The Best SUSTAINABLE & Non-Toxic SUNSCREENS

Summer usually comes with all the fun outdoor activities, trips to the beach, hikes in nature and picnics in the park. Days are longer, and we can finally absorb some much-needed vitamin D! 

But we should also not forget to take extra precautions when exposed to the sun. Long-term, excessive sun exposure without sunscreen can lead to skin damage and premature aging, and in the worst cases, skin cancer. 

However, most sunscreens on the market are made with harmful chemicals that are very toxic to human health. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin, which means that all their toxic ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of those are known to cause serious health issues, including hormone disruption, allergies, and organ toxicity. 

If that wasn’t enough, it is estimated that around 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the ocean each year, contributing to the bleaching and death of coral reefs. Corals have not only been declining at an alarming rate, but this pollution also negatively impacts the fertility and health of all marine ecosystems.

For all those reasons, we should only buy non-toxic and sustainable sunscreens. To help you find safe and eco-friendly SPF, we have compiled a list of 15 brands selling sunscreens you can feel good about purchasing!

WHAT MAKES SUNSCREEN ECO-FRIENDLY?

When buying a product, we often think about the negative impact the packaging has on the environment. While it is something we should look at when choosing sunscreen, we should before anything else make sure the ingredients are sustainable, ocean-friendly, reef-safe and non-toxic.  

Many sustainable brands are selling sunscreens in plastic tubes, but we should still support them if they make their sunscreen with clean ingredients.  

Fortunately, more and more have been incorporating greener packaging: you can now find sunscreen packaged in cardboard, bioplastic, glass, or metal. 

WHAT SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

If you are looking for sustainable SPF, go for mineral sunscreens. These are usually formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, which is a mineral sunscreen agent that protects the skin’s outer barrier by reflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is also safe for human health and doesn’t harm coral reefs and marine ecosystems. 

Eco-friendly sunscreens also contain other ingredients, but all of them are biodegradable and non-toxic, if not organic. These can include coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, plant oils, shea butter, and any other plant-based ingredient. 

In general, always stay away from chemical sunscreens formulated with harmful ingredients like parabens, oxybenzone, benzophenone, avobenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate to name just a few. 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE SUNSCREENS:

1) Taos AER

Price: $30

Taos AER is a clean beauty brand selling natural deodorants, lip balms and sunscreens. It has an SPF 30 mineral sunscreen that blends evenly onto the skin and leaves little to no white residue. 

This water-resistant sunscreen is made with 20% non-nano zinc oxide, essential oils, aloe vera, and antioxidant desert plant oils. The blend protects your skin from harmful sun rays all while providing nourishment and hydration. 

Taos AER’s sunscreen is both safe for you and the oceans. It is reef-safe and formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance, along with over 1,300 ingredients banned in the European Union. 

The brand also sends you a free mailing label so that you can mail your empties back to have them recycled. 

Shop Taos AER

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2) Green Eco Dream

Price: $10-20

Green Eco Dream is a one-stop shop for everything eco-friendly, from home goods to beauty essentials and zero-waste products for on the go. On the company’s website, you can find SPF 30 and 50 sunscreens sold by sustainable brands like All Good and Raw Elements. 

Whether you choose a sunscreen spray, butter or lotion, all sunscreens are cruelty-free and formulated with organic ingredients including non-nano zinc oxide. They are also reef-friendly and free of harmful chemicals. 

Green Eco Dream is a member of 1% For The Planet, and it is carbon-neutral and certified by Green America. The company also ships its products 100% plastic-free and supports different environmental non-profits like Clean Miami Beach and Plastic Pollution Coalition.

code: SUSTAINABLYCHIC20 for 20% off

Shop Green Eco Dream

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3) Indie Lee

Price: $42

From cleansers to moisturizers, Indie Lee has everything you may need when looking for natural, eco-friendly skincare products. The brand sells an unscented mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Made with 20% uncoated zinc oxide, this natural sunscreen is also formulated with shea butter, squalane and aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated. 

Indie Lee’s sunscreen dries down clean and can be used on all skin types and tones.

It is free of 1300+ harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates, and it is Leaping Bunny certified, meaning that it is 100% cruelty-free.  

The brand also offers carbon-neutral shipping, and it even takes your empties back so that they can get recycled!

Shop Indie Lee

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4) Kindhumans

Price: $6-32

Kindhumans is an ethical marketplace where you can find all kinds of sustainable products, including clothing, home goods, and beauty and skincare products. 

The online shop has different types of sunscreens by the brands Raw Elements and MANDA, such as sunscreen lotions, lip balms and sticks.

They are all formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and contain reef-safe, USDA-certified organic ingredients. 

Most sunscreens are plastic-free and packaged in metal, cardboard or bioplastic derived from sugarcane. Kindhumans also donates 3% of each purchase to the cause of your choice, including causes that support humanitarian aid, kids or the environment. 

The company is a certified B Corporation and a member of 1% For The Planet. It is also climate neutral, and it ships its products in packaging made of recycled materials.

Shop Kindhumans

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5) Le Prunier

Price: $78

Le Prunier is a sustainable beauty brand that creates skincare products using organic plums. The fruits are grown, harvested and cold-pressed on a 106-year-old family-owned farm in California. 

The brand sells an SPF 31 sunscreen, the Plumscreen®, which combines the skincare benefits of Le Prunier’s beauty oil with broad-spectrum sun protection. The ingredients protect the skin from UV damage, blue light and pollution, and they are all reef-safe. 

The Plumscreen is rich in antioxidants and made using 100% upcycled plum kernels, which are a waste byproduct of the plum production. It also received different awards in 2021, including the Shape Magazine’s award for best SPF and the Oprah Daily’s O-award for best SPF for combo skin!

Shop Le Prunier

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6) Cocokind

Price: $25

Cocokind is a skincare brand that sells sustainable products for glowy, happy skin. The brand offers two sunscreens that provide hydration as well as protection against UVA and UVB rays and environmental stressors like pollution. 

Its mineral-based sunscreen lotion with SPF 32 is made using non-nano zinc oxide, microalgae and blue phytoplankton. These natural ingredients help prevent aging, skin damage and sunburns.

This sunscreen is fragrance-free and ideal for everyday use! 

Cocokind also has an SPF 30 hybrid sunscreen, formulated with both mineral and chemical ingredients. This formula works well with blemish-prone skins, and it blends easily into the skin. 

Whichever you choose, both sunscreens leave a soft, dewy finish on the skin. You will love that the brand breaks down the carbon footprint of each product on every packaging!

Shop Cocokind

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7) Biossance

Price: $30-42

Biossance uses innovative, patented biotechnology to create natural skincare products that are safe for humans, animals and the environment.

