Our picks for top eco-friendly shoes
- Best Recycled Plastic Shoe - SUAVS
- Best Zero-Waste Shoe - On Running
- Best Sustainable Materials - Cariuma
- Best Carbon Neutral Shoe - Allbirds
- Best Clean-Energy Production - Womsh
- Best Vegan Shoe - Beyond Skin
While flipping over a pair of shoes as you shop can tell you about the size of their literal footprint, discovering their carbon footprint isn't always as easy. That's because transparency, for many brands, remains less of a priority.
As a result, shoppers don't always have the clearest vision of how some shoe companies operate—including how and where they source their materials, and who actually puts them together. It's important to understand that the very practices that led to the mass production of so many classic brands are less than stellar for the environment and the people that actually make them.
How we chose the best eco-friendly shoes
To create our list of the best eco-friendly shoes, we compared brands on a number of factors. These included:
- Sustainable materials - Does the brand use recycled or sustainable materials to make their shoes? We looked for brands that utilize post-consumer recycled materials, like fibers from plastic water bottles or recycled paper, in their shoes and packaging. We also considered their sourcing of naturally-derived materials, like sugar cane, castor beans, cork, and wool.
- Transparency - How much does the brand tell you about its manufacturing process and materials? We checked out each brand's website to confirm their commitment to the environment and to make sure they weren't just green-washing their products.
- Ethical standards - Where does the brand manufacture their shoes and do they ensure fair labor practices? In addition to the environmental impact of a brand's shoes, we also looked at how they treat their people. We specifically looked for brand transparency and commitments around creating healthy and safe working conditions in factories, and that employees earn fair wages, as well as B-Corp certification.
- Giving back - We wanted to prioritize brands that do more than just make money. We looked for eco-friendly shoe brands that partnered with non-profits to give back, including projects like Soles4Souls, LifeWorks, and reforestation initiatives.
Discover five of our favorite eco-friendly shoe brands that you simply can't go wrong with. Whether you're in need of new sneakers, boots, flats, or heels, they've got you covered.
SUAVS - The Zilker
SUAVS
SUAVS makes comfortable, breathable, and sustainable shoes with uppers made of post-consumer recycled water bottles. They put the environment first and use only the safest materials that are better for the earth and you. SUAVS makes a point to give back and donates all extra footwear to organizations such as LifeWorks.
Why buy: Planning a vacation? Look no further. SUAVS shoes are known for being lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy packing and all-day wear. Their shoes have been featured in Buzzfeed, Conde Nast, Business Insider, PRNewsWire, and more for being a travel-friendly shoe.
On Running - Cyclon
On Running
Switzerland-based shoe brand On Running is beloved for its performance-based shoes that offer optimal performance without harming the earth in the process. The brand prides itself on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparency. They've even partnered with the ScienceBasedTargets initiative to ensure they lower their emissions to a level that will support the limiting of average global temperature raising to 1.5°C (34.7°F) above pre-industrial levels.
Why buy: The Cyclon is a revolutionary zero-waste shoe. The sleek shoe is made with sustainable production efforts from castor beans and it's fully recyclable. The caveat? You can't own them. Instead, they're available via subscription to ensure that you recycle them back to the brand. By creating this production process, the brand is able to capitalize on circularity, effectively keeping materials out of landfills.Cariuma - OCA High All Camel Suede
Cariuma
If you're a sucker for smooth-as-butter leather sneakers, Cariuma is the choice for you. Namely, the brand's OCA High Off-White Premium Leather high-top sneakers. Of course, the Rio de Janeiro-based shoe brand offers more than just leather, they sell canvas and suede silhouettes, too. The company is also committed to sustainability, planting two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair of shoes sold.
Why buy: All of the materials used in Cariuma's shoe-making process are sourced sustainably and responsibly, from the leather and suede uppers and recycled plastic used in the brand's shoelaces, labels, and laces to the Bluesign-certified dye chemicals (which are non-harmful) and recyclable packaging. As a result of their rigorous eco-conscious efforts, the brand has earned seven sustainability certifications.
Allbirds - Women's Tree Dashers
Allbirds
Known as Silicon Valley's most-beloved shoe, Allbirds are renowned for their versatile wool runners that are minimalist, sustainably-sourced, and cozy as can be. The brand is entirely carbon neutral. This means that they measure their carbon emissions each year, reduce their impact by using recycled materials, and offset whatever's left over by taxing themselves and putting that money toward projects that neutralize their footprint.
Why buy: These Tree Runners are made from FSC-certified eucalyptus trees, a castor bean insole, and a carbon-negative sugarcane midsole. While Allbirds shoes end up being carbon neutral, the company does provide their initial carbon footprint score. These running shoes come in at 9.0 kg CO2e.
