For most brides, finding THE dress is the most challenging (and personal) part of wedding planning. For the sustainably minded bride, it’s even tougher! Sure, they might be pretty, but typical wedding gowns are made with synthetic fabrics and petroleum-based trims that require a huge amount of labour and energy for something that’s only intended to be used for one day. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 5 ethical wedding dress options for the bride with a heart of gold.
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Option 1: Resale
An alternative to buying a new dress is secondhand. Resale sites, vintage stores and consignment shops are a perfect opportunity to snag the dress of your dreams for a great price. With websites like Borrowing Magnolia, Still White or Once Wed, you can browse through thousands of pre-owned designer gowns and find exactly what you’re looking for. Etsy is another fantastic option for eco-conscious brides. Besides having a huge selection of hand-made gowns, the eCommerce site also carries vintage and used wedding dresses. If you’re hoping for an in-person shopping experience, try searching for consignment bridal boutiques in your area. No compromise necessary!
Image credit: The Fitzroy
Option 2: Rental
You’re already making a big enough commitment…why worry about the dress too?!Rental services are a great way to achieve the look you want without being stuck with a dress you’ll only wear once. Not only does this make sense for your finances, it has a pretty big environmental impact too. A rental dress can be cleaned and re-worn over and over, eliminating the need to create new garments. This saves labour and energy while keeping clothing in circulation for longer. And with the myriad of styles available, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll love.
Check out our article on rental services for more tips and tricks!
Image credit: Pure Magnolia
Option 3: Pure Magnolia
Calling all classic beauties! Pure Magnolia is a Canadian brand with a passion for ethical fashion. They focus on natural materials like silk and organic cotton and use recycled fabrics whenever possible. Their timeless styles are made in-house at their studio, limiting their overall environmental footprint. Scrap materials are either repurposed into new styles or collected and recycled through FABCYCLE.
Price point: $450 – $3,300
Values: Local production, natural & sustainable materials, made-to-order, textile waste recycled through FABCYCLE
Size Range: 0 – 28
Availability: Based in Vancouver, BC, ships worldwide, stockists within Canada & U.S.
Image credit: Whimsy & Row
Option 4: Whimsy & Row
If you’re a laid-back bride with a preference for casual styles, Whimsy & Row could be a great option. This California-based brand creates high-quality pieces that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. They favor low-impact fabrics like certified organic cotton, linen, Tencel, cupro and silk, and they source deadstock and upcycled materials as much as possible. Their swanky cocktail dresses and stylish separates are all made in small batches within the Los Angeles area.
Price point: $110 – $319
Values: Local production,low-impact fabrics, carbon neutral, minimal waste, textile waste recycled through Marimole
Size Range: XXS – XL
Availability: Based in California, ships worldwide
Image credit: Leanna Marshall
Option 5: Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall is a bridal label with a passion for natural fabrics. Their stunning gowns and statement separates feature billowing sleeves, ruffled hemlines, and vintage silhouettes. Hello, romance! They focus on local production and minimal waste, with every piece being made-to-order in New York. Though their prices are on the higher end of this list, these beautiful designs are a must-see for the bride looking for something truly special.
Price point: $680 – $4,240
Values: Local production,natural & sustainable materials,made-to-order, textile waste recycled through FABSCRAP
Size Range: 0 – 24
Availability: Based in New York, ships worldwide, stockists within US, Canada & UK
Finding a gown for your special day can be a tricky process. It’s one thing to find something that matches your style and aesthetic, but it can be equally challenging to find something that fits your values. Whether you’re on the hunt for something new, pre-owned, or one-of-a-kind, there are a ton of options available to today’s bride.
Did you/do you plan on wearing an ethical wedding dress for your big day?
We’d love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below.
Your romantic gesture has a bigger environmental impact than you think.
Flowers, especially red roses, double in price this time of year. Ecuador exports up to 15 000 tonnes of flowers to the U.S. by plane in the three weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day alone, plus there are imports from countries like Colombia and Holland as well.
Once the flowers get to the U.S. and Canada, they are shipped around the country in refrigerated trucks so that they don’t wilt. These trucks burn more fuel than average even before they’re loaded with cargo. Plus, many of them run on diesel, which produces more air pollutants than gasoline.
You can make fake flowers from recyclable paper and make a whole bouquet. It’s original, cute and sustainable!
Get baking
Make something yummy and possibly heart shaped and even rose scented!
And just in case you get flowers anyway, remember to…
Compost them!
If you do receive flowers this year, do the right thing and compost them instead of throwing them in the trash where they contribute to greenhouse gases. If you don’t have a compost bin, simply put the flowers in the garden where they can decompose naturally and their nutrients will contribute to the soil.
Trying to live more environmentally conscious in Edmonton can have it’s challenges, but this city is home to many wonderful small businesses and hidden gems. For more information on ways to reduce your waste in Edmonton, check out Waste Free Edmonton’s resources and volunteer opportunities.
Features a fusion menu of Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Indian plant-based dishes. Prior to COVID-19, their downtown location offered a monthly buffet. To reduce food waste and encourage conscious eating, Padmanadi charged buffet customers per gram for any food left uneaten on their plate and donated those proceeds to local organizations that fed people experiencing homelessness.
One of Edmonton’s oldest vegetarian restaurants that focuses on responsible sourcing, and earth/health conscious dishes. They also offer favorite sauces for sale in reusable glass jars.
The sister restaurant of Cafe Mosaics, and a 100% plant-based cafe with a community focus, offering workshops, plant-swaps and events. Beyond their delicious food, The Moth Cafe offers a robust beverage menu featuring plant-based wine, beer, cocktails and more.
Looking for more local veggie eats? Check out @veginyeg
Not only is Rge Road one of Canada’s 100 best restaurants as of 2021, but they are also one of the first restaurants in Edmonton to embrace a menu of sustainable, local and seasonal offerings. Their changing menu includes meat from ‘tip to tail’, finding unique ways to utilize the entire animal in their dishes.
A restaurant focused on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients when available, as well as showcasing products from across Canada. Their changing menu is small and intentional, and they also offer catering.
An upscale restaurant located in the historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, The Harvest Room focuses on seasonal, local food as well as sustainably sourced game and seafood. They offer a breakfast and dinner menu, as well as a traditional Afternoon Tea experience every weekend.
Edmonton’s first refillery and waste-reduction focused grocery store, now in its 30th year. EGS offers an abundant selection of both packaged and bulk plant-based groceries, as well as local dairy and eggs. Customers are encouraged to refill their own containers with dry and refrigerated bulk foods, as well as a body and home goods such as dish soap, shampoo and more. Their website is a wonderful resource for those new to waste reduction and buying bulk.
An online grocery service that delivers your personalized order to your door in a cardboard box or reusable bin. Spud is a certified B Corporation that focuses on providing sustainable groceries, partners with local businesses and offers a wide variety of products, including health and beauty, home products and items for pets.
An online grocery delivery service with a focus on fresh local produce, offering curated boxes, custom boxes or a combination of the two based on the customers needs. They offer a variety of box sizes and allow customers to browse and select items based on distance in kilometers from the warehouse. Their website features clear labels that indicate whether products are organic or come from a family farm, among other categories.
Rge Road has taken their farm to table business model beyond the restaurant, and now offers local meat in their neighboring butcher shop. Their knowledgeable staff share information about their meats, as well as how to prepare and utilize every part of the animal, spreading the word about sustainable and conscious consumption for meat lovers.