The brand sells a sheer broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that can be used for all skin tones. This SPF 30 sunscreen leaves the skin with a non-greasy, dewy finish, and protects it from harmful UV rays.  Biossance’s sunscreen is made using reef-safe and non-toxic ingredients, including 14% non-nano zinc oxide.

It is also formulated with squalane derived from sugarcane to moisturize the skin, as well as water lily which cools and calms the skin after being exposed to the sun.  

This mineral sunscreen is vegan, Leaping Bunny certified and verified by the Environmental Working Group. Plus, Biossance offsets the carbon footprint of its entire shipping process!

Shop Biossance

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8) 100% Pure

Price: $29-38

100% Pure is a clean beauty brand that makes cruelty-free skincare and makeup pigmented with real fruits. The brand has an SPF 30 sunscreen lotion that protects the skin against UV rays all while nourishing and hydrating it. 

100% Pure’s sunscreen is made with mineral zinc oxide and infused with green tea, which has great anti-aging properties. It also contains other beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, aloe juice, cucumber juice and raspberry seed oil.

The brand also sells an SPF 20 moisturizer made with tomato lycopene, as well as an SPF 30 mist produced using Yerba mate tea. 

100% Pure has been awarded the Green Business Certification, and with each purchase, it donates part of the proceeds to social and environmental organizations.

Shop 100% Pure

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9) bioClarity

Price: $30-35

bioClarity is a skincare brand that creates unique products using plant-based formulas.

The company sells two SPF 30 mineral sunscreens, each made with non-nano zinc oxide. 

While they both safeguard skin against UV rays, environmental pollutants and blue light, the SunFilter also doubles as an everyday facial moisturizer to provide lasting hydration. 

Both sunscreens are formulated with bioClarity’s proprietary ingredient Floralux®, a blend of chlorophyllin, copper and antioxidants that has been proven to reduce acne and help minimize premature aging. 

bioClarity’s sunscreens are designed for blemish-prone skin but they work well on all skin types. They are absorbed quickly without leaving a white cast, and they are reef-safe, non-toxic, vegan and Leaping Bunny certified. 

Shop Bioclarity

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10) Solara Suncare

Price: $16-64

Solara Suncare is a vegan skincare brand specialized in the production of sunscreens and other suncare products.

It has a large selection of products with SPF 30 or 50 to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. 

Whether you choose a sunscreen lotion, stick, mist or serum, each of them contains Solara's proprietary 10-active botanical blend. 

Formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients, the brand’s sunscreens will boost your skin’s protective barrier and promote cellular level response after sun exposure. 

They are also free of more than 1,500 ingredients banned in the European Union. Solara’s sunscreens are reef-friendly, Leaping Bunny certified and some are even EWG verified!

Shop Solara Suncare

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11) Banyan Tree Essentials

Price: $33

Banyan Tree was initially founded to host retreats of rest and rejuvenation in one of its resorts and spas. The brand quickly created its own bath and body line and aromatherapy collection. 

Banyan Tree has a natural, non-nano mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 that is formulated to shield skin against sun damage. Made using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the sunscreen also contains coconut oil and red seaweed extract which provide hydration and protect cells from free radicals. 

The sunscreen is reef-safe and made to minimize its impact on the marine environment. The brand also does not test on animals, and it uses eco-friendly packaging, including fabric wraps made of used plastic bottles and gift boxes handcrafted using mulberry paper.

Shop Banyan Tree Essentials

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12) REN Skincare

Price: $40

From moisturizers to shampoos, to serums to toners, REN Skincare has everything you may need for your everyday skincare routine! 

The brand sells a mineral SPF 30 sunscreen made for broad-spectrum sun protection. It can be used on most skin types, including sensitive and oily skins. 

REN’s sunscreen is formulated with natural ingredients like 22% non-nano zinc oxide.

It also contains rice starch to help mattify the skin, and passionfruit seed extract for a boost of antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals. 

The sunscreen is vegan and made using post-consumer recycled plastic. REN Skincare has been cruelty-free since its creation, and the brand is a partner of the Surfrider Foundation which supports beach cleanups and ocean conservation.

Shop REN Skincare

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13) Suntegrity

Price: $24-55

Suntegrity is a brand that creates all kinds of skincare products with SPF 30 and 50. It offers a wide variety of sunscreens that deliver broad-spectrum sun protection: you can choose between sunscreen lotions, sticks and sprays, and it even has several sunscreen moisturizers. 

Suntegrity’s mineral sunscreens are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and are packed with antioxidants and amino acids to help with skin repair. Most of them also contain organic ingredients, and they are all cruelty-free. 

The brand uses bioplastic tubes derived from sugarcane for some of its sunscreens, and it even has a refillable option! 

Plus, Suntegrity was awarded “Champion” Status by the EWG/Compact for Safe Cosmetics and received an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

Shop Suntegrity

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14) COOLA

Price: $10-52

COOLA is specialized in the creation of suncare and skincare products using sustainably-sourced, plant-derived ingredients. This company should be your go-to brand whenever you are looking for sunscreen! It has various sunscreens available in different forms, including lotions, lip balms, sprays, serums and sticks. 

While most of them have an SPF of 30 or 50, COOLA also has a sunscreen spray and lotion that provide SPF 70 broad-spectrum sun protection. Perfect for long days under the sun! 

The brand makes its formulas using at least 70% certified organic ingredients, and they are all vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe. COOLA’s sunscreens are free of over 1,000 harmful chemicals, and all their tubes are made of sustainably-sourced sugarcane resin.

Shop COOLA

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15) Larkly

Price: $17-32

Larkly is an American brand that sells refillable, all-natural SPF 30 sunscreen. The company’s sunscreen is a mineral powder that gives you complete protection from UVA and UVB rays. 

It is formulated using natural sunblock ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It also contains green tea, licorice root extract and resveratrol, three antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage. 

Larkly’s sunscreen is reef-safe, vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it does not leave your skin with a greasy or chalky finish.  

Larkly’s sunscreen comes in a convenient container with a soft, large brush, making applying the powder very easy and fun! The brand also sells the powder alone so that you do not have to repurchase a new brush every time you run out of sunscreen.

Shop Larkly

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About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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Content Creator: Eva Astoul

Date: 2022-06-23T13:37:04+0000

Researchers have suggested that adopting a ‘locavore’ diet — that is, eating only food produced within a 100 miles, or 161 kilometres, radius — could substantially reduce carbon emissions from food production.

University of Sydney scientists looked at the amount of carbon emissions that were produced by the transport of food, finding that almost a fifth of emissions from the global food system come from transport alone.

