Last Updated on October 23, 2023
Americans spend over 400 hours in the kitchen each year. I probably spend more time than that in my kitchen because I’m frequently experimenting with recipes and filming for my scraptastic recipe series.
The problem is many of the kitchen products, utensils and containers we use daily are made from plastic.
Only 5-6% of plastic gets recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills or the environment.
To make plastic, crude oil must be extracted unsustainably from the earth where it goes to a fossil fuel powered factory that transforms it into a useable material, aka plastic. Then, more emissions are produced to transport it around the world.
Plastic has a high carbon footprint, but it also has potentially adverse health effects. Plastic can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially if you’re heating it up in the microwave.
Heat helps to break the chemical bonds in plastic, so it’s possible that exposure to high temperatures (like when we put plastic in microwaves) increases the rate of chemical migration from the container into the food. Scientists have documented higher rates of chemical migration even in water bottles left in the sun.
The best bet is to avoid over-utilizing plastic in our kitchens (especially single-use). But beyond reducing plastic, there are many ways we can create a healthier kitchen environment. Here’s how to create a non-toxic kitchen that’s also low waste.
what is the least toxic cookware?
The least toxic cookware for your health is non-Teflon coated options. Materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic are the best options because they can withstand high temperatures and don’t leach toxins into your food.
Teflon coating contains PFAS chemicals (aka Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are linked with negative health concerns, including infertility and cancer.
PFAS have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, or in our bodies. Instead, they build up year after year.
For my favorite Teflon-free brands, be sure to check out these non-toxic cookware and bakeware options.
are bamboo cooking utensils non-toxic?
Yes, bamboo cooking utensils are non-toxic, if the bamboo is grown from a trusted source. Bamboo is a natural and renewable material: It grows very fast in comparison to trees.
However, sometimes manufacturers of bamboo can process it with harmful chemicals or solvents. You’ll want to look for brands that use 100% bamboo and don’t use any glues or lacquers.
The European Commission recently published an article about the false claims of food materials and products labeled eco-friendly that use potentially harmful additives. Many brands will mix “bamboo powder” into plastic.
Bambu is a good brand to look into, as they openly state they use no glues or lacquers and their products are made from 100% bamboo, making them completely compostable.
how do I make my kitchen non toxic?
Having a non-toxic kitchen basically means making more informed decisions that promote a healthy lifestyle. This also trickles into a sustainable lifestyle, because usually wellness of self = wellness of planet.
RELATED: 10 Wellness Habits For Living Healthy
What’s good for you tends to also be good for the earth, and vice versa.
For example, eating fresh whole foods from small local farmers promotes a healthy diet, and doesn’t contribute to monocultures. Monoculture is the practice of growing one crop species in a field at a time, which depletes the soil of vital nutrients and decreases biodiversity.
In contrast, polyculture, which small farmers are more likely to embrace, attempts to mimic the diversity of natural ecosystems by planting multiple crops that give back to the soil.
This is just one example of ways creating a non-toxic kitchen is good for you and the planet. Here are 10 other ways you can have a non-toxic kitchen.
1. swap out your teflon-coated cookware
As mentioned earlier, non-stick cookware and bakeware is also often coated in Teflon.
Teflon is made with a specific kind of Perfluorocarbon (PFC) that makes the surface of cookware resistant to sticking.
The problem with this is when Teflon coated pans get overheated (above 500 degrees F), the Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware start to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.
It only takes 2.5 minutes for a traditional non-stick pan on high heat to exceed 500 degrees F and begin releasing forever chemicals. And FYI, the chemicals in Teflon can easily kill pet birds when cookware overheats.
Here are some non-toxic cookware and bakeware options you can replace them with.
2. choose better food storage
There’s a lack of transparency about the chemical make-up of plastic food containers. Plastic is not a completely stable material, and due to this, it does not mix well with heat.
When exposed to heat in the dishwasher or microwave, polyethylene and polypropylene (both used to make food storage containers) can break down, leaching unknown chemicals into food and drink. Oily foods are also thought to attract some plastic chemicals.
With this in mind, switching to glass snapware, glass jars and silicone bags is the safer option.
You can store and freeze food without plastic: Just make sure if you’re using a mason jar to leave some room at the top before freezing liquids (at least an inch). This will reduce the chance of the mason jar cracking in the freezer.
RELATED: Food Safe Storage Containers and More: 8 Ways to Store Food Without Plastic
3. avoid plastic film wrap
Plastic film wrap cannot be recycled with curbside recycling. To recycle it you need to have access to a specific take-back program, like one of Terracycle’s zero waste boxes. Otherwise, it’s destined for landfill.
