The holidays are a wonderful time of year, so let’s add to that by making our gifts count twice! I have gathered up a list of incredible organizations and companies that are responsible in one or many ways. On this list you will find companies that give back to non-profits, that produce with the earth in mind, that support women and BIPOC communities, and that treat their employees with the respect they deserve.
Keep this list at hand for the holidays and beyond, because these will be good all year-round! Have a safe and sustainable holiday season! 🌱☃️
This blog contains some affiliate links - I only affiliate with products and companies I know and love!
Grounds and Hounds Coffee
Grounds and Hounds
Drink delicious coffee AND help adorable pups. 20% of all profits goes to rescue shelters and helping doggos in need (including Teddy’s shelter, Double Dog Rescue)! So you can snuggle with your pup while sipping coffee, knowing you are doing good for Teddy’s friends! Not to mention, their tasting notes are amazing and I actually prefer their coffee! They also have adorable mugs and shirts if you are looking for additional gifts for dog-lovers!
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods is not only a blast to shop, but it is also giving back in a number of ways. It was started to provide a “craft show-like” option online, connecting artists and makers to customers around the world. Many products are eco-friendly, sustainable, and supporting a good cause. You can even shop by value, such as Black Makers, Women-Owned, Eco-Friendly, handmade etc. Every purchase donates a dollar to a non-profit, and since 2001 they have donated over 2 million dollars. As they have successfully given back, they are now B-Corp certified.
Bookshop.org
Bookshop
This is a great alternative to Amazon! Bookshop’s mission is to “financially support local, independent bookstores” and have so far raised over 8 million dollars. You can even find your local bookstore as you shop to make sure your money goes to them! So, another great B-Corp on the list. Take a look at my book list here, or explore the many other curated lists!
REI Co-OP
REI CO-OP
REI has been a pioneer of responsible businesses. They have shown that you can become a big company while never altering core values. Since they are a co-op, most of their profits go back to the shareholders, employees, or donated to non-profits ($8.1 Million in 2019). They have adapted and led in discussions of climate impact, sustainability, and diversity in the outdoors, and listened to their members on conversations pushing for Black representation.
So shop for snow shoes, SUP boards, hats, clothes, tents, dog gear and more and know that you are supporting a great company!
THRIVE MARKET
Thrive
If you have a foodie to shop for, then THRIVE is a great place to go! This year alone they have donated $1 million towards natural disaster and pandemic relief efforts, sent 300,000 healthy meals to communities impacted by the wildfires and hurricanes, and donated 97,000 memberships to those in need. That’s a lot of good! A membership with Thrive, supports these goals. This is my go-to place for great chocolates, Fair Trade items, gluten free goodies, and eco-friendly beauty products. Like most others on this list, you can search by value, such as Ethically Sourced, Sustainably Caught (fish), BIPOC-owned, Whole 30 and an infinite more!
Use this link to get 25% off your first order.
TOAD and CO
Toad and Co
I’ve written about Toad and Co before in my Sustainable Clothing Brands blog post, and I’ll write about them again because they are amazing! Although most of their clothes are out of my price range, I like to shop their sales because I know they are good quality and uber-sustainable! Most of their clothes are Organic, Bluesign, Oeko-Tex, and recycled fibers. If I’m going to invest in something, I want to make sure it is good for me, the earth, and the people making it! (Did you know that they helped found the Planet Access Company, “who trains and employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”)
Brilliant or BS
Brilliant or BS
This game has kept me laughing during 2020 - which is saying a lot! They have BRILLIANTLY adapted the game for virtual play, so you can play with your besties near and far over Zoom!
It is a trivia game that is fun for everyone because you don’t have to know the answers, you just have to be able to lie 😈
I’m putting this on the responsible list as it is a Kickstarter, BIPOC-owned business that promotes social distancing!
Last Object
LastObject
Stocking stuffer anyone? The LastObject Company’s goal is to remove single use plastic from this world! The are proud of their cradle-to-grave sustainability model and their product’s environmental impact are at least 10x better than the single use alternative.
They started with the LastSwab (both beauty and basic) which I have and love! They have since come out with the LastTissue which is hybrid between a handkerchief and a tissue pack, and LastRound for makeup.
Use coupon code lostandhound for 10% off!
Donate to a Cause
NON-Profit and Local
2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, but especially non-profits, restaurants, and small-businesses. Even through COVID-19, these organizations still need to do their important work and pay their amazing employees.
With this in mind, consider donating to an organization you love, or buying gift cards to local restaurants or shops that need the support.
Two of my favorite organizations are:
Monterey Bay Aquarium (they are closed but still have to feed and care for the animals)
Volunteer for the Visayans (I have visited this project in the Philippines and they have done unbelievable work keeping children fed, building safe homes, and delivering PPE during COVID).