“Our study estimates global food systems, due to transport, production and land use change, contribute about 30% of total human-produced greenhouse gas emissions. So, food transport — at around 6% — is a sizeable proportion of overall emissions,” said Dr Mengyu Li, who is the lead author of the study. “Food transport emissions add up to nearly half of direct emissions from road vehicles.”

Nutritional ecologist and co-author Professor David Raubenheimer said: “Prior to our study, most of the attention in sustainable food research has been on the high emissions associated with animal-derived foods, compared with plants.

“Our study shows that in addition to shifting towards a plant-based diet, eating locally is ideal, especially in affluent countries.”

The researchers used a framework called FoodLab to calculate emissions from food transport. It turns out that roughly three gigatonnes of emissions is produced by the transport of food, which means it accounts for 19% of food-related emissions. This value is also somewhere between 3.5 and 7.5 times higher than had previously been estimated.

China, the United States, India and Russia produce the most emissions from transporting food and high-income countries in general produce a disproportionate amount of these kinds of emissions. In fact, countries such as the United States, Germany, France and Japan constitute 12.5% of the world’s population but generate 46% of food transport emissions, and Australia is the second-largest exporter of food transport emissions, due to the breadth of volume of its food production.

The kind of food being transported defines its levels of emissions. The transport of fruit and vegetables generates almost double the amount of emissions of their production and accounts for over a third of food transport emissions.

“Since vegetables and fruit require temperature-controlled transportation, their food miles emissions are higher,” Li said.

The researchers think that eating locally may be the solution to this problem. They calculated that if everybody only ate locally grown food, emissions would reduce by 90%, down to 0.38 gigatonnes. However, this isn’t a realistic proposition globally, since many regions are unable to be entirely self-sufficient in food supply. It could be implemented selectively though.

“For example, there is considerable potential for peri-urban agriculture to nourish urban residents,” co-author Professor Manfred Lenzen said. Importantly, richer countries can reduce their food transmissions through investing in cleaner energy for vehicles and incentivising food businesses to use production and distribution methods that emit less.

“Both investors and governments can help by creating environments that foster sustainable food supply,” Lenzen said.

“Changing consumers’ attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable diets can reap environmental benefits on the grandest scale,” said nutritional ecologist and co-author Professor David Raubenheimer. “One example is the habit of consumers in affluent countries demanding unseasonal foods year-round, which need to be transported from elsewhere.

“Eating local seasonal alternatives, as we have throughout most of the history of our species, will help provide a healthy planet for future generations.”

The research was published in Nature Food.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/sergojpg

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Date: 2022-06-20T14:00:00+0000

 

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Shower Curtains

Whether you’re trying to get your mom on board with sustainable products, but she really loves a familiar brand name (read: my mom and Pottery Barn), or you’re in-the-know about all things OEKO-TEX®, there’s a sustainable shower curtain out there for you. 

Why Should you Buy a Sustainable Shower Curtain?

Most conventional shower curtains are made from plastic (like PVC), which can be very toxic. Chemicals like phthalates, lead, organotins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released into the air causing harm to our health. Today, we can completely avoid this by purchasing non-toxic shower curtains that are good for the planet and our bodies. 

What to Look for When Shopping Shower Curtains

There are many different eco-friendly fabrics used today for shower curtains. You can choose hemp, cotton, recycled polyesters and PVC-free plastics. I understand aesthetic is always important when designing the rooms in your home, so we made sure to find ones you would love! 

Should You Keep Your Current Shower Curtain? 

As with all things, the most sustainable option is the one you already own (and it’s also the least expensive!), but we totally understand wanting to create a more safe, healthy environment. We also know that when it’s time to usher in a new sustainable product to your life, there are a ton of options. Hopefully, this list can help you narrow it down. 

This roundup features a variety of materials, designs, and prices. Bonus: there’s also a sustainable shower curtain *liner* option at the end of this post!

Now, our top picks for sustainable shower curtains:

1) Nebia Shower Curtain

Brand | Nebia

Price | $119

Material | Recycled Polyester, DWR (durable water repellent) Coating

This seriously might be the last shower curtain you ever buy. The Nebia Shower Curtain was created to last for over ten years! It was tested to simulate a family of three using the curtain by opening, closing, grabbing and pulling it 21,900 times - and it held up! Both the curtain itself and the liner are machine washable and anti-shrink, it has anti-billow technology sewn into the fabric, and it’s made from 100% recycled materials. This curtain truly does the most.

Shop Nebia

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2) Hemp Shower Curtain

Brand | Rawganique

Price | $55+

Material | Hemp

Washable, mold-resistant, and doesn’t do that super annoying thing where it billows into your shower stream - this all-natural shower curtain is what dreams are made of. A good way to take care of this curtain is to toss it in with your bath towels once a month on cold (which also saves energy, a win-win), and allow it to fully air dry afterward by pulling it straight instead of leaving it bunched at one end.

Shop Rawganique

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3) Organic Waffle Shower Curtain

Brand | Coyuchi

Price | $98

Material | 100% Organic Cotton, grown and woven in Turkey

Coyuchi was the first to bring organic cotton bedding to the United States 25 years ago and is GOTS certified. They have also launched their 2nd Home Take Back initiative, which encourages customers to recycle their own Coyuchi products and receive 15% off your next order. These recycled products are then sold through 2nd Home Renewed at discounted prices, helping to close the loop on textile waste.

Shop Coyuchi

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4) Turkish Shower Curtain

Brand | Parachute Home

Price | $89

Material | 100% Turkish cotton

These shower curtains are Oeko-Tex certified and made in Turkey. In addition to incredible products, Parachute offers an incredible program. Their Home for Dreams initiative is “ a mentorship and grant program designed to support Black-owned businesses.” The program offers $25k grants, brand amplification, and mentorship about a variety of topics. 

Shop Parachute

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5) Loktak Shower Curtain

Brand | The Citizenry

Price | $115

Material | 100% cotton

The Citizenry focuses on  transparency, high standards, and fair-trade practices. They are partners with Kerala Workshop in India, where their products are woven by hand. When you click to buy their shower curtain, you learn about the artisans that worked to create the piece. Thirty-two artisans work at Kerala Workshop, with nearly half being over the age of 50. The Citizenry ensures a fair-trade environment that goes above and beyond, with artisans earning 2x the average fair-trade wage. 

Shop The Citizenry

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6) Willow Floral Organic Cotton Shower Curtain

Brand | Pottery Barn

Price | $79

Material | 100% organic cotton

For all those ride-or-die Pottery Barn people out there, make sure to use the site's filter options for “organic”, “sustainably sourced”, “certified nontoxic”, and “Fair Trade” as you browse for products! Yay for making it easier to find sustainable products amongst the masses! This shower curtain is GOTS certified.