Opt for Beeswrap instead. Beeswrap is made from cloth and beeswax, so it’s fully compostable at the end of its life. Or, place leftovers in a bowl and cover it with a plate.
4. filter your water
PFAS were recently found in tap water. Plus, other hazards like lead, heavy metals, chlorine and even herbicides can be detected in some tap water.
This doesn’t mean you should drink from bottled water: The plastic bottles are single-use plastic and can leach chemicals into the water. Instead, investing in a good water filtration system is important.
I recommend activated charcoal filters. Activated charcoal naturally bonds with toxins. The sticks remove mercury, chlorine, copper, and even lead.
You can also invest in a Berkey or a Soma, which are sustainable water filters I’ve tried myself.
The Berkey water filter is made from stainless steel and sits on your countertop. You use it kind of similar to a water dispenser.
The Soma can be bought as a pitcher, or a carafe. The pitcher is designed using BPA-free plastic and an eco-friendly bamboo handle. The carafe is made from shatter-resistant, borosilicate glass and holds 6-cups (48 oz.) of filtered water.
5. choose organic, locally grown, plastic-free produce
When possible, hit up your local farmers market: It’s easier to shop there plastic-free, plus you get to see what’s in season.
You can ask the farmers directly about their farming practices. They’ll likely avoid using pesticides and herbicides, but you can double check with them, which you can’t easily do at a grocery store.
You may even have a local farm you can visit near you. Take a trip to see their practices in person and learn more about where your food comes from.
These are my favorite market essentials: Be sure to take several reusable produce bags and tote bags with you!
6. grow your own herbs
Most herbs sold in stores come in little tiny plastic containers. Skip the packaging and grow your own.
Herbs are easy to grow on kitchen windowsills. It’s also a great way to know exactly where your food is coming from, and make sure it’s grown organically.
You can just snip off however much you need for each recipe and watch the herb continue to grow. Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint and chives all grow especially well on a windowsill.
7. clean using eco-friendly products
Most of the conventional cleaning products sold in stores contain questionable ingredients and single-use packaging. In the US, cleaning companies aren’t legally required to disclose the ingredients in their products.
This is a big issue, considering conventional cleaning products can emit volatile organic compounds (vocs the building blocks of smog) which can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
Instead, choose all-natural cleaning DIYs, or trusted eco-friendly cleaning products sold on the market. Here are my favorite sustainable cleaning products that actually get the job done without harsh chemicals.
Prefer DIY solutions? Baking soda is a simple, but abrasive ingredient that can be used to clean the sink and oven. You can also use it to get tough stuck-on stains off pots and pans.
For a non-toxic kitchen cleaner that can be used on any surface, try making my all-purpose cleaner.
8. avoid plastic cutting boards
According to a recent study, chopping produce on a plastic cutting board leads to substantial microplastics in human food. It’s estimated to have an annual exposure of 7.4-50.7 grams of microplastics from a polyethylene chopping board and 49.5 grams of microplastics from a polypropylene chopping board.
While the effects of ingesting microplastics on human health are unknown, it cannot be good. Microplastics have been found in our blood, feces, lungs, and even our placentas.
Opting for a wooden cutting board is a better option. Ones made from solid wood with no glues and resins are best. Maple, walnut, cherry, beech, or teak wood are good options.
9. swap out plastic sponges
Kitchen sponges harbor more bacteria than kitchen brushes, which may be a more hygienic way to clean your dishes, according to a new study published online in the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
Plastic sponges also need to be replaced often, and they are not recyclable. An estimated 400 million plastic sponges are discarded annually in the United States alone.
Try a wooden dish brush instead to create a more low waste, non-toxic kitchen. The head can be removed and replaced as needed, plus it’s compostable so there’s no waste.
10. consider getting an induction stove
Gas stoves can cause indoor nitrogen dioxide levels to spike quickly, reaching hazardous levels in the amount of time it takes to bake a cake.
This is especially harmful to children who live in a home with a gas stove, as the increased risk of developing asthma is on par with living in a home with a smoker.
Cooking with gas has also been shown to be harmful to the environment, emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. A recent study found that 75 percent of oven emissions occur when the stove is off. In other words, gas stoves old and new are constantly emitting methane.
Induction cooktops instead use electromagnets to efficiently heat cookware without the pollution or toxic fumes. Here’s more information on why I ditched gas and got an induction cooktop instead (and why you should too).
What are your tips for creating a more non-toxic kitchen? Let me know in the comments below.
