Eco-Friendly Companies I Recommend Supporting, and Why
Note: This list will expand and evolve over time. If there’s a company that you feel deserves to be on this list, comment about it or write me an email. I’d be happy to look into it.
Last Updated: 3/18/2024 — At this time I have made personal purchases from some of the companies listed but am not involved with any sort of affiliate marketing for any of them (yet). Any affiliate relationships will be made clear as this list is updated.
It’s easy to get lost in the sauce when it comes to searching for the best company to buy from for just about any product. So many specs to consider, including whether the company in question utilizes ethical practices. I’ve been down that rabbit hole so many times when shopping for myself, but every once in a while I make a small breakthrough in discovering a business that seems more than just legitimate and has a product I feel I can fully support.
This is what I look for in a company and what influences my decision to buy from them:
- Overall sustainability practices — eco-friendly materials, recycling, plastic-free packaging
- Transparency
- Does the product solve an underrepresented need? There seem to be a million reusable bottle companies out there now. Are they doing something important or are they just greenwashing?
- Shopping small or local, putting more financial empowerment into the hands of more people
In some cases I gloss over distance to ship a product, because I’m looking for role models in sustainability, and often times (unfortunately) these role models are in countries outside of the Unites States. I still believe in supporting these companies because I believe that if we do, others will follow suit and hopefully these kinds of products and services will become more widely available where we are.
I may go in-depth on my overall review of these companies later, but for now, here is an alphabetized, simple list of companies I generally recommend supporting with your business and why I’ve included them. I only include my top one or two reasons why I recommend them, but if you feel enticed to, please check out their websites as they often go into more detail about their sustainability practices.
Aspiration — Green Financial Services
I have other accounts with other, more mainstream banks, but so far Aspiration is the most eco-friendly banking service I’ve come across and currently use. From what I understand it’s entirely online, which is fine with me since I do most of my work online anyway. I’ve been using Aspiration for a few years now and haven’t had any issues with receiving deposits on time. I was initially sold on their commitment to greener investments and funding sources, which includes a program you can opt into that plants trees for every purchase you make. The debit card they send out is also made from recycled plastic, which I thought was pretty neat!
Airbnb — Vacation Rentals
This one may seem a bit unusual, but the main reason I support Airbnb is because the platform allows people to make use of a space that may not be used otherwise. I’ve used Airbnb many times while road tripping across the country, and though I can’t vouch for the sustainability of Airbnb as a whole, I know that there are many rentals where the owners themselves are eco-conscious and go the extra mile to give guests a comfortable and sustainable place to stay. I also like their business model more than the typical hotel chain, where waste is pretty commonplace (example: plastic disposable shampoo and conditioner bottles). Many rentals I’ve stayed in include guest guides and local recommendations that allow you to be more immersed in your location.
For tips and tricks on how to make the most of your Airbnb experience, please see my article titled, “9 Practical Airbnb Tips Based on Real Experience,” where I share everything my partner and I learned while traveling the country using Airbnbs in 2021.
Fairphone — Modular Phones — Europe Only (For now)
Fairphone sells modular phones, meaning that instead of buying a whole new smartphone when your battery or some other component dies, you can just get the piece replaced. This gives the phone the potential to last a lifetime, instead of what? Just a few years? Fairphone is probably the most eco-friendly phone company I’ve come across so far, and for that reason I recommend them.
I really wish there was an equivalent to this company here in the US, and it’s unfortunate that they don’t ship outside of Europe. But for those of you who are able to get the phone, I think technology like this is worth supporting.
Girlfriend Collective — Recyclable Apparel
I have actually bought and tried products from Girlfriend Collective before, and to me it solves the problem of underwear sustainability. I like to get everything I can used, but certain things, like underwear especially, are a bit questionable to buy second-hand.
Put simply, I recommend this company because you can recycle your underwear (and other products) after you’re done with them. Yep, that’s right. After you’re done with them, give them a wash and send them back to the company, and they’ll recycle them into a new pair. There are certain parts to this that I’m unsure about, like the overall impact of recycling a pair instead of having a biodegradable fabric like cotton, but I applaud and support the effort in running a business model that is closer to a closed-loop. The less waste, the better.
The quality of the underwear is actually very nice. It’s probably my favorite texture of underwear. Not like your typical cotton underwear, but soft and almost silky. And guilt-free. I’ve also tried some of their socks and they are also pretty nice (and recyclable!).
Lush — Hand-Made Cosmetics
I personally don’t wear makeup, but I do recommend Lush. Why?
