10 ethical businesses you need to know about

It’s more important than ever to appreciate the world around us and be mindful of global environmental and ethical issues, so we thought we would name our top ‘10 Ethical Companies’. Here you’ll find a collection of businesses who are really doing their bit! When you’ve finished reading, let us know who you think is ethical and why on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.

1. TheVeganKind


As well as being dedicated to providing cruelty-free vegan food and beauty products since 2013, TheVeganKind is committed to giving back to the community and helping out animals in need. Proceeds from their Lifestyle boxes go to different charities each month, with suggestions from customers being encouraged through their Facebook page.

2. Elephant Gin


With the current rate of ivory hunting and the fact that an elephant is killed every 15 minutes – it’s predicted that elephants will be extinct within 10 years. Gin brand Elephant Gin was created to prevent this from happening. Small batches of Gin are brewed with carefully selected spices from the African Savanna, with each bottle being dedicated to a member of the herd.15% of their proceeds go straight to two foundations who are dramatically improving and preserving the elephant habitat.

3. Lush


Lush has always been committed to seeking the best ingredients as well as keeping all aspects of the environment in mind – from no unnecessary packaging to sourcing sustainable and organic products. Since their humble beginnings in the 70s, they have outlined a number of policies that include ethical buying to helping communities around the world. They have also donated millions to charities around the world (thanks largely to their Charity Pot).

4. People Tree


Unfortunately, it’s the norm to hear of unfair practices in the workplace, especially sweatshops. People Tree work hard to ensure that quality products are made from natural and recycled materials, as well making sure that the people they work with are living up to Fair Trade standards. They are committed to helping those in the developing world, as well as making sure the environment is looked after.

5. Ben and Jerry’s


This brand may seem like an unlikely choice, but they do a lot of positive work, especially to help climate change issues such as global warming. The ice cream franchise is vocal about many issues across the globe – their latest campaign ‘One Sweet World’ encourages communities to come together and unite in the face of those who seek to divide. They even have a foundation set up in order to give back to local communities and much more.

6. Wahaca

This Mexican street food establishment is all about sustainability, and have won numerous awards recognising what they do locally and for the environment. But they don’t just support local communities and produce, they also make sure that each restaurant is environmentally friendly throughout the building process and long after. On top of all this, they are also actively involved with charity work that supports and educates children in Mexico.

7. Karma Cola


Karma Cola is a great Fairtrade and organic cola company. Since starting in 2010, Karma Cola Foundation supports eight communities in Tiwai – giving cola farmers the power to control how funding from them is spent, whether this is infrastructure or educational. Karma Cola believe what goes around comes around, ensuring that their product is produced ethically and that everyone benefits.

8. Toms


Toms’ motto – ‘One for One’ means that when a pair of shoes is sold, a new pair of shoes is given to an impoverished child, or the price of a pair of shoes is assigned to one of their four areas. At the moment they dedicate their proceeds to helping four key areas – shoes, sight, water and safe birth. Working with over 100 partners, Toms have managed to have a positive impact on over 70 million people across six continents.

9. Hiptipico


Hiptipico is based on the Spanish word ‘tipico’, which is the traditional clothing worn by the indigenous Maya people in Guatemala. This ethical fashion brand is dedicated to ethical trade and empowerment. Not only are their pieces unique, Hiptipico involves local communities in the creation process, encouraging entrepreneurship.

10. Cafe Direct

The UK’s first and largest 100% Fairtrade hot drink brand. Cafe Direct have invested over 50% of their profits back into 40 producer organisations from over 14 countries. Cafe Direct started in 1989 with only three growing communities and have since made a great impact on the lives of the farmers.

We think it’s great what these companies are doing to make an impact on the environment and other people’s lives. Now we want to hear from you. What ethical companies do you absolutely love and why? Just leave a comment on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.