9 Sustainable Brands and Initiatives You Should Check Out!
Hey everyone!
Wrapping up our fast fashion series, I wanted to compile a quick list of some brands and organizations out now that are integrating sustainability into their fashion operations!
I reviewed sustainability reports, corporate policies, and active initiatives to bring you a concise list of some of the best active sustainable disruptors today.
I also implore you to check out our other media surrounding the topic!
Want to know more about the impacts of fast fashion on our environment? Click here!
Not a reader? Watch or listen on YouTube! Either way, we hope you enjoy!
Sustainable Brands:
1. Patagonia
The brand we all know and love for their outdoor and activewear.
Expensive as they may be, Patagonia is well deserving of the number one spot for their sustainable operations.
You can credit the company’s success to more than their durable designs and styles, but to commitment to circular corporate policies, and impactful leadership.
The company is one of the few leaders in its industry that is all bite and no bark, donating all their profits to climate initiatives and investing into their employees.
Though this which is why we see such high pricetags. It is rare that the leadership of such a large company take such a stance that is fundamentally anti capitalist, and acknowledge that they have more than enough.
They have a well-put-together sustainable impact page that is well worth the deep dive.
When you weigh the value of their products, and the considerations they have for developing a circular business model, it should be no surprise that they rank highly on this list.
2. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a close second to Patagonia, focusing solely on women’s garments.
It is a lesser-known brand, but has still stood the test of time as far as sustainable brands go.
Similar to Patagonia, the brand prioritizes the impact of its products first, second, and third life before concerning itself with profit margins.
They have a well-documented sustainable growth journal, rightfully boasting its Fair Trade certifications and circular economy initiatives.
You can find out more about their ethical values here by checking their ‘circular by design’ tab on their well-organized home page.
If you like what they have to offer, I am sure you will love the next brand on the list! One of my favorite brand partners!
3. Made Trade
Made Trade is a sustainable brand that I am fortunate enough to partner with myself!
Similar to Eileen Fisher, they stand out for their commitment to ethical and equitable corporate policies across a variety of categories and products.
They curate a diverse collection of goods crafted by artisans and eco-conscious partners worldwide, showcasing the beauty of sustainable design at reasonable prices.
Their rigorous vetting process ensures every product meets strict sustainability and fair trade standards.
There is peace of mind with them knowing you can enjoy diversity and style without compromising sustainable values.
Shop with MadeTrade to support women, minorities, and other marginalized communities.
4. Veja
Veja is a sustainable shoe brand recognized for the depth of its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
What makes me excited about Veja specifically is its transparent supply chain. A field of sustainability we have covered in depth in our fast fashion series.
Transparency in supply chain will continuously grow in signifcance as we hopefully see a normalization in commitment to circular production processes.
Each pair of Veja shoes tells the story of its original conception from the organic cotton used in their canvas to the sustainably harvested rubber from the Amazon rainforest.
They make it a point to prioritize fair wages and safe working conditions at all ends of their production chain as well. With minimalist designs that exude style and substance, at a competitive price point, Veja proves that fashion can be both trendy and sustainable.
4. Reformation:
Celebrated for its chic designs and eco-conscious ethos, Reformation is set apart by its eco-friendly fabrics like TENCEL™, recycled materials, water-saving techniques, and renewable energy in production.
Reformation pushes the boundaries of eco-fashion through its evident commitment to transparency and detailed sustainability reports.
The clothing not only looks good, but feels good, and is well-reviewed.
Customers enjoy knowing each piece is crafted with the planet in mind, proving that sustainable fashion can be accessible and aspirational.
Check out their story here for even more details on what Reformation brings to the table!
5. People Tree
Our final brand on the list is for any readers out in the EU or UK!
People Tree is a leading European sustainable fashion brand known for its dedication to ethical production and fair trade practices.
Each purchase supports a global network of artisans and communities, promoting social justice and environmental stewardship.
They ensure that their clothing is both eco-conscious and stylish, proving that fashion can be a force for positive change.
Sustainable Fashion Initiatives:
1. Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC):
The Sustainable Apparel Coalition represents the collective effort of over 300 brands, retailers, manufacturers, and NGOs to promote sustainability in the apparel and footwear industry.
Notable members of the coalition include Allbirds, Carhartt, Amazon, and Cyclo.
With a vision of creating a consumer goods industry that gives more than it takes, The SAC developed the Higg Index, a standardized tool for measuring and assessing the environmental and social impacts of products and supply chains.
2. Fashion Revolution:
Fashion Revolution is a global movement that campaigns for a safe, clean, and transparent fashion industry.
They have been campaigning for better conditions for nearly a decade now, living wage legislation across the garment and textile industry, international community advocacy efforts, and more.
The organization pushes for greater transparency and accountability across each level of the supply chain.
3. Better Cotton Initiative (BCI):
The Better Cotton Initiative is a global nonprofit organization working to improve the sustainability of the cotton farming industry.
By implementing what they call The Better Cotton Standard System, they are shooting for a holistic approach to cotton production that covers all three pillars of sustainability.
Through internal processes and external engagements, the company has done well to improve sustainability in cotton production efforts.
Their home site has lots to offer in insight not only relevant to the company but to any party interested in how to scale their business with better cotton.
4. Textile Exchange
Textile Exchange is a global nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in the textile industry.
The organization works with stakeholders across supply chains to drive meaningful change, improving fiber and materials sourcing is among the top of the organization’s goals.
By providing resources and tools to help companies and consumers, they promote responsible production and consumption practices.
Conclusion
The technology that will improve our supply chains is rapidly advancing. Every product you have or will ever purchase is a part of some manufacturers’ and distributors’ supply chain.
By identifying hotspots in supply chains, we can create a win-win for both suppliers and consumers.
The fashion industry is only a subset of the online shopping world, and the overall goal of improving traceability in fashion aims to eventually transfer the information learned to other environmentally taxing supply chains.
I hope you enjoyed this list, and encourage you to follow us online and subscribe to our YouTube if you’re interested in more!
Follow me if you’re interested in learning how to save, earn, and conserve sustainably in today’s world.
