How to Affordably Furnished your Whole House – all Secondhand

posted in home

I recently posted a video showing the process of moving into our new house and trying to furnish and decorate it as sustainably as we could. One way we did this was getting as much as possible secondhand, and overall we were very successful!

Getting furniture and home decor secondhand is not only a lot better for the environment because you are making use of things that already exist, but it can also save you a TON of money. We managed to furnish and outfit our entire house for just over $5000 CAD (although this budget also includes the few pieces we ended up getting new which together was over $2000, so we did most of the furnishing for just $3000!).

It does take more time and planning to find what you’re looking for secondhand (as opposed to just doing a massive Ikea haul) but you can also get some really unique pieces and I think it’s a much more fun and creative process hunting down those pre-loved treasures and styling them in your space.

All the furniture in our living room we found secondhand!

Tips for creating a sustainably stylish home with secondhand pieces:

1. Get inspired

Starting with inspiration images can be extremely useful because it gives you some direction for your search and ideas for the kind of space you’re looking to create and style you want. Pinterest is a great place to find and collect inspiration images (you can check out my interior design board here 🙂), save everything you like and then narrow it down to the design elements, colours, types of items, etc. you most want in your home.

I also find creating a moodboard helpful for each room and I continue to update the board and adapt it as I acquire the various pieces.

Our living room mood/inspiration board

2. Have a (flexible) plan

Creating a list of what you need/want for your space will make your hunt a lot easier, and it also feels really good checking the items off! However try to not be too rigid with what you’re looking for – for example “wooden table” is a good thing to plan for, but if you have your heart set on one very specific style of wooden table then your hunt will likely be challenging or end in disappointment.

I also loved using a home layout program to plan what furniture we needed and since I was able to measure the rooms pretty accurately before we moved in, I could also double check how the items would fit in our space when we were thinking of purchasing something.

3. Be patient

It can take time to find the real treasures so check back regularly. Some sites also offer options where you can get a notification if new listings are added that match your search terms – take advantage of this, it’s a great way to save time. 🙂

Keep in mind that once the perfect piece pops up you’ll definitely want to move on it quickly though!


4. Ask questions

When contacting sellers try to get as much info as possible, especially regarding anything that might be a deal-breaker for you. Don’t waste time going to pick it up only to find out it’s not what you wanted.

I always ask about the condition, depending on the item I might ask how long they’ve had it, and what brand it is (and then do some research into the price and quality of the brand/product) and I also want to know the dimensions to make sure it will fit in our space.


5. Haggle (if you want to)

Once you have the information you want, you can try to haggle/barter if that’s something you’re interested in doing.

If the item is a little more than I’d like to pay, I’ll ask if the seller is open to an amount closer to my planned budget. Be fair and don’t go too low though, a “low ball” offer might be turned down completely. You can also wait to see the item and barter in person – especially if something isn’t what you expected or as advertised, try offering a lower price.


6. Be safe when meeting people

It’s good to meet in a public location, however buying furniture typically means going to someone’s house so in that case always bring someone with you, plus they can also help carry!


7. Check for quality & cleanliness

Give the piece an inspection to make sure it’s what you want and as advertised. If something isn’t what you expected don’t be afraid to walk away, or you can also haggle for a lower price if you’re still interested.

Look for signs of good quality so you know the piece is going to last and not break right away, and check for any stains, dirt, etc. – just like you’d check for with secondhand clothing!

Also consider how the item can be cleaned, many pieces just need a wipe or wash but it can get trickier with fabric furniture – it’s helpful to look for items with removable covers. I’ve also gotten questions about concerns with fabric furniture and things like bed bugs; personally I only try to by fabric furniture that is very gently used or “like new”. We also always inspect it thoroughly and if you’re concerned you might also want to consider renting a steam cleaner.


8. Customize

Don’t forget that most things can be DIY’d and customized to your needs. For example lots of furniture can be painted, so if you find a piece you love but the colour isn’t right you can probably paint it!

There’s endless inspiration for projects on Pinterest and in particular I always like to check out Ikea hacks since you can typically find a lot of Ikea furniture for sale secondhand and there are some really unique ideas of ways to customize it or make totally new pieces.

I made new cushions for this old wooden glider frame

9. You can likely re-sell it

If you buy things new they will almost always depreciate in value. However one of the big benefits to buying things secondhand is if it happens to not work out or you decide you want to change things up, there’s a good chance you can re-sell it and get your money back (or if you got a good deal maybe even make a little extra!).

Knowing that I can re-sell a piece for probably close to what I paid makes it a lot easier to make a decision, whereas if I’m buying something new, I need to make sure it’s the right piece for the space and we’re going to have it for years. This can sometimes be very difficult to plan and commit to, so I really like the flexibility and lack of guilt you get with secondhand and knowing you won’t lose a lot of money re-selling pieces that might not work.


Where to buy secondhand furniture, decor & home goods

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Buy/Sell and Classified sites – depending where you live there are different ones that will be more popular in your area
  • Local thrift and resale stores
  • Garage and yard sales
  • Freecycle and Buy Nothing groups
  • Flea markets
  • On the streets – in some cities you can find great pieces that people leave out on certain days to give away
  • Friends and family – ask them to let you know if they’re planning on getting rid of anything
  • The previous owner/tenant – we’ve often found when moving that there are certain items the previous occupant might want to leave or get rid of. Let them know that you might be interested in certain things and they might sell or give them to you.

Many of these are also great ways to sell secondhand furniture if you’re looking to get rid of things or update pieces!


I’d love to know if you have any other tips for furnishing your home with secondhand pieces.. Also, check out the video to see the process of furnishing our new house!

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We Don’t Need Another “Save the Planet” T-Shirt or Tote

At least a couple times a month I get an email from a brand asking if they can send me their slogan tee or tote bag. These brands have good intentions – they’re trying to spread awareness and many also donate a portion of sales from the product to organisations and charities working for the cause. However I always refuse – there are just so many tees and totes in the world.

I don’t think the environmental benefit of awareness or donation actually outweighs the impact of making the item in the first place.

So what is the impact of a tee or tote bag?

It’s hard to get exact numbers because production and use of clothing is quite complex, but one study by Carbon Trust of the impact of a conventional cotton tee found that the average t-shirt is responsible for about 15kg of CO2. However use plays a HUGE role because this amount of emissions is based on 50 wears of the t-shirt, if the tee is only used 4 times the impact skyrockets around 550% to 98kg of CO2.

Also important to note is this carbon footprint doesn’t include a slogan/graphic printed on, which usually is some form of plastic. So a printed slogan tee not only has a greater impact to make but likely also affects end-of-life recycling and biodegradability.

There are different studies that use different metrics which makes it hard to compare, but for the tote, since a cotton t-shirt and tote bag are roughly a similar size, I think it’s fair to say they have roughly a similar impact. Although I would estimate a tote bag gets more use than a t-shirt.

Do they get worn?

