Our Favorite Sustainable Brands
You want to take better care of Mama Earth, and that includes the stuff you buy on the reg.
But with so many brands making “green” promises—and most of them charging an arm and a leg for their stuff—it’s tough to know what’s worth it and what’s not.
We’ve got you covered. In this post, we share our tried-and-tested, favorite-of-all-time, won’t-drain-your-bank-account sustainable brands!
But first…
Why is sustainability important?
Sustainability—a buzzword for millennials and Gen Z folks in particular—usually refers to avoiding sucking up natural resources as much as possible to maintain the earth’s temperamental and all-important ecological balance.
But, in a broader sense, sustainability means taking care of planet and people.
On the people side, truly sustainable practices look like eliminating discrimination from our working systems—racism, ableism, sexism, colonialism, all the -isms. People deserve to be treated (and paid!) equitably regardless of who they are or where they live. And in our current systems, that’s not happening.
So, we need to be a little (or a lot) more focused on brands who will put their growers, laborers, and other employees first with fair wages and ethical sourcing across the supply chain.
As for the planet… well… we’re killing it. Literally. With single-use plastics, food waste, and general garbage production on the rise, we’re sending tons of trash to landfills every minute. A sustainable brand will take all of this (and more) into consideration and focus on:
Reducing carbon emissions
Lessening impacts on water systems
Using and disposing of chemicals safely
Protecting wildlife
How do you know a brand is sustainable?
A big, big problem is that sustainable isn’t a regulated term. Any company can say they’re sustainable without any stats to back it up.
So how do you actually know a brand is sustainable?
Look for certifications that are regulated. There are plenty out there, and since they’re hard to get and companies need continuous recertification to keep their sustainable stickers, you can be sure any brands with these certifications are on the up-and-up in some way:
Global Organic Textile Standard, reserved for certified-organic textiles
Fair Trade Certified, disclosing how ethically a product is produced
Certified B Corporation, given to companies with rigorous commitments to environmental performance, transparency, and accountability
Leaping Bunny Certification, showing a cruelty-free product or testing process
Now, not all sustainable companies will have a certification. So, you might have to do a little digging of your own. You can look into a company’s policies and procedures to see if they have a general culture of sustainability—and the reports to show it.
The one real downside to sustainable brands? They can be really expensive. Taking care of planet and people isn’t exactly cheap. If you have the money, vote with your dollars. If you’re in a tighter spot, we’ve got you covered.
Our Top 7 Favorite Sustainable Brands
#1 - Package Free Shop
This close to one-stop-shop offers all the lifestyle goodies you could ever need. From kitchen to bathroom to out-and-about, Package Free Shop gives you an extensive list of products to choose from. Trying to reduce single-use plastics? They’ve got you. Wanting to clean up your skincare regimen? Done and done. Want to jump all into zero waste? Look no further.
#2 - Burt’s Bees
Burt’s Bees is an eco-friendly powerhouse that’s been around since the 1980s. From skincare and makeup to organic baby clothing, everyone can find something to love! They operate under four values of sustainability: ingredients from nature, no animal testing, responsible sourcing, and recyclable packaging. And, the best part, Burt’s Bees is widely accessible—both in where to find the products and their cheaper price points!
#3 - Patagonia
If you’re anything close to an outdoor fan, you’re likely familiar with Patagonia. While they’re most known for their high-quality apparel and products for outdoor activities (hello hiking!) they’re also known in the world of sustainability as one of the highest certified B-Corps ever.
Patagonia’s environmental transparency, incorporation of recycled materials, and Worn Wear program—taking their previously-used products and reselling them at a discount—make this company a yes, please on our sustainability list.
#4 - Parade
Parade makes underwear to “rewrite the American underwear story.” They produce the world’s first carbon-neutral, recycled underwear! All the fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning they’re free of toxic materials. They’ve committed to being a totally carbon-neutral business by the end of 2022. All that in addition to inclusive sizing and cute designs? Your downstairs will thank you.
#5 - Misfits Market
Food waste is #1 on the landfill list. One way to combat all that waste is to buy the ugly fruit and veg that would normally be overlooked and later thrown out.
Misfits Market started as a produce-only marketplace that delivered, straight to your door, surplus and undesirable produce that would normally go to waste. Now they offer high-quality meats, seafoods, and sustainable pantry staples as well as the ugly produce you know and love.
This niche online marketplace is now a grocery store competitor, offering prices up to 40% lower than your local grocer!
#6 - HelloFresh
Speaking of food waste, HelloFresh has a pretty impressive impact. This meal kit delivery service sends you pre-portioned, fresh ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions to your doorstep. While they’re a major player against food waste, they’re also increasing their positive impact on carbon emissions and single-use plastics. And they always have deals for new customers, so it’s totally worth a try!
#7 - Stasher
If you’re looking for an easy swap to get rid of those pesky single-use plastics, look no further than Stasher. These silicone food storage bags are perfect for all sizes of goodies. They’re easily washable and can handle both hot and cold temps with the same tried-and-tested gumption! And their commitment to end the world’s plastic problem makes them a sustainable favorite.
Thanks a million!
We’re so grateful for you. (Almost as much as we’re grateful for our fabulous planet.) If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, we’re your people for life. Book a Discovery Meeting today!
