Shopping sustainably has never been easier. Instead of researching dozens of individual brands, sustainable online marketplaces bring together thoughtfully curated companies that prioritize better materials, ethical production, and more transparent business practices… all in one place!
Whether you’re looking for clothing, home goods, clean beauty, gifts, or everyday essentials, these marketplaces can help you discover brands that align with your values while supporting independent businesses and more responsible production. While every platform has its own standards, the best sustainable online marketplaces make conscious shopping simpler, more transparent, and far less overwhelming.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite sustainable online marketplaces, what each one does best, and what to look for before you shop.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only feature brands that align with our values and contribute to a better world. Thank you for supporting these brands – and us!
What Is a Sustainable Marketplace?
A sustainable online marketplace is a shopping platform that brings together brands focused on more responsible production. Instead of sorting through thousands of products from virtually any seller, these marketplaces curate brands based on sustainability criteria such as ethical manufacturing, natural or recycled materials, transparent supply chains, and third-party certifications.
Unlike Amazon, where sustainability standards vary widely, sustainable marketplaces typically review the brands they feature and explain why they’ve been included. Many also spotlight independent businesses and mission-driven companies that can be harder to discover on your own, making conscious shopping simpler and more accessible.
Why Shop Through a Sustainable Online Marketplace?
One of the biggest benefits of shopping through a sustainable marketplace is that much of the research has already been done for you. Instead of spending hours comparing brands, you can browse a curated selection of companies that align with the marketplace’s sustainability standards.
These platforms also make it easier to discover small businesses, reduce impulse purchases through intentional curation, and learn more about the products you’re buying. Many include information about materials, certifications, and manufacturing practices, helping you shop with greater confidence.
Are Sustainable Marketplaces Really Sustainable?
It depends. Every marketplace has its own standards, and no brand is perfect. Some platforms carefully vet every company they feature, while others have broader requirements for inclusion.
That’s why it’s still worth doing a little research before you buy. Look for brands that are transparent about their materials, manufacturing, and sustainability goals, and keep an eye out for trusted certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, Fair Trade Certified™, B Corp, and FSC.
At Sustainably Chic, we think sustainable marketplaces are a great starting point. They can help you discover better brands and save time, but informed shopping is still one of the best ways to build a more conscious wardrobe and home.
Our Top Picks for Sustainable Marketplaces Online:
1. EarthHero
Best For: Everyday sustainable essentials, home goods, and low-waste swaps
Ships To: U.S. & Canada (select international shipping available)
Price Range: $–$$$
Categories: Home, kitchen, beauty, personal care, cleaning, fashion, baby, pets, outdoor, office
Why We Like It: Every product must meet EarthHero’s sustainability standards, making it one of the easiest places to shop consciously without spending hours researching brands. They also provide detailed information on materials, certifications, packaging, and environmental impact.
2. The Detox Market
Best For: Clean beauty and non-toxic skincare
Ships To: U.S. & Canada (limited international shipping)
Price Range: $$–$$$$
Categories: Skincare, makeup, hair care, body care, wellness, fragrance
Why We Like It: The Detox Market has one of the most rigorous ingredient standards in the clean beauty space. Every product is carefully vetted to exclude thousands of questionable ingredients while featuring many of the industry’s most trusted clean beauty brands.
3. Grove
Best For: Household essentials and refillable cleaning products
Ships To: United States
Price Range: $–$$$
Categories: Cleaning, laundry, personal care, baby, pet supplies, home
Why We Like It: Grove makes it easy to replace everyday household products with lower-waste alternatives. We especially appreciate its refill systems, plastic reduction initiatives, and growing selection of vetted household brands.
4. Credo Beauty
Best For: Clean makeup and skincare
Ships To: United States & Canada
Price Range: $$–$$$$
Categories: Makeup, skincare, hair care, body care, fragrance, wellness
Why We Like It: Credo helped set the standard for clean beauty retail with its strict ingredient guidelines and commitment to transparency. Many of the brands they carry also prioritize sustainable packaging and responsible sourcing.