I am all for proudly making a statement with your clothing, but I’m curious how often people actually wear these slogan garments since I typically only see them come out of the closet for protests and environmental rallies. I also only seem to see social media influencers wearing them for the one image promoting the tee and then never again. 🤷‍♀️

I own one item with a slogan, my “There is no Planet B” bag from Remember Me Green, and for me a slogan bag is more practical and gets way more use than a slogan tee. However it’s also very important to point out that this bag is not another simple cotton tote – it’s a super durable bag made from recycled billboards that I use to go to the gym, beach, or on small trips and I got it knowing it will last me years, likely decades! The same cannot be said of most fabric shopping totes.

"There is no Planet B" slogan bag

Is this really an effective way to support a cause?

In my experience and from chatting with others, a great, plain classic tee is a go-to wardrobe staple, while anything with a slogan tends to gather dust in the closet, or becomes a pj or gym shirt.

I also have seen brands that definitely aren’t producing their environmental or social justice slogan t-shirts and totes as sustainably and ethically as they could be, they’re basically buying pre-made items and printing on them. If you’re trying to support a cause, making sure your product is as sustainable and ethical as possible should be a top priority.

A Better Option

Forget the slogan and focus on making stylish, wearable, inclusive, and long-lasting garments as sustainably and ethically as you can. They will get way more wear/use which reduces their environmental impact and people will still want to talk about and share the cool conscious fashion they have, they don’t need it printed across their chest. Plus you can also still have a charity element to your product without a slogan.

If you want to print custom t shirts and merchandise we’ve also collected some businesses that do it in a more sustainable way.

What do you think?

Do you love wearing slogan tees? Do they collect dust in your closet? I’d love to know your thoughts on this topic and if they’re something you think conscious brands should keep making!

Sustainable Fabric & Yarn Stores

Making your own clothing is already a lot more sustainable and ethical than buying new, but it’s even better to source eco friendly materials if you can!

For all you sewers and DIYers, this roundup of ethical and sustainable fabric stores as well as yarns, dyes and other materials for your projects!

(please note: some affiliate links may be used in this roundup)
Sustainable and Ethical Fabrics

Where to Buy Organic & Sustainable Fabrics

Bibs & Boots Fabric (Canada) – Quality knits and other fabrics with some organic options.

BULK HEMP WAREHOUSE (USA) – Sells a variety of hemp products include fabrics.

Core Fabrics (Canada) – Have eco friendly options as well as deadstock fabrics.

Earth Indigo (Canada) – Organic and eco-friendly fabrics.

FABCYCLE (Canada) – Deadstock fabrics.

FAB SCRAP (USA) – Reclaimed and deadstock fabrics. I also have a video where I visited them in NYC.

Former + Latter (Canada) – Quality sustainable fabrics, sold in .1 m increments instead of half or full meters (good for saving money and waste as you can get exactly the amount you need).

GAIA CONCEPTIONS (USA) – Undyed and some naturally dyed knit fabrics.

LEBENSKLEIDUNG (Germany) – Large variety of organic and sustainable materials.

LITTLE COCALICO (USA) – Custom fabric printing with organic, sustainable, and American-milled fabric options (great alternative to Spoonflower!)

MAIWA (Canada) – Natural fabrics and many white and undyed options for dyeing.

Merchant & Mills (UK) – “Slow fashion” quality-focused sewing supplies and some sustainable fabrics.

Montloup (Canada) – Canadian manufacturer with organic cotton and hemp knits, including un-dyed and colour-grown options. Low MOQs starting at just 1m

Offset Warehouse (UK) – Fabrics for all kinds of different clothing craft and interior projects, including unique sustainable fabrics like pineapple, banana silk, and recycled/remnant fabrics.

Organic Cotton Plus (USA) – GOTS certified fabric retailer with a variety of organic fabrics. Especially good for undyed and colourgrown cotton materials.

Our Social Fabric (Canada) – Non-profit with reclaimed and deadstock fabrics

RAWGANIQUE (USA + Canada) – Organic cotton, linen, and hemp fabrics.

SIEBENBLAU (Germany) – Variety of mostly organic fabrics.

SIMPLIFI (USA + Canada) – Good variety of sustainable fabrics, some unique prints.

Sustainable and Ethical Knitting Yarns

Where to Buy Sustainable & Organic Knitting Yarn

Darn Good Yarn (USA) – Unique selection of yarns including fabric yarn from recycled saris.

GARTHENOR (UK) – Organic wool yarns in both natural and dyed colours.

IINOUIIO (UK) – Recycled wool yarns.

Natural Ewe (Canada) – Naturally dyed yarns made from organic, natural and sustainable fibres.

Natural Recycled Yarn (USA) – Etsy store with reclaimed and recycled natural-fibre yarns.

Organic Cotton Plus (USA) – This organic fabric retailer also has a collection of organic yarns and naturally-dyed wool.

Rosy Green Wool (Germany) – GOTS certified organic merino wool.

VEGAN YARN (Canada) – hand-dyed, sustainable, vegan yarns.

WOOL AND THE GANG (USA & UK)- some (not all) recycled and sustainable yarns and knitting kits.

Indigo Shibori

Where to Buy Natural Dyes

These stores have a great selection of natural dye materials as well as helpful instructions on how to use them.

MAIWA (Canada)

WILD COLOURS (UK)


Must-Have Versatile Garments

I love versatile clothing! Especially with a capsule wardrobe, having pieces that can be worn different ways gives you a lot more options for outfits and styling. I’ve found having a capsule wardrobe has helped me become a lot more creative with how I wear my clothes and playing around with styling them.

These are my favourite versatile types of garments – I think I’ll always have some version of these styles in my my wardrobe. It’s awesome not only how they can be dressed up or down, but also how they can be worn in different ways.

This post is in collaboration with one of my favourite brands, MATTER, and features some of their beautiful, artisan-made, versatile pieces. When designing they focus on function and timelessness so many of their pieces are adaptable and can be styled in numerous different looks.


The Jumpsuit

I love how easy it is to throw on a jumpsuit and look really put-together with minimal effort. It’s a go-to piece for me when travelling because of how versatile it is. I’ve been able to wear it with heels to formal events and with sneakers casually. I’ve even been able to layer it for colder weather.

MATTER’s classic jumpsuit has been a staple in my wardrobe for years and to add to it’s versatility, it’s even been wearable through my pregnancy so far thanks to the clever adjustable waist.


The Tee Dress

A simple tee dress is a staple in my wardrobe. I love that it can be worn casually or dressed up with accessories like a belt, shoes, and jewellery. It’s light and easy to layer over, and because of the loose, simple cut it can be tied or gathered in different ways for different looks.

Here’s a clip from an older video on versatile clothes of just a few different ways I wear my tee dress:


The Scarf/Wrap

Maybe the ultimate versatile piece, because not only can it be worn many different ways, but a simple rectangle of fabric can also be used as a blanket, tied into a bag, used for cover/shade, and more.

I love this printed travel wrap/scarf from MATTER and as an extra versatility bonus – it’s even reversible!


The Shirt Dress

Another easy piece which can be worn as a dress, top, or layer. I love playing around with tying it up, or leaving it open.

It’s also been another great “maternity friendly” piece, although it’s getting pretty tight this late into my pregnancy.

