Activism, Brands, Guides, Interviews & Exposé, Sustainability, Vegan Reviews

Company Spotlight: “Banyan Botanicals” and Becoming a B Corp

Curious to know how you can guarantee you are purchasing high-quality, sustainably sourced and ethically produced products? Have you ever heard of a B-Corporation?

In this article, the company Banyan Botanicals will be spotlighted and the truth behind B-Corps will be revealed.

Key Takeaways

  • Ethical Ayurvedic Products: Banyan Botanicals offers sustainably sourced Ayurvedic supplements, oils, and self-care products.
  • B-Corp Certified: The company meets high social and environmental standards with a focus on transparency and accountability.
  • Sustainability & Education: Committed to sustainable farming and Ayurvedic education through internships and partnerships.

The Why

Two years ago I was accepted for a 10 week long internship at a certified Organic farm in Southern Oregon.

As a student of Ayurveda and Herbalism the internship offered me exactly what I was seeking in exchange for a few hours of work exchange each week.

My time was so incredibly unforgettable.

I met lifelong friends, gained a world of knowledge and new understanding and pushed my boundaries by placing myself into new comfort zones. 

This farm is where I truly developed a love of sustainable farming practices to boot! 

When it came time for me to cover a company that felt aligned with Leafy Souls, I knew Banyan Botanicals would be the best fit. I’d love to take the opportunity to share why I love this company so much as well as share their ethical principles and ethics. 

Who is Banyan Botanicals?

Banyan Botanicals is B Corporation that sells and educates within the foundation of Ayurveda. 

In business since 1996, the company strives to bring its customers the most ethically and sustainably sourced and high quality Ayurvedic products and supplements such as, massage oils, herbal supplements, meal ingredients, self-care essentials and powdered herbs to name a few.

The company's warehouse is based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico with farm locations in India and Southern Oregon, headquarters in Ashland, OR, as well as a partnership Ayurvedic Institute in Asheville, North Carolina.

Ayurveda works for all people and the intended goal is to cater to an individual's imbalance to bring balance back in. Some Ayurvedic products you may be interested to try are: herbal tablets for endurance, an Ayurvedic rose infused face oil, an ashwagandha latte blend or organic grass-fed ghee.

The website is user-friendly and invites you to take a simple test to determine where you may be in need of an appropriate supplement.

Banyan Botanicals sells products world-wide and caters to every individual. The ingredients used are high-quality and sustainably sourced.

Aside from their popular products the company is dedicated to promoting education within Ayurveda through their association with The Ayurvedic Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, as well as their working farm, offering internships in Southern Oregon.

  • Banyan Botanicals Mission: 

    To help people achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being.

What is a B-Corp?

Banyan Botanicals takes pride in their efforts as they are USDA certified organic, FairWild registered, and a third-party certified B-Corporation. So, what is a B-Corporation anyway?

According to the official website

 “B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials. In order to achieve certification, a company must: 

  • Demonstrate high social and environmental performance by achieving a B Impact Assessment score of 80 or above and passing our risk review. Multinational corporations must also meet baseline requirement standards. 

  • Make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and achieve benefit corporation status if available in their jurisdiction. 

Exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website. 

Essentially, a B-Corporation is a business that meets exceptionally high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Certified B-Corps believe that businesses should benefit people, communities and the planet. Within a B-Corporation there is what's called a triple bottom line approach to business, also known as the three P’s: people, planet and profit.

With these three principles in mind, B-Corporations aim to benefit the people working, while supporting the planet and bringing in profit for the company.

The B-Corporation approach measures the progress and quality of a business through a point system.

This approach to business encourages associated companies to bring value to their businesses in a conscious and tangible way while keeping businesses accountable.

The official website even allows consumers to take note of the company’s overall score and determine the social/environmental impacts, ethics and transparency.

  • A B-Corporation follows a triple bottom line approach to business, often referred to as the three P’s: people, planet, and profit. Learn more about Banyan Botanicals B-Corp HERE

Examples of B-Corporations include

  • Patagonia
  • Seventh Generation
  • Athlete
  • Dr. Bronners

B-Corporations are changing the way capitalism works.

B-Corporations empower individuals to vote with their dollar while purchasing from a company that is held accountable in committing to fair trade practices, protecting the environment and serving the people involved.

In the case of Banyan Botanicals we can be certain they are practicing sustainable harvesting practices all while committing to their mission and supporting health, wellbeing and harmony for the planet.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A major goal of mine while writing for Leafy Souls is to highlight companies that I believe are making a difference on an ethical and sustainable level.

Companies that aren’t afraid to leave the mold and march to the beat of their own drum. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but as consumers we truly have the power.

We can determine what shows up on our shelves and what becomes the new popular trend. We don’t need to wait for the magazines or social media to tell us what we think we need. With a little bit of research we can make sure that we are consuming the highest quality products created with highly ethical and sustainable standards.

It’s easy enough to pull up the B-Corp website and get a quick rundown of companies who work to maintain people and planet priorities. If you think you’d be interested in giving a new herbal supplement or product a go I can only highly recommend Banyan Botanicals.

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Online Vegan Stores in EU
Brands, Guides, Vegan Reviews

Online Vegan Stores in EU

A true sign of sustainability becoming a more than a momentary trend is when big online platforms like Net-a-Porter start to offer a dedicated yet small ”organic” selection. The trend almost turns into a movement when smaller multi-brand online stores pop up, which offer curated selections from sustainable brands.

