Zero waste skin care products for every eco-conscious and zero waste babe.

What does your self-care routine look like? Enjoying a book, sipping on a hot cup of coffee? Discovering new hiking trails with friends?

How about indulging yourself with natural, eco-friendly skincare products?

It may seem like your skin care regimen is the last thing you need for self-care, but it’s actually one of the easiest things to incorporate into your life.

What’s more, it’s easier now more than ever to find zero waste skin care products. So what? It means you can feel good about treating yourself to environmentally-friendly products. For instance, EcoRoots’ products are never packaged/shipped with plastic, and we use natural ingredients.

I know what you’re thinking. Is anything actually natural nowadays? Isn’t eco-friendly just a trendy phrase coined by marketers who want to make money from the climate crisis?

I admit, some companies exploit the labels natural, organic, or green. But at Ecoroots, they’re devoted to upholding zero waste, natural, and organic standards. From solid lotion bars to reusable cotton rounds, they offer high-quality products that are just as safe for the environment as they are for your body.

Unfortunately, most skin care products use plastic packaging. Take facial cleansers and lotions, for example. If you visit the beauty counter at the mall or the bath products aisle in a store, chances are that product you’re looking at is packaged in plastic.

This is also true for body wash, shaving soaps and creams, and any type of body oil. You might be tired of hearing about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but did you know in 2019, it was measured to be twice the area of Texas? Unbelievable, right? While much of this plastic floats, other large plastic products in the ocean hurt marine animals.

Most commonly, animals get entangled in bags or choke on other plastic items.

Additionally, a lot of skin care products contain microplastics. Lots of it. Wastewater treatment plants pump out around 8 trillion microbeads into waterways each day. What are microplastics? They are teeny, tiny pieces of plastic so small that even water treatment plants can’t filter them properly. (Note that microbeads are a type of microplastic that are visible in products like cleansers or body wash.)

Their end destination? Oceans and marine animals’ stomachs. But that’s not all. Humans are at risk for ingesting microplastics by eating fish that ate microplastics. The simple truth is, those exfoliating beads in face wash or polishing beads toothpaste are simply not worth it.

So we’ve compiled this list of zero waste skin care products that use zero microplastics, zero plastic packaging, and zero synthetic ingredients. (Any plastic part is either reusable or recyclable).

Let’s check them out.

Zero Waste Skin Care Products We Recommend

1. Shea Rose Clay Facial Soap – Exfoliate Without Microbeads

A good skin care routine starts with the most sensitive skin on our bodies–the face. One unique thing about our clay facial soap is that it’s a solid bar. Here is where we eliminate most of plastic waste in the personal care industry. The packaging.

As for the ingredients, we included USDA organic and vegan components to thoroughly cleanse your skin without using microbeads. These ingredients include geranium and ylang ylang essential oil, which helps irritated skin. In other words, if you have sensitive skin and/or battling acne, this oil is worth trying.

Another highlight is the French kaolin clay, which cleanses your pores without drying out your face. French clay is known to wash away dead cells and encourage the skin to regenerate. Additionally, the soap is infused with organic rose hips and rose petals as well as lavender essential oil for a soft, charming scent.

We recommend lathering the soap on your hand instead of rubbing directly onto your face. And good news: you can use this soap for your body to complement your zero waste skin care regimen.

This soap comes in a 5.8-ounce (164-gram) solid bar.

1. Yay For Earth Face Lotion – A Youthful Glow Without Artificial Ingredients

After washing your face, moisturizing it is just as important. Even if you use a gentle exfoliator like our French clay soap, some of the skin’s self-made oils will be washed off. On top of hot baths and showers that dehydrate and irritate your skin, you have to make sure you’re taking the right precautions.

Good news: we stocked up on YayForEarth face lotion to give you the best weapon against skin irritation. It highlights the simplicity of natural ingredients like olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, and pomegranate oil. Many cosmetic brands use synthetic ingredients and claim the formula is safe for the skin. Others mix in natural ingredients that aren’t beneficial to the skin besides aesthetic reasons.

But YayForEarth is different. The spotlight shines on olive oil as a natural moisturizer. On the other hand, beeswax is known to fight against bacteria and viruses. Yes, it’s true! So skin with acne and eczema will be happy to soak in all these beneficial properties.

