What on Earth?
On this Earth Day 2024, we dedicate this edition of our enews to the pale blue dot all of us call home. We celebrate brands that are actively helping our planet become a better place to live. Read on to see just how they do it. Plus, we take a deep dive into how a cleaning brand uses thin sheets of product to deliver amazing results (and scroll to the end to score an exclusive discount on their products). Happy Earth Day!
Planetary Provisions
Earth Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the only home we will ever know. How many of us think about the unfathomable bounty it bestows upon us, its lucky/current residents? From the mountaintops to fields and forests to the bottom of the sea, every ecosystem provides riches much greater than the sum of all its billions of parts. And some of these parts have made their way into all kinds of personal care products, bringing incredible benefits to its users, i.e., you and me! In a previous enews article, we focused specifically on companies harnessing the power of plants in their products, which you can read here. This month, let’s have a look at how some of Earth’s natural resources are finding their way into Leaping Bunny Certified brands.
The Ocean
It goes without saying that our oceans are among the planet’s most important natural resources, but also one of our most fragile. Covering 71% of the Earth’s surface and home to nearly a quarter of plants, animals, and fungi on the globe, there is a lot going below the surface. It’s no wonder that brands have looked to the ocean for their hero ingredients. We’re happy to highlight these Leaping Bunny certified companies that sustainably harvest from the marine biome. The company OSEA, for example, procures seaweed renowned for its regenerative, soothing properties for their skincare products, from around the world. And the brand is Ocean Positive Verified, which means every ton of carbon they offset gets invested in coastal restoration projects. Seaweed also figures prominently in the brand Seaweed Bath Co., as it was incorporated into its namesake after the owners discovered its incredible hydrating benefits. Their seaweed is hand-harvested (to allow for easiest regrowth) off of the coast of Maine during the summer when the nutrients in the plant are at their peak, so you can get the most benefit!
The Elements
When you get down to the basics, elements are it. These essential building blocks create the world as we know it. And while there are 118 total elements on Earth, only 94 are naturally occurring on our planet. Magnesium is one of them, and it is vital to our wellbeing. It plays a central role in biochemical reactions in the body, provides natural pain relief, and is a relaxation mineral. Unfortunately, most of us do not get enough of it, so the founders of nFuse have formulated products including deodorants, lotions, and scalp serums with magnesium so it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine. And speaking of daily routines, did you know you can use the element gold in your skincare regimen to boost collagen production? The brand Goldie Lux has formulated facial products with colloidal gold, which is made up of microscopic gold particles that have antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. It doesn’t get much richer than that!
The Land
Forests, plains, mountains, and deserts and everything in between comprise just 29% of the Earth’s surface. But it's a busy place. Setting aside the vast and varied amount of agriculture, the land is a bounty of other natural resources, especially where glaciers are involved. Rich in elements, marine actives, micronutrients, and vitamins, glacial clay is composed of super fine particles that can more easily penetrate the skin and draw out toxins. Alaska Glacial Essentials specializes in creating skincare products from sustainably harvested glacial clay and glacial waters plus hearty botanicals from the Alaskan wilderness. Plus, they donate a portion of their revenues to the organization 1% for the Planet. And of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the most ubiquitous minerals on the planet: salt. In the personal care realm, salt can moisturize, reduce inflammation, and absorb toxins. LA Salt Co uses this hero ingredient in scrubs, soaks, and bath bombs. You can’t get more salt of the Earth than that!
The Impact of Going Above and Beyond
While certifying companies to be free of animal testing is the heart of the Leaping Bunny Program, we always appreciate when companies go above and beyond in the name of conservation. From utilizing recyclable materials to donating a portion of their proceeds to causes that matter, the actions of the companies below speak louder than words.
This haircare company goes above and beyond when it comes to creating products that are high-quality, while also being dedicated to eco-friendly practices. Captain Blankenship actively seeks suppliers that use sustainable and regenerative agriculture, with a focus on small scale farmers and cooperatives. Their packaging is made of recyclable aluminum containers and they are part of the Pact Collective Recyclable Program, a global community of beauty companies and corporations committed to moving the industry towards circularity, and to reduce, recycle, educate, and innovate. They also give back to the planet and community; the company is part of 1% For the Planet, committed to donating 1% of annual sales to environmental causes, and they donate to Hudson River Watershed Alliance, an organization dedicated to providing resources that empower communities.
