Welcome, conscious Canadian shoppers! Are you ready to learn more about ethical shopping and how you can support some incredible Canadian brands? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your sustainable shopping journey, we’ve compiled a list that will make you feel good about every purchase. So grab a cup of your favorite fair-trade coffee and explore the best of Canadian ethical fashion together!
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How and why you should shop ethically and sustainably
- The unique commitments these brands uphold
- Money-saving tips for shopping ethically
- How to identify genuine ethical companies and avoid greenwashing
- Tips on spotting ethical brands when shopping online
What Makes a Brand Ethical?
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly cover what we mean by “ethical.” An ethical brand typically focuses on:
- Sustainability: Using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
- Fair Trade: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers.
- Transparency: Being open about their practices and sourcing.
- Community Impact: Giving back to communities or supporting social causes
Why to Shop Ethical Canadian Brands
Every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you want to live in. When you choose ethical brands, you support sustainable practices, fair wages, and cruelty-free products. It’s like being a superhero—only with a shopping cart instead of a cape! Shopping ethically means prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet and making a positive impact with every purchase.
We’ve made our picks for ethical purchasing in Canada as follows: Because of their dedication to fair trade, sustainability, and Ethical standards. We have thoroughly investigated these brands and feel comfortable recommending them for their ethical practices.
1. Kotn
Website: kotn.com
Products: Clothing and Home Goods.
Why We Love It: Kotn is the epitome of comfort meets conscience. Their products are made from Egyptian cotton, sourced directly from farmers who are paid fair wages. Plus, they reinvest their profits into the local communities by building schools. Shopping here is a no-brainer!
Bonus tip: Visit our Kotn coupons page to save when you shop at Kotn.
Sustainable Practices: Egyptian cotton, fair trade, reinvestment in local communities.
2. Encircled
Website: encircled.co
Products: Women’s Apparel.
Why We Love It: Encircled is all about versatile, stylish, and sustainable fashion. Their clothes are made from eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo and organic cotton. Plus, they produce everything locally in Toronto, which means lower carbon footprints and high-quality garments.
Sustainable Practices: Bamboo, organic cotton, low carbon footprint.
3. Ten Tree
Website: tentree.com
Products: Casual Wear.
Why We Love It: Ten Tree is a sustainable apparel brand that plants 10 trees for every item sold. It uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo, and its products are manufactured in ethical, Fair Trade-certified factories.
Sustainable Practices: Organic cotton, recycled polyester, bamboo.
4. Frank And Oak
Website: frankandoak.com
Products: Men’s and Women’s Clothing.
Why We Love It: Frank And Oak is dedicated to creating stylish, functional, and sustainable clothing. They use eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton. Additionally, their timeless designs ensure your wardrobe stays in style season after season without constant updates.
Tip: Visit our Frank And Oak coupons page to save when you shop.
Sustainable Practices: Recycled polyester, organic cotton.
5. Matt & Nat
Website:mattandnat.com
Products: Accessories and Footwear
Why We Love It: Matt & Nat stands for “Material and Nature,” they live up to their name by using vegan materials for their bags and shoes. They even incorporate recycled materials like plastic bottles into their products. Their sleek, modern designs prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Visit Matt & Nat Coupons & Special Offers to save more.
Sustainable Practices: Recycled nylon, cork, rubber, vegan leather.
6. Elate Cosmetics
Website: elatebeauty.com
Products: Makeup and Beauty Products.
Why We Love It: Elate Cosmetics is all about clean beauty. Their products are made from natural ingredients and come in sustainable packaging. Plus, they are strongly committed to cruelty-free practices, ensuring no animals are harmed in producing their beauty products.
Sustainable Practices: Natural ingredients, bamboo packaging.
7. Mejuri
Website: mejuri.com
Products: Jewelry
Why We Love It: Mejuri offers fine jewelry that’s both ethically sourced and beautifully designed. They focus on transparency, responsible sourcing, and conflict-free materials. With Mejuri, you can adorn yourself with elegance while supporting ethical practices.
Sustainable Practices: Responsible sourcing, conflict-free gold.
8. Olive + Splash
Website: oliveandsplash.com
Products: Loungewear and Accessories.
Why We Love It: Olive + Splash offers premium loungewear with sustainable bamboo fabric. Their designs are simple yet stylish, providing comfort without compromising on eco-friendliness. All products are manufactured in Canada, supporting local businesses and reducing carbon footprints.
Sustainable Practices: Bamboo, organic cotton.
9. Franc
Website: wearfranc.com
Products: Basics and Essentials.
Why We Love It: Franc focuses on creating ethically made basics that are comfortable and stylish. Their products are made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and are produced in Canada. Franc’s minimalist designs make them a great addition to any wardrobe, promoting a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion.
Sustainable Practices: Organic cotton, local production.
