the unwash: trending

While most consumer industries are beginning to lean into the push for sustainability, brands across the globe are no strangers to altering their course to meet the demand. Indie companies especially have been putting out products with sustainability at the forefront for over a decade. Still, now the industry as a whole is playing a game of catch-up as consumer values have shifted. Demand for sustainable products is consistently growing, and brands new and old are looking to meet the changing needs. 2023 marked a stark shift as new EU legislation around greenwashing, sustainability commitments, and transparency were passed and are now taking shape. In the past brands have been able to get away with loaded promises, lack of reporting, the uptick in greenwashing, or setting the bar too high for what is in reach when creating sustainability initiatives. 2024 seems to be the year to start putting together quantifiable, measurable changes to keep brands and suppliers in check. Lifestyle industries such as fashion and textiles have been a large target for the new legislation as fast-fashion brands like Shien and Boohoo continue to be major polluters offering little solutions to a massive problem. Innovations such as Pact, a recycling company formed in partnership with Credo to properly recycle beauty packaging are ushering in the new standard with consumers wanting hands-on change. Over the past few years, brands have zeroed in on the need for sustainable change and are now met with a crackdown on transparency, production, and marketing to make it happen.

Over the past few years, we’ve majorly seen the commercialization of sustainability spiral out of control. As the sustainability movement grows and gains mainstream attention, larger corporations follow suit but not necessarily in a good way. Consumers can’t become susceptible to mega corporations cashing in on their supposed sustainability scams. Mainstream brands coming out with sustainability collections and collaborations are only going to grow but as watchful consumers, we know better than to believe the hype. The trouble that begins from this is that the majority of shoppers don’t know what to look out for when making sustainable choices. Someone could wholeheartedly believe they’re making a great product swap but are ultimately just buying into some tactful marketing. If you recall, it’s like the Sephora ‘clean & planet positive’ sticker that most of the time is only selling people plastic. When it comes to the commercialization of sustainability there are a few ways I look at it. Glass half full perspective is that consumers are demanding better environmentally conscious alternatives that it’s catching the eye of mega-corporations. Glass half empty is that we’re catching the eye of mega-corporations that can then profit off of people’s good intentions. Regardless of the execution we should celebrate people that want to lean into sustainability and that we use this as an opportunity to educate and empower.

the unwash: guide

Ah, it’s that time of year again when gift-giving is upon us. This is maybe one of the hardest times of the year to continue the plight of choosing sustainable living. It’s the season of one and done. Gift wrap, ribbon, and tape will find their way to the trash. Gifts that might not be used and the endless packaging that comes with them. When combating waste around gift giving you should choose from three categories, keeping gifts practical, taking a less is more approach, or opting for experiences all of which are keys to a more sustainable holiday season. One of the biggest goals that should be in mind is ensuring that the gifts you give will be used and won’t end up in the trash or sitting in the back of a closet for the year. Explore zero or minimal-waste brands, thrifted finds, or experiences to share with a friend this holiday season.

For the personal care lover:

Corpus Body Creme in the scent ‘Green’

Somehow it’s only recently that we came across ‘Green’ by Corpus. Wow. That’s all we have to say. We’ve smelled the Rose and Santal scents by Corpus but for some reason never their signature Green fragrance. Truly, it’s indescribable. It’s fresh, clean, and has the right amount of citrus but is truly incomparable to anything else. The body creme is perfectly luxurious and hydrating, great for the person in your life who loves a luxury body care moment. Body lotions can seem like a bit of a throwaway gift but this right here is what you want to get. One thing that stood out to me when smelling this is that it’s very mysterious and almost indescribable. 

Everyday Oil

If there is a product that can do it all this is it. This oil blend is the ideal consistency, not too thin, and amazingly hydrating. You can use this product for just about everything, freshening up your hair, an all-over body or face oil, and even a cleansing oil. This might take the cake for a top sustainable product because of its multi-use capabilities making it a go-to pick for a minimalist routine. Aside from being a sustainable product, the scent is reminiscent of a spa day leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

For the most fashionable people in your life: 

Completedworks Pearl Earrings 

Bows are all the rage right now but these bow-inspired earrings will stand the test of time not just be a trend. Completedworks is a fan favorite at The Unwash. A theme on this list is brands that embody sustainability, transparency, and ethical consumption which is a large part of our draw towards Completedworks. Anna Jewsbury is such a master of her craft which is emulated in every piece she creates. These earrings could be dressed up for a special occasion or be a statement piece for an everyday look. All of Completedworks products are made of recycled metal, the Loop-the-Loop earrings are made of recycled gold vermeil. 