However, the criteria on what is a sustainable brand vary a lot between the various platforms. While some of the stores let you filter by keywords like ‘organic’, or ‘recycled’, thus exposing their criteria for sustainability, some have a more inclusive yet fuzzy approach. In any case, all these new online stores are great to explore sustainable brands and offer new viewpoints on what sustainability can be about.

Frugi

This playful brand specializes in children’s (up to ten years old) and maternity clothing – with splashes of colour and genius pattern. But best of all are the materials used which are soft and lovely to wear.

Global Organic Textile Standard certified Frugi clothing feels like quality from the moment you touch it. Each piece is built to last. These pyjamas which can be matched with a parent and are so soft on the skin, promising a peaceful night’s sleep.

Gather and See

Gather&See is an award-winning online ethical fashion retailer. Launched in 2014 by Alicia Taylor and Stephanie Hogg, Gather&See offers a curated selection of cutting edge sustainable fashion labels to a fashion-savvy, ethically minded customer.

Gather&See was born out of a desire to find beautiful, stylish ethical fashion brands that protect people and planet and don’t compromise on style.

Palava Clothing

Starting out in a shop in Yarm on Tees nears Middlesborough in 1854, Palava has gone from making children’s bedlinen to women’s clothing collections (sizes range from 12 to 28), homewares, jewellery, clothing for kids and much more.

The lifestyle brand focuses on creating items full of humour, fun and creativity, and also takes an ethical approach to manufacturing to ensure customers know that anything they buy with a Palava label is making a positive impact on the environment.

All clothing is made in a small factory just outside of London and the knitwear is spun and made in Turkey. Any excess fabric is transformed into accessories or sold in fabric bundles to crafters, stylists and home sewists, so nothing gets sent to landfill.

The brand has also made moves to become plastic-free and will be rolling out new garment bags made from a bio-based resin that is 100 per cent biodegradable.

Komodo

For some 30 years, Komodo has been in operation, offering 100 per cent vegan and eco-friendly clothing which manages to be both affordable and stylish. Komodo is Soil Association & GOTS certified. It rejects ‘fast fashion’ and the company trade fairly with factories all over the world.

The menswear is awesome – check out the Carl sweater – but this two-tone geometric print jumper, made from 100 percent cotton, is cozy enough to ward off the winter chill but still offers a slim silhouette.

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Matt And Nat New Collection
Activism, Brands, Guides, Interviews & Exposé, Vegan Fashion, Vegan Reviews

Matt And Nat New Collection

Matt & Nat is a sustainable vegan leather brand the has a large seasonal collection of seriously stylish pieces. Matt & Nat is a Canadian brand with a simple motto: live beautifully. Shortly put, they want to create beautiful things with a positive impact on the world. They produce very sophisticated bags and shoes as well as a tiny dog accessories. Their designs are meant to be timeless, functional and resistant, making them a durable purchase too.

Who Are Matt & Nat?

Matt & Nat was set up in 1995 in Montreal. Matt & Nat stems from the words material and nature. ‘We’re passionate and in awe of the world that surrounds us. From the website ‘MAT(T)erial and NATure means exploring the synergy between the two, the reflection of one on the other.’ All products are free from animal-based materials and produced with recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork, recycled plastic bottles, and most recently, recycled bicycle tires.

“From the start, being committed to not using leather or any other animal-based materials in our designs felt natural to us. Each season, we continue to explore new innovative ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly.”

Sustainability Policies

Matt & Nat aims to continuously improve the sustainability of their materials by:

  • Experimenting with sustainable materials like recycled nylon, cork, cardboard, and rubber.
  • Using recycled plastic bottles for their linings (about 21 bottles per bag).
  • Using recycled materials for the majority of their packaging and marketing materials.
  • Minimizing their use of PVC (which is a toxic faux-leather) by replacing it with PU leather wherever possible.

The Bag Collection

Sheenan, $155.00

Matt & Nat offers a huge variety of bags, and they all look so stylish and versatile that the availability of choices is honestly a bit of curse. In the end, the Sheenan, a mid-sized doctor bag that’s structured, polished, and great for work was an eye-catcher. The body and handles are stiff, the flat bottom of the main compartment helps keep belongings organized, and there were just enough pockets (but not too many) for essentials like MetroCard, keys, and office ID. It can be worn crossbody, but the straps can also be adjusted for length or removed depending on your preferred look and feel.

Laverne, $160.00

The Laverne is basically the vegan magazine tote. It's deep enough for papers and notebooks, has a padded laptop pocket, and is sturdy enough to survive less-than-gentle handling. In terms of looks, the stiff body gives it a polished feel, the logo is small and inoffensive, and the colour is the same beautiful dark merlot in person.

It's substantial enough to have some structure even when empty, the colour is beautiful for fall, and it's a perfect mix to have a deep internal pocket that can fit a laptop and a small, unobtrusive side pocket for easy access to a cell phone or subway pass. This bag has the added functional benefit of being made from a material that can remain stiff and compact and won't wither in inclement weather. 

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Brands, Guides, Interviews & Exposé, Vegan Recipes

Mix & Rise

We’re welcoming our good friends Mix & Rise to Leafy Souls this month with a tasty guest blog on overcoming the challenges of vegan baking.