Shop Pottery Barn

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7) European Flax Linen Shower Curtain

Brand | West Elm

Price |on sale $80-96

Material | European Flax

For a luxurious upgrade to your bathroom, linen is a great option! We love that West Elm uses many eco-friendly fabrics while also utilizing Fair Trade Certified manufacturing.

Shop West Elm

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8) Sonny PVC Free Curtain

Brand | Vita Futura

Price | $13.99

Material | PVC free, non-vinyl PEVA

This may not be the most sustainable option on the list, but it’s definitely the most affordable. PEVA, the material of this shower curtain, is PVC-free, non-chlorinated and a highly recyclable plastic; make sure to check with your local recycling facility to see if they’re able to recycle PEVA! PEVA “breaks down more effectively and does not emit the chlorine gases as chlorinated vinyl products sometimes do.” This product is made-to-order bi-weekly in Germany.

Shop Vita Futura

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9) The Beacon

Brand | Quiet Town

Price | $198

Material | 100% cotton canvas

This couple-owned brand is sustainably conscious and always working toward portraying that with their products, packaging (which is moving toward being 100% compostable), production, and end of life. Another incredible accomplishment of theirs is that a majority of the shower curtain making process all happens within 200 miles - from growing to dyeing to sewing to fulfilling orders, it’s all happening right here in the USA.

Shop Quiet Town

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BONUS - A LINER

The Sun Shower

Brand | Quiet Town

Price | $35

Material | 100% EVA made in China

Quiet Town, take two! This product can be used as a liner or as a curtain itself if you’re into showering in the sunlight. While EVA Vinyl is non-toxic, it is unfortunately not often recycled properly. So while this may not be the “best-ever”, it’s designed to last way longer than normal plastic liners, which keeps waste out of landfills - and that’s a plus. Quiet Town isn’t satisfied with just keeping liners out of landfills, though. They are currently working on a recycling program specifically for their Sun Shower liners.

Shop Quiet Town

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About the Author

Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com

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Date: 2022-06-20T11:37:00+0000

The Great Barrier Reef is a spectacular ecological landscape, and home to thousands of unique marine species, from deep water corals to whales, sharks and sea turtles. The roughly 344,400 square kilometre tropical ecosystem is the largest living structure on the planet, and consists of 3,000 individual reefs, each with their own complex bio-diversity.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) works alongside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to closely study the reef, offering insight on preservation and caretaking of the environment and its inhabitants. With the help of Siemens technology, the National Sea Simulator (SeaSim) allows scientist to carry out short- and long-term experiments, with fine control over key environmental variables such as light, temperature, acidity, salinity, sedimentation and contaminants.

To celebrate 150 years transforming the everyday in Australian industries, Siemens has announced a series of monthly travel and technology prizes. This month’s instalment of the Beyond 150 Competition will take winners to tropical North Queensland, to enjoy an idyllic stay on Magnetic Island and get up close with Siemens’ work at the SeaSim facility.

“We have a variety of infrastructure at The Australian Institute of Marine Science, and SeaSim is possibly the most spectacular of those developments,” says Dr David Souter, Research Manager at AIMS. “Siemens technology underpins all of the monitoring systems within SeaSim, allowing us to look at multiple environmental parameters that affect marine organisms.”

A key aspect of the research undergone at SeaSim involves identifying how to protect the reef against the impacts of climate change. By having intricate control over ambient temperatures in simulated reef environments, the scientists at AIMS are able to identify factors such as the natural resilience against bleaching in certain coral species. The equipment at SeaSim is instrumental in generating replicable data on coral biology, and using it to inform reef management programmes across Australia.

Due to the intricacy of the SeaSim plant, the infrastructure requires automated processes to ensure reliable and high-quality research capabilities. Developed in collaboration with solutions partner SAGE, the advanced control framework is based on the Siemens Simatic PCS 7 package. This offers AIMS a scalable solution, capable of measuring precise factors and creating a data feedback loop to track experiments and compare results.

The Siemens PCS 7 portfolio incorporates multiple units for individual experiments, employing automation from Simatic S7-1200/1500 controllers. Not only does this allow researchers to maintain set conditions for two to three months, it can also closely replicate environmental fluctuations (such as seasons), mimicking reef’s true terrain.

Winners of this month’s Beyond 150 prize will be taken on an all-inclusive trip to the iconic Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland. The package will feature a visit to the SeaSim facility and accommodation on Magnetic Island, complete with a scenic flight over the reef and a lunchtime sail tour. To enter, visit the registration page before 30th June 2022.

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Date: 2022-06-19T14:00:00+0000

 

A Guide to Ecotourism

As people are becoming more and more conscious about their impact on the planet, many have started making small changes to become more sustainable. For instance, many have been trying to reduce their environmental footprint while traveling, whether internationally or in their own country. 

Global tourism has increased exponentially during the second half of the 20th century. Although it is the primary source of employment and income in many regions, it is also very unsustainable, widely contributing to climate change and global warming. 

Fortunately, little by little, people have been showing interest in alternative ways of discovering the world. Eco-conscious travelers want to combine their love for traveling and the environment, and they are willing to learn how they can help protect the places they are visiting. They want to be part of the solution, not contribute to the problem. 

That is why ecotourism has started to gain popularity in recent years, and more and more people are now enjoying this more eco-friendly way of traveling. 

This blog post will help you understand what ecotourism is and why it is so important in a world where mass tourism is everywhere. You will also learn about our 11 favorite destinations for ecotourism and maybe get inspired to visit them yourself!  

What is ecotourism?

Before defining what ecotourism is, we should start by explaining what it is not. Ecotourism is not the same as sustainable tourism or sustainable travel, which are both broader concepts. 

While ecotourism is a very specific type of sustainable tourism, sustainable travel or tourism encompasses all kinds of tourism that take into account its long-term social, environmental and economic impact.  

The term “sustainable travel” also describes all the sustainable practices implemented while traveling or in the tourism industry in general. 

On the other hand, according to the International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism refers to “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.

Similarly, the United Nations World Tourism Organization defines ecotourism as “all nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas”. 

In other words, this low-impact form of tourism involves traveling to fragile, relatively untouched natural areas to support conservation efforts, minimize the negative impact of tourism, and learn more about the local environment and cultural heritage. 

The tour operators and accommodation providers at the destination are usually small, locally-owned businesses that have a low environmental footprint. So ecotourism directly provides employment and income for local communities, and it helps raise awareness towards conservation both among locals and tourists. 

Why ecotourism is so important

If you enjoy traveling, you’ve probably already visited a place where mass tourism or over-tourism is an important issue. 

