One of the easiest ways to uplift Black lives is to support Black-owned businesses. As a small, sustainability-focused brand, we are dedicated to using our impact for the collective benefit of people and planet alike. That’s why we’ve curated a list of ten Black-owned, impact-driven businesses that center Earth-friendly practices in their work. These brands are doing excellent work all year-round—we highly recommend checking them out and giving them your support!
Header image by Jahir Al Jarif on Unsplash.
GOODEE
Founded by twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, GOODEE is an innovative marketplace offering well-designed home and lifestyle goods that are made to last. From home decor and personal care products to everyday, around-the-house tools, GOODEE sources from ethical brands and features beautiful works from many Black artisans.
“We believe conscious commerce has the power to transform the world and seek to empower both creators and consumers to create change by championing community, transparency, and sustainability.”
GOODEE is a fellow certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member. They are Climate Neutral Certified as well. Impact-driven, GOODEE is committed to empowering marginalized communities and returning resources to the Earth. Learn more about their impact here.
Yam
Yam is a New York-based jewelry brand founded by designer Morgan Thomas. Their handmade pieces are made to order and shipped in biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
“Yam creates playful & cheeky jewelry to remind you of what you know and once knew. Classic jewelry, but don’t call us simple. We thoroughly research upcycled materials, partner with small vendors & empower customers through insightful supply education.”
Shop their thoughtfully made earrings, necklaces, rings, and other merch here.
Aya Paper Co.
Aya Paper Co. is a sustainable paper and stationery company based in New York. Founded by designer SaVonne Anderson, Aya Paper values authenticity, environmental health, and community.
“When Founder and Creative Director SaVonne Anderson began conceptualizing plans for Aya, the well-being of the earth was at the front of mind. As an advocate for environmental justice, she wanted to ensure that Aya Paper Co. didn’t perpetuate issues like climate change and pollution, which disproportionately impact communities of color.”
They craft with responsibly sourced, low-waste materials and offset carbon in their shipping methods. Also working toward a B-Corp certification, Aya gives back to their communities by investing in regenerative soil and forest projects. Learn more about their sustainability initiatives here.
Mented Cosmetics
Co-founded by KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson, Mented Cosmetics is a makeup brand that centers inclusive beauty and ethical ingredients. All Mented products are vegan, paraben-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free.
“We created Mented Cosmetics because we believe everyone should be able to find themselves in the world of beauty, no matter your skin tone. We know you’ll love being put first—because when it comes to beauty, no one deserves to be an afterthought.”
Shop Mented’s full collection here.
Jungalow
What started as a simple design blog operating in founder Justina Blakeney’s tiny, plant-filled apartment has since flourished into the creative wonder-space of Jungalow, a lifestyle brand that offers home goods like rugs, wallpaper, art prints, decor, and more, all while uplifting the creativity and innovation of others.
“Our hope is that Jungalow is a place that will inspire you to tap into your own creativity, connect with nature, and help you to bring good vibes home.”
While they’re still learning how to integrate optimal sustainability practices, Jungalow remains committed to social and environmental good. They plant two trees for every product purchased and incorporate waste-conscious materials wherever possible. Learn more about their practices here.
Grounded
Grounded is more than a plant supply company. Co-founded by Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell, Grounded fundamentally believes that reconnecting with nature is an essential part of a healthy life, body, and mind.
“Grounded was created to help you disconnect and decompress through the appreciation of plants in the spaces we occupy. Our selection of plants has a plethora of benefits designed to elicit a sense of tranquility and mindfulness…Sometimes, when the world around you seems a bit chaotic, the synergy between plants and humans are a natural progression in helping us to remain grounded.”
Grounded sources sustainably grown plants and ships using as many recyclable materials as possible. They share a plethora of wellness and plant care resources both online and with each shipment.
Kind Socks
Fashion meets sustainability at Kind Socks, a company founded by Stephen Steele upon noticing he couldn’t find any socks that were both colorful and ethically made. Kind Socks is invested in the wellbeing of people and planet alike.
“We’re passionate about using only the best materials in our products, like GOTs-certified organic cotton grown without harmful chemicals and pesticides. And we’re all about ethical and fair labor practices.”
Kind Socks is defined by their ethos toward environment, responsible manufacturing, non-toxic materials, and charity.
Aliya Wanek
Aliya Wanek is an eponymous womenswear label that “focuses on exploring the connection between one’s identity and style.” They create clothing that is at once comfortable, stylish, and ethically produced.
“The brand’s mission is to uphold ethical and sustainable practices as much as possible from working only with natural fibers to paying a living wage to small batch production to using zero waste packaging. The life of a garment is at the forefront of my design process so that my customers are encouraged to wear my clothing often and for a long time.”
Founder Aliya is a speech therapist by day and a garment designer by night. She’s focused on representing women of color in her work in an effort to expand the standard of beauty.
Taylor Jay Collection
Taylor Jay Collection is another eponymous clothing brand that centers ethical fashion while catering to body types of all sizes, shapes, and colors.
“Our approach to fashion is intersectional. We can’t empower women and advocate for inclusion without promoting environmental consciousness. We chose to make slow fashion because womens’ empowerment can’t happen without integrity and social responsibility.”
Taylor Jay’s garments are made to last using fair labor, Earth-friendly textiles, and recycled or upcycled threads. They are pursuing “every attainable green certification” in an effort to both offer and operate in a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
Reel
On a mission to change the paper industry, co-founders Livio Bisterzo and Derin Oyekan created Reel, a company providing 100% tree-free home paper goods like toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues.
Exclusively using recycled materials and bamboo fibers, Reel’s paper products are free of inks and dyes, wrapped in plastic-free packaging, and shipped using carbon-neutral methods. They’re also partnering with One Tree Planted to invest in global reforestation. Learn more about their extensive sustainability practices here.“Our vision is shaped by the challenges we see others facing here in the U.S. and around the world—challenges like climate change, lack of sufficient resources, food deserts, and an absolute need for us all to take better care of the planet and each other.”