10. Nudnik
Website: nudniklife.com
Products: Kids’ Clothing.
Why We Love It: Nudnik specializes in children’s clothing made with pre-consumer textile waste. Their designs are vibrant, fun, and sustainable, making them a great choice for eco-friendly parents who want their kids to look stylish while minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable Practices: Upcycling, waste reduction.
11. Brave Soles
Website: bravesoles.life
Products: Footwear and Accessories.
Why We Love It: Brave Soles crafts beautiful sandals and accessories from upcycled tires and leather. Their products are handmade by artisans in the Dominican Republic, supporting fair trade practices and sustainable materials. These unique pieces are not only fashionable but also help reduce waste.
Sustainable Practices: Upcycling, fair trade.
12. Local Laundry
Website: locallaundry.ca
Products: Custom Clothing.
Why We Love It: Local Laundry creates stylish, comfortable clothing that brings people together. Its focus on local manufacturing reduces carbon footprints and supports Canadian jobs.
Sustainable Practices: Organic cotton, bamboo.
13. Preloved
Website: getpreloved.com
Products: Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind, blending modern style with vintage charm.
Why We Love It: Preloved transforms vintage clothing and deadstock fabrics into stylish pieces. This upcycling approach reduces waste and gives new life to old materials.
Sustainable Practices: Upcycling vintage clothing.
More Ethical Shopping Tips and Hacks
Shopping ethically can sometimes come with a higher price tag, but there are plenty of ways to score deals and save money when buying from ethical Canadian brands. Here are some of our top tips:
- Sign up for email lists: Many ethical brands offer exclusive discounts and first dibs on sales to their email subscribers.
- Follow brands on social media: Follow your favorite ethical brands on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest promotions, sales, and new product launches.
- Look for bundle discounts. Several brands on our list offer bundle deals or multi-product discounts to help you save when buying multiple items at a time.
- Take advantage of referral programs: Refer your friends to your favorite ethical brands, and you both could score a discount or credit towards your next purchase.
- Shop end-of-season sales: Look for end-of-season clearance sales to score deeply discounted items from past collections.
- Invest in quality, versatile pieces: While ethical brands may have higher prices, their products are often made to last. Investing in well-made, versatile pieces can save you money in the long run compared to fast fashion.
Utilizing these money-saving tips and tricks, you can shop for your favorite ethical Canadian brands without breaking the bank.
Table: Ethical Certifications to Look For
| Certification | Description |
| Fair Trade | Ensures fair wages and ethical working conditions. |
| GOTS | Global Organic Textile Standard, for organic textiles. |
| B Corp | Verified social and environmental performance. |
| OEKO-TEX | Testing for harmful substances in textiles. |
| PETA-Approved Vegan | Global Organic Textile Standard for organic textiles. |
Online Marketplaces for Ethical Products
- Why It’s Great: Etsy is home to many small, independent sellers focusing on handmade and eco-friendly products. Look for items tagged with “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and “handmade” to find unique, ethical pieces.
- Why It’s Great: This Canadian marketplace offers a variety of sustainable, cruelty-free, and organic products ranging from beauty to household goods. It’s a one-stop shop for conscious consumers.
- Why It’s Great: Simons has a dedicated “Eco-Friendly” section featuring sustainable fashion and home goods. Their commitment to ethical practices makes it easy to find responsible options.
Spotlight on Sustainable Fabrics
| Fabric | Description | Benefits |
| Organic Cotton | Grown without harmful pesticides | Safe for farmers, better for the environment |
| Bamboo | Fast-growing and renewable | Soft, breathable, and biodegradable |
| Recycled Polyester | Made from recycled plastic bottles | Reduces waste, requires less energy to produce |
| Hemp | Requires minimal water and pesticides | Durable, versatile, and eco-friendly |
Specific Product Recommendations
Now that you know about ethical Canadian brands, let us discuss specific product recommendations. These products are chic, well-made, and follow moral standards, so you can shop guilt-free and look amazing at the same time.
Clothing
Encircled – The Chrysalis Cardi
- Description: A versatile piece that can be worn in over eight different ways, making it a staple for any wardrobe.
- Materials: Made from sustainable fabrics like modal and bamboo.
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for travel and everyday wear, this piece reduces the need for multiple garments, promoting a minimalist lifestyle.
Kotn – Essential Crew
- Description: A classic crewneck t-shirt that’s incredibly soft and comfortable.
- Materials: Crafted from 100% Egyptian cotton, ethically sourced from local farmers.
- Why It’s Great: A wardrobe essential that’s built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Accessories
Matt & Nat – Brave Backpack
- Description: A sleek, stylish backpack that’s perfect for daily use.
- Materials: Made from vegan leather and recycled materials.
- Why It’s Great: Combines functionality with eco-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for conscious consumers.
Mejuri – Bold Hoops
- Description: Elegant gold hoop earrings that add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
- Materials: Crafted from ethically sourced materials and conflict-free gold.