5. Back Market
Best For: Refurbished electronics
Ships To: United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and more
Price Range: $$–$$$$
Categories: Smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming, wearables, home electronics
Why We Like It: Buying refurbished electronics is one of the most impactful ways to reduce electronic waste. Back Market professionally inspects and grades devices while offering warranties, making secondhand tech much more accessible.
6. Thrive Market
Best For: Organic groceries and pantry staples
Ships To: Contiguous United States
Price Range: $–$$$ (membership required)
Categories: Food, beverages, snacks, supplements, baby, beauty, household
Why We Like It: Thrive Market offers a large selection of organic, non-GMO, and specialty grocery items at competitive prices. Helpful dietary filters make it especially useful for gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and other specialized diets.
7. Ten Thousand Villages
Best For: Fair Trade gifts and handcrafted home décor
Ships To: United States & Canada
Price Range: $$–$$$
Categories: Home décor, gifts, kitchen, jewelry, accessories, holiday
Why We Like It: As one of the original Fair Trade retailers, Ten Thousand Villages partners directly with artisan groups around the world to support traditional craftsmanship and create long-term economic opportunities.
8. Uncommon Goods
Best For: Unique gifts from independent makers
Ships To: United States & select international destinations
Price Range: $$–$$$$
Categories: Gifts, home décor, kitchen, jewelry, garden, kids, experiences
Why We Like It: Uncommon Goods specializes in thoughtful gifts made by independent artists and small businesses. Many products incorporate recycled materials, handcrafted techniques, or responsibly sourced ingredients.
9. Goodee
Best For: Designer home goods and ethically made lifestyle products
Ships To: International
Price Range: $$$–$$$$
Categories: Furniture, home décor, kitchen, lighting, textiles, wellness, accessories
Why We Like It: GOODEE combines beautiful design with a strong focus on social and environmental impact. The marketplace carefully curates brands that prioritize craftsmanship, responsible sourcing, and transparent business practices.
10. ZeroWasteStore
Best For: Plastic-free everyday essentials
Ships To: United States & select international destinations
Price Range: $–$$$
Categories: Cleaning, personal care, kitchen, bathroom, beauty, travel, pets
Why We Like It: ZeroWasteStore focuses on helping consumers reduce single-use plastic with practical everyday alternatives. Its curated selection includes refillable, compostable, and reusable products that make low-waste living more approachable.net-friendly craftsmanship.
Sustainable Alternatives to Amazon
Amazon may be convenient, but it’s not the only place to shop online. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful shopping experience, sustainable marketplaces can be a great alternative.
Unlike Amazon’s endless catalog of products from countless third-party sellers, many sustainable marketplaces offer a carefully curated selection of brands that meet specific environmental or ethical standards. This makes it easier to discover products from small businesses, independent makers, and mission-driven companies without spending hours researching each one.
Shopping through these platforms can also help reduce impulse purchases. Instead of scrolling through thousands of nearly identical products, you’re browsing a smaller collection chosen for quality, transparency, and longevity.
Many sustainable marketplaces also provide more information about where products are made, the materials used, and the values behind each brand. While it’s still important to do your own research, this added transparency can make shopping more informed and intentional.
Another advantage is authenticity. Because many sustainable marketplaces work directly with the brands they carry, there’s generally a lower risk of encountering counterfeit products than on large third-party marketplaces.
If you’re searching for an ethical Amazon alternative or a sustainable Amazon alternative, these marketplaces offer a simple way to shop more consciously while supporting businesses working toward a more responsible future.
What Makes an Online Marketplace Sustainable?
Not every marketplace that uses words like eco-friendly or green is truly sustainable. While every platform has its own criteria, we typically look for marketplaces that prioritize many of the following:
- Transparent brand vetting: Clearly explains how brands are selected and what sustainability standards they must meet.