Womsh - Vegan Wave White Rose
Womsh
Sustainability meets trendy fashion with Italian shoe brand Womsh (short for Word of Mouth Shoes). The celebrity-favorite sneakers are known for their chunky silhouettes overlaid with bold designs and text. Beyond their truly picture-worthy style, the shoes are created with sustainability at the helm.
Why buy: In addition to creating a fully vegan collection, as well as shoes that are fully recyclable, and producing their shoes in factories that use 90 percent clean energy, Womsh has teamed up with LifeGate to offset its carbon emissions. They do so by planting trees in areas that have been deforested. Since 2014, they've planted and protected over 118,403 square feet of forest per year. Talk about impact.
Beyond Skin Nova Cognac Faux Leather Vegan Knee High Boots
Beyond Skin
Sneakers aren't the only option when it comes to eco-friendly shoes. Since its inception in 2001, Beyond Skin has been committed to providing the world with luxury vegan footwear in the form of vintage-inspired sandals, mules, loafers, heels, boots, and more. All of the silhouettes are designed in England and brought to life in Spain using luxury Italian fabrics. By creating their products locally—as opposed to sourcing all over the world—they're able to reduce their carbon footprint. What's more, they use recycled materials in many of their designs, which makes them even more eco-friendly.
Why buy: In addition to paying mind to the materials used, Beyond Skin works very closely with their factories in Spain to ensure their workers are never exploited in the process of production. It is their mission to stand far apart from fast fashion, offering silhouettes that can withstand the test of time—both in terms of wear and classic styles—and practices that benefit the earth and its people.
Why choose eco-friendly shoes and products?
Eco-conscious and eco-friendly are used to describe products made with the earth in mind. In order to create eco-conscious products, a company must commit to sustainable manufacturing practices, the use of sustainable materials, and how much energy is used to create each product. This includes a commitment to use less water and fewer (or, better yet, zero) chemicals in production, along with paying mind to the amount of carbon emissions created as a result of production, the types of fibers that are used, and the quality of life offered to the workers creating the items. In other words, creating eco-friendly items—shoes, included—is a more involved process than is used for most mass-produced goods.
As a result, many earth-friendly brands are marked at a higher price due to the higher level of care dedicated to bringing them to life. The beauty is, however, when more care is devoted to the production process, the higher the quality ends up being. So, while a higher price tag may make you wince, knowing that the items will last much longer and will make less of an impact on the environment is definitely worth it.
Rebecca R. Norris is a writer in the DC metro area. She covers a number of topics in the sustainable beauty, wellness, and style industries. A graduate of George Mason University, the Virginia native is a lover of lists, Stevie Nicks, dark chocolate Sprinkles cupcakes, and the Oxford comma.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Avocado
Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton SheetsAvocadoLos Angeles bedding brand Avocado might be best known for its mattresses, but let's be clear: Its bedding is equally as comfort-inducing. In addition to being a Certified B Corporation—which means it balances its purposeful devotion to the earth with its profit—Avocado makes all of its products with top-of-the-line sustainable materials.
No matter what you buy from Avocado, customers can expect the highest quality and care. Each product is made with GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) organic certified latex, GOTS organic certified wool, GOTS organic certified cotton, and/or GOTS organic certified kapok fiber. Which is to say, the company's offerings are incredibly natural.
But that's not all. Avocado not only focuses on what it put into its bedding, but into the world, too. For that reason, the company fully offsets 100% of its carbon emissions. Avocado donates 90% of returned products to nonprofits as well. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about Avocado's mission, check out the company's sustainability page or read our Avocado mattress review.
Author's Pick: Avocado's Organic Superfine Suvin Sheets are made with GOTS Organic certified Indian Suvin Cotton, meaning the sourcing and production of the product have been evaluated by a third-party. Certifications always make it easier to find brands that go the extra mile to source sustainable materials.
Cariloha
"Soft, cool, clean, and green"—that's the motto of bamboo-centric brand Cariloha. While the Utah-based brand offers everything from apparel and bath towels to bed frames and mattresses, today we're here to hone in on its bedding. All Cariloha bedding (and products, for that matter) are made from bamboo from the green hills of the Sichuan Province in China, where the brand's 24,600,000 square-meter, sustainably run bamboo farm is located.
The brand is fully transparent about its farm-to-bed process, ensuring sustainable practices every step of the way. It's because of that and the grade-A quality and standards of the products that Cariloha is certifiably clean and green, with certifications from OEKO-TEX, GOTS, Organic Blended Content Standard, Fair Trade, and CertiPur-US.
