Black & Indigenous Owned Sustainability Businesses To Support & BIPOC Zero Wasters To Follow
Supporting Black business helps fight racism because it ups BIPOC visibility while reducing challenges they face, like getting credit. We list Black-owned eco-minded businesses to support, as well as BIPOC zero wasters to follow to increase their representation in the space.
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Not only do Black-owned businesses face significant challenges and have a harder time obtaining credit, social media feeds have been whitewashed by algorithms that benefit larger businesses, which also have a large marketing spend, thereby eroding the visibility and reducing spend at Black businesses, Sancho's, a sustainable clothing and lifestyle shop, notes.
We can all help level this inequality by using our spending power to uplift these companies financially, which will result in the growth of these businesses and provide them with the ability to invest in new products and marketing.
Brown Girl Swap is asking people to pledge to swap five of their current beauty and wellness products for brands created and owned by Black women. “Black women have received only .0006 percent of the $424.7 billion raised in venture capital since 2009, according to DigitalUndivided’s biennial Project Diane study. Despite statistics showing that Black women are the true engine of small businesses and create companies at rates faster than any other group, we are still being frozen out of the venture ecosystem,” it notes. “Our Brown Girl Swap aims to help solve this by encouraging consumers to support Black women-led companies thereby allowing these businesses to generate the revenue needed in order to grow and thrive.”
You can easily find five beauty products to swap to from our list below.
In addition, simply by engaging with Black businesses, as well as BIPOC in the sustainability space, on social media and sharing their posts and stories, they become more visible, and less people will miss out on their unique products and ideas and their vital voices.
Black & Indigenous Owned Sustainability Businesses
Did you know you can search for Black-owned businesses on Etsy? Follow this link to bring up all the Black-owned businesses on Etsy if you’re keen to scroll through, but we’ve searched through and list the ones that provide sustainability related products like reusables, natural beauty products, and slow fashion.
US online eco-store, EarthHero also has a shop by values page featuring only black-owned businesses here.
We have also included others not on Etsy that we have come across and will add more as and when we find them. A few are affiliate links, but most are not. While recognising that not all refugees are Black or Indigenous, we have included crafters from Sisterworks, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit that supports women who are migrants, asylum seekers or refugees to become financially independent and happily settled in Australia as an organisation that includes and uplifts many people of colour.
REUSABLES
Sisterworks (AU) - ethical handmade eco products created by migrants, asylum seekers or refugees, including reusable bread bags, reusable cotton and bamboo nursing pads and panty liners, beeswax wraps, unsponges, produce bags, washable lunch bags, and reusable sandwich wraps
Kakadu Tiny Tots (AU) - eco products, such as string bags and beeswax food wraps, and skincare handmade by Indigenous Australians operating out of the Kakadu National Park
Nappy Bunz (US) - hand crafted cloth nappies that are CPSC compliant according to US regulations
The Honey Pot (US) - menstrual cups and organic tampons in 100% recyclable packaging
OUI the People (US) - reusable steel razors and blades and shave gel-to-milk in a refillable airless bottle
Illuminate Essentials Skincare (UK) - bamboo toothbrush and microfibre face pad
Roop (UK) - handmade furoshiki bags and scrunchies made from leftover or vintage fabric
Bespoke Binny (UK) - fabric napkins in vibrant African prints
Green Soul Grace (UK) - a mixture of handmade items and carefully sourced products designed to connect people to the natural world, as well help reduce waste
Spaza Store (SA) - products that can be used as alternatives to the plastic and disposable items that we have become so accustomed to produced by women working from home in various communities around Cape Town such as the Cape Flats
Supa Wraps Shweshwe reusable food wraps (SA) - beeswax wraps sewn by groups in townships like Masiphumilele in Cape Town, helping to uplift these communities through sustainable work
Reusable face masks:
Sisterworks (AU)
Eventful Journeys (US)
Pop Gangsta (US)
Hooked by Tyese (US) (also croqueted reusable bags)
D Created Boutique (US)
Diop (US)
Stuzo Clothing (US)
Felonas Boutique (UK)
Power Wear Official (UK)
NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Sisterworks (AU) - natural hemp scrubbies, washcloths and cloths, as well as bath salts and hemp soap pouches
Bush Balm (AU) - a range of balms created by people with an unbroken tradition of Indigenous intellectual and cultural knowledge made from wild harvested medicinal plants
Bush Medijina (AU) - various balms in tins made using recipes passed down by previous generations and locally harvested bush produce along with natural and sustainable ingredients sourced from the most reputable suppliers across Australia
Native Secrets (AU) - soaps infused with traditional native plants (the leaves are often hand-picked to ensure that no damage is done to the original plant enabling it to be used by future generations) in cardboard boxes
Dilkara (AU) - SLS free, paraben free, petrochemical free, palm oil free, Australian certified organic, vegan friendly, 100% Australian made, cruelly free shampoos, conditioners, and styling products featuring Australian native ingredients in easily recyclable PETE 1 (low risk of leaching) packaging
Quw'utsun' Made (US) - ancestral medicines in the form of modern skin care
Essentials by Temi (CA) - mists, face oils and body scrubs formulated with organic plant-based ingredients that come in glass containers, which can be reused (which is encouraged) or returned for a discount
Skwalwen (CA) - an Indigenous skincare line incorporating respectfully harvested botanicals, organic oils, nourishing plant-derived butters and steam distilled essential oils
Bohicket Apothecary (US) - shampoo and conditioner bars, handmade soap, home fragrance, whipped body butter, and other soothing beauty products that are package free or in glass
Naileys Naturals (US) - beautifully made package free bath and body products like facial cleansing bars, handmade soap, lotion bars, and bath bombs.
