10 socially responsible companies that give back when you shop with them
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There are a lot of reasons why we as shoppers choose to buy from one retailer or a brand instead of another. I’ve personally made a conscious effort to avoid fast fashion since I became aware of the staggering amount of unnecessary waste the industry produces and the poor work condition they put their employees in. I’ve changed my shopping habits to support the brands that are trying to make a difference, little by little.
Most recently, I find myself favoring companies that are socially responsible and continuously giving back to the community. Unlike a person, “brands” are cold and lifeless — but brand values and attributes add warmth and character to the company and perhaps that’s why I’m more drawn to them, as well.
Different companies give back in different ways, and I certainly haven’t discovered all of them yet. But out of the some that I have come across, here are a few of my personal favorites.
I recently learned about Repurpose — a non-profit organization that merges sustainable fashion with fundraising. The fundamental goal of Repurpose is to improve the lives of women and families in need, while breaking the wasteful cycle of fashion retail. The online shop carries carefully-curated, authentic secondhand pieces by luxury brands.
Net proceeds from the shop go directly to non-profits like Girls, Inc., Bent on Learning, and Every Mother Counts. Currently, Repurpose is also fundraising for victims of systemic racism and those recovering from COVID-19.
Thrifting for secondhand designer items is one of the most environmental friendly ways to shop. So if you’re looking for quality outerwear, vintage items, or high-end shoes, explore Repurpose’s online shop!
When scrolling through the shop, I found this beautiful suede fur jacket by Carolina Herrera that’s been kept in such great like-new condition. It’s such a subtle but luxe statement piece — I layered it over a simple black slip dress and it completely elevated the entire outfit.
Net proceeds of every single item sold on Repurpose, including this beautiful suede fur jacket, go directly to non-profits that help women and families in need. (Photo: Ashley Gallerani Photography)
Even though this jacket is a secondhand piece, it is in like-new condition.
Another fabulous piece I found when I visited Repurpose’s showroom in New York City was this knit poncho by Stella McCartney. The outerwear comes with a unique scarf-collar that allows you to wrap around for extra warmth and style. I tried it on and felt so elegant!
If you’re a shoe size US 8.5 like I am, you’re in luck because Repurpose currently has a collection of so many beautiful heels and flats in this size range. I love investing in well-constructed, quality shoes, so when I came across this vintage pair of sling back heel pumps by Prada, I got VERY excited. It fit my perfectly, and was really comfortable to walk in. Because it’s in a neutral tone, it is versatile and can easily be styled with multiple looks!
2. Pink Moon
Pink Moon is a well-care space designed to support female-founded brands and celebrate all stages of womanhood through offering eco-conscious, clean beauty products that promote self-care. Giving back to the community plays a large, significant role at Pink Moon. Instead of the common “10% off your first order” welcome message we often receive, Pink Moon offers a 10% credit for customers to donate to a charity of their choosing on the first order.
Every brand featured on Pink Moon gives back to the community, but each in their own way. You can learn about their social impacts on each brand page. One of my favorite brands, Malaya Organics, for instance, contributes to bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. Some of the charities that Pink Moon donates to include Loveland Foundation, Womankind, and Direct Relief.
There are a lot of amazing skincare products on Pink Moon, but if I were to pick my top 3, it would be the Facial Oil by Pink Moon, the Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover by Malaya Organics, and the Sun Balm by AKT Therapy. The cult-favorite Clair de Lune Candle by Pink Moon x Le Coco that doubles as a body oil is also an amazing product to gift yourself or others.
I think Pink Moon is a wonderful place for women to find something for themselves while offering support to meaningful causes — it’s basically taking care of yourself and others at the same time!
Pink Moon’s facial oil is the best face oil I’ve ever used. I love using it with the Gua Sha beauty tool before bedtime.
Shoppers can find a selection of beauty brands that offer naturally made, non-toxic products from different countries. Many of them are handmade in small batches.
3. Olivela
I still remember at first glance, I thought Olivela was just another Net-A-Porter. But then the luxury retailer’s slogan — “When you shop, we donate” — caught my attention.
Olivela carries a lot of my favorite designers, including Danse Lente, Ganni, and Paris Texas. When I see something that I love that is available on Olivela, I always opt for purchasing it from Olivela, because 20% of the proceeds from every single purchase get’s donated at zero cost to me.
The retailer started out with making donations primarily to support girls’ education, but it has since evolved into including different causes, helping those most at risk around the world. Some of these causes empower women, help with climate change, support health services, etc; the partners include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dress for Success, Global Wildlife Conservation, and many more.
