Our consumption habits are changing; a lot of us are privileged to be able to make conscious economic decisions based around our ethics and concern for the environment. Many of us are now a part of the zero-waste food revolution by shopping at stores such as The Source Bulk Foods, or using refillable cleaning products (or making our own!), buying from up-cycled clothing brands, and using innovative technology products.

Slowly, the gap between an ostracised general public and firm eco-warriors is being drawn closer, but there is still progress to be made; an informed, mutual understanding will allow us to continue progress. Our demand for sustainable products has led to an increasing number of brands strategically delivering stories as a way of appearing transparent and responsible, while their words are later found out to be a belch of jargon for marketing purposes.

With this we ought to be making further educated purchases and supporting businesses which aim to elevate us in an economically sustainable environment, encouraging a greater economical shift until eventually, all sustainable products are affordable for every household (and bigger brands are equally held accountable). It is important to stress that you can still be an environmentalist and take your physical and mental health as a priority; you can still buy packaged goods, you can still wear affordable clothes, you can still take a flight to go on holiday. This is about doing what we can, when we can, and this might look different across individuals during different times.

With this in mind, here are some of my favourite brands on the market to help make these small changes.

For the homewares fanatic: Nkuku (UK)

With a treasure trove of Bohemian-chic products, the couple from Devon work closely with artisans from around the world to celebrate their skills by bringing their products to a wider audience. Sustainable production is un-compromised with materials used such as recycled glass, recycled cotton, hemp, bi-product leather from the food industry. Experience the brand in full by visiting their beautiful lifestyle store & cafe.

For the coffee zealot: Huskee (Australia)

“Every year, over 500 billion takeaway cups pile up in landfill, forming the coffee industry’s ugliest footprint”. This is the motivation behind Huskee’s three founding principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Huskee set themselves apart from other keep-cup retailers in establishing their mission of creating a global community of coffee drinkers who swap and exchange a single, reusable cup. With coffee husk (an organic waste-material in the production of coffee) as the main material, this really isn’t your average keep-cup.

For the gym-goer: Girlfriend Collective (US)

“Good things come to those who don’t waste” is the motto of this fun, eco-friendly women’s active wear brand. Their elegant, timeless designs are made from 100% recycled post-consumer materials. Each pair of compression leggings is made from 25 plastic bottles and each bra uses 11 bottles. Not only that, but accessibility is reflected in their size range and affordable cost.

For the foodie: W&P Design (US)

A label offering stylish refillables and everyday tools made by up-cycling, recycling and regenerating waste. Beyond reducing consumer impact, W&P Design is closely partnered with non-profit organisation Edible Schoolyard NYC to further their mission of providing food education in public schools.

For the party popper: Fair spirits (France)

The world’s first Fairtrade and ethically sourced spirits brand. The best ingredients are sourced from around the world such as organic quinoa from 3000m high in the Bolivian Andes, organic juniper berries from Uzbekistan, etc. Ingredients are carefully shipped to the famous region of Cognac, France, where the master distillers take over the production process. All 200 Fairtrade regulations are followed to ensure every individual in the supply chain is paid a fair price.

For the digital nomad: House of Marley (UK)

This brand is in collaboration with the Marley family to continue Bob Marley’s legacy of love for music and the planet. Their quality speakers and headphones are made from sustainable materials such as recycled aluminium and Marley’s very own ‘REWIND’ fabric (of recycled cotton, PET, and reclaimed hemp), upholding their promise to protect the world's forests. One tree is planted for every purchased product to cultivate more clean air, biodiversity and climate regulation.

For the fashionista: Veja (France)

*Girlfriend Collective, sustainable activewear*

Despite their strict no advertising policy, it would be difficult to have not heard of Veja by now- they might just be the most talked about Vegan, unisex alternative to footwear! With a strict monitoring system down the production line, Veja is continually pushing for transparency with suppliers in requiring recurring social audits and chemical tests. Products are sold with mindful packaging (minimal ink and no glue), and made from sustainable materials (Fairtrade, organic cotton, rather than from monoculture crops, natural rubber rather than from harvesting forests, up-cycled materials). A pair of Veja costs 5 to 7 times as much to produce, but since there are no advertising costs they are sold for the same price with profits being reinvested on the ground.

For the green beauty pioneer: Bybi (UK)

Bybi (standing for ‘by beauty insiders') is a value driven skincare brand with the goal of optimising your skin’s health- without putting any strain on the planet. Bibi are committed to providing premium skincare products using exclusively raw materials, packaging and suppliers- 100% natural, Vegan, and cruelty free. Their hero product, the Beauty Babe Balm, is not to be missed!

For the health conscious among us: Native (US)

Clean personal care products which not only empower you to pay closer attention to the ingredients list on the back of your bottles, but are genuinely effective and have a refreshing scent too. With recognisable ingredients on the back their bottles, Native use no aluminium (which is poisonous to our nervous system and is linked to several health problems), no parabens, no sulphates, no animal testing, and all Vegan ingredients. Build your own pack with body wash, toothpaste and deodorant from both their men and women’s range. Notice the much smaller list of ingredients on their products!

For all of us: Smol (UK)

Smol are an independent UK brand delivering non-toxic and cruelty free washing capsules (both laundry and dishwashing) straight to your door to avoid any unnecessary transport. Each box saves 4 bottles of plastic bottles and they even promote a free trial of their products.

Appropriate in a pandemic: Who Gives a Crap (Australia/Worldwide)

Who Gives A Crap began when founders Simon, Danny and Jehan learnt that 2.3 billion people (roughly 40% of the global population) across the world don’t have access to a toilet. Plastic free toilet roll with no inks, dyes or scents. 50% of profits are used to build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world.

Final thoughts

There are lots of brands out there investing in their sustainability projects and there is so much to explore. Resell your designer goods for a reasonable price with high-end consignment store The Real Real, or even rent designer goods from online wardrobes such as Hurr. Refill your cleaning product bottles with a local supplier, order a locally supplied veg box to your door, or delve deeper in your mission by using phone apps such as Olio- a community driven initiative connecting individuals or businesses with surplus food to those who need it most. Being environmentally minded doesn’t have to be at the cost of your lifestyle- play with your inquisitivity and be kind with yourself and others in working towards a world better for us all.Our favourite apps that help with day-to-day, mindful living.

AROUND THE WORLD IN SUSTAINABLE WAYS