Last Updated on March 22, 2024
Did you know each year over 1 billion plastic bottles of body wash enter the garbage and recycling stream? Only 5-6% of plastic gets recycled, and it’s typically downcycled into something of lower quality.
Downcycling is when a product can only be made into a different type of product than the original. An example is a plastic body wash bottle being turned into fleece or carpet fiber.
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Recycled plastics are often mixed with virgin material to make them usable, but even then, they can only usually be recycled two or three times before their quality becomes too poor for use.
One solution is to reduce our plastic consumption overall by opting for body wash that’s packaged mindfully with easy to recycle materials (glass, aluminum, etc.) and/or refillable components.
Of course, packaging isn’t the only thing to take into consideration. Analyzing the ingredients used in our products is equally important.
Conventional body washes tend to not only come in single-use plastic, but also contain dyes, artificial fragrances, and parabens. Many of these ingredients are linked to health problems, like allergic reactions.
If you’re able to, switching to an organic body wash with mindful packaging is a better alternative. Personally, I love a good body soap bar, or Plaine Products refillable body wash (more on them later)! Here are my favorite organic body washes that are both low waste and natural.
what is a natural body wash?
A natural body wash is a body wash formulated using nature-based ingredients, opposed to synthetic ingredients.
A body wash is considered natural when it includes organic and plant-based ingredients. Instead of synthetic ingredients, natural body washes commonly contain essential oils, fruit extracts, botanicals, and certified-organic ingredients.
However, be aware that there are no industry-wide requirements for what constitutes a “natural” beauty product. Anyone can technically label something as “natural” – what’s important is reading and understanding the ingredients.
There aren’t many body washes that are organic certified. So, to create this list, I specifically chose brands that contain natural and organic ingredients. Out of all the brands listed, Organic Bath Co comes the closest to being fully organic.
However, not all the ingredients in a body wash need to be organic to make this list. In fact, many do not use certified organic ingredients, but rather, natural ingredients you can trust, like aloe vera, coconut oil, and essential oils.
what are some healthy body washes?
Some healthy body washes to consider are the ones on this list: They contain no harsh chemicals or questionable ingredients, like parabens, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrance.
If you have time, you can also make your own: I made my own shampoo bar that also doubles as a body wash bar!
Here are some ingredients you should generally avoid in your body wash.
- Synthetic fragrances: Often associated with allergies and dermatitis. Look for brands that are fragrance-free or use natural essential oils.
- Parabens: May be connected to increased growth of breast cancer cells. Look for paraben-free labels.
- Synthetic dyes: Often derived from non-renewable coal tar or petrochemicals, which contain carcinogens. Look for brands that use natural pigments or none at all.
do natural body washes work?
Yes, natural body washes work just as well as conventional body wash because there are no harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin.
Natural body washes lather just the same way conventional ones do, and some even have nice scents (minus the synthetic fragrances). Try using a natural loofah or a sea sponge to lather up (they’re compostable at the end of their life too).
You’ll want to look for body washes that contain natural ingredients in their products, like the ones listed below.
If you don’t know what an ingredient is, I recommend looking it up in EWG’s Skin Deep database to better understand it. You can also look up your favorite product to see what score EWG gives it (1 being the best, 10 being the worst).
However, it is important to note that everyone’s skin is unique and even natural body washes can contain allergens unique to you. For example, coconut oil is a popular natural ingredient, but you can still be allergic to it.
Be sure to read the ingredients label to make an informed decision before purchase.
gzw approved organic body wash
All the options listed below are the best organic body wash or soap brands on the market. These brands use natural, plant derived ingredients. Many even utilize certified organic ingredients.
I’ve rounded up a list of organic body washes that get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All these brands wash your body thoroughly without harsh chemicals. Many of these brands are also plastic-free and low waste.
I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. blueland
- Powder to gel body wash
- Free of parabens, VOCs, ammonia, phthalates, chlorine, + bleach
- Refillable + compostable refill packets
- Hypoallergenic
- Leaping bunny certified
- B corp
2. plaine products
- Liquid body wash
- Vegan, cruelty-free, women owned, carbon neutral
- Refillable aluminum bottle
- Unscented options
3. bathing culture
- Liquid body wash
- Organic, plant-based ingredients
- Refillable
- Plastic-free packaging
4. by humankind
- Liquid body wash
- Natural ingredients
- Refillable
- Aluminum bottle with reusable pump
- Tea tree or bergamot scents
- 100% carbon neutral
5. public goods
- Liquid body wash
- Natural ingredients
- Refillable
- Carbon neutral shipping
- Free from parabens, sulfates & phthalates
6. everist
- Concentrated body wash cream
- Plant-based ingredients
- Recyclable packaging
- Cruelty, sulfate & synthetic fragrance free
- Waterless
7. ecoroots
- Body wash bar
- Organic + natural ingredients
- Recyclable packaging
- Plastic-free shipping
- Handmade
- Free of parabens, sulfates, colorants & synthetic scents
8. organic bath co
- Liquid body wash
- Certified organic ingredients
- Fragrance-free option + 4 scented options
- Refill subscription service option
- BIPOC + woman owned
So, what do you think of these organic body wash brands? Would you give them a try? Let me know in the comments!
The post 8 Organic Body Wash Brands For a Non-Toxic Shower Routine appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
There’s something undeniably special about wearing uniquely handcrafted, fair trade jewelry that you can know was made slowly and thoughtfully with care. Equally special is wearing an elevated set of jewelry crafted with recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Whether you’re looking for an investment piece or more affordable pieces, there are options for any budget on this list. The aesthetics of these fair trade and sustainable jewelry brands also vary, so you’ll also be able to discover an ethical brand that matches your unique style.
