It’s the holiday season and despite how hard we try to remember the “true spirit of the season,” we’re going to be materialistic and buy gifts for ourselves and others.

Recently, I watched Leo DiCaprio’s collab with National Geographic called, Before the Flood. It is hard to ignore the harsh realities presented in this truly moving documentary. What is even harder for me to ignore is Leo’s call to action: invest your money and your vote into individuals and companies that are like-minded and aligned with the fact that we ALL need to do better for our planet and its people.

I already strive to be health, eco and animal conscious in my beauty, skincare, food, and home good products. Those areas are easy not only because of their marketing and open reputations, but also because there are apps available for consumers to check on those products and companies.

An area I haven’t been as vigilant in has been apparel and home decor. After some research, I’ve found some great companies that I not only highly recommend to friends and family but also will be purchasing gifts from these amazing companies this holiday season!

PACT: Change you can wear | website
This wonderful company sells organic cotton, fair trade certified, sweatshop free every day basics perfect for the athlete, stay at home mom, and college student in your life.

Personal favorite: Stretch-fit flare pants

New Belgium Brewery | website
If you’re going to or hosting a holiday party this year, I highly suggest you give your money to New Belgium Brewery. Not only are they one of the most eco-friendly companies out there, but they also are very transparent about their environmental impact…plus, they also carry options for your GF friends, too!

Personal favorite: Tartastic lemon ginger sour ale

Sierra Club | website
For the animal lover, nature adventurer, or kids in your life the Sierra Club offers a variety of stuffed animals included in your donation to their greatly important organization.

Personal favorite: Black bear stuffie w/ John Muir inspired backpack

Ethics Supply Co. | website
Perfect gift for that special friend, partner, or family member you’ve gone on an adventure with. The scents on these candles are completely spot on, and will bring back great memories each time they are lit. The name shows that this company cares about its products, its impact on the environment, and its customers from start to finish. Made in the USA, you won’t regret splurging on these. Pssst! You can buy these on Anthropologie’s website, so stock up when they’re running a sale! 

Personal favorite: Yosemite’s Firefall

Lush cosmetics | website
This eco and animal friendly company takes out the complication of picking gifts by offering multiple themed sets at a variety of budget levels. You really can’t go wrong getting a bath bomb + soap gift set for your sister-in-law, girls you used to babysit, or your college roommate!

Personal favorite: The Night Before Christmas gift set

Honorable mentions
The companies and products listed below don’t have much on how eco-friendly they are, but do give back to great causes, regardless.

Bombas: One pair purchased = one pair donated | website
You may have seen these guys on Shark Tank, and it’s been nothing but up since then! This great company sells high quality sports performance, dress, and every day socks and with each purchase donates a pair to a homeless shelter since that is one of the items most needed. The price point seems higher, but the quality is there, PLUS remember that you are actually buying double the amount, you’re just donating half to people in need!

Personal favorite: Women’s brights 4-pack

EcoFlower | website
Another Shark Tank gem, this company creates beautiful faux flowers masterpieces made from resources such as book pages, wood, and more! Instead of bringing a hostess a bottle of wine or real flowers, why not give her something to remember you by? *Note: Since these are hand made, it takes up to 2 weeks to create your order with the free shipping option. You can upgrade for $5 to have your order be put “in the front of the line.”

Personal favorite: Louisiana bloom tin can