As if that's not enough to convince you to check out the supremely-soft bedding, know that Cariloha has earned recognition from the Green Business Awards, winning in 2020 for providing customers top-notch sustainable bedding and lifestyle offerings, and Eco-Excellence Awards, winning the Friendly Fashion category in 2020. In other words, the brand is well worth your attention.
Author's Pick: As someone who has spent her fair share of time snoozing in high-end hotel beds (perks of the job!), I can wholeheartedly say that the Resort Bamboo Bed Sheets are the softest, most luxurious bedding I've ever slept on. Every time I hop into bed, I think to myself just how insanely comfortable they are. I cannot recommend them enough as some of the best organic sheets on the market. Plus, have you seen the blush color? It's gorgeous.
Buffy
Known for being "the world's best hypoallergenic, earth-friendly" comforter brand, Buffy has made a name for itself in the sustainable bedding marketplace. Since the success of its comforter—which is said to be fluffier than a marshmallow—the brand has delved into organic sheets, duvets and pillows, too, all of which are made with the brand's signature eucalyptus (which is OEKO-Tex certified).
Eucalyptus is known for being an especially sustainable product thanks to the fact that it requires significantly less water to grow. In addition to eucalyptus, Buffy relies on recycled plastic and soft hemp to bring its products to life. The brand also uses GRS (Global Recycling Standard) polyester, again staying true to its earth-friendly mission to #KeepEarthComfy.
While the materials Buffy uses are notable, to say the least, the company's other sustainable practices are just as worthy of our attention. For starters, the brand offsets all its CO2 emissions generated from freight and customer shipments. Additionally, knowing that the return process makes for even more emissions, Buffy allows customers to donate their returns to cut back on the unnecessary emissions.
As inspiring as Buffy's mission is, the brand aims to do even better. On its site, shoppers can find Buffy's plan to become even greener by 2021, 2025, and 2030.
Author's Pick: Fair warning: Buffy's comforters are so soft you may very well struggle to get out of bed in the morning. That said, they make for the perfect cozy companion for a day in bed.
Sheets & Giggles
The name alone is noteworthy, no? Silliness aside, Sheets & Giggles knows what's up when it comes to high-quality, eco-conscious sheets. Like Buffy, it uses eucalyptus to bring its super-soft product offerings to life.
Each Sheets & Giggles product is OEKO-TEX 100 certified, FKT Certified (firmly cementing their hypoallergenic nature), and Higg Index Certified (meaning they're fully sustainable from production to the time they wear out). All of the brand's products are vegan, which is another reason they're high on our list of the best organic sheets.
The takeaway? Sheets & Giggles offers quality bedding—including sheets, pillowcases, duvets, throw blankets, and comforters—that customers can rely on, while also adding a touch of entertainment to all of its product copy.
Author's Pick: The Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheets are straight up dreamy. They're softer than any plain cotton sheet I've tried and they're intuitively labeled to show users where each corner actually goes, speeding up the bed-changing process as a result.
Bearaby
BearabyBearabySay hello to the weighted blanket brand that, well, made weighted blankets trendy. Part of what led to Bearaby's popularity is not only the stylish chunky weave of its blankets, but also the very materials that go into making them.
While each of Bearaby's blankets is made with sustainable and/or organic materials—and are Oeko-Tex 100 certified, which cements customer confidence in the utmost product safety—the Cotton Napper stands out the most. The smooth blanket—which perpetually feels like the cool side of the pillow—is made with 100% organic, BCI (Better Cotton Initiative)-, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)-, and Fair Trade-certified, sustainably farmed cotton.
Materials aside, Bearaby puts extra focus into sustainability by donating to One Tree Planted every time a Napper is sold. What's more, it donates $1 for every Napper sold to NAMI (The National Alliance of Mental Illness). Given weighted blankets' therapeutic effect on anxiety and depression, Bearaby holds NAMI close to its core.
Author's Pick: While the Bearaby Cotton Napper is a dream for folks who get hot in the middle of the night, the Velvet Napper is nothing short of divine for cold winter nights. The ultra-soft finish gives it a luxe look and cozy feel that you'll want to wrap yourself up in all day long.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. The Virginia native is a lover of lists, Stevie Nicks, dark chocolate Sprinkles cupcakes, and the Oxford comma.
How We Review Probiotics
Whenever we review a probiotic supplement, we evaluate six specific categories.
- Number of active strains - How many types of bacteria are included?
- AFU (Active Fluorescent Units)/ CFU (Colony Forming Units) - These units of measurement tell you how many billions of bacteria are estimated to be within each supplement dose.
- Storage Requirements - Some probiotics are shelf-stable, while others require refrigeration.