The post 10 Ways to Create a Non-Toxic Kitchen appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
What’s not to love about a go-to dress in your wardrobe? The right one can be dressed up or down, it can be worn alone, or worn as a skirt with the right top layered on. A dress is arguably the easiest outfit to put together that still looks put together. The right sustainable dress is the kind of closet staple you can reach for on any kind of summer day, even when you have no idea what to wear.
From t-shirt dresses and house dresses to chic midi frocks and fun mini’s for a night out, this roundup of sustainable dresses has just about everything.
So if you’re looking for that perfect eco-friendly dress to complement your wardrobe this year, I’ve got you covered with this guide to sustainably and ethically-made dresses. This guide has brands with both casual and more formal dresses, but if you’re shopping for exclusively special occasion dresses, I’d recommend also browsing my guide to formal dresses.
What Qualifies As (More) Sustainable Dresses?
Wearing what we have in our closets is the most sustainable approach! But if you’re here, you probably already evaluated that option and you’re looking to add something fresh to your closet.
Secondhand Dresses are Sustainable Dresses
The second most sustainable option is to look secondhand. ThredUp can be a versatile option for pieces at any price point and The RealReal is my favorite choice for more premium brands.
Online secondhand marketplaces like Poshmark or Depop are also good options — but something to watch out when it comes to peer-to-peer marketplaces is that they can sometimes contain new fast fashion disguised as “vintage” pieces, so it can require some additional digging.
For more suggestions, find my full guide to secondhand clothing retailers in this post.
If you’re looking for a new sustainably-made dress, here are some considerations:
- Materials: what is it made from? Is it made with a natural fabric like hemp, linen, or organic cotton? Perhaps made from deadstock or upcycled materials?
- Production Practices: does the brand take efforts to not overproduce? Do they produce in small batches? (No matter how “eco-conscious” the material is, if a brand is throwing away 30% of their stock, that’s not sustainable!)
- Timelessness and Quality: this doesn’t have to mean boring and doesn’t necessarily mean the brand never participates in a trend. But does the brand constantly hop on every single trend and push you to buy more and more? Or do they encourage slow mindful consumption with well-designed dresses? Do they pay attention to construction and details that ensure you’ll be wearing this dress year after year?
- Manufacturing: most brands do not produce their own clothing, but are they sourcing from facilities that pay their workers fairly? Do those facilities minimize waste, use renewable energy, and responsibly manage chemical usage?
- Ethical Production: who made the dress? were they paid fairly and were they working in safe conditions? do they have worker’s rights, such as the right to organize? how does the brand ensure this? Certifications can be helpful here. But sometimes factories cannot afford these, so look for other assurances, such as that the founder personally visits the factories.
- Ownership: is it a small woman-owned business or major fashion brand owned by billionaires? What are your values when it comes to where your money is going?
I know that’s a lot! But these are elements to start looking for as you browse through brands. This isn’t about perfection — it’s just about learning and doing the best we can.
My Top Picks for Ethical and Sustainable Dresses
To help you out (because I get it — it’s complicated!) I’ve curated retailers and brands with sustainable and ethical dresses. These brands aren’t necessarily perfect, but they’re doing things better for people and the planet. I’ve included “Conscious Qualities” by each brand or retailer, so you can get an idea about why the brand is on the list and which sustainability criteria they meet.
I’ve also curated brands at a range of price points, to accommodate for different budgets.
This Guide’s Price Range Key:
- $ = Dresses under $100
- $$ = Dresses $100 – $200
- $$$ = Dresses $200+
Keep in mind that while price and quality aren’t necessarily directly tied to each other, lower prices may sometimes mean a sacrifice on quality and the highest quality picks are often on the higher end of the price spectrum. Better quality fabrics cost more, more skilled seamstresses are typically paid more, and many of the details that take a piece from good to great — such as pockets, well-fastened buttons, and linings — add to the product cost as well.
This article features affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (which helps us fund this website) if you choose to purchase through one of these links. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for sustainability that we love and that we think you’ll love too!
1. Christy Dawn
Best for flowy, romantic dresses
Crafting “dresses you want to live in”, Christy Dawn’s pieces are a fairytale come true with their romantic silhouettes and dreamy prints. The sustainably-minded brand sources organic cotton as well as regenerative organic cotton grown in India by their partners Oshadi Collective. This “Farm-to-Closet” collection is also vegetable-dyed and block-printed in India using traditional time-honored practices.
Conscious Qualities: Organic & Regenerative Fabrics, Local & Ethical Production
Size Range: XS-3XL
Price Range: $$$
2. Whimsy + Row
Best for flirty and feminine frocks
If you want a sustainable dress that doesn’t scream “sustainable”, Los Angeles-based Whimsy + Row is the brand for you.