Carbon specializes in eco-conscious and sustainable products for home, body and lifestyle. Their new location in Manchester Square features a refillery bar, where customers can refill containers of their favorite items or try small quantities of new products before making a larger purchase.
A store dedicated to zero waste living and refilling, focused on home and body products such as cleaners, deodorant, lotion and more. Re:Plenish partners with various organizations to promote reuse and recycling, including textile and beauty recycling programs, as well as their own jar library.
A boutique specializing in apothecary products, beauty and skincare, and an in-house organic spa. They stock brands dedicated to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, and now feature a refill station where customers can refill their own containers with body, home and apothecary products.
This unique clothing business rents dresses, costumes and accessories. The Dress Library works with clients to curate rental items based on the event, and provide fitting appointments. Products can be rented for a week or more. [ Interested in learning more about how clothing rental works? Check out our post all about it! ]
A non-profit social enterprise and thrift store that sells furniture, home and entertainment products for low prices, as well as seasonal decor items. Find’s Housing First program provides furniture and houseware at no cost to people moving out of homelessness and into safe housing.
Sustainable Clothing & Accessory Brands in Edmonton
An accessories brand specializing in belts, masks, and other small items with a focus on ethical manufacturing. As a certified B Corporation, Unbelts takes sustainability into account for all parts of their business, and has a comprehensive sustainability report available on their website. (Belts fit up to 54” hips) [ Read a review of Unbelts here. ]
A certified B Corporation creating luxury leather and vegan leather goods, including shoes and accessories. They focus on ethical production and partnerships, and have recently increased their use of sustainable materials, such as vegan leather made from cactus leaves and other organic materials. (Offers womens shoe sizes 5 to 12 and mens 6 to 13)
A clothing and accessory brand committed to zero waste, Msichana products are designed in Canada and produced in Africa. Check out their website for more information on their ethical production practices and profiles on the women who create each handmade garment. (Offers custom sizing)
A made-to-order clothing company specializing in jumpsuits and versatile garments. Gus Sloan offers mending for their garments that have been well loved, as well as the SCRAP collection, saving fabric scraps from the landfill by turning them into beautiful accessories. (Offers custom sizing)
Sessa Wearables offers a spectrum of clothing services, including selling garments made of upcycled materials and fabric scraps, personal styling and shopping, closet consultations and clothing repairs. (Offers custom sizing)
An Indigenous-owned, vegan hair and body product company committed to plastic free hair care. They offer sulphate-free, silicone-free and gluten-free options for all hair types, and their shampoo bars can be purchased package-free at many local stockists.
A small batch clean beauty and skincare brand that uses plant-based ingredients and glass packaging. Their products are cruelty free, GMO-free and gluten-free.
Soap So Co. creates handcrafted, vegan and cruelty free soaps. They offer low-waste liquid soap refills for soap dispensers and large bottle sizes. Bar soaps can be purchased in recyclable paper boxes or package free at local stockists.
A 100% natural handmade soap company that creates bars inspired by Edmonton’s neighborhoods and events. Their soaps feature minimal paper and twine packaging.
A veteran in the Edmonton soap scene, Wild Prairie Soap Company creates plant-based and cruelty free soaps and body care products. Their refillery allows customers to fill their own containers with bath salts, lotions, liquid products and package free bath bombs.
Any we missed? Please share your favourite sustainable Edmonton small businesses in the comments!
Wool is an amazing, insulting material and more brands are now offering recycled wool clothing, which can be both a great sustainable option and a compromise for those concerned about the ethics of wool.
What is Recycled Wool?
Recycled wool comes from 2 sources; pre-consumer which is wool that is salvaged waste from the manufacturing process and post-consumer which is recycled from wool garments and products.
Typically recycled wool, especially post-consumer, has shorter fibres and needs to be blended with some other fibres or virgin fibres to achieve durability and comparable quality. This is common with almost any recycled natural fibre so you will rarely see 100% recycled natural fibre content.
Is Recycled Wool Sustainable?
Yes! By using waste and existing resources it saves a lot of the energy and pollution which would be required to produce those virgin materials. It also reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill by giving these fibres new life.
Is Recycled Wool Vegan?
Technically no. However this is a grey area for some vegans and ultimately depends on your personal values. Recycled wool (as long as it’s not blended with virgin wool) can be a good way to get the benefits of wool fibres without directly supporting wool farming. There are conversations that can be had around how much or little it may indirectly support wool farming so it is ultimately a very personal decision.
My view on wool is I won’t buy most wool, but I do support regenerative and animal welfare focused fibre farming. I think wool has some incredible properties, especially for winter clothing, and recycled wool can be a good compromise.
Sustainable staple brand Organic Basics has a collection of both sweaters and winter accessories made from recycled wool – including recycled merino and recycled cashmere (due to their high demand, both tend to have more issues with intensive farming).
They are all classic, timeless pieces that can easily be wardrobe staples so investing in some more luxurious fibres like cashmere seems more worth it and by opting for recycled you can avoid some of the ethical issues.
Styles: Women, Men Size Range: XS – XL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials, Transparency, Carbon Neutral Shipping, B Corp Based In: Denmark, ships international
Organic Basics recycled cashmere beanie and gloves
Anian is a Canadian company making classic wool shirts, jackets and “shakets” from post-consumer wool. Their garments all have that timeless, Pacific Northwest style and are great long-lasting investment pieces.
Styles: Women, Men, Unisex Size Range: XS – XXL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials, Made in Canada Based In: Canada, ships international
Dedicated is a sustainable streetwear brand with a new collections of timeless sweaters, coats, and winter accessories made from from GRS certified post-consumer recycled wool. Dedicated has good factory transparency and many sustainability and responsible manufacturing certifications.
Styles: Women, Men Size Range: XS – XL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials, Factory Transparency, Based In: Sweden, ships international
Focusing on recycled merino wool Colorful Standard has a collection of sweaters and accessories in a wide variety of colours. They use 100% recycled merino wool which is certified by Global Recycled Standard (GRS).
Styles: Women, Men Size Range: XS – XL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials, Factory Transparency, Seasonless Collections, Low Waste Production Based In: Denmark, ships international with many international webshops
Toad&Co has some wool pieces in their recycled collection, many blended with other recycled fibres as well. They have a variety of styles including jackets, shirts, vests, sweaters, cardigans and even sweater a skirt made with recycled wool.
Styles: Women, Men Size Range: XS – XL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials Based In: USA, ships to US and Canada
Frank And Oak has a small collection of recycled wool coats although they don’t have much information about where the wool comes from other than it’s “recycled textile waste” – so not sure if it is pre or post consumer wool.
I have been looking for a long wool coat for ages secondhand and finally decided to go with Frank And Oak’s plaid Laurence Coat. It’s honestly beautiful and I really appreciate the added insulation for our cold Canadian winters.
Styles: Women, Men Size Range: XS – XL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials, B Corp Based In: Canada, ships to Canada and US
Styles: Women, Men Size Range: XS – XL Values: Sustainable Materials, Recycled Materials, Fair Trade Certified (some factories), Take Back Recycling Program, Gives Back Based In: USA, ships international (also has international retailers)
Want to learn more about the types of wool and the environmental and ethical impacts of it? Read more here.