To top it off, pomegranate seed oil helps prevent and delay visible signs of aging. It does this several ways: First, punicic acid in pomegranate seed oil makes skin thicker and more elastic. Second, the antioxidants in pomegranate encourage your body to make more collagen–the protein that holds skin together. Lastly, pomegranate seed oil is a natural sunscreen, making this lotion a perfect daytime moisturizer. Nevertheless, it’s also an ideal moisturizer to apply before bed.

This facial lotion comes in a recyclable/reusable glass jar and metal cover weighing 2 ounces (59 milliliters).

1. Zero Waste Face Oil – Moisturizing Power Without Toxic Additives

Similarly, this zero waste face oil is effective for locking in moisture and making your skin radiant.

Our zero waste face oil made by Meow Meow Tweet is also vegan and never tested on animals. Although it comes with a plastic pump/dropper, all the parts are recyclable. It is ideal for any skin type from sensitive to oily, utilizing all-organic materials to brighten your skin without using harmful chemicals.

Nourish skin with hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, sesame seed, vitamin E, geranium oil, juniper berry oil, patchouli oil, vetiver oil, and carrot seed oil. Jojoba seed oil is made from a shrub, and is known for its soothing, moisturizing properties. Sesame seed- and geranium oil are both antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial. Why does this matter? These benefits help soothe skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or acne. Sesame seed- and geranium oil both keep bacteria out of the product and off of your skin.

Juniper berry oil soothes the face through a calming scent and tones skin without irritating it. Vetiver oil, made from the roots of a grassy plant, acts as an antioxidant, protecting your skin from free radicals. Carrot seed oil helps prevent signs of aging like sun spots or wrinkles because it is a natural sunscreen with an SPF of about 38.

This facial oil comes with 0.9 ounces (27 milliliters) in a recyclable glass container with a recyclable pump. Pair lovely with this natural vegan toner.

1. Reusable Cotton Rounds – Spotless Skin Without Single-Use Products

Have you ever used up another packet of disposable cotton pads, thrown away the plastic packaging, and thought, “Isn’t there a better alternative?” Well, you’re not alone.

Keeping skin clean and healthy doesn’t have to be wasteful anymore. The cosmetics industry still has a long way to go, but it is growing with our needs for more environmentally-friendly alternatives. And guess what? We’re glad to be a part of this revolution.

Say goodbye to cotton balls and disposable cotton pads! There is a better option.

EcoRoots’ reusable cotton rounds are made of biodegradable cotton and bamboo. More importantly, they are certified organic, using harvesting practices that benefit both worker and supplier.  To keep the product together, we do not use plastic stitching or materials.

You might notice that the pads shrink a little when you wash them–this is totally normal. Remember to wash each pad after each use and then let them air dry on a flat surface. The best thing about these pads? Soft enough even for the sensitive skin around your eyes, these cotton pads are suitable for the whole face. You can use them for any step in your zero waste skin care routine: apply moisturizing cream or primer, wiping off makeup, cleansing your face.

One order includes 10 washable cotton pads in a recyclable paper package.

1. Vegan Body Wash – Total Body Clean Without Plastic Bottles

When we use liquid shampoo or body wash, they usually come in plastic bottles. These are not great for a zero waste skin care regimen, but news flash: the greener alternative has always been available.

Now, it’s available in truly organic, vegan, and skin nourishing options. Our vegan solid bar body wash makes use of olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, castor oil, peppermint leaves, peppermint leaf oil, and grapefruit oil.

Moisturizing olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and castor oil leave skin soft after a shower. Sunflower oil is full of vitamin E and it also helps the soap lather effectively. Peppermint leaves and peppermint leaf- and grapefruit oil exfoliate skin gently and lend a punchy, refreshing scent.

More importantly, the ingredients are crafted under fair trade practices, meaning workers and producers are always paid a fair wage under ideal working conditions.

This organic body wash comes in a 4.5-ounce (126-gram) solid bar in a recyclable paper packaging.

1. Soap Rock Gems – Magical Soaps Without Wasteful Packaging

Need a gift idea that’s a guaranteed hit? How about a treat-your-self present that you’ll actually use?

These adorable mini soap rocks are shaped like gems. The handmade soaps wash off dirt and grime using only organic and plant-based ingredients. Unlike mainstream soaps, we never use palm oil, plastic, or animal products.

The base for each soap is olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, castor seed oil, indigo and a mix of essential oils and powders depending on the color you choose.

