55% of the world’s plastic waste comes from only 20 firms
We’ve been facing a global environmental crisis for some time. Yet for decades, the global plastic sector has operated with little intervention and governance for tens of years. (1)
In the US alone, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that businesses and institutions generated roughly 317 million tons of waste in 2018 alone.
“Some estimates go as high as 7.6 billion tons of industrial waste produced every year.”(2)
Although these statistics are overwhelming, they don’t frighten this next wave of incredible entrepreneurs. They lead with ethics, integrity, and immense respect for nature. We applaud and admire the examples they are setting for the generation of entrepreneurs to come while also giving the public inteligent and sustainable solutions that actually make a difference.
We're extremely proud to launch our eco recognition awards. As a Canadian brand, we're excited to give the first round of awards to our fellow Canuks before moving on to international editions.
After careful research and consideration, our team found these stand-out individuals who are giving it their all, leading with heart and passion.
While we cannot speak on behalf of these brave souls who hustle each day to build and maintain their eco brands, as an sustainable brand ourselves (Figo Pax), we know very well that options are limited and being sustainable both as a brand and consumer can be expensive. We all hope to make it mainstream and affordable with time.
If you’re on the hunt for eco products, or want to be inspired by people doing amazing things, check out these 15 fierce small business owners and send them a shout-out to show your support.
*In no particular order:
The Green Jar - Tannis and Mara Bundi, Founders - Toronto, ON
25 years in the making, twin sisters Tannis and Mara were inspired by nations who had already taken steps towards sustainability, such as Jamaica, Switzerland, and Germany.
Reducing single-use plastics is a top priority for The Green Jar, and they not only exemplify this in their shop, but they also want to help people live greener lives.
“For the first five years of our lives, we grew up on a farm, so we had a very sustainable and resourceful lifestyle there. We made our own butter and got our eggs out of the chicken coop; it was a very low-waste lifestyle. Our mother and grandmother were heavy influencers. They taught us how to make our own deodorant and toothpaste, how to ferment cheeses, and how to make our own yogurt,” said Tannis and Mara. (source: Notablelife)
The Bundi twins have understood the value of sustainability since the day they were born. For any eco-conscious individual, it isn’t easy living in our single-use, consumerist society.
Tannis and Mara couldn’t take it any longer, so they took action, and we’re glad they did. In 2017, Toronto saw its first eco-refillery, a giant step for a bustling city towards reducing single-use plastics.
One thing we completely admire about the pattern we see with Canadian refilleries is their particular respect for the history of the land and Indigenous culture.
Read more about The Green Jar’s core values and follow their Instagram for more on sustainable lifestyles:
Power Over Plastic - Christina Casciaro, Founder & CEO - Toronto, ON
Christina began creating eco-friendly products during the COVID-19 pandemic when she discovered the art of sewing. But her passion for protecting the environment didn’t start there.
Power Over Plastic started as a social justice campaign aimed at raising awareness. Christina felt strongly about minimizing her carbon footprint and began to lead her life accordingly.
She adopted a lifestyle that incorporated low-waste products into her daily routine.
Naturally, Christina was not about to leave those values behind when it came to conducting business. Sustainability, raising awareness, and making it easier for consumers to adopt similar habits are at the forefront of Power Over Plastic.
In fact, Christina established a store that offers low-waste alternatives to everyday items by upcycling locally sourced materials that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Her zero-waste production process is one to admire. Check out Christina's super eco-friendly collections at Power Over Plastic and follow the behind-the-scenes process below:
@poweroverplastic
Siempre Eco - Rabia Dhanani, Founder - Edmonton, AB
Rabia is on a mission to "change the game" by providing affordable solutions for an otherwise unaffordable eco lifestyle.
Dhanani has always fought for conscious consumerism and sustainable living, values that should have been emphasized and taught since the industrial revolution.
Rabia's objective is to create awareness through sharing knowledge. In fact, the Siempre Eco blog is well-written with the help of Vyshnavi Rajeevan, the "resident word wizard," and features interesting articles such as "The Importance of Understanding Eco-Anxiety" and much more.
Siempre Eco uses a "consciously curated" business method. Turning passion into business, Dhanani set out to focus on this venture in 2020 and has never looked back.
You can find Rabia's mindfully curated products at Siempre Eco and follow the eco adventure below:
@siempreeco
Only - Kat Plouffe, CEO & Co-Founder - Ottawa, ON
Kat has brought Canada's first reusable tampon applicator to the market, and it's about time.
Thousands of plastic applicators are found on Canadian beaches each year. It turns out that many women flush applicators down the toilet. Others simply put them in the waste bin, but rarely are applicators recycled properly.
This means that hundreds of thousands of plastic applicators either end up on Canadian shores or in landfills every month.
Plouffe's eco-friendly solution not only solves the single-use applicator problem, it also offers a range of sustainable tampons, pads, and cups.
Only's collection is a win-win solution for both nature and women's health.
