Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2024

Alice Rush

Last Updated on April 12, 2024

You’ve probably heard the term “going green” before: But what exactly does it mean? And is there a difference between going green and being sustainable?

Not really: Going green basically means living a sustainable lifestyle or choosing to make more eco conscious choices.

Going Green Beginner's Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

In my own life, I “go green” by choosing to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in my life, bike or walk to my destinations, and eat a plant-based diet. All these individual choices help reduce my carbon footprint and promote a sustainable lifestyle.

That said, you can also go green through collective action as well: Participating in climate marches, signing petitions, and pushing climate policy are just a few examples of this. Remember: Individual and collective action both matter and aren’t mutually exclusive.

If you want to learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, here’s everything you need to know about going green.

what does going green mean?

Going green means being more eco conscious and changing your lifestyle to reduce your overall impact on the planet.

When you go green, you become more environmentally aware and recognize the choices you make have some kind of impact on the planet, good or bad.

For example, maybe you started to notice all the plastic you use and then find out only 5-6% of it is recycled. This may motivate you to “go green” by reducing your plastic consumption where you can.

Or, perhaps you’ve witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand. Many people are starting to go green because they’ve seen the effects of climate change and want to act.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Human activity has been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas.

The consequences of climate change include, but are not limited to: Intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity.

One way to combat climate change is to go green, both on an individual and collective level. We can do this through mindset shifts, sustainable swaps, and holding corporations and government accountable.

what are examples of going green?

There’s no one way to go green. There are so many different ways to lessen your impact on the environment.

For example, I started my journey into green living through the zero waste movement. Zero waste focuses on reducing trash and creating closed-loop cycles of production.

But there are so many other ways to go green that aren’t limited to just pertaining to physical forms of waste.

Some examples of going green include, but are not limited to:

Reducing single-use plastic consumption
Eating less meat and dairy (or completely omitting it)
Biking, walking, carpooling, or taking public transportation more
Supporting organic and regenerative farming practices
Thrifting for clothes, furniture and small appliances
Avoiding impulse purchases and consuming less
Eating local, seasonal produce
Growing a pesticide-free vegetable garden
Reducing water waste
Switching to renewable energy
Planting native plants instead of lawns
Supporting conservation efforts of natural spaces

what does going green mean for kids?

Speaking to kids about going green is incredibly important. Doing so fuels their love for the planet and will encourage them to adopt sustainable habits early on.

Getting your kids to go green doesn’t have to be hard or full of doom and gloom. You can focus on the beauty of Earth and show them fun ways to protect it.

Here are some ways to get your child involved in green living:

Get them to take the zero waste challenge for kids! Every day, they’ll learn about one new sustainable swap they can make to reduce pollution.
Introduce them to some sustainable crafts and projects. Things that will get their hands dirty, like making and using plant paints, are a fun and engaging way to teach them sustainable practices.
Encourage them to create sustainable science experiments. You can do these from the comfort of your home.
Buy them books on sustainability, or borrow some from the library. After reading one or two of the books on this list, it’s good to follow it up with action. This will help your child better absorb what they’ve read and apply it.
Lead by example: Create sustainable habits in your own life and they’re bound to notice. Kids are very observant and may even adopt your habits as their own.

what are 10 ways to go green?

There are so many ways to go green but let’s dive into ten ways to get you started. You can pick and choose which you’re most interested in to follow. Or you can make small swaps in each category! Just remember, doing something is better than nothing.

Also, going green isn’t limited to just these ten habits! Be sure to do your research and make your own educated decisions.

1. reduce plastic waste

Over 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been generated since the 1950s. Yet only 5% of that plastic actually gets recycled, which is down from 9%.

We’re not getting better at recycling plastic, we’re getting worse. It doesn’t help that there are seven different kinds of plastic, and every state (even down to the town) has different recycling regulations.

The best solution is to reduce plastic waste where you can. Choosing reusables and saying no to single-use plastic is the best way to do this.