MATTER also has some really beautiful shirt dresses in their artisan fabrics!

Matter Prints Shirt Dresses


The Matching Set

Finally I got really into wearing a set of matching separates from MATTER before I was pregnant and can’t wait to pull them out of my closet again. You can get a jumpsuit look, but also wear the pieces separately. I even have a video about different ways you can wear a matching set!

I’d love to know what your favourite versatile garment is!

You can also check out the video I did with MATTER on cultural appreciation vs. appropriation and check out their artisan-made garments. They’re a brand doing amazing work and making beautiful, functional clothes that I’m really proud to be an ambassador for. 😊

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Benefits of Slowing Down

Daily life is increasingly fast-paced with more work and life demands plus the mental energy it takes being always connected through our phones and social media. Additionally consumption has sped up and we’ve been seeing an increase in cheap, disposable products over quality and craftsmanship. I don’t think this speed is physically, mentally, or financially healthy and also puts more pressure on our planet and resources.

For years I’ve been working on slowing down different aspects of life, from the food I eat, to my wardrobe, to how I spend my time. Sometimes I’m great at being mindful and intentional, sometimes it’s a challenge, but it’s still been one of the best things I’ve done.

This post is in collaboration with Son de Flor who creates beautiful, timeless, slow fashion linen garments. Their wrap dress is featured in the photos which was amazing during my pregnancy and I have been wearing it for years since.

Linen wrap dress from Son de Flor


Slow Food

The slow movement really began and grew legs through food. People started realizing processed, packaged, and fast food, while convenient, doesn’t nourish our bodies or minds in the same way. I think food has a beautiful ability to connect us to the environment and cultures we live in, and to the people around us through sharing meals.

The benefits of slowing down - making food from scratch

My approach to slowing down food is to cook meals from scratch whenever possible and try to source whole, healthy ingredients, especially local and organic when I can. For me a perfect evening is cooking dinner together with my husband or friends and sharing the meal together, chatting over drinks into the evening.

The benefits of slowing down - baking chai-spiced banana bread/cake
Spiced banana bread/cake

Slowing down my approach to food not only means we eat healthier and more sustainably but I also get a lot of enjoyment and accomplishment from cooking, trying new recipes, learning new skills, and making something delicious for myself and others.


Slow Fashion

This is the area I focus on most with My Green Closet and honestly, slowing down my wardrobe and changing my fast fashion shopping habits has really changed my life. Our clothing has such a far reaching environmental and social impact, from the materials used, to the workers who make the textiles and cut and sew the clothes, to the wearer and how the garment is cared for and disposed of.

Linen wrap dress from Son de Flor with Alice + Whittles rubber boots and Swedish Stockings socks

Having clothing that you love and can wear for years not only greatly reduces the environmental and ethical impacts of your wardrobe, but can also help you develop your personal style and find more joy and contentment with your clothing. This is in direct opposition to fast fashion which is built upon constantly shopping and disposing of clothes and therefore needs you to always want more and newer pieces. I have an ebook/workbook all about quitting fast fashion and slowing down your wardrobe if you’d like some guidance with that process.

Son de Flor is a great example of a brand who takes a slow fashion approach to their garments. They have a season-less collection with all the pieces designed to be timeless classics. Their garments are made from locally sourced linen, which is one of the most sustainable fibres, (I’ve talked before about how much I love linen) and are Oeko-Tex certified as well to ensure no harmful chemicals or dyes were used. Their production all happens in the EU, with many garments made-to-order (which reduces waste), and they ship everything without plastic packaging.

Linen wrap dress from Son de Flor

I love their dresses and this linen wrap dress is a romantic style that I’m sure will become a wardrobe staple for me. It’s been comfortable and easy for pregnancy, and I expect the wrap style will also be very helpful for easy nursing when the baby arrives. They also have other really gorgeous dress styles to check out!


Slow Living

Slowing down your life and how you spend your time can be amazing for stress-relief, mental clarity, physical health, happiness, and so much more.

Studies have found that trying to do too much at once not only means you give less attention to each task but can also increase stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. On the other side “mono-tasking” (focusing on one thing at a time) helps us not only perform our tasks better but is also better for our mental health. Being mindful about what we’re doing with our time can be challenging with such fast-paced lifestyles, but the benefits definitely make it worth the effort.

It’s important to make time for things you enjoy (and try to do them without distractions). We all need time for relaxation, self-care, and to “recharge” – it’s helpful to plan that time into your day or week instead of putting it on the back burner.

Slowing down and reading

The things I personally find most beneficial for a mental break from work and daily life are going for a walk, reading, or doing a creative project. Even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes, it can really help.

I also think it’s incredibly valuable to your relationships to plan time with your partner or family/friends – ideally turning those phones and distractions off and just enjoying each other’s company.

The benefits of slowing down

We have also experienced amazing benefits from slow travel – really spending time and experiencing a place instead of zipping from sight to sight and trying to do as much as possible. It has made our travels so much more relaxing, enriching, and memorable.

Finally pregnancy has been a big lesson in slowing down for me, as my pregnancy progresses simple things have become harder and more tiring forcing me to slow down. I’m trying to mentally prepare for when the baby comes and we have way less time than we currently do, but I still want to try my best to slow down and enjoy all the moments.

Linen wrap dress from Son de Flor


No matter how chaotic your life is, even incorporating small moments of mindfulness and trying to slow down where possible can be beneficial. From what we consume, to how we spend our time, there are so many areas where slowing down not only positively impacts our personal lives but can also positively impact our relationships, community, and planet.

I’d love to know in the comments if there are things you’re working on slowing down and being more mindful of!

Huge thanks to Son de Flor for partnering with me on this post. You can check out their beautiful linen, slow fashion pieces here! Also see how other people style their Son de Flor garments or share your own with #MySondeFlor

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16 Organic, Ethical & Sustainable Underwear Brands

posted in brand roundups

We already have a great roundup of sustainable bras, so now we’re focusing on your bottoms and have collected some ethical and sustainable underwear brands to keep you comfy. In this list you can find underwear brands from the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, including plus sizes up to 3XL.

(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)

Subset

Image credit: Knickey

Super comfortable, organic cotton underwear! Subset has 5 classic cuts in a nice palette of neutrals plus some limited edition fun colours. They also have the credentials to back up their conscious commitment, with GOTS, Oeko-Tex, and Fair Trade certifications.

I love their soft, organic fabric and lightweight elastics. The mid and high rise styles are super somfy and my go-tos. Plus they are also the most affordable sustainable underwear on this list. Win-win!

Read an in-depth review of Subset here.

Size Range: XS – XXXL

Price: $17 USD

Values: GOTS certified organic cotton, Oeko-Tex certified, Fair Trade certified, sustainable packaging, body-inclusive models, take-back recycling program

Ordering: Based in USA, ships to America and Canada


Image credit: KENT

KENT

We didn’t think it could be done, but Kent makes 100% plastic-free, fully compostable, organic cotton underwear!

KENT offers undyed and natural, plant-dyed styles, as well as a black colour option dyed with GOTS certified dyes. They use plant-based and latex-free elastics, and sew their underwear in LA.

