15 Ethical & Sustainable Brands that Give Back with Each Purchase (2024)
Sustainable Brands that Give Back with Each Purchase
Most ethical and sustainable brands go beyond simply selling products like clothing or soap. They are committed to allocating a portion of their profits to support causes, non-profits, or communities that they are passionate about. This means that with each purchase you make, a percentage of the proceeds goes directly towards advancing a mission that they deeply believe in.
Why support brands that give back?
By choosing to support these sustainable brands, you are not only making an environmentally conscious decision but also aligning yourself with a larger mission that transcends traditional consumerism. It's crucial for businesses to operate with a deeper purpose beyond just selling goods and services, particularly when their products have an ecological impact. Giving back to the environment is an ethical imperative when utilizing its resources, and sustainably-minded brands wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy. These brands often demonstrate their commitment through various initiatives, such as carbon-neutral shipping, support for environmental causes, and community programs, all of which exemplify a genuine dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Our Favorite Sustainable Brands that Give Back:
1. tentree
plants 10 trees with every purchase
Tentree has planted over 43 million trees so far! Their "earth-first" apparel is made ethically from eco-conscious fabrics such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, TENCEL, and hemp.
They also strive to make their clothing more affordable compared to other sustainable brands. In addition to apparel and accessories, you can purchase carbon offsets for your personal lifestyle directly from their website!
2. Ethique
2% of sales go towards conservation, animal welfare and environmental groups
Founded in a small kitchen in her New Zealand home, Brianne West set out to create a formula that would help reduce the waste generated by the cosmetics industry. Ethique is a brand that offers 100% plastic-free, plant-based, certified carbon-neutral bath and body products, designed to minimize waste. Their products are made from biodegradable, sustainably sourced, naturally-derived, and palm oil-free ingredients.
3. Obakki
supports global artisan communities
You will adore Obakki’s thoughtfully curated collection of home goods, jewelry, skincare, accessories, and apparel. Each piece is meticulously crafted by one of the brand’s artisan partners from around the world. Obakki is dedicated to providing transparency and traceability throughout the production process. They have a sister non-profit organization, The Obakki Foundation, which enables them to further support their partner communities.
4. GreenEcoDream
supports beach cleanup initiatives
GreenEcoDream is one of our favorite marketplaces for sustainable bath and beauty products, home goods, and on-the-go essentials.
They give back a portion of each purchase to Clean Miami Beach through their 1% for the Planet membership.
In addition, GreenEcoDream is a member of the Plastic Pollution Coalition and the Sierra Club.
They are certified carbon neutral and a certified Green America business as well!
5. Conscious Step
each pair supports a different cause
Check out this awesome brand that offers practical and comfortable products - socks.
What's great is that you can choose which cause is most important to you, whether it's breast cancer prevention or saving dogs. Choose from fun prints to solid colors! Conscious Step offers ethically made socks from organic cotton, and they cater to men, women, and children.
6. The Tote Project
20% of profits are donated to Two Wings
A beautiful brand created to give back!
Fay Grant and Michelle Chavez started The Tote Project based on friendship and a shared dream.
Their goal is to support the recovery of victims of modern-day slavery.
With hope, they strive to empower survivors of human trafficking by providing them with opportunities and helping them showcase their worth and potential.
7. Mable
Buy Give Teach Program
One of the easiest sustainable switches you can make is switching from plastic to bamboo when brushing. Mable's bamboo toothbrushes are not only biodegradable and chic, but they also give back to our communities. For every toothbrush purchased, one is given to a child in the U.S.
Another great thing about Mable is its subscription program, which allows you to sign up for a new toothbrush every few months.
8. EarthHero
1% for the planet & carbon offsets
From clothing to home and office supplies, EarthHero makes thoughtful and convenient shopping a reality.
They take care of all the hard work for us in their eco-friendly online marketplace, so we don't have to spend time wondering, 'was this product made consciously?' Additionally, they offer a Rewards Program where you can earn points to use on future purchases!
9. Ten Thousand Villages
all products support sustainable jobs and stronger communities
While this marketplace doesn’t have a specific ‘give back’ program, they do focus on creating opportunities for artisans and communities who wouldn’t usually have a fair market to sell their goods.
Their long-term partnerships are genuinely making a difference for so many communities.
It’s also an excellent destination for finding gifts!
10. Made Trade
1% for the planet & carbon offsets
One of the best places for all things sustainable. Made Trade now offers 100% carbon offset shipping and returns. This means that all carbon emissions from transporting any product on Made Trade are fully offset through the purchase of carbon credits. Made Trade is a woman-owned and family-run company that offers a variety of ethical and sustainable brands. They prioritize fair trade and handcrafted products made by workers who are paid fair wages.
11. Who Gives a Crap
50% of profits go towards building toilets
Established in 2013, Who Gives A Crap is a B-corp-certified company with a mission to improve sanitation worldwide by building toilets. The company has raised over $10 million and partners with WASH, an initiative dedicated to providing water, sanitation, and hygiene to all. Who Gives A Crap collaborates with organizations like SHOFCO to develop innovative solutions for making water more accessible to communities that currently have to travel long distances to obtain it.
12. Elate
1% to social initiatives & 1% to environmental initiatives
Elate is a brand that is vegan and free from animal testing. They sell refillable blush and eye shadow compacts, and the refills are sent out in seed paper envelopes that grow flowers when planted. The brand also offers lipsticks and other makeup with less plastic packaging, made from Forest Stewardship Council certified bamboo and glass. Their packaging materials can be sent back to be effectively recycled, which is often not possible for cosmetics through home recycling.
13. Prosperity Candle
supports women refugees in the US
Their candles not only smell lovely, but their mission is even better. Each candle is ethically made by women artisans and refugees here in the U.S. They never add dyes or enhancers.
The candles are poured with all-natural soy and coconut waxes, pure cotton, wood wicks, and premium fragrances made with essential oils.
We have a few of these candles burning in our home, and they smell amazing!
14. Fazl Socks
50% of profits to orphanages
Fazl Socks is a social business dedicated to working alongside women and children in need.
They donate 50% of their profits to orphanages and create fair jobs. For each pair sold, you are helping provide orphaned and destitute children in India with food, shelter, education, and clothing. Additionally, the sales sustain jobs for the women who knit the socks.
These socks are incredibly cozy!
15. Solios
protects the rainforest
SOLIOS watches embody elegance, minimalism, and solar technology, eliminating the need for batteries made with toxic chemicals and metals. Two hours of sun exposure (or even indoor light) provides them with 6 months of energy reserves. These watches are powered by clean, renewable energy and crafted with planet-friendly, cruelty-free materials, making them a great alternative to traditional timepieces. Additionally, with the Rainforest Trust limited edition Watch, 10% of its revenue is donated to the foundation.
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