Here are some ways you can reduce plastic waste:

Do a trash audit to see where you stand on trash. Did you find a lot of plastic cups? Takeout containers? This will help you see what areas you need to pinpoint and make changes to.
Start with the big four: Water bottles, plastic bags, straws and takeaway coffee cups. Opt for reusable versions of these items and stash them in your car or purse.
Invest in eco-friendly items when you’ve used up your current stuff. Ex: After you finish your toothpaste, consider switching to toothpaste tabs in plastic-free packaging.
Avoid judging others on their plastic use. Instead, direct that frustration towards big plastic polluters, like Pepsico and Coca Cola.
Write to your favorite brands that use plastic packaging and ask them to consider more eco-friendly packaging options.
Don’t sweat the small stuff: No one is perfect. Sometimes, a plastic straw will come with your drink. Sometimes, you can’t avoid buying the veggies wrapped in plastic. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for this. Just keep moving forward!

Here are some articles all about zero waste living:

2. eat a plant-based diet

Eating more plants instead of animal products can result in lower emissions.

A vegan diet can reduce climate heating emissions by 75% compared to a diet that includes animal products. Also, 80% of deforestation in the Amazon is due to the expansion of livestock farming and feeding animals.

Choosing a whole-foods approach to a vegan or plant-based lifestyle is the best choice. Try to incorporate fresh greens and veggies whenever possible, along with beans and legumes, over processed vegan foods.

Here’s how to get started on a plant-based diet:

Stock up on essentials in your pantry and fridge. Choose plant proteins like tofu, chickpeas, lentils and nuts. For milk, butter and cheese, there are several vegan alternatives to choose from in stores. For eggs, try out different egg substitutes.
Get some snacks. Seasonal fruits, nuts, hummus, guacamole, and salsa are just a few to try.
Plan your meals. Take some time to map out what dishes you’d like to prepare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Look up vegan versions of your favorite dishes for inspiration.

3. ditch single-use paper products

We use a lot of single-use paper products: Paper towels, paper napkins, and toilet paper.

Did you know it takes 12 trees and 20,000 gallons of water to make one ton of paper towels? In the U.S., we currently use more than 13 billion pounds of paper towels each year, and most just end up in a landfill.

While I won’t recommend ditching toilet paper, I will say there are more sustainable alternatives than the conventional brands for each of these items.

Here are some options to consider:

Make the switch to reusable paper towels. You can use these to dry your hands, wipe up spills, and dry the dishes.
Invest in reusable cloth napkins. You can use these to wipe your hands and mouth at the table. Just toss them in the wash when you’re done.
Switch to a more sustainable toilet paper option. I love Who Gives a Crap: They make toilet paper from recycled paper. They also offer toilet paper made from 100% bamboo. Both are kinder to the environment, and they ship plastic-free.

RELATED: Zero Waste Cloth Paper Towel Tips

4. drive less

Most cars still use internal combustion engines (ICE), which means they run on fossil fuels. When these gases leave your tailpipe, they contribute to climate change.

In the US, the transportation sector produces a quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions. Over 57% of these emissions come from vehicles like cars, small trucks, and SUVs.

According to the EPA, burning a gallon of gasoline produces nearly 9kg of carbon dioxide (CO2). It stacks up to ~4,600kg of CO2 per automobile year. That’s about a third of an average American’s carbon footprint.

Simply driving less can cut down on your carbon footprint. You can do this by walking and biking shorter distances. Investing in a good set of walking shoes and bike gear is essential. In some cities you can also rent a bike (like CitiBike). Or, if you know someone who has a bike, see if they’d be willing to lend it to you.

If you must travel farther, opting to carpool or get public transportation is the better option. Carpooling with friends or family is always a fun option. But you can also get an Uber or Lyft (these apps even let you request an EV!).

Buses, subways and trains can carry far more people than personal automobiles. This means they have far fewer emissions per passenger.

If you have the option to, consider working from home (aka telecommuting) whenever you can. This saves you from unnecessary trips to the office and may even save you on gas money.

If you must travel with a car every day, consider upgrading to greener model. Electric cars (EVs), plug-in hybrids and standard hybrids are all good options to consider.

5. stop supporting fast fashion

According to the British Fashion Council, we have enough clothing on the planet to dress six generations.

Yet, every second, the equivalent of a trash truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in a landfill. Textile production contributes to climate change more than international aviation and shipping combined.

On top of this, most of the clothes we wear today are made from synthetic fabrics, like polyester, which is fossil fuel derived. These shed microplastics over time and whenever we wash them.

