How often do we stop to consider the true cost of our clothes? As I learned more about the fashion industry, it became impossible to ignore the environmental damage and harm to garment workers baked into the way most clothing is made. I wanted to shop more responsibly, but finding truly sustainable brands felt overwhelming and unclear.
That led me to a simple question: What if buying clothes included giving back by default?
I started Eco-Stylist to help make sustainable fashion easier to navigate for conscious consumers — and to make it easier for shoppers to give back simply by supporting brands that are doing fashion better.
As part of this work, Eco-Stylist certifies sustainable fashion brands using rigorous sustainability standards, helping shoppers identify companies that truly align with their values. Behind the scenes, we also work directly with brands to improve their sustainability practices and communicate their impact more clearly. Through our commitment to Pledge 1%, we donate a number of our brand certification services (valued at $499 each) every year to small sustainable brands that otherwise couldn’t afford them.
So far, this has helped emerging brands earn certification, build consumer trust, and grow without compromising their values. It’s not just about a label — it’s about giving brands the tools they need to succeed responsibly.
As a social enterprise, impact is already central to our work. But pledging 1% allows us to also give back in an intentional and accountable way. As a small business, we especially value that 100% of our 1% goes directly toward causes we believe in.
Our hope is that more businesses begin to see giving back as a standard part of doing business. When generosity is baked into the model from the start, impact becomes scalable — and collective.
