While standing in the midst of a grove of aspens in Utah, you’re actually in the presence of a single organism that’s 14,000 years old. Travel west to Oregon and hike on top of a 2,400-year-old fungus growing beneath the ground. Cross the Atlantic, and meet a rose bush that’s been blooming for over 1,000 years in Germany. These are the world’s presumed oldest plants and what we know about them.
Pando in Sevier, Utah (9,000 to 14,000 years)
The Pando clone spreads over 106 acres, consisting of over 40,000 individual trees. USDA / Forest Service
In Fishlake National Forest stands a grove of quaking aspens — trees known for their small leaves that shimmer and quake in the wind. This particular aspen grove, however, is actually one single organism. Its 47,000 individual trees — some of which are over 130 years old themselves — all grow from a single root system, meaning all of the trees in the grove are genetically identical. It’s technically the world’s largest tree, as determined by the U.S. Forest Service through genetic testing in the early 2000s. Named Pando — which is latin for “I spread” — the tree spans over 106 acres and is the densest organism ever found, weighing nearly 13 million pounds. While its specific age is debated, Pando is somewhere between 9,000 and 14,000 years old, initially sprouting some time after the last ice age. Sadly, according to scientists, Pando is showing signs of decline due to insects, disease and lack of regeneration from the overgrazing of deer and other animals.
King Clone in Lucerne Valley, California (11,700 years)
King Clone, the 11,700-year-old creosote bush ring in the Mojave Desert. Klokeid / public domain
Like the quaking aspens — and as the name suggests — King Clone is a clonal colony of genetically identical creosote bushes growing from one original plant. This ancient Larrea tridentata is located in the Mojave Desert, and radiocarbon dating puts it at 11,700 years old. The bushes grow and multiply in a slow, unique process. The oldest branches die over time, and their central stem crown (the top part of the plant) begins to split into different segments. The original stem and branches decompose, and those other stems that formed thus become independent, genetically identical plants. This process continues, often in a circular shape that creates the characteristic rings associated with creosote bush colonies. They also produce small, beautiful yellow flowers. The ring that’s known as King Clone has an average diameter of 45 feet, and continues to (slowly) grow.
Honey Mushroom in Grant, Oregon (2,400 years)
Honey mushrooms at the base of an infected grand fir in the Malheur National Forest, Oregon. Craig L. Schmitt and Michael L. Tatum / USDA Forest Service
Or, as locals call it, the “Humongous Fungus.” This Armillaria ostoyae may not be the oldest organism on Earth, but is the largest, stretching 2,200 acres in Oregon’s Malheur National Forest and weighing 35,000 tons. It’s not a massive, capped mushroom growing aboveground, but rather a huge network of hyphae underground, almost entirely hidden from sight — except during rainy periods in the autumn, when small honey mushrooms do sprout from the soil. Armillaria ostoyae is a parasitic fungus that consumes the roots of conifer trees. In the case of the Humongous Fungus, its size has been determined by the dead trees that grow above it. The mushroom was actually found because stands of trees were dying off — a Forest Service scientist suspected the fungus, and DNA tests proved that many trees in the area shared DNA, confirming his hypothesis. It grows and consumes roots slowly, expanding about 1-3 feet every year.
Thousand-Year Rose in Hildesheim, Germany (1,200 years)
Also called the Rose of Hildesheim, this 30-foot plant is believed to be the world’s oldest-living rose. The Rosa canina was probably planted in the early 800s when the church it grows on — Hildesheim Cathedral — was built, possibly by King Louis the Pious. The bush is extremely resilient, and was almost entirely destroyed when the church was bombed during World War II. The roots survived, however, and new branches grew from the ground that still sprout pink flowers every year in May.
Methuselah in Big Pine, California (4,800 years)
The Methuselah tree in Big Pine, California on June 29, 2013. Yen Chao / Flickr
Although the title of “oldest trees in the world” is hotly contested, the Methuselah tree is a top contender. This ancient bristlecone pine — or Pinus longaeva — is set apart from the aspens and other ancient trees given that it’s not a clonal organism. Methuselah is named after the biblical figure from the Old Testament who lived 969 years, but this tree is even older. It’s estimated that Methuselah the tree was germinated in 2832 BCE, meaning it is older than the Egyptian pyramids. It grows in the White Mountains of eastern California — specifically in the Methuselah Grove within Inyo National Forest — as a part of the Forest of Ancients within the National Forest, home to many ancient trees. At 135 feet tall, its massive size is even more impressive given its elevation. Its wood is resistant to rot and drought, and its beautifully twisted branches — which are shaped by the fast winds of the mountains — help the tree remain standing and resist breakages during storms. Don’t expect to easily find it, however, as Methuselah’s exact location is kept secret to protect it from damage by visitors.
