5 Socially Conscious Brands to Support this Holiday Season
This holiday season, gift responsibly while supporting purpose-driven small businesses.
2020 has forever changed the way we see the world. With physical stores and offices forced to shut down at the start of the pandemic, small and big businesses alike were pushed to innovate in the digital space. Despite the unprecedented job losses around the world, online spending surged in 2020. As more consumers shifted to e-commerce and online shopping to fill the void left when stores had to close, shoppers started paying more attention and demanding more from the companies and brands they support. Consumers are reevaluating their responsibility to society, the companies they support, and their own purchasing decisions.
The brands highlighted here are making a positive impact across the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit – and making beautiful products in the process. Discover our picks for holidays gifts in this list of up and coming brands that are using business to tackle social initiatives.
Organic Savanna
Organic Savanna is a Kenyan social enterprise with a mission to empower local communities to thrive. Their product range includes all-natural bath, body and skincare, hand poured soy candles, and a growing collection of sustainable home products made by artisans in their community.
Their story grew from the simple idea that products should not only be made well but should also do good and empower people. In 2016, they planted 30,000 aloe vera plants and started making ethical skincare products with the richest ingredients available around East Africa. 100% of profits from each handmade product are reinvested directly back into the communities around their farm – educating children, cleaning up the streets, employing women and building up the local economy. They also strive to use 100% recycled, recyclable and reusable materials as part of our packaging.
Our favorite Organic Savanna product to gift this season - Holiday at Home Kit (Soy Candle + Lotion)
Kula Project
By developing and supporting entrepreneurs in Rwanda, Kula Project is working to eradicate poverty. Before investing in any entrepreneur and their small business, Kula provides specific industry training, which is complemented with life and leadership skills. Once an entrepreneur completes the business training, Kula will invest in the business and continue measuring the business’ impact. Entrepreneurs and trained in coffee farming, artisan goods or agribusiness, which Kula then goes on to sell on kulaproject.org or wholesale. Their model is a truly sustainable one, which is empowering Kulal Project fellow to build profitable businesses, raise healthy families and send their children to school. You can support the entrepreneurs by buying their goods directly from Kula.
Our favorite Kula Coffee product to gift these season - Together Holiday Blend + Scoop Bundle
Nemi Teas
Nemi Teas is a London-based tea company that is empowering refugees. They employ refugees, giving them local work experience and job readiness skills to enter the UK workforce and help them integrate into broader society.
Their full tea collection, including loose-tea and tea bags, are plastic-free, tea packaging is biodegradable and the teas are Organic, Fairtrade and Rainforest-Alliance certified.
Our favorite Nemi Tea product to gift this season - A Taste of NEMI Hamper
Itza Wood
Itza Wood creates beautiful, handcrafted furnishings and woodware to conscious consumers. All of their pieces are hand-crafted from sustainable and locally-sourced wood. Like other companies highlighted here, Itza Wood has a deep commitment to social impact & sustainability. Founded in the Peten Jungle, the largest remaining tropical forest in Central America, they work to preserve the beauty and resources of the Peten jungle while also empowering the Guatemalan people who live there. As part of their social initiatives, Itza Wood contributes to the local Jungle School to help drive education for young people in the region.
Our favorite Itza Wood product to gift this season - Mahogany Bowls
Collective Humanity
Collective Humanity is a nonprofit organization that’s empowering female artisans in Cambodia. Operating as a nonprofit organization, they are dedicated to putting an end to the exploitation of women living in extreme global poverty. Their artisans blend traditional techniques and modern design to create beautiful handmade textiles and accessories. All profits from product sales are invested into community empowerment programs for Collective Humanity’s artisans and their families.
Our favorite Collective Humanity product to gift this season - Blue Roum Handwoven Throw