It can be hard to find brands that offer quality products and have sustainable and ethical operations at their core, especially for men.
As consumers become more aware of the impact their choices have on the environment and society, they are demanding transparency from brands. However, many companies are guilty of greenwashing - making false or exaggerated claims about their sustainability practices. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions and support truly ethical and sustainable brands.
That's why the brands we're sharing have been certified by a third party, most of them by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). GOTS certified items have met a high standard for each processing stage; they're produced and processed without harmful chemicals, conscious of energy consumption and responsible waste management. To ensure operations are ethical, manufacturers must meet strict working conditions, including fair pay and reasonable hours in a safe environment.
As men become more conscious consumers, they have the power to drive change in the retail industry by supporting brands that prioritise sustainability and ethics. By doing so, they can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also contribute to a more equitable retail industry.
We've outlined below our favourite sustainable brands by need, for a true minimalist focus:
Casual Clothing & Leather Accessories: Minimal Manimal
Price: Clothing from $49 and Leather goods from $97 with free shipping on sign up
Minimal Manimal's core principles are minimalism, value and quality. We offer a classic range of GOTS certified organic cotton clothing and natural, genuine leather goods made to a premium standard. Sustainability is at the forefront, with all of our products and packaging made from natural or recyclable materials. Our minimalist approach to product offering removes the overwhelm; we make the best product, from the best materials, fit for purpose. 1% of profits are donated to Worldwide Wildlife Fund Australia and 1% to A21 for people, while striving to be carbon neutral.
Underwear: Reer Endz
Price: Briefs $19.95 and Trunks $24.95 with free shipping
Be sustainable right down to your skivvies with men's underwear made from GOTS certified organic cotton. Reer Endz offers both plain and patterned styles in Briefs and Trunks. The best part is free shipping on everything, and a wrong size guarantee.
Towels and Sheets: Loop Home
Price: Bath Towel from $69, Sheet Set from $159 and Quilt cover from $249
Once you're sustainable in the streets you can be sustainable in the sheets with Loop Home. Offering GOTS certified organic cotton sheet sets, quilt covers and bath sets in simple styles while being carbon neutral and donating 1% to environmental organisations. Circularity is at the core, from reversible designs that maximise each product’s value, to providing a closed loop recycling solution through their company, Re-Loop. When their products are no longer of use to you, Re-Loop will provide credit for returned goods they can upcycle into new products.
Business Shirts & Suits: M.J. Bale
Price: Business shirts from $99
Climate Active certified as a 100% carbon neutral brand, offsetting the entire footprint of their products and organisation in green projects.
Skincare: Minimal Manimal
Price: Face Oil $30 with free shipping on sign up
Provide maximum care for your skin with minimal effort with our straightforward skincare made for men from Australian Certified Organic ingredients that are better for you and the planet.
We're going to continue researching, reviewing and updating this article so that we can promote Aussie businesses prioritising the environment. Our goal is to create a comprehensive list of sustainable Australian businesses that are making a positive impact on the environment. By highlighting these brands, we hope to encourage more people to make conscious purchasing decisions and support companies that prioritise sustainability. We believe that small changes can make a big difference, and by working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet. So please, share your favourite sustainable brands with us at minman@minimalmanimal.com.au and let's work towards a greener tomorrow!