The slow fashion label manufacturers their clothing in limited batches just a few miles away from their office and sources repurposed fabrics (i.e. deadstock) and lower-impact natural materials (such as linen and organic cotton) for their unapologetically feminine clothing. And don’t sleep on their bridesmaid dress options!
Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Fabrics, Small Batch Production
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$-$$$
3. Tradlands
Best for effortless house dresses
Created out of co-founder Sadie’s desire for classic, high-quality pieces, Tradlands is designed with longevity and versatility top of mind. And their effortless dresses are just as simple to care for — Tradlands uses natural — but washable! — fibers like cotton and linen.
The 100% cotton tiered dress I have from Tradlands (this one’s similar) is one of my summer go-to’s — breathable, flattering, and easy to dress up or down. I can wear it as a house dress working from home, or paired with jewelry and elegant sandals to dinner. (Monofiber fabrics — i.e. 100% of one fiber — is also easier to recycle than fabric blends.)
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Small Batch Production, Extended Sizing
Size Range: XS-4XL
Price Range: $$
4. Magic Linen
Best for 100% linen dresses
Versatile, breezy, and perfect for simmering temps, Magic Linen’s relaxed styles offer everything you need to feel calm and collected all summer long. Crafted from pure linen that has been stone-washed to provide unparalleled softness against your skin, these relaxed fits are the ideal intersection between vacation chic and functional style.
All of Magic Linen’s summer-ready pieces are created on a made-to-order basis, ensuring their garments are not overproduced. The brand also minimizes wastage by repurposing most of its fabric offcuts to create smaller items.
Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Natural Materials, Woman-Owned, Made-To-Order
Size Range: US 2–18
Price Range: $$-$$$
5. Rare & Fair
Best for special occasionwear
Made thoughtfully with time-honored practices by master artisans and craftspeople in small batches, Rare & Fair has truly exceptional sustainable dresses. Each piece is made in a fully transparent, traceable process from fiber to final stitch.
Conscious Qualities: Sustainable Fabrics & Processes, Artisan Made, Cultural Preservation
Size Range: XXS-XL
Price Range: $$$
6. tentree
Best for casual weekend dresses
When warm weather approaches, all you want is a dress you can throw on. And if your style skews minimalist, all you desire is a dress that has interesting details but doesn’t make too much of a fuss or song and dance about itself. Lucky for you, tentree has an array of simple dresses that fit the bill.
Button-down, wrap, cami, or even hooded, these pieces make everyday dressing feel like a breeze. Made from breathable materials like modal, hemp, TENCEL
Lyocell, linen, and organic cotton, these dresses are an ideal investment for the long haul.
Conscious Qualities: Eco Materials, Supply Chain Transparency, Plants Trees, Circularity Programs
Size Range: XS–XL
Price Range: $$-$$$
7. MATE
Best for non-toxic dresses
There’s nothing more satisfying than finding summer dresses that make you look instantly put together without much effort – and MATE’s curation checks every box.
From breezy maxi dresses to functional dresses that come with a removable belt bag, their styles are made using GOTS Certified Organic Linen, ideal for keeping the heat at bay when the mercury rises to unbearable temperatures.
What’s more? You can work up a sweat feeling relieved knowing that all of their pieces are made using non-toxic dyes that don’t rely on harmful chemicals like pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde.
Size Range: XS – XL
Price Range: $ – $$$
8. OhSevenDays
Best for elevated dresses with a point of view
OhSevenDays’ dresses feature feminine silhouettes, muted colors, and unique details to impress. Made from deadstock fabrics sourced from Istanbul, Turkey. The slow fashion brand also offers a transparent behind the scenes look at their production process, all done in-house by a team of four tailors.
With the level of detail on OhSevenDays dresses, all you need is an elevated pair of sustainably-made sandals and you’ve got a complete look.
Conscious Qualities: Reclaimed Fabrics, Transparent Production
Size Range: S-L + custom sizing
Price Range: $
9. No Nasties
Best for vacation dresses with vibrant hues
No Nasties creates 100% organic cotton fair trade dresses perfect for wearing to the beach with flip flops or pairing with heeled sandals for date night. Their versatile sustainable dresses are comfy, organic, and affordable with most pieces priced at under $100.
Conscious Qualities: Organic Fabrics, Traceable Supply Chain, Fair Trade
Size Range: XS-L
Price Range: $
10. Míe
Best for dresses you won’t see anywhere else
Míe is an independent fashion brand prioritizing natural fibers like linen and distinguished design details like tiered puff sleeves and unique necklines. Based in Nigeria and only sold in select global retailers, you’re unlikely to see anyone else wearing something similar.