- Ethical sourcing: Carries products made with responsibly sourced materials and more transparent supply chains.
- Third-party certifications: Highlights trusted certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, Fair Trade Certified™, FSC, B Corp, or MADE SAFE when applicable.
- Support for small businesses: Features independent makers, artisans, and mission-driven brands instead of mass-produced products.
- Natural and lower-impact materials: Prioritizes materials like organic cotton, linen, hemp, responsibly sourced wood, and other lower-impact options whenever possible.
- Recycled materials: Includes thoughtfully designed products made from recycled materials where they make sense, helping extend the life of existing resources.
- Plastic-free or low-waste packaging: Encourages minimal, recyclable, compostable, or plastic-free shipping materials.
- Carbon-conscious shipping: Offers carbon-neutral shipping programs or works to reduce transportation emissions.
- Fair labor practices: Partners with brands that prioritize safe working conditions, fair wages, and responsible manufacturing.
- Circular initiatives: Supports product repair, resale, refill systems, take-back programs, or other efforts that help keep products in use longer.
No marketplace checks every box, but the best ones are transparent about their standards and make it easier for consumers to shop more thoughtfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sustainable online marketplace?
A sustainable online marketplace is a shopping platform that curates brands based on environmental, ethical, or social standards. Instead of listing products from virtually any seller, these marketplaces typically focus on brands that prioritize responsible materials, transparent supply chains, and more thoughtful production practices.
Are ethical online marketplaces trustworthy?
Many are, but not all marketplaces have the same standards. Some carefully vet every brand they feature, while others have broader requirements. It’s always a good idea to review a brand’s materials, certifications, and transparency before making a purchase.
What is the best alternative to Amazon?
It depends on what you’re shopping for. EarthHero is great for everyday sustainable essentials, The Detox Market and Credo Beauty specialize in clean beauty, Thrive Market focuses on organic groceries, Back Market is a top choice for refurbished electronics, and Goodee offers beautifully curated home goods and lifestyle products.
Where can I buy sustainable products online?
There are many online marketplaces dedicated to more conscious shopping, including EarthHero, Goodee, ZeroWasteStore, Thrive Market, Credo Beauty, The Detox Market, Ten Thousand Villages, Uncommon Goods, Grove Collaborative, and Back Market.
Are sustainable marketplaces more expensive?
Not always. While some products may cost more because they’re made with higher-quality materials or produced in smaller batches, many marketplaces offer options across a range of budgets. Investing in well-made products can also save money over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Is Etsy sustainable?
Etsy isn’t a sustainable marketplace by default, but it can be a great place to support independent makers and small businesses. Because anyone can sell on Etsy, sustainability varies from shop to shop, so it’s important to research individual sellers and product materials before purchasing.
What is the best sustainable marketplace for clothing?
If you’re open to buying secondhand, Vestiaire Collective is one of the best marketplaces for pre-owned designer fashion. Shopping secondhand helps extend the life of existing garments, reduces demand for new production, and can make high-quality clothing more accessible. Vestiaire Collective also authenticates eligible luxury items, offering added confidence when purchasing pre-owned pieces.
Are online marketplaces better than shopping directly from brands?
Both have their advantages. Marketplaces make it easier to compare brands and discover new companies in one place, while shopping directly from a brand often gives you access to its full collection and latest releases. If you already know the brand you want to support, buying directly can be a great option. If you’re still exploring, a curated marketplace can save time and simplify your search.
Another great option in California is Eco Now https://www.econowca.com/ since they used reduced, compostable packaging for your zero waste items and they serve the Orange County area refilling your reused containers with bulk items delivered to your door. You should check them out and see if they belong on this list as well. Great, informative article tho!
I never thought twice about shopping ethically, but the more I am informed about sustainability, the more I want to do the right thing that benefits everyone. This was a helpful article, thank you! I also read up about it here, https://www.ez.insure/landing/2021/03/what-does-it-mean-to-shop-ethically/ Another great read, what are your thoughts on it?