World Environment Day was on June 5. SUNDAY PIONEER lists environment-friendly brands one can shop for guilt-free

Holding a plastic bag while shopping is a thing of the past. Like many other things, even shopping has evolved.

But every time you are out there trying on your favourite lipstick or buying those beautiful pair of shoes, there’s a slight feeling of guilt that holds you back.

Harkirat Singh, Managing Director, Aero Club (The Maker of Woodland & Woods) tells you that more sustainable fashion can be defined by two ways, one, ensuring efficient and careful use of natural resources in the production and manufacturing. Secondly, maximising repair, remake, reuse, and recycling of the product and its components.

Brands and companies that are into clothing, shoes and accessories are making sure that the raw materials that are used are sustainable and biodegradable. Now, businesses are also focusing more on an eco friendly strategy that gives them the power they need to grow and thrive in a new marketplace,” Singh says.

Here are a few brands that are environment-friendly and some even vegan to let you shop guilt free. And even if they are not, they have their green launches to do the job.

One glass water denims from Numero Uno: Numero Uno, one of India’s first indigenously manufactured denim label forayed into sustainability with the launch of ‘One glass water denims’ collection. Traditionally a pair of jeans requires 70 liters of water to complete the washing and finishing process but at Numero Uno through its new sustainable process and improvised technology, they have managed to reduce the water & chemical consumption drastically by using ‘1 glass of water to create 1 pair of jeans’.

Anastasia Beverly Hills — Vegan launch Iced out collection: The two decades old cult brow and makeup brand – Anastasia Beverly Hills is a cruelty free brand and are committed to 100 per cent cruelty –free product formulation, testing and development, meaning no product is manufactured at the expense of animal testing. ABH has also invested in providing the best vegan makeup across the categories. They have recently launched their biggest summer collection called ‘Iced- Out’ in India which is completely vegan & cruelty free.

Vahdam India: In 2020, Vahdam® became one of the first tea brands in Asia to get a Climate Neutral & Plastic Neutral Certification. This was in line with the brand’s long-term goal of aligning to UN SDGs by 2030. The brand offers finest teas & superfoods to consumers in 100+ countries.

The Bodyshop India: The Body Shop seeks to make positive change in the world by offering high-quality, naturally-inspired skincare, body care, hair care and make-up produced ethically and sustainably. In 2019, The brand has launched world’s first Community Fair Trade Plastic packaging by sourcing recyclable plastic waste from waste picker communities in Bengaluru, India. They have applied a four decades of Community Fair Trade expertise to create sustainable packaging.