Eco-Friendly Fashion Accessories from Recycled Materials

The fashion industry is undergoing a transformative shift. As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues and the impact of fast fashion, there is a growing demand for more ethical and sustainable fashion choices. Among the most exciting developments in this movement is the rise of recycled accessories—stylish, functional pieces created from materials that would otherwise be discarded.

From plastic bottle handbags to jewellery made from scrap metal, the world of eco crafts is full of creativity, innovation, and purpose. These handmade or upcycled accessories not only reduce waste but also offer unique, often one-of-a-kind designs that tell a story.

In this article, we explore a range of eco-friendly fashion accessories you can make or support, highlight inspiring makers, and share ideas for integrating sustainability into your wardrobe—without compromising on style.

Why Choose Recycled Fashion Accessories?

1. Environmental Impact

Fashion is the second-largest polluting industry in the world. Choosing accessories made from recycled or repurposed materials helps reduce:

• Landfill waste
• Water and energy consumption
• Greenhouse gas emissions

2. Uniqueness and Personal Style

Mass-produced items often lack character. Recycled accessories are handcrafted, thoughtfully designed, and often one-of-a-kind—perfect for anyone who values individuality.

3. Support for Circular Economies

By investing in sustainable fashion, you’re supporting circular production models that minimise waste and keep resources in use for longer.

4. Creative Expression and DIY Potential

Making your own accessories from recycled items is not only eco-friendly but also a rewarding way to express your creativity and reduce your consumption footprint.

Eco-Friendly Accessories You Can Make or Buy

1. Plastic Bottle Jewellery

What It Is:

Necklaces, earrings, and bangles made from cut, shaped, and coloured plastic bottles.

DIY Idea:

• Cut clean bottles into petal or leaf shapes.
• Use a heat gun or candle to curl and shape edges.
• Paint with eco-friendly or glass paints.
• Combine with beads or wire for an elegant finish.

Why it’s sustainable: Repurposes single-use plastics and gives them a beautiful second life.

2. Fabric Scraps and Upcycled Textile Bags

What It Is:

Tote bags, clutches, or backpacks made from discarded clothing, curtains, or textile remnants.

DIY Idea:

• Use patchwork techniques to combine different fabric pieces.
• Add interior lining made from old t-shirts or bedsheets.
• Decorate with embroidery or natural dyes.

Pro tip: Denim, canvas, and upholstery fabrics make especially durable bases.

Eco crafts bonus: Keeps textile waste out of landfill while creating something functional and stylish.

3. Cork and Paper Accessories

What It Is:

Wallets, bracelets, and earrings made from recycled corks, cardboard, or paper beads.

DIY Idea:

• Roll strips of old magazines or newspaper into tight beads, then varnish.
• Flatten corks and cut into geometric shapes for earrings or pendants.
• Mount cork on backing fabric to create brooches or pins.

Why it’s green: Paper and cork are biodegradable and can be sourced from common household waste.

4. Recycled Metal and Hardware Jewellery

What It Is:

Fashion jewellery crafted from nuts, washers, keys, bicycle chains, or discarded metal scraps.

DIY Idea:

• Clean metal pieces thoroughly and polish.
• Combine with leather or fabric for mixed-material accessories.
• Spray paint or enamel for a pop of colour.

Safety tip: Use a Dremel tool to sand sharp edges and always wear gloves when working with metal.

Sustainable fashion highlight: Turns industrial scrap into edgy, urban-inspired fashion.

5. Glass and Bottle Cap Designs

What It Is:

Rings, brooches, and necklaces made from bottle caps, broken glass, or sea glass.

DIY Idea:

• Fill bottle caps with resin and embed tiny artwork or pressed flowers.
• Create mosaics with broken ceramic or glass for statement earrings.
• Drill holes in sea glass and string with hemp cord for boho necklaces.

Why it matters: Glass takes over a million years to decompose—repurposing it adds both beauty and longevity.

6. Upcycled Leather Goods

What It Is:

Accessories like belts, wrist cuffs, and small pouches made from old leather jackets, handbags, or shoes.

DIY Idea:

• Cut leather scraps into bracelets or chokers.
• Add rivets, beads, or recycled fastenings for detail.
• Stitch or glue onto canvas for mixed-media clutches.

Tip: Leather is long-lasting and ages beautifully—perfect for accessories that will be worn again and again.

How to Source Materials Sustainably

Whether you’re making your own eco crafts or supporting upcycled designers, sourcing materials thoughtfully is key.

Where to Look:

• Charity shops or car boot sales
• Freecycle groups and local swap events
• Packaging materials (boxes, paper, fabric ties)
• Broken or outdated accessories in your own drawers
• Local tailor or upholsterer offcuts

What to Avoid:

• Toxic paints or glues (opt for eco-safe alternatives)
• Non-biodegradable glitter or plastic embellishments
• Overbuying “new” craft materials under the guise of DIY

Remember: Upcycling is about using what you already have or rescuing what would otherwise be wasted.

Inspiring Brands Making Recycled Accessories

1. Elvis & Kresse (UK)

Creates luxury bags and accessories from reclaimed fire hoses and leather waste. A certified B Corp with strong environmental and social values.

2. Refished (Cambodia)

Produces vibrant bags and wallets from recycled cement bags, supporting fair employment in local communities.

3. Bethesda Green’s Upcycled Collection (USA)

Offers earrings and necklaces made from hardware store waste—each piece is entirely unique.

4. Cycle of Good (Malawi/UK)

Turns inner tubes, coffee sacks, and other materials into cool, rugged accessories while providing training and fair wages.

Why support these brands? They combine style with impact, proving that sustainable fashion can be ethical, elegant, and empowering.

Tips for Upcycled Fashion Success

Whether you’re crafting or shopping consciously, here’s how to make the most of your recycled accessories.

1. Keep It Functional

Choose pieces you’ll actually use and wear. Utility adds longevity and avoids clutter.

2. Match Your Aesthetic

DIY doesn’t mean unpolished—choose materials, colours, and designs that reflect your personal style.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Try combining textures or materials you wouldn’t normally pair—contrast often makes accessories stand out.

4. Gift Handmade Items

Eco-friendly, handcrafted accessories make meaningful gifts with a unique backstory.

5. Maintain and Repair

Sustainable fashion is also about longevity—learn to fix, refresh, or repurpose old pieces to extend their life.

Fashion That Feels as Good as It Looks

In a culture increasingly saturated with overconsumption, choosing to wear or create eco-friendly fashion accessories made from recycled materials is a statement—not just of style, but of values. It’s a way of reclaiming beauty from waste, slowing down our consumption, and embracing craftsmanship over convenience.

Whether you’re creating your own jewellery from found objects, supporting small ethical brands, or simply rethinking how you use everyday items, sustainable fashion starts with intention. With every repurposed necklace or upcycled tote bag, you’re helping to redefine what fashion can be—kind to the planet, kind to people, and rich in story.

Take action today: Dig through your recycling bin, visit a local second-hand shop, or follow a tutorial for one of the ideas in this article. Because fashion made with heart—and from the things we once threw away—just might be the most stylish kind of all.