Ask people how they kept themselves happy whilst quarantined and you're most likely to get this answer - baking. But with the main ingredients not plant-based, can baking still be enjoyed by vegans? The answer is a resounding yes. Thanks to passionate bakers like Fleur of Mix and Rise, plant-based baking is within arm's reach.

Mix & Rise are an innovative UK-based baking duo which is aiming for nothing less than a global revolution in how we bake cakes and treats. Their baking boxes give novice bakers everything they need to start baking at home - and the results are mouthwatering.

If you love tasty vegan treats then head over to https://www.mixandrise.com, sign up for their newsletter and start your vegan baking journey with them!

In our December 2020 issue, Leafy Souls placed the spotlight on her as our vegan-preneur of the month. Now she is back to share her tips on natural egg replacements in baking.

3 Natural Egg Replacements in Plant-Based Baking

Plant-based baking.

It doesn’t scream of rich, indulgent bakes, or the kind of bowl you want to lick clean as soon as the rest is in the oven.

But here at Mix & Rise, we’re on a mission to prove that there’s no need to sacrifice flavour or simplicity.

Baking without eggs and dairy isn't limiting.

We see it as an opportunity to get creative and break away from the constraints of traditional baking methods.

But what are the best natural egg replacements out there that we’ve tried and tested?

Fruit Purees

They’re your best friend when it comes to baking muffins - thanks to their natural sweetness and the extra moisture. We have tried and tested everything from bananas and apples to pumpkins and butternut squash and they all work a treat. Here’s our favourite though, apple puree, and the recipe we use to make our Apple & Cinnamon Spiced Fudge Muffins.

150g of apple puree makes 8 muffins:

  •  Wash your apples then peel, core and slice them.
  • Place them in a large pan and then put in enough water to just cover them.
  • Bring apples to the boil, then gently simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
  • Drain the apples, then, using a hand blender/ potato masher or spoon, mash the apples into a thick puree.
  • Allow to cool slightly before adding to your cake mixture.

Ground Flaxseed

Perfect for baking decadent brownies thanks to its nuttier flavour and texture, flaxseed is also high in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.

Definitely a win-win egg replacement in our opinion.

To replace one egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and leave to sit for 5 minutes until thickened.

Silken Tofu Puree

Silken tofu is essentially soy milk that has been condensed and pressed into a block.

However, this kind has a high water content which gives the tofu its silky soft texture. Hence, its name and it's perfect for more dense baking recipes such as cheesecake. You only need 60g of pureed silken tofu to replace one egg.

Mix & Rise I 3 Natural Egg Replacements in Plant-Based Baking

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top sustainable fashion brands revolutionizing eco friendly fashion
Brands, Clothing, Fashion, Vegan Reviews

Top 20 Sustainable Clothing Brands Leading Eco-Friendly Fashion

Choosing a sustainable clothing brand means committing to environmental and ethical fidelity. This article provides a definitive list of 20 brands dedicated to revolutionizing the fashion industry with sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials, and fair labor.

They’re proving that sustainability doesn’t compromise style or quality. Begin your journey with our guide to making impactful choices for both your wardrobe and the world.

Key Takeaways

  • Sustainable fashion brands are fostering a greener future by creating clothes using eco-friendly materials, promoting ethical labor practices, and encouraging consumers to ‘buy less, and buy better’ for environmental benefits.
  • Eco-friendly, natural fabrics like GOTS certified organic cotton, recycled fibers, and innovative materials reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact, aligning effortless style with sustainability.
  • Consumer preferences are shifting towards eco-conscious choices, with sustainable, ethical, and regenerative practices gaining traction, and representing a growing market share in the fashion industry.

Top 20 Sustainable Clothing Brands

  1.  Komodo
  2. Woron
  3. Lucy & Yak
  4. Pact
  5. Parks Project
  6. Summersalt
  7. People Tree
  8. Proclaim
  9. The R Collective
  10. Veja
  11. Reformation
  12. Eileen Fisher
  13. Everlane
  14. Burberry
  15. Gucci 
  16. Nisolo
  17. MATE the Label
  18. Cotopaxi
  19. Will’s Vegan Store
  20. Mara Hoffman
  21. LA Relaxed
  22. Thought Clothing
  23. Cuyana
  24. Asket
  25. Navygrey
  26. AGOLDE
  27. Adidas x Stella McCartney’s
  28. VEJA sneakers,
  29. Outerknown
  30. Wolven
  31. Reformation
  32. HARA
  33. Minimalist
  34. Rapanui
  35. Toad & Co
  36. Frank & Oak
  37. Toby Tiger
  38. Prada
  39. Stella McCartney
  40. RVDK
  41. Monica Rich Kosann
  42. Wwake
  43. Peep Eyewear
  44. Ugo Paulon
  45. Poppy Finch
  46. Prestige Decanters
  47. ABLE
  48. NOAH
  49. Mila.Vert
  50. Jyoti – Fair Works
  51. EERAH
  52. Eco Eyewear
  53. Unwrapped Life
  54. Ecoalf
  55. Allbirds
  56. Create Forest
  57. Eco Eyewear
  58. Conscious Step
  59. Fanfare
  60. Kampos
  61. Proclaim
  62. Reformation
  63. Sense Organics
  64. Hanna Andersson
  65. Toby Tiger
  66. Girlfriend Collective
  67. Strawberry Western
  68.  POMP
  69. The Meaning Well
  70. Rhi Dancey

Sustainable

Biodegradable

Water Resistant

Vegan

Leafy Souls Score

PVC

Micronappa / Microsuede

Vegetable Polyurethane (PU)

Recycled plastic

Pineapple leather (Piñatex)

Apple leather

Cactus leather

Grape leather

MulbTex Paper Pulp

Cork leather

Mirum

Understanding Vegan Fashion & Sustainable Fashion Brands

Sustainable fashion is more than a trend; it’s a movement. A movement that shuns animal derived materials, aims to protect our environment and ensure fair labor conditions for workers while reducing the industry’s contribution to global greenhouse-gas emissions.

