Our world has become overrun with stuff. Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, it only takes a few posts before you see a post telling you about the latest Amazon must-have item. Even the newer trend of influencers “de-influencing” you from products is really a covert way to get you to buy something else.
And while it can be easy to convince yourself that this one product will revolutionize your life, it’s important to step back and assess the bigger impact of what we spend our money on. What if the things we’ll inevitably purchase — a candle, socks, even a toothbrush — could benefit someone other than yourself as well?
Numerous companies are asking themselves that same question and have stepped up to the plate, creating products that make a difference. Whether it’s giving back to local communities, planting trees or reducing food waste, there’s now a way to treat the world while you treat yourself.
Here are 10 products to consider for when you want to feel guilt-free about buying something new:
OneGrid Hand Poured Candle
OneGrid’s hand-poured candles are not only sustainably made, but each candle purchased delivers 672 hours — 28 days — of clean, safe solar light to a family, school or clinic with no access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa. OneGrid focuses on supporting organizations and initiatives that promote sustainable development, renewable energy and environmental protection to communities in need.
They also prioritize giving to organizations that support underprivileged communities and promote social equity through education and resources.
Conscious Step Mental Health Socks
Conscious Step produces sustainable and ethical socks, and they are committed to doing more than just keeping your feet comfy. The company focuses on supporting organizations that address social and environmental issues impacting local and global communities. Not only are their socks made sustainably, but with each pair of socks purchased, Conscious Step donates a portion of the proceeds to a different non-profit partner, supporting causes like poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, health initiatives and more. One of our favorites? Their mental health crew socks, which supports NAMI, a non-profit organization offering hotlines, resources and community outreach for individuals struggling with mental illness.
Grounds & Hounds Belly Run Coffee
Grounds & Hounds is passionate about two things: Making great coffee and helping rescue dogs. The coffee company donates 20 percent of all their proceeds to animal rescue organizations dedicated to saving dogs from euthanasia and finding them loving homes. In addition to their charitable efforts, Grounds & Hounds sources their coffee beans from small, sustainable farms around the world, aiding farmers in developing countries. They offer a variety of delicious blends and single-origin coffees, but we can’t suggest the Belly Run blend enough.
MABLE Two Pack Bamboo Toothbrush
MABLE produces eco-friendly and sustainable oral care products, but that’s not all they do. The company supports organizations that promote environmental sustainability and conservation. Every time a toothbrush is purchased, MABLE donates toothbrushes through their Buy Give Teach Program to children and youth to educate students about living healthy, sustainable lives. They also donate a portion of their profits to various non-profit partners who work towards protecting the planet and preserving natural resources. In addition to their donations, MABLE’s toothbrushes are made from bamboo and their packaging is biodegradable, further demonstrating their commitment to reducing waste. We all need to brush our teeth, so we might as well make the world better while we do it.
Rumpl Zion National Park Puffy Blanket
RUMPL produces high-quality outdoor blankets designed to withstand the elements. But more than that, they are committed to creating durable products that are good for both people and the planet. RUMPL’s blankets are made from recycled materials and are built to last, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Additionally, the company donates a portion of their profits to various non-profit partners working towards preserving natural resources and protecting public lands. Their National Park Collection features a glimpse of every major U.S. National Park, from the Grand Canyon to Joshua Tree to Zion National Park.
Warby Parker Butler Eyeglasses
For years, Warby Parker has modeled what it means for businesses to use their products to give back. Through their Buy One Give One program, Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair of glasses purchased. Their efforts focus on providing access to eyewear and vision care to people who may not have the resources to obtain them otherwise. To date, the company has donated over 10 million pairs of glasses to individuals in need. Not only that, but Warby Parker glasses are both stylish and affordable.
LifeStraw Water Pitcher
LifeStraw produces innovative water filtration products designed to provide safe drinking water for any one in any situation. They are committed to creating products that are affordable, easy to use and effective at removing harmful contaminants from water. From pitchers to cups, there’s a little something for everyone. They partner with organizations around the world to distribute their products, educate individuals on safe water practices and provide access to safe, clean water.
Lula’s Garden Jewel Garden
Lula’s Garden creates eco-friendly succulent gardens that look great in your home or office. But not only do they exclusively source succulent plants from locally grown family-owned nurseries, they also work with water.org — an organization that helps improve lives around the world by providing access to safe water — by providing six months of safe water for one person in the developing world for each garden sold.
Out of Print The Great Gatsby Tote Bag
Out of Print is a unique tote bag company that blends your love of literature with fashion. The company designs and sells clothes, notebooks, even bookmarks, but the real winner is their tote bags. Each tote bag features classic and iconic book covers, quotes and characters. Out of Print is also committed to promoting literacy and donates a portion of their profits to supporting literacy programs and libraries around the world. If you want to show off you’re a total book nerd, you’ll definitely want one of these.
Adventurist Backpack Co. Adventurist Classic Backpack
With a focus on sustainability, Adventurist Backpack Co. uses high-quality materials to make sure your bag lasts a long time. In addition to their commitment to the environment, Adventurist Backpack Co. also gives back to the community. For every backpack purchased, they donate 25 meals to families in need through their partnership with Feeding America. The company purchases excess food in bulk from U.S. farmers to distribute it to over 200 food banks across the country.