Melaku Aromatherapy (US) - made to order vegan soap bars, moisturiser, African black soap, body scrubs, haircare and bath bombs/salts
beelove (US) - honey-infused skincare with a parent company (Sweet Beginnings) that empowers individuals with a history of criminal convictions and other barriers to employment
Base Butter (US) - crowdsourced skincare products including aloe vera face jelly and sustainable makeup remover and pre-cleansing cloths
Dirt Don’t Hurt (US) - tooth powders and bamboo toothbrushes
Black Girl Sunscreen (US) - although in plastic, like most sunscreens, including natural ones (we've only found two not in plastic), unlike most ones this natural sun protection is made for women of colour and the plastic tube can be sent back to the company to be recycled
Lalin et La Sirèn (US) - simple and natural ingredients inspired by Afro-Caribbean roots and reusable, recyclable and environmentally friendly packaging are used
Soap Distillery (US) - plastic-free handcrafted body wash, hand soap, bar soap, body lotion, body oils, and bath soaks
Rooted Woman (US) - non-toxic, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free nail polish handmade in small batches
Live Like You Green It (US) - inclusive, vegan and sustainable skincare in plastic-free packaging made from the highest quality ingredients for all skin types
Organic Bath Co. (US) - organic handmade bar soap, body wash, hand soap, body butters, body lotion, face lotions, oils, and salves and balms
The Afro Hair & Skin Co (US) - sells a shampoo bar specifically made for afro textured hair and other eco-friendly and effective hair and skin care options for people of colour
Earth to Earth Organics (UK) - handmade vegan body butters in tins
Shimirose (UK) - vegan, cruelty free beauty brand that only uses natural and pure ingredients, including unrefined shea butter ethically sourced from a women’s cooperative in the North of Ghana
Innocent Haircare (UK) - a natural line of hair care products by a brand that cares about the environment
Illuminate Essentials Skincare (UK) - 100% natural skincare range designed to limit the amount of products you use on your skin daily, comprising masks, cleanser/toner, moisturiser, and serum, as well as toothpaste in glass jars
Liha Beauty (UK) - beauty products that are a mixture of natural African roots and a quintessentially British attitude and packaged in recyclable and reusable packaging that is made, designed and produced in the UK by other family run businesses
Epara (UK) - a luxury skincare line including masks, creams and balms made from sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients from co-ops and farmers across Africa for African skin
ECO-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS
NOOD Australia (AU) - a natural, sustainable and environmentally friendly range of washroom and cleaning products, including hand hygiene, guest amenities, and cleaning chemical products
PUR Home (US) - natural, non-toxic eco-friendly laundry detergent and household cleaners
ETHICAL SLOW SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Gillawarra Arts (AU) - lazer-cut bamboo and native seeds jewellery handmade by Worimi woman, Krystal Hurst
Clair Helen (AU) - a Tiwi Islander fashion designer making clothing with unique textures and patterns and promoting sustainable practices
The Koorie Circle (AU) - contemporary Aboriginal designed and inspired jewellery made from sustainably sourced timber
Simone Arnol (AU) - earthy designs incorporating recycled and upcycled materials and the use of traditional dyes
Collective Closets (AU) - African born, Melbourne made conscious clothing featuring designs combining vibrant prints and classics cuts
Amber Days (AU) - an Aboriginal-owned, Melbourne-based ethical baby wraps, children’s wear and women’s clothing label that is inspired by the Australian bush, desert and sea
Taylor Jay (US) - beautiful, versatile, comfortable, sustainable fashion basics that easily adapt to any lifestyle
Thando’s (US) - foldable ballerina flats made from cotton fabric purchased directly from women in the Nigerian fabric trade (a common way for unskilled women to earn a living) using designs crowdsourced from African artists who get a royalty from each purchase, with a portion of sales being donated to charitable causes in Africa
