As consumers, we have the power to vote with our dollars. And for many of us, that means supporting brands that align with our values. We expect brands to do more than sell us a pretty product. We want them to stand for something.
Melody Serafino, co-founder of No. 29 Communications, writes on five socially conscious brands that are tackling some of today’s most important issues, from sustainability and supply chain to global economic development and children’s health.
The 7 Virtues
This is my new favorite fragrance brand for so many reasons: The 7 Virtues supports farmers from countriesrebuilding after war or strife; their perfumes are organic, hypoallergenic and don’t contain anyharmful chemicals; and the scents are fresh and contemporary. 
The 7 Virtues
The brand was founded by human rights activist Barb Stegemann after her best friend was severely wounded while serving in Afghanistan. Continuing his mission of peace, Barb started purchasing legal orange blossom and rose essential oils from farmers in Afghanistan — paying them twice what they could make selling the illegal poppy crop (used for heroin production).
Today, the social enterprise works with farmers around the world to secure natural, organic and fair trade essential oils that create long-lasting fragrances and provide jobs, dignity and security to the farmers and their families. This includes working with a women-led cooperative that supports adult orphans and HIV widows who are survivors of the Rwandan genocide.
Look out for the new Peace Perfume collection now available exclusively online at Sephora and featured as part of Sephora’s “Clean Beauty” initiative coming to stores across the U.S. in August. I’m obsessed with the Orange Blossom fragrance, which is the perfect light summer citrus scent.
VEJA
I was never a sneaker person until we started working with VEJA. Now I’m a total convert.The sustainable sneaker brand is beloved by fashion-forward, conscientious celebs like Emma Watson and Eddie Redmayne.
VEJA
Headquartered in Paris and produced in Brazil, VEJA has created Fair Trade jobs for both producers and factory workers. For shipping, they work with Atelier Sans Frontières (ASF), which helps people facing social exclusion build a new life and find work.
From the beginning, VEJA has experimented with myriad sustainable technologies and fabrics, including plastic bottles and upcycled tilapia skin (yes, that’s a thing!).
And beyond being sustainable, they’re chic. They’re my go-to to pair with a casual summer dress or skirt.
Ilegal Mezcal
Mezcal is having a moment, and with rooftop happy hour season upon us Ilegal is a must imbibe. The liquor brand is unapologetically political, sustainably produced and committed to paying fair wages._5.jpg?1528422646)
Ilegal
You might recognize Ilegal for their political activism and ongoing and very popular campaign: "Donald Eres Un Pendejo" (translation: Donald, you're an asshole). The words and images have been plastered on posters around New York City and LA. With the campaign, Ilegal has raised tens of thousands of dollars for organizations including Niños De Guatemala and Planned Parenthood. As a brand, Ilegal supports the causes and initiatives near and dear to their team. These range from the arts to supporting the LGBTQ community.
LoveTheWild
Like most New Yorkers, I get home late from work and thrive on meals that are convenient and require minimal prep in my tiny kitchen. But it’s not always easy to find quick food options that are healthy, affordable and delicious.
Recently, I’ve been living off of LoveTheWild’s sustainable fish kits – available at Whole Foods, FreshDirect and specialty grocery stores nationwide. LoveTheWild is a female-founded, environmentally conscious seafood company that makes easy-to-prepare fish entrees with ingredients you can actually pronounce and fish from carefully vetted farms (every box lists the farm’s name, location and type of aquaculture). 
LoveTheWild
With the rising global demand for seafood, overfishing has put tremendous pressure on our oceans—90 percent of the world’s fisheries are already fully exploited or facing collapse, according to the United Nations. LoveTheWild is empowering people to make a meaningful difference by only using sustainably farmed fish, like trout, striped bass, barramundi, and catfish.
Pop a kit in the oven and in 25 minutes or less you have impressive meals like Barramundi with Mango Sriracha Chutney and Rainbow Trout with Salsa Verde. Even Leonardo DiCaprio is an investor.
Noshi Food Paint
Noshi has one of the most heartwarming founder stories I’ve ever heard. The company was born from a unique friendship between two unlikely New Yorkers: Tomo Delaney, a fashion photographer-turned-stay-at-home-dad and Pegi Gorelick, a grandmother and former art teacher. When Tomo volunteered to do friendly visits with the elderly he was paired with Pegi’s husband who had recently suffered a stroke, and the three became fast friends. As they swapped stories of parenthood, Pegi was struck by the idea for Food Paint as a healthy way to get children more involved during mealtime. 
Noshi
The result: USDA organic certified fruit purées that kids can easily use to decorate their food. Noshi Food Paint comes in a set of three recyclable tubes of flavors: strawberry, peach, and blueberry and can be used on pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, bread, ice cream, or as a dipping sauce. There’s no artificial flavors or added sugar, salt or preservatives. Think of it as a healthy alternative to chocolate sauce. Side note: they’re fun no matter what age you are. 