Want to buy one of each color for a gift set or just to try out each scent? We have an aroma for each picky person. The blue gem is infused with lemongrass and sage. By contrast, the pink gem smells of geranium and citrusy orange and grapefruit. On the other hand, we combined the vetiver, bergamot, and lavender to create our golden gem. However, if you prefer scent-free soaps, we also present an unscented option.

Luckily, they are small enough for travel that works as well as traditional soap bars. You might try out our soap saver bag because of their fun, quirky shape to make sure you use every last bit.

One loose gem weighs 1.5 ounces (42 grams). We don’t use plastic packaging to ship these soap gems.

1. Natural Body Oil – Nourishing Body Oil Without Guilt

After showering, a soothing body oil or lotion is the next best step. Remember not to just focus on your face. Your whole body needs moisture, especially in typically dry areas like knees and elbows.

Developed by Meow Meow Tweet to promote plastic-free solutions and zero waste skin care, this body oil highlights soothing lavender and rejuvenating lemongrass. Furthermore, it’s crafted with sunflower seed oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.

Sunflower seed oil is a natural sunscreen, while a mix of hemp seed-, coconut-, and jojoba seed oil moisturizes skin without clogging your pores. Besides providing an appealing citrus scent, lemongrass oil keeps bacteria away, tightens skin, and reduces irritation.

Believe it or not, you can also use this oil in your bath or on your hair to lock in moisture and prevent split ends.

One container holds 3.8 ounces (112 milliliters) of product in a refillable glass and reusable or recyclable pump.

1. Zero Waste Deodorant – All-day Protection Without Harmful Chemicals

Still in search of a natural deodorant that actually keeps the BO away? Let me guess. You’ve tried everything from DIY natural deodorants to supposedly natural clinical strength deodorant. It’s time to leave the chemicals in the lab and out of your body.

Here’s the deal. The Chagrin Body Soap & Salve company came up with a deodorant with a coconut oil base. Moreover, they only use natural ingredients like cornstarch, beeswax, jojoba oil, baking soda, shea butter, and rosemary oil extract to complete and hold the product together.

Coconut oil naturally fights bacteria, controlling underarm smell. What about cornstarch? This ingredient absorbs sweat without irritating skin like traditional deodorants. On the other hand, baking soda keeps bacteria from thriving on your underarms, even during physical activity.

While the unscented option smells slightly of coconut, our lemongrass and tea tree option offers an earthy, herbal smell. Additionally, lemongrass and tea tree help fight bacteria that cause underarm smell.

To use, push up from under the paper tube to release deodorant. Warm the stick on your skin for several seconds and then smooth the deodorant onto your underarm like you would a traditional deodorant.

One stick weighs 2 ounces (57 grams) packed in a compostable cardboard tube.

1. Reusable Razor and Solid Shaving Soap – Smooth Skin Without Disposable, Cheap Razors

One major change you can make to achieve zero waste skin care is switching to a reusable safety razor. Plastic, disposable razors waste plastic and metal, totalling about two billion razors in trash cans every year.

While safety razors might initially seem tricky or even scary, they are actually easy to use. Our rose-gold safety razor is equipped with double-edged blades. Why is this important? It makes for a very efficient razor, preventing ingrown hairs and really making skin smooth post-shave.

We polished the razors to stop metal corrosion, but you can make this razor last by following simple precautions. Clean it after each use by rinsing with warm water. Pat it dry with a towel and set it somewhere away from water to make sure it dries powerly.

Wondering how often you should change out the razorblades? Our reusable razor comes with five free blades. However, we suggest replacing the blade after seven shaves, but it depends on your usage intensity. Good news is that the EcoRoots refill pack comes with 10 blades, so you don’t have to worry about restocking so often.

Although our safety razor is sharp, we also recommend using a shaving soap to ensure a close shave. This organic solid shaving soap weighs 3.2 ounces (93 grams), and comes in a round shape. The soap itself is made of hydrating oils that create a rich, foamy lather for shaving. Notes of lavender and citrus fruits like lemon and lime elevate your shaving experience while leaving skin velvety smooth.

There you have it. It is possible to have a zero waste skin care routine that pampers your body and protects the planet.

How about you? Is there a part of your skin care routine you’d like to show off? A must-have serum, a delightful nighttime balm?

Tag us on Instagram or Twitter–together, we can get the word out on zero waste skin care!

Vintage and secondhand are always the best option when more clothes are needed but it can sometimes be hard to find that one very special piece for a very special occasion or even a well made basic dress that checks all of the boxes of being breathable, versatile and also the perfect length.