Old Tjikko in Älvdalen S, Sweden (9,550 years)
This Norway spruce doesn’t look particularly impressive — in fact, it looks like any other old tree, growing on top of Fulufjället Mountain in Sweden’s Fulufjället National Park. However, it’s the oldest known individual clonal tree in the world, meaning the tree itself has regenerated from its roots many times. This specific trunk itself is several centuries old. This type of spruce can regenerate from its own branches that are pushed to the ground during snowstorms, which then take root themselves through a process called “layering.” Coast redwoods and western red cedars also reproduce this way. Old Tjikko’s old age indicates that it started growing soon after the retreat of the glaciers from the region during the last ice age.
Olive Tree of Vouves in Vouves, Greece (2,000 to 3,000 years)
On the Island of Crete stands the oldest olive tree in Greece. No one is sure whether it was planted by humans or by natural forces, but either way, it began growing before the rise of classical Greece. Miraculously, it still grows olives, and has for 2,000 years. The famous olive tree is at least that old, but scientists have been unable to determine its exact age while the tree is still standing, as its heartwood has decayed. A museum was built next to the 15-foot-wide, 27-foot-high tree to honor the olive harvesting techniques in Crete and the olives of the Mediterranean. Even if you haven’t visited the tree itself, you might have seen its boughs, which were placed on the heads of the winners of the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
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Searching for affordable sustainable swimwear is not easy! Finding a suit that’s flattering, timeless, made ethically from eco-friendly materials and is also not exorbitantly expensive is challenging, to say the least.
On my search, though, I’ve come across many incredible eco-friendly and ethical swimwear companies with fantastic quality suits at affordable prices.
Now, I will say that “affordable” is relative. I’m not going to show you “cheap” swimsuits but rather brands with great value that sell ethically made, quality swimwear for a fair price. Because let’s be honest—that $5 bikini will likely fall apart after a few wears anyway, if not sooner. (I once bought a cheap suit from Target that literally fell apart before I even wore it out of the house. Lesson learned!)
What is Sustainable Swimwear?
Well, for one, quality is key. Because the longer you keep your suit, the fewer you’ll need to buy in the future! It can be difficult to determine quality when shopping online, but I always look at what fabric is used (ECONYL® is a fantastic sustainable + luxurious material used in swimwear). Then, I try to find as many reviews as possible to figure out if that particular brand has long-lasting swimwear.
Also essential: eco-minded fabrics. You’ll see that most of the suits from these brands use regenerated and recycled synthetic fabrics. This is because though natural fibers are generally preferable, synthetics like polyester and nylon are sometimes required for performance, given where material innovation is at right now.
There are a few natural solutions on the market, though! I have an organic cotton and hemp suit from Natasha Tonic, for example. There are only 3 brands I know that create natural swimwear at a decent-sized scale but we are still seeing progress on this front which is great!
Just be sure to use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag so that microfibers don’t get released when washing your synthetic fabric suits!
And then bonus points if a brand has other sustainability initiatives. See if they use renewable energy at their factories, purchase carbon offsets for their energy use, or donate regularly to environmental nonprofits.
Where to Find Affordable Sustainable Swimwear
Check out these brands making sustainable affordable swimwear, from sporty one-pieces to beach-ready bikinis. Note that this guide affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase through some of these links. As always, we only include brands that meet rigorous standards for sustainability we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Do Good Swimwear
Do Good Swimwear creates colorful or neutral suits in classic, comfy cuts. The sustainable affordable swimwear brand uses ECONYL, regenerated nylon made from ocean waste like discarded fishing nets, and each suit is designed with timeless shapes, making them easy to mix, match, and love for many summers to come. Adopting a slow fashion mindset, Do Good Swimwear’s pieces are made in a local manufacturer for maximum transparency and minimal waste.
