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Maybe it’s because it’s snowing while I’m writing this, but winter just feels special. There are so many activities that I only ever do in winter. There’s nothing better than bundling up by a fire or taking a walk through the snow. But the best winter activities involve good gear and layering. I’m finally starting to break out my winter gear but I know a lot of it could use a sustainable update. So, here are some winter essentials from the best sustainable men’s brands that are on my list this year. Remember, start small, update as needed, and layer up.
Organic Basics Tencel Long-Johns
This may be the most important layer for any winter look: underwear. When briefs of boxers just won’t cut it, why not try Long Johns? This pair from Organic Basics is breathable, soft, and made from one of sustainable fashion’s secret weapons, TENCEL™. This is a surefire way to feel good and stay warm.
Environmental Impact: Organic Basics is transparent about their manufacturing partners while also sharing details about how they’re reducing their impact. They predominantly work with renewable materials like tencel and recycled fabrics like wool and cashmere.
Tencel is made from wood pulp that “is dissolved in a closed-loop process with a non-toxic organic solvent, then the solution is forced through tiny holes in order to create a magical biodegradable fiber that feels softer and lighter than cotton.”
The North Face Men’s Waffle Long-Sleeve Henley
Thermal shirts are like the cousin to Long Johns. They’re super useful for winter runs, hikes, snowboarding, skiing, or even a chilly day inside. The North Face’s thermal is made from breathable cotton that makes it perfect for any level of activity.
Environmental Impact: This thermal shirt is a blend of ethically-grown cotton and polyester. The cotton is grown in the U.S. The North Face has also made science-based targets to reduce CO2 emissions by focusing more on regenerative-grown cotton, recycled materials and responsibly-sourced renewable materials like wool.
Bombas Performance Ski & Snowboard Nordic Socks
Next up is socks. This is nonnegotiable. You need to have something warm on your feet whether you’re in your house or out and about. Why not try a pair of Bombas? Their blend of Merino, nylon, and lycra makes their socks long-lasting, durable, and comfortable. And the bonus of buying Bombas socks is that for each pair you buy, they donate one pair to a homeless shelter.
Environmental Impact: For every pair of socks that are purchased, one is donated to those in need living in a homeless shelter. Boombas is also a certified B Corporation, meaning that their business model is dedicated to the greater good. From guaranteeing that organic materials are used to ethical practices throughout their supply chain, B Corps are heavily audited by third-party organizations to ensure that they’re committed to supporting ethical missions.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pants
Weather-proof pants are a must have in the winter. If you’ve ever found yourself in wet jeans after a walk in the snow, you know what I’m talking about. If you’re looking for something that’s simple, but gets the job done, try out the Torrentshell 3L Pants from Patagonia. They’re made from bluesign® approved fabric and are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. Plus they blend in with just about any winter outfit you’ve got.
Environmental Impact: Patagonia is dedicated to sustainable design initiatives like using recycled nylon to reduce their CO2 emissions. They also ensure that all products that are made under the brand name have been vetted by a democratically elected Fair Trade worker to allow the Fair Trade Certified label to be sewn into the brand.
Using recycled nylon fabrics this season resulted in an 18% reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to virgin nylon fabrics.
Tentree EcoLoft 1/4 Zip Longsleeve
Fleeces are a great winter option because you can easily throw them on as a top or middle layer. But as comfy and warm as fleeces are, they’re often made from polyester, a nonbiodegradable material. Luckily, Tentree makes their fleece from recycled polyester. It’s a great go-to for whenever you’re leaving the house or need to pull on something warm for a Zoom call.
Environmental Impact: This fleece is made from recycled polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles that saves…
8.16 L of water
1.99 Kg of CO2
0.02 G of Waste
Allbirds Trino™ Puffer
The puffer is the quintessential winter jacket. Traditionally puffers are made from down (plucked goose feathers), but there’s been a rise in sustainable and ethical alternatives in recent years. One of the most exciting new no-down puffer options comes from one of the leaders in sustainable shoes: Allbirds. Their Trino™ Puffer is made from TENCEL™ and recycled polyester, which is the perfect warm, feel-good combo to help you face winter weather.
Environmental Impact: This puffer is a blend of natural and recycled materials. Even the insulating ‘down’ is actually a blend of recycled polyester to ensure animal welfare. Thanks to eco-practices, this coat’s carbon footprint begins at only 25kg CO2. By closely following products’ lifespans from sourcing raw materials to how it’s disposed of, Allbirds is able to follow strategies to reduce CO2 emissions and waste to emerge as one of today’s leading sustainable men’s brands.
Will’s Vegan Store Dock Boots in Tan Vegan Suede
Bean boots are another winter classic because of their style and versatility. Most bean boots are crafted from leather or suede, which means it’s hard to find ones that are sustainably or ethically made. Luckily Will’s Vegan Store sells their own version of bean boots called Dock Boots. They’re made from vegan suede and are weather-resistant, making them a great alternative to the winter staple.
Environmental Impact: Will’s boots are made under the European Union employment laws in Portugal to ensure that their products are ethically made. And, each product meets Ecolabel, Oeko Tex 100 and REACH standards to ensure that they’re made with natural and safe materials. All packaging is recycled and recyclable.
Rapanui Recycled Organic Cotton Beanie
You’ll probably wanna keep your head and ears warm during the winter. So why not try out a beanie? Rapanui’s beanie is made in a closed-looped system from a blend of certified organic cotton and recycled organic cotton. It’s a simple addition you can throw on whenever you need to.
Environmental Impact: What’s cool about Rapanui is that they allow you to follow an items journey from the cotton farm to packaging. Organic cotton is chosen to minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers and to reduce water waste. Any water used during the dyeing and production process is filtered to be of a drinkable quality before it is circulated back into the production system. All items are packaged without plastics and in recycled paper boxes designed to be recycled and reused again.
Bleusalt The Scarf (1 Yard)
Another essential winter accessory is the scarf. While there are amazing patterned scarves out there, sometimes you just want something streamlined and simple. This is where Bleusalt comes in. Their ribbed vegan, cruelty-free scarf is made sustainably from Beech Tree fiber. It comes in a variety of colors so you could spring for a pop of color or just stick with a neutral.
Environmental Impact: This unisex scarf is made from the vegan cashmere alternative, a pulp made sourced from Beechtree. Fabrics made from this are soft and antimirobial, making it a worthy alternative to the luxurious softness of cashmere.
Gobi Cashmere Gloves
And finally, you’ll need something to keep your hands warm all winter long. Gobi makes elastic free cashmere gloves that will do the trick. They’ve got a variety of natural, organic-looking colors and other styles to choose from.
Environmental Impact: Since 1981, Gobi has been practicing sustainability. The farms and nomadic herders where their cashmere is sourced practice humane treatment of their animals. And, Gobi participates in their efforts to redcue deforestation and preserve the land through collaborations with various environmental organizations.