I love how soft their material is. They are classic, comfy underwear but compostable!

Size range: XS – 3XL (women’s and men’s)

Price: $24 USD (plus discounts with packs)

Values: sustainable materials, GOTS certified organic cotton, Fair Trade certified organic cotton, sustainable packaging, made in USA

Ordering: Based in US, also ships to Canada, the UK, and Australia


Image credit: Q for Quinn

Q for Quinn

One of our favourite organic sock and kid’s clothing brands now had adult undies as well! Q for Quinn offers both a 100% organic cotton full-coverage brief as well as a 95% organic cotton/spandex bikini cut. Their cotton is super soft and comfy, and comes in a few classic colours.

Learn more and check out our review of their undies here.

Size range: XS – 3XL

Price: $25-$28 CAD (use code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!)

Values: sustainable materials, GOTS certified organic cotton, ethically made in India, sustainable packaging, gives back

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships to Canada and USA


Image credit: Organic Basics

Organic Basics

Also included in my bra round-up, Organic Basics has a great selection of bottom styles made from various sustainable materials including organic cotton and Tencel.

Organic Basics has a solid set of certifications and sustainability initiatives and good brand transparency.

Size range: XS – XL

Price: $45-$55 USD for 2 packs

Values: sustainable materials, GOTS certified organic cotton, certified factories (various certifications), production transparency, carbon offset, gives back

Ordering: Based in Denmark, ships international


Image credit: Pantee

Pantee

Image your fave comfy tee as undies! Pantee upcycles unsold deadstock t-shirts giving them a new life as cute and comfy sustainable underwear.

Size Range: XS – XL

Price: $23 – $26 USD

Values: reclaimed materials, ethically made in Bangladesh, plastic free packaging, gives back

Ordering: Based in UK, ships international


WAMA

Eco & ethical underwear roundup - WAMA hemp briefs

WAMA’s underwear is made from a blend of hemp, organic cotton, and a little spandex and comes in a few classic cuts.

Their underwear is super comfy and durable – WAMA’s boxer briefs are my husband’s favourite pair of underwear.

Size Range: XS – 2XL (women), S – 3XL (men)

Price: $24 – $28 USD (plus discounts with packs)

Values: sustainable materials, vegan brand

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Image credit: Pact

PACT

PACT makes comfy organic cotton undies in a variety of cuts. They have great packs and deals if you order multiples which makes them a good affordable option.

I have a pair of their boy shorts which are super comfortable.

Size Range: XS – XXL

Price: $18 USD (plus discounts with packs)

Values: organic cotton, fair trade certified factories

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Image credit: Tizz & Tonic

Tizz & Tonic

Organic cotton undies in fun prints and colours. If you love cute styles, quirky prints, and bright color definitely check them out!

Tizz & Tonic‘s pieces are all made in small batches in their studio in Germany.

Size Range: XXS – XXL

Price: €30 EUR

Values: organic cotton, digitally printed, made in-house in Germany

Ordering: Based in Germany, ships international


tentree

One of our family’s favourite brands, tentree also has a small underwear collection. Their underwear is made from a soft, lightweight Tencel and organic cotton blend and very comfy.

Size range: XS – XL (women’s and men’s)

Price: $18 – $25 CAD

Values: sustainable and recycled materials, B Corp, public code of conduct for manufacturing, carbon neutral, gives back

Ordering: based in Canada, ships to North America, EU, UK, and some international


Image credit: Earth and Elle

Earth and Elle

Earth and Elle set out to make sustainable and comfy organic bras and underwear. They use a soft and eco-friendly hemp and organic cotton blend fabric in a high-rise, “pin-up booty short” full coverage cut. Earth and Elle’s pieces are made locally in Vancouver and they also use low impact dyes.

Size range: S – 3XL

Price: $37 CAD

Values: sustainable materials, small batch production, body-inclusive models, made in Canada

Ordering: based in Canada, ships to Canada, US, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand


Image credit: HARA

HARA

Hara has a beautiful selection of colourful undies made from naturally-dyed bamboo.

Their products are all made in Australia.

Size range: XS – 5XL

Price: $48 USD

Values: sustainable materials, natural dyes, Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, consciously made in Australia

Ordering: Based in Australia, ships international


Image credit: Mary Young

Mary Young

A variety of sexy, casual, and sporty styles and cuts all ethically made in Canada from mainly bamboo fabric and nylon mesh.

They have both a Canadian site and US site.

Size Range: XS – 2X

Price: $37 – $44 USD

Values: some sustainable materials, Oeko-Tex certified (bamboo), made in Canada

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international


Woron

Soft, minimalist briefs made from Lenzing modal and organic cotton. Woron is a Danish brand that focuses on sustainable essentials.

Size Range: XS – XL

Price: €25 EUR

Values: sustainable materials, Oeko-Tex certified, consciously made in Hungary and India, vegan brand

Ordering: Based in Denmark, ships to Europe, America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand


Image credit: Thunderpants

Thunderpants

We have a lot of classic and neutral styles on this list so I wanted to include Thunderpants for those that love fun prints!

Thunderpants uses organic cotton and they manufacture locally in both the US and NZ.

Size range: XS – XL

Price: $24 USD

Values: organic cotton, made in USA

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Boody

A great affordable and accessible option with many retailers around the world. Boody‘s underwear is made from certified bamboo that is sustainably farmed. Their products are produced in WRAP certified factories.

Size range: XS – XL

Price: $14 – $16 USD

Values: sustainable materials, Ecocert certified, Oeko-Tex certified, FSC certified, WRAP certified, vegan brand

Ordering: Initially based in Australia but now with many branches internationally, Shop the US site, Canadian site, UK site, or Australian site



Stores with Multiple Brands

Also be sure to check out these stores for ethical underwear:

Made Trade

Made Trade also has a great selection of ethical and sustainable underwear and bras including brands like Knickey, Thunderpants, and Mary Young.

DoneGood

DoneGood‘s conscious marketplace includes some organic and ethically-made underwear.




Also check out our bra round-up! Many of the brands featured have bottoms as well.

Looking for sustainable period underwear? What our review here.

How Quality Saves you Money

Since trying to live more sustainably and consciously I’ve had to re-learn the way I view price and budgets. Before I would go with whatever the lower-priced option was but now I’ve learned that it’s not always actually cheaper.

This post is in collaboration with who has an incredible, curated selection of products which have been vetted and researched for their durability and longevity.

When you factor in the longevity and cost-per-use of products, prices start to look very different. For example a relative recently mentioned that they have to replace their non-stick cooking pans about every 3-4 years; they typically pay around $45 CAD for a decent-quality pan. Comparatively we’re looking at investing in a Finex cast-iron skillet (which is recommended by ). The 12″ size comes to about $265 Canadian which is significantly more, however the skillets also come with a lifetime guarantee (and are ethically made!). If we use the pan for the next 30+ years we’ve paid $265 meanwhile my relative has paid more than $385 replacing their cooking pans and about 8 pans have ended up in the landfill (most non-stick cookware isn’t recyclable). Plus if we look at the greater environmental impact, those 8 pans also used significantly more energy, chemicals, and resources to produce.