Do Good Swimwear also has quite a few give-back projects: they donate to Trees for the Future (plants trees and focuses on enriching soil), Surfrider Foundation (ocean conservation organization), and Tahanan (women’s crisis center in the Philippines), and Women’s Global Empowerment Fund (micro finance loans for women and education for girls).
Separates: $54+ | One-Pieces: $72
Size Range: XS – L
2. Dippin’ Daisys
This brand is one of my favorites on the list for their style, sustainability standards, and size inclusivity. With a variety of collections from their cheeky Club Ibiza suits to their feminine Petit Déjeuner collection, the brand has a range of prints, colors, and silhouettes for every aesthetic.
Founded by a chemist, Dippin Daisys created their signature fabric from 83% recycled nylon. The sustainably minded swimwear brand also uses recycled foam for their bra inserts and elastic made from rubber instead of synthetics. And since the brand owns their own factory — exceedingly rare in the fashion industry — they also have control over any waste fabric. With current recycling technology, this fabric turns into insulation — but Dippin Daisys is working on a new process that can recycle the fabric back into yarn for new suits.
With many separates priced below $50 and one-pieces under $100, and a collection of sets on sale for $50 or under, this is an affordable option for recycled fabric swimwear.
Separates: $49+ | One-pieces: $76+
Size Range: XXS – 3XL
3. Londre
Londre has high-quality and flattering separates and one-pieces made from recycled materials.
Not only are Londre’s eco-minded swimwear pieces versatile (they can also be worn under bottoms as bodysuits!) and durable, but they are also designed to be fully recyclable at the end of their life.
Separates: $40+ | One-pieces: $98+
Size Range: XS – 5XL
4. Ohoy Swim
Inspired by the beauty of the ocean — and the need to protect it — Ohoy Swim is an eco-friendly swimwear brand prioritizing recycled materials, durability, and ethical production.
Their bikinis, rashguards, one-pieces and other sustainable swimwear is made from recycled nylon sourced from ocean waste like discarded fishing nets.
The European brand has recently switched to manufacturing in Portugal to further reduce their carbon footprint and increase transparency into their supply chain.
Separates: €55+ | One-pieces: €95+
Size Range: S – XL
5. Carve Designs
Every single suit from Carve Designs swimwear collection — from rashguards to one-pieces and bikinis to tankinis — is made using recycled materials. The brand has recycled swimwear is solid colors and a range of prints, like floral and nautical. They also have reversible options if you want to maximize wear out of your suit. (Or in case you just can’t decide!)
Many of their designs offer full coverage, making Carve Designs a good option for more modest eco-friendly swimwear or for getting active in the water.
Separates: $66+ | One-pieces: $98+
Size Range: XS – XL
6. Kitty and Vibe
Kitty and Vibe is a sustainable swimwear brand that went viral for being the first company to make bikini bottoms based on your butt size — not just your hip size. For every size they offer there’s an option for a smaller or larger booty so you don’t have to worry about having too much or too little fabric.
Their suits are made from 82% Recycled Poly and 18% X-Life Lycra and are ethically made in a woman-run factory in Bogota, Colombia.
Separates: $72+ (sale as low as $21) | One-Pieces: $138+
Size Range: XS – 4XL
7. Patagonia
Sustainably-minded outdoor clothing and adventure gear brand Patagonia also has a great collection of affordable eco-friendly swimwear. Their style leans athletic, but the fun prints and colors make their suits great for lounging at the pool as well.
Patagonia uses recycled nylon for their swimwear and some suits are made in Fair Trade Certified factories as well. I have a Patagonia bikini that I bought a couple of years ago and I’m definitely a fan—the fabric is comfy and the suit stays in place when swimming.
Separates: $49+ | One-pieces: $129+
Size Range: XXS – XXL
8. Saturday Swimwear
Saturday Swimwear has suits in colorful and neutral hues made from ECONYL regenerated nylon sourced from waste like discarded fishing nets. Each suit is thoughtfully handmade by owner Emily Laplume as she travels across the United States in her van!
The affordable sustainable swimwear brand packages their suits in completely biodegradable and compostable materials and uses recycled paper hang tags with soy-based inks.
Separates: $55 – $60
Size Range: S – L
More Guides For Sunny Beach Days:
Organic & Recycled Beach Towels for Sustainable Summer Fun
Eco-Friendly & Ethical Dresses for Any Aesthetic
15 Sustainable Sandals for Carefree Sunny Days
The post 8 More Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands For Your 2026 Adventures — and Beyond appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
8 More Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands For Your 2026 Adventures — and Beyond
Philosopher and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson is the source of today’s inspiration. In his essay History, he wrote, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them and share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.
