10 Eco-Friendly Brands to Follow

In a world where the average person is becoming more conscious of the impact their consumption has on the environment, brands that have a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint are quickly gaining popularity. Brands that engage in sustainable practices through the use of sustainable materials, recyclable packaging, or energy-efficient manufacturing processes, or that support social and economic initiatives that aim to improve the lives of marginalised communities, are poised to become the leaders in their industry. By investing in sustainable brands, consumers can help to drive positive change. It’s heartening to know how much growth their has been in sustainable production and here are 10 brands across fashion, homewares and cosmetics to know about:

1. Toms: A sustainable shoe brand that donates a portion of their proceeds to help those in need. In 2006, TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie pioneered the One for One® model—giving away one pair of shoes for every pair sold, supporting larger health, education, and community development programs through strategic partnerships.
2. Patagonia: An outdoor clothing brand that focuses on sustainable practices and environmentally friendly materials.  It holds its suppliers to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry.
3. West Elm: A furniture company that offers sustainable and fair trade options for its products.  For example, 35% of its wood furniture is FSC®-certified, helping support forests and ecosystems worldwide.
4. The Body Shop: A cosmetics company with a commitment to sustainable practices, Fair Trade, and no animal testing.  Its founder, Dame Anita Roddick, built The Body Shop to fight for what is good, and just, and what is beautiful, enabling The Body Shop to support communities and the planet.
5. LUSH: A cosmetics company whose products are all handmade with sustainable and natural ingredients.  Only creating products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics, Lush are able to support the organics and the environment.
6. Pactimo: is an Australian sustainable clothing brand that creates high performance cycling and triathlon wear from recycled materials. Its products are made to order, which reduces waste, and it uses sustainable packaging options.
7. S’well: A water bottle and food storage company that aims to help reduce plastic waste by bringing ‘style, innovation and joy’ to its products and to sustainable living. S’well aims to inspire less disposable water bottle usage and more engagement in sustainable practices through its enticing designs and initiatives such as ’22 Days of Action’.
8. Ecoya: is a sustainable candle company that uses natural, eco-friendly materials like soy wax and lead-free wicks. Its candles are also made in Australia using sustainable practices. 
9. Seventh Generation: A sustainable cleaning product company that uses environmentally friendly ingredients and is on a mission to create a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable world for generations to come through its cleaning products.
10. SmartWool: A sustainable sock company that uses recycled materials.  When you buy socks from Smartwool, you can recycle your old sock at checkout.  How cool is that! 

So much innovation and good design is evolving with small footprint practices and companies. What are your favourite sustainable brands?