Cast iron Finex skillet with a lifetime guarantee
This gorgeous cast iron skillet has a lifetime guarantee

Can everyone just drop hundreds on a pan? Definitely not, and it’s a decision we’re really weighing in our budget, however there’s no denying it’s a better “deal” long-term.

I think with investment purchases you have to focus on the areas and items you use most. We really enjoy cooking meals at home and do it basically every day, so cookware is something we prioritise investing in. While someone who doesn’t cook much wouldn’t see the same value in cookware and might want to invest in a different area.

For a less-drastic price point, let’s look at my favourite topic, clothing. I know quite a few people who replace basics, like a black tank, about 3 times a year. Often because the garment has quickly become misshapen, the fabric is wearing out, or the colour has faded, and as I recently experienced poor quality clothing can very quickly deteriorate and become unusable. Now proper clothing care is also extremely important with helping clothing last, however you need good quality fabric and construction to get longevity from your wardrobe.

Comparing a few different fast fashion brands, a basic cotton tank seems to sell for about $6. On the other hand, recommends a tank which costs $38. I’ve found a good-quality tee/tank can last at least 3-4 years with proper care. So to break down the cost: for about 3 years the good-quality tank costs $38 but for the person who replaces their tank around 3 times a year they’d need to buy 9 of them which would cost $54. It not only is more money but also a lot more time spent shopping for those tanks. From an eco/ethical perspective the cheap tanks are also a lot more damaging since more resources, energy for both manufacturing and shipping, and labour (likely at unfair wages) went into producing all those shirts, and then there’s all the textile waste after.

I’ve had this tank for over 3 years and it’s still holding up well and fits great with good spandex retention.

It’s important to note though that avoiding heat – washing with cold water and air-drying – drastically increases the life of your clothes because heat breaks down spandex and the fibres very quickly, as well as causes fading. So even with high-quality clothing, you still need to care for them so they can last a long time.

Paying a bit more for high-quality products, like a spatula, can save you money long-term.
My GIR spatula which I found through BMO comes with a lifetime guarantee!

It can mentally be very difficult to pay more for something. As I talk about in my psychology of shopping video, our brains weigh pleasure and pain when it comes to making a purchase – paying more means more “pain”, while feeling like we’re getting a good deal gives us extra dopamine. So intentionally paying more for a product is hard for our brains which is why we need to think of it as a long-term investment.

Money and budgets are always difficult with sustainability because high-quality and consciously made products do often cost more (although you can also find amazing quality products secondhand at very affordable prices). There is a lot of privilege involved in being able to spend more on better quality items, and it’s not something everyone can do. However if you have even a small budget to work with, focus on the areas where you’ll get the most benefit from investing in a better product – these are likely the things you use regularly and/or the items you have to replace most often. Focusing on these areas will give you the greatest impact with your budget and cost-per-use benefit of a better quality product.

I’d love to hear what things are most worth investing in for you!

Be sure to check out to find durable and long-lasting products for all areas of your life.

Also you can read more about how to identify good vs. poor quality products.

💚

Top 20 Sustainable Swimwear Brands

posted in brand roundups

We’ve found sexy bikinis, full coverage one-pieces, and sporty sustainable swimwear to suit everyone. Also featured are size inclusive brands offering plus size eco friendly swimwear.

What makes a Swimsuit Sustainable?

We usually advocate for natural fabrics, however when it comes to a swimsuit synthetic fabrics offer benefits. Synthetic materials like nylon don’t retain as much water and dry a lot faster, making them more practical and comfortable for swimming – no one wants a soggy suit.

Look for good quality swimwear made from recycled materials like RPET (usually from plastic bottles) or Econyl (recycled nylon made from things like fishing nets). Also try to select a style you know you’ll get a lot of wear from and avoid trendy pieces that will only last a season.

For this roundup we also looked for sustainable swimwear brands who have a transparent and ethical supply chain with fair wages. 

(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)

Image credit: Londre

Londre

Show some skin with this sexy and sustainable swimwear.

Londre has a variety of minimalist yet unique and sexy swimwear cuts and versatile/multi-wear designs. Their swimsuits are made in Canada from recycled plastic bottles and they also have a take-back recycling program.

Read my review of their crossback one-piece.

Size Range: XS – 5XL

Values: Recycled and OEKO-TEX certified materials, recycling program, plus size, gives back, made in Canada

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international

Psst. use Londre coupon code VERENA15 for 15% off!


Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Hackwith Design House (recycled materials, made in USA)
Image credit: Hackwith Design House

Hackwith Design House

Cute styles, inclusive sizing, and fuller coverage options.

Hackwith Design House‘s swim collection is all made in-house at their studio in Minnesota from recycled polyester. Many of their styles are available in plus size.

Size Range: XS to +4.5

Values: Recycled materials, made in-house, made-to-order, plus size, made in America

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Image credit: Wolven

Wolven

Colorful, boho, and bright printed sexy and sporty styles.

Wolven is a swimwear and activewear brand with bright, kaleidoscopic prints and colours. Their swim collection is made in China (read more about their manufacturing) from OEKO-TEX certified recycled PET made from plastic bottles.

Size range: XS – XL

Values: Recycled and OEKO-TEX certified materials, carbon neutral certified, gives back

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Image credit: Selfish Swimwear

Selfish Swimwear

Classic styles and fun prints, made to last.

A brand founded on body positivity, sustainability and quality. Selfish Swimwear takes a slow fashion approach, designing and producing swimwear to last years. They have a range of cuts depending if you want to show more skin or fuller coverage.

Their sustainable swimwear is ethically made in Montreal from ECONYL® (nylon made from recycled plastic). In line with their commitment to longevity, Selfish Swimwear also offers a repair service.

Size Range: S – XXL (+ made to measure for an extra fee)

Values: Recycled materials, made in-house, repair/mending, BIPOC-owned, made in Canada

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international


Image credit: Bold Swim

BOLD Swim

Bright and bold colors and cuts.

BOLD Swim has sexy and classic styles with some plus-size designs. I wanted to include them in particular because, unlike the other brands who use recycled materials, they actually make their suits from a special “biodegradable” nylon fabric called Amni Soul Eco®. Like with most proprietary fabrics it’s very difficult to get more information about how exactly it works, but the brand claims it will biodegrade in landfills.

Size Range: S – 3X

Values: Sustainable materials, plus size, BIPOC-owned, sourced and made in Brazil

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Image credit: Nettle’s Tale

Nettle’s Tale

Flattering styles for all body shapes.

Nettle’s Tale is all about body-diversity. They take fit very seriously and all their suits are locally made in Vancouver from recycled polyester. They are a great option especially for those looking for full coverage swimwear.

Nettle’s Tale is also one of our top 10 ‘Made in Canada’ brands!

Size Range: XS – 4X

Values: Recycled materials, gives back, plus size, made in Canada

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international


Image credit: Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective

Bright and size inclusive.

