Shop Small : Upcycled and Recycled Businesses
Hello and welcome back to another blog post where I've scoured the internet for businesses doing things different and shared them with you! I really love putting resources like this together, and I hope you get something out of it like I do when finding these amazing companies.
Looking for other informative posts?
Read about where to donate/send your old textiles in Clothes Are Not Trash
Shop Deadstock, Reclaimed and Vintage Fabrics for all your sewing projects!
This year has been a whirlwind. I think everyone feels that way. Holidays and gifts are very possibly the last thing on your mind. And if you aren't gifting this year, consider treating yourself, supporting a small, sustainable business or sharing this post with a friend who may find a new company to love and support. And as always, if there is a business you think should be included in this list, let me know!
(please note different shipping times and each individual shop policy.)
Apparel:
Zero Waste Daniel (US): One of my favorite sustainable apparel companies! Zero Waste Daniel is leading the force for sustainable clothing, using fabric scraps in their apparel collections, and most recently, their mask collection!
Silly Girls Club (International): I've been following Silly Girl's Club on Instagram for a while now and love the company's fun fashion! This shop specializes in making clothes, fanny packs and other fun accessories from upcycled kids cartoon bed sheets!
Wasi Clothing (US): I found Wasi Clothing from a video on TikTok talking about working with deastock fabric! Their clothing is so cute and I really love the commitment to using deadstock fabrics and sustainable sources!
Grant BLVD (US): Apparel company where all the garments are made using reclaimed and deadstock fabrics! I really love their reclaimed screen-printed collection!
Archivist (International): Looking for a new classic button up to add to your wardrobe? These are made from upcycled luxury hotel linens! It looks like there's more to come for this company - so keep an eye out!
Miracle Eye (US): An amazing business selling handmade clothes, and straight from their site, "We work with vintage deadstock recycled fabrics as much as possible to remain as sustainable & waste-free as we can". I got lost by all the fantastic photos on their site!
Psychic Outlaw (US): These upcycled quilt jackets and bandana dresses have been inspiring sewists all over Instagram! You can send in a quilt of your own to be transformed or purchase one of their found quilts!
Nothing New Shoes (US): Classic style sneakers made with up-cycled plastic. The uppers, laces, tongue label, and footbed liner are all made of 100% recycled post-consumer plastic!
Erin Elsie (US): Really fun handmade apparel and accessories made with reclaimed apparel and fabrics!
Bags/Accessories:
Scenery Bags (US): So I don't like to have favorites, but this one tops it for me with creativity and sustainability. Scenery Bags takes retired theatrical materials and turns them into bags based on the show they are from! They also make jewelry from stage floors! And to make this company even cooler, 10% of proceeds from every sale is donated to TDF to take kids to see theatre!
Off Chutes (US): Upcycled parachute and paraglider accessories! Wallets, key fobs, tote bags and more!
Friends International (Part of the Global Goods Partners) : Fair trade bags made from recycled tires! From their site, "Friends International aims to reduce the number of children living or working on the streets by providing stable jobs and sufficient incomes to their parents."
The Upcycled Movement: (Ireland): Bags and accessories made from wetsuits! This collection of upcycled pieces also gives back - 10% goes to Seal Rescue Ireland!
Rareform (US): Rareform upcycles billboards into bags and accessories! Their upcycled products include surf board bags, cooler bags, laptop sleeves and more!
Honey Darlin (US): Amy, seamstress behind Amy Nicole Studio, sells bags, apparel and accessories made from vintage and reclaimed materials!
Suave Kenya (International): Beautiful upcycled bags where materials are sourced from open air markets!
Home:
The Little Market: Glassware made from recycled glass by artisans in Mexico! Shop the entire Little Market site for other fair trade & artisan made finds.
Irish Glass (US): Shot glasses, planters and candles made from recycled beer bottles!
Vinylux - Uncommon Goods (US): Upcycled Vinyl from coasters to Bluetooth Speaker! You can also shop through Jeff Davis' site, which has a few different pieces.
Jewelry:
Coffee Pod Creations (UK): Maker Vicky Knight transforms used coffee pods into beautiful jewelry!
CrapBagBananaHammock (US): Upcycled game pieces - made into jewelry, coasters, keychains, ornaments, etc!
MyAlterEco (US): Upcycled jewelry, beautiful tin earrings!
Zass (US): Mother/Daughter team making gorgeous upcycled jewelry - check out their "Brew Collection"
Reasons and Rhymes (US): Reclaimed wood earrings - beautiful product and beautiful packaging!
CRAVE by CRV (US): Upcycled Jewelry and accessories made from old clothes and dilapidated kiddie pools!
Undone Clothing (US): Upcycled tape measure jewelry and accessories - my favorite from this shop is the upcycled film reel gift packaging!
Kids:
Beeper Bebe (US): The sweetest stuffies and plushies! Each handmade piece is made with upcycled materials or eco friendly new materials. A stuffed octopus made from t-shirts? Yes, even as an adult I want one!
Green Toys (US): A toy company made 100% from recycled milk jugs! No glue, metal, screws or paint! They feature toys like vehicles, jump ropes, stacking and tub toys, etc!
Other:
Lionshed Designs (UK): Upcycled VHS tape notebooks! What did they do with the VHS tapes you may ask? Turned them into planters!
Couch Guitar Straps (US): Deadstock and Reclaimed fabrics make up some seriously awesome guitar and camera straps. They are made of at least 25% recycled materials, including deadstock fabrics and seatbelts! Shop also sells belts, wallets and drum accessories.
The Ugly Company (US): upcycled "ugly" fruit into dried fruit snacks! Food Waste is a serious issue and The Ugly Company is helping to combat waste by turning it into their products! They offer nectarines, apricots, kiwis, and peaches!
Hudson Houndstooth (US): A company for pet accessories! Handmade pieces made with reclaimed and recycled materials including bow ties, bandanas, tug toys and waste bag holders!
Sports Equipment/ Profession Based:
Vintage Golf Gifts (US): Some really cool products made from repurposed golf clubs! They have bottle openers, lamps, clocks and even furniture!
Recycled Sports Equipment - Uncommon Goods (US): I've bought a few things from Uncommon Goods, especially since they like to focus on small business and fair trade options. Here's a whole section of items made from recycled sporting equipment! (Prices vary but I love the upcycled hockey stick snow brush and BBQ set!)
SeshNotStigma (UK): Recycled skateboard jewelry and accessories including keychains, phone cases and clocks!
BoardThing (International): This shop specializes in rings made from recycled skateboards!
Recycled Firefighter (US): Making wallets, bags and belts out of decommissioned fire hoses!
Firefighter Turn Out Bag (US): Sells upcycled bags made from old firefighting gear. You can also send in your old gear for a custom bag! (As seen on Shark Tank)
Sword and Plough (US): Upcycled bags and accessories made out of repurposed military surplus and durable military grade materials. Purchases help empower veteran employment, reduce waste, and they donate 10% of profits to impactful veteran initiatives!
One more business to add to this list, mine!
I absolutely love creating bags and accessories with reclaimed fabrics and upcycled fabric swatches. There is so much textile waste in the world, I love helping bring new life to materials that would have otherwise been thrown away! You can shop my handmade pieces on etsy!
Gathering businesses for this list was really exciting. It was so fun to see how people are innovating their products and trying to make our planet greener and I really hope you can walk away from this list saying "no way, that's so cool!" at least once!
If you know of another great upcycled/recycled business or want to share your own, leave a link down below! Be sure to tell us what you make and the best way to shop!