Living an eco-conscious and environmentally friendly life does not have to be complicated! Even though it might sound like it would be, right?

Brands are making it easier than ever to be green. They work hard to make sure that their manufacturing and product testing doesn’t harm the environment or animals in any way.

Whether you’re a budding gardener who’s trying to make their home greener or an eco-conscious consumer who is actively trying to reduce their carbon footprint, we can recommend a few brand recommendations who care about and support the cause as much as you.

Ethical and eco-friendly fashion brands

The fashion industry has earned a bad rap when it comes to carbon emissions and the environment.

The good news is, more and more brands are realizing the importance of preservation and are sourcing fair trade, ethical, and eco-friendly textiles and labour for their lines.

Patagonia is one of the brands that put their money where their mouth is. 1% of their total sales or 10% of their profits – whichever amount is bigger – is donated to environmental groups.

Their branding and marketing lean heavily on being eco-friendly and sustainable, too.

Frank & Oak launched their own sustainable clothing line made from linen sourced from sustainable eucalyptus plantations.

H&M was one of the first fast-fashion retailers to launch a sustainable fashion line. They continue to be thought and industry leaders in sustainability.

Other places where you’ll find eco-friendly clothing include eBay, MatchesFashion, and MATT & NAT, who use 100% recycled plastic bottles to make the inner linings of their bags.

Skincare and beauty

Clothes aren’t the only thing that can be eco-friendly. More and more beauty brands are releasing products that are environmentally friendly, cruelty-free and sourced from natural ingredients.

Sephora launched a green beauty category called Clean at Sephora™. Any products with this designation are “free of”: Sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinylpalmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan and triclocarban.

All skin care, hair, and makeup brands with the Clean Seal have less than one percent of synthetic fragrances. Tarte cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and Smashbox are just a few brands that fall in this category.

As eco-conscious consumers and skincare and beauty enthusiasts, the responsibility also falls on us to research the brands we buy.

Living a greener life

Being eco-friendly in the clothes and beauty products that we buy is a great start. But what about our day-to-day life?

Think about how much plastic you’re using – replace plastic bags with paper ones or buy reusable bags, choose ceramic or glass storage products instead of Tupperware and invest in green cleaning products.

Learn gardening and invest in gardening essentials so you can grow your own vegetables.

Read books that teach you how to live a greener, more eco-friendly life.

Start with learning about living a greener life and slowly make lifestyle changes to reduce your carbon footprint.