A favourite for sustainable activewear, Girlfriend has also added swimwear to their collection. They offer sustainable bikini and one-piece cuts in a variety of colours and have one of the most inclusive size ranges from an eco-conscious brand!

Size range: XXS – 6XL

Values: Recycled materials, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics, SA8000 certified factory, plus size

Ordering: Based in USA, also ships to UK, Australia, and Canada


Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Saltwater Collective (recycled materials, made in Canada)
Image credit Saltwater Collective

Saltwater Collective

This sustainable swimwear brand uses ECONYL®, a material made from regenerated nylon that comes from abandoned fishing nets and other pre and post industrial plastic waste. Saltwater Collective‘s one- and two-piece suits come in a wide range of cuts and colours.

Size Range: XS – 3XL

Values: Recycled materials

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships to some international countries


REVVV Swim

Sustainable sports swimwear.

Looking for sustainable swimwear for water sports or surfing? REVVV set out to make swimwear that is both sporty and stylish – focusing on functional, comfortable and supportive designs. Their swimsuits are made in NYC from recycled nylon.

Size Range: XS – XL

Values: Recycled materials, made in America

Ordering: Based in USA, ships only within US


Image credit: Minnow Bathers

Minnow Bathers

Unique printed swimwear.

Sporty cuts in a variety of colours and artistic prints, Minnow Bathers designs one collection a year which is locally made to order with a focus on reducing waste.

Size Range: XS – XXXL

Values: Recycled materials, made-to-order, gives back, made in Canada

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international


Jessica Rey

Sweet, retro, and full-coverage styles.

For those looking for fuller coverage or more modest swimwear, Jessica Rey has a great selection of feminine and retro-inspired styles – including swim skits and dresses as well as other more modest swimwear styles. Their suits are all made in a fair-wage factory in Los Angeles from recycled nylon.

Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Jessica Rey (recycled materials, made in America)
Image credit: Jessica Rey

Size Range: XXS – 1X

Values: Recycled materials, made in America

Ordering: Based in USA, ships international


Image credit: Origami Customs

Origami Customs

Sustainable swimwear custom made for ALL bodies.

Origami Customs is a purpose-driven, gender and size inclusive brand based in Montreal. All their pieces are made-to-order in their studio and they have the option for FREE custom sizing – made to your specific measurements and needs. They try to source deadstock and sustainable materials wherever possible.

Size Range: XXS – 5XL + custom sizing

Values: Some deadstock and recycled materials, made-to-order, plus size, gives back, made in Canada

Ordering: Based in Canada, ships international


Made Trade

Made Trade is a conscious boutique that carries a fantastic selection of ethically made and sustainable swimwear brands to check out, as well as other clothing and home goods.


Sustainable Swimwear Brands from Europe & the UK

Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Anek. (recycled materials, made in Europe)
Image credit: Anekdot

Anekdot

Anekdot swimwear is made from upcycled surplus/deadstock fabrics and materials or ECONYL® recycled materials, either in their Berlin studio or a nearby Polish factory.

Size Range: XS – XL

Values: Upcycled and recycled materials, made in Germany or Poland

Ordering: Based in Germany, ships international


Eco & Ethical Swimwear - UND (recycled materials, made in Italy)
Image credit: UND

UND

An Italian brand with sleek cuts and mesh details, UND uses a recycled plastic lycra for the main parts of their suits and their suppliers are all part of an energy efficiency program.

Size Range: S – L

Values: Recycled and OEKO-TEX certified materials, made in Italy

Ordering: Based in Italy, ships international


Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Reset Priority (recycled materials, made in Spain & Italy)
Image credit: Reset Priority

Reset Priority

This Barcelona-based brand has a collection of colourful and unique swim styles. Some of Reset Priority‘s suits are made from recycled nylon, and they use OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified fabrics as well as Xtra Life Lycra® which prolongs the life of the garment.

Size Range: XS – XL

Values: Some recycled and certified materials, made in Spain and Italy

Ordering: Based in Spain, ships international


Image credit: Tide and Seek

Tide and Seek

United-Kingdom-based brand Tide and Seek was founded by a surfer motivated to design swimwear using plastic waste. All of their suits use REPREVE fabric made of recycled plastic bottles. 

Size range: XS – XL

Values: Recycled materials

Ordering: Based in the UK, ships international


Image credit: Margaret and Hermione

Margaret and Hermione

A playful swimwear brand from Austria, Margaret and Hermione makes swimsuits with their own prints using ECONYL® recycled nylon and EVO®, a plant-based fabric. They use recycled and sustainable materials for all their packaging and their suits are all handmade in Croatia.

Size Range: 34 – 42 (XS – XL)

Values: Recycled materials, sustainable packaging, made in Croatia

Ordering: Based in Austria, ships international


Recycled Swimwear from Australia

Shapes in the Sand

This Australian brand makes sustainable swimwear styles in their own prints. Shapes in the Sand uses OEKO-TEX certified ECONYL® recycled nylon and EVO®, a fabric made from castor bean oil; takes a zero waste approach to their fabric cutting; uses plastic-free hygiene liners; and manufactures everything in Australia.

Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Shapes in the Sand (recycled materials, made in Australia)
Image credit: Shapes in the Sand

Size Range: AU/UK 6 – 14 (XXS – XL)

Values: OEKO-TEX-certified recycled and natural materials, zero fabric waste, made in Australia

Ordering: Based in Australia, ships international


Eco & Ethical Swimwear - Elle Evans (recycled materials, made in Australia)
Image credit: Elle Evans

Elle Evans

Elle Evans is an Australian brand also featured in our sustainable activewear roundup. They have a mix of fun prints and solids in ECONYL® recycled nylon, and all swimsuits are made to order (mostly by Elle herself!) in their in-house studio.

Size range: XXS – XXXL

Values: Recycled materials, made-to-order, zero fabric waste, made in-house, gives back, made in Australia

Ordering: Based in Australia, ships international


Seasonless Fashion is the Sustainable Future

Fashion has always had seasons. Initially brands just created 2 collections — for spring/summer and fall/winter — then it turned into 4 seasonal collections, then multiple deliveries throughout the season, and now with fast fashion new collections are on the floor every week. The clothing industry needs to slow down for the sake of our planet and garment workers, but instead of just going back to 4 or 2 fashion seasons, why not ditch the seasonal collections altogether?

These pieces are staples in my capsule and I wear them throughout the year, even while pregnant!

(Update June 2022: This post was kindly sponsored by the slow fashion brand MATTER, which is sadly no longer in business. I loved how they had a seasonless collection. Instead of producing large collections every few months they had a core selection of garments which they occasionally added styles to or offered existing styles in different fabrics/colours.)

The Many Benefits of a Seasonless Clothing

Well Designed Garments

If you have to create 30-100 new designs every 3 months or less, how much time and energy can you put into each one? Having seasonless collections allows designers to fully work through and test new styles. When I was doing assistant design, fitting, and pattern work with fashion brands, it was common for designers to include styles they weren’t totally happy with just because they had a minimum number to hit and a tight deadline. Some brands also end up having to rush styles due to the tight deadlines so they don’t have time for proper fittings.