What I like about Olivela is that on every product page, it tells you what you’re contributing to when you purchase that specific item.
4. Warby Parker
Warby Parker’s “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program have been around for a while now. And although at the moment, due to COVID-19, the majority of glasses distribution have been suspended, the brand has shifted its efforts now to prioritizing public health and safety. From April 1, 2020 onward, part of your purchase at Warby Parker goes to supplying personal protective equipment to healthcare workers and communities in need. You can read more about the update of how they’re currently giving back to the community here.
5. Credo Beauty
Credo was the first online retailer that introduced the concept of “clean beauty” to me a few years ago. I remember discovering brands that I still love today from the site, like RMS Beauty and Indie Lee. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’d know how much I love the “Un” Cover-up Concealer / Foundation — I’ve emptied a few of these over the years.
Initially, I didn’t realize Credo gives back to the community with a portion of every purchase until I accidentally stumbled upon Lipstick Angels, a non-profit organization that provides oncology-sensitive makeup and skin care services to cancer patients using clean beauty products available at Credo. Lipstick Angels offers patients suffering from chronic diseases a healthier state of mind by promoting a positive self-image and attitude.
The spa-like bedside services are complimentary to the patients, and include facials, hand massages, aromatherapy as well as makeup applications and more. Pampered patients often feel good when they look good and naturally — more smiles will follow!
I’m obsessed with the “Un” Cover-up by RMS Beauty. As seen featured on @byrdiebeauty.
Some of my favorite clean beauty products I’ve discovered through Credo.
6. FEED
I discovered FEED for the first time when I was shopping in Dumbo, Brooklyn with my husband two years ago. We bought a market bag from the store but when we got home, we decided to go online and buy another one. It was then, when we learned the true value of the brand.
FEED’s company purpose is to help feed children around the world by creating and selling good products. The brand works with local partners to bring nutritious, healthy meals for children in 60+ countries around the world — including right here in the United States! According to the website, FEED has provided over 100 million meals to date!
On every product page, you’ll see how many meals your purchase would be offering.
I personally have a soft spot for children in need and have regularly made donations to charities that are focused on caring for kids. Out of the millions of people that battle with hunger on a daily basis, the most vulnerable are children. So I really love what FEED is doing!
7. THINX
(Photo: @shethinx)
The period underwear by THINX is more than just a super awesome product (I own 5 different pairs) — whenever a purchase is made, it also makes an impact on people around the world. THINX’s brand mission focuses on fighting for better access to puberty education, pushing back against discriminating policies and promoting inclusivity. They also donate their underwear and time to support those in need. I didn’t know this, but apparently 1 in 5 students struggle to afford period products or are unable to buy them at all!
THINX also supports the EveryBody education program which is an inclusive medically accurate curriculum designed by health experts and certified teachers. The brand partners with schools and after-school centers to implement the program so that young people have an opportunity to learn about their changing bodies in a safe, empowered safe.
8. Tatcha
My all-time favorite SPF sunscreen is by Tatcha — a product that often gets sold out. I used to buy it from other sites, but I started ordering it from Tatcha’s website when I learned that a portion of every purchase helps fund a girl’s education.
The brand’s Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures program promotes equality through education. Students are being taught life skills and offered mentorship as well as school materials support, including tuition fees and safe transportation. The initiative also includes holding community talks promoting the importance of sending girls to school so parents and caretakers recognize the need of doing so.
9. Cuyana
I’m a fan of Cuyana’s minimalist products — their mini jewelry leather cases have been one of my favorite items to gift for birthdays and during the holiday season, too.
The sustainable brand has a Lean Closet Program and they have recently partnered with thredUP to expand it. Shoppers get to receive complimentary shipping labels that come with every order — simply fill the box with quality clothing and accessories you no longer need to receive Cuyana credits to use. The brand will add an extra 15% of shopping credit to the credit you received through donation. What’s more, whenever the credit is used, Cuyana will donate 5% of profits from your order to H.E.A.R.T. (Helping Ease Abuse Related Trauma).
10. One Ocean
Last, but not least, One Ocean is a clean beauty brand that I only just recently learned about when the PR team reached out to send me products to test. One of the products is called the Deep Sea Moisturizer and both my husband and I fell in love with it immediately.
One Ocean contributes to the preservation and restoration of the oceans through partnering with Oceana, which is the largest science-based global organization working with governments to change policies and protect the oceans. Every single beauty product purchased on One Ocean helps take care of our oceans!
What are some of your favorite brands that give back to the community? Share with me by leaving a comment below — I would love to discover more.
As always, thank you for stopping by Happily Ever Style.
xoxo,
Tricia
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