15 Purpose-Driven Brands Changing the World in 2021

2020… What a year. We’re counting on 2021 being much better for everyone, but it isn’t just going to happen on its own. It’s up to the people of the world to make a difference. Every for-profit business is going to be focused on revenue, but for some brands, there is another mission that’s just as important as their profit margins. The following 15 brands are all part of this category, literally changing the world in critical areas.

With global warming worsening each year, people around the world are feeling the effects of devastating fires, volatile storms, and sea level rise. We need to counteract things ASAP if we’re going to leave a world behind for generations to come. Fortunately, the first four brands on our list have dedicated their businesses to saving and preserving planet Earth.

Meet the best, most accessible bidet brand that’s saving butts, paper, and trees every single day.

Founded in 2015 by Miki Agrawal.

Why We Love Them: The folks behind TUSHY truly give a shit when it comes to saving the planet. Americans make up 4% of the world, yet use 20% of its toilet paper, consuming trillions of gallons of water and entire forests just to wipe! Tushy provides an extremely efficient alternative; a portable bidet attachment that greatly decreases TP use.

Eco-friendly, compostable phone cases and accessories made entirely from plant material, not plastic.

Founded in 2011 by Jimmy Lang.

Why We Love Them: Making a case for the future of our planet is no easy task. And yet, the people of Pela have found a way to make phone accessories entirely from organic material like flax straw, turning out strong, soft, eco-friendly cases. Millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year as a result of non-recyclable phone cases, choking the life from our planet. And Pela’s cases aren’t just recyclable — they’re compostable! Furthermore, 5% of revenue goes directly to organizations dedicated to cleaning up our beaches and coastlines.

Ethically made leather shoes, boots, and other accessories.

Founded in 2011 by Zoe Clearly and Patrick Woodyard.

Why We Love Them: These boots were made for walking, but Nisolo’s roots are firmly planted. On top of creating a fair and well-paid environment for workers in developing countries, they’re strongly devoted to helping save the Amazon Rainforest.

Electric bikes that zip along at speeds up to 20 miles per hour.

Founded in 2015 by Mike Radenbaugh.

Why We Love Them: There’s nothing more rad than saving the planet, and Rad Power Bikes knows it. Cars? Who needs them? It’s so much more fun to ride through the streets on a clean electric bike, preventing carbon emissions and feeling the wind through your hair. The transportation sector right now accounts for 30% of greenhouse gases, but for every electric bike, that number gets lower and lower.

Unfortunately, it’s not enough just to have a nice world to live on. The cultures and societies in our world need fixing up as well. The workers of the world are far too often underpaid and treated poorly, without recourse in developing countries. The following brands sacrifice some of their revenue to ensure that their own workers live in the best possible conditions and help change industry standards around the world.

Beautiful gold, gemstone, and diamond jewelry sourced and manufactured ethically.

Founded in 2013 by Sophie Kahn and Bouchra Ezzahraoui.

Why We Love Them: There aren’t too many people who haven’t heard about the horrors of the diamond mining industry. When the founders of AUrate decided to start a jewelry business, they knew they couldn’t contribute to such a practice. That’s why they’re changing the industry from the inside, sourcing every single stone and piece of gold from reputable mines, and ensuring that along their supply line, everyone is treated fairly.

Extremely soft and comfortable cashmere hoodies, sweaters, and accessories sourced from herders in Mongolia.

Founded in 2013 by Matthew Scanlan and Diederik Rijsemus.

Why We Love Them: After spending time in the Gobi Desert with the native shepherds there, the founders of Naadam decided to enrich everyone’s lives with their business. Not only do they support their suppliers and their families by paying them more for the wool, but since day one, they’ve invested in clean water wells, community parks, and livestock insurance for the people of Mongolia.

Stylish, versatile bags and apparel, designed by and for the women of the world.

Founded in 2008 by Barrett Ward.

Why We Love Them: The fashion industry has a long and sad history of exploitation, particularly focused on the manufacturers of clothing in developing nations. ABLE was founded with the mission to eliminate poverty and empower women, no matter if they’re in Ethiopia or the USA. Using their comprehensive ACCOUNTABLE program, ABLE pays high living wages and ensures decent working conditions for the women they employ, creating the foundational stability needed to live independently with dignity and respect.

Uniquely comfortable and supportive mattresses, pillows, and bedroom accessories.

Founded in 2015 by David Wolfe and Jamie Diamonstein.