Brother Vellies (US) - footwear made from vegetable-tanned leathers, soling from recycled tires, hand carved wood, floral dyed feathers and other by-product materials sourced from farmers
Proclaim (US) - an inclusive nude lingerie line made in Los Angeles from earth-conscious fabrics
Aliya Wanek (US) - made-to-last womenswear made from natural fibres, produced in small batches, and sent in zero waste packaging
Baxter Wood (US) - men and women's Hevea rubber Chelsea boots made from sustainably harvested rubber
Sancho’s (UK) - sustainable clothing and lifestyle shop that stocks a carefully curated range of clothing, accessories and gifts from organic and fair-trade producers
KKG Goods (UK) - bags made from cork leather, a vegan-friendly and eco-friendly material
Kemi Telford (UK) - high quality slow fashion brand selling samples and seconds and using remnant material to create hair bows, pouches, and purses to reduce material and clothing waste that has the goal of becoming plastic packaging free
OTHER PLANET-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Jarin Street (AU) - eco-friendly tree rubber yoga mats featuring Aboriginal art done by Aboriginal people
Earth Greetings (AU) - a range of sustainable stationery featuring the work of various Australian artists, including indigenous designs by Natalie Jade, an Australian artist with Palawa roots, and Gudanji/Wakaja artist, Ryhia Dank
Zero Grocery (US) - zero waste grocery delivery service
Ivy’s Tea (US) - hand-crafted, full leaf, and organic loose leaf herbal tea and herb-infused sweeteners
Outwoken Tea (US) - ethically sourced loose leaf tea in packaging that is home compostable, plantable, high post consumer use and plastic free
Studio Junk - web design studio creating bold expressive brands for diverse sustainability-focused businesses through creative collaboration and positive change
La Basketry (UK) - baskets and unique woven products for the home handwoven by a group of female artisans in Ngaye Mkeke, a small village outside Thies in Senegal using local grass and long strips of recycled coloured plastic
Ocean By The Sea (UK) - yarn made from locally sourced, organic, hand-dyed wool
BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS DIRECTORIES
Supply Nation, Blak Business, and Buy Indigenous provide directories of and feature Australian Indigenous businesses and creators, while Australian Indigenous Fashion (AU) showcases Australia’s thriving Indigenous fashion community
The Village Market is a directory of black-owned businesses in the US, Official Black Wall Street is a digital platform that helps consumers find, review, and support Black-owned businesses and BLK + GRN is a US all-natural marketplace by all black artisans
FiveFifths has curated lists of black-owned brands and businesses, including lists of US restaurants and clothing, beauty, and hair brands. The website also features black business news and interviews with black entrepreneurs.
181 Black-owned businesses across the United States in many different categories are listed here
Oona Black British Business Directory is a directory of black-owned businesses throughout the UK
Black Mental Health Resources - a list of some free or low-cost sources for mental health treatment of the Black community, as well as culturally competent mental health providers
BIPOC Zero Wasters, Environmentalists & Climate Activists
Below is a list of BIPOC zero wasters and climate activists I have personally learned heaps from and that have invaluable insights to add to the sustainability conversation. Follow them, listen to them, and support them. When you think of zero waste you think of a white women with a trash jar and when you think of climate activists you think of Greta Thunberg, but Indigenous people are the original zero wasters, with pre-colonial society being waste free as only what was needed and what would be used was taken, and custodians of the earth and they continue to protect her today. Although Indigenous people comprise less than 5% of the world's population, they protect 80% of global biodiversity.
BIPOC ZERO WASTERS
BIPOC ENVIRONMENTALISTS & CLIMATE ACTIVISTS
Any Black or Indigenous owned sustainable businesses or BIPOC zero wasters, environmentalists, or climate activists we should add? Let us know in the comments!
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