Click "add to cart" this Ocean Month with These Eco-Friendly Brands

As "Ocean Month" comes to a close, many people wonder, "Well... now what?" Outside of volunteering with or donating to ocean-focused organizations, voting for environmentally-conscious leaders, and being mindful of our carbon footprint, there is another way you can help. 

Reach to your back pocket or purse... feel your wallet? Yup. That's how. By supporting companies that have our environment and wild spaces in mind, you can help start the conversation with loved ones about why you support these organizations and how they in turn support your values. Here are a few of my faves.

Who Gives A Crap

You may be wondering, "Meli, who gives a crap about all this?" Well, I do! And concidentally, so does Who Gives A Crap!​ ​

If COVID taught me anything is that 1) I might want to invest in a bidet, but one that has warm water because I don't need a shock to my system during the winter and 2) we can go through quite a bit of toilet paper. I've heard of Who Gives A Crap for years as an eco-friendly alternative to the stuff I can get at Publix, Costco or Woolies. With their slogan saying they are "good for your bum and great for the world," their products are 100% plastic free and have options made from 100% recycled paper or 100% bamboo. Additionally, 50% of profits are donated to help build toilets for communities in need around the world! My roommate and I went through our supply and commented on how nice the stuff was -- I never thought I'd be giving a review for toilet paper but it's clearly a sign of the times when I'm talking about how nice something feels on my bum.

Does Who Gives A Crap not sell in your corner on the world? They've sparked a movement around the world, so check for companies who do the same thing where you are!

Fresh Clean tees

Connor is notoriously hard to shop for. He's ridiculously tall (might I remind you he towers over me at 6'6") with a swimmer's upper body and legs honed from years of athleticism. You would think if he was XL in one shirt size he would be XL in all shirts but noooo. It's not only size he is conscious of, but material. Both of us are comfort snobs, meaning we love out clothes to be comfortable and free of any itchy materials.

Enter Fresh Clean Tees. When they approached me for a partnership, I asked C if he trusted me to get some for him to try. He hesitated but eventually said sure and picked out two colors he liked (the above). Since I wouldn't see him until weeks later, I assured him I would try them for a month since I had higher standards for clothes than he probably did. I was hoping for a good quality T-shirt that combined my two favourite qualities: comfort, and breathability. When I opened the box, the first thing I noticed was how soft the fabric was. The last month I've worn them to bed, to school, and around the city while I do chores. You've actually seen me in the t-shirts in my IG stories multiple times! They have a nice thickness (so no one can see my colorful bras underneath), and even after multiple washes still have a soft, breathable, custom fabric... it's perfect.

Unfortunately, they are super soft and a good fit for C, meaning he will be wearing them and probably making sure I don't hog them. SIGH. We’ll be buying a few more of these to add to his daily wardrobe and we can’t recommend them enough. And don't for a second doubt that I won't be stealing them to wear in the future - his wardrobe is my wardrobe, afterall. Pity they don't manufacture for ladies with the same fabric because I would buy the lot! 

Patagonia

You've seen me sporting this brand since I was in the Arctic - can you believe that was a year ago? But I digress, cause there really is no beating Patagonia. One of the world’s most successful activewear retailers, it makes me so happy to know they are eco-conscious. They’ve built repair centers around the world to increase the longevity of their products and, in turn, lower their carbon footprint. It also uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including recycled materials and has even conducted research with industry bodies on the impact of microplastics! Back in 2016, they also pledged $10 million of their Black Friday sales to grassroots environmental groups dedicated to preserving and improving the planet. 

Are they perfect? No. But give me a company who is transparent about their efforts any day over some fake green-washing. 

SANUK

While Connor gets to keep the Fresh Clean Tees all for himself, I did get a little something for myself that there is no way he can steal. Mainly because it would maybe fit his big toe and that's it. Enter the Sanuk sandals!

If you know me, you know this isn't a style I would normally go for, but I was surprised by how much I enjoy them! I've been doing biweekly reformer pilates classes, where we don't wear shoes and just don grippy socks so I used to go in my trusty flip flops. But they broke - and the next day these arrived in the mail! I slipped them on as I dashed to catch the train to my early morning class and was instantly enamored by how super comfortable they are. I've also gotten many compliments when I've worn them out and to yoga class, with people asking where they can snag their own pair. Quite a few people on IG have asked since I posted them on my stories.

They come in a variety of colors, but I chose a muted sage color so I could wear it with multiple outfits without worrying whether they clash. On top of the variety of patterns, colors, and sizes they come in (I have VERY small feet), I also appreciate how sustainable the company aims to be as an environmental scientist! For example, they incorporatie 50% more certified responsible and sustainable materials in their products. Stylish, comfortable, and sustainable? Win-win!

eco-friendly diapers

So many of our friends are having babies right now. While we've gifted them everything from blankets to books to little tummy time playmats, we haven't given them the gift many give first-time parents: diapers. Mainly because I don't know what their take is on them. C and I have had this discussion that we will try to go a route that has a lighter environmental footprint - mainly split between reusable diapers and biodegradable diapers. While there are many companies globally that do this, we are keen to see how Ecoriginals and Mama Nose fare in the next few years and hear feedback from amigxs who use them.

who are your favorite eco-friendly brands?