Why We Love Them: As a certified B Corp, Leesa is known throughout the United States as a company with a mission: ending the ‘bedlessness’ that causes so many to lose sleep each and every night. With their 1 Good Bed Promise, Leesa donates one mattress for every ten sold, resulting so far in an amazing 37,000 new mattresses for those without. They have also coupled with over 1,000 non-profit giving partners throughout America, organizing large events to supply shelters, halfway houses, and supportive areas wherever and whenever they can.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t as obvious as homelessness or working long hours for un-fair, unlivable pay. Sometimes, the issue can’t be fixed with a donation or a better job. One in four people will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives, and they will often suffer in silence. These brands are bringing light to the darkest struggles, with products and missions deliberately supporting those with neurological and behavioral conditions.

CBD tinctures, powders, capsules, and ointments formulated to help relieve insomnia, anxiety, and physical pain.

Founded in 2018 by Matt Lombardi and Kevin Moran.

Why We Love Them: Often misunderstood due to its association with cannabis, CBD is actually an amazing supplement that can be taken for both physical and mental pain. For those dealing with insomnia, anxiety, or depression, beam’s products can be a godsend. Traditional medication, although helpful, can be costly, habit-forming, and frightening to take. beam was founded as an alternative medicine, to take as needed when needed, and has helped thousands so far.

Weighted blankets that reduce stress and deepen sleep.

Founded in 2017 by John Fiorentino.

Why We Love Them: Although a long-utilized resource for those with PTSD, severe panic disorder, and autism, weighted blankets were first made available to the public by Gravity. Their weight releases serotonin and melatonin naturally, calming and relaxing those in their embrace, reducing anxiety and allowing sleep. Gravity has so far donated over $100,000 and thousands of blankets to organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They are firmly dedicated to supporting mental wellness for as many people as possible.

Interactive and immersive affirmation-focused candles that act on all senses, easily reducing stress for those in its glow.

Founded in 2020 by Shavaun Christian.

Why We Love Them: That’s right, candles. These aren’t your ordinary wax and fire, though. From the crackle of the wick to the smell of coconuts and the taste of pine, Spoken Flames’ candles engage all five senses, unveiling virtual affirmation-based spoken-word experiences to spark positivity and motivation.

After a long day, these candles have proven an incredibly relaxing resource for stressed-out parents and workers. Naturally grounding, soothing, and calming, Spoken Flames delivers a multi-sensory experience that burns our troubles away.

Finally, lest we forget, it’s not all about us. Our four-legged, finned, and furry friends are in trouble too, from mass-production factory farms, to shelters that put down dogs and cats instead of finding them homes. These final brands are all about our furrier, friendlier, neighbors and the best parts of life.

Supplements, vitamins, and nutritional guides to keep dogs healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Founded in 2020 by James Shalhoub.

Why We Love Them: Finn is a unique dog health brand, supporting canine well-being through specific, targeted nutrition supplements and medication. They have helped thousands of dogs overcome genetic illness and random diseases. Moreover though, for those unlucky pups without devoted masters, Finn has partnered with animal shelters across the US, donating part of their income so that every dog can have their day.

Beeswax-derived products that support a variety of health factors while keeping the bee population booming.

Founded in 2016 by Carly Stein.

Why We Love Them: Bees are not only amazing animals, but a vital resource for the planet and its other inhabitants. With 35% of global food and 80% of plant life dependent on insect pollination, you would think that we would treat these tiny warriors with more deference. Beekeeper’s Naturals is firmly dedicated to sustainable beekeeping, with organic apiaries housing natural bees.

In order to support pollinator protection and raise awareness, they have partnered with the leading bee-search institutions, and donate 10% of apparel profits to non-profit groups dedicated to increasing bee populations.

Grass-fed bison meat that comes from animals who have lived full and happy lives.

Founded in 2012 by Sean Lenihan.

Why We Love Them: There are few things more morally confusing than the modern meat industry. Despite a single-minded support of brands that practice good ethics, most people refuse to look beyond the supermarket to see the abysmal conditions that would disgust any sane person.

The Honest Bison was founded as an antidote, to start changing an industry that refuses to treat its living products with decency and respect. The bison, elk, and deer at Honest Bison live outdoors in large open areas with other animals, feed on grass, and know only the lives nature intended. With an operating system free of hormones or feedlots, this brand is one of the few in the industry that we can fully support.

Delicious, nutritious, vegan protein bars, shakes, and snacks.

Founded in 2013.

Why We Love Them: Besides having some of the most delicious health food products available today, ALOHA is a brand truly dedicated to the joy and health of all. Every ALOHA bar, shake, and powder is completely vegan, organic, and non-GMO. Founded for a happier, healthier world, ALOHA sources its ingredients only from farms certified for Good Manufacturing Process.