The Best Natural and Plastic-Free Baby Products to Avoid Microplastics
Right from birth, babies are surrounded by plastic in many different forms: clothing, toys, furniture and more. And growing evidence is showing that babies are also consuming a lot of plastic in the form of tiny microplastics.
The baby study specifically found large amounts of polyethylene terephthalate or PET microplastics. PET is likely the plastic you encounter the most and is used in packaging and many household products. It’s also very commonly found in the form of polyester fibre.
We know that synthetic clothing sheds plastic microfibres when washed. These fibres are now abundant in our ocean and water systems, and have been found all over the world — even the top of Everest. Microplastic fibres are also in the food we eat and in our bodies. Polyester and other synthetic fibres are not just in our clothing, but also in our furniture, carpets, toys and many other products we use daily.
Microplastics are also created through abrasion, and when plastics break down and degrade, such as from tires wearing down, sponges breaking apart, paints rubbing off, or… chewing. Heat can also increase the breakdown of plastic — especially important to be aware of with plastic baby bottles and other feeding products that might be heated.
Because they are so tiny and often invisible, we can easily consume microplastics — especially true for babies who are exploring the world with their mouths.
Microplastics are unfortunately all around us, but here are some common microplastic sources in the home that children frequently encounter, and some easy plastic-free swaps you can make to reduce the amount your baby encounters and consumes:
Top 5 Swaps to Avoid Microplastics for Babies & Children
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Plastic Free Toys – Especially Stuffed Animals
Those sweet fluffy animals we love to give babies are unfortunately made from polyester and other synthetic fibers. With the added wear, tear, and teething/sucking they get, these snuggly friends make likely culprits for microfiber ingestion.
I’ve also noticed that similar to fast fashion, cheaply made stuffed animals fall apart way faster. We were unfortunately given a little teddy bear when my daughter was born and bits of fur would come off in my hand just picking it up (we did not give it to her). This synthetic fur is not only bad for the environment but easily ingested by babies.
Stuffed Plastic Free and Organic Baby Toys
Yes, you CAN find safe, natural (microplastic free) plush toys and stuffed animals!
Apple Park – makes lovely animals and baby doll toys from 100% organic cotton and stuffed with a corn fiber stuffing. We love the Apple Park organic dolls as an alternative to plastic dolls (pictured below).
Under the Nile – has stuffed toys made in a fair trade certified factory from organic and bio-dynamically farmed cotton and stuffed with organic cotton too! Their organic breathable loveys make an especially good choice for babies.
Ouistitine– hand makes toys and stuffies from natural and reclaimed materials (such as upcycled wool sweaters).
Finn & Emma – has a variety of natural toys including cute crochet toys made from organic cotton yarn.
Tikiri Toys– makes animals and dolls from organic cotton and regular cotton.
Bebemoss– has adorable hand crocheted toys made with organic cotton yarn.
Cate & Levi – upcycles wool sweaters into lovely puppets and stuffed toys (they also have DIY kits so you can make your own!).
Main Sauvage – has hand-knit toys made from alpaca wool in a fair trade factory in Bolivia.
Other Natural Baby Toys, Non Toxic Baby Toys
Sticking to natural materials like wood, rubber, metal or bamboo is best for toys and also look for brands that use tested safe, non-toxic paints. Here are some of our favorites:
Smiling Tree Toys– sustainably harvested wood toys with organic oil finishes.
Once Kids– bamboo and FSC certified wooden toys – their “Eco-Bricks” are a fantastic alternative to plastic Lego!
Erzi – wooden toys, we especially love their play food! (German Company with international retailers)
Wee Gallery – bamboo and cotton toys with very cute designs (bamboo numbers pictured below).
Wood Wood Toys – our favourite Canadian retailer with a large variety of wooden toys from global brands.
LOVEVERY – while they do have some plastic products and toys in their playkits, I want to highlight LOVEVERY’s wooden block set which is incredibly well designed for endless play and development stages — we play with it almost daily.
EarthHero is also a great marketplace with lots of options for sustainable and plastic-free toys and other baby products.
Some of my daughter’s natural, non-toxic, and plastic-free toys – we got many though EarthHero
We also know that babies, especially while teething, chew on everything and are still learning to eat so plastic utensils and feeding products get a lot of wear and tear which likely also results in microplastics being consumed.
Plastic Free Baby Bottles, Glass Baby Bottles
Lifefactory – both glass and stainless steel bottles with silicone baby bottle nipples and a silicone sleeve for grip – we started using these later with the sippy lid attachment and they’ve been great
Kleen Kanteen – stainless steel baby bottles with medical grade silicone nipples
HEVEA – glass bottles with natural rubber baby bottle nipples
Phillips Avent – glass bottles with silicone nipples. We ended up using these because we needed bottles in a pinch and while I typically would choose to support a smaller brand than Philips, these were the best rated, most accessible ones. They worked great for us as I ended up using the Philips pump as well.
Plastic Free Feeding: Baby Dishes and Baby Utensils
Avanchy – bamboo or stainless steel and silicone bowls, plates and spoons – these are what we primarily use (buy them in Canada here)
ezpz – silicone bowls and dish mats – great for feeding or play!
Is Silicone Safe for Babies?
Let’s chat quickly about silicone, because silicone can be considered a plastic and it is a synthetic material, although it’s also different than the plastics we’ve been discussing.
Unlike most plastics, silicone is extremely durable, stable, and non-reactive. This means that it is considered a safe, non-toxic option and it doesn’t shed microplastics. However environmentally it also means that it doesn’t biodegrade well and isn’t easily recyclable. There is also a potential issue with fillers and traces of lead, so it’s important to only use food-grade or medical-grade silicone.
My thoughts on silicone: Plastic has undeniable benefits as a flexible material and I think silicone can be a good, safer alternative in cases. We used a variety of silicone products including bottle nipples, utensils, dishes, and some teethers.
Hevea soothers – Image from EarthHero
Natural Pacifiers & Teethers
This one seems a pretty obvious source of microplastic ingestion as it’s something babies are literally sucking and chewing on. They say to replace soothers at any sign of wear, however by the time abrasions and wear can be seen there has likely been undetectable micro abrasions and deterioration leading up to that.
Plastic Free/Natural Rubber Pacifiers and Teething Toys for Babies
To avoid your baby ingesting micro bits of plastic pacifiers and teethers, stick to natural materials such as natural rubber (but don’t use if there’s a latex allergy), wood, and as mentioned above, medical or food-grade silicone. Some of our favourites are:
Hevea – natural rubber teething toys and pacifiers – these are the soothers we use (pictured above).
Eco Piggy – also makes natural rubber pacifiers – my daughter loves their Calmies Ecoteether and even though she’s no longer teething she still enjoys holding it while sleeping (pictured above).
Finn & Emma – makes cute wooden and organic cotton teething toys and pacifier holders.
How to Avoid Microplastics/Microfibers with Clothing
We’ve talked a lot here on MGC about microfiber pollution so we know synthetic clothing is a big culprit of microplastics. These not only pollute our oceans and rivers but can also be ingested by us and our children.
An easy way to avoid this is by sticking to natural fibre clothing such as cotton, linen, Tencel, or wool. If you do have to use synthetic materials, like for swimwear or winter coats, be sure to wash them in a Guppyfriend Bag or with a Cora Ball to help capture the plastic fibers so they can be safely disposed of.
