"Nothing in this world brings me happiness quite like a silly little shopping spree, and I’m sure many of you feel the same way. But do you know what’s even better than that? A silly little sustainable shopping spree. That’s right—diving head first into retail therapy while helping the planet in the process is the best way to shop year-round, but especially this April in honor of Earth Month. Lucky for us, there are a ton of sustainable brands out there—both small and large—that are actively doing their part to put an end to harmful production practices and workplace ethics. It’s time we give them all the hype they deserve.
these Mother’s Day gifts blow a basic bouquet out of the water
Opting for eco-friendly options while shopping (or shopping secondhand—thrifting for the win always) is one of the best and most fun ways to reduce your carbon footprint, so why not start now? To get you going, we’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite sustainable brands across fashion, beauty, and home decor that will easily become your new go-tos. Going green has never looked so good.
Fashion
1. Everlane
Not only does Everlane have some of the best jeans in the game, but their commitment to being as eco-friendly as possible is beyond impressive. So far, they have committed to removing virgin plastics from all their products, switched to organic cotton for a majority of their cotton items, aligned their carbon footprint with the Paris Agreement, and so much more. Plus, Everlane’s timeless style ensures you’ll want to keep wearing these pieces year after year.
2. Girlfriend Collective
We all love a cute matching set that can seamlessly transition from the pilates studio to lunch with the girls. Not only does Girlfriend Collective have a wide range of adorable athleisure products, but sustainability is a massive priority for the company. Case in point: Their clothes are made from 100% recycled materials. You can confidently rock your fits knowing you‘re giving plastic water bottles, fishing nets, and fabric scraps a second life.
3. Pact
Pact puts their money where their mouth is. The brand partners with Fair Trade USA, Global Organic Textile Standard, and SimpliZero to ensure their products and processes support both people and the planet. That includes using organic cotton, supporting fair trade factories, and leaving a net-zero carbon footprint.
4. Patagonia
If you’re in the market for some outdoorsy attire, Patagonia is one of the best sustainable brands to turn to. The company isn’t shy about their commitment to environmental responsibility, using Fair Trade Certified factories and materials like recycled fishing nets and organic cotton to reduce their footprint. In their spring 2024 collection, for example, 98% of the items use recycled materials. Plus, their Worn Wear program lets you buy lightly used pieces at a discounted rate—because at the end of the day, the best thing we can do for the planet is buy less clothing.
5. Quince
There’s a reason why “We believe quality products can elevate your life” is Quince’s slogan. Through minimalistic packaging, timeless styles, sustainably produced materials, and factories committed to responsible production, they diligently do their part in putting an end to fast fashion culture. Some of our editors’ favorite items? Their viral under-$50 cashmere sweater and huge selection of washable silk apparel.
6. Reformation
“Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re #2.” You can credit Reformation with what is probably the best eco-friendly slogan ever. The brand uses deadstock fabric and organic materials, prioritizes water conservation, and has a RefCycling program that gives you real store credit for returning your old Reformation brand items you no longer want.
Beauty
7. Aesop
You might recognize Aesop from the aesthetic hand soap you often see next to your fave influencers’ sinks all over Insta. Let me tell you, it’s for good reason. Aesop’s products are the definition of elevated everyday luxury. Beyond their virality, Aesop is a Certified B Corporation, meaning they meet high standards for social and environmental impact. All of their products are made with vegan, responsibly sourced ingredients, and their minimalist packaging helps reduce waste.
8. Aveda
From sustainable packaging to ingredient sourcing, manufacturing, and every other step in the process, Aveda consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that all of their beauty products are made with the planet’s well-being in mind.
9. Axiology
Axiology’s mission is to end plastic waste in beauty—and they’re doing a kick-ass job so far. In an effort to lower the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans and landfills, they’re committed to creating 100% plastic-free, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products. Also, all of their products are multi-use for lips, cheeks, and eyes, which means you can purchase fewer products (always a plus).
10. Elate Cosmetics
Knowing that 30% of all waste is credited to cosmetics, Elate understands that less is more. The brand’s focus is creating a capsule of high-quality, reusable, and recyclable products. The goal is to save you the energy and money that comes with cluttering your makeup bag, while sparing landfills from even more waste than they already face.
11. PURR
With PURR Skincare, there’s no beating around the bush: Sustainability is the #1 priority. By using consciously sourced ingredients and packaging free from chemicals and preservatives, PURR makes it easy to lock down a simple regimen that’s gentle on your skin and the environment.
12. REN
With a zero waste initiative at the core of their brand values, REN uses only 100% recyclable packaging—as well as sustainably sourced ingredients in all of their products—to create one of the cleanest skincare brands out there.
13. Youth to the People
Youth to the People is known for its widely loved skincare products, and sustainability is at the forefront of the company. Their signature glass bottles don’t just elevate your skincare routine but also aim to reduce plastic waste in the beauty industry. Youth to the People also creates their products locally in California, using 100% vegan formulas with consciously sourced ingredients. On top of all this, the company has donated $1 million to nonprofit organizations working in the climate industry.
Home
14. Made Trade
Made Trade is a one-stop shop for sustainable, ethically-made home decor. The marketplace believes in putting “people and our planet first” and thoroughly reviews all the products it sells regarding manufacturing operations, labor conditions, materials, and more. So you can feel confident about the impact of your purchases when shopping.
15. Obakki
This Canadian lifestyle brand prides itself on being a purpose-led platform that partners with artisans from across the globe for small-batch, high-quality, sustainable designs. Within the company is the Obakki Foundation, which ensures that their artisans have access to basic needs and the ability to provide for and thrive in their own communities.
16. Our Place
Our Place’s sustainable and ethically made cookware and drinkware might be just the excuse you need to throw that cute dinner party you’ve been meaning to have with your friends. Plus, their infamous Always Pan replaces eight traditional cookware items (once again, buying less!) and will last for years.
17. Parachute
Parachute creates premium bed essentials that will make you never want to get out of bed. Their sustainability philosophy revolves around creating timeless, durable products that don’t need to be replaced every few years like cheaper linens might. The company is also Climate Neutral Certified, which means they’re actively working to offset their current carbon footprint and lower their total emissions. Your bed and the earth will thank you for your purchase.
18. The Citizenry
The Citizenry is working to prove that business can be a force for good. They celebrate the creators behind their handmade pieces from around the world and understand that sustainability goes beyond the product itself. Everyone should be supported and treated fairly along the way, too.
19. Uncommon Goods
If big-box store home decor isn’t your thing, take a look at Uncommon Goods’ selection. They partner with makers from all over the world who craft one-of-a-kind products you can’t find elsewhere, with all of them including the list of materials used. On top of that, a portion of every order is donated through their Better to Give program to organizations such as American Forests and more.
20. Village Thrive
At Village Thrive, thoughtful consumption is at the root of everything. All of their products are handcrafted in small batches using natural, sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, straw, and clay. If you’re looking to add a boho touch to your home, you’ll find everything you’re looking for right here.