- Ingredient Transparency – does the company disclose where it sources its active strains and provide clinical research for their efficacy?
- Value - How are the probiotics priced? Can you purchase them without an auto-ship program?
- Sustainability - Does the company show ways its supplements are better for the environment through sustainable ingredient sourcing or packaging?
Let's evaluate these criteria for Seed.
About Seed Probiotics
Seed is an e-commerce supplement brand with a single product—the DS-O1 Daily Synbiotic probiotic. The company got its start in 2018 when cofounders Ara Katz and Raja Dhir determined that the current probiotic supplements available weren't hitting the mark.
Katz's experiences of pregnancy and breastfeeding as a new mom led her to develop a deeper appreciation of the body's microbiome and its role in overall health. She joined forces with Dhir, who had the scientific experience to understand what could be improved within the probiotic industry.
Together, they strove to create a supplement that "raised the bar on bacteria" by giving the body what it needed for all its systems to operate most effectively. They collaborated with a large team of entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists to develop a probiotic known as DS-01 Daily Synbiotic.
The Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
seed.com
- Active Strains - 24
- AFU - 53.6 billion AFU
- Storage Requirements - Shelf-stable for 18 months after opening
- Ingredient Transparency - Clinical data available for each strain
- Sustainability - First order ships in reusable glass canisters and subsequent orders arrive in compostable biofilm.
- Value - $49.99/60 supplements (30-day supply subscription)
The DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is a broad-spectrum probiotic that combines 24 probiotic strains with a non-fermenting prebiotic concentrate of Indian pomegranate for better delivery. Of these strains, 23 are human-derived, and one is isolated from fruit and added to promote healthy cholesterol levels.
These strains work synergistically to support the 38 trillion bacteria that make up your microbiome. They will purportedly help the body digest food, minimize inflammation, and better synthesize nutrients.
This supplement contains four distinct probiotic blends:
- Digestive Health/ Gut Immunity/ Gut Barrier Integrity: 37.0 Billion AFU
- Dermatological Health: 3.3 Billion AFU
- Cardiovascular Health: 5.25 Billion AFU
- Micronutrient Synthesis: 8.05 Billion AFU
(See strain-specific studies here)
How It Works
With these multiple strains, the company claims to take a 'Microbe-Systems Approach' through microbes that impact specific physical functions beyond the digestive system. These include skin and heart health, better immune system functioning, and micronutrient synthesis.
In other words, DS-01 goes beyond digestive issues to support full-body health. The company claims it's even one of the first probiotic formulations able to synthesize folate and increase its production.
Seed's DS-01 Daily Synbiotic probiotic also stands out with its delivery system. The supplement utilizes "nested capsule technology" along with a patented algae delivery system. This two-in-one capsule design houses the probiotic formula within a prebiotic casing made from Indian pomegranate to ensure these fragile bacteria survive both sitting on store shelves and the perilous journey through stomach acid to your colon.
Through this method, Seed claims to average a 100% delivery rate of the probiotic's starting dose to your colon. According to internal testing, DS-01 probiotics will exceed the living cell counts listed on the label even after ten days of constant 100º F exposure.
Usage Instructions
Adults can take two Seed probiotic supplements per day, preferably at the same time. It's best you do so on an empty stomach to limit the capsule's exposure to digestive enzymes that start to break it down. However, those with sensitive stomachs may want to eat something first. While you'll get optimal results from taking the supplements daily, it's not a problem if you occasionally skip one.
If you're new to probiotics, start by taking one per day for the first three days and then increasing your dosage to two per day. You may feel its effects on your digestive system within 48 hours, though long-term improvements to the cardiovascular system take more time and might not be noticeable to you.
Seed probiotics don't need require refrigeration. They are shelf-stable for 18 months at temperatures up to 78℉ and are safe to take when expired. Just note that the company can't guarantee their potency at this point.
How to Buy
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic probiotics are only available on a subscription basis. They cost $49.99 per month and ship free throughout the US (international orders include a $10 shipping fee).
You will receive a 30-day supply (60 capsules) when you order through the company website, and the first order includes a reusable glass canister and travel vial. Each subsequent order arrives in compostable biofilm so you can transfer the capsules to the reusable ones.
All first orders are covered by a 30-day risk-free trial, during which you can return the probiotics for a full refund. It's possible to cancel the subscription at any time by contacting customer service at [email protected].
Note: At publication, these probiotics were sold out. They are available for pre-order and expected to ship again in 2-4 weeks.
What We Like About Seed
As a product within the largely unregulated supplement industry, Seed broad-spectrum probiotics earn major points from us for both transparency and abundant clinical research. The company shares detailed information about every bacterial strain within the supplement and links out to the scientific studies highlighting their effectiveness.
