Kristine
The impacts of Covid-19 on the environment have proven what climate scientists have been trying to explain for decades: reducing energy consumption and limiting travel can make our cities cleaner and safer. The nationwide WFH trend has been very eco-friendly, having reduced pollution in numerous American cities, with some reporting 30% reductions in harmful toxins like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon. According to the American Geophysical Union, the pandemic has additionally contributed to lower deforestation rates, better water quality, and cleaner air.
Despite these positive signs, as more people receive the vaccine and relapse into pre-pandemic routines, experts are concerned that environmental issues will also return and then continue to decline. However, one simple way to combat climate change and encourage more sustainable practices around the globe is by consciously choosing ethical brands that align with your values.
Instead of heading to Amazon for your next online shopping spree, consider supporting these sustainable D2C (Direct-to-Customer) brands that are committed to helping people develop eco-friendly lifestyles:
Aether Beauty
Whether you’re looking for a pretty new eyeshadow palette or a nourishing lip balm, Aether Beauty has you covered. This sustainable, 100% vegan and cruelty-free makeup brand created the first zero-waste makeup palette, and all of their packaging (including their sugar-based biodegradable stickers) can be fully recycled. Aether Beauty creates all of its products in the US, Canada, or Europe, frequently monitoring their supply chain to ensure that all ingredients are ethically sourced.
Every Aether Beauty product is non-toxic, organic, fair-trade, and non-GMO. The brand has also refused to use over 1,500 chemical ingredients that have been banned in other countries, but not the US. Their #GoodVibesOnly ingredient code reassures conscious consumers that Aether Beauty takes sustainability seriously.
If you’re still not convinced, take a peek at the ametrine crystal eyeshadow palette or the sparkling, diamond-infused highlighter to truly upgrade your makeup routine.
Allbirds
Allbirds is a certified B-Corp that develops a variety of shoes and clothing made from renewable or recycled materials. The company is currently a carbon-neutral business throughout its manufacturing process, but Allbirds’ ultimate goal is to reduce its carbon footprint to zero. They currently take great care to measure the carbon emissions of every item, from the raw materials to the finished product and strive to replace synthetic materials with natural sources instead.
However, it should be noted that “recycled” doesn’t mean “unfashionable.” Allbirds’ shoes are both stylish and comfortable, and the variety of items makes it easy for everyone to find a pair they’ll love. From cozy wool slip-ons to lightweight running shoes, this brand offers every kind of footwear you might need.
Bite
Did you know that not all toothpaste is vegan? While this sounds absurd, many toothpaste brands contain glycerin from animals or propolis from bees. Furthermore, even brands that don’t use either of these items still frequently test their products on animals. But one thing that all of these toothpaste brands have in common is that they’re all packaged in non-recyclable plastic tubes.
This is where Bite comes in. They have eliminated all animal-based ingredients in their toothpaste formulas and have 100% plastic-free packaging. Instead, their toothpaste tablets come in small glass jars with recyclable aluminum lids. “Unlike plastic, glass is infinitely recyclable, looks great, and breaks down into sand at the end of its life,” says Bite’s sustainability page.
Using Bite is just as simple as your standard brushing routine: bite down on the toothpaste tablet and start brushing with a wet toothbrush. If you want to stop using plastic toothpaste tubes for good, check out Bite’s best-selling Fresh Mint toothpaste bits or their Fresh Mint & Activated Charcoal duo.
Green Toys
Children are rough with their toys and generally only use them for a few years, so Green Toys had the brilliant idea to make children’s toys out of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. The company regularly saves usable materials from being thrown into landfills, and the brand creates all of its toys in the US from locally-sourced materials. The brand is proud to say that all of their products are non-toxic, dishwasher-safe, and eco-friendly, guaranteed to make parents and kids happy. Green Toys itself defines its core mission as “making products that are good for the earth, as well as safe and fun for the little ones who call it home.”
If you’re doubting that toys made from recycled materials can be both eco-friendly and adorable, this cute board book and tugboat set is sure to change your mind!
HYER GOODS
If you love fashion and the thrill of buying new items for your wardrobes, HYER GOODS is a sustainable clothing brand you can feel good about. The organization’s goal is to reduce the negative impacts of fast fashion brands by creating new items from the scraps of fabric and leather leftover from textile factories. “By upcycling ‘trash,’” explains founder Dana Cohen. “We eliminate the massive energy footprint needed to cultivate land, livestock, crops, and fertilizers, while simultaneously reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill.”
To inspire customers to purchase items they can use for years to come, HYER GOODS focuses on making classic, timeless pieces that will look great regardless of passing fashion trends. Just check out their versatile accessories, such as their cozy heather grey beanie or sleek mini convertible crossbody bag, to fully understand the brand’s commitment to making beautiful products that can stand the test of time.
Prose
Prose is a certified B-Corp that believes sustainability and customizability go hand-in-hand. “Our made-to-order production model already sets us apart from more traditional brands because we’re not overproducing and therefore needlessly creating excess waste,” according to Prose’s sustainability pledge. The brand discovered that up to 40% of all mass-produced hair care products can go to waste because it’s difficult for people to find the right type of formula for them. Prose stepped in to create a personalized approach to hair care.
All of Prose’s shampoos, masks, and conditioners are made with vegan ingredients, and Prose’s core team includes several chemists who regularly update the brand’s formulas to create the best combination for each individual customer. Just fill in a brief questionnaire to generate your very own customized hair care system to help your hair look and feel beautiful.
TomboyX
TomboyX is primarily known as an underwear brand, but it also offers cute socks, comfy loungewear, and soft pajamas. TomboyX is gender-inclusive, size-inclusive, and committed to ethical, eco-friendly production. Throughout the production and manufacturing process, fair trade practices are used, and the company ensures that every factory worker is paid a fair wage for their labor. All of TomboyX’s packaging is either recyclable or biodegradable, and the brand aims to continue adding sustainable practices as the company keeps growing in popularity.
TomboyX is working towards becoming a carbon-neutral brand, using more natural dyes in their products, and developing end-of-life plans for clothing and accessories to prevent them from ending up in landfills. If you’d like to support this brand’s mission, just head to the best sellers page to browse through a wide range of their most popular styles!
