Every year, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enters the oceans. To help combat this staggering statistic, various industries have made important eco-friendly efforts in recent years: Major hospitality groups worked with local organizations to introduce conservation strategies, an increasing number of airlines have pledged to fulfill long-term sustainability promises, and environmentally minded hotels are setting new standards for reducing negative environmental impact.
There are plenty of ways to take Earth-saving efforts into your own hands, too, starting with your wallet. These environmentally conscious companies are turning to the sea, transforming discarded trash into everyday treasures you can use on a regular basis (especially during summer). So next time you’re looking to purchase something snazzy, keep these sustainable products made from plastic bottles and recycled ocean waste at the top of your list.
“The Lightweight Tote” by Rothy’s, $175
Courtesy of Rothy’s
Rothy’s shoes and bags
Buy now: rothys.com
These fashionable shoes are created using repurposed plastic waste collected within 30 miles of coastlines. But the footwear company uses renewable materials to craft more than just sustainable shoes. In addition to its collection of slip-on flats, loafers, sneakers, and sandals (for women, men, and children), the sustainable brand also features its own line of handbags that includes totes, crossbodies, and handheld pouches knit from 100 percent recycled materials. Customers also receive their purchases in biodegradable boxes made from 95 percent recycled materials, and the box is resealable too, so no tape is needed should you need to return a pair.
“Shine 08” sunglasses by Sea2See, $96
Courtesy of Sea2See
Sea2See sunglasses
Buy now: sea2see.org
These modern sunglasses, optical frames, and watches are made with recycled ocean plastic, abandoned fishing nets, and ropes collected from coastal fishing communities in Spain, France, Portugal, Senegal, and Ghana. The company’s philosophy focuses on eco-innovation: Plastic is the main source of material in the eyewear industry, and Sea2See aims to lead the change in “turning waste into fashion.” Each pair of frames, which are handmade in Italy, amounts to 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of plastic collected and recycled.
Adidas X Parley for the Oceans sportswear
Buy now: adidas.com
Ocean advocacy organization Parley for the Oceans teamed with Adidas in 2015 to create a sustainable sportswear line using yarn spun Parley Ocean Plastic—beach waste that’s intercepted and upcycled before it reaches the ocean. The Adidas X Parley for the Oceans line—which sources plastic waste from the Maldives, the Dominican Republic, and Sri Lanka—includes sleek, supportive running shoes and workout wear for men, women, and children. What’s more: Adidas pledges to use repurposed ocean plastic in all of its products by 2024.
“175 Gram Freestyle Frisbee” by Bureo, $12
Courtesy of Bureo
Bureo Fishnet Flyer Frisbee
Buy now: bureo.co
Discarded fishing nets make up an estimated 10 percent of plastic in the ocean, according to eco-friendly product manufacturer Bureo. The company is committed to creating sustainable products that combat this problem by using recycled fishing nets from coastal communities to create its skateboards, surf fins, sunglasses, and insulated water bottles, plus fun goods like Jenga (the board game) and Frisbees.
A reef fish sculpture by Sea Star Beachwear X Ocean Sole Africa, $45
Courtesy of Sea Star Beachwear X Ocean Sole Africa
Ocean Sole x Sea Star recycled beach art
Buy now: seastarbeachwear.com
Kenya’s women-run marine charity, Ocean Sole Africa, collects over 100,000 pounds of discarded flip-flops from the country’s coast annually and upcycles the plastic waste into art. In 2018, resort and lifestyle brand Sea Star Beachwear teamed up with Ocean Sole to support their empowering mission: Now Ocean Sole’s upcycled sculptures are sold online alongside Sea Star’s water-friendly shoes, bags, and accessories. The collection features colorful sculptures depicting sea creatures such as turtles, octopuses, and hammerhead sharks. Each piece retails for $45 and all of the proceeds are donated back to Ocean Sole Africa’s beach-cleaning initiative.
“The Tide II” sunglasses from Norton Point, $89
Courtesy of Norton Point
Norton Point sunglasses Buy now: nortonpoint.com
This Los Angeles–based, Martha’s Vineyard-born brand removes plastic from Haiti’s canals and coastlines and transforms the waste into “socially conscious eyewear.” For every pair of sunglasses sold, Norton Point pledges to remove one pound of plastic from the ocean. Additionally, 5 percent of the company’s net profits go toward global cleanup, education, and remediation initiatives.