By using organic materials, embracing eco-friendly practices, and committing to reducing carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, sustainable fashion brands are working towards a greener future with sustainable clothing.

This eco-conscious approach opposes the fast-fashion model by promoting durable, ethically produced garments that minimize environmental harm. But it’s not just about what the brands do; it’s also about us, the consumers.

We are encouraged to rethink our purchasing habits and adopt the ethos ‘buy less, and buy better.’ This shift is crucial given the massive volume of most garments produced globally.

So next time you shop, consider choosing sustainable fashion brands that use eco-friendly fabrics like GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled polyester. By making these conscious choices, you can contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry and reduce your environmental footprint.

Ethical Fashion: Cruelty Free, & Fair Trade

While the term ‘fashion’ often conjures images of glitz and glamour, the industry’s darker side can no longer be ignored. That’s where ethical fashion comes in. Ethical fashion prioritizes fair wages and workers’ rights, strictly opposing child labor and worker exploitation, to ensure a dignified livelihood for employees.

Safety isn’t just about preventing accidents and illnesses. Ethical fashion brands also protect workers from abuse and stress, ensuring a safer and healthier working environment. But it doesn’t stop there.

Ethical fashion encourages transparency and accountability, advocating for brand practices that consumers can trust and verify.

So when you choose a sustainable fashion brand, you’re not just buying a piece of clothing. You’re supporting ethical production, fair wages, and safe working conditions. You’re investing in a system that values people just as much as profits.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics and Natural Materials

eco-friendly fabrics and pleather scraps

Green is the new black in the world of fashion. And we’re not just talking about the color.

Sustainable fashion brands are turning to eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics and materials to reduce their environmental impact.

Let’s take organic cotton, for example. Most sustainable materials include cotton. A cornerstone of sustainable fashion, it uses less water and avoids harmful pesticides compared to conventional cotton.

Brands like KomodoWoronLucy & Yak, and Pact specialize in GOTS-certified organic cotton for their sustainable apparel offerings.

But it’s not just about organic cotton. Recycled materials also play a significant role in the sustainable fashion industry. Some examples include:

  • Parks Project uses 100% GRS-certified recycled polyester
  • Summersalt incorporates recycled polyamide into its eco-conscious swimwear
  • People Tree and Proclaim showcase sustainability by crafting products from materials like TENCEL lyocell and recycled plastic bottles.

High fashion, brands like The R Collective stand out by creating women’s wear from excess materials rescued from leading luxury brands, promoting upcycling in high fashion.

These brands remind us that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable, proving that you don’t have to compromise your values to look good.

Transparency in the Fashion Industry: More Sustainable Clothing

Transparency is the new black in the fashion industry. Brands like Veja, Reformation, Eileen Fisher, and Everlane are pursuing radical transparency, providing consumers with a clear view of their business practices.

But achieving transparency is not without its challenges. As brands scale up, maintaining transparency becomes increasingly complex due to the intricacies of larger supply chains.

Despite the hurdles, transparency is vital in the fashion industry. Effective communication of transparency efforts helps brands avoid greenwashing accusations and distinguish themselves from competitors.

Not to mention, the Fashion Transparency Index reviews and ranks brands based on their disclosure of human rights and environmental policies, practices, and impacts in their operations and supply chains.

Yet, it’s clear there’s still a long way to go. With only 7% of fashion brands publishing their supplier wastewater test results and a mere 1% informing about the number of workers being paid a living wage, the need for greater transparency in the industry is undeniable.

So next time you shop, consider choosing brands that value transparency and accountability. Because what you wear says a lot about who you are.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint with Every Purchase

Every purchase we make leaves a footprint on our planet. In the case of the fashion industry, that footprint can be quite significant. But sustainable fashion brands are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Brands such as Burberry and Gucci are aiming to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources, significantly reducing their carbon emissions.

But it’s not just about reducing emissions. Fashion brands are also offsetting their carbon emissions to achieve Climate-Neutral certification. Brands like:

  • MATE the Label
  • Will’s Vegan Store
  • Nisolo
  • Cotopaxi

offset their emissions and demonstrate meaningful steps to reduce their carbon footprint. And let’s not forget about the materials.

Mara Hoffman uses natural, recycled, and organic fibers in their products, while MATE the Label and LA Relaxed focus on using organic and lower-impact materials and employing local manufacturing.

So remember, with every sustainable purchase, you’re making a positive impact on our planet.

Classic Styles Meet Conscious Manufacturing

Classic and conscious – two words that beautifully capture the essence of sustainable fashion.

Brands like Thought Clothing, Cuyana, and Asket create timeless styles that care for the environment, offering simplicity, thoughtfulness, and European-inspired styles to their design philosophy. As a classic t shirt company, they focus on sustainable fashion brands that prioritize both style and sustainability.