The impact of mass tourism can be seen on a global scale. It is estimated that tourism generates about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transport, food and shopping being some of the main contributors. 

What’s even worse is that, because of the quick increase in tourism demand, experts project that this industry will be contributing even more to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions in the future.

But to evaluate the entire impact of mass tourism, we also need to look elsewhere. Having too many people visiting a destination causes many other issues, including land degradation, pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss. 

It leads to the overconsumption of natural resources and overproduction of waste, and it puts infrastructure under enormous strain. Overtourism also automatically increases rents and house prices at the destination, raising the cost of living for locals.  

On the contrary, ecotourism involves minimizing the negative impact of travel. It contributes to the conservation of ecosystems and natural areas and the sustainable development and empowerment of local communities. 

This low-impact form of tourism creates economic value by providing job opportunities and funds to protect the land and its inhabitants. It helps preserve nature, cultural heritage and the people living and working at the destination. 

Ecotourism is also about raising awareness and educating people to take care of our Earth. Ecotourists learn about new environments and how they are affected by humans, and they get to understand how fragile the whole planet is. 

There are different forms of sustainable and responsible tourism, and ecotourism is just one of them. But it is crucial that more and more people try this alternative way of traveling instead of contributing to mass tourism yet again. 

Our top 11 destinations for ecotourism (& what to do and see there):

1) Alaska

The Last Frontier, Alaska, has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States. You can visit and explore more than a hundred national parks and state parks with incredible nature that is still fairly untouched. Ecotourists enjoy this state as they can go on hikes through the mountains, admire the Northern Lights, explore glaciers and rainforest sanctuaries, as well as venture out on whale-watching excursions. With its impressive collection of archeological artifacts, the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks covers everything you may want to learn about the history of Alaska, its wildlife and its native people and culture. 

There are also numerous ecolodges running on alternative power sources where you can stay, but you can also choose to camp in the wilderness!

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2) Borneo 

Borneo is an island divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, and it has some of the world’s oldest virgin rainforests.

The island is a true haven for ecotourists: their favorite activities in Borneo are soft trekking in the rainforest, climbing mountains, visiting wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers, as well as diving and snorkeling.Borneo is home to many endangered species that visitors can see in their natural habitats, including the Bornean orang-utan, the Hose’s palm civet, the pygmy elephant and the Sunda clouded leopard.  

If you visit the island, you will get the opportunity to learn about the traditions of the Dayak people and their indigenous culture. You will also be able to find small ecolodges built using local materials or even stay with a local Bornean family. 

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3) Costa Rica 

Costa Rica is probably one of the most renowned countries for ecotourism. Travelers wanting to get more in touch with nature have been exploring it for decades.

Costa Rica’s rich fauna and flora make up about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, which is huge for such a small country! Plus, one-fourth of its territory is protected by the National System of Conservation Areas. 

From pristine forests and immaculate beaches to breathtaking volcanoes and stunning waterfalls, visitors get to enjoy its incredible natural wonders. They can also learn about ancient civilizations and Costa Rican culture at the National Museum. 

Ecotourists can book their stay in some of the country’s numerous ecolodges where they will admire spectacular views of the jungle. Some are so remote that they are only accessible by boat! 

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4) Sweden 

Wanting to attract responsible travelers, Sweden was the second country in the world to come up with an ecotourism charter, and it now has more than a hundred eco-certified tour operators that have to follow a strict code of conduct.  

There are many things you can do in Sweden to enjoy nature without harming it. The country has approximately 400 hiking trails and 30 national parks scattered around the territory. You can also go timber rafting if you want to have a truly unique experience! 

The Swedish Lapland, near the Arctic Circle, is incredible to admire waterfalls, glacial rivers, mountains and forests. You can also learn about the indigenous Sami people, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

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5) Colorado

In the middle of the Rocky Mountains, the state of Colorado alone has 13 national parks and 42 state parks, making it the ideal getaway for any traveler wanting to explore the great outdoors and support the conservation of these ecosystems. Visiting Colorado gives you the opportunity to go hiking or mountain biking all while admiring the abundant wildlife.

Rafting in river canyons and exploring the Garden of the Gods, some impressive sandstone formations, are two other great adventures to go on when in Colorado.

You can also learn a lot about the local indigenous culture and history by visiting the Koshare Indian Museum or the Ute Indian Museum.  

Ecotourists may even choose to join the Colorado Trail Foundation to help preserve and restore trails in the mountains! 

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6) New Zealand 

New Zealand is a go-to destination for all ecotourism lovers. Forests, reserves and national parks cover 20% of the country’s territory, allowing travelers to enjoy the beauty of nature all while becoming aware of its fragile ecosystems. One of New Zealand’s highlights is Mount Cook National Park, where visitors can hike on trails overlooking beautiful mountains, turquoise lakes and breathtaking glaciers. Travelers should also go to Rotorua, at the heart of the North Island’s geothermal region. After discovering the geothermal springs, geysers & boiling mud pools, they can attend a Maori cultural performance to learn more about the local traditions. 

New Zealand has countless ecolodges all around its territory, hosting visitors even in the country’s biggest city, Auckland! 

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7) Botswana

Botswana is home to some of the most stunning animals in the world. Far less visited than other major African destinations like South Africa or Kenya, the country has amazing national parks and reserves where you can observe wildlife without disturbing it. 

For instance, ecotourists can stay at an ecolodge in Chobe National Park.

From there, they can take safari trips in silent electric cars to admire the fauna, including many endangered species.

The combination of conservation efforts and ecotourism has contributed to the survival of giraffes in the park, whereas their number is declining in many other regions in Africa. 

When in Botswana, you can also visit the incredible Okavango Delta and the Mokolodi nature reserve, two natural wonderlands for animal lovers!   

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8) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador 

Located in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are a true “living museum and showcase of evolution”. With this reputation, it is not surprising that many eco-tourists dream of visiting this unique place! From giant tortoises to land iguanas to many types of finch, the Galapagos Islands have such an incredibly abundant and unusual wildlife that it inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution! 

There are many cool activities you can do in the Galapagos Islands: you can go on hikes, observe the unique fauna and flora, dive or snorkel in the ocean, and even walk to the Sierra Negra, an active volcano that erupted in 2018! 

To ensure its preservation, only a limited number of visitors can enter the islands’ National Park, so if you plan on visiting, remember to book in advance. 

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9) Bhutan 

This small country located in the Himalayan mountains has been very successful at preserving its culture and natural environment. Forests cover 70% of the territory, and 51% of Bhutan is actually protected. The state even requires visitors to pay a daily tax to help preserve its nature. Bhutan is the perfect place to visit for ecotourism: there are many eco-trips organized for travelers willing to discover this landlocked country! Most of them take you to explore the beautiful Jigme Dorji National Park or visit the numerous ornate temples and ancient monasteries. Bhutan has many archaeological treasures and a huge diversity of plants and animals! 