The three-capsule bundle by Cadence, $42
Courtesy of Cadence
Cadence capsules
Buy now: keepyourcadence.com
Made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, these capsules from AAPI-owned brand Cadence eliminate the need to buy miniatures of your favorite travel toiletries. Simply dispense up to 0.56 ounces of your favorite face wash, moisturizer, etc. into each capsule from the larger bottle you keep at home. They’re seriously leak-proof, too. Sold individually and in sets, each capsule magnetically attaches to the others so you can build a honeycomb of sorts.
The Original Towel by Nomadix, $40
Courtesy of Nomadix
Nomadix travel towels Buy now: nomadix.com; rei.com
It’s a beach towel, it’s a yoga towel, it’s a travel towel . . . and it’s made using 100 percent recycled materials (30 recycled plastic bottles per towel, to be exact). Nomadix designs its trendy towels to be hyper durable, lightweight, and quick drying so you can take them just about anywhere in the great outdoors. The eco-friendly line also offers equally sensible post-surf or swim ponchos for adults and children, as well as festival blankets made with repurposed waste.
Girlfriend Collective activewear
Buy now: girlfriend.com
Girlfriend Collective produces comfortable leggings, bike shorts, sports bras, and swimsuits using recycled polyester made from plastic bottles. In addition to being both stylish and sustainable, Girlfriend Collection’s activewear is also inclusive of different body types. Sizes range from XXS to 6XL—with maternity options—and are offered in various colors made with eco-friendly dyes. The packaging is 100 percent recycled and recyclable, too.
“Earth Bag Lite” duffle by Hamilton Perkins Collection, $95
Courtesy of Hamilton Perkins
Hamilton Perkins Collection travel bags
Buy now: hamiltonperkins.com
Hamilton Perkins Collection’s Earth bags are made using recycled plastic water bottles and pineapple leaf fiber, as well as repurposed billboard vinyls for the interior lining. The thoughtful travel bags come in different colors and styles, including dufflebags, backpacks, hip bags, and even wallets.
“ReNew Transit Weekender” bag by Everlane, $85
Courtesy of Everlane
Everlane “ReNew Transit Weekender” bag
Buy now: everlane.com
Everlane’s ReNew Transit Weekender bags are crafted with 100 percent recycled polyester made from plastic water bottles. The eco-friendly luggage features a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, and an exterior zip pocket, plus a luggage handle pass-through. A fluorine-free water-resistant finish makes the bag extra durable, but safer for the environment (and for you). The sustainable weekend getaway bag can be carried crossbody, over shoulder, or in hand.
To date, Everlane has recycled over 9 million plastic bottles to produce its ReNew apparel and accessories (such as the Weekender bag) as well as its ReKnit footwear. In 2018, Everlane said it would eliminate all virgin plastic from its supply chain by 2021. It is 90 percent of the way to that No New Plastic goal, and it is working on functional alternatives for that last 10 percent.
“The Legacy” shoe by Suavs (available for women and men), $110
Courtesy of Suavs
Suavs shoes
Buy now: sauvshoes.com
Available in both high- and low-top versions for men and women, Suavs sneakers feature flexible rubber soles and uppers knit from postconsumer recycled water bottles. In addition to being eco-friendly and washable, these ultra lightweight shoes pack flat—making them an ideal travel shoe that takes up next to no space in your bag. For those who prefer wearing shoes without socks, Suavs come with removable microfiber terry foam insoles that are also sold separately if you need replacements.
“Aviator Carry-On” hard-shell luggage by Paravel, $350
Courtesy of Paravel
Paravel “Aviator Carry-On” luggage
Buy now: tourparavel.com
In addition to its lining made from recycled plastic bottles, Paravel’s “Aviator Carry-On” features a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an extendable handle made from recycled aluminum. Perfect for up to a week of packing, the compact luggage is equipped with 360° rotating wheels and a TSA-approved lock, plus an interior compression board and a removable accessories pouch (not to mention a vegan leather exterior trim). The upcycled hard-shell suitcase launched in November 2019 as part of Paravel’s new sustainability initiative, which also kicked off with a collection of light duffel bags and packing cubes made from recycled plastic water bottles.
Lyndsey Matthews contributed reporting to this story.
This article originally appeared in June 2018, and was updated in June 2020, and again on April 22, 2022, to include current information.
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