What’s Your Shopping Footprint?

Support the brands that support the world.

Many designers and clothing companies are looking for ways to have a positive impact on the world with their products. Whatever your conviction in how to make the world a better place, you can choose to have a positive impact by what you choose to buy. Daniel Goldman, in his book “Ecological Intelligence,” has three simple rules: know your impact, favor improvement and share what you learn.

Below are brands grouped by the ethical standards they follow.

Environment Sustainability and Fair Trade

PRANA (USA)

My personal favorite, prAna is a pioneer in fair trade practices and also focuses on using environmental materials. They carry athletic and everyday apparel for women and men.

Web: prana.com

PEOPLE TREE (UK)

People Tree was the world’s first clothing company to receive the World Fair Trade Organization Fair Trade product mark, reflecting proper practices throughout their supply chain. They offer casual and semi-formal apparel for women and men.

Web: peopletree.co.uk

BRAIN TREE THOUGHTFUL CLOTHING (UK)

Brain Tree uses different materials that are environmentally sourced, such as organic cotton, bamboo and hemp. They also have a strict employment code of conduct and animal welfare policy.

Web: braintreeclothing.com

INDIGENOUS CLOTHING (USA)

Indigenous Clothing supports artisans from around the world. Every piece of apparel has a QR code that can trace the item back to the artisan who made it and provides social impact data through The Fair Trace Tool™.

Web: indigenous.com

NUMA COLLECTION (UAE)

Every statement piece at Numa is handcrafted by a team of artisans. When you hear Numa, you automatically know that your unique piece was made with respect for people, animals and the planet.

Web: numacollection.com

Social Impact

THE ROOT COLLECTIVE (USA)

The Root Collective partners with small-scale artisan businesses in Guatemala to handcraft beautiful ballet flats. On their website, you can meet Otto who makes the shoes and Anna who makes the textile.

Web: therootcollective.com

SSEKO (USA)

Sseko Designs is an ethical footwear brand that has a direct impact on the lives of women in Uganda by helping them work to earn money for their college education. They offer leather shoes and accessories.