Accessories may be small, but their impact adds up. This guide explores sustainable accessories — such as hats, belts, and scarves designed from natural fibers and low-impact materials. Each piece adds style while keeping environmental responsibility in focus.
Sustainable belts
Consider belts made from upcycled materials, such as belts made from objects like old bike parts or plastic water bottles; Etsy also offers a variety of choices. Or support an artisan’s handmade work with men’s and women’s belts from Novica.
Choosing sustainable leather
Cattle ranching drives deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, but leather itself is mostly a byproduct of the beef and dairy industries. Discarded hides can even harm the environment, so using them can reduce waste.
The real sustainability issue is how hides are sourced and processed. Leather from deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) cattle, especially when certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), avoids supporting destructive land practices.
Tanning is the biggest concern. Conventional chrome tanning relies on toxic chemicals that pollute air and water and render leather non-biodegradable. Safer options include chrome-free, aldehyde, synthetic, and especially vegetable tanning, which uses plant-based tannins and produces biodegradable leather, though it’s rare and costly.
How to choose responsibly:
- Look for LWG-certified or DCF leather.
- Opt for vegetable-tanned or OEKO-TEX certified non-toxic products when possible.
- Choose recycled leather, which extends material life and reduces waste.
- Avoid exotic leathers (crocodile, snake, kangaroo). These animals are frequently farmed or hunted solely for their skins.
- If avoiding animal leather, choose plant-based vegan alternatives over petrochemical ones. Plant-based leathers (pineapple, apple, cactus, mushroom) are emerging but not yet mainstream. Nearly all vegan leathers are plastic-based (PU or PVC), may contain harfmul chemicals, and come with their own serious environmental costs.
The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a non-profit organization that drives best practices and positive social and environmental change for responsible leather production. Learn more.
What to do with old belts
Donate or check out some other practical reuse ideas.
No matter the material, belts are most likely not going to be recyclable. The metal buckle can be taken to a scrap metal recycler.
Gloves & Mittens
Unusable gloves and mittens can be recycled with other clothing and textiles.
Scarves
Many scarves are made with acrylic, which is a synthetic fossil fuel-based fabric. Better material choices for scarves are cotton, linen, or wool.
Sunglasses
Try one of the brands listed by Treehugger, Sustainable Jungle, or Sustainably Chic.
What to do with unwanted sunglasses
Donate unwanted pairs in good condition. Homeless shelters are often overlooked places for these, but they are a needed item for the unsheltered.
Can sunglasses be recycled?
Metal frames and glass lenses are recyclable, but I have been unable to find an option for plastic frames and lenses, so if damaged, they will likely need to be thrown away. least anywhere I can find.