We already know what to look for in new pieces if we want out purchases to be as friendly and low-impact to the planet as possible and there are plenty of companies – both new and old – offering organic and recycled textiles, non-toxic dyes and low-emission production, however there is an another extremely important issue that we usually forget about whenever talking  fashion and that is its human cost. The sweatshops, child labor, poverty wages and human rights violations that became staples of fashion’s production chains over the last couple of decades have now become a thorn on the side of an already discredited industry and weigh heavily on customers’ consciences. As these issues become more difficult to ignore, the question: “Who made my clothes?” has become one that a growing number people have started to ask themselves while staring at closets bursting with large amounts of unused or barely-used cheap clothing bought on a whim.

Curbing fashion’s current feverish cycles of design and production in favor of producing fewer, better and more durable garments will do much to remedy the industry’s waste problems and – more importantly – to reduce the demand for the cheap labor that is currently the foundation of so much of it. It means that we have to pay better attention to what we’re designing, producing and buying and it definitely means that we must shift away from a production model that relies on exciting but short-lived whimsical trends in favor of protecting human lives (we’re looking at you, bike shorts!).

Thankfully, a new crop of consciously-minded designers and innovators with their sights set on bringing about this change have made it much easier than it used to be for similarly conscious costumers to find better, more ethical alternatives for clothes and organizations such as Fair Trade Certified, Certified B, GOTS and OEKO-Tex inform customers on the sustainability and ethical standards that companies which carry their seals of approval adhere to. These designers, along with activists from both within and outside of the fashion industry have contributed to fast fashion’s fall from grace and to an increased demand for products that are made in places where people enjoy humane working conditions and fair pay for their work from customers that are now more than willing to shell out extra cash for better quality clothes that are friendlier to the planet and easier on their conscience

Supporting the enterprises working to bring these products into the market not only helps those companies grow; it also helps the people who work for them escape poverty cycles, obtain a better education and more advancement opportunities and contributes to a better overall quality of life for their communities. It’s because of this that we’ve put together a list of change-makers offering gorgeous options that are made fairly and ethically for anything that the upcoming summer days may throw your way.

1. People Tree

Best for: Supporting artisans in rural communities

People Tree is a true testament to the commercial value and viability of sustainable clothing. The company has been offering fair trade products and setting the standard for sustainability in fashion for nearly thirty years.

Their founder has pledged to support people in communities where jobs and similar resources are scarce by combining the traditional techniques that the residents of these areas are skilled in such as hand weaving, hand knitting, and hand embroidering with modern technology to make them commercially valuable. People Tree uses natural and organic materials as much as possible, tries to use manufacturing processes with minimal environmental impact, and doesn’t include toxic dyes in their products. Their years-long commitment to doing good by their producers and by the environment finally paid off in 2013 when they became the first clothing company to be awarded with the Fair Trade product mark by the World Fair Trade Organization.

Marta Leaf Print Dress – 100% Organic Cotton; Stina Floral Dress – 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell;

2.

Ethical workout clothes – check out these amazing 15 brands.

Exercise is integral for a healthy mind and body. In fact, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The first wealth is health.” He’s right.

Think about it:

We have been conditioned to believe that wealth is defined by how much money we have. However, if we think about what really matters, real wealth can be classified as access to a healthy lifestyle for ourselves, others, and for generations to come.

There’s more:

I know you are busy trying to implement all the zero waste hacks into your life, attending climate marches, and planting gardens, but I have news for you:

Taking good care of yourself is just as important as taking care of the planet!

Whether you like yoga, running, cycling, or lifting weights, it is important to keep your body moving and feel comfortable while doing so. Check it out:

Today, I hand picked 15 brands for you that are carrying the most ethical, sustainable, and stylish workout clothes on the market.

Let’s dive right in:

What are Ethical Workout Clothes?

Clothing presents a huge environmental problem in our modern throw-away society. On average, each American gets rid of 80 pounds of clothing annually. A small percentage of this textile waste is reused or recycled, but the majority of it is sent to landfill. There’s more:

Not only is our overconsumption contributing to this unsustainable cycle, but many of the materials and manufacturing processes used in clothing production poses environmental issues as well. Whether it’s using up natural resources or polluting waterways, there’s a lot that can go wrong.

Exploitation of workers is another huge concern. Many companies try to keep costs low by producing in countries that do not have laws to protect workers. This means that many of these factory workers do not get paid fair wages and work in dangerous conditions.