A study found that homes with carpet as the main flooring had nearly double the amount of synthetic microfibers in dust samples. So it’s best to use natural fiber rugs and other natural material floor coverings where possible. Especially try to focus on bedrooms, playrooms, or areas where you baby will be crawling and playing the most.
Colin Campbell “Nature’s Carpet Collection” – 100% natural wool carpets, their “dark green” options include undyed wool, no insecticides or chemical additives, and a natural latex adhesive.
I tried avoiding maternity-specific clothing as much as possible during my pregnancy and get things secondhand, however bras was one area where I definitely needed to get some new pieces. Of course I wanted to find sustainable and ethical bra options so here are some of the nursing and maternity bras I tried as well as some other great brands I’ve found.
Comfort and easy accessibility are obviously high priorities for nursing bras and I would recommend trying a few different styles to see what you like best. I personally found I preferred the crossover style vs the clip but glad I had both depending on what I was wearing.
So we’ve collected a variety of styles, sustainable materials and ethically made nursing bras from brands based in the USA, Canada, and Europe to help you find some good options!
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Nursing Bras & Maternity-to-Nursing Clothing
Images from Boob Designs
Boob Design is the brand to check out, they exclusively design sustainable maternity and nursing clothing! They have a full collection that transitions with you from a pregnancy to nursing. I especially loved their nursing dresses with easy-access designs!
For nursing bras they have a large variety of styles and sustainable materials to choose from; including organic cotton, Tencel, recycled nylon, and even organic merino wool. Their styles range from soft to extra firm support and they even have styles for larger cups and smaller bands! (This is my biggest issue with bralettes)
Boob Design Nursing Bra Review
I used 3 of their bras while I was nursing – the 24/7 Bra, Fast-Food Bra, and Fast-Food Sports Bra. The 24/7 bra was definitely my favourite and so comfortable (I still wear it all the time even though I’m no longer nursing) and because it’s a crossover style instead of clip it doesn’t feel or look like a nursing bra. I personally preferred Boob’s natural material bras over the recycled nylon ones and would recommend sticking with those.
Boob is fantastic if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to get a maternity and nursing-friendly wardrobe.
Cost: €55 – €75 Values: sustainable materials, GOTS certified, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, production transparency Size range: S – XXL Ordering: Based in Sweden, ships international
100% Organic, Undyed Cotton Nursing Bra
Image credit: The Very Good Bra
Have sensitive skin or concerned about toxic dyes or plastics in clothing? The Very Good Bra is the brand for you! They are committed to fully plastic-free and compostable bras and underwear (even with natural rubber elastics!) and just recently added a nursing bra option.
TVGB nursing bra is design with crossover/fold-down cups and has an adjustable band to accommodate size fluctuations. It features soft organic cotton and think, supportive straps. The design also makes it easily wearable as a regular bra.
Cost: $99 AUD Values: all natural materials, biodegradable, low waste, production transparency, B Corp Size range: proprietary sizing, check website Ordering: based in Australia, ships international
Sporty & Size-Inclusive Nursing Bras
Images from Girlfriend
When the designer behind Sustainable activewear brand Girlfriend became pregnant they naturally expanded their line to include a few maternity and nursing options!
Girlfriend’s bras are made from a stretchy recycled nylon (from fishing nets) and the Ellie includes removable cups made from recycled plastic bottles. Both styles are designed fit fluctuating cup sizes and the Ellie also includes adjustable straps and back.
For working out, the Ellie is for low-medium impact and the May is low impact. And if you’re looking for maternity workout leggings they have an option too!
They’re also the most size-inclusive brand I’ve found with size options from XXS-6X!
Cost: $52/$48 USD Values: recycled materials, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, SA8000 certified factory, body-inclusive models Size range: XXS – 6X Ordering: based in USA, also ships to UK, Australia, and Canada
Best Variety of Styles (Including Sustainable Pumping Bras!)
Images from Bravado Designs
I wish I’d know about Bravado Designs while I was breastfeeding (and then exclusively pumping), they have so many styles and options including seamless, racerback, full cup and extended cup, both underwire and wire-free, nursing cami, and a combo nursing/pumping bra, as well as innovative pumping attachment which transforms their nursing bras into a hands-free pumping bra (this would have been exactly what I needed!)
Bravado has a sustainable collection which uses eco friendly materials such as a blend of organic cotton and Tencel Modal, and recycled nylon but not all their styles are made from these materials (however all their materials are Oeko-Tex certified). They also have a goal to transition to 100% sustainable fabrics by 2023.
Their sizing can be confusing and varies by the style so use their size calculator and check each product.
Cost: $42 – $57 CAD Values: some sustainable materials, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics, WRAP certified factories, body-inclusive models, products are tested for longevity Size range: S – XXL (including full cup options) Ordering: based in Canada, has a Canadian site, US site, and UK site.
Most Beautiful – Reclaimed Lace Nursing Bra
Images from Savara
Most nursing bras are very utilitarian looking, so it’s a delight to see Savara Intimates’s stunning and sustainable Aveline Nursing Bra.
It features a soft Tencel cup with gorgeous deadstock lace, and the option of removable cup padding. The cup is detachable with a hook while the strap stays in place.
Savara Intimates has a unique sizing model and design which uses adjustable back elastics to combine the comfortable and flexibility of a bralette with the adjustability of a bra. Their bras are specifically designed to accommodate size changes and weight fluctuations – perfect for everyone, but especially maternity and nursing bras!
While I haven’t used their Aveline nursing bra, I have the Willow bra from Savara Intimates and it is such a beautiful and comfy bra. As someone with larger cups and a smaller band I really appreciate the adjustable back straps.
Cost: €69,95 Values: sustainable and reclaimed materials, production transparency, carbon offset, made in Europe Size range: XS – XXL+ Ordering: based in the Netherlands, ships international
Most Affordable Organic Nursing Bra
Images from Pact
Sustainable clothing brand Pact also has a maternity collection which includes an organic cotton crossover nursing bralette and organic cotton nursing camisole. At just $35 each for organic cotton and fair trade certified garments these are the most budget-friendly nursing options we’ve found (besides shopping secondhand of course).
I especially like the crossover style of nursing bra since it doesn’t look or feel like a nursing bra and can easily be worn after.
Both styles look comfy and I’m a fan of Pact’s baby clothing so it could also be a good opportunity to grab some baby essentials too!
Cost: $35 USD Values: GOTS certified organic cotton, Fair Trade certified factories, carbon offset shipping Size range: S – XL Ordering: based in USA, ships international.
How Many Nursing Bras Do I Need?
3-4 generally seems to be an amount that works well for many people. Although it’s important to consider:
what you’ll likely be wearing most days
if you’re planning on pumping
what activities you’ll be doing (for example do you need a sports nursing bra?)
how often you do laundry
Use those to help determine what type and how many nursing bras you need. Sticking to fewer is typically fine though as you can always get additional bras later if needed.
‘Green’ Friday Sales 2023 – If you’re shopping this Black Friday or Cyber Week instead of giving your money to the big box stores, support sustainable and ethical brands! There are some great initiatives to refocus, give back, or “green” the traditional Black Friday while also helping out small businesses trying to make a difference.
There are mainly US and Canadian sustainable Black Friday deals but also a few of our favourite European brands.
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
And be sure to check back, we’ll be adding more sales as they’re announced!
