check out our guide to sustainable fashion.

how the fashion industry pollutes water pinterest image

About the Author:

Lena Milton is a freelance writer covering sustainability, health and environmental science. She writes to help consumers understand the environmental and ethical challenges in everyday life so we can find viable solutions for both.