From accessories to apartment decor, these 5 brands offer the same trending products we love, but do so while creating an impact in their communities and throughout the social space – both locally and globally.


1. Aztec Wool Blankets

The Trend | These vintage, wool throws have made a huge comeback in our living rooms this year. Whether you’re wrapping up with it to watch a sunset on the beach or throwing it over the armrest on your couch, it adds an undeniable aspect of trend to any scenario.

The Ethical Alternative | Sackcloth & Ashes was founded in 2014 by Bob Dalton after his hard-working, single mom found herself living on the streets. Bob wanted to help those who fell on hard times like his mother and just needed a second chance. After calling some homeless shelters and asking what they needed most, many said the same thing: blankets. That’s why, for every blanket you purchase, Sackcloth & Ashes will donate one to your local homeless shelter.

Urban Outfitters Pendleton Spider Rock Throw Blanket $199 vs. Sackcloth & Ashes Arrow Beige $99


2. Brown Leather Totes

The Trend | More and more professional women are trading in their black leather briefcases for these much more casual and cute brown leather totes.

The Ethical Alternative | Parker Clay’s Signature Tote can serve as your workday-go-to or your running-errands-companion. While on a trip to Ethiopia to adopt their daughter, Brittany and Ian, founders of Parker Clay, saw firsthand how many girls are abandoned by their parents. Many of these girls end up in a life of prostitution, sometimes to be sold into human trafficking. Partnering with the non-profit, Ellilta – Women at Risk, Parker Clay produces high-quality artisan goods in Ethiopia, creating jobs for vulnerable women and empowering them to be economically independent, lifting them out of prostitution and providing them with jobs and education.

Fossil Rachel Tote $158 vs. Parker Clay Signature Tote $155


3. Travel Mugs

The Trend | We all have those mornings where our coffee has to come along with us out the door. Fun and quirky ceramic travel mugs make a great accessory to any hectic morning.

The Ethical Alternative | The Created Co.’s drinkware offers encouraging messages, aiming to add empowerment to life’s most inspiring moments often shared over a drink. The Created Co. stands for truth, community and empowerment, which is why it is partnered with charity: water, a non-profit organization that brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. 10% of The Created Co.’s profits are donated to help build wells that bring clean water to those in need. The Created Co. is passionate about being a community that lives out what they were created for.

Anthropologie Sweet Salutation Travel Mug $20.00 vs. The Created Co. Get Outside Tumbler $27.95


4. Glass Candles

The Trend | Elegant candles with natural scents are the perfect accent for a coffee table or a cozy reading nook.

The Ethical Alternative | Made out of reclaimed wine bottles and other recycled materials, 100% beeswax and 100% essential oils, the Because Project’s candles give back to important local and national causes while having a positive impact on the environment. The Be Happy Candle donates a portion of its proceeds to benefit the first no-kill animal shelter in Idaho. Each unique candle supports a different cause, ranging from a lemonade stand that raises money for pediatric cancer research to a center whose mission it is to inspire the community through the arts, all while reusing items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood Candle $10.50 vs. Because Project Be Happy Lavender Beeswax Candle $24.99


5. Wristwatches

The Trend | Minimalist wristwatches add a modern, casual touch to any ensemble, whether at the office or out on the town.

The Ethical Alternative | It may not have all the upscale features of the Apple Watch, but if you’re looking for a sleek and simple companion for your wrist at less than a quarter of the cost, Flex is the brand for you! Flex raises awareness and donates 10% of their profits to various charities. This white Veterans Mini supports men and women who have served our nation and suffer from service-related disabilities that can lead to poverty, homelessness or suicide. Other watches on their site support breast cancer, hunger and clean water.

Apple Watch $549 vs. Flex Veterans Mini Watch $50.00