Etsy – Various products on sale (please note: not all Etsy sellers are eco-friendly/ethically-made)
GOT Bag (US/EU) – Backpacks and bags, up to 40% off
Hyer Goods (US) – Bags and wallets, 20% off with code GIVEBETTER23
Made Trade (US) – Variety of jewellery and accessories. 15% off site-wide, plus up to 60% off sale items with email subscription
Nisolo (US) – Veg-tanned leather shoes, up to 70% off site-wide
Poppy Barley (CAN) – Shoes and bags, up to $150 off select items. From Nov. 23-25 profits are also being donated to support girls in sports and business and financial literacy education.
Q for Quinn(CAN) – Organic socks and underwear, sales up to 60% off + 5 additional meals donated for every order 🍲
Svala (US) – Vegan cork purses and bags, 20% off with code HOLIDAY20
Click + Grow – indoor gardens, 30% off gardens and most products
GoSun (US) – Solar panels and solar-powered products, select items on sale
Pela(US/CAN) – Compostable phone cases, early Black Friday 25% off
Scoria (US/CAN) – Cork yoga mats, 10% off with code BEATTHERUSH
Tinggly – Experience travel vouchers, 30% off site-wide starting Nov 23
Check back because I’ll be updating this list daily as more brands announce their sales.
You can also check out our Green Gift Guidefor sustainable holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!
Is Black Friday Unsustainable?
Black Friday has become an annual shopping frenzy that raises concerns about it’s sustainability. The surge in demand for discounted products often leads to overconsumption which in turn is damaging to the environment and harmful to manufacturing workers.
However budgets are also tight and sales can be ways to stretch your dollar. Amidst the unsustainable practices associated with Black Friday, a more conscious and environmentally friendly approach is also there – supporting small, sustainable businesses. You can use BFCM sales as a way to support brands who prioritize ethical production, sustainably sourced materials, and giving back. Additionally, these businesses are often more embedded in their communities, and your support helps foster a resilient local economy.
Although one thing to always keep in mind when shopping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales is that sales are designed to tap into our psychology and give us a temporary dopamine boost. It’s important to recognize the allure of sales and shop intentionally. A helpful tool is to create a list and remember that it’s not actually a good deal if you don’t need it.
Sustainable gift giving isn’t just about what you give, but also how you give.
It’s easy to think that buying a gift made in an eco friendly way is all you need to do, however there are important things to keep in mind and ways to give presents sustainably regardless of the item.
This post is in partnership with EarthHero which is an amazing one-stop shop for all kinds of sustainable products and an easy place to get your gift shopping done. They have everything including clothing, kitchen and home goods, zero waste items, decor, baby and kids stuff, eco friendly pet products, green beauty lines and more.
So let’s jump into my tips of how to make your gifts more sustainable and also some great conscious gift examples from EarthHero!
1. Ensure it’s a Gift that Will Get Used
I think this is the most important one: a gift that the person doesn’t want and won’t actually use and enjoy is always going to be wasteful.52% of Americans admit to getting at least 1 unwanted gift over the holidays – that’s billions of dollars and time wasted, as well as all the unnecessary energy and resources used to make the items (plus wrapping and packaging).
An easy way to solve this is simply to ask the person what they need or could use! Or if you don’t want to ask them directly, do some sleuthing and ask close family members, partners, friends etc. Or see if there’s anything they use regularly that could use an update or replacement.
Here are some ideas of items that most people use regularly which make good, practical gifts:
Something that really needs a shift is the idea that “more is better” when it comes to gifts. The reality is excessive consumption is not only incredibly harmful to our planet and people but holiday gift shopping also creates a lot of unnecessary debt, stress and pressure.
Focusing on quality over quantity not only allows you to give items that will last and won’t be trashed. It also means you can invest in responsible brands and something you know the receiver will get good use from.
3. Research
This isn’t just for gifts, any product you buy you should try to research. Choose things that are well made and ideally from brands that align with your sustainable and ethical values.
It can be tough to research every company though, so marketplaces like EarthHero are helpful because they curate products and also give you filters of sustainability features. They use icons so you can easily identify features such as plastic-free, Fair Trade, recycled, Black Owned businesses, compostable, vegan, climate neutral, and much more.
4. Support Small Businesses
Amazon and all the mega-corporations don’t need your money, meanwhile holiday purchases can be crucial for small businesses to keep the lights on. Small businesses not only offer more unique products but also create stronger communities and are important for advancing the sustainability movement.
Here are just a few of my favorite small brands you can find on EarthHero:
Gifts that will be used up are fantastic for anyone who doesn’t want or need more “stuff”. You can give a gift without the lasting clutter or waste!
Homemade baking, sauces, snacks or cooking mixes are great consumable gifts and also budget-friendly. Favorite coffees, teas, beer/wine, jam, or chocolate also are good go-tos.
When we think consumable we typically think of food. However there’s also non-food “consumable” gifts such as:
Another way to cut down on the impact of gifts is to look for reusable or biodegradable, materials and packaging. So at the item’s end-of-life it won’t go in the landfill. Try to avoid plastic products and packaging as much as you can; sometimes it’s unavoidable but we can try our best. 🙂
Also remember that most wrapping paper comes from new resources and often isn’t recyclable so stick to sustainable gift wrap – ideally recycled or reusable options, and make sure they don’t go in the trash!
7. Gifts that Give Back
Many conscious brands also give back to great causes, so you can multiply your gift giving! It can be especially meaningful if it’s both a gift they’ll appreciate and a cause they care about.
Here are some great brands on EarthHero that give back:
Conscious Step – each pair of organic socks gives back $1 with many causes and organizations to choose from
Tentree – clothing brand where every item plants 10 trees
Terra Thread – each bag donates meals through Feeding America
Scoria – their cork yoga products give back to Right to Play which works with Indigenous youth in Canada
8. Give Experiences
I’ve said this many times before, but it’s always good to repeat – experiences make amazing, memorable gifts and can also be a fantastic sustainable gift!
Here are some enjoyable experience gifts depending on the receiver’s interests:
Meal at a favourite restaurant
Tickets to a concert or sports game
Membership to a museum or gallery
Spa or massage service
Admission to an amusement park
National park pass
Classes for something they want to learn
Getaway or camping trip
Happy Holidays and if you have any other tips you’d add to this list, please share them!
Looking for new bedding? Sustainable fabrics are not only better for the environment, but natural and eco friendly sheets are also more breathable, absorbent, and comfortable – so better for your sleep too!
Here’s a guide to help you first decide what material might be the best choice for you and also a list of some great sustainable bedding brands to check out.
And before we jump into it, lets quickly clear up the thread count myth – a higher thread count does not automatically mean better quality or more comfortable. What is much more important is the type and quality of fibre used, how it’s processed, and how it’s woven! So it’s best to ignore thread counts and instead look for brands that focus on making high quality sheets.
What’s the best material for sheets? Which is the most environmentally friendly bedding?
Cotton Sheets
The most common and easy to find sheet material.
Pros
Breathable & absorbent
Often more affordable
Large variety of styles, colours, and patterns
Cons
Cotton can have high pesticide use (look for Organic)
Generally requires more resources to grow
Wrinkles with use
Large range in quality
Linen Sheets
The original bedding materials and why they’re often called “linens”.
