Wanting to step into spring looking your best is understandable, but it can also be hard to achieve if you’re dedicated to an eco-friendly lifestyle. That said, finding fashionable, sustainable, and cruelty-free accessories isn’t impossible—and we’re here to help you out.
With more and more clothing brands becoming vegan-friendly and focused on environmental causes, there’s hope to find things you actually want to wear, without compromising your values. We’ve rounded out some of our favorite eco-friendly accessories for spring so you can look your best and feel good about it. Let’s dive into our top 5 picks:
1. Sustainable Sunglasses
Sunglasses are undeniably the #1 springtime must-have, but you might be surprised to find that your go-to sunglass brand might not be eco-friendly. From manufacturing practices to tons of plastic waste that’s ending up in our oceans, your average sunglasses are actually doing more harm than good, even if they do help perform the critical task of protecting your eyes from the sun.
So, what can you do to make sure you still have this seasonal must-have in your handbag at all times, without contributing to serious environmental issues? Find a brand that offers sustainable sunglasses that get the job done, still look amazing, and are eco-friendly. Instead of traditional plastics, look for options made from wood, bamboo, and other sustainable materials.
2. Leather-Free Handbags
Beautiful weather, picturesque blooms, and fun to be had with friends will likely have you on-the-go all springtime long. To make sure you have everything you need throughout your busy days, you need the perfect handbag. Finding a cute purse that is made out of something other than leather, plastic, or other harmful materials might prove to be a challenge when you’re digging through the aisles of your favorite shop.
You can find fashionable handbags made from all sorts of eco-friendly materials including marine plastic, vegan leather, organic cotton, and more.
3. Bio-Based Shoes
The right shoes get us where we need to go, provide cushioning we need, and protect our feet, but they can also harm the environment if they aren’t sustainably made. Whether you prefer to rock a comfy pair of sneakers or a cute pair of sandals that shows off your fresh pedicure, bio-based shoes are the way to go this spring.
Before your fret that you might have to abandon your favorite brand, that might not be the case. Many companies are rising to the occasion by making their shoes, or at least certain lines of their shoes, from sustainable materials including:
- Recycled water bottles
- Algae
- Organic cotton
- Corn fibers
From workout trainers to flats for date night, you can easily meet all your springtime shoe needs with a sustainable pair or two.
4. Wood & Bamboo Earrings
No outfit is complete without the right jewelry. Unfortunately, many jewelry brands, particularly those on the more affordable end of the spectrum, tend to use plastics in their pieces. As you know, plastic is a huge contributor to environmental issues and often ends up in our oceans.
Instead, opt for bamboo or wooden earrings. Both are biodegradable and the natural hues pair perfectly with most springtime wardrobes. Pair them with matching bangles to take your sustainable look to the next level.
If wood really isn’t your style, try to find a brand that helps promote economies in rural areas by having their jewelry created by artisans.
5. Vegan Leather Belt
Belts are such a versatile fashion accessory that it would be a shame to leave it out of your springtime wardrobe. Luckily, you can still find plenty of belt options that are made from vegan leather or recycled plastic.
Achieve the classic laid-back-cool-girl look with a faux leather belt, tucked-in tee, and your favorite recycled denim or belt your favorite dress with a white recycled plastic belt for a more modern look. It’s really that easy to work these sustainable alternatives into your outfits.
While these are our top 5 favorite ways to make your spring wardrobe more environmentally conscious, there are plenty of other eco-friendly necessities you should invest in:
- Biodegradable phone case
- Organic cotton headwraps and scarves
- Glass water bottle
- rPET backpack
- Vegan jacket
- Wooden watches
- Rings made from recycled metals
Now you’re ready to strike out in style in the springtime sunshine with these accessories to complete your look.