When the internet started gaining ground and becoming a part of everyday life, most businesses had to make a choice – adapt or stick to the status quo. Many of those who decided to weather the storm and not adapt to the advancing digital revolution are struggling to survive while others are nowhere to be found today.
The same thing is playing out again. The world is going green and businesses that are not up to speed on sustainability will be left behind. In today’s world, being eco-conscious is an essential element of business success. There is no better time than now to put nature at the heart of all decision-making as the conversation around sustainability and environmental responsibility gains momentum.
As the world grapples with environmental challenges and the race for a more sustainable planet continues, Black-owned businesses are already championing eco-friendly practices. From fashion to beauty, food to technology, these Black entrepreneurs are not only changing the game for themselves but also for the planet.
If supporting Black entrepreneurs who prioritize sustainability in their practices is something you would like to be a part of, here’s a list of some.
Image Source: BLK + GRN
Founded by Dr. Kristian Edwards, BLK + GRN is an online, all-natural marketplace powered by Black women Artisans. They stock a variety of self-care products, such as skincare, haircare, home goods and more. These are all-natural products from Black artisans who’ve been carefully selected by Black health experts. Sure, you would love these plant-based, toxin-free, and cruelty-free home goods.
OUI The People Body Gloss. Image Source: Facebook | OUI The People
Founded by Karen Young, OUI The People was created to provide consumers with eco-friendly body care and shaving products. You can get items like melting body balm, body gloss, shaving gel, sensitive skin razors, blade refills, and bath soaks from the website. They are all thoughtfully designed with the planet in mind. Their sensitive skin razor is reusable using recyclable blades, helping put an end to the estimated 2 billion plastic razors that end up in landfills each year.
Image Source: Instagram | @linoto
It was founded in 2007 by Jason Evege. For your bed, bath, and home, Linoto offers 100% linen sheets, napkins, towels, duvet covers, and more. Their use of natural, biodegradable, and exceptionally durable linen highlights a sustainable approach to home comforts. The brand is committed to craftsmanship and has a zero-waste program.
Image Source: Yam
Yam is a Black-owned jewelry brand founded by Morgan Thomas in honor of her late mother who introduced her to jewelry making at a young age. This made-to-order jewelry brand based in New York offers pieces made using upcycled materials and metals, and orders are shipped in biodegradable or recycled packaging. Yam embraces nostalgic silhouettes, industrial metal elements, nature motifs and pearl accents.
Image Source: @selfloveclassics via Facebook | Plant Apothecary
Holly McWhorter and her husband, Bjarke Ballisager, are the masterminds behind this organic- and plant-derived skincare line. Plant Apothecary offers a variety of body and skincare products made from sustainable formulas and packaging while keeping a low-impact product lifecycle. They are certified climate-neutral and are a 1% for the planet partner.
Image Source: Jade Swim
Former fashion editor Brittany Kozerski’s swimwear line was launched in 2016 and sells swimsuits made from ECONYL, a 100% regenerated nylon fabric made from recycled fishing nets, plastic bottles, and fabric scraps. Jade Swim also uses 100% recycled plastic and biodegradable shipping bags. This Black-owned swimwear brand is climate neutral certified and a 1% for the lanet member. When next you’re shopping for swimwear, take a moment to consider where it lands on the eco-friendly spectrum.
Image Source: Cee Cee’s Closet NYC
Cee Cee’s Closet NYC was created by two fly sisters Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo in New York City. They celebrate the beauty of West African prints through their unique headwraps, accessories, and clothing. The fabrics used to produce their goods are eco-friendly, bringing little to no harm to the environment. Everything is designed by them in New York but they are handmade by artisans in Nigeria. When next you are shopping for new headwraps, consider supporting this Black-owned eco-friendly brand.
Image Source: Taylor Jay
Founded by Taylor Jay, the fashion brand’s goal is to empower women with beautiful and sustainable fashion for all shapes and sizes. The brand partners with an ethically sourced, fair labor practicing factory in Oakland, CA, to produce sustainable pieces made from eco-friendly textiles. Their garments are environmentally safe. They also upcycle and recycle threads and use tints that are safe for both people and the environment.
Image Source: Instagram | @tradestjamco
Are you looking for clean-tasting 100% vegan jams that are low in sugar and high in flavor, and can be used to make the perfect sandwich and other delicious meals? Trade Street Jam Co ticks all this. This Black-owned and woman-owned small-batch jam company was founded by Ashley Rouse. They make fruit forward jams with fresh flavor combinations, from smoked peach to blueberry lemon basil. All of their jams are vegan, locally sourced, and use zero preservatives. Another amazing thing about this brand is the packaging. The jams are packaged in sustainable glass jars.
Image Source: Paige’s Candle Co.
This Brooklyn-based candle business established in 2017 makes stunning candles that are incredibly unique. The candles are handmade in New York using vegan soy wax and a blend of phthalate-free fragrance and essential oils. This Black woman-owned small business also donates a portion of its sales and provides free craft classes to various nonprofit organizations in New York City.
Image Source: Facebook | Aya Paper Co
Its founder, SaVonne Anderson, is a self-proclaimed advocate for environmental justice. This sustainable stationery brand specializes in greeting cards for every occasion and also offers notecard sets, journals, art prints, candles, and tote bags. They bring you paper products made with 100% recycled materials and crafted with love. Also, all packaging is curbside recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable.
Image Source: Instagram | @omiwoods
If you want jewelry pieces that can be worn every day, gifted for special occasions, and passed down to the future, Omi Woods may have what you need. The pieces from Omi Woods jewelry are made with ethically sourced African gold and recycled fine metals and are meant to be contemporary heirlooms that can be passed down through generations. The gold is mined using methods that have a low impact on the earth. Founded by Ashley Alexis McFarlane, the brand reflects her love for Africa and its diaspora.
Supporting eco-conscious, Black-owned businesses is a powerful way to promote sustainability, diversity, and innovation. When we choose to shop from such brands then we are contributing to a safer climate, while also enjoying high-quality and sustainable products.