Pros
Breathable & absorbent
Durable and long-lasting
Linen is more sustainably grown than cotton (less pesticides and water required)
Cons
Wrinkles easily (although that can be a pro too if you like the look)
Can take a while to soften
Typically more expensive than other sheets
Limited style options
Tencel (Lyocell) Sheets
Tencel is a cellulose fabric derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It often has a more silky feel but can come in a variety of finishes.
Pros
Tencel™ is closed loop and sustainably made (however generic lyocell might not be)
Less prone to wrinkling
Good “vegan silk” or “natural satin” alternative
Can feel cooler and be a good choice for hot sleepers
Cons
While it’s technically a natural material, lyocell is highly processed – ensure it is Tencel™ which is made in a sustainable closed loop process.
Typically less durable
Some Tencel sheets may require delicate washing
Some people don’t like the feeling
Overall the best type of material will depend on you personal preferences, style, and budget. Each have different pros and cons so ultimately it’s about which you’ll most use and enjoy.
Personally, I’m a big fan of linen sheets, I love the feeling, casual look, and sustainability. But I also know they’re not for everyone so below are a variety of options, materials, and brands to check out.
When shopping for sheets something else that is important to me is being able to buy pieces separately. We don’t use a top sheet so I hate having to get set that includes one, and my partner and I also use separate duvets and have different pillow sizes so sets never fit our needs and end up being a waste of both money and materials. So if the sets also don’t work for you, I’ve also noted who sells pieces separately.
My linen sheets from Magic Linen
Where to Find Sustainable Sheets
The best organic sheets and sustainable bedding brands.
(please note: some affiliate links are used in this post which means we may get a small commission)
Price Guide (based on a Queen Set) $ – Under 200 $$ – 200 – 250 $$$ – 251 – 300 $$$$ – 301+
Magic Linen’s products are made in-house in Lithuania from Oeko-Tex certified linen made from European flax. They cater to international customer and offer many sizing options.
Magic Linen Review
We have full bedding from Magic Linen and it’s been great! I love their colour options and as mentioned above I’m a huge fan of the fact that they sell the pieces both individually and as sets.
I really like the wrinkly linen look however of the linen sheets I’ve tried these have a thicker yarn and are more casual/rustic than some finer woven linen sheets. So they are definitely for those who love that “linen look”.
Boll & Branch makes classic bedding from organic cotton. They have a variety of yarn quality and weaves for different feels and finishes. They also sell both sets and separates.
Their bedding is 100% organic cotton, they pay fair wages to cotton farmers, and their production is Fair Trade Certified.
One of our fave Canadian clothing brands – Kotn’s new home collection includes classic, neutral bedding. Their sheet sets are sold with the flat sheet separately which I appreciate! They also have cotton and linen blend sheets if you want the benefits of both fibres.
While Kotn’s cotton is not organic, they do have a unique direct-trade model where they work directly with cotton farmers and ensure quality, transparency, and fair wages at all stages of their supply chain. Kotn is also in the process of helping their farmers get organic certification. Kotn is a B Corp and uses a portion of profits to build schools in their cotton farming communities.
Hessnatur has a huge selection of organic cotton and organic linen bedding – especially good to check out if you’re looking for bright colours and prints! They have percale, sateen, jersey, and brushed options.
Their bedding is GOTS certified and made in the EU. *Flat sheets aren’t very common in Europe so they don’t include them.
Price: $
Based in: Germany, ships to most countries in Europe
Sijo makes both Tencel™ and linen bedding. Looking for something silky and cool? Tencel is a sustainable fabric to try! They sell sets with and without a flat sheet in a range of colours to choose from.
Their bedding is Oeko-Tex certified and their duvets also include corner snaps which pair with their duvet inserts to make changing the bedding easier.
Naturepedic is primarily a mattress company (and makes excellent organic mattresses!) however they also have a small and simple bedding collection. Their sheets come in natural or white and are 100% GOTS certified organic cotton.
They also have GreenGuard and other certifications, Naturepedic would be my top pick for babies or anyone with very sensitive skin or who has issues with dyes!
Pact is primarily known as a clothing brand but recently added a home collection as well. They have options in 2 materials, their “favorite tee jersey” bedding and “room service sateen”.
Pact’s sheets and bedding are 100% organic cotton and made in a Fair Trade Certified factory in India.
Coyuchi has a variety of organic cotton and linen sheets. Their cotton options include crinkled percale, flannel, jersey, and sateen, and they have different densities depending if you’re looking for something more relaxed or crisp.
Coyuchi’s bedding is GOTS and their organic cotton is also Fair Trade Certified. They also have a take-back recycling program for used linens.
Maison Tess makes linen, cotton, cotton/Tencel blend and cotton/linen blend sheets in variety of colours. So they’re great if you’re looking to combine the benefit of different fibres.
They do not use organic cotton, but their bedding is Oeko-Tex certified. They also have very little info about their cotton sourcing, so personally I would only recommend their linen options or if you’re looking for the benefits of a blended fabric.
The best sustainable gift ideas so you can give thoughtful presents that also have a lighter impact on the environment. We’ve collected eco friendly gifts for everyone on your list at a variety of price points so you’re sure to find something perfect.
Plus, Grace Farm Foods (USA) has both organic and fair trade coffee and tea options.
We are also very excited to see the new ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified™) certification now available for coffee! Shop certified regenerative coffee beans from:
Socks are something everyone can use and there are so many great sustainable options from classic cuts and colours to wacky and fun patterns. Here are our tops picks for organic sock gifts:
Q for Quinn – Soft organic socks in cute and fun patterns for babies, kids, and adults. Our Pick: Q for Quinn’s matching socks for the whole family make a fun gift! (use coupon code MYGREENCLOSET for 10% off!) Location: Canada, ships international
Conscious Step– Comfortable organic and fair trade socks that give back to different causes. Our Pick: Select a cause the receiver cares about for a thoughtful and practical gift. Location: USA, ships international
Subset– Unisex socks in staple colours. Subset is our favorite underwear brand and we’re so excited for their new sock line. Our Pick: Classic white crew socks. These are both on-trend and staples for everyone’s closet. Location: USA, ships to US and Canada
Socks from Knickey
Kind Socks – Organic unisex crew and ankle socks in colourful patterns. Our Pick: For all the plant parents their Monstera socks make a great gift. Location: Sweden/EU, ships international
Friday Sock Co. – Women’s and men’s organic purposely “mismatched” socks in fun patterns. Our Pick: Friday Sock Co. is perfect for those with a sense of humor, with many silly and cheeky styles. Location: Canada, ships international
Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
Image credit: Wabanaki
The sweet delicious syrup we know and love but taken to a new sophisticated and complex level! A special gift for cooks, foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, or any maple lovers.
Wabanaki Maple makes maple syrup aged in toasted oak, whiskey, and bourbon barrels to develop unique complex flavours. Or if you just want to give a beautiful traditional maple syrup they have that too!
Wabanaki Maple is an Indigenous female-owned small business that carries on the history and tradition of maple syrup harvesting and refining. Their products are made locally in Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), New Brunswick.
Location: Canada
Image credit: Meow Meow Tweet
Zero Waste Lip Balm
This cute lip balm in a compostable tube is the perfect sustainable stocking stuffer!
Meow Meow Tweet not only makes lovely vegan skincare products, but they also have adorable whimsical packaging with animal illustrations. They prioritize sustainability with both ingredient sourcing and packaging.
While you’re shopping there we also love their soaps (another great stocking stuffer) and deodorants!