Customer reviews on Facebook and other review sites show that Seed probiotics work as described for many users. Some shared they experienced positive improvements in their digestive system within 48 hours and noticed better-looking skin within a month.
Those with allergies or food sensitivities will also appreciate these supplements are soy-free, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, and free of binders and preservatives.
From a consumer standpoint, Seed makes taking probiotics simple. The shelf-stable formula means you won't have to store them in the fridge, and each 30-day supply is guaranteed to remain viable for 18 months after opening. Likewise, the nested capsule delivery system should improve how many billions of bacteria make it into your digestive system intact.
Equally noteworthy, we love Seed's commitment to environmental sustainability. By sending each customer two reusable glass containers at the start of their subscription, the company minimizes the packaging waste for each subsequent order.
What We Don't Like
Despite these positives, Seed broad-spectrum probiotics have some downsides. To start, they are pricier than many competitors. You will pay $1.66 per day's dose, which is more than some want to pay for supplements.
It's also not possible to try them without committing to a monthly subscription. While it will take several weeks or longer to start noticing their effects, some customers might not want to be locked into an auto-ship program so early in the experimenting process.
Likewise, some customer reviews complained of unexpected side effects such as breakouts and rashes. It's not clear whether these went away for users after a few weeks of use.
Finally, it's currently only possible to pre-order these supplements. If you're dealing with digestive distress today, you may want to try a probiotic brand that's available right now for faster relief.
Seed Safety & Side Effects
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotics are considered safe for adults over 18. Each supplement is vegan and free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, and corn. They have undergone extensive third-party testing and adhere to the highest global regulatory standards for safety.
As with all probiotics, you might notice unpleasant side effects when you start taking them. Many people experience bloating, increased gas production, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems for the first few days.
This can be discouraging, as many users take probiotics precisely to combat these symptoms in the first place. However, your system should adjust to the new bacteria within two weeks, and this digestive distress should diminish accordingly.
The DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is classified as safe for women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, although the company recommends speaking with a medical professional before starting them. As will all probiotics, you should not take these supplements if you have a weakened immune system, recently underwent surgery, or if you have a serious illness. Speak with your doctor before starting any dietary supplement if you have concerns or questions.
Takeaway: Are Seed Probiotics Worth It?
The Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic is well-formulated and shows clinical evidence of improving your gut biome for far-reaching health benefits. The company solves the tricky problem of selling a live product with its innovative delivery system that keeps the bacteria within the supplement safe both on the shelf and through the digestive process.
If you are dealing with digestive problems, or are looking for a way to improve your general health, then this broad-spectrum probiotic might be one worth trying.
Just keep in mind that you might feel worse for a few days before the microbes will take full effect in your gut and that giving it a try means you are committing to a monthly subscription.
Lydia Noyes is a freelance writer specializing in health and wellness, food and farming, and environmental topics. When not working against a writing deadline, you can find Lydia outdoors where she attempts to bring order to her 33-acre hobby farm filled with fruit trees, heritage breed pigs, too many chickens to count, and an organic garden that somehow gets bigger every year.
Enter: Skin Deep, the EWG's database of cosmetic products ranging from makeup and skincare to haircare, fragrance, and nail care. The database rates each product in its directory from one to 10, with one being the lowest concern for hazardous ingredients and 10 being the highest.
While anything under five is worth considering for eco-conscious shoppers, the EWG takes it a step further and has created their own verification indicating that the product meets the strictest criteria in regard to transparency and overall health. This makes it a prime source to find natural shampoo, deodorant, makeup and more.
As a general rule of thumb, the biggest ingredients to steer clear of when looking for all-natural cosmetics are silicones, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and formaldehyde, just to name a few.
With all this in mind, we did a little fact-checking on the beauty industry's top-selling brands. Ahead, discover the five natural shampoo brands that get the best ratings—from EWG and myself, a beauty veteran with eight years in the industry.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Briogeo Natural Shampoo
Briogeo stands out for many reasons. First and foremost, the NYC-based brand's natural shampoo and hair care line doesn't sacrifice results for cheap formulation. Each product is 90 to 100 percent naturally derived and free of harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), silicones, parabens, phthalates, diethanolamine (DEA) and synthetic color, not to mention certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
Additionally, it's a Black-owned and operated brand, with Nancy Twine at its helm. Thanks to Nancy's eye for diversity and simplicity, the brand caters to all hair types and focuses on curating easy-to-follow two-, three-, and four-step routines.
Skin Deep Rating: Most Briogeo products fall between three and five on the scale, with a couple of outliers at one and six.
