Sustainable, Black-Owned Businesses

October 1, 2020  •   4 min read

This post has been written by our guest contributor: Gabrielle Hickmon

Amid renewed attention on the Black Lives Matter movement this summer, many have wondered what they can do to support Black lives, creativity, and culture in their homes and through the lifestyle choices they make. Some have worked to intentionally diversify their social media feeds by following more Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Others have taken to the streets to protest for Black lives. Many have bought anti-racism books and taken steps to educate themselves as well as their families and friends on systemic racism and ways they may contribute to the oppression of Black people. All of these means of supporting Black life are important, but in our capitalist society, one really important way to uplift Black lives is by shopping with Black-owned businesses, bonus points if they are small and sustainable! 

Black people have traditionally cared about the planet, grown our own food, up-cycled or passed down our clothing, created beauty and other products at home, and practiced sustainability, yet small, sustainable Black-owned businesses tend to have less visibility in the sustainability space. This is a shame because it prevents Black people from tapping into their own ancestral ways of knowing, communing with the natural world, and providing for themselves while also disadvantaging Black-owned businesses and individuals who are doing the work to save our planet and reimagining how we can live our lives sustainably. 

In order to make it easier for you to add Black-owned products into your home, beauty routine, closet, and lifestyle, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite sustainable Black-owned brands. These brands may be vegan, non-toxic, use dead-stock fabric, give new life to vintage items, have recycling programs, or use closed loop production processes. 

Just remember, this list is by no means exhaustive! Consider it a place to start in your efforts to support Black-owned businesses and sustainability at the same time. 

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You might also like: How to Identify if an Eco-Brand is a True Ally for Black Lives

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Beauty, Skin & Bodycare

Apprenti Ôr’ganik

Rosen Skincare

The Lip Bar

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Clothing

Washington Ave

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Accessories

Tree Fairfax

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Home Goods and Decor

Estelle Colored Glass

Brwn Collective

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Personal Care

Ruby Love

Motiva Organics

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Marketplace

About the Author

A model for Black girls who live on the road, Gabrielle Hickmon is a writer, creative director, and strategist who rarely finds herself in one place for too long. Her writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, The Baffler Magazine, Zora, Literary Hub, and more. She’s also newly vegan and has always been obsessed with vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her saving ideas she loves on Pinterest or planning her next trip.