Black & Green: 4 Sustainable Brands to Support This Summer
As warmer weather approaches, spring marks a period of blossoming. Whether it’s through environmental rejuvenation or a lifestyle refresh, the season sparks change. EnVi is highlighting Black-owned businesses to support during this spring. These brands prioritize high-quality and sustainable production to benefit buyers and the environment.
The Squared Paper Co.
Bring your goals to life with stationary designed for maximizing productivity, innovation, and organization. The Squared Paper Co. was founded by Spelman College alumna Jordan Nash in 2020, when she was inspired to make high-end minimalistic notebooks. Since then, the brand has expanded to offering planners, notepads, manifestation journals, and more. The Perpetual Planner is their best-selling undated planner featuring 12 monthly overviews, 52 weekly segments, and no limitations. The undated format offers increased flexibility and sustainability as it decreases paper waste. Across all products, 10% of the company’s profits are also donated to BIPOC initiatives. Intentionality is at the core of The Squared Paper Co.’s products and mission, making it the perfect stop for all of your productivity essentials.
Hanahana Beauty
Hanahana Beauty offers clean skincare rooted in culture. Abena Boamah-Acheampong created this brand to prioritize both internal and external skincare benefits. Through small batch production, Hanahana Beauty maximizes sustainability and quality. All products contain ethically sourced all-natural ingredients from Northern Ghana. Shea butter is one staple ingredient found in their products. Boamah-Acheampong credits shea butter as her mother’s go-to resource for solving skincare problems during her childhood. The brand offers several scented shea body butters, a 2-in-1 body bar, glow butter, and more. Hanahana Beauty also makes a social impact through the Hanahana Circle of Care Project. This nonprofit offers healthcare, clean water, and other resources for women shea producers and their families.
SOKO
SOKO sells timeless jewelry made using recycled materials. Black-owned and women-led, the company platforms Kenyan artisans on a global scale. Through increased independence, development opportunities, and accessibility, SOKO offers high-quality jobs. The brand operates a virtual factory system that allows independent artisans to have direct access to orders. Each accessory is handcrafted in Kenya using traditional techniques and ethical practices. With sustainability at the forefront, the company also offers customer care instructions to maximize the quality and longevity of products. Offering everything from everyday pieces to personalized gifts, SOKO is a one-stop shop to build your jewelry collection.
Kai Collective
If you’re looking for sustainable and stylish pieces to add to your wardrobe, Kai Collective has you covered. The brand is based in London, and was founded by Fisayo Longe, a Nigerian fashion and travel blogger turned designer. She was inspired by her experiences to create clothing that promotes creativity and confidence. Kai Collective is known for high quality pieces with distinctive designs. Their designs commonly feature bold patterns and unique silhouettes that can’t be found elsewhere. Mindful consumption is another core value at Kai Collective. The production process utilizes limited quantities and sustainable fabrics, and the team is continuously researching more environmentally conscious strategies.
Looking for more ethical Black brands? Check out our sustainable swimwear recommendations!