But creating timeless fashion isn’t just about style; it’s also about the materials and production processes. Brands like Navygrey use pure, traceable wool, while AGOLDE employs regenerative and recycled fabrics alongside green washes and plant based dyes.

These brands remind us that fashion is not just about following the latest trends. It’s about finding pieces that reflect our personal style, values, and commitment to a more sustainable world.

So next time you shop, consider choosing brands that combine classic styles with conscious manufacturing.

Innovations in Recycled Fashion

upcycled materials in fashion

As the old adage states, "one person’s trash truly becomes another’s treasure." Brands are innovating by using upcycled materials, production leftovers, and deadstock to create unique, eco-friendly products.

Adidas x Stella McCartney’s activewear collaboration and VEJA sneakers, for example, use high-performance recycled materials sourced from post-industrial and post-consumer waste.

Brands like Mara Hoffman use REPREVE recycled polyester yarns for their swimwear, while Outerknown creates recycled plastic trunks, both promoting recycling and ensuring the longevity of garments.

Wolven creates fashion-forward athletic wear using post-consumer recycled plastic, aligning sustainability with style and supporting ocean clean-up.

Even luxury labels are getting in on the action. The R Collective creates women’s wear from excess materials rescued from leading luxury brands, promoting upcycling in high fashion.

These innovative approaches to recycled fashion are transforming the way we think about waste and sustainability.

The Rise of Eco-Conscious Consumerism

Consumer behavior is changing. No longer are we satisfied with fast fashion and throwaway culture. Instead, we’re witnessing the rise of eco-conscious consumerism.

A 2021 study found that 93% of global respondents said the pandemic influenced their views on sustainability, reflecting a significant shift toward eco-conscious consumer behavior.

This shift is also evident in our search habits. Over the past five years, online searches for sustainable goods have increased by 71% globally.

And it’s not just adults making these changes. 90% of Gen Z consumers report having purchased a sustainable product within the last six months.

This growing demand for sustainable, ethical, circular, or regenerative brands is predicted to reach 23% of the global fashion market by 2030.

So the next time you shop, remember that every purchase you make is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in.

Sustainable Brands Championing Minimal Waste

Brands that champion minimal waste are leading the way in reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. These brands prioritize waste minimization through eco-friendly packaging, natural non toxic dyes, and innovative materials.

Reformation, for example, delivers products in plastic free packaging such as compostable vegetable bags and uses bio-based hangers made of recycled paper.

But it’s not just about packaging. Brands are also minimizing waste in their production processes. HARA achieves vibrant colors naturally with dyes sourced from turmeric, indigo, and madder root plants, supporting inclusive sizing and and avoiding the use of toxic chemicals.

And let’s not forget about the materials. Brands like Minimalist design their collection to be recyclable at the end of life, using certified lower-impact materials while supporting fair wage work conditions in New York City.

These brands are proving that when it comes to sustainability, less really can be more.

Affordable and Accessible Eco-Fashion

affordable sustainable fashion

Sustainable fashion isn’t just for the wealthy. There are plenty of affordable sustainable and slow fashion brands that make eco-friendly clothing accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing quality or ethical standards.

Brands like Rapanui offer a pack of five organic cotton tees for just £38, reflecting how sustainable fashion can be economically accessible.

Brands like Toad & Co and Frank & Oak provide a range of eco-friendly garments catering to different budgetary needs. And it’s not just about adults’ clothing. Toby Tiger highlights the softness, safety, and durability of GOTS-certified organic cotton in its children’s wear.

So no matter your budget, you can make sustainable choices. By choosing affordable and accessible eco-fashion, you can look good, feel good, and do good for our planet.

Luxury Goes Green

When it comes to luxury fashion, green is the new black. Luxury fashion brands are embracing sustainability, ethical practices, and innovative eco-friendly materials. Some examples include:

  • Stella McCartney, a trailblazer in ethical luxury fashion, steers clear of leather and fur and actively works to protect endangered forests.
  • Gucci has committed to becoming carbon neutral and has implemented sustainable practices throughout its supply chain.
  • Prada has launched a sustainable nylon line made from recycled materials.

These clothing brands are leading the way in creating a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

But it’s not just about avoiding harmful materials. Luxury brands are also introducing innovative materials into their timeless designs and collections. Stella McCartney’s luxury vegan handbag line demonstrates a commitment to cruelty-free fashion by using solvent-free leather alternatives and other sustainable materials like raffia.

Brands like RVDK set a haute couture standard for responsible fashion with a high use of recycled materials and deadstock, paving the way for lower-impact high fashion.

Consider choosing brands that are as committed to the environment as they are to style.

Beyond Clothing: Accessories Brand Commitments

Sustainability in fashion isn’t just about clothing. More and more accessories brands are committing to using eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices.

Brands like Monica Rich Kosann and Wwake seek B Corp certification and integrate sustainable practices, prioritizing recycled metals and conflict-free diamonds.

Innovative approaches to sustainability are also evident in the accessories sector. Peep Eyewear refurbishes vintage glasses, Ugo Paulon handcrafts shoes from repurposed materials, and Poppy Finch uses recycled gold.

Choosing sustainably made accessories has far-reaching impacts, from environmental benefits to positive social implications.

Brands like Prestige Decanters aim to plant trees for each product sold, underlining the capacity for fashion choices to lead to tangible positive change.

Local Love: Supporting Regional Sustainable Brands

Sustainable fashion is also about supporting local economies. Regional sustainable brands bolster local economies, uphold traditional craftsmanship, and promote ethical production practices.

