Last Updated on April 23, 2024
Do you read the tags on your clothing? It’s a good idea to get into the habit of it: Doing this can tell you what materials your clothing is made from, and where it was made.
This matters, considering most of our clothing is made from polyester, aka a form of plastic. Polyester is made from non-renewable petroleum (crude oil) that’s extracted from the earth unsustainably.
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To create polyester, 70 million barrels of oil are used annually, and turning this oil into polyester fabric releases a lot of toxins into the environment.
However, even if you choose more natural materials, like organic cotton, chances are it’s never just 100% cotton. Depending on what clothing item it is, there’s a good chance it’s combined with another fabric, like elastane.
For example, if you’re going to buy a nice pair of organic cotton leggings, there’s a high probability a small percentage of those leggings will also be made up of elastane.
This is because elastane is often used in combination with other materials to create stretchy clothing.
But what is Elastane? And is it sustainable? Here’s everything you need to know regarding elastane and if you should look for this material or avoid it in your next purchase.
is elastane natural or synthetic?
Elastane is a synthetic material that has qualities like that of rubber and is made from polymers, specifically polyurethane. This is a form of plastic and was invented to replace rubber in the 1950s. Rubber was somewhat hard to come by, and was subject to fluctuating prices, whereas elastane was cheaper to make.
Because of this, elastane does not biodegrade. That also means it is not compostable.
Also of note, elastane goes by several names: In the US and Cananda, it goes by the brand name Spandex. You may also see it labeled Lycra.
how is elastane made?
1. First, production of a prepolymer is needed. This is accomplished by mixing macroglycol with a diisocyanate monomer within a special type of reaction vessel.
2. Then when the dry spinning method is used, the prepolymer is reacted with diamine acid.
3. Next the solution is diluted with a solvent to make it thinner, which thusly makes it easier to handle. It’s placed inside a fiber production cell.
4. The cell spins to produce fibers and cure the elastane. Within this cell, the solution is pushed through a spinneret.
5. The fibers are then heated within a nitrogen and solvent gas solution. This transforms the liquid polymer into solid strands.
6. These strands are then bundled together as they exit the cylindrical spinning cell using a compressed air device.
7. To treat the elastane with a finishing agent, magesium stearate or another polymer is used. This prevents the fibers from adhering together.
8. Last but not least, the remaining fibers are spooled and then ready to be dyed or woven into fabric.
is elastane a good fabric?
Elastane is a good fabric in terms of its use to make clothing stretchy and form-fitting. It’s often found in activewear such as yoga pants, leggings, and sports bras, alongside any other kind of garment that may be used for physical activity.
Elastane is almost never used by itself, but typically blended with other fabrics, like cotton. This material is resistant to body oils, perspiration and sunlight, which makes it durable.
However, in terms of the environment, elastane isn’t the most sustainable material out there. Elastane is made from plastic, which is derived from crude oil, a fossil fuel contributing to climate change.
Manufacturing elastane is energy-intensive and requires the use of a variety of toxic chemicals. If these chemicals are not disposed of properly, they could harm the environment.
Synthetic dyes are often used in elastane production, and these are known to pollute the environment as well. These dyes affect not only aquatic plants and animals, but the water supply humans depend on.
Additionally, as mentioned above, elastane is not biodegradable, nor compostable. At the end of its life, it cannot return to the earth like a natural fabric could, because it is synthetic.
It’s worth noting that synthetic fabrics tend to shed over time, which produces microplastics.
Recently, a new study found we could be ingesting 11,000 microplastics per year. Microplastics have been found in our lungs, feces, and even our placentas.
It’s unknown what the health effects of this are yet, but polyurethane, elastane’s precursor, is a known carcinogen.
The good news is that only a small percentage of elastane is typically used in clothing production. So, for example, most leggings will likely be mostly cotton and perhaps 2-7% elastane.
The best solution is to limit the amount of clothing you have that contains elastane. Save it for your workout sets, if possible. And opt for clothing that has a smaller percentage of elastane in them if you can.
what is the difference between polyester and elastane?