Must-Try Product: Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo
Avalon Organics Natural Shampoo
Founded out of respect for the earth, Avalon Organics prides itself on providing top-quality natural shampoo, conditioner and more to conscious consumers. It's Leaping Bunny certified, as well as certified to NSF/ANSI 305 standards, which establishes that the products that claim to use organic and natural ingredients actually do. Plus, it's one of the most reasonably priced products on our list of the best natural shampoos.
Skin Deep Rating: Many of the brand's products are EWG Verified—meaning they're the best of the best. There are a few, however, in the three to five range.
Must-Try Product: Avalon Organics Nourishing Lavender Natural Shampoo
SheaMoisture Natural Shampoo
Here we have another Black-owned beauty brand that holds itself to the highest standards: SheaMoisture. The cruelty-free, certified B Corporation—meaning it considers its impact not only on consumers, but the earth and its employees as well—formulates all of its natural shampoo and hair care products without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petroleum and formaldehyde.
They're applauded for their truly natural offerings, all ingredients of which are listed on the company's website. What's more, they've broken their haircare offerings down by hair type, catering to 12 different textures, and use Fair Trade certified shea butter.
Skin Deep Rating: The majority of Shea Moisture products fall within the one to four range.
Must-Try Product: SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo
Herbal Essences Natural Shampoo
This one might shock you considering many drugstore hair care brands are anything but natural. With that in mind, however, Herbal Essences worked tirelessly to introduce its Bio:renew collection. Made with real botanicals and endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the new lineup is formulated without sulfates, parabens and colorants, making it a worthy choice for those looking to go au naturel without breaking the bank.
Skin Deep Rating: Most of the Bio:renew products fall under five on the scale, and some have even earned the coveted EWG verification (including the must-try product below).
Must-Try Product: Herbal Essences Bio:renew Potent Aloe + Hemp Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner
Ethique Natural Shampoo Bar
If you're looking for a sustainable natural shampoo that doesn't come in a plastic container, consider Ethique solid shampoo bars. These bars take a little getting used to when you first make the switch from wet shampoo, but after a few washes, you'll be a pro at lathering up sans plastic.
Ethique is a certified B Corp that donates 20 percent of its profits to charity as well as plants a tree for every online order it receives. Its products have been certified cruelty-free by PETA and a few other international certification organizations, and they actually work: The natural shampoo bars have received thousands of positive reviews from verified customers.
Skin Deep Rating: All Ethique products are rated one to four.
Must-Try Product: Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo for Normal Hair
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. The Virginia native is a lover of lists, Stevie Nicks, dark chocolate Sprinkles cupcakes, and the Oxford comma.
- 4 All-Natural Soaps Safe for Your Skin and the Planet - EcoWatch ›
- 5 Toxic Ingredients in Shampoos and Conditioners You Should Avoid ›
According to the Container Recycling Institute, a nonprofit organization with the goal of ending plastic pollution and promoting recycling, in 2018, Americans bought more than 70 billion plastic water bottles that were one gallon or less (in other words, single-use).
Of those, three out of four—or 52.5 billion bottles—ended up in a landfill or incinerator. And that's not even taking into account the many, many single-use plastic bottles that end up littering our parks, roads, and oceans.
Here's why it matters. According to the Recycling Coalition of Utah, it takes up to 1,000 years for plastic to degrade in a landfill. Additionally, the CRI says the production of plastic bottles themselves takes more water than the bottles actually contain, and the process requires more than 15 million barrels of oil. For reference, that's enough oil to fuel 100,000 cars for an entire year.
All this is to say, it's time we do our part to lower our plastic consumption and, as a result, our individual carbon footprints.
Fortunately, doing so is easier than ever before. That's because, with eco-conscious wellness on the rise, companies all over the world are launching eco-friendly water bottles that can be used over and over again.
Since there are so many reusable water bottles on the market, we've narrowed down five high-quality options for your consumption consideration. Ahead, you'll discover a handful of bottles that are all worthy of making room for in your kitchen and routine.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Klean Kanteen Reusable Water Bottle
Klean Kanteen insulated bottles are some of the most eco-friendly water bottles on the market. The company is a certified B Corp, it supports 1% for the Planet by giving back a portion of its profits, and all products are Climate Neutral Certified.
If you're not worried about keeping your water cold, the company has a basic model that's uninsulated as well. It also sells items like tumblers with straw lids, basic stainless-steel cups, and 12-ounce reusable water bottles made just for kids.
Bottle sizes range from 16 to 64 ounces and come in a rainbow of colors.
Additionally, there are a number of cap options that fit each bottle, so whether you want to sip, chug, or drink your water through a straw, Klean Kanteen has you covered — it even sells spill-proof kids sippy-cup-style lids.