Zero-waste packaging. There are so many “green” beauty and cosmetics companies out there, and one area that almost everyone still lags behind in is packaging. Many companies still use plastic, maybe some recycled plastic if they gave an effort, maayybee something compostable if they’re really trying (an option I do approve of). But in my opinion, the best way to go (if it’s appropriate for the product) is to not have packaging in the first place. That’s why I recommend Lush.
At Lush, almost all of their products are also available “naked”, meaning that they come in solid form so they don’t need packaging. Lotions, deodorant, shampoo bars. You would be surprised at what you can buy that doesn’t need a box or plastic sleeve around it. Until I find a suitable replacement, Lush is my go-to place to get deodorant, as it’s the only one I’ve found so far that is just wrapped in paper, but in-use requires nothing. I have also tried their toothpaste tablets, which come in many different flavors (the two I have tried: Dirty and Boom! Both are good). Though the toothpaste tablets are packaged in plastic bottles, they allow you to bring the containers back, as well as containers for other products, to be recycled. In some cases you can get discounts off your next purchase for bringing them in!
Some might say that there are smaller and more local shops that also provide these kinds of products and are better to support. I can see the truth in that, and I agree. However, I do want to give credit where credit is due and I think the steps that Lush has taken to minimize their impact, despite being a larger company, are steps that all companies of that size should take and for that reason I applaud them for being more of a role model in that industry.
Meadowlark — Jewelry — Based in New Zealand
I was already in love with Meadowlark just because I love most things having to do with New Zealand. But so far this jewelry company is the best I’ve seen in terms of environmental sustainability. Some settle on using some recycled materials, or more ethical sourcing of products. Meadowlark does this and more, with their practices reaching every part of their operation, and they are climate-positive!! You certainly don’t see that every day. For those of you who don’t know what that entails, being climate-positive means that they offset more carbon emissions than their company produces, or in other words, that they are making a positive impact on climate change!
I have yet to try their product, though I do have my eye on their Alba Vine Ring (future gift to myself, fingers crossed).
Sea Witch Botanicals — Natural Incense and Vegan Body Products
My first interaction with Sea Witch Botanicals was when I purchased a couple boxes of their incense sticks from a metaphysical bookstore in Phoenix, Arizona. The packaging caught my attention right away. A cardboard box alone is appealing enough compared to plastic, but what really won me over was their acknowledgement and dedication to being plastic-free and moving toward zero waste.
Sometimes you think you’re only buying something with a cardboard box, only to find that there are unnecessary layers of plastic wrapped around the product. A soiled attempt at lessening your impact, which is disappointing to say the least. To have a plastic-free label goes a long way for people looking for better products and shows an intention that is reflected across their entire product line, not just where it is convenient.
The mini-rant I’ve just presented you with is the main reason I recommend supporting this company, but beyond that Sea Witch Botanicals also sells vegan and cruelty-free products and is a member of 1% for the Planet, and a certified B corporation. Phew, that’s a mouthful. A mouthful of reasons to see what they have to offer.
Sprouts Farmers Market — Supermarket
I know that there are a few healthier supermarkets out there, so why Sprouts in particular? For me, it comes down to being able to buy bulk items with my own containers. This is something that I’ve struggled with finding in a lot of other grocery stores. Many don’t even have bulk sections, and some do not allow customers to fill their own containers and instead require that they put the items into flimsy plastic bags. So to be able to do this at Sprouts is great and brings me one step closer to being zero-waste.
I also appreciate that, so far from what I’ve seen, Sprouts seems to have less plastic covering their fresh produce than other places (cough Trader Joe’s cough cough).
Zero Waste Daniel — Zero-Waste Apparel
I purchased a pair of joggers from Zero Waste Daniel some time ago, and even today I can say it’s probably my favorite pair of bottoms. What I especially like about this business is that the clothes are zero-waste, as the name certainly implies. The pieces are made from scrap fabric from the textile industry and are sewn together in a fashionable patchwork of material that is then used to make their clothing. You would think it would be hard to make something that sounds so clunky look so good, but you’d be amazed at the different kinds of cool and modern designs they have come up with. It’s a little pricey, but I think it’s worth the investment for something that is beyond fast fashion.
And that’s all for now, folks. This page will evolve over time and may turn into multiple lists as I continue to find more businesses that go above and beyond to make the world a cleaner and friendlier place to live in.
As mentioned previously, if there are any companies you know of that should be listed here, please leave a comment or feel free to reach out. Big or small, they deserve the credit they’ve earned. Thanks!
