The world has made it through the first month of 2020. Barely, but we made it. And while there is not a lot we can do to dictate the course of the year, we can make better choices where we can — and that starts with making conscious choices when we shop. This month, we feature brands from all around the world that are reinventing shopping by making it conscious.
We’re all about supporting the fantastic social entrepreneurs that are turning heads with innovative designs and fresh fashion. Last month, Green Is The New Black co-founder and photographer Paula Miquelis got behind her camera in Bali and shot two models on location in a jungly villa in Bali featuring several unique eco-friendly brands from the region. This month, she did the same in Singapore. Take a look at some of the finest global innovators in our new age world through a sustainable lens.
Green Gaea
Green Gaea stocks eco-goods, homewares, jewellery and more. From floral bound smudge sticks to gorgeous gold-trimmed ceramic blows and spa accessories for the mind, body and soul handmade by their artisan partners who value work ethics and fair wages. By shopping with Green Gaea, you’re supporting these social enterprises while spending consciously and giving back to the community at the same time.
QLOTHÈ
QLOTHÈ (pronounced klo-they) make beautifully designed clothes with inspirational aesthetics. The brand ditched fast fashion for conscious production and has since created a business with sustainability at its core but fashion as its face. As for what to wear, QLOTHÈ produces luxurious garments that create silhouettes and make remarkable look effortless. It only produces two to three small collections per season because it believes that people don’t need to buy a lot; they need to buy better.
Some Peanuts Please
No, we’re not pushing nuts. Some Peanuts Please push bags — really really really lovely bags. Its backpacks are designed in Paris for an urban lifestyle with one motive (well, besides saving the planet) and that is to make your everyday life easier. What makes its bags stand out is their multi-functional purpose, as in you can change the way they look and wear, while keeping things sleek. The brand was founded after two students were tired of carrying around their computers and other items in multiple bags. They’re also made with recycled fabrics to ease the burden on the planet.
Epic Water Filters
I know we’re just talking about water filters here but do not underestimate their power. These filters are indeed, epic. With single-use plastic on its way out, more and more people are carrying around water containers. But with those, you still don’t know what’s in the water you’re filling up with — especially if its tap water. These filtered bottles keep your water clean on the go, and its jugs are perfect for in the house. They remove more than 70 contaminants, including heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and more. Epic Water Filters also work with the Inland Ocean Coalition (IOC) who work to raise awareness of the impact that microplastics are having on our rivers and oceans — we love this.
We Are Sui
Sui takes you on a thoughtful journey across clothing production in India. Founded in New Delhi, Sui promotes and create awareness on green fashion that is versatile, has a close to minimum impact on the world, looks after its workers like family and is relatable. In a nutshell, they make clothes with a green heart.
Sparkle Organic
You didn’t think we’d skip a drink, right? We love a good drink, more so when it’s organic. Sparkle Organic was born from a deeply rooted belief in the quality of organic products and a proclaimed love for French terroir and savoir-faire. The brand presents a selected panel of premium organic products – from champagne and wines to fine foods — and distributes them around Asia. Although they carry several brands, we recommend LELARGE- PUGEOT.
Truth&All
Elevate any outfit with some sustainable sunnies by Truth&All who make 100% biodegradable acetate frames because “fashion shouldn’t cost us the earth”. Truth&All’s frames are made of specially designed Italian bio-based acetate which biodegrades in 115 days and is all made by hand, which dramatically reduces the carbon footprint created by production. Actually, we love the way they look, the fact that they’re planet-friendly is just a bonus.
Noice
Natural, organic, refillable and zero-waste toothpaste that’s good enough to eat (but don’t do that!). Do you know that billions of plastic toothpaste tubes end up in landfills annually? Yep. Fortunately, Noice has worked with dentists to create a formula that is great for your health, teeth, and gums while whitening your teeth and preventing cavities. But best of all, it’s good for the planet, too. Actually, scratch that. Best of all, it’s hugely affordable.
Scéona
Looking for beautiful fine jewellery without hurting the planet? Scéona makes responsible jewellery that is respectful of the environment and the people. Most importantly, they practice responsible sourcing and sustainable practices when it comes to their diamonds, with all Scéona pieces created using lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold. Essentially, they sparkle without harming the planet.
Green Curve
Green Curve is Singapore’s first and only sustainable fitness boutique. Aside from being our favourite place to sweat to out, it’s leading the pack when it comes to green moves. From the visible elements like a water dispenser and stocking eco-activewear, rubber flooring and oversized windows to less obvious things like an energy-producing treadmill and water-saving filters, the Green Curve has reduced its environmental impact, and we’re over here like — sign us up.
Outfyt
Athleisure is really just a fancy term for living in your gym clothes, and we’re ok with that. Gives us an excuse to be comfortable. Outfyt elevates that experience by making eco-friendly athleisure. After experiencing firsthand the amount of plastic waste that came with their first collection, they made a decision that they wouldn’t be part of the problem, and instead be part of the solution. Today they no longer contribute to a non-sustainable society and instead contribute to our sustainable closet.
Benns Ethicoa
Benns is all about chocolate that’s 100% natural, dairy-free, vegan, halal, made fairly and of the highest quality. Right? Beginning in 1973, the brand has come a long way and allows them to cut the middle man out and work directly with farmers. From chocolate bars to drinking chocolate and even chocolate tea, go guilt-free with Benns.
LEFT-HANDESIGN
Say hello to your new favourite eco-friendly bamboo coffee cup that fits beautifully into a modern lifestyle. LEFT-HANDESIGN is famous for making paper, pens, pencils and notebooks that you can plant instead of throwing away. But they’ve recently introduced a reusable, compostable and biodegradable cup made from natural plant fibre like bamboo powder, rice hulls and crop stalks.
alche{me}
Pollution, humidity, and the skin issues that come with it are some of the biggest challenges that come with living in Asia. alche{me} is a Singapore-based brand developed by three ex-Clarins staff who have come up with a formula based on your personal skin diagnosis, lifestyle and priorities with natural active ingredients that are selected for you and only for you. Lush, affordable, protective and stimulating, alche{me}’s intentional skincare is the love that your skin deserves.
All photography: Paula Miquelis