Here’s how we can stop supporting fast fashion:

Avoid supporting big companies like Shein, H&M, Temu, Amazon and Forever 21. These companies, among many others, produce excess amounts of clothing (and various other items) at the expense of people and planet.
Take care of the clothes you own. Be an outfit repeater. Wash your clothes according to the care instructions to make them last.
Go thrifting when you need something new. Or, borrow from a loved one.
Consider renting clothes if you will only use the outfit once (like to a wedding).
If you must buy new, choose to support sustainable clothing brands.

6. switch to a green bank

Your bank may be directly funding the fossil fuel industry. Sixty of the largest banks in the world have invested $3.8 trillion in fossil fuels since the Paris Agreement.

Our savings and checking accounts are being used to fund all sorts of projects, but many banks aren’t transparent about how they’re using our money.

They could be investing in thousands of projects you don’t agree with like drilling, mining, fracking, for-profit prisons, tobacco, pipelines, and so much more.

Here are the big bad four:

JP Morgan Chase
Citibank
Wells Fargo
Bank of America

According to the Banking on Climate report, these banks have invested the most money in fossil fuels, and JP Morgan Chase leading the way at $317 billion.

If you have your money with these banks, I highly recommend taking it out. Put it with a local credit union or put it with one of these sustainable banks.

7. repair and re-use what you have

Using what you have will always be the most sustainable option. You should never feel pressured to run out and buy the latest “sustainable product” just because.

I still have old-plastic Tupperware. I am careful about what I store in it, but I definitely still use it.

All my cloth towels are stained. Heck, half of them are old t-shirts.

I like getting creative with what I have, being part of my buy nothing group, and thrifting things when I need them.

Don’t focus on what you can buy, but on what you can do. That includes repairing items when they rip or break!

Here are some articles all about repairing and caring for your items:

8. have an energy-efficient home

Each area of the home uses a lot of energy. The kitchen is a perfect example: This is one of the most appliance heavy rooms in the house, and many of them stay plugged in 24/7 which is responsible for oh-so-spooky *phantom electricity*.

Phantom Electricity makes up more than 10% of an average home’s annual electricity bill.

Phantom electricity happens when electronic devices are plugged in but not actively working. If you have a toaster plugged in and sitting on your counter, it’s still drawing electricity from the power grid.

While it’s not drawing a ton of power, it’s still enough to add up on your electric bill. Other kitchen examples would be your dishwasher, microwave, toaster or a blender plugged in even when not in use.

Here are some ways you can reduce energy consumption in your home:

Unplug your appliances, gaming systems, and electronics when not in use.
Turn off the lights when you’re leaving a room.
Keep the thermostat set to a temperature that’s not too cold in the summer, nor too warm in the winter.
Keep your fridge door closed, and keep it fully stocked.
Air dry your dishes.
Chop smaller vegetables: The smaller they are, the less time it takes to cook them, which means less time the oven needs to be on.
Cook with the lid on to speed up the cooking process.
Use an electricity-free bidet attachment in the bathroom.

Here are some articles that will help make your home more energy efficient:

9. recycle properly

A lot of people wishcycle. Wishcycling is when you toss something into the recycling bin and hope it gets recycled, even if you’re not sure it will.

When you do this though, you run the risk of the whole recycling bin becoming contaminated (and thus, unrecyclable).

Instead, brush up on your local recycling regulations: They vary from state to state, or sometimes even from town to town. Something that’s considered recyclable in New York, may not be in Texas, and vice versa.

You can usually check your local state’s website for information. Once you find out what’s recyclable, consider printing it out or writing it down on scrap paper. Then, hang it somewhere you can see every day, like the fridge door.

Here are some articles that can help you recycle properly:

Last but not least, find ways to support a sharing economy. Today, we are largely disconnected from each other, despite being connected by the internet.

Very few of us know our neighbors and there’s a huge push for individuality. This is fueled by the linear economy we live in where items are designed for the landfill.

We’re encouraged to buy more and constantly bombarded by ads. Even on TikTok or Instagram, someone is always trying to sell you something.

But the planet doesn’t need us consuming more stuff: In fact, we should be buying less, and sharing more.

Here are some ways we can participate in a sharing economy:

Host or attend a clothing swap with friends and family.
Visit the library where you can check out books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and even attend free workshops.
Join a community garden.
Growing excess food? Put it outside your home with a sign that says “free” on it.
Start a little free library.
Host or attend a potluck with your neighbors.
Consider starting a repair cafe, or join a maker’s space.
Borrow tools and gardening supplies from a neighbor or loved one.
Start a seed library.
Offer to carpool your neighbor or coworkers to work.