What is Fair Trade Jewelry?
Fair trade can both be a general term used to describe a brand’s sourcing practices — like direct relationships with artisan cooperatives, wages above local standard rates, and safe working conditions — or a third-party “Fair Trade” verification through an organization like Fair Trade Federation, Fair Trade USA, or World Fair Trade Organization. When a brand doesn’t have a certification, we verify a brand’s practices by their own published information.
In the cases where brands do go the extra mile and get a third-party verification for their fair trade practices, we’ve noted it directly in their entries.
Note that this guide includes affiliate links and partners. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for responsibility we love, and that we think you’ll love too!
2. Ana Luisa
Best for: affordable everyday jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Small-Batch Production, Direct-to-Consumer
Ana Luisa creates stunning, elegant jewelry from responsibly-sourced materials including 100% recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. The sustainable jewelry brand also produces in small batches to minimize waste.
By using a direct-to-consumer model, Ana Luisa is able to provide luxury, high-quality jewelry at accessible prices.
3. Monica Vinader
Best for: recycled demi-fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Woman-Founded, Recycled Silver & Gold Vermeil, Traceable Gemstones, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Supply Chain Transparency
Price Range: $85 (studs) – $2,495 (diamond ring)
British jewelry brand Monica Vinader was one of the first brands to meet the gap between fashion jewelry and fine jewelry with their “demi fine” jewelry. The women-founded brand has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and gold vermeil, fully traceable gemstones, and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds. Monica Vinader also launched Product Passports, taking an active effort towards full supply chain transparency.
4. WorldFinds
Best for: unique statement jewelry with a story
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Verified, Upcycled Materials, Artisan-Made
WorldFinds provides sustainable employment and just wages for hundreds of women artisans in India and Bali. These artisans handcraft both sleek metal fair trade jewelry and unique recycled Kantha pieces. WorldFinds is Verified by the Fair Trade Federation, which assesses members against fair trade principles including fair wages, safe conditions, and transparent supply chains.
Plus WorldFinds’ signature Kantha jewelry is made from upcycling materials: wood scraps from a furniture factory and locally sourced Kantha fabric remnants.
5. Astor + Orion
Best for: drop earrings and charm necklaces with symbolism
Conscious Qualities: Certified Ethical Factory, Recycled Materials, Designed for Recyclability, Repair Program
Ethical jewelry brand Astor + Orion sources their jewelry from a factory with multiple certifications ensuring worker safety, fair production practices, and responsible environmental management. Astor + Orion’s stunning jewelry is made from recycled materials and designed in a way to make it easily recyclable! Their pieces also come with a quality assurance — the brand will repair any piece within 6 months of purchase.
6. Laura Elizabeth
Best for: non-toxic jewelry in organic shapes
Conscious Qualities: Locally Sourced Recycled Metals, Woman-Owned, Fair Wages, Safe Working Conditions
Price Range: $45 – $330
Crafted from recycled metals sourced locally in LA, Laura Elizabeth creates stand-out sustainable jewelry. All of the brand’s jewelry is sourced ethically from a small, woman-owned studio in Los Angeles that ensures reasonable working hours (35 hr/week), fair wages, and safe working conditions (such as proper ventilation). Check out more on Laura Elizabeth in this post!
The jewelry is also non-toxic, free of cadmium or lead.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best for: giftable fair trade jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Production, Artisan-Made
Price Range: $6 – $175
Founded in 1946, Ten Thousand Villages is one of the fair trade pioneers and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), the global network that verifies fair trade practices across its member organizations.
They’ve developed relationships with artisans around the world, providing valuable economic opportunities for thousands of makers in 30 countries around the world. Their marketplace has handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings, along with a variety of other fair trade goods.
8. Edge of Ember
Best for: gemstone jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Recycled Gold & Silver, Artisan-Made, Ethical Production
Price Range: $49 (ear cuff) – $2,730 (diamond tennis bracelet)
Edge of Ember’s timeless jewelry is responsibly crafted by makers working in artisan groups and small-scale factories. Their delicate necklaces, bracelets, rings, and other pieces are crafted by skilled artisans in India, Hong Kong, Germany, and Thailand. The brand carries out independent social audits to ensure ethical working conditions and environmental responsibility.
Edge of Ember has a wide selection of recycled gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces adorned with stunning gemstones, including many birthstone jewelry options perfect for gifting.
9. Aurate
Best for: ethical diamond fine jewelry
Conscious Qualities: 100% Recycled Gold, Lab-Grown & Conflict-Free Diamonds, Vintage Collection
Price Range: $18 (stainless steel chain) – $19,000 (diamond tennis necklace)
Responsibly-sourced quality jewelry — that’s Aurate’s promise. The jewelry brand’s sleek, timeless pieces are thoughtfully made by seventh-generation craftspeople using 100% recycled gold and lab-grown or conflict-free diamonds.
Aurate also has a curated collection of vintage fine jewelry from cocktail watches to signet rings up to 50% off.
10. SOKO
Best for: modern, minimalist artisan-made jewelry
Conscious Qualities: Above-Market Artisan Wages, Black-Owned
Price Range: $78 – $298
SOKO is an innovative Black-owned ethical jewelry brand using mobile tools to bridge the barriers for artisan entrepreneurs in Kenya. In partnership with SOKO, independent artisans can operate a “virtual factory”, earning 5x more than an average artisan workshop in their local areas.
The jewelry is made with 24K gold or silver-plated brass — an affordable metal that also happens to consist of 90% recycled content on average. Other materials include reclaimed horn and bone, locally-sourced teak wood offcuts, and ceramic beads made by a fair trade women’s collective in Kenya.
