You may have noticed the world is shifting gears. Immense change is afoot. While current events run the gamut from exciting to uncomfortable, this change will ultimately make our world a better place. The old school approach just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Enter the era of brands that do so much more than offer an awesome product. These folks inspire, provide a unique twist, give back to local communities, and do good for the planet - all while crafting something you actually want to buy.
My faves range from tiny grassroots to corporate giants. Size doesn’t matter - but integrity to an ethos does. There are many, many more superstars out there, and I’d love to hear about some of your favourites. Let’s pay it forward! Reward the good guys with good vibes - and your comments!
10 Brands That I Really, Really Love
1. Anto Yukon. All natural soap and body care, made in small batches in the Yukon. Every one of these products smell unbelievable (I actually slept with one of the soaps under my pillow it was so dreamy). The founder, Kym Rempel, packages her creations in original artwork by B.C. artist Meghan Hildebrand. I’ve squirreled away the packaging on several occasions because it’s simply too beautiful to throw away.
How they give back: Ingredients are gathered from the local landscape (think glacial silt, fireweed, rosehip, arnica); Anto Yukon is a grassroots northern employer.
2. Doterra. These essential oil artisans take quality seriously… it’s the only company of its kind wherein you can actually ingest many of the oils. You really can smell (and taste) the difference. Their signature blends are among my all-time favourites. I don’t need many luxurious things, but these oils are a worthy splurge.
How they give back: Healing Hands foundation; a commitment to fair trade partnerships with local small-scale farmers and harvesters.
3. Monocle Mag. The Monocle Minute has shepherded me through a pandemic with humour, perspective, and sanity. They’ve earned a lifetime of loyalty from yours truly.
How they give back: Heaps of free material to accompany their award winning magazine, including a variety of themed podcasts, a radio station, mini films, and the most refreshing daily newsletter I’ve ever seen.
4. Patagonia. One of the biggest players on this list, it’s also one of the companies with the biggest impact. Patagonia is a well known environmental giant on the corporate scene, and actively encourages shoppers to buy less. ‘Use Business to Protect Nature’ is its mission statement, and activism is a branch of the company. So, so cool.
How they give back: Patagonia is the corporate leader in putting environmental causes at the forefront of their mission. 1% of all profits since its inception have been funneled to environmental activism, and Trump’s recent corporate tax cut was donated in full to fight climate change. Should you want to get involved beyond buying their gear, the website details exactly how their customers can jump on board and make a difference to the planet.
5. Radical Roots. From the largest, to the smallest. This wildflower seed company offers the ultimate grassroots product; seeds that come encased in clay and worm castings, offering an all-in-one product. Just throw them in the ground, water occasionally, and watch your garden grow. Plus the packaging is so pretty I’ve kept it to re-use for future gift giving!
How they give back: By selling a product completely free of GMO’s, and by making the world a more beautiful place :)
6. Trader Joe’s. I pine for the day when, once again, I can cross the border to hit Trader Joe’s. The spice blends, fresh flowers, signature seasonings, organic offerings, all at unbelievably reasonable prices. It’s the most exciting grocery store on the planet.
How they give back: the Neighborhood Shares Foundation donates 100% of products that go unsold to a local food bank, 365 days a year.
7. Goop. I know, I know. Goop’s merch is famous for being ridiculously over-the-top. Yes, it’s beautiful and ethically sourced, but is any outfit really worth your entire paycheque? Yet Gwyneth and her team have won me over with their incredibly generous podcast and Netflix series. This is where they shine, pushing boundaries, highlighting visionaries, and inspiring the dream of a better world.
How they give back: Goop donates a portion of its proceeds to four well known education-based charities, the Edible Schoolyard Project, the David Lynch Foundation, Pencils of Promise, and DonorsChoose.
8. Lululemon. Hardly an outlier, Lulu has become a reliable staple of the workout and leisure wear world. But I continue to love their creations and their philosophy truly, madly, deeply. I would be lying if I told you any different.
How they give back: Lulu was an early pioneer in offering free yoga classes and running groups, along with promoting community teachers in neighbourhood stores. During recent months it’s been at the forefront of offering a wide range of free online classes in yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and cross training. All this AND doggie bulletin boards featuring their local canine customers :)
9. The Unscented Company. Much as I swoon over bespoke essential oils, in some cases no scent is a luxury. This brand offers a minimalistic, environmentally friendly line of cleaning products that are powerful yet free of fragrance. They also put their money where their mouth is when it comes to reducing waste: industrial refill containers feature prominently in most locations so you can reuse instead of recycle.
How they give back: environmentalism runs strong in the UC’s ethos, including a commitment to sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, offering employees paid time to volunteer with local groups, and a marketing push for the re-use of packaging.
10. Jeanine Payer. This choice is a bit of a tease since Payer retired in 2014. She remains, however, one of my all-time faves. A groundbreaking jeweler, her gorgeous, poetic pieces were among the first to incorporate inspiring mantras in miniscule script. Like secret lines of hidden treasure, these Rumi-esque musings are the stuff of creative legend. Her rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces can still be found in select locations (and remain hot items on the resale market).
How she gave back: with quotes like these,
“With the happiness held in one inch square heart, you can fill the whole space between heaven and earth”
Heather Martin is a Naturopath & Wellness Coach, and the founder of The Acorn Wellness. Heather has contributed to various publications, including Mantra Mag, Medium, and the Globe & Mail. Her first book, The Wheel of Wellness, will be published later this year.