The main difference between polyester and elastane is that elastane is used to add stretch to a garment. Polyester fabrics are almost never stretchable, unless the garment has added elastane in it.
That said, both polyester and elastane are synthetic materials not found in nature. They are petroleum-based fabrics.
what is the problem with elastane?
The problem with elastane is both its manufacturing process and end of life: They have a large carbon footprint. The material cannot biodegrade and is manufactured unsustainably, using energy-intensive practices and harsh chemicals.
Because these clothing items cannot biodegrade, they will likely end up in a landfill somewhere, contributing to pollution for years to come.
There’s also the issue it may shed microplastics over time with every use and wash. The health impacts of this are still yet to be determined.
Unfortunately, many clothing brands use this material, including sustainable ones, so it’s hard or nearly impossible to avoid, especially in athleisure.
Here are some solutions:
- Reserve elastane for workout clothes only
- Use what you already have, instead of buying new
- If you must buy new clothes that contain elastane, choose from sustainable brands
- Look for smaller percentages of elastane used in the product makeup, if possible
sustainable brands that use elastane
Yes, even sustainable brands use elastane. However, you can offset elastane’s environmental impacts by choosing to buy from brands that blend elastane with more sustainable materials, such as organic cotton.
For example, purchasing a pair of organic cotton leggings that contain elastane is better than ones containing conventional cotton. Conventional cotton is a water-intensive crop and heavily sprayed with pesticides.
While both leggings will likely utilize elastane in the materials, one has significantly less of a carbon footprint.
Not to mention the brand you’re buying it from matters too: Some brands reduce their overall impact in other ways, like prioritizing plastic-free packaging, or donating to environmental non-profits.
You’ll also want to choose clothes built to last a while, since elastane does not biodegrade. If you’re thinking of buying something with elastane in it (like leggings), be sure you will use them for years to come.
Here are some eco-friendly clothing brands that use elastane in some of their garments. All of these brands try to reduce their environmental footprint through using organic materials, low waste packaging, and achieving eco certifications.
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. organic basics
- Clothing basics for men and women
- Made from organic cotton, Tencel, recycled nylon and LENZING ECOVERO
- Manufactured in trusted, certified factories where workers are paid a living wage + in a safe working space
- 1% For The Planet member
- B Corporation
2. pact
- Clothing basics, underwear and socks for both men, women, kids, and babies
- Made from organic cotton which uses up to 95% less water than conventional cotton, and doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals, bleaches or dyes that conventional cotton uses
- Manufactured in fair trade certified factories that are sweatshop and child-labor-free
- Recyclable paper bags for packaging products
3. tentree
- Relaxed clothing for men, women, and kids including both clothing and accessories
- Utilizes recycled poly, organic cotton, hemp, cork and other sustainable materials
- Manufacturing partners have ethical labor rights + safe workplaces
- Plant 10 trees for every purchase
4. girlfriend collective
- Basics and activewear for women
- Made from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles
- Manufactured in factories that are SA8000 and WRAP certified which promises workers are paid a living wage + have safe working conditions
- Garment recycling program “ReGirlfriend”
- Packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable
5. toad and co
- Men and women’s clothing for everyday and outdoor use
- Uses organic cotton, hemp, Tencel and recycled materials
- Takeback program for old clothes (from any brand)
- Member of The Renewal Workshop, repairs and resells old Toad clothes
- LimeLoop partner, reusable shipping—made from recycled billboards
What do you think about this material? Will you be buying it, or avoiding it? Let me know in the comments!
The post What is Elastane? And Is It Sustainable? appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
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/
Deodorant or antiperspirant is something most of us apply daily, often without a second thought about the difference between the two. Antiperspirants are designed to stop you from sweating; deodorants are designed to stop you from smelling. That distinction matters, because it shapes which ingredients end up against your skin every morning — and which ones you might want to leave on the shelf.
If you want to simplify your routine and cut synthetic ingredients, the natural-deodorant category has matured dramatically since this guide first ran. Formulas work better, packaging has gone plastic-free, and aluminum-free options now fill mainstream shelves. Here is how deodorant and antiperspirant differ, what the science actually says about the ingredients people worry about, and seven natural deodorants worth trying.
Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants
The difference comes down to function. Antiperspirants use aluminum-based compounds — aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, or aluminum zirconium — to temporarily plug sweat ducts and reduce wetness. Deodorants do not block sweat at all; they work by neutralizing or masking the odor that bacteria produce when they break down sweat. A natural deodorant lets you perspire normally while tackling the smell.
You may have heard that the aluminum in antiperspirants is tied to breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. It is worth being clear about where that stands. The American Cancer Society says there is no clear link between antiperspirants containing aluminum and breast cancer, and notes that sweat glands are not connected to the lymph nodes; sweating cools the body rather than flushing out toxins. The National Cancer Institute reached the same conclusion in its review, and the Alzheimer’s Association has described the antiperspirant–Alzheimer’s connection as a long-running myth. A 2024 toxicology review keeps the question open as a research topic but states that aluminum at the concentrations regulators permit in antiperspirants is not classified as a carcinogen.
None of that obligates you to use aluminum. Plenty of people prefer to skip it, want simpler ingredient lists, or are drawn to plastic-free packaging — all reasonable, values-driven reasons to choose a natural deodorant. The case for switching just rests on those preferences rather than on disease risk.
Ingredients People Choose to Avoid
Beyond aluminum, several ingredients common in conventional deodorants and antiperspirants are ones natural-product shoppers tend to screen out, some for documented irritation or hormone-disruption concerns, others as a precaution. Here’s a plain-language guide to the most-discussed ones:
- Parabens: Synthetic preservatives that can mimic estrogen in lab settings. Most major deodorant brands have phased them out, but the Environmental Working Group still flags methylparaben for endocrine concerns.
- Propylene glycol: A texture-softening agent that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Notably, several deodorants marketed as “natural” still contain it, so it’s worth reading the label before you buy.
- Synthetic fragrance (“parfum”): A catch-all term that can mask undisclosed ingredients, including phthalates. Fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented formulas sidestep the ambiguity.
- Triclosan: An antibacterial agent the FDA removed from over-the-counter antiseptic washes in 2016 and from consumer hand sanitizers in 2019, citing antibiotic-resistance and thyroid concerns. It is no longer common in deodorant, which is the point — the deodorant industry has moved on.
The PFAS Problem in “Natural” Deodorants
There is a newer wrinkle earlier versions of this guide didn’t cover. Independent lab testing commissioned by the consumer-advocacy group Mamavation, on products purchased between February 2023 and February 2024, detected organic fluorine — a marker for PFAS — in several deodorants, including Dr. Teal’s, Each & Every, Hello, Hey Humans, Lume, and a Secret antiperspirant, at levels from roughly 11 to 34 parts per million. The amounts are small and may reflect unintentional contamination rather than added ingredients.
Why care about trace amounts? PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are called “forever chemicals” because they resist breaking down in the environment and in the body, so exposures accumulate over time instead of clearing. In April 2024 the EPA set the first legally enforceable national drinking-water limits for several common PFAS, concluding there is effectively no safe level for two of them. Expert reviews of PFAS toxicity have associated the chemicals with thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, liver damage, and kidney and testicular cancer. A daily product that sits on the skin is a small exposure on its own, but it adds to a lifetime of others — which is exactly why persistence matters.
Read the label, not the marketing
The word “natural” is not defined or enforced by the FDA, so any product can use it. The reliable signals are a complete published ingredient list and third-party certifications, such as USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), or Certified Vegan. Every pick below meets at least one of those bars.
7 Natural Deodorant Picks
Whether you prefer a stick, roll-on, cream, spray, or refillable system, these seven options are free of aluminum compounds and screen out the synthetic ingredients above. Availability and formulas were verified in June 2026.
This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one, Earth911 earns a small commission that helps fund our Recycling Directory.