Brands like ABLE provide a living wage to women who have faced extraordinary situations, supporting economies in the USA and Macedonia.

Brands such as NOAH, Mila.Vert, and Jyoti – Fair Works support traditional craftsmanship and provide opportunities to people from marginalized communities in Germany, Italy, and India. These fair trade brands not only create beautiful pieces but also contribute to the local economy and foster social upliftment.

You’ll not only get a unique piece of clothing but also contribute to a brighter future for local communities.

The Journey to a Plastic-Free Closet

Imagine a closet free from plastic. It might sound like a distant dream, but sustainable brands are taking steps to make it a reality.

Brands are eliminating plastic from their products and packaging to align with modern environmental responsibilities. VEERAH, for example, uses innovative materials such as apple peel leather in its completely vegan shoe production.

It’s not just about the products themselves. Brands are also innovating in their packaging. Eco Eyewear plants a tree with every pair sold and uses recycled and biobased materials for their glasses.

Even the delivery process is being reconsidered. Unwrapped Life prevents plastic pollution by using compostable paper for wrapping and operating a paperless shipping process.

These brands remind us that every step towards a plastic-free closet is a step towards a healthier planet.

Regenerative Fashion: Beyond Sustainability

Regenerative fashion takes sustainability to the next level. Instead of just minimizing environmental impacts, regenerative fashion aims to restore ecosystems and regenerate healthy natural cycles.

Brands are innovating by developing regenerative materials like:

  • Mylo™ (mushroom leather)
  • AppleSkin™ (apple pomace leather alternative)
  • Piñatex (pineapple leaf fiber)
  • Fleather (flower leather from temple flowers)

Regenerative practices include:

  • No-till farming
  • Cover crops
  • Crop rotation
  • Composting
  • Holistic grazing

These practices enhance biodiversity, enrich soils, and avoid soil depletion and pesticide use. Leading the way are brands like Ecoalf, which upcycles waste materials, and Allbirds, which is Climate-Neutral certified and uses regenerative agriculture.

However, regenerative fashion faces challenges, including the costs of farm certification, the lengthy transformation process, and consumer acceptance of higher costs.

Despite these hurdles, regenerative fashion offers a promising future for the industry.

Nurturing Nature: Brands That Give Back

Fashion is about more than just style; it’s also about giving back. Many sustainable fashion brands support reforestation, environmental conservation, and social initiatives through their business practices.

Create Forest, for example, plants 2 trees in Canada for every product purchased. But it’s not just about planting trees. Brands also give back through their product offerings, as with Eco Eyewear, mentioned before.

Conscious Step has planted over 400,000 trees with Trees for the Future through their tree-planting sock initiatives. These brands remind us that every purchase we make can help nurture nature and create a more sustainable future.

From Bottles to Basics: Recycled Water Bottles in Fashion

Can a water bottle become a fashionable garment? In the world of sustainable fashion, the answer is yes. Brands are transforming PET bottles into fabric for sustainable fashion products. The process involves sorting and cleaning the bottles, removing labels and caps, and color separation.

The bottles are then processed through the following steps:

  1. Grinding into flakes
  2. Coating, drying, and melting into liquid
  3. Pushing through fine holes to form filaments
  4. Spinning into yarn

This process demands significantly less water compared to virgin polyester or cotton production, offering a tremendous environmental benefit.

Brands like Fanfare, Kampos, Proclaim, and Reformation are using fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, promoting a circular economy. So the next time you wear a garment made from recycled water bottles, remember the journey it took to get from the recycling bin to your closet.

Kids' Corner: Sustainable Fashion for the Young Ones

Sustainable fashion isn’t just for adults. There are plenty of affordable and eco-friendly clothing options for children made from organic and sustainable materials. Here are some brands that offer such options:

  • Sense Organics: Affordable organic cotton baby and toddler clothes with options under €20.
  • Hanna Andersson: Durable children's clothing using natural materials such as organic cotton, designed for newborns to age 14, and designed for longevity and hand-me-downs.
  • Toby Tiger: Highlights the softness, safety, and durability of GOTS-certified organic cotton in its children’s wear.

So next time you’re shopping for your little ones, consider choosing sustainable fashion brands. Not only will your children look adorable, but you’ll also be teaching them the importance of caring for the environment.

Athleisure with a Purpose

Athleisure isn’t just about looking good in the gym; it’s also about feeling good about your choices. Many athleisure brands prioritize sustainability in their production processes.

Girlfriend Collective, for example, uses recycled materials such as post-consumer water bottles and fishing nets in their activewear and offers a recycling program for old leggings.

Econyl® is a popular material in activewear for its sustainable properties. It’s a recycled nylon made from waste like fishing nets, with a closed-loop recycling process.

Strawberry Western commits to sustainability using 73% post-consumer recycled polyester and 100% recycled cotton in their inclusive activewear range.

You’ll not only look good in the gym, but you’ll also feel good knowing you’re supporting a healthier planet by supporting athletic brands with a purpose.

The Future of Fashion: Emerging Sustainable Brands

Sustainable fashion is not a trend; it’s the future. Emerging sustainable brands are shaping the future of the fashion industry with their innovative practices. POMP, known for its organic cotton clothing basics, uses GOTS-certified cotton and offers a recycling program for its garments.