Why Buy: Certified B Corp; Supports 1% for the Planet; Climate Neutral Certified; BPA-free; Lightweight model available; Dishwasher-safe
Soma Reusable Water Bottle
If stainless-steel insulation isn't your thing, try a Soma bottle. These bottles are made of glass and come with a silicone sleeve to absorb impact when dropped. Plus, Soma bottles come with a lifetime warranty against breakage, so if your bottle does happen to shatter, the company will replace it at no charge.
Soma's product line includes not only standard glass bottles, but also a Sports Bottle with an activity-friendly cap, an insulated Brew Bottle for hot beverages and water infusion, ceramic mugs, glass straws, pitchers, carafes, and more. Each comes in a variety of colors, so you're sure to find one to suit your mood.
One of our favorite things about Soma is that it partners with nonprofit organizations like Parley and Lonely Whale, and a percentage of proceeds from every purchase goes to Charity: Water, a nonprofit that brings clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
Why Buy: B Corp; Each purchase supports Charity: Water; Company offsets emissions with conservation-based forestry; Packaged with post-consumer waste and recyclable materials; Dishwasher safe; BPA-free
Hydro Flask Reusable Water Bottle
Hydro Flask is quite possibly the most popular eco-friendly water bottle among Gen Zers. The trendy reusable is renowned for its bold colors and simple design. With bottle options ranging from 12 to 64 ounces, there's a perfect pick for everyone in the family.
Hydro Flask lets shoppers choose from multiple lids, including standard, wide, and straw options. Each bottle is made with stainless steel accompanied by TempShield technology, which keeps cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot.
Beyond the bottle, Hydro Flask created a charitable program, Parks For All, that benefits public green spaces and promotes outdoor adventure among its shoppers. For every purchase made, a portion is dedicated to the program. As a result, Hydro Flask has donated more than $1.5 million to over 92 eco-friendly non-profits.
Why Buy: Supports Parks For All; BPA-free; Dishwasher-safe
LARQ Reusable Water Bottle
LARQ
If high-tech gadgets are your thing, you'll fall head over heels for this best-selling reusable water bottle. The LARQ's minimalist design is accompanied by UV-C LED technology that automatically activates every two hours to fully filter your water.
As such, the innovative design is able to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses from your beverage so that you don't accidentally give yourself something if you're one to use your bottle for a few days straight or if you're drinking unfiltered water while hiking. That also means it won't get funky between washes.
In addition to its sanitizing capabilities, LARQ double-walled bottles offer insulation of cold beverages up to 24 hours and hot beverages up to 12. There is also a LARK Movement model, which is single-walled (uninsulated) but lighter to take on your adventures The original bottle is available in 17- and 25-ounce options, as well as five colors, while the Movement bottle is sold in 24- and 32-ounce options and eight colorways.
Why Buy: Supports 1% for the Planet; Removes 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses; Lightweight model available; BPA-free
S'well Reusable Water Bottle
Since the debut of its very first water bottle—the beloved 17-ouncer—S'well has been a household name among eco-conscious consumers. The eco-friendly bottles—which are now available in 9-, 17-, and 20-ounce options—are made with a triple-insulated silhouette that keeps cold beverages cold for up to 36 hours and hot beverages hot for up to 18.
Once S'well realized the demand for such an item, the company delved into food containers and barware as well in an effort to offer consumers yet another way to cut back on their single-use plastic consumption. Now, S'well shoppers can choose from a variety of designs, from tumblers to kid-friendly bottles to reusable cutlery, as well as a wide array of colors and prints that are sure to turn heads.
Why Buy: Certified B Corp; BPA-free; Triple-insulated; Supports UNICEF clean water initiatives and Lonely Whale
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. The Virginia native is a lover of lists, Stevie Nicks, dark chocolate Sprinkles cupcakes, and the Oxford comma.
It's easy to understand why so many yoga brands are on a mission to become greener versions of themselves. After all, what better way to supplement a practice designed to heal and enhance one's life than to use an eco-friendly yoga mat designed with the same ethos in mind?
When it comes to finding eco-friendly yoga mats, it helps to know what to look for. As with many other sustainable products, it all boils down to searching for mats made with eco-conscious practices front and center.
While the very textiles used to make the mats play a major role, the amount of emissions produced as a result of creating them is just as important. Not all companies are transparent about their production processes, but we've tracked down the facts about a few mats.
Below, discover five eco-friendly yoga mat brands to consider for your next flow-inspired purchase.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
5 Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
Manduka eKOlite Yoga Mat
Amazon
Promising to inspire people to become their most empowered selves, Manduka puts full focus on efforts geared toward helping its shoppers be more conscious members of society.