1. Crystal
Crystal, made by French Transit, has produced mineral-salt deodorant since 1984 and is one of the simplest formulas on the market — its classic stick is a single ingredient, potassium alum, which creates a barrier that inhibits odor-causing bacteria without blocking pores. The line is free of aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, silicones, phthalates, and artificial fragrance, and is vegan and cruelty-free. It now spans sticks, roll-ons, the original stone, and mineral deodorant sprays, in scents from unscented to lavender.
2. Erbaviva
Erbaviva’s spray deodorants are USDA Certified Organic, vegan, and cruelty-free, built on quickly-evaporating organic grain alcohol and organic essential oils — jasmine and grapefruit, lemon and sage, or lavender and geranium — that help fight underarm bacteria. The non-staining mist can also be used on fabric and yoga mats.
3. JK Naturals
California-based JK Naturals handcrafts stick deodorants from certified organic ingredients — kokum butter, coconut oil, neem, witch hazel, and steam-distilled essential oils like lavender and peppermint + tea tree. The line is 100% natural and aluminum-free, with adult and teen formulas. Because it’s a kokum-butter base, warming the stick against skin for a few seconds before applying gives a smoother glide.
4. Native
Native, now owned by Procter & Gamble, is the best-selling natural deodorant in the U.S. and is aluminum-, paraben-, and phthalate-free. Its formula has been reworked since this guide last ran: the current sticks use coconut oil, shea butter, and tapioca starch, the brand is now vegan, and its standard line has moved away from baking soda — with a dedicated baking-soda-free Sensitive line for reactive skin. Native also offers plastic-free paperboard packaging that ships in a recycled paper mailer.
5. Wild
Wild built its reputation on a refillable system: a reusable case paired with compostable refills made from bamboo pulp, eliminating the single-use plastic tube. The formula is aluminum-, paraben-, and sulfate-free, made from 98% natural-origin ingredients, and is both Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free) and Vegan certified. Each refill lasts roughly four to six weeks. For an Earth911 reader, it’s the strongest pick on packaging waste.
6. Schmidt’s Naturals
Schmidt’s Naturals, a Portland, Oregon brand now owned by Unilever, is one of the most widely available natural deodorants, with plant- and mineral-based formulas that are certified vegan and cruelty-free. Its “never list” excludes aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance. Sticks built on arrowroot powder, baking soda, coconut oil, and shea butter come in scents like charcoal & magnesium and bergamot & lime, and a baking-soda-free Sensitive line addresses the irritation some people get from baking soda.
7. Humble Brands
Humble Brands, made in Taos, New Mexico, keeps its formula to a handful of ingredients — non-GMO cornstarch, MCT coconut oil, candelilla wax or beeswax, and either baking soda (original) or magnesium hydroxide (sensitive, baking-soda-free). It’s aluminum-, paraben-, and propylene-glycol-free, Leaping Bunny certified, and a 1% for the Planet member. The sticks ship in fully plastic-free, plant-based paperboard packaging.
Making the Switch
If you’re moving from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant, a few practical expectations help:
- Expect an adjustment period. Without aluminum plugging your sweat ducts, you will perspire more at first. Most people find odor control settles within a couple of weeks.
- Match the formula to your skin. Baking soda is an effective odor-neutralizer but irritates some people. If you get redness, switch to a baking-soda-free or magnesium-based formula — Native, Schmidt’s, and Humble Brands all make one.
- Reapply as needed. Deodorants don’t stop sweat, so a midday touch-up on hot or active days is normal. A travel size or spray makes that easy.
- Choose less packaging. Refillable systems (Wild) and plastic-free paperboard (Native, Humble Brands) cut the roughly 100-plus plastic tubes a person can go through in a lifetime — most of which can’t be recycled curbside because of mixed materials.
- Recycle the container correctly. Empty sticks are usually mixed plastics; check what your local program accepts using the Earth911 recycling search tool.
Editor’s note: Originally published on March 1, 2019, by Lisa Beres, this article was extensively updated in June 2026.
The post Why You Should Ditch Antiperspirant: 6 Natural Deodorants That Work appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/living-well-being/deodorant-dos-and-donts/
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