Plus, many people living in remote villages host travelers, so staying in their homes is a great option to support local populations and fully immerse yourself in the culture while preserving the environment.

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10) Iceland 

Ecotourism has become more and more popular in Iceland thanks to all its breathtaking natural wonders. The island is actually one of the world’s most eco-friendly countries: it is great at protecting its vulnerable ecosystems, and it produces almost 100% of its electricity using renewable energy. 

If you travel to Iceland, you will enjoy everything it has to offer. You will be able to go on hikes, see the Northern Lights, walk-on dormant volcanoes or even book an excursion to go whale watching.  

You can also visit ice caves and bathe in natural hot springs. Iceland has many waterfalls, raging rivers, glaciers and countless geysers. 

Ecotourists can easily find places to camp in nature, but they can also choose to stay in eco-hotels or lodges for extra comfort. 

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11) Rwanda 

Rwanda is an African country with many natural treasures and abundant biodiversity, attracting more and more travelers from all around the world.

Ecotourism in the country has been contributing to the preservation of forests and wildlife for years now.  

Travelers can visit Volcanoes National Park and see mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species. Since ecotourism has been generating income for populations, the locals are encouraged to help protect the primates.  

Plus, Rwanda is home to the largest protected mountain rainforest in Africa, the Nyungwe forest. Ecotourists also enjoy exploring Akagera National Park and Lake Kivu, two natural wonders with spectacular views. 

Rwanda has a great selection of ecolodges where travelers can stay to appreciate what nature has to offer, all while preserving it. 

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final thoughts

In each of these ecotourism destinations, there are many things you can do to have fun all while preserving the environment! 

As an ecotourist, you are supporting conservation efforts and the local economy. Your dollars go to small, local businesses that provide employment and income for the population. You are also choosing to learn about nature and the local culture and visit places in a more sustainable way.   

However, some destinations might be far away from where you live. So if you want to visit them but also wish to minimize your impact, consider offsetting the carbon footprint of your trip. 

But whatever destination you choose to travel to and if you try to travel more sustainably along the way, you are contributing to the development of an alternative form of tourism. One that is better for the planet and the locals at the destination.

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About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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Content Creator: Eva Astoul

Date: 2022-06-18T12:17:02+0000

Kaeser has launched its GBS series rotary screw blowers for the 75 to 160 kW power range. The blowers feature a flow rate from 22 to 104 m³/min and differential pressures up to 1100 mbar as well as quiet operation, an optimised footprint and low maintenance requirements.

The range is designed to be up to 35% more efficient than conventional rotary lobe blowers and to have energy advantages compared to many other rotary screw blowers and turbo compressors available on the market. Its efficiency has been designed to remain consistent across the control range, rather than just at certain points, which makes the products a viable alternative to turbo compressors.

Power transmission from the motor to the compressor is via loss-free, maintenance-free gearing, which means that the products offer efficient operation and have low maintenance requirements. The products are designed for space-saving installation and quiet operation.

For fixed speed operation, Start Control (STC) versions are available. They feature an integrated star-delta starter equipped with a premium contactor, overcurrent relay and phase monitoring. The STC versions additionally feature an energy-saving IE4 Super Premium Efficiency motor.

Sigma Frequency Control versions are also available and feature an integrated frequency converter for dynamic adjustment of the flow rate to actual demand with the frequency converter and motor matched to deliver consistently optimised overall efficiency. For power outputs up to 110 kW, particularly efficient synchronous reluctance motors are used.

The range features power consumption per unit of flow rate (specific power consumption in kW per m³/h) set according to the narrow tolerances of ISO 1217.

The integrated Sigma Control 2 controller provides operational reliability and smart communication via integration into process control systems, including those with Industry 4.0 requirements. The Sigma Air Manager 4.0 master controller is recommended for blower stations with multiple blowers, as it features control and regulation algorithms specially developed for the needs of low-pressure applications. This enables even greater energy savings and simplification of automation.

The blowers are suitable for applications with especially high energy requirements — such as the production of air for aeration in wastewater treatment facilities and bioreactors, as well as for flotation and fluidisation.

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Date: 2022-06-16T14:00:00+0000

A new study led by Professor Peter Majewski at The University of South Australia indicates tens of thousands of wind turbine blades will end up in landfill by the end of the decade unless end-of-life programs are established soon.

The study highlights the challenges of recycling wind turbine blades, which are made of either carbon fibre or glass fibre composite material, both of which are expensive to break down, with the recovered materials having minimal market value.

“The same features that make these blades cost-effective and reliable for use in commercial wind turbines make them very difficult to recycle in a cost-effective fashion,” Majewski said.

“As it is so expensive to recycle them, and the recovered materials are worth so little, it is not realistic to expect a market-based recycling solution to emerge, so policymakers need to step in now and plan what we’re going to do with all these blades that will come offline in the next few years.”

In many parts of the world, wind turbine blades are currently dumped in landfill, but this practice has been banned in some European countries, and with estimates suggesting there will be more than 40 million tons of blade waste worldwide by 2050, alternative solutions are urgently being sought.

Majewski said that while there is some very limited potential for reuse of blades in niche construction settings and a small market for some of the reclaimed materials, it is likely the costs of disposing of the blades in a sustainable fashion will need to be factored into their production and running costs.

“Our research indicates the most likely viable option is a product stewardship or extended producer responsibility approach, where the cost of recycling the blades is factored into either the cost of their manufacture or the cost of their operation.

“So, drawing on the experience of similar programs for other products, either the manufacturer must take responsibility for what needs to be done with the blades at the end of their useful life, or the wind farm operators must provide end-of-life solutions as part of the planning approval process for their business operations.”

While self-regulation may offer one solution, Majewski believes the long lifespan and high cost of blades means official frameworks are required to ensure transition of responsibility where necessary.

“If manufacturers disappear, or wind farms go broke, we need to ensure processes are still in place for the turbine blades to be disposed of properly,” he said.

Majewski said it is likely consumers will ultimately bear some of the end-of-life cost through energy tariffs, but he believes market competition between energy producers should help to minimise the impact of that on the public.

“There will be some cost to this for everyone involved, but we have to accept that as part of the cost of producing energy in this way,” Majewski said. “Without such solutions, energy options like wind and solar may prove to be no more sustainable than the old technologies they are aiming to replace.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/PomInPerth

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Date: 2022-06-16T14:00:00+0000

A major water pipeline in South Australia is now being powered by more than 34,000 solar panels as part of SA Water’s initiative to reduce its costs while simultaneously cutting carbon emissions.