Location: USA, ships international or shop in Canada through The Detox Market
Sustainable Gifts Under $50
Audiobook Credits (from Indie Bookstores!)
Image credit: Libro.fm
Libro.fm audiobook credits are our favorite gift to both give and receive — it’s sustainable, supports small businesses, and customizable to everyone’s interests. This digital gift is especially excellent for book lovers, new parents, kids/teens, minimalists, family or friends living in other places, and hard-to-shop-for people.
Libro.fm is unique because they partner and share profits with local independent bookstores. They have a huge selection of audiobook titles, bestsellers, and curated collections. The best part is the receiver can choose whatever book they want!
They offer gift credit bundles (1 credit = 1 audiobook) ranging from 2 to 24 so there’s options for all price points.
Location: International
Recycled Puzzles by Artists
Image credit: Goodfit
Whether puzzles are a holiday tradition, enjoyed pastime, or new hobby, I think we can all agree that there are far too many landscapes and not enough cool and unique puzzles!
Goodfit started with a mission to solve that exact problem and do it sustainably.
Goodfit’s puzzles are exclusive and designed in collaboration with artists. Plus each puzzle is sustainably made from 100% recycled cardboard and donates 10% to an organization or charity of the artist’s choosing.
Location: USA, ships international
Sprouting Jar & Seeds
Image credit: West Coast Seeds
A thoughtful gift for cooks or anyone who would love easy, fresh sprouts in their kitchen. Also a great gift for kids to learn about seeds and quickly grow something they can eat!
West Coast Seed’s sprouting kit includes a jar, screen lid, 4 easy-to-grow seed varieties, and an instruction booklet to get you started.
We love West Coast Seeds‘ commitment to high-quality, non-GMO seeds and sustainable agriculture. We’ve been using West Coast Seeds in our garden the last couple years and have had amazing harvests and produce.
Location: Canada, ships to Canada and USA
Reusable Cloth Wraps / Furoshiki Gift Wrap
Image credit: Wrappr
We know wrapping paper is incredibly wasteful as it can’t be recycled. Wrappr offers a great solution if you still want to give beautiful gifts with an unwrapping experience. Inspired by Japanese Furoshiki, wrapping cloths can be tied in a variety of ways to fit different shapes and create lovely zero waste gifts.
Wrappr collaborates with artists to create a wide range of designs and styles, and offers eco-friendly materials including organic cotton and recycled polyester.
Arguably the best part is a Wrappr cloth is a gift itself! Not only can it be reused time and time again for gift wrapping, but they can also be used as hair or bag accessories, bandanas, or the larger ones can be used as scarves, tied into bags, scarf tops, and more.
Location: USA, ships to Canada and USA
Eco Friendly Gifts Under $100
Image credit: Unbelts
Ultra Comfortable & Versatile Belt
I don’t say this lightly: Unbelts are a game-changer! My husband frequently says their Intrepid belt is the best belt he’s ever worn and he’s never going back to regular belts. I personally love their classic belt for wearing over dresses and using to tuck/faux-crop sweaters. .
The recycled elastic makes them super comfortable and versatile and the bulk-free buckle doesn’t look lumpy under shirts. They also have great options for kids which help pants fit comfortably as they grow.
Unbelts are ethically made with a variety of low waste and sustainability initiatives. They’re also a certified living wage employer, B Corp, and give back to community programs and organizations.
Location: Canada, ships to US and international
Handcrafted Watercolor & Paint Palettes
Image credit: Beam Paints
Stunning handmade paints – a beautiful gift for artists, hobby painters, or kids!
Beam Paints is an Indigenous-owned company with a multi-generational history of paint-making. Their high quality paints are made from lightfast pigments, tree sap, gum arabic, and Manitoulin honey. Everything is plastic-free and their reclaimed wooden palette sets make truly gorgeous gifts. They also ethically source their mica which is something I have not found from any other paint!
All their paints have been tested for safety, but for children they have a special Tisgeh’dah palette which has been third party tested to exceed children’s paint safety standards.
Experiences not only make great eco friendly gifts but are also perfect for minimalists and those who don’t want more stuff.
Tinggly makes it easy to give experiences and getaways all over the world. You simply select one of their packages and the recipient can choose what they’d like to do. They have everything from culinary experiences, tours, and adrenaline adventures, to weekend getaways and hotel stays.
Tinggly gives you the option of an e-voucher or a gift box including a voucher and brochure all made from recycled materials. Tinggly also carbon offsets each experience by 200% — making them a more sustainable (and often more affordable) way to purchase travel and experience gifts!
Location: International
Character or Matching Family PJs made from Organic Cotton
Image credit: Hanna Andersson
Know a Star Wars, Pokemon, Marvel, or Disney fan? Or love matching family holiday pajamas? These high quality, organic and super comfy pjs from Hanna Andersson are perfect!
A question I often get is if there’s a sustainable option for franchise character merchandise and I always recommend Hanna Andersson, who licenses the designs to use on their clothing.
Hanna Andersson makes pajamas for adults, children and babies in a wide variety of prints including popular characters and matching family sets. We’re huge fans over here and their pjs are my daughter’s favorite.
Location: USA, ships international
Image credit: Oh My Bag
Stylish & Durable Wallet or Coin Purse
A minimal, practical, and stylish way to keep cards and cash organized.
O My Bag makes a variety of timeless wallets and coin purses comes in both vegan apple leather (pictured) and vegetable-tanned leather options.
O My Bag is a bag and accessory brand with many sustainability and ethical manufacturing initiatives. They have a strong focus on conscious sourcing, fair manufacturing, and now have a vegan, apple-leather collection.
Location: EU, ships international
Image credit: The Good Tee
DIY Tie-Dye or Fabric Painting T Shirt Kit
Bring back those summer camp vibes with sustainable AND fair trade DIY tee kit! The Good Tee’s tie-dye and fabric painting kits are great for both kids and beginners as well as those experienced with natural dyeing and fabric painting
The kit includes an organic white tee (you can choose youth, toddler, or adult sizes) and they have kits with natural dyes, fabric paint, or fabric markers.
A unique gift for creative teens, DIY queens or a fun couple/family project – you add additional blank tees to the kit for 50% off.
Location: Canada, ships international
Image credit: Caraway
Non-Toxic Bakeware
Anyone who enjoys cooking and baking is sure to appreciate some new bakeware. Caraway has both individual items and baking sets in a variety of color options.
Caraway’s products have a non-stick ceramic coating and are free of Teflon and other PFAS (forever chemicals). Caraway uses certified factories with strong ethical standards and works to reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing.
Location: USA, ships international to some countries
Image credit: Click & Grow
Easy Indoor Garden
Grow veggies and herbs right in the kitchen! You not only get organic plants at peak freshness but also save all that grocery store packaging and plastic.
We love Click & Grow indoor gardens because they are so easy to use. Unlike other systems which require nutrient management, with Click & Grow you just need to occasionally add water. It’s a perfect “set it and forget it” system. Plus the minimalist design makes them a stylish addition to any kitchen.
The 3 plant garden is under $100 USD and perfect for countertops. It come with a few basil plant pods to get started with.
Location: they have US, Canada, Europe, UK, and Asia websites to shop from
Baby & Toddler Play Kits
Image credit: Lovevery
Curated toys for all stages of development, Lovevery’s play kits make it so easy for parents to have engaging and skill-building toys as the child grows.