Get this:

You can do your part to turn all of these environmental and ethical violations around.

It’s simple:

First off, shop secondhand as much as possible. Thrifting is fun and you will be very surprised at all of the cool, functional pieces you will come across. There’s more:

If you are buying something new, do your research on the brand to see if their values align with your own. Avoid buying cheap clothing that will quickly deteriorate or go out of style. Try to invest in long-lasting pieces, sustainable activewear from brands you trust the most.

Luckily, when it comes to ethical workout clothes, I have already compiled a list of all of the best brands out there. I will be evaluating these companies based on material, manufacturing processes, and sustainability initiatives.

Check it out these sustainable activewear:

1. Girlfriend Collective

Best known for: Inclusive, modern athletic basics

Brand Overview: Girlfriend Collective was birthed from a simple mission: to bring good things to those who don’t waste. To put it simply, all of their clothing is made with the planet in mind. They are also huge advocates for representation within the wellness world. I was excited to see models of various sizes, colors, and ages on their website.

Materials: All of the fabric used in their ethical workout clothes comes from post-consumer waste products. For instance, the polyester used is made from recycled bottles that come from Taiwan, which used to be referred to as “garbage island.” By utilizing bottles as material, they are reintroducing it back into the supply chain and helping the community that is impacted by this waste.

Ethics: Girlfriend collective believes in taking care of their workers rather than prioritizing profits which is why they teamed up with SA8000-certified factories to make their products. Every employee is treated with respect and is paid a fair wage. They are also offered free meals, health care, and guided exercise breaks. There’s more:

Sustainability: One really cool option that this company offers is to recycle your clothing for you. After years of working out in your gear, you can send your clothing back to them to be processed and made into something new!

My favorite products: Black Compressive Mid-Rise Legging ; Moon Paloma Bra Color ; Moss High-Rise Pocket Bike Short ; Dune Florence Tank & Midnight Skort.

Most ideal for: A jog around the neighborhood

2. Prana

Best known for: Comfortable clothing for adventures

Brand Overview: Prana was started by a couple that wanted to create ethical clothing for those who climb and do yoga. Their core belief is that clothing companies should give much more than they take from the world and I think they do a pretty good job at that! Check it out:

Materials: Prana only uses organic cotton, which is important because it puts strict restrictions on how it is grown. Organic cotton production uses rainwater efficiently in order to use less resources. It also eliminates harmful chemicals and GMOs from the process.

Ethics: Prana was actually the first clothing brand in North America to become fair trade certified. These means that every step, from farm to factory, is held by strict standards. This holistic framework requires fair wages, community develop funds, transparent supply chains, and safe working conditions for all employees.

Sustainability: It is almost impossible to be completely chemical-free when making clothing. That’s why Prana has partnered with bluesign to manage the harmful substances used in the process and to prevent them from polluting waterways. I really love how transparent this company is about their manufacturing process.

My favorite products: Women’s Pillar Capri ; Transform 7/8 Legging ; Momento Top ; Verana Bra & Rowena Top.

Most ideal for: An outdoor yoga session

3. Pact

Best known for: Eco-friendly leisurewear for the whole family

Brand Overview: If you are looking for simple, stylish ethical workout clothes for your entire family, look no further than Pact. All of their clothing is timeless, so it will not go out of trend and will last you a long time.

Materials: Pact also only uses organic cotton. By using organic cotton, there is no chance for your clothing to have any residue chemicals. Who wants to have chemicals rubbing against their skin all day? Not me! That’s why I love Pact’s clothing so much.

Ethics: Pact is a Fair Trade certified brand. That means that all of the farmers and factory workers producing the ethical workout clothing is protected. For every product sold, they give these workers a premium to invest in social development projects within their own communities. There’s more:

Sustainability: I really love that Pact uses all recyclable and compostable shipping materials. They did not agree with the usage of plastic bags in the fashion industry, so they decided to find a biodegradable replacement! I love that.

My favorite products: Essential Sweatshirt ; Stretch Lounge Pants

Most ideal for: A morning jog

4. Satva

Best known for: Everyday Yogawear

Brand Overview: Satva strives to create ethical workout clothing that is comfortable, practical, and durable. As a yoga student, the founder really cares about the value of “satya” or truth. From this sentiment, her mission is to focus on the essentials within her own life and her clothing line. 