The Murray Bridge to Onkaparinga Pipeline’s second pump station in Rocky Gully has been stocked with thousands of solar panels that will provide it with power. Around 25,600 MWh of green electricity will be generated by the photovoltaic panels.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Zero Cost Energy Future, Nicola Murphy, said the use of solar panels for the 50 km-long pipeline, which supplies metropolitan Adelaide, will reduce carbon emissions by about 11,000 tonnes a year.

“Now connected to our assets, these solar panels will significantly help to sustainably reduce our operating electricity costs and reliance on the national electricity grid, without compromising on the performance this vital pipeline plays in delivering trusted water for our customers,” Murphy said.

“The annual solar generation capacity is significant, with the 34,272 panels able to generate the equivalent energy capacity to power more than 4000 average South Australian households.

“When you consider our annual electricity expenses reached more than $80 million in recent years, being able to harness large-scale renewable energy assets such as this will help to make a difference in reducing these significant costs over the coming years.

“This initiative was designed by our people and shows South Australians leading the way with the smarts and skills to integrate renewable energy across existing plants, pump stations and other land holdings.”

SA Water’s Zero Cost Energy Future initiative has seen hundreds of thousands of solar panels installed across 33 SA Water treatment plants, water tanks, pump stations and depots across the state. The sustainable energy endeavour is currently one of the largest renewable energy projects for the water industry worldwide and was given the Project Innovation Award at the 2022 Australian Water Awards.

Image credit: SA Water

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Date: 2022-06-16T14:00:00+0000

The CSIRO has published research showing that coastal plastic pollution has decreased by 29% in the last six years, with local government strategies having played an important part in this reduction. The ability for community members to sort their waste effectively, clean-up initiatives like Clean up Australia Day and surveillance programs that involved stewardship of the local environment and beaches were considered some of the important aspects behind the reduced plastics pollution.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the results of the research demonstrated the value of a concerted team effort in cutting plastic pollution.

“While we still have a long way to go, and the technical challenges are enormous, these results show that when we each play to our individual strengths, from community groups, industry, government and research organisations, and we take the field as Team Australia — then we can win,” Marshall said.

“Through our recently launched Ending Plastics Waste Mission, we’re each keeping a laser sharp focus on bringing together the best of ourselves across science, innovation and technology, to clean up our oceans and beaches for all Australians.”

The study builds directly on previous research. It features 563 coastal surveys and interviews with waste managers from 32 local governments. Lead researcher Dr Kathryn Willis said that local governments are an important component of waste control and that the research focused on identifying the governmental approaches that would have the most profound effect on reducing beach plastic pollution.

“Our research set out to identify the local government approaches that have been most effective in reducing coastal plastics and identify the underlying behaviours that can lead to the greatest reduction in plastic pollution,” Willis said.

“We were really surprised and excited to also find that there was on average 29% less plastic on our beaches than in 2013 when similar surveys were conducted.

“Whilst plastic pollution is still a global crisis and we still have a long way to go, this research shows that decisions made on the ground, at local management levels, are crucial for the successful reduction of coastal plastic pollution.”

The study put local government waste management actions into three categories of behaviour for preventing poor waste disposal. The first category, planned behaviour, refers to strategies such as recycling guides, information and educational programs, and voluntary clean-up initiatives. The second was crime prevention initiatives like illegal dumping surveillance and beach cleaning. Finally it identified economic rationality behaviours like kerbside, recycling and hard waste collections as well as shopping bag bans.

The researchers found that economic-based strategies had the biggest effect on reducing litter and cleaning coastlines. Municipalities that did not update their waste management strategies or reduced their budget for coastal waste management had beaches that had higher levels of pollution whereas the opposite was true for places with strategies that were kept up to date and had higher budgets for coastal waste management.

The study was published in One Earth.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Drobot Dean

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Date: 2022-06-16T14:00:00+0000

Your morning cuppa may prove to be a sustainable source for an industrial chemical, according to new research.

Coffee and tea are some of the most popular beverages around the world, but the grounds and leaves are often discarded as waste despite being rich in a group of compounds called polyphenols. These compounds can be used to produce industrially useful hydrogen peroxide, and now researchers from the Tokyo University of Science and Nara Women’s University have worked out how to make it using waste from the popular morning brews.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is used industrially thanks to its requirement in the oxidation process. However, it is currently produced through the anthraquinone process, which is both energy-intensive and produces waste.

The method developed by the Japanese scientists involves adding coffee grounds and tea leaves to a sodium phosphate buffer, and shaking and incubating this solution. The result is hydrogen peroxide without the high energy requirements of the traditional method, making it an attractive and sustainable alternative.

The researchers also found that the H₂O₂ produced with this method could be used in the production of Russig’s blue dye, and in the presence of peroxygenase and styrene could be used to make styrene oxide and phenylacetaldehyde. The method is a fairly simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of producing multiple industrial chemicals.

“Our method can be used to produce hydrogen peroxide from materials that would otherwise have been discarded. This could further result in new ways to synthesise industrial chemicals like styrene oxide, opening up new applications for these unused biomass resources,” said Associate Professor Toshiki Furuya from the Tokyo University of Science, one of the researchers working on the project. The team suggests that further research can be done to optimise the process so that it can produce more H₂O₂, with more efficiency, in the future.

The full study, published in ACS Omega, is available online.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/victoria

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Date: 2022-06-16T14:00:00+0000

 

organic and sustainable underwear for men & women

From comfy briefs to sexy bras, these ethical and sustainable underwear brands are giving us everything we want to see in our underwear drawers.

What Makes Your Underwear Sustainable?

Sustainable underwear is quality underwear created from eco-friendly fabrics made by people who are paid a fair wage. You want the underwear to last through many washes and be comfortable for you.

Searching for sustainable period underwear? Click here.

You can also find a list of underwear and socks dedicated to men here.

What Eco-Friendly Fabrics Should You Search For?

The top fabric for eco-friendly underwear is organic cotton, but you can also find great styles in Tencel, Modal, Hemp, Silk, Recycled Polys and Bamboo. Each of these fabrics has their unique characteristics and create a different feel. If you prefer ultra-soft, Tencel and Bamboo might be a good fit. If you need more of a performance pair, go for recycled polyester. Whatever you pick from this list, you are choosing a much more sustainable product than what you find in conventional stores.

Learn more about sustainable fabrics here.

our top picks for comfy, sustainable underwear:

1) Made Trade

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton, Bamboo

Price: $13-38

As you may already know, Made Trade is home to hundreds of sustainable brands for the entire family and home.
Their underwear collection has some of the best eco-friendly underwear from top ethical and sustainable brands to help you feel confident and comfortable all day long, and they even have a section just for plus-size intimates.