We especially love Only's sense of humor and play on words with taglines like "Your box deserves better, that's why we created ours." Genius.
Learn more about Canada's first reusable applicator at Only and follow the company's growth below:
@getonly.ca
Olona Earth - Christine Lan, Founder - QB
Christine's passion for all things sustainable is undeniable. Lan doubles-up as the Founder of Olona Earth, an eco business that produces earth-friendly and natural skincare products, and is also an active sustainable influencer.
Eco-Amical is Christine's influencer brand dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and hacks on how to live sustainably. Lan shows followers how to create their own natural makeup.
This founder/influencer has a joyful energy and is determined to help make a change, one follower at a time. Christine advocates for a healthy, natural, and low-waste lifestyle and draws useful wisdom from a rich multicultural heritage.
Lan is a Canadian Sino-Mauritian, which means that Christine's followers get insight into secret health hacks from North America, Asia, and Africa - what a wonderful combo.
Want to lead a more natural and eco-friendly lifestyle? Check out Lan's natural collection at Olona Earth and learn to live a sustainable lifestyle by following below:
@eco.amical
Tree Hugger Cloth Pads - Crystal Burton, Founder - Winnepeg, MB
Burton has been hustling to reduce landfill waste for over 15 years.
How? Cloth.
Crystal had already adapted to a greener lifestyle by choosing to use cloth diapers for her children. Then, in 2007, Crystal began the hunt for alternatives to disposable pads.
It’s been a long journey since then, but Burton finally made the leap and launched a line of hand-crafted, leak-proof, and breathable period panties. Surely it wasn't an easy task to create, but Crystal was determined to eliminate the unnecessary disposable pad waste.
Years later, Burton’s passion and determination led to Shark Tank in 2015. Since then, this eco-brand has employed plenty of stay-at-home moms who carefully create every single item. This family-run business now offers a slew of amazing styles and accessories like wet bags.
Thousands of women have made the switch. Want to help reduce landfill waste with period panties? Check out Tree Hugger Cloth Pads and support the mission by following here:
@treehuggerclothpads
Growing Green Co. - Amanda, Founder - Keene, ON
What do you get when you fuse beekeeping and sustainability? Candles, soaps, lip balms, and other sustainable creations from Amanda at Growing Green Co.
Amanda became fascinated with bees, along with her mother, before ever having the idea of starting a business. In fact, she began learning by making all sorts of natural products for herself.
During this time, Amanda had also begun to get into the zero-waste lifestyle while continuing to test and perfect her product-making skills. Eventually, she began to give some of her creations as gifts, and the feedback was amazing.
Amanda realized that she wasn't the only person looking for natural alternatives to synthetic products on store shelves and decided to launch Growing Green Co.
We can only say that Amanda's efforts are paying off as requests and orders have been pouring in.
Check out Amanda's lip balm in a compostable container at Growing Green Co. and get a behind-the-scenes look at beekeeping and all things wax below:
@growinggreengirl
The Renewable Box - Viviana, Founder - Toronto, ON
Viviana began a business journey in 2021 with a service that provides a wide variety of eco-friendly products.
The all-female team created a wonderful brand to make eco-products more accessible and economical for everyone.
The Renewable Box understands the current struggles that the environment is facing but also knows that it is important to move forward even if it isn't perfect, it just needs to be better.
Doing better, with an imperfect approach, is one of Viviana's realistic mottos.
Today, Viviana is moving on from The Renewable Box on a path to spreading awareness and knowledge. The focus will be on creating engaging content, keeping the discussion flowing, and taking followers on the path to living more sustainably day by day.
Join Viviana on the next venture as a sustainable influencer below:
@therenewablebox
Goldilocks Wraps - Amy Hall, Founder - Victoria, BC
Goldilocks is all about getting started, balance, and taking the first step without worrying about perfection.
We admire Amy for this philosophy when it comes to pursuing a zero-waste lifestyle, and especially in business, as the concept can be overwhelming.
"Every day you'll make a hundred tiny choices that nudge our world forward or backward." The Goldilocks website is filled with impactful phrases that inspire.
Amy's team also make hundreds of choices each day, and a big one was deciding to create their wraps by hand from start to finish, which is a pattern we see with so many eco-brands.
Hall's mission is to "sell thoughtful home habits," and we think that's beautiful.
Check out the amazing patterns and designs from Goldilocks Wraps and stop using saran wrap. See how the wraps are made here:
@goldilocksgoods
Planet Pantry - Sam and Tyrell, Founders - Winnipeg, MB
Planet Pantry is a low-waste retailer and "refillery".
Founders Sam and Tyrell aren't letting anything go to waste. The store is package-free and also offers refill services for many detergents and soaps.
Customers can bring their containers or leave a deposit in exchange for a Planet Pantry container. We loved reading Sam and Tyrell's eco-warrior bios.