Materials: All of their clothing is made from a blend of natural cotton and spandex. It is soft and breathes, so you can keep cool during your workout. Unfortunately, I could not find any information as to whether this cotton is organic or not, so maybe reach out to their customer service department to confirm before purchasing. There’s more:

Ethics: All of the clothing is produced in a small family-run facility in Bali, Indonesia. Since the facility is close to their offices, they can keep a close eye on production. Everything is made ethically in this factory.

My favorite products: Organic Cotton Yoga Capri Crop Pant ; Organic Cotton Open Back Strappy Tank Top ; Organic Cotton Paneled Long Sleeve Pullover & Organic Cotton Racerback Tank Top.

Most ideal for: Weekly yoga class

5. People Tree

Best known for: Cute, ethical yoga wear

Brand Overview: People Tree is known for creating trendy clothing that is both sustainable and ethical. Their active wear selection is mostly geared towards yoga, but could be used for other activities. Their designs are bright, contemporary, and comfortable.

Materials: People Tree aims to use natural materials as much as possible, including organic cotton. They launched their brand in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard which is certified by the Soil Association. Impressive!

Ethics: It’s really cool that they were the first fashion company to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organization product label. This means that they adheres to the strictest standards of fair trade, safe working conditions, fair wages, and environmental best practices.

Sustainability: By using traditional artisan skills such as hand weaving, knitting, embroidery, and block printing, People Tree uses less electricity and also highlights skills that are native to the area they produce their ethical workout clothing in. It is high quality and safer for the planet!

My favorite products: Tora Flared Leggings ; Cycling Shorts In Black ; Yoga Vest & Gaia Tee in White

Most ideal for: A hot yoga class

6. Threads 4 Thought

Best known for: Activewear on a mission

Brand Overview: Overall, this company is geared towards designing everyday ethical clothing. Threads 4 Thought’s activewear line is called “ReActive.” This line of clothing is designed to help with the global plastic waste crisis by being reactive to the problem. Smart!

Materials: Within the ReActive line, leggings and sports bras are crafted from recycled materials. Many of these materials come from the ocean, including fishing nets and plastic bottles. Whenever you shop, you are voting with your dollar. By supporting this company, you are supporting a grassroots movement to clean our oceans.

Ethics: Why exploit people when you can instead use your product to better a community? Threads 4 Thought believes in treating their workers with fairness and respect, which is why their factories hold the highest certifications in the industry. They specifically partner with refugees to offer a better quality of life. Pretty cool, right?

Sustainability: Not only does recycled polyester give a second life to ocean pollution, but it also is a lot more environmentally friendly as a whole. It uses 50% less energy to produce than standard polyester and emits half the amount of carbon. This company also uses organic cotton and lending modal, an eco-friendly tree bark, in other products.

My favorite products: Womens Triblend Jogger ; Tranquil High Rise Legging ; Triblend Zip Hoodie ; Kimber Long Sleeve Tie Top & Cara Cami

Most ideal for: Yoga on the beach

7 Organic Basic

Best known for: Simple, sustainable essentials

Brand Overview: Organic Basic started with disdain for traditional fashion industry standards, so they decided to put sustainable thinking at the center of everything they do. This does not mean that sustainability is nice to have, but is the only way they can operate. They only ever use environmentally friendly fabrics and partner with factories that care about their workers.

Materials: The designs start off with handpicking fabrics that have the lowest environmental impact and the longest durability. This means only using materials that are natural, renewable, recycled, and biodegradable. I really love their SilverTech fabric, which is great for working out. It is soft, odor controlling, and heat regulating.

Ethics: I am obsessed with the level of transparency on Organic Basic’s website. They have an entire section where you can browse each factory that they use for production. It lists the function of that factory, the certifications it holds, and the amount of workers employed there. It’s a really cool feature to share with their customer base.

Sustainability: Again, sustainable thinking is at the core of everything they do. You can also browse the various production methods by factory location. To put it simply, they try to optimize production by using the most amount of recycled materials that use the least amount of resources. Pretty neat!

My favorite product: SilverTech Active Leggings ; Find your favorite products here.

Most ideal for: Pilates

8. Boody

Best known for: Comfortable minimalist undergarments

Brand Overview: Boody makes basic essentials that are both sustainable and ethical. They believe that beauty lies in simplicity, so they keep their pieces minimalist. By creating high quality basics that are timeless, Boody becomes seamlessly integrated into your everyday essentials.

