The influence of social media has changed a lot of things in the past few years (and often for the worse), but one of the more positive outcomes is brand accountability. IG accounts like Diet Prada specifically call out copycats in the fashion industry, but a lot of individuals are speaking out to support ethical and sustainable brands while trying to limit their consumption of fast-fashion and unnecessary waste.
With this new wave of activism, I’ve caught wind of many brands – clothing, beauty, and beyond – that are raising the standards on sustainability and social responsibility while still being fashion/trend-forward. Being cruelty-free and having sustainable packaging is the new normal, and there’s no longer a specialty markup for said products. The excuses to not be a part of this movement are becoming less and less. Here are 6 brands that are doing it right:
by Humankind
Over 1/3 of landfill waste is from personal care products alone. by Humankind not only reduces your single-use plastic waste, but their products contain clean ingredients; think deodorant without aluminum and alcohol-free mouthwash. Their products (besides shampoo bar) first come with a permanent plastic container, and from then on you’re able to order refills of your fave personal care products, sans plastic. Shop byHumankind Here.
Shop by Humankind:
Kjaer Weis
The beauty community has been clogged with buzzwords like “natural” makeup, but no one is really regulating that. In addition, the luxury market has yet to make a big effort to go green. That’s where Kjaer Weis comes in. As a luxury organic makeup brand, they already have a big accomplishment under their belt. To add to their social responsibility list, Kjaer Weis also uses a refill model for most of their products, from lipstick to foundation to mascara, a similar model to byHumankind. Shop their products and learn more here.
Shop Kjaer Weis:
Kjaer Weis Glow in Radiance
Kjaer Weis Lip Tint Refill in Bliss Full
Kjaer Weis The Essential Duo No. 2 Florence in Wisdom & Sensuous Plum
Kjaer Weis Eye Shadow Refill in Divine
Amur
There are so many sustainable clothing companies, but few have the design capacity as NYC-based Amur. The label doesn’t swap eco-consciousness for style, and vice versa. They create seasonless pieces that are made to last with natural, cellulosic, and regenerated fibers. Learn more about their philosophy and process here.
Shop Amur:
AMUR Mica Skirt in Green
AMUR Beverly Top in Black
AMUR Vi Gown in Yellow
AMUR Hailey Top in White
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is, in my opinion, one of the only swimwear brands perfecting the combination of sustainability and style. They use recycled and regenerated fabrics, and partner with foundations like Oceana and Girls, inc., but refuse to sacrifice the look and design of their suits. Read up on their sustainability mission here.
Shop Vitamin A:
vitamin A Neutra Bralette in Yellow
vitamin A Yasmeen One Piece in Black
vitamin A Moss Top in Green
vitamin A Edie One Piece in Orange
vitamin A Moss Top in Black
Veja
These sneakers have blown up in the past few years for their modern style, but it seems many don’t know the major sustainability efforts they make. They but their materials directly from farmer associations and communities in Brazil, Peru, and the Amazon to ensure fair wages, and also use upcycled materials; one example of this is the tilapia leather they use, which is a byproduct of and often discarded from the fish farms. Read more about their transparent practices here.
Shop Veja:
Veja V 10 Sneaker in White
Veja SDU RT Sneaker in Olive
Veja V 12 Sneaker in White
Matt & Nat
This 100% vegan accessories and shoe brand not only uses recycled water bottles for all of their linings, but they use sustainable materials such as cork and rubber. They also hold their factories to high standards and ensure a cruelty-free workplace. Read more on Matt & Nat here.
Shop Matt & Nat:
Cover Photo Via @erikaboldrin
Words by Kate Sullivan
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