Brands like The Meaning Well and Rhi Dancey are capitalizing on the use of deadstock fabrics, producing small-batch upcycled clothing and inclusive, artful garments respectively. These brands are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable fashion, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.

So as we look to the future of fashion, let’s celebrate these emerging brands that are leading the way in sustainability. By supporting these brands, we’re not only making a positive impact on the environment but also shaping the future of fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Zara have sustainability?

Yes, Zara has made sustainability commitments such as using renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics, and introducing sustainable product lines made from eco-friendly materials, reflecting its commitment to protecting people and the planet. These actions demonstrate Zara's dedication to sustainability.

What is sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion is a movement that aims to protect the environment and ensure fair labor conditions for workers, promoting the use of organic materials, eco-friendly practices, and a reduction in carbon emissions throughout the supply chain. It's about making ethical and environmentally responsible choices in the fashion industry.

How are brands promoting transparency in fashion?

Brands are promoting transparency in fashion by providing detailed information on their business practices, disclosing climate impact, and aiming for high levels of transparency to avoid greenwashing accusations. This helps consumers make informed choices when buying clothes.

What materials are used in sustainable fashion?

Sustainable fashion brands use materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, polyamide, TENCEL Lyocell, and banana fibers to create eco-conscious and stylish clothing options. Using these materials helps reduce environmental impact and supports ethical fashion practices.

What are some examples of brands that are reducing their carbon footprint?

Brands like Burberry, Gucci, MATE the Label, Will's Vegan Store, Nisolo, and Cotopaxi are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as sourcing all of their electricity from renewable sources and offsetting their carbon emissions to achieve Climate-Neutral certification. This shows their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So there you have it – the top 20-ish sustainable clothing brands that are revolutionizing eco-friendly fashion.

From understanding sustainable fashion to exploring the ethical approach to fashion, from discovering eco-friendly, breathable fabrics to witnessing the rise of eco-conscious consumerism, we’ve embarked on a fascinating journey.

We’ve seen how brands are working hard to reduce waste, making sustainable fashion affordable and accessible, supporting local artisans and giving back to the community. We’ve learned about the journey to a plastic-free closet and the future of fashion with emerging sustainable brands.

But most importantly, we’ve seen that every purchase we make has an impact. So let’s make that impact a positive one.

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Fungtn The Vegan Craft Beer
Brands, Guides, Interviews & Exposé

Fungtn: The Vegan Craft Beer

when i first came to veganism, i thought about the health benefits of going vegan

Enjoy beer sans the hangover, but with all the natural-goodness - it’s vegan and gluten-free. And who is the genius behind this? Meet Zoey, the brains behind Fungtn. Read about her vegan journey and how she birthed the idea behind vegan craft beer.You can also find her featured in our June 2021 magazine, access comes with your prime subscription.  

Veganism and business: Why your beliefs matter

I had been an off vegetarian since the cows went mad in the 90’s and my mum stopped us eating red meat. The horrors of what ‘mad cow disease’ actually was (a neurological disease caused by cows being forced to eat other cows) was skimmed over in the pre internet world. 

I have always loved all animals. I grew up with them as siblings and would rescue and help any animal I found in need. I wrote a letter of protest to my school refusing to wear a costume in our school play that was made of fur. I collected money for local rescues. Yet, I still ate occasional meat, fish and was a self-confessed cheese fanatic. 

How Could My Cognitive Dissonance be so Strong?

The marketing myths of big business and industry were so cleverly interwoven to society that I could just not join the dots of cruelty to the happy smiling pictures of cows and the belief that because dairy did not kill the cows it was somehow kinder and even natural. 

How many people came out of childhood not understanding that lamb was a baby sheep and that cows do not naturally produce milk? The true horrors were kept tightly under wraps and people and parents that did question the morality of their foods were shot down with fear of malnourishment and health scares. There were very few alternatives or information and the ‘vegans’ were the weird ones, the hippies, living on the fringes of society. What a world we have created where wanting to not hurt another soul, be compassionate and live a more sustainable life is seen as weird, even dangerous.   

Six  years ago, I snapped and joined the dots. Over one weekend I watched Cowspiracy, Earthlings, End of the Line and Knives over Forks. I trawled Peta, I read and watched and cried. A lot. The pain and suffering, the raw images and the anger of being lied to was followed by the disillusionment of seeing kind people around me still eat animal products without a care, probe my motives and some even ridiculing my decision to become vegan. It was hard. Thankfully for younger generations the veil is slowly lifting and in the transparent world of shared information, the burden that animals bear to feed us foods we do not need, is becoming glaringly clear. 

What Moves Cultures and Changes Perception? The Mainstream!

Food, style, media, celebrities, socials, the billboards on our highstreets and the adverts on our TV’s. Popular culture is what shapes generational beliefs in the West and as the biggest consumers of animal products, we literally put our money where our mouth is. This is where the change makers lie. I realised that bringing “plant based” eating into the mainstream and helping create a culture where making positive change every time you eat, is the way to a more compassionate future. 

The power of plants as a delicious and sustainable food source has multiple benefits and health is the undeniable gain that no one can argue with. We are living in a time of antibiotic resistance (driven by over use in animal ag.) low immunity, a mental health crisis and the top killers globally are chronic diseases caused by a high fat, sugar and animal protein based diet. We are slowly killing ourselves and the planet and when you break it down there is only one clear way forward, plant forward! 