One such way that it does this is by committing to creating top-of-the-line yoga mats that are designed to last. By creating long-lasting, high-quality mats, Manduka is able to assist shoppers in their efforts to cut back on consumption. What's more, the company ensures that all of its mats are created without harmful chemicals and dyes (which, by the way, have the ability to not only disrupt water sources during the production process but individuals' hormone balance during use).
But that's not all. In addition to nixing chemicals from all mats, Manduka's eKo Mats are made from biodegradable natural tree rubber and manufactured with zero waste and no harmful plasticizers. The PRO Mats are made from the highest quality PVC—a form of synthetic plastic—on the planet and manufactured emissions-free. While PVC is seldom recyclable, Manduka ensures shoppers that they need not worry, as these high-grade PRO Mats are guaranteed to last for life. Once they do meet their demise (if ever), they can be returned through the company's Live On program, in which The Renewal Workshop breaks down the mats and recycles them.
As sustainable as Manduka's mats are, its accessories are just as earth-friendly, with towels made of recycled plastic water bottles, blocks made of sustainable cork, and straps made of unbleached 100% natural cotton.
The point is, if you're looking to fully revamp your yoga routine with mats and accessories, Manduka is your number-one bet. It's a top brand chosen by yoga instructors around the world.
SUGA Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat
SUGA
If you love the ocean as much as you love your yoga practice, you'll swoon over SugaMats. The California-based yoga mat company specializes in mats made of recycled wetsuits. It started as an idea to divert surfers' and scuba divers' old non-biodegradable neoprene wetsuits from entering landfills and now makes all its mats out of donated materials.
If you have an old wetsuit you'd like to recycle, you can drop it off at one of their partner stores or mail it in and you'll receive a 10 percent discount on your next purchase in return. For every wetsuit recycled, roughly one SugaMat is created. As durable as the mat is designed to be, the brand acknowledges that shoppers may want to replace it at some point. When you're ready, just send your used mat back to Suga to be recycled, and the brand will also give you a discount on a future purchase. Read more about the company's origins in our SugaMats review.
Liforme Love Yoga Mat
Amazon
Designed under the premise of "Good for you, Good for the planet," Liforme mats are biodegradable, non-toxic, and PVC-free. The brand prides itself on being eco-friendly, ethical, and socially just, and, as such, they only use the highest-quality materials and focus on conservancy efforts with each and every one of their products.
By dedicating 5% of sales from two of their collections, they've raised over $200,000 for their charity partner, Friends of the Earth.
Additionally, from a social justice standpoint, they support women and children's rights, racial diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights. And they're not just all talk. They put their money where their mouth is and have donated to various organizations outright, as well as created mats specifically to benefit certain causes, like the Rainbow Hope Mat, in which 5% of sales go to GLAAD, a media-monitoring organization geared toward promoting LGBTQ+ acceptance.
Beyond charity, the most unique aspect of Liforme mats is that they're tailored to promote balance and stability via their revolutionary grip and alignment system. So, if you've ever had difficulty maintaining balance during your practice, a Liforme mat may be the ultimate choice for you.
2nd Wind Yoga Mat
Amazon
Rhode Island-based health and wellness brand 2nd Wind is renowned for its intricate yoga mats, all of which are made with sustainability in mind. Each mat is made with 100% natural and sustainable cork and rubber, water-based ink, and no glue, latex, PVC, or toxins. Additionally, each mat is biodegradable. Sustainability aside, the artistic appearance of each mat is something to bat a lash at.
You can purchase 2nd Wind mats that have a rubber face or that have a towel infused mat for added grip. Instead of having to purchase a secondary yoga mat cover, these mats prevent slipping with a soft surface that's heat pressed into the rubber.
Scoria Blossom Cork Yoga Mat
Scoria
Toronto-based Scoria Yoga is beloved for its eco-friendly cork yoga mats. Each mat is made with sustainably sourced cork and backed with natural tree rubber. The two materials are adhered with eco adhesives that are bonded under high temperatures. Additionally, the designs—which are stunning—are crafted with non-toxic, water-based ink.
As if the production of each mat isn't enough to swoon over, know that Scoria is partnered with Feeding Children Everywhere and for every mat purchased, 10 meals are donated to those in need.
What's more, the very meals delivered are sustainable, as they're vegan and wrapped in biodegradable packaging. All this is to say, Scoria has brought the idea of sustainability full circle with its cork yoga mats and give-back program.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. The Virginia native is a lover of lists, Stevie Nicks, dark chocolate Sprinkles cupcakes, and the Oxford comma.
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