So, what do you think of these tips and tricks on going green? Let me know in the comments!

The post Going Green Beginner’s Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Going Green Beginner’s Guide: 10 Ways to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

Green Living

Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead

Published

2 days ago

March 11, 2026

Alice Rush

Last Updated on March 11, 2026

This post was sponsored by Casamera. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information, please see my disclosure policy.

Have you ever seen those ‘everything shower’ videos trying to convince you to use 12+ products on your skin and hair? Including plastic poufs destined for landfill in 2 months time?

Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead

All you really need is a bar of soap, shampoo/conditioner, safety razor, and something natural to lather with. Enter Casamera, a sustainable brand who creates konjac sponges for face and body (aka all-natural shower sponges).

But what exactly is a konjac sponge? And are they all created equal? Here’s everything you need to know so you can ditch plastic poufs for good.

What Is a Konjac Sponge?

A konjac sponge is a natural skin exfoliant made from the konjac plant, a root vegetable. To make konjac sponges, the konjac tubers are harvested and fiber (glucomannan) is extracted from the root.

The fiber is mixed with water and various other natural ingredients to form a gel-like mixture. This mixture is poured into molds to create the desired shape and size. It’s then steamed to solidify and stabilize the structure.

Casamera makes all-natural shower sponges that include konjac powder as one of the four natural ingredients it takes to make one. Their scrubbers come in a variety of infusions, such as charcoal (best for oily/acne-prone skin), matcha, volcanic mud, peppermint, and walnut.

But not all konjac sponges are the same: Casamera’s dual-sided design has one soft side and one exfoliating side (powered by natural walnut shells), making it suitable for both face and body.

Most conventional konjac sponges are for facial skincare only, making Casamera’s a perfect replacement for plastic poufs. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in your hand, and you can easily hang it up to dry after use.

Konjac Sponge Benefits

The best known benefits of using a konjac sponge are cleansing and gently exfoliating skin. It’s extremely gentle, so it can help unclog pores, especially helpful to those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Casamera’s sponges are also 100% compostable, unlike plastic poufs destined for landfills. It’s also dual sided: The honeycomb side is perfect for washing up whereas the other side exfoliates for deep cleaning.

Plastic poufs can also smell moldy after just a week. Casamera’s scrubbers don’t have that problem because they’re antimicrobial and fast-drying. Which means less replacements and more money saving!

You’re also not scrubbing microplastics onto your body and down the drain. Casamera’s sponges are plastic-free, even down to their low-waste shipping materials. Plus they plant trees to offset their carbon footprint from manufacturing and shipping!

There’s three different sizes: The OG, the XL and the mini. The mini is great for the face, OG works as an ideal body scrubber, and XL is perfect for smothering your body (and backside) in soapy suds.

How to Use a Konjac Sponge (Step-by-Step)

To use Casamera’s scrubbers, here’s a simple step by step routine that’s easy to remember:

Presoak the scrubber with water
Apply body wash to it (I love Plaine Products refillable body wash)
Scrub away!
Rinse it out (make sure there’s no suds or water left)
Hang it dry (ideally in a well-ventilated area)

How Long Do Konjac Sponges Last?

If properly maintained, a konjac sponge can last 2-3 months or longer depending on use. To sanitize it, once a week, add the sponge to a bowl of boiling water for a couple of minutes.

If you’re using the sponge daily, be mindful it may deteriorate faster. If you see a difference in color, texture, or a strange smell, replace it.

Getting the scrubber pack is ideal because you’ll get three sponges in one pack, enough to last months!

Konjac Sponge vs Face Wipes

While makeup wipes may be considered easy and convenient, they also tend to be saturated in harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin (some may even contain PFAs).

Plus face wipes are single-use, meaning they’ll end up in a landfill somewhere or worse – fatbergs. Fatbergs are massive, solidified blockages in sewer systems made up of oils, grease, fats, and non-biodegradable items (like wet wipes).

Whatever you choose to use, never flush face wipes down the toilet – even if it says flushable.

Konjac sponges are reusable and capable of removing your makeup without the use of questionable ingredients. Just soak it in water, add your favorite cleanser, and watch the grime and makeup come right off!