Materials: All of their essentials are made from bamboo, which is one of my favorite eco-friendly materials. Not only is the material smooth and comfortable, but it’s great for the environment. Bamboo uses a lot less water than materials like cotton and is naturally regenerative.

Ethics: I think their most notable accreditation is from the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production. Their mission is to ensure that products are being produced under humane and ethical conditions. The core principles include health, safety, and security as well as the prohibition of discrimination, harassment, or forced labour for their workers. 

Sustainability: Boody is ECOCERT certified, which means that all of their bamboo production is organic and abides by the strictest environmental guidelines. They also are FSC certified which is the accreditation for responsible forestry. This means that their bamboo harvesting does not contribute to the degradation of natural habitats.

My favorite products: Shaper Bra ; Full Length Yoga Pant ; Longer Sport Short ; Racerback Sports Bra & Wide Neck Long Sleeve Shirt

Most ideal for: Everyday life

9 TenTree

Best known for: Fun, patterned activewear

Brand Overview: I am obsessed with this company. Their product offering is limited, but their selection of artist designed patterned tops and leggings will have you drooling. I love their modern branding and their commitment to making fun, functional, and sustainable activewear.

Materials: By using materials that would otherwise go to waste, TenTree is making strides when it comes to being planet-friendly. TenTree use recycled polyester, linen, organic cotton and hemp for their clothing. They are climate positive and beyond offsetting carbon emissions, they provides jobs across the globe. They also plant trees with their purchases, while offering sustainably made products for everyone to enjoy.

Ethics: They ensure that all manufacturers comply with the highest standards of fair-wages and ethical working conditions.

Sustainability: Producing clothing inevitably always produces some type of waste. Luckily, TenTree is trying their best to repurpose this waste by working with artists, fashion students, and rag traders (companies that buy scraps to make products). Pretty cool!

My favorite product: W Clay Pant. Check out TenTree and find your favorite product.

Most ideal for: Spin class

10. Outdoor Voices

Best known for: Innovative clothing for recreationalists

Brand Overview: Outdoor voices have a clear vision: to get the world moving. They believe that doing things such as moving your body and having fun with friends is integral to live a happy and healthy life. I love that sentiment and everything this brand has to offer. Check it out:

Materials: Outdoor voices works hard to source unconventional materials that have less of a negative environmental impact. They use versions of the materials we know and love, but are made from used recycled content instead! It’s great.

Ethics: People, planet, and product are their top three values. By understanding workers as people and treating them as such, they create ethical, long-lasting workout clothing. They support equality and human rights for everyone.

Sustainability: I really love how much of a holistic approach this company takes to sustainability. Instead of just stopping at eco-friendly materials, processes, and packaging, they take it even further. They make sure their headquarters and shops are operating as sustainably as possible. Also, whenever they host an event, they have vowed to eliminate single-use plastic. Isn’t that awesome?

My favorite products: The Exercise Dress ; Doing Things Bra ; LightForm 7″ Short ; Nimbus 1/4 Zip Sweatshirt & Nimbus Sweatpant

Most ideal for: A fun dance class

11. Summer Salt

Best known for: Sustainable Swimwear for vacation

Brand Overview: Summer Salt knows you are going places and they want you to look good and feel comfortable while you are traveling. They also believe that you do not need to sacrifice the Earth for fashion, which is why they only use eco-friendly manufacturing processes. I always browse this site before going on my next vacation.

Materials: All of their swimwear is made from 78% recycled polyamide, which is crafted from recycled plastics, post-consumer materials, and nylon waste, which includes old fishing nets! That means by purchasing a swimsuit, you are also helping clean the ocean. That’s the way it should be!

Ethics: I unfortunately could not find any information as to how this company protects their workers. I am not saying that they are unethical, but there is a certain lack of transparency on their website. Maybe reach out to their customer care line before purchasing to ensure they are abiding by ethical principles.

My favorite product: The Mesh Diver

Most ideal for: Surfing in the ocean or swimming laps in a pool

12. Patagonia

Best known for: One-stop shop for everything outdoor

Brand Overview: Patagonia has been a reliable brand for sourcing sustainable clothing and gear for decades. With a high emphasis on durability and function, their products are meant to last a long time. Patagonia is run by nature lovers who want to use business, investment, their voices, and imagination to help protect our planet. It’s really impressive.

Materials: Since Patagonia offers a wide range of products, they also use a lot of different materials. 72% of the materials used are from recycled content. They do a deep dive into every single one of the materials they use on their website if you want to learn more.

