Top 5 Global Ethical Brands to Support

In today’s world, our choices as consumers have a big impact on the environment and society. More brands are now prioritizing sustainability, fair labor, and social responsibility. Here, we’ll explore some of the top global ethical brands you can support.

By buying from these companies, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re showing the kind of world you want to support. Let’s look at some of the most inspiring ethical brands making a difference.

1. Patagonia

Patagonia is a sustainable outdoor brand focused on eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and environmental activism.

Sustainable Materials

• Uses eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and other sustainable materials.

• Reduces waste, water use, energy consumption, and chemical pollution throughout its supply chain.

• Promotes circular economy principles through the Worn Wear program, which encourages buying, selling, and repairing used clothing.

Fair Labor Practices

• Commits to fair wages and safe working conditions across all operations.

• Conducts regular audits to maintain ethical labor standards.

• Protects workers’ rights and fosters a positive work environment.

• Works with the Fair Labor Association to achieve living wages in its supply chain

• Fair Trade Certified

Activism

• Donates 1% of profits to environmental causes and grassroots organizations through “1% for the Planet.”

• Advocates for climate change action and public land conservation.

2. TOMS

TOMS is famous for its "One for One" model, where for every pair of shoes sold, a pair is donated to someone in need.

Sustainable Materials

• Uses recycled polyester and organic cotton in products.

Fair Labor Practices

• Enforces a Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.

• Uses third-party audits to monitor ethical manufacturing.

Giving & Social Impact

• Famous for the One for One® model (shoes donated for every pair purchased).

• Since 2019, shifted to giving ⅓ of profits to grassroots organizations.

• Has provided 100M+ pairs of shoes to children in need worldwide.

3. Allbirds

Allbirds is a sustainable footwear brand that uses eco-friendly materials and promotes carbon-neutral, ethical manufacturing.

Sustainable Materials

• Allbirds uses merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, and recycled polyester in products.

• Products are designed for low carbon footprint and durability.

Fair Labor Practices

• Allbirds partners with factories that follow fair labor standards and maintain safe working conditions.

• Conducts audits to ensure compliance.

Giving & Social Impact

• Allbirds is a carbon-neutral company (since 2020).

• Invests in renewable energy and environmental initiatives to offset emissions.

4. Warby Parker

Warby Parker is an eyewear brand focused on sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and social impact through programs like Buy a Pair, Give a Pair.

Sustainable Materials

• Uses Acetate Renew (60% bio-based, 40% recycled) and recycled stainless steel in frames.

• Packaging reduced by 80% compared to traditional eyewear packaging.

• Focuses on durable, low-impact materials to minimize environmental footprint.

Fair Labor Practices

• Enforces a Vendor Code of Conduct covering wages, safe working conditions, child/forced labor, and anti-discrimination policies.

• Partners with Verité to audit suppliers and ensure compliance.

• Maintains anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies across operations.

Giving & Social Impact

• Operates "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair", donating over 20M glasses worldwide.

• Runs the Pupils Project, providing free vision screenings, eye exams, and glasses to U.S. public school students.

• Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation: Social ad environmental protection

5. Reformation

Reformation is a Los Angeles-based fashion brand known for its stylish, eco-conscious clothing.

Sustainable Materials

• Utilizes deadstock fabrics, organic cotton, and regenerative materials.

• Approximately 90% of fabrics are biodegradable cellulose-based.

• Employs water-neutral practices through restoration programs.

Fair Labor Practices

• Member of the Fair Labor Association (FLA).

• Operates a Los Angeles-based factory and partners with certified suppliers.

• Conducts regular third-party audits and enforces a Code of Conduct.

Social Impact

• Supports regenerative cotton farming through the California Cotton & Climate Coalition.

• Aims to be Climate Positive by 2025 and circular by 2030.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable and ethical brands like Patagonia, TOMS, Allbirds, Warby Parker, and Reformation show that businesses can prioritize people and the planet while remaining profitable and popular. These companies demonstrate the importance of:

• Eco-friendly materials

• Fair labor practices 

• Social impact initiatives

• Transparency and measurable goals

Supporting brands like these allow consumers to make a difference with their purchase, while encouraging the fashion, eyewear, and outdoor industries to adopt more responsible practices.

Written by Emilia Hsu