- Why It’s Great: These timeless pieces are beautiful and responsibly made.
Beauty Products
Elate Cosmetics – Universal Creme
- Description: A multi-use product used on cheeks, lips, and eyes.
- Ingredients: Made with natural, cruelty-free ingredients.
- Why It’s Great: Versatile and eco-friendly, this product reduces the need for multiple makeup items, minimizing waste.
Routine – Deodorant
- Description: A natural deodorant that’s effective and gentle on the skin.
- Ingredients: Made with clean, non-toxic ingredients.
- Why It’s Great: Free from harmful chemicals, it’s a healthier choice for you and the environment.
Table: Comparison of Ethical Canadian Brands
Here’s a comparison table highlighting some key features of the ethical Canadian brands we’ve discussed:
| Brand | Ethical Focus | Sustainable Materials | Giving Back Initiatives | Money Saving Tips |
| Kotn | Fair Trade, Community Support | Egyptian Cotton | Funds schools in Egypt | Sign up for newsletters for exclusive discounts |
| Tentree | Tree Planting, Carbon Neutral | Organic Cotton, Recycled Materials | Plants ten trees for every item sold | Seasonal sales and bulk purchase discounts |
| Matt & Nat | Vegan, Cruelty-Free | Recycled Nylon, Cork, Rubber | Partners with animal welfare organizations | Shop outlet section for discounted items |
| Elate Cosmetics | Natural, Cruelty-Free | Bamboo, Glass, Clean Ingredients | Supports various social and environmental causes | Loyalty program and bundle deals |
| Encircled | Minimal Waste, Transparency | Tencel, Organic Cotton | Shop the outlet section for discounted items | Check for sales and multi-use clothing items |
| Frank And Oak | Timeless designs, sustainable clothing | Recycled polyester, organic cotton | Timeless collections | End-of-season sales |
| Franc | Ethical Manufacturing, Sustainability | Organic Cotton, Recycled Materials | Produces locally to reduce carbon footprint | Email sign-ups for discounts and occasional sales |
| Mejuri | Ethically sourced jewelry | Conflict-free gold | Transparency, responsible sourcing | Social media promotions |
| Nudnik | Upcycling, Waste Reduction | Pre-consumer Textile Waste | Promotes circular economy through upcycling | Look for promotions on their website |
| Noize | Vegan, Cruelty-Free | Recycled Plastic, Vegan Leather | PETA-approved vegan brand | Shop during end-of-season sales |
| Brave Soles | Fair Trade, Upcycling | Recycled Tires, Leather | Partners with artisans in the Dominican Republic | Discounts on first purchase through email sign-up |
| Olive + Splash | Eco-Friendly, Comfort | Bamboo Fabric | Local production supports small businesses | Join their newsletter for exclusive deals |
| Local Laundry | local manufacturing, which reduces carbon footprints | Organic cotton, bamboo | A portion of profits goes to local charities | Sign up for Newsletters |
| Preloved | Upcycling, Sustainable Fashion | Vintage Fabrics | Reduces textile waste through upcycling | Check for unique upcycled pieces on sale |
Conclusion
Choosing to shop ethically is a powerful way to positively impact the world. Supporting responsible brands gives you high-quality products and contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future. Together, we can create a world where every purchase supports the well-being of people and the planet. Thank you for making thoughtful choices and happy, ethical shopping, and always make sure to visit us at Dealhack to get the latest coupons to save money.
FAQs
An ethical brand prioritizes sustainability, fair trade, transparency, and positive community impact. It uses eco-friendly materials, ensures fair wages and safe working conditions, and is open about its practices and sourcing.
Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, GOTS, B Corp, and OEKO-TEX. Check the brand’s website for detailed information about their practices, and read reviews from trusted sources like Good On You and Ethical Consumer.
Ethical products can sometimes be more expensive due to higher production costs and fair wages, but they are often of higher quality and longer lasting, making them a worthwhile investment.
Absolutely! Many ethical brands, such as Frank And Oak and Encircled, offer fashionable and stylish options without compromising on ethics.
Ethical brands help the environment by using sustainable materials, reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and implementing eco-friendly production practices.
Brands like Matt & Nat and Brave Soles offer ethical accessories and footwear made from recycled and sustainable materials.
Start by swapping out essentials with ethical alternatives, shopping second-hand, supporting local artisans, and educating yourself about ethical practices. Small changes can make a big difference.
Yes, platforms like Well.ca and Ethical Market curate Various ethical brands and products, making it easy to shop responsibly.
Transparency allows consumers to make informed decisions by understanding the brand’s sourcing, manufacturing processes, and social impact. It builds trust and accountability.
Supporting ethical brands helps create fair job opportunities, ensures safe working conditions, and often contributes to community development projects, positively affecting local economies and social welfare.
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