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https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-a-thousand-forests-in-one-acorn/
Deodorant or antiperspirant is something most of us apply daily, often without a second thought about the difference between the two. Antiperspirants are designed to stop you from sweating; deodorants are designed to stop you from smelling. That distinction matters, because it shapes which ingredients end up against your skin every morning — and which ones you might want to leave on the shelf.
If you want to simplify your routine and cut synthetic ingredients, the natural-deodorant category has matured dramatically since this guide first ran. Formulas work better, packaging has gone plastic-free, and aluminum-free options now fill mainstream shelves. Here is how deodorant and antiperspirant differ, what the science actually says about the ingredients people worry about, and seven natural deodorants worth trying.
Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants
The difference comes down to function. Antiperspirants use aluminum-based compounds — aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium — to temporarily plug sweat ducts and reduce wetness. Deodorants do not block sweat at all; they work by neutralizing or masking the odor that bacteria produce when they break down sweat. A natural deodorant lets you perspire normally while tackling the smell.
You may have heard that the aluminum in antiperspirants is tied to breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. It is worth being clear about where that stands. The American Cancer Society says there is no clear link between antiperspirants containing aluminum and breast cancer, and notes that sweat glands are not connected to the lymph nodes; sweating cools the body rather than flushing out toxins. The National Cancer Institute reached the same conclusion in its review, and the Alzheimer’s Association has described the antiperspirant–Alzheimer’s connection as a long-running myth. A 2024 toxicology review keeps the question open as a research topic but states that aluminum at the concentrations regulators permit in antiperspirants is not classified as a carcinogen.
None of that obligates you to use aluminum. Plenty of people prefer to skip it, want simpler ingredient lists, or are drawn to plastic-free packaging — all reasonable, values-driven reasons to choose a natural deodorant. The case for switching just rests on those preferences rather than on disease risk.
Ingredients People Choose to Avoid
Beyond aluminum, several ingredients common in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are ones natural-product shoppers tend to screen out, some for documented irritation or hormone-disruption concerns, others as a precaution. Here’s a plain-language guide to the most-discussed ones:
- Parabens: Synthetic preservatives that can mimic estrogen in lab settings. Most major deodorant brands have phased them out, but the Environmental Working Group still flags methylparaben for endocrine concerns.
- Propylene glycol: A texture-softening agent that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Notably, several deodorants marketed as “natural” still contain it, so it’s worth reading the label before you buy.
- Synthetic fragrance (“parfum”): A catch-all term that can mask undisclosed ingredients, including phthalates. Fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented formulas sidestep the ambiguity.
- Triclosan: An antibacterial agent the FDA removed from over-the-counter antiseptic washes in 2016 and from consumer hand sanitizers in 2019, citing antibiotic-resistance and thyroid concerns. It is no longer common in deodorant, which is the point — the deodorant industry has moved on.
The PFAS Problem in “Natural” Deodorants
There is a newer wrinkle earlier versions of this guide didn’t cover. Independent lab testing commissioned by the consumer-advocacy group Mamavation, on products purchased between February 2023 and February 2024, detected organic fluorine — a marker for PFAS — in several deodorants, including Dr. Teal’s, Each & Every, Hello, Hey Humans, Lume, and a Secret antiperspirant, at levels from roughly 11 to 34 parts per million. The amounts are small and may reflect unintentional contamination rather than added ingredients.
Why care about trace amounts? PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are called “forever chemicals” because they resist breaking down in the environment and in the body, so exposures accumulate over time instead of clearing. In April 2024 the EPA set the first legally enforceable national drinking-water limits for several common PFAS, concluding there is effectively no safe level for two of them. Expert reviews of PFAS toxicity have associated the chemicals with thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, liver damage, and kidney and testicular cancer. A daily product that sits on the skin is a small exposure on its own, but it adds to a lifetime of others — which is exactly why persistence matters.
Read the label, not the marketing
The word “natural” is not defined or enforced by the FDA, so any product can use it. The reliable signals are a complete published ingredient list and third-party certifications, such as USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), or Certified Vegan. Every pick below meets at least one of those bars.