Ethics: Apparel employees are among some of the lowest paid workers on this planet and Patagonia does not believe it has to be this way. Not only do they want to minimize harm for their employees, but they feel as though it is their social responsibility to create positive impacts within these communities. By being fair trade certified, they guarantee that their workers are treated with dignity and respect.

Sustainability: Patagonia is doing a lot of great things, but one of the most notable is their 1% for the Planet initiative. Over the years, they have donated $89 million to grassroots organizations that are focused on preserving the natural environment. I think that is pretty cool!

My favorite product: Los Gatos Zip Fleece

Most ideal for: A trip to a national park

13. Groceries Apparel

Best known for: Comfortable Basics

Brand Overview: Groceries Apparel has a great vision: from seed to skin. This means that they care about the entire process of their clothing production from start to finish. I think that is pretty impressive. This California-based brand offers sustainable, ethical workout clothing that is timeless.

Materials: The materials they use include organic cotton, eucalyptus, recycled cotton, and hemp. Not only are all of these fabrics sustainable, but they are super comfortable and great for working out in. In addition, they only use vegetable dyes which are a lot safer on the environment than traditional dying processes.

Ethics: I love brands that produce locally. Groceries Apparel produces all of their clothing in Los Angeles in order to ensure ethical standards for all of their employees. Local and traceable production allows them to maximize efficiency, quality, and wage compensation. It’s pretty awesome!

Sustainability: I really love how committed this company is to being a leader in sustainable and ethical fashion. Not only do they use eco-friendly materials, but they are also 100% GMO-free and do not use any harmful pesticides in production.

My favorite product: Aria High-waist Leggings

Most ideal for: Hitting the gym

14. Vyayama

Best known for: Botanical fiber activewear

Brand Overview: There used to be a time when there was really only synthetic activewear on the market, so Vyayama started with a vision to fill the need of natural and ethical workout clothing. The name itself means “to move” and “to tame the inner breath” in sanskirt. They believe that mindfulness should inspire quality, beauty, and joy.

Materials: Vyayama uses an innovative fabric known as TENCEL, which is made from sustainably farmed eucalyptus. It is not typically used as a supportive fabric, so it took them a year to work with their factories to develop the perfect blend of softness and compression. Not only is it eco-friendly, but is great in managing moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable while you are exercising. There’s more:

Ethics: At Vyayama, they like to participate in what they call “responsible fashion.” They make sure that all of their partners and factories abide by the top ethical and sustainable standards. All of their employees are protected by unions and strict health and safety standards.

Sustainability: Not only are the materials they use sustainable, but the practices of manufacturing it are also very Earth-friendly. The place where the eucalyptus grows is Forest Stewardship Council certified. Also, the processing factory is entirely closed loop as well which means that all the solvents and water are recycled. I think that is pretty cool!

My favorite product: Strata Cupro Crop Top

15. Everlane

Best known for: Slow, transparent fashion

Brand Overview: Radical transparency is a great way to explain Everlane’s core value. Not only do they create ethical, beautiful clothing that is made to last, but they offer a lot of information about the production of every single one of their garments. This includes the location of the factory it was made in as well as the true cost of producing the piece.

Materials: I was super impressed when I discovered Tread, their new sneaker line that is fully carbon neutral. They use recycled rubber for the sole, sustainable leather tanning, and linings made from recycled bottles. I think that it’s pretty cool!

Ethics: They spend months to find factories that meet their expectations when it comes to ethics. They visit them in person and build strong partnerships with the owners. All factories get a compliance audit which takes fair wages, reasonable hours, and environment into account. Their goal is to have every factory score a 90 or above.

Sustainability: Every company makes mistakes and sometimes Everlane produces more than it can sell. They say they are getting better at anticipating demand, but to ensure nothing goes to waste, they have a “choose what you pay” section to keep things moving.

My favorite product: The Court Sneaker

Most ideal for: Powerwalking while running errands

That’s it! I hope that within that list you found a company that suits your own style and ethical workout clothing needs.

Remember:

Working out is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Staying active is important, but it is equally as critical that we think about our planet and the people making our clothes when  shopping.

Get this:

Think before you shop! You hold a lot of power within your wallet. By supporting companies that are giving back to the planet and treating workers fairly, you are making a huge difference. Always check that a brand’s values align with your own before purchasing from them. Stay healthy, eco-conscious, and awesome! Thanks for reading