Attire the Studio Wool Trench Coat 

You really can’t go wrong with a good coat. But ditch the fast fashion…obviously. We appreciate Attire’s commitment to transparency while committing to high-end staples that are built to last, unlike something you’d buy at Revolve or Zara. Their Wool Trench Coat is a great gift because it has a cool, more unique tailoring than what you typically see. In the winter your coat does most of the talking and a good coat is the perfect statement piece. This coat is great for every occasion and will keep you warm whether it’s in the fall or a freezing winter evening. If you’re going to buy a new piece of clothing rather than second-hand, brands like Attire are the best option to ensure your money supports safe work environments, sustainability, and quality pieces. 

Vestiaire Collective Gift Card

This is where the practical comes in. If you want to shop not only sustainable but also price-conscious, go secondhand. Whether you’ve taken the plunge or not to get into secondhand shopping this is a great way to start or even give a friendly nudge to someone else. Why spend full price on a new pair of shoes or bag when you can get the exact same ones just lightly worn or even new with tags, the options are seemingly endless. Vestiaire Collective is our personal favorite for online second-hand and vintage shopping but you can also opt for a local vintage store to support a small business. Plus, we love that Vestiaire Collective has banned the sale of fast fashion brands on their platform.

Makeup gurus: 

Noto Botanics x Curran Defy Highlighter

All of the makeup products from Noto Botanics really embrace the ‘your skin but better’ motto. The brand is committed to inclusion, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community, and gives a portion of its proceeds back to various non-profits in the community. Recently they partnered with Curran, a space for queer and trans creativity founded by Tommy Dorfman. The collaboration is a beautiful duo-chrome highlighter that transitions from a pearlescence glow to a purple shimmer. 

Saie Beauty Glossy Bounce

A tried and true. Gloss is everything right now. It’s on the lids, and the lips, the glossy look is here to stay for a while. It’s very reminiscent of when the Bath & Body Works lip balms were all the rage in the early 2000s. Glossy Bounce is a gloss lip oil hybrid that delivers long-lasting hydration and pigmented color payoff. This product gives a natural-looking shine and plumpness but without the stickiness that can come with a traditional gloss. To tie in with the holiday vibe we would reach for the shades Dream, a soft berry, and Push, a soft brown. You’ll be ready for a kiss under the mistletoe. 

Half Magic Compostable Eye Shadow

Half Magic has been on our radar for a while now but their eyeshadow singles in compostable packaging is beyond awesome. Don’t quote us on this, but this could be one of the first times true compostable packaging was used in makeup. Half Magic is the brainchild of Euphoria makeup artist Donni Davy, her line gives high pigment in bright colors and lots of sparkle. The brand’s eyeshadow singles are sold singularly in completely compostable packaging. You can either choose to stick with buying singles which are great for on-the-go or if you don’t need a ton of shades or you can opt for their forever palette which allows you to build your own shade range.

For your kids, nieces and nephews, or any kiddos:

Shore Buddies

This brand has been making adorable stuffed animals made from recycled ocean plastics since 2014. Their lineup features primarily ocean animals that are the most impacted by the plastic crisis such as turtles and whales. Their ‘Sammy the Seal’ stuffed animal stole our hearts with how cute it is. We love that Shore Buddies teaches children about the importance of environmental preservation from a young age. 

Ecobirdy Art Corner Set

Want to splurge on sustainable furniture? Then EcoBirdy is for you. The brand’s kids line is made from trashed children’s toys and turned into furniture that’s built to last. Their kids sets include a children-sized table and chairs coming in various color options including pink, blue, white, and yellow. The art corner set is a mix of their colorways and a perfect art station for your kiddos. They also make high-end furniture pieces for anywhere in your home. 

Francis River Clothing

Australian brand, Francis River is crafting adorable kids’ clothing with transparency at the helm. All of their pieces are created using deadstock fabric to help combat overproduction in the fashion industry. The brand partnered with TTK Collective to ensure an ethical manufacturing process including guaranteed livable wages and safe working environments Their current line features basics such as tops and sweatshirts made to fit oversized for growing kids in sizes ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

Fair and Green Toys

Finding sustainable toys that don’t fall into the dreaded beige aesthetic can be a little difficult. Fair and Green puts a sustainable spin on classic children’s toys such as stacking games, rattles, and cars. All of their products are crafted from sustainably sourced wood and natural, locally sourced dyes. Fair and Green is committed to keeping the art of toy making alive and takes deep pride in their quality craftsmanship. The brand gives back to their local community and is Fair Trade certified.