MATTER work jumpsuit

For example MATTER’s ‘work jumpsuit’ (pictured), took 15 months to design, test, fit, and develop the final pattern! 😮 This kind of attention and work put into one style would’ve been impossible if it wasn’t for their seasonless model.

It also means designers can create pieces that work with their existing and best-selling styles. Instead of coming up with a totally new collection, designers can focus on augmenting the existing collection — maybe a new bottom that works with the popular tops or a layering piece to go with the best-selling dresses. Brands can work on creating a more versatile and functional collection instead of trying to sell a whole new set of clothes every season.

Less Pressure on Factories

Another huge benefit is that factories can have consistent, paced production. Factories often have incredibly busy periods with lots of pressure and overtime to get all the garments ready for the season, and then quieter periods before the next season’s production ramps up. Manufacturing outside of this seasonal rollercoaster would not only be less stressful for workers but also provide more continuous, stable employment since currently some factories just hire temporary staff for the busy times.

It also gives brands the ability to work with artisans and craftspeople. Using traditional techniques like Ikat dyeing, block printing, and hand-weaving takes more time than fast fashion’s quick turnaround can allow. Unfortunately we’re losing a lot of these beautiful textile arts and cultural methods with current industry demands. Slowing down fashion and allowing longer production cycles means that brands can support and share handmade, artisan textiles, making their pieces unique and imbued with a rich history of textile craft.

Reduce Impulse Purchases

A seasonless collection gives consumers more time to think about purchases. If a style is only available for a short time, you tend to feel as though you have to buy it immediately which can result in impulse purchases that might rarely get worn. Having time to think about getting a piece means customers can make sure it’s a good investment for their wardrobe without the pressure that it might disappear soon.

I often get asked where I got a certain item of clothing, and the style will no longer exist because it was from last season or last year. I love that with a seasonless collection I can recommend favourite pieces I’ve had for a while and they’re still available.

Less Waste

Fashion creates a ton of textile waste and a good portion of it is pre-consumer or production waste. Brands have to order a certain amount of fabric and it might not all get used; for example, a brand could have too much fabric for the amount of clothing being cut, or they might cancel or change a style. This “deadstock” or “roll-end” fabric will typically end up collecting dust somewhere. However, with a seasonless collection, even if the brand has to order a larger amount than their production needs, they can continue to use the fabric in future production runs — it won’t be “last season’s fabric” and go to waste.

We Can Ditch Fashion Shows

Maybe you see this as a con, but personally I think they’re completely unnecessary today. It used to be that buyers would attend fashion shows to order next season’s styles and customers would get a preview of what’s coming up. Now fast fashion has totally changed the game — knocking-off trends from the runway and having them in stores a few weeks later.

Sure, a fashion show is a fun event to attend, but with the cost of models, a venue, makeup/hair, stylists, dressers, lighting, and so much more — is it really worth it for some publicity? Forbes estimates a 10-15 minute runway show can cost anywhere from $200,000 to over $1 million, with the payoff being celebrity and influencer attention.

I appreciate that a lot of the smaller conscious brands I support don’t prioritize putting on a huge, expensive catwalk show and instead choose to spend their budgets in ways that better align with their mission and values — such as paying their workers fairly, reducing their environmental impact, and showing not only the final garments but giving us insight and transparency into how they’re made.

Helps Develop Your Personal Style

Picking up whatever current trends are in the stores is an easy way to build an “in style” wardrobe, but you’ll also be spending a lot of money, creating tons of waste and pollution, and wearing basically the same clothes as everyone else. Doing this also doesn’t seem to make people happy or satisfied with their wardrobe — everyone I’ve talked to who truly loves their clothes has cultivated their own personal style.

Seasonless fashion also means the removal of seasonal trends so consumers can focus on the styles of clothes they love instead of feeling pressured to update their wardrobe with the latest fashion.

I also think removing the constraints of trendy looks helps you to get creative with your clothes. For example I really enjoy finding different ways to wear my MATTER matching set.

No Clearance Needed

To get ready for the next season, brands have to get rid of stock. They’ll usually try to sell as much as possible on sale, but there’s often still leftovers. Some brands will sell these to overstock stores (which I think encourages over-production by giving brands the opportunity to have someone else deal with their excess garments), or in extreme cases brands have actually been found burning any remaining stock rather than selling them at a discounted rate.

With a seasonless collection, brands don’t have deadlines to get rid of product and don’t create overstock waste. They can offer discounts if they choose or to show appreciation for their customers, not because they have to get rid of out-of-season clothes.


To be honest, I can’t see conventional fashion brands ditching seasons anytime soon because with it
they always have new product to push and it helps them sell more clothes. However, I think a seasonless collection fits perfectly with the values espoused by the slow fashion movement. It’s wonderful to see prominent conscious brands taking this route and I hope more brands will follow.

What do you think about seasonless fashion?

15+ Sustainable Bags, Purses, & Backpacks

posted in brand roundups

Bags are tricky when it comes to sustainability – there are a lot of different materials and they all have pros and cons. Leather comes with a slew of tanning, ethical, and cruelty issues while the vegan options typically are plastic or have plastic coatings (learn more about what types of leather alternatives there are and the environmental pros/cons in our Vegan Leather Guide). So there are different things to weigh when deciding on a sustainable handbag, purse, or backpack.

I’ve rounded up some brands using a variety of eco friendly bags materials and manufacturing in a more sustainable way to help you find the best option for your needs, style and values.

As with my other round-ups, there is a mix of USA, Canada, and European based sustainable bag/accessory brands.

(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)

DoneGood Marketplace

DoneGood is fantastic for finding conscious brands in one place, they vet the brands on their platform and you can also filter by values to find what you’re looking. They have curated a large selection of fair trade and ethically made bags and wallets in a variety of materials from recycled and upcycled options, to handwoven fabrics, to leather, and vegan options. Our top picks from DoneGood to check out are:

  • Looptworks – variety of upcycled bags made from things like sails, wet suits, seat belts, coffee bags, reclaimed fabrics and more
  • Deux Mains – upcycled inner tube and leather bags and accessories made by female artisans
  • Nisolo – ethically-made, minimalist, high-quality leather handbags and goods
  • Mayamam Weavers – colourful handwoven cotton bags
  • Catrinka – artisan made bags with unique accents

Eco Friendly Bags Made from Cork

Cork seems to currently be one of the better options for sustainable bags. It’s a natural and renewable material (although cork materials typically come with a synthetic backing) and it can be flexible and durable similar to leather.

Eco friendly cork knapsack from Corkor
Image credit: Corkor

Corkor

Made locally in Portugal, Corkor‘s eco friendly bags use FSC® certified, sustainably harvest cork. They have a great range of styles and natural colours, and also are PETA-Approved vegan which ensures there are no animal products used throughout the production.

(Use code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!)