Shop Made Trade

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2) Hu-Ha

For: Women

Materials: TENCEL™

Price: $28

These eco-conscious undies are really unique because they’re lining is infused with zinc oxide, a natural anti-bacterial that aims to keep your huha healthy by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Not only are these undies made from TENCEL™ derived fabrics & sustainably sourced wood pulp, but they also ship plastic-free!

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3) JulieMay

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton & Silk

Price: $18-52

Made from certified Organic Pima Cotton and 100% Pure Silk, this is one of the softest collections of eco-friendly bras available! In addition to their briefs, JulieMay carries a wide variety of bra styles: supportive underwired, back support, sport, front fastening, and non-wired bralette. Plus, their designs are made for sensitive skins and are certified Allergy Free UK. They also have a wide range of sizes, from 8-18 and 32B-40G.

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4) Opok

For: Men

Price: $30

Materials: Organic Cotton & Pigment Dyes

Created by twin brothers and ex-professional athletes, Opok is dedicated to providing organic clothing that’s extremely soft and built for daily life. They are passionate about helping the environment & use GOTS-certified sustainable manufacturing & donate a portion of their proceeds to saving bees & coral reefs. You can feel confident knowing that your clothing is safe from toxins & is sustainable for you & the planet.

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5) Pact

For: Men, Women & Kids

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $12-30

This is my go-to for underwear for the entire family! They have a pair of underwear with a lace band at the top, and those are my absolute favorite. The boxes for men are also one of Travis’ favorites. Highly recommend!

code: SustainablyChic20 for 20% off

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6) Girlfriend

For: Women

Materials: Recycled Plastic

Price: $18

One of our favorite size-inclusive brands, Girlfriend have six comfortable underwear styles that come in many colors. You can also find matching bras for different coverage needs, and sizes range from XXS-6XL.

Shop Girlfriend

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7) Organic Basics

For: Men & Women

Materials: Organic Cotton, Tencel, Recycled Nylon

Price: $39-72

I’ve been wearing Organic Basics’ bras and undies for a few years now, and I can say they truly make an amazing undergarment. Even after all the washes, my underwear and bras are still in great condition. Soft and comfy as ever!

Shop Organic Basics

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8) Knickey

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $13

I have a few pair, and love these underwear! Their certified organic cotton undies are free from toxic chemicals so you and your vagina can breathe easy. The certified organic cotton supply chain uses only Oeko-Tex certified dyes in processing - which means zero toxic chemicals in production - yay!

Shop Knickey

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9) Boody

For: Men & Women

Materials: Bamboo

Price: $12-40

If you are looking for ultra-softness! I don’t like to promote too much bamboo fabric, but theirs is wonderful. This brand believes change starts from the ground up. Their collections of women’s underwear is made from sustainably grown bamboo viscose that is easy on the planet, and your body.

Shop Boody

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10) Allbirds

For: Men & Women

Materials: TENCEL™ Lyocell & Merino Wool

Price: $16-30

You may know this brand for their shoes and most recently socks, but now they have a line of underwear for men and women. Their collection comes in many colors, & they have combined eucalyptus fiber and merino to create a soft, moisture-wicking material your private parts will love.

Shop Allbirds

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11) AmaElla

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $28-$122

AmaElla’s panties, bralettes, and nightwear is made ethically in Portugal and the U.K. out of certified OEKO-TEX and GOTS organic cotton. They also have a Lingerie Recycling program to help increase the circularity of your underthings.

You’ll definitely want to check out their super comfortable seamless knickers! You can read more about why I love AmaElla here.

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12) Patagonia

For: Men & Women

Materials: Recycled Polyester, Recycled Nylon

Price: $18-49

If you are looking for performance underwear for your active lifestyle, Patagonia is the place to go! The undies pictured here are made of 89% nylon (66% recycled) & spandex in a quick-dry seamless weave, with HeiQ® Fresh durable odor control, & all are FairTrade sewn.

Shop Patagonia

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13) Wama Underwear

For: Men & Women

Materials: Hemp, Organic Cotton

Price: $20

Because of hemp’s moisture wicking properties, these undies are breathable and comfortable.

Hemp is also resistant to mold and UV light, and retains color better than cotton.

& did you know hemp requires HALF the amount of water to grow?!

Shop Wama Underwear

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14) The Nude Label

For: Men & Women

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $18-54

I love the color palette this European-based underwear brand uses. For their entire collection, they use GOTS certified organic cotton, which means it’s sustainable from start to finish, from farmers to consumers. They also give back to many organizations helping restore our planet with trees and vegetation.

Shop The Nude Label

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15) Thinx

For: Women

Materials: Nylon, Organic Cotton

Price: $24-42

Looking for underwear during that time of month?!

This is probably the most well-known, sought after period panty. I have yet to try them, but it’s on my list. I’ve only heard great things about them, and their prices aren’t bad!

Shop Thinx

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16) Modibodi

For: Women & Men

Materials: Bamboo, Merino Wool

Price: $18-45

At Modibodi, part of each purchase goes toward donating pairs of period underwear to girls in need around the world. So far, Modibodi has donated 23,341 pairs. Their Made To Feel film campaign shows that the sustainable choice can also be the most comfortable and impactful choice. You can also find underwear for men, teens & kids!

Shop Modibodi

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17) Warp + Weft

For: Men & Women

Materials: Modal, Cotton

Price: $12

A brand for every size. Modal for undies is definitely a comfy choice. It’s made from cellulose reconstituted from beech trees, it’s naturally breathable and 50% more absorbent than cotton. It is ultra-soft, ultra-stretchy, & keeps its shape after washes.

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18) Sustain by Kat

For: Women

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $34-62

I own this set and it’s very comfy! This brand has done so many amazing things when it comes to dyeing fabrics, and making sure their garments are sustainable from the notions up. This set is made with 100% organic cotton fabric and trim and natural rubber elastic!

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19) Knix

For: Women

Materials: Nylon, Poly, Modal

Price: $23-125

This woman-founded brand prioritizes transparency and women empowerment.

As Knix continues to grow, the company continues to work toward more sustainable practices, believing that imperfectly starting somewhere is better than not starting at all.

Shop Knix

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20) Pantee

For: Women

Materials: Deadstock Fabric

Price: $18-25

A UK-based brand, Pantee’s bras and underwear are made from either deadstock t-shirts or deadstock t-shirt fabric (95% cotton for comfort, 5% elastane for stretch). They also work closely with their manufacturers to ensure quality and ethical working standards.

Shop Pantee

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Content Creator: Natalie Kay Costello

Date: 2022-06-14T15:29:00+0000