Not only does Planet Pantry protect and respect the environment, but the brand embodies what Canada is all about. Here is a statement from the brand's site: "We acknowledge that Planet Pantry is located on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We are stewards, not owners of this land, and we will continue to respect and take care of the well-being of nature and all of its creatures."
Sam and Tyrell have heart and are setting examples in so many ways.
Take a look inside the store at Planet Pantry (big-box stores take note) and join in wishing Sam and Tyrell on their second-anniversary store here:
@planetpantrywpg
Selfish Swimwear - Naomie Caron, Founder/Designer - Montreal, QB
Selfish Swimwear is anything but selfish; it is about love.
Loving oneself and the environment are two fundamental components of Caron's core values.
Naomie graduated from Montreal's leading fashion school with conflicting ideas about how to move forward in an industry that is quite the opposite of sustainable. So Caron decided to get creative and resourceful.
This sustainable and creative designer decided to use high-quality nylon from Italy that would otherwise have gone to landfills.
Quality and craftsmanship are key for Naomie, as the goal is to produce pieces that last. This is where it gets even better: Caron's atelier in Montreal actually offers a one-year warranty and repair services. An excellent alternative to having to throw out your favourite bathing suit.
Learn more about Selfish Swimwear's sustainable approach and check out Caron's amazing designs on Instagram below:
Milieu Market - Jules, Founder - Steinbach, MB
Milieu Market wants you to recycle, reduce, reuse, and refill.
Jules actually launched her first eco-store from a mobile trailer.
Nothing was going to stop Milieu Market from making more sustainable products more accessible to people. It went so well that Jules has opened up an entire storefront and has sold the business trailer.
This market offers exclusively Canadian-made eco-products. Jules takes great care in selecting products, ensuring that they align with the Milieu Market guidelines and values.
One of the specialty items we love is the concentrated detergents. They are lightweight and don’t require bottles. This means that if Jules is shipping orders, the lightweight product also consumes less fuel during the delivery process.
Explore these concentrated detergents at Milieu Market and take a look inside the market below:
@milieu.market
Teaspoons & Co. - Joyce and Joshua Yim, Founders - Vancouver, BC
Welcome to Canada's first eco-friendly bubble tea shop, founded by siblings Joyce and Joshia Yim.
"Guided by a desire to promote wellness and spread kindness, our product lineup gives back by contributing to Plastic Oceans Foundation."
These power siblings were introduced to boba shops at a young age and eventually landed jobs at a bubble tea shop, which was a dream come true.
They gained valuable experience and eventually branched out and started their venture. Only this time, they were determined to make a positive change.
The super duo were even featured in BC Business in the 30 Under 30 category.
The Yims' commitment to sustainability has led them to introduce plastic-free, compostable cups. The business also sources directly from farmers and mills their tea in-house.
Their tea kits can now be found in over 50 retailers, and you can check out Canada's first 100% compostable cup below:
@teaspoons.co
Lala Hijabs - Sana and Will, Founders - Toronto, ON
Lala Hijabs, named by Sana and Will’s (Founders) 5 year old daughter, is aimed at making culture and religion fun.
Lala’s playfulness is evident in the colors and designs that have been trending since 2017, which are inspired by their two young and vibrant daughters.
Lala was eventually turned into an acronym which embodies the brand’s mission, Live Authentic Love Always.
Backed by sustainable values, Sam and Will are creating a brighter future and setting an example for their children, and for all.
The couple explain, “We want to be as eco-friendly as possible, so we personally package all of our hijabs in paper rather than plastic. We use compostable materials and encourage our customers to do the same! We can make an impact if we all do our part.”
Check out Lala’s creative collection and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brand below:
@lalahijabs
KOV Essentials - Chelsea Branch, Founder - Burlington, ON
Known as the "girl with the durable hair clips," founder Chelsea Branch set out to solve a problem she was facing.
Branch states, "I always struggled with finding fashionable yet functional accessories for my thick and long hair." Chelsea knew she wasn't alone.
But like all other environmentalists, Branch and the all-female team at EVO Essentials set out to create eco-friendly products with sustainable methods, right down to the packaging.
In fact, the durable products that everyone is talking about are made from wood pulp and cotton fibers.
The brand even provides a breakdown of the materials used in every step of the process, making EVO Essentials an exemplary brand for transparency.
Take a look at EVO Essentials accessories made of wood pulp and cotton fibers and see them in action below:
@kovessentials
Takeaway
These 15 eco warrior brands not only share common ideologies, philosophies, values, and approaches, but they also share the same mission: to spread awareness, live sustainably, and protect nature by doing business ethically.
Whether you're hoping to improve your sustainability efforts, reduce your personal carbon footprint, or completely revamp your lifestyle, these eco brands can help you achieve your goals.
Join us in congratulating these amazing entrepreneurs by thanking them for helping to protect our environment.
What small steps do you take toward living sustainably?
Who are we missing? Are you or do you know an eco-warrior (brand or individual)? Share your story with us for a chance to be featured. Click here to get started.
Ciao for now,
Your friends at Figo Pax
)