The voices of change that Oatley, Mykos Creamery, Beyond Meat and many more have given to the vegan movement have begun to change the way society thinks about veganism and our broken food system. I truly believe that food and business is the best vehicle for change we have. We as a community need to embrace and welcome people into the movement and if diet and lifestyle is the key to the back door then I am behind the plant based movement fully. 

How can We Turn this Knowledge into Power and Change? - Live what You Believe

I was working as a hospitality consultant when I became vegan and the disconnection made me feel uncomfortable. I soon realised that I wanted to only work with plant based and vegan businesses. I understood the power of brands and peoples intimate relationship to food. I saw this as a vehicle for change and knew that my future businesses must help push this change in the right direction. 

I founded the Functional Brew Company to help spread the message of a more sustainable future. Removing alcohol, refined sugar and toxins from our social ceremony and helping bring adaptogenic fungi to the mainstream. Many beers still contain lactose or whey as a filler and some still filter with isinglass (fish guts). The ceremony around having a drink is an important social bond and ritual. Why make it unhealthy and why on earth is a drink made from plants still using animal products in its making?! Fungtn is a part of the future of better beer. 

If you'd like to be our vegan-preneur of the month, drop us a line atmagazine@leafysouls.com. We would like to share your story and celebrate the ups and downs of veganism with you.

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Happy Carrot Vegan Skincare
Brands, Activism, Beauty & Hygiene, Interviews & Exposé, Vegan Reviews

Happy Carrot: Vegan Skincare

We have always talked about the vegan lifestyle, from food to clothing items, making sure everything is cruelty-free and good for the environment. But have we also considered skincare? Victoria, founder of Happy Carrot, is sharing some tips with us to ensure that our skincare routine is ethical and environment-friendly. You can also find her featured in our July 2021 magazine, access comes with your prime subscription. 

3 Tips to Make Your Vegan Skincare More Sustainable

When we want to save animals and the planet too, it can be difficult to know where to start with our skincare.

We’ve already made sure that it’s definitely vegan and probably cruelty free too, but is that really enough?

Depending on your reasons for going vegan in the first place, maybe not. Here are 3 easy tips to make your vegan skincare more sustainable.

My story

In my case, I was vegetarian for the animals and then finally went vegan when I couldn’t ignore the environmental impact I was still making with my diet and lifestyle choices. 

So when I set up my own skincare range after struggling with hormonal acne, I knew it had to be respectful for the environment too. 

Sustainability is one of Happy Carrot’s three core values and it’s at the heart of everything we do. These are just some of the ways we try to achieve that.

Tip 1: Check what’s in your skincare.

So your skincare is already free from animal products but there is much more you can do to keep it sustainable too. Does it contain palm oil? There are many ingredients hiding palm oil in cosmetics so it can be confusing to know if yours does or not. It’s a bit of a controversial topic within vegans but if you use products with palm oil in, it’s best to go with RSPO (responsibly sourced palm oil) to limit your environmental impact. Another key way of keeping your skincare sustainable is to use upcycled ingredients. These are usually by-products from the food and drink industry that would otherwise be thrown away to landfill. Just think of all those tomato pips that are filtered out of ketchup and tomato juice, well the oil in these pips can be cold pressed and is one of the most amazing ingredients for the skin ever! Include upcycled ingredients in your skincare regime for an easy sustainability win.

Tip 2: Go multi-purpose

Using products that serve many purposes is an easy way to reduce waste. It saves product waste, packaging and no less importantly, money and space too! Consider how many ways you can use just one product before buying it. Imagine a select wardrobe of good quality clothes that combine together to make several stunning outfits. Well, it’s the same for your skincare! Balms are my absolute favourite products for this very reason – a good facial balm like our Incredible Carrot Hero Balm can be used as a make-up remover, cleanser, mask, moisturiser, lip balm, hand and nail balm amongst other uses. I’ve even heard of customers using it on their feet! All it takes is a bit of imagination and your skincare routine is instantly more sustainable!

Top 3: Consider Packaging

The obvious choice for more sustainable skincare is to avoid single use plastic and many skincare brands use glass only packaging. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of glass as it’s heavy, so the fuel needed to transport it across the world actually makes it comparable with single use plastic in its eco-footprint. Aluminium is another option, but the mining process is damaging and then we’re left with cardboard packaging which isn’t always safe for our products. The type of packaging can also lead to us wasting our products. Take lip balm tubes for example, ever tried to get the last bit out that’s stuck in the bottom of the tube only to then have to throw out the mushy bit because it’s impossible to use? Consider the right packaging for the product and how you can waste less of your lovely skincare products. My choice is recycled plastic which reduces landfill and encourages the recycling industry to do just that – actually recycle what we dispose of. It’s not a perfect choice and I really hope there’ll be better options coming soon! 

If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog and you’d like to find out more about our range of skincare superheroes, find us atwww.happycarrotskincare.com 

Our simple yet effective formulas are designed for combination and even troubled skin. They’re also chock full of upcycled ingredients, they’re palm oil free, minimally packaged in recycled plastic or glass and most labels are compostable too. We’re proud to be registered by The Vegan Society, Leaping Bunny Approved and Vegan Founded!

And don’t forget to check Happy Carrot out: 

Site:www.happycarrotskincare.com
IG:@happycarrotskincare

If you'd like to be our vegan-preneur of the month, drop us a line atmagazine@leafysouls.com. We would like to share your story and celebrate the ups and downs of veganism with you.

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