Humble Brands doesn't just sell great soap and deodorant, it's all made with the environment in mind. Their use of Fair-Trade and EcoCert ingredients is only the beginning. Humble Brands helps to prevent six tons of virgin plastic from entering circulation by choosing Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) packaging. Paper tape with water-activated glue and plant-based ink serve as the shipping supplies. Humble is also a 1% For the Planet member and has donated $90,000 to Charity: Water, a provider of clean drinking water to thousands of people.
We can appreciate the many products Kitsch has created that come in handy in the day-to-day, but you can bet that the environment is just as grateful, if not more, of their conscious efforts going into their creations. Kitsch is all about sustainability and eliminating excess waste. They use biodegradable packaging on 98% of their products, which are made with recyclable and reusable materials. Their beauty bars are all bottle-free, as well. When it comes to water, less is more in Kitsch's case. This not only ups quality, but allows them to cut down on shipping weight and volume, therefore, reducing carbon emissions. Kitsch also partners with 4Ocean to actively remove plastic from bodies of water, with the goal to eliminate more than 175,000 pounds of trash from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines.
At its core, Me Mother Earth is dedicated to reducing plastics and making plastic-free products more accessible. Additionally, a portion of monthly sales is donated to a variety of non-profits that work to better our Earth, with missions including ocean and animal conservation, beach cleanups, plastic pollution education and advocacy, mangrove planting and coral restoration, and rainforest restoration.
Sea Kind is aptly named for two reasons: 1- the use of sea plants, marine micronutrients, and algae to create their skin care products; and 2- because they find and promote ways to help our seas and all of the creatures within. A true love for the sea propelled their founder's huge success in making waves, so to speak, in the lithographic printing industry (and many other areas) before creating Sea Kind. Sea Kind also gives back 2% of their revenue to sea conservation organizations.
Download our Cruelty Free Shopping Guide App
It’s updated daily with our complete list of 2,300+ companies and it’s completely free! We’ve created iPhone and Android versions and they are available for download in the App Store and Google Play respectively.
Features
- Company data automatically updated every day
- Search by company name or product type
- Scan a product’s UPC code to see if it’s certified
Click on these links below to download and install. Important: for users of previous versions of our Cruelty Free App, you will need to download and install this new version since the update will not occur automatically. Stay tuned as we continue to roll out more features in the coming months!
New Companies
Innovation is on the minds of our most recently certified brands, and we are so excited for these outside-the-box thinkers making the commitment to be cruelty-free. Learn more about our new additions, from eco-friendly household cleaning to revolutionary skincare. We’ve got you covered!
At home gel nail polish company with over 700 different colors to match the fast pace of fashion.
Corks and Bubbles
Handmade, luxurious soaps crafted with essential oils to transform your shower into a refreshing spa-like experience.
Cosmette Skincare
Skincare created to nourish the skin while simultaneously awaken your senses through delicate yet highly potent formulas.
Desavery
Minimal skincare to create hydrated, moisturized, and radiant skin.
Dirt Bag Beauty
Female-owned brand dedicated to providing pure, eco-friendly skincare centered on face masks that are free of toxins and fragrance.
Good Organics
Eco-conscious organic products driven by passion for a healthier, more sustainable world.
Linhart Smile Care
Science-backed preventative and restorative oral care company created by dentists.
Luxury body care blending East African traditions with modern wellness.
Maru & Ming
Skincare brand named after the founder’s maternal and paternal grandmothers and created with their beauty secrets using ingredients derived from nature, such as rice, honey, and roses.
Mr Wrinkles Petcare
Hairless pet skincare.
Pinky B Beauty
Bold, high-quality vegan makeup products at affordable prices.
Suga Kitty
Cosmetics and personal care products that aim to inspire women to embrace their individuality, express their unique style, and feel empowered in their own skin.
