We live in a society and a time where we consume all the time, everywhere. We try to be sustainable and contribute to the earth’s health, but it’s not easy to consume sustainably. On one hand, we tend to think that sustainable brands are more expensive than others. And sometimes they are. On the other hand, we don’t know with precision which brands are really sustainable, and which aren’t.

The world of sustainable brands is growing every day. Eco-friendly products and services are being created to meet consumer’s needs, budgets, and values. Clients are getting more interested in sustainability and sustainable products and brands. We are all becoming more conscious of our purchases. And also more aware of the environment and the impact of our buying habits.

Free yourself from big corporations

Throughout history, innovations and technology have changed our lives. We have experienced years and years of improvements and new alternatives. And we are now facing a challenge. Over time, we haven’t considered the environmental impact of our changes.  Also, in our digital era, we are overloaded with information and misinformation. Our purchases are so influenced by misleading advertising. Companies promote their products with a lack of regulation and harmful practices. Good and real information is rarely shared with accuracy. As consumers, we frequently feel powerless and at the mercy of big corporations.

Companies are using a marketing technique called greenwashing to promote themselves as sustainable brands. They inflate their reality and promise things that are not exactly true. And they draw the situation in their favor. They try to convince us that their product or service is green or ethical by playing with words and symbols.

Luckily, we have the power to choose products and brands aligned with our values. The challenge is to determine the true impact they have on the planet. Sustainable brands are hard to find, but not impossible.

To find sustainable brands, you first have to know what you are looking for. Sustainability is wide. We can establish priorities about the different properties and categories that fit better our ideals. Are you interested in a smaller carbon footprint? Or is it important for you to consume cruelty-free brands? Or maybe products or services that do not involve forced labor? We know all aspects are important. But you have to consider that sometimes we have to rank their importance.

Are they really sustainable?

After you decide, it is important to get to know the company, to see if it really is a sustainable brand. Visit their website, look at what and how they communicate sustainability. See if they are giving enough information about origins, process, workers, waste management. Are they collaborating with any NGOs? While doing this, please consider language tricks and possible misinformation. 

At this point also check the company’s mission, values, and history. Try to find out how they started, what do they believe in, how they behave. You can also take a look at their social media. And don’t forget to check for their standards and certifications. Having certifications is not a defining quality. They are expensive and hard to get, and small companies may not afford them. Additionally, some products may be fairtrade, but that doesn’t mean that the company is Fair Trade Certified.

To help you, you can also check some websites and apps that rate sustainable brands. And you can also follow magazines and bloggers that promote and check the environmental impact of brands.

At last, you can always ask. Don’t be afraid to contact the brand and ask them for information about sustainability. Truly sustainable brands will be eager to talk with you about their company, values, and sustainable policies.

For more tips on sustainable living, check out our blog!