And when they’re at the end of their life, they can be composted, instead of polluting our sewers.

Is a Konjac Sponge Worth It?

Yes, a konjac sponge is worth it (specifically Casamera’s) and here’s a quick recap as to why:

Made using 4 clean ingredients (konjac powder, water, walnut shells, + infusion)
Gently exfoliates + washes skin
100% compostable, doesn’t shed microplastics
Easy to use in 5 steps
Comes in a variety of infusions for every skin type
Will last 2–3 months or longer depending on use
Ships plastic-free
OneTreePlanted partner

So, would you give konjac sponges a try? Let me know in the comments!

And, a huge thank you to Casamera for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit Casamera.com to get your hands on their rejuvenating scrubber pack!

The post Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead

Green Living

Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: Carbon Direct Chief Scientist Julio Friedmann on the Path to Carbon Removal

Published

2 days ago

March 11, 2026

Alice Rush

The scale of our climate challenge is staggering: humans have pumped 1.6 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air and oceans since 1750, and we’re adding another 40 billion tonnes every year. Even with dramatic emissions reductions, we’re still on track to blow past 1.5 degrees of warming, the Paris Accord target first breached in 2024. Tune in to a conversation with Dr. Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct. This carbon management company partners with Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and American Express to transform net-zero commitments into science-backed action plans. After a career that began as a researcher at ExxonMobil and included service at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Columbia University’s energy policy center, and running advanced energy programs in the Obama administration’s Department of Energy, Julio brings unique expertise to the intersection of massive climate challenges and current technological capabilities.

Dr. Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct, is our guest on *Sustainability In Your Ear*.

As companies work toward 2030 and 2050 carbon goals, the question isn’t whether we’ll need massive carbon removal—it’s whether we can deploy it fast enough and fairly enough to matter. The recent $100 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal awards highlighted the diversity of approaches being pursued, with natural solutions like enhanced rock weathering using basalt and azomite soil, and biochar applications to farmland dominating the winners. But how do these technologies stack up against the hype? Friedmann provides a realistic assessment of where Direct Air Capture, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and other carbon removal approaches stand today. Carbon Direct’s team of 70+ scientists changes the conversation with corporate clients about their carbon strategies, providing the scientific firepower to offer hard feedback about what’s needed to preserve the markets, supply chains, and revenue streams companies depend on. You can learn more about Carbon Direct’s work and explore their library of climatetech reports at https://www.carbon-direct.com/

Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunes
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The post Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: Carbon Direct Chief Scientist Julio Friedmann on the Path to Carbon Removal appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/podcast/sustainability-in-your-ear-carbon-direct-chief-scientist-julio-friedmann-on-the-path-to-carbon-removal/

Green Living

The Best Sustainable Dresses Brands of 2026 — for Any Budget

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

Alice Rush

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: $$$

Browse Christy Dawn

Blue floral puff sleeve organic cotton dress

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: $$-$$$

Browse Whimsy + Row

Red slow fashion mini dress made from deadstock fabric in Los Angeles

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: $$

Browse Tradlands

Brown cotton and linen short sleeve midi length dress with smocked top

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: $$-$$$

Browse Magic Linen

Beige linen midi dress with tie at waist

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: $$$

Browse Rare & Fair

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: $$-$$$

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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: $ – $$$

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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: $

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Blush pink mini dress with sheer skirt made from deadstock fabrics

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: $

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Floral organic cotton fair trade dress from No Nasties

10. LOUD BODIES

Best for size inclusive slow fashion dresses

Crafting pieces in small batches using natural fibers in 15 different sizes, LOUD BODIES’ creates some of the best eco-friendly size inclusive dresses.

The brand will even produce pieces in custom sizes at no extra charge.

Conscious Qualities: Lower Impact Fabrics, Size Inclusive, Small Batch

Size Range: XXS-10XL
Price Range: $$

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11. 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: $$$

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Light blue flowy mini dress with tie from independent Nigerian designer Mìe

12. 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. They’re doing better than most at their size — just go in with realistic expectations.

Conscious Qualities: Responsible Material Sourcing, Circularity Initiatives, Traceability

Size Range: 0 – 12 and 14 – 24 in select styles
Price Range: $$$

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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 Dresses Brands of 2026 — for Any Budget appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.