Earth Day Part 4: Sustainable Brands to Support

With the growing body of information about climate change and the vital role we all play in helping stem the tide, many are trying to shop more responsibly. This can be difficult in a world where corporations are almost unerringly focused on growing their bottom line, overtaking a socially and environmentally important role. 

Thankfully it’s possible to find companies whose integrity goes beyond serving their shareholders and who are dedicated to generating a product that is safe for the environment. The best of these companies take it a step further and ensure their entire process and supply line is sustainable and ethically sourced. 🌏

First – A Word About Greenwashing

So, what is Greenwashing? Greenwashing, also known as “green sheen”, is a marketing tactic that conveys a false impression about how a company's products are environmentally friendly. Basically, greenwashing is an attempt to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable products without backing up their claims with facts.

While the companies on this list are all known to have a solid reputation for confirmable and effective methods of being environmentally sustainable, caution is necessary. Being environmentally responsible and green is big business these days. As a result, there are many companies taking advantage of this marketing trend through greenwashing. 

Companies We Trust

We have done research for you and found some companies that we believe to be both of interest to our followers and the environment. 🏞

1.  Patagonia – This company provides a line of outdoor clothing that is durable, comfortable, and produced with environmental sustainability in mind. Additionally, they have been providing 1% of their sales to environmental preservation efforts. They also focus on producing zero-waste by 2025. 
2. Seventh Generation – This company produces a line of products created with the next seven generations of humanity in mind. All of their products come in recycled and recyclable containers with aims to become a zero-waste company. ♻
3. A Good Company – This company is an environmentally ethical alternative to big-waste producer and employee exploiter Amazon. The products they carry are guaranteed to be environmentally sustainable, and their shipping and packaging practice the same. Even better? They maintain a 100% transparency policy on their company practices. 
4. New Belgium Brewing – Looking for a brewer that you can feel good about patronizing? Not only is Fat Tire an amazingly tasty beverage, but it’s also produced by America’s fourth-largest craft brewery. 🍻 Since 1991 this company has been dedicated to producing products that are environmentally sustainable in containers that are completely recyclable. Even better? They hit the mark to be certified as a 100% Platinum-Certified Zero Waste Business.
5. Hot Mango Undies – Support a small, queer owned business doing dope things. Hot Mango Undies is a slow, eco-friendly brand making handmade and unique underwear from organic cotton. With sizes from XS-3XL, they are inclusive of all body types and provide fun styles and patterns. But wait, it gets even better! They also donate to a variety of non-profit organizations. Feel good about your purchase when you shop at Hot Mango Undies. 🥭
6. Tentree – Shop with transparency, and style. Tentree creates products using the most eco-friendly materials like hemp and recycled polyester. Not only that, but their factories are regularly audited and held to high standards to ensure that their products are not only sustainable, but ethically made as well.  For EVERY purchase at Tentree, 10 trees are planted with Planting Partners around the world. They’ve already planted over 56 million trees with a goal of 1 billion by 2030. 🌳

These are just a few of the companies that those with a drive to be environmentally sustainable can patronize with a clear conscience. Every year there are additional companies getting on the bandwagon to save the environment, thanks to social and cultural pressures. Changing your buying practices does more than just support good companies; it also drives their competitors to evolve or die. Remember, you vote with your dollar! Choosing to support sustainable brands makes a difference.

Let us know what your favorite sustainable brands are in the comments! 💭