The Good Patch
Skincare patches to target problem areas including eyes and wrinkles.
Company Spotlight: Brave Planet
This month, we are excited to interview Alice Kim, founder of the recently launched brand, Brave Planet (who also owns Leaping Bunny certified skincare brands Elizabeth Mott and Hanalei). We love this company’s mission and all it is doing to better our Earth, and know you will, too! Read below to learn more about the inspiration behind the brand, its sustainability practices, and most popular products.
What was the inspiration behind the creation of Brave Planet?
As two entrepreneurs in the beauty industry since 2010, we came to the realization that we can do more. Household cleaning products and laundry detergent are something we use every day, and when we realized how much space they take up—and plastic they use—we investigated what we could do differently.
Soon, we were on a mission to research, discover, and develop liquid less laundry detergent, household cleaning sheets, and more. Stumbling upon this technology led us down a rabbit hole, and so we decided to follow this passion with curious, open minds.
Our story may not be filled with grand adventures, but it's grounded in a genuine desire to make a positive impact by reducing our plastic usage in our everyday lives.
What is Brave Planet’s mission?
To preserve our planet, through individual actions, that in total can make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste. Together, we can make a difference.
Is there a story behind the name of your company?
At Brave Planet, our name symbolizes the courage to make a change and use less plastic for a cleaner and greener world.
What efforts do you take to be a sustainable company?
Our cleaning and detergent sheets are packaged in sustainable kraft paper, fully recyclable and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This environmentally conscious alternative to plastic packaging aids in reducing single-use plastics, fostering a cleaner planet. We are promoting our mission to minimize plastic waste and create a brighter, greener tomorrow for generations to come.
What is your favorite Brave Planet product and why?
My top pick is definitely the All-Purpose Cleaner Sheets - Lemon Fragrance. Not only do they clean like a dream, but they also come in eco-friendly packaging that's easy on the planet. Wrapped in recyclable kraft paper, these sheets are a hit for their fresh lemon scent and easy-to-use design. It's the perfect blend of green packaging and effective cleaning, making it a favorite among us.
What is Brave Planet’s most popular product?
Customers’ favorite at Brave Planet is the Home Starter Cleaning Set. It's like the superhero of cleaning products, swooping in to save the day with its sleek, mess-free sheets but without the plastic packaging! Plus, this kit offers a variety of products to cater to all your cleaning needs.
What has been the most rewarding part of creating Brave Planet?
The most rewarding part of creating Brave Planet has been witnessing the tangible impact of our commitment to environmental stewardship. We're dedicated to making a meaningful difference with every purchase. That's why a percentage of each sale goes directly towards planting mangrove trees in Madagascar. These trees not only revive natural habitats and improve coral reef health but also support local livelihoods and combat climate change by extracting CO2 from the air. Seeing the lush mangrove forests in Madagascar thrive and knowing that our efforts contribute to revitalizing ecosystems fills us with immense pride and purpose.
What has been the most surprising part of creating Brave Planet?
The most surprising part of creating Brave Planet has been seeing how our simple idea—eliminating single-use plastics from cleaning routines—can ignite a global movement. Witnessing individuals and communities embrace eco-friendly alternatives, has shown us the profound impact of collective environmental consciousness.
Why is being Leaping Bunny certified important to Brave Planet?
Leaping Bunny certification holds special significance for Brave Planet because, as lifelong pet lovers, we cherish the bond between humans and animals. Our commitment ensures that no furry friends endure testing for our products. It's worth noting that all other brands we've launched prior to Brave Planet are also cruelty-free, reflecting our unwavering dedication to animal welfare across our entire product line. We believe in fostering a world where every creature is treated with the care and respect, they deserve, reflecting our deep-rooted love and compassion for all animals.
What is something unique about Brave Planet that others may not know?
Our unique journey from the beauty industry to our newest brand, Brave Planet, promoting less plastic use, reflects our adaptability and dedication. Drawing from our experience as entrepreneurs in beauty since 2010, we've transitioned into trying to make an impact in the world and a greener future.
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