Consumerism can be damaging to the environment but at the end of the day, we all need certain to maintain our lifestyle, be it toothbrushes, towels, or otherwise. If you’re like us, you might struggle with your purchases and think ‘Where can I get the things I need that won’t harm the planet, but help it instead?’

To take some of the headache away from you, we’ve compiled a list of seven ethical brands from which you can feel good about purchasing your next travel needs. If the need for inspiration is getting in the way of enjoying your time planning your next adventure, take a look at these brands below and let them put your mind at ease.

Sand Cloud

The folks over at Sand Cloud are trying to spread love around the world, and have a big goal in mind: to save marine life. With each sale of their awesome beach towels, Sand Cloud donates 10% of the money raised to numerous causes that help save our oceans including the Marine Conservation Institute, Surfrider Foundation, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and the Hawaii Wildlife Trust, to name a few. These organizations are doing everything in their power to raise awareness and funds to save clean up the oceans and conserve and protect marine wildlife and their habitats. Aside from Sand Cloud supporting these great organizations, their towels are super cute and a gift you can feel good about.
Www.sandcloud.com

4Ocean

Co-founders Alex and Andrew went on a trip to Bali, Indonesia where they quickly realized the terrible amount of plastic that washed up on shore. Because of the high demand for seafood along Bali’s coastlines, local fisherman in the area were focused solely on net fish instead of plastic, but the two men could not get this idea of ‘fishing’ for plastic out of their heads. Fast forward 2 years and 4Ocean has removed 2,610,583 pounds of plastic trash from the oceans. What do they do with it all? They recycle it and turn it into bracelets and jewelry, where a portion of every purchase goes to support further ocean clean-up projects. If you’re looking for that next great statement piece, pick up one of 4Ocean’s bracelets and know your purchase helped make a difference.
www.4ocean.com

Pela Case

Let’s face it, we all have phones these, and seemingly everyone needs to be on theirs for a large portion of their day, so why not wrap and protect your smart phone with the world’s first compostable phone case from Pela Case. Founder Jeremy Lang wanted to rid the world’s oceans of harmful plastics and waste and at the same time provide people with an outlet for which they can help. That outlet? 100% compostable phone cases that are free of lead, cadmium, and other harmful substances. They’re made with a blend of Terratek Flex and Canadian Prairie flax shive. When you’re done with your case and want an upgrade, your old case won’t leach harmful toxins into the earth, simply compost it!.
www.pelacase.com

Giving Brush

Everybody needs to brush their teeth right? Yeah, kind important for your health and for the sake of others around you. But your toothbrush doesn’t need to made from plastic. There are far too many wasted, unused and discarded plastic toothbrushes in the world, not to mention the rest of our plastic waste. Instead, do Mother Nature a solid and use giving brush to clean your pearly whites. Giving Brush makes all their toothbrushes from organically-grown Moso bamboo, which, if you know anything about bamboo, you know it’s the fastest growing plant on earth and is one of the most sustainable materials we can use. Not only that, but the bristles are made from plant-based boa-free nylon 6 and are designed to be recycled. Pro tip: if you’re in need of a new toothbrush, they are currently giving away FREE rainbow-themed eco-toothbrushes, so head over to their page now and get yours.
www.givingbrush.com

Paper High

This fair trade company makes recycled Elephant Dung paper. Now I know what you’re thinking. ‘Ok, this is gross! I am NOT using paper made from poo!’ Well, we had the same reaction at first, but in reality, elephant dung is used for so many things do to its high fibre content and healing capabilities (say whaaat?), paper being one of them. Not only are the artisans that make this paper conserving the environment by not cutting down trees, but they’re also living off the land and supporting their communities in the process. The tribesmen in Namibia actually use the dung in brewed teas to help with their own digestive issues. Who knew? By purchasing one of these elephant dung paper books, you help support the majestic elephants that grace the forests and jungles in Sri Lanka. Pick up yours today and help those adorable elephants have a better life.
www.paperhigh.com

Can you think of any other small businesses selling everyday wares with the good of the environment in mind? Share them with us at editor@expeditionistmag.com.

Featured Image:  Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash