Socially Responsible Brands Guide

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By Kiko Eisner-Waters

To begin, salt + dark chocolate = perfect in my book. Divine Chocolate, a certified B-Corp, is one of the oldest fair trade chocolate cooperatives in the world. The majority of the company is owned by the Ghanian farmers who produce the cocoa for their chocolate. They reinvest a percentage of profits in development programs for their teams and farmers, and prioritize gender equity in all facets of their business. Also, these bars are a great value for the quality.

Vital is a non-profit winery whose mission is to improve healthcare for vineyard and winery workers in Washington's Walla Walla Valley. Founded by winemaker Ashley Trout of Brook and Bull Winery, she creates Vital wines from grapes that are donated from other wineries or growers from the region. Despite not knowing what grapes she is working with each year, Vital Rose continues to win accolades and awards. And while I don't have a sommelier's palate, I promise you, the wine is as good as their mission.

Our household, like many in 2020, made us fast experts in online grocery ordering. While we participated in CSA boxes and meal kit delivery services in the past, it never became routine, likely because I couldn't pick exactly what I wanted. With Imperfect, you choose exactly what you would like and while they might not have everything you need each week it's an amazing breadth of produce and groceries. Also, because the product is seen as waste because of an imperfect shape or color, it's an incredible value. (I've had reverse sticker shock, if that's a thing?) Imperfect Foods mission statement is to "Eliminate food waste and build a better food system for everyone". No argument here.

I recently discovered Organic Couychi bedding at Giraffe Home in Vashon Island, Washington. Despite working in an adjacent industry, I'd never knew of them. Like Eileen Fisher, Coyuchi is a nearly 30 year old company and the first in the industry to put organic fibers, ethical production, sustainable practices at the center of their model. Since then they've built a buy back program to foster circularity, ensuring their sheets do not end up in landfill, as well as a number of other social and environmental initiatives for their partners and producers. Full transparency, I've yet to invest in a set of Coyuchi because we have a messy puppy and a messy senior dog, but as soon as it makes sense, you'll find me curled up with a book under this exquisite bedding.

As a relatively new founder and entrepreneur managing all these moving parts is stressful at best, then add the last 12 months on top and...you get the picture. Fortunately, I had "Balance My Stress" on the ready last spring and adding it to my coffee or smoothie has since become a regular practice. If you need a little less reaction and little more balance, trust me,—you need to try this. Peak and Valley is BIPOC female founded, ethically sourced, and science-backed. Also, if you have questions about the science, or what adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs are, visit their website—it' s full of information and real life efficacy stories.

I wear this everyday, it keeps me grounded in my work and my "why". This ring is actually from a three-piece collection we created in collaboration with sustainable jewelry brand Boma as a way to fund organizations working on the ground for racial justice. 100% of the profit will be redistributed. (Also, check out the wide range of styles on Boma's website too. Guaranteed you'll find something perfect for you or someone you dig.)

Part memoir, part workbook, part mirror, part mindfulness and spiritual guide, for all women who care about actively dismantling white supremacy from the inside out. If you are ready to really look at yourself, be accountable and commit to action, this book is here for you. "No book is going to solve racism or dismantle white supremacy....This is a practice...This work isn’t passive. There are books…that allow white folks to feel like they’ve done something by reading, and you haven’t. You’ve read a book, period. It’s not enough…There’s work to do. It never ends.” – Rachel Ricketts

I go for this piece at least once a week because it's "one and done" dressing. I like simple, clean shapes that are seasonless and comfortable, but are easy to build on if you want to say more. This jumpsuit can be worn straight, belted with the self sash it comes with, or give it twist with interest with an upcycled chain belt. The fabric is pre-consumer textile waste and is co-created with our ethical, zero-waste workshop partners in Cambodia.