Products: backpacks, crossbodies, handbags, clutches, messenger bags and wallets
Values: vegan, natural cork material, FSC® certified, locally made in Portugal
Ordering: based in Portugal, ships international


Sustainable tote bag from Rok Cork
Image credit: Rok Cork


Rok Cork

A Canadian brand who manufactures their vegan bags in family-run workshops in Portugal from Portuguese cork. Rok Cork has a variety of classic, sustainable purse and handbag styles but made from cork with interesting colours and details.

Products: totes, satchels, crossbodies, and wallets
Values: vegan, natural cork material, ethically made in Portugal
Ordering: based in Canada, ships international


Image credit: Svala

Svala

Cute vegan handbags made locally in LA. Svala has a cork collection as well as a Pinatex line and some PU pieces. Their convertible backpack/purse in particular seems like a great idea!

Products: totes, crossbodies, backpack, clutches, and wallets
Values: vegan, natural cork material, Pinatex, made in LA
Ordering: based in USA, ships international



Upcycled and Recycled Bags

I think recycled materials are the most sustainable option since no new materials have to be created (saving a lot of resources and energy) and it also saves existing materials from going to waste.

Sustainable sports/travel bag from grünBAG - made from recycled sails and seat-belts
My sport/travel bag made from recycled sails and seat belt straps

grünBAG

Using almost entirely re-purposed and recycled materials (like tarpaulin, sails, advertising banners, and car safety belts) grünBAG makes a collection of long-lasting and functional bags.

I own one of their travel/gym bags and both my husband and I use their toiletry bags and they are not only really functional but also amazingly durable.

Products: backpacks, shoulder bags, sports bags, and cases/pouches
Values: recycled materials, made in-house or in an atelier in Poland
Ordering: based in Denmark. ships international


Image credit: Elvis & Kresse


Elvis & Kresse

Elvis & Kresse use innovative and long-lasting materials like repurposed fire-hoses, printing blankets, and parachute silk for their sustainable bags, they also have a collection made from leather off-cuts. As another sustainable feature they offer lifetime repairs on their products.

Products: shoulder bags, clutches, travel bags, and wallets
Values: recycled materials, made in-house or in a factory in Turkey, gives back
Ordering: based in UK, ships international


Image credit: Mariclaro


Mariclaro

Upcycled bags using unique materials such as vintage car interiors, seat belts, and aviation materials. All Mariclaro bags are made in their studio in Ontario, Canada.

Products: messenger bags, laptop bags, briefcases, backpacks, travel bags, and wallets
Values: repurposed and upcycled materials, made in Canada
Ordering: based in Canada, ships international


Sustainable backpack made from recycled ocean plastic


GOT Bag

With a mission to clean up the ocean, GOT Bag not only makes functional, water-resistant backpacks and bags from recycled plastic, but they’re fully involved in the supply chain – employing fisherman and citizens directly to help clean up and collect plastic. Their bags are thoughtfully designed for adventurers, students, or everyday functionality and many styles are waterproof.

Products: backpacks, hip bags, sports bags, wallets, laptop cases and pouches
Values: recycled materials, warranty and repairs
Ordering: based in Germany, but they have both US and EU online stores



Bags Made from Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Leather isn’t something I personally buy new for ethical reasons, however I understand that other people like it for the look and durability. So here are a few brands producing leather bags in a more sustainable way (and using safer tanning methods – chrome-tanned leather is something you want to avoid):

Regenerative, vegetable tanned leather, sustainable bags from CGC
Image credit: CGC

CGC (Central Grazing Company)

Of all the leather brands out there, CGC stands out for their transparency and sustainability. They have a traceable supply chain, work with farmers to focus on regenerative farming, and only source hides from AWA (Animal Welfare Approved) farms. The leather is vegetable tanned and the bags are made in the US.

Products: currently 1 handbag style
Values: traceable and certified, supports regenerative farming, vegetable tanning, made in USA
Ordering: based in USA, ships within USA


Image credit: O My Bag


O My Bag

Based in The Netherlands, O My Bag has a wide-variety of styles made from leather that is locally sourced near the tannery; it comes from either local meat by-products or from cows that died a natural death. The bags are then ethically made in one of their factories.

They also have vegan apple leather options as well.

Products: large selection of women’s and men’s bags
Values: “eco-tanned” leather, transparent and fair production, carbon-offset shipping emissions
Ordering: Based in Amsterdam, ships international


Image credit: Ms. Bay


Ms. Bay

Purses and handbags made from fish-leather, sourced as a by-product from the food industry (which would otherwise be thrown away) that is then vegetable-tanned.

Ms. Bay also uses recycled linings and packaging, and manufactures their bags in SA 8000 as well as some fair trade certified factories in India.

Products: crossbodies, clutches and wallets
Values: rescued/recycled materials, vegetable tanning, certified factories
Ordering: based in Belgium, ships within Europe



Eco Friendly Bags Made from Textiles

Image credit: Malia Designs

Malia Designs

Variety of bags (even laundry and yoga bags!) made from natural fabrics as well as upcycled feed and cement bags. Malia‘s bags are fair trade and made in Cambodia, they also donate to support children and fight trafficking in Cambodia.

Products: wallets, totes, crossbodies, clutches, yoga and travel bags
Values: rescued/recycled and sustainable materials, fair trade, gives back
Ordering: based in USA, ships to Canada and USA



Vegan Bags Made from PU

I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m not a fan of Matt & Nat and their greenwashing, so I wanted to share at least one alternative for vegan synthetic bags. It’s actually been incredibly challenging to find brands in this category that have good quality, and are transparent about their ethics and manufacturing. I think other materials are definitely preferable to synthetics, but I also I wanted to share “Matt & Nat style” vegan-leather bags that at least aren’t PVC (which is a lot worse than PU). Although if you know of any better brands in this category please let me know!

Vegan purse from Angela Roi
My Angela Roi cross body I’ve had 6+ years

Angela Roi

I purchased a cross-body years ago from Angela Roi when my main criteria for bags was just that it was vegan. I’m happy that, with a little care, the bag is still a major workhorse in my wardrobe and my go-to bag.

Angela Roi makes vegan polyurethane (PU), apple leather, and cactus leather bags in Korea and in my experience they are quite high-quality. Style-wise they are a great alternative to Matt & Nat!

Products: crossbodies, shoulder bags, and handbags
Values: PETA certified vegan, apple leather, cactus leather
Ordering: based in USA, ships within USA (although you can also order internationally from these stores)



Sustainable Bags Made from Other Materials

Image credit: AAKS

AAKS

Colourful bags made from raffia (a fibre from raffia palm leaves). AAKS bags are all made in Ghana by fairly-paid artisans using a traditional hand-weaving technique. (Bags also have leather details)

Products: shoulder bags, crossbodies, and totes
Values: natural materials, made by local artisans
Ordering: based in Ghana, ships international (for free)


Image credit: HFS Collective


HFS Collective

HFS Collective uses a variety of eco-friendly materials such as recycled and deadstock materials, Pinatex, raffia, organic cotton, and more. The bags are all made locally in Los Angeles.

Products: belt bags, crossbodies, and wallets
Values: vegan, sustainable materials, locally made in LA, gives back
Ordering: based in USA, ships international


Do you have any favourite sustainable bag/purse brands I missed?

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