Each dress is designed and handcrafted responsibly at their atelier in Lagos, Nigeria.
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Black Woman-Owned
Size Range: XS-3XL
Price Range: $$$
11. Reformation
Best for going out styles
Reformation is one of the more transparent and accountable mainstream sustainable brands. In 2023, Reformation used 97% recycled, regenerative, or renewable materials and nearly 1 in 5 of their sales were resale, vintage, or rental. They also have a number of circularity programs. (Find more details in their sustainability report.)
That said, they’re still a growth-focused brand selling trend-driven clothing, which has inherent sustainability limits.
Conscious Qualities: Responsible Material Sourcing, Circularity Initiatives, Traceability
Size Range: 0 – 12 and 14 – 24 in select styles
Price Range: $$$
12. Toad & Co
Crafted from fabrics like hemp, TENCEL, and organic cotton, and designed with easygoing silhouettes, Toad & Co’s has the perfect natural fiber dresses for warm sunny days.
The airy dresses can be worn as naturally breathable house dresses or with their delicate details and subtle prints, easily worn out with a pair of strappy sandals or slingbacks.
My top picks would be the brands midi dresses, but they also have wrap and tank dresses that hit mid-thigh if you prefer a shorter hemline.
Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Fabrics, Resale Program, Factory Transparency
Size Range: XS-XL
Price Range: $$
You Might Also Be Wondering…
Are sustainable dresses worth the higher price tag?
It depends! The key here is to look at cost-per-wear. A $250 organic linen dress you wear 80 times costs $3.12 per wear. A $40 fast fashion dress you wear 5 times costs $8 per wear. More sustainable dresses tend to have timeless design and be made with higher quality materials and construction, meaning they last longer, hold their shape better, and don’t need replacing as often. That said, always look at the care instructions! Natural fibers may require a bit more attention than synthetic fibers (such as air-drying instead of throwing in a machine dryer) but they’re well worth the additional effort.
And there are also genuinely affordable sustainable options (like No Nasties and tentree) that prove sustainability doesn’t always mean expensive. Some brands are priced very competitively with their less sustainably-minded couterparts.
What certifications should I look for when buying a sustainable dress?
The most meaningful certifications for dresses are:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic fibers and other sustainability assurances during production
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 for chemical safety in finished garments (note that this is a product certification, not a material certification — and many brands miscommunicate this label)
- Made in Fair Trade Certified factories which ensure that the brand is paying into a premium that goes to a Community Development Fund that workers can vote on to determine how to use those funds
However, many small brands cannot afford to buy certified products, fabrics, or pay into fair trade programs. There are other ways to ensure ethical sourcing as well, so look into a brand’s sustainability or sourcing pages too.
What’s the most sustainable type of fabric for a dress?
This is a nearly impossible question to answer because no single fiber is the “best” by all measures. There are so many considerations (land use, water use, biodegradability, longevity, carbon emissions, and so on) that I cannot tell you the single “best” fiber.
That said, I avoid synthetic materials, which are made from fossil fuels and release microplastics into our environment when washed. Among natural options, different fibers have different use cases, so I recommend looking for the best version of each. This deep dive has much more on fabrics.
But even then there are nuances — is 50% organic cotton blend with hemp or linen better than a 100% conventional cotton fabric considering that monofiber fabrics are much easier to recycle at the end of their life? As you can see, the most sustainable question is complicated.
Should I buy secondhand instead of new sustainable dresses?
From a pure environmental standpoint, secondhand is almost always the better choice — no new resources used, no new manufacturing emissions. Platforms like ThredUp, The RealReal, Poshmark, and Depop are great starting points. That said, buying new from sustainably-minded brands does serve a purpose: it signals market demand for responsible production and can support artisans, ethical manufacturers, and/or women-owned small businesses, depending on the brand. The best approach in my mind? Check secondhand first. If you can’t find what you need, then invest in a quality piece from a trusted more sustainable brand if you can.
What sustainable dresses come in plus sizes or extended sizes?
Size inclusivity is an area where sustainable fashion has historically underperformed — but it’s improving. LOUD BODIES is the standout on this list, offering 15 sizes from XXS to 10XL. Christy Dawn goes up to 3XL in some styles, Míe up to 3XL, and Tradlands to 4XL. When shopping, always check the full size range on the brand’s website, as some brands offer extended sizes only in select styles.
The post The Best Sustainable Brands — for Any Budget (2026) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
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.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: A Thousand Forests in One Acorn appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-a-thousand-forests-in-one-acorn/
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