We appreciate the hand-me-down quality and sustainable materials used in Lovevery’s toys and that the play kits are so thoughtfully designed and selected to help babies and kids up to 4 years old learn through play.
My daughter had a few play kits from Lovevery and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I recommend them to all new parents, especially those interested in Montessori.
Location: USA, ships international to some countries
Image credit: Skwalwen Botanicals
Wildcrafted Skincare
For those who deserve some pampering, some luxurious and consciously made bath and body products make a lovely gift.
Sḵwálwen Botanicals is a Canadian Indigenous brand making small batch skincare using cultural plant knowledge and showcasing ingredients responsibly foraged on the pacific coast. Their products are a beautiful way to give some indulgence, skin nourishment, and self-care – and they made my favourite facial oil.
Sḵwálwen Botanicals makes great gifts from stocking stuffers like lip balm and salves, to skincare sets, and masks, bath products, and oils. Their gift sets are already curated for easy sustainable gift giving.
Location: Canada, ships to Canada and US
Sustainable Gift Ideas Under $200
Cozy Bamboo Fleece Winter Leggings
Image credit: Anne Mulaire
After trying Anne Mulaire’s winter leggings for the first time last year, these fleecy, high-waist leggings have become a wardrobe-must-have and a second pair is on my wish-list for this year.
Anne Mulaire is a sustainable, size inclusive brand and their winter bamboo and organic cotton blend leggings are specifically designed to keep you cozy during cold winters.
They have both solid and printed styles, as well as a new pocket style. To get a great fit, Anne Mulaire also does custom inseams for petite and tall customers.
So squishy and comfy, Bearaby’s new body pillow “The Cuddler” is a much-welcome addition to their line of sleep and sensory aids.
I wish this pillow had existed during my pregnancy, but it’s also amazing for everyone and the extra support can help with body aches, tension, comfort and sleep.
The Cuddler pillow is made from a natural rubber foam and includes an organic cotton cover. They also have additional covers available in their core colors or recycled velvet.
Location: USA, they have both a US store and Canadian store.
Vegan Candle or Candle Subscription
Image credit: Mala the Brand
Mala the Brand went viral last year with their deliciously fruity ‘Cereal’ candle, but this sustainable, small business has a lot more to offer. Their collection includes a beautiful selection of core favourites as well as limited seasonal scents. They even offer a monthly subscription service for candle lovers.
Their candles are handmade locally in Vancouver from a coconut and soy wax blend, with crackly wooden wicks or lead-free cotton, and scented with essential oils and phthalate-free fragrance.
Gift a single candle, or a Candle Subscription which includes a full-size candle, box of matches, sample tea lights, and a surprise small gift, sent every month for 3, 6, or 12 months.
Location: Canada, ships international
Image credit: Click & Grow
Easy Indoor Garden
Grow veggies and herbs right in the kitchen! You not only get organic plants at peak freshness but also save all that grocery store packaging and plastic.
We love Click & Grow indoor gardens because they are so easy to use. Unlike other systems which require nutrient management, with Click & Grow you just need to occasionally add water. It’s a perfect “set it and forget it” system. Plus the minimalist design makes them a stylish addition to any kitchen.
The 3 and 9 gardens are perfect for countertops and they come with plant pods to get started.
A comfy cozy resting spot for beloved furry friends. This pet bed from Naturepedic is made from organic cotton and stuffed with squishy natural latex (also organic certified!). So it’s non-toxic – there’s no off-gassing, no plastic, and no microfibres. Additionally it’s also Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emission.
It comes with a washable and durable cotton cover and in sizes from X-Small to XX-Large for all sizes of cats and dogs.
All my family’s mattresses and pillows are from Naturepedic because we appreciate their commitment to natural and non-toxic materials so I love that they have an option for our furry friends as well!
Location: USA, they have both a US and Canadian store
Image credit: Elvis & Kresse
Recycled Firehose Laptop/Tablet Cases
What’s more durable than a fire hose? Elvis & Kresse upcycles this unique material into bags, wallets, cases and other accessories.
Classic styles are given a sustainable update with reclaimed and highly durable materials, including decommissioned British fire-hoses, reclaimed printing blankets, and military-grade parachute silk lining. Elvis & Kresse is a B Corp, Living Wage Employer, and gives back 50% or profits to charity.
Our pick for a useful and classic gift is their laptop or tablet case – great for travellers, commuters, or anyone looking to protect their tech.
Location: UK, ships international
“Give Experiences, Not Stuff” Experience Voucher
Image credit: Tinggly
Experiences not only make a great eco friendly gift but are also perfect for minimalists and those who don’t want more stuff.
Tinggly makes it easy to give experiences and getaways all over the world. You simply select one of their packages and the recipient can choose what they’d like to do. They have everything from culinary experiences, tours, and adrenaline adventures, to weekend getaways and hotel stays.
Tinggly gives you the option of an e-voucher or a gift box including a voucher and brochure all made from recycled materials. Tinggly also carbon offsets each experience by 200% — making them a more sustainable (and often more affordable) way to purchase travel and experience gifts!
Location: International
Image credit: Son de flor
Linen Apron
A lovely gift for anyone who loves cooking or baking, although Son de flor’s gorgeous aprons are not just for the kitchen, they can also be worn over a dress for a cute pinafore look!
We especially love their gorgeous linen fabrics, romantic style, and focus on heirloom quality pieces.
Son de flor is one of our favourite brands for timeless, dreamy dresses and clothing (I own 4 of their gorgeous pieces!) Their garments and home linens are all ethically made in Lithuania from Oeko-Tex certified linen.
Location: EU, ships international
Recycled Ocean Plastic Backpack
My GOT Bag on our recent vacation
Close the loop with a durable, recycled GOT Bag. Their functional styles make a perfect gift for students, campers, travellers, or outdoor adventurers.
Their bags were the world’s first made of recycled ocean plastic; they’re PVC-free, has 20-30L volume, is waterproof when rolled, and comes with a removable 15″ laptop case that can also be used as an inner pocket.
GOT Bag is on a mission to clean up the ocean – they work directly with fishermen in Indonesia to collect plastic which then is turned into their bags or properly recycled.
We have been using our GOT Bags (we have both the rolltop and daypack style) for trips to the lake, biking, travel, and everyday use. It’s incredibly durable and I love the security of knowing it’s fully waterproof.
Location: They have both a US site and also a German store for those in Europe
Quality & Luxury Sustainable Gifts ($250+)
Image credit: Steamery
Iron Steamer Hybrid
Good clothing care is important for your wardrobe’s longevity and sustainability. This innovative Iron Steamer from Steamery not only makes getting rid of wrinkles super easy but a steamer can also freshen up clothes and get rid of odors between washing.
The Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer is compact and great for traveling and also the most beautifully designed steamer we’ve ever seen! A lovely gift for anyone who prioritizing clothing care or has special pieces, like vintage, silk, or embellished garments that require extra care.
Image credit: Poppy Barley
Cloud-soft Chunky Wool Sweater
I recently added Poppy Barley’s Aspen Mockneck Sweater to my wardrobe – it is gorgeous and beautifully made. The sweater is unbelievably soft with a modern cropped and oversized fit, and the two-tone chunky knit makes the style special and unique.
Poppy Barley’s sweaters are all natural fibres and ethically made in Europe. A great gift for someone who loves cozy knitwear and this sweater is sure to become a wardrobe staple for fall and winter.