7 Natural Deodorant Picks
Whether you prefer a stick, roll-on, cream, spray, or refillable system, these seven options are free of aluminum compounds and screen out the synthetic ingredients above. Availability and formulas were verified in June 2026.
This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one, Earth911 earns a small commission that helps fund our Recycling Directory.
1. Crystal
Crystal, made by French Transit, has produced mineral-salt deodorant since 1984 and is one of the simplest formulas on the market — its classic stick is a single ingredient, potassium alum, which creates a barrier that inhibits odor-causing bacteria without blocking pores. The line is free of aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, silicones, phthalates, and artificial fragrance, and is vegan and cruelty-free. It now spans sticks, roll-ons, the original stone, and mineral deodorant sprays, in scents from unscented to lavender.
2. Erbaviva
Erbaviva’s spray deodorants are USDA Certified Organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, built on quickly-evaporating organic grain alcohol and organic essential oils — jasmine and grapefruit, lemon and sage, or lavender and geranium — that help fight underarm bacteria. The non-staining mist can also be used on fabric and yoga mats.
3. JK Naturals
California-based JK Naturals handcrafts stick deodorants from certified organic ingredients — kokum butter, coconut oil, neem, witch hazel, and steam-distilled essential oils like lavender and peppermint + tea tree. The line is 100% natural and aluminum-free, with adult and teen formulas. Because it’s a kokum-butter base, warming the stick against skin for a few seconds before applying gives a smoother glide.
4. Native
Native, now owned by Procter & Gamble, is the best-selling natural deodorant in the U.S. and is aluminum-, paraben-, and phthalate-free. Its formula has been reworked since this guide last ran: the current sticks use coconut oil, shea butter, and tapioca starch, the brand is now vegan, and its standard line has moved away from baking soda — with a dedicated baking-soda-free Sensitive line for reactive skin. Native also offers plastic-free paperboard packaging that ships in a recycled paper mailer.
5. Wild
Wild built its reputation on a refillable system: a reusable case paired with compostable refills made from bamboo pulp, eliminating the single-use plastic tube. The formula is aluminum-, paraben-, and sulfate-free, made from 98% natural-origin ingredients, and is both Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free) and Vegan certified. Each refill lasts roughly four to six weeks. For an Earth911 reader, it’s the strongest pick on packaging waste.
6. Schmidt’s Naturals
Schmidt’s Naturals, a Portland, Oregon brand now owned by Unilever, is one of the most widely available natural deodorants, with plant- and mineral-based formulas that are certified vegan and cruelty-free. Its “never list” excludes aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance. Sticks built on arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and shea butter come in scents like charcoal & magnesium and bergamot & lime, and a baking-soda-free Sensitive line addresses the irritation some people get from baking soda.
7. Humble Brands
Humble Brands, made in Taos, New Mexico, keeps its formula to a handful of ingredients — non-GMO cornstarch, MCT coconut oil, candelilla wax or beeswax, and either baking soda (original) or magnesium hydroxide (sensitive, baking-soda-free). It’s aluminum-, paraben-, and propylene-glycol-free, Leaping Bunny certified, and a 1% for the Planet member. The sticks ship in fully plastic-free, plant-based paperboard packaging.
Making the Switch
If you’re moving from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, a few practical expectations help:
- Expect an adjustment period. Without aluminum plugging your sweat ducts, you will perspire more at first. Most people find odor control settles within a couple of weeks.
- Match the formula to your skin. Baking soda is an effective odor-neutralizer but irritates some people. If you get redness, switch to a baking-soda-free or magnesium-based formula — Native, Schmidt’s, and Humble Brands all make one.
- Reapply as needed. Deodorants don’t stop sweat, so a midday touch-up on hot or active days is normal. A travel size or spray makes that easy.
- Choose less packaging. Refillable systems (Wild) and plastic-free paperboard (Native, Humble Brands) cut the roughly 100-plus plastic tubes a person can go through in a lifetime — most of which can’t be recycled curbside because of mixed materials.
- Recycle the container correctly. Empty sticks are usually mixed plastics; check what your local program accepts using the Earth911 recycling search tool.
Editor’s note: Originally published on March 1, 2019, by Lisa Beres, this article was extensively updated in June 2026.
The post Why You Should Ditch Antiperspirant: 6 Natural Deodorants That Work appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/living-well-being/deodorant-dos-and-donts/
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