Several West Michigan businesses have been doing Mother Nature proud, with both their products and practices. As we gear up to celebrate Earth Day, get to know some local businesses who are taking their environmentally conscious efforts seriously.
These local establishments are members of 1% for the Planet®, meaning they've committed to donating at least 1% of their revenue to environmental nonprofits. On top of the certified donations, these businesses are going even further by sustainably sourcing materials and reducing plastic waste.
HOME DECOR
For candles, 10 acre farm has you covered. The Gowen-based business produces phthalate-free soy wax candles with delightful scents inspired by life in Michigan. All of their candles are shipped plastic-free in fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging, and they prioritize sourcing domestic materials made from post-consumer waste.
Another great business for home decor is Ada + East, an online decor and apparel store that focuses on stocking affordable, sustainable products and using compostable or recyclable shipping materials. They also value supporting local and women makers.
CHILDREN'S FURNITURE AND CLOTHING
Struggling to find children's furniture that fits with your interior design? With both safety and sustainability in mind, audwell designs and sells beautiful children's furniture made from domestically sourced materials and plants a tree for every piece of furniture purchased.
Another great company if you've got kids is Crann Apparel, which designs clothing specifically for children with sensitive skin. It's soft, made of eco-friendly fabrics, and shipped in recycled mailers.
BEVERAGES
Chances are good that you've heard of or seen Boxed Water is Better at festivals or other large events. Their products offer an innovative solution to plastic water bottles by selling water in paper-based, 92% renewable packaging. Plus, for every social media post with #BetterPlanet, they plant two trees in U.S. National Forests decimated by wildfire and disease.
West Michiganders are also likely familiar with and have visited one of Madcap Coffee Company's locations. The roaster distributes coffee to other retailers along with selling their own coffee in their shops, which they source from farmers around the globe. Madcap offers top prices to farmers, improving the farmers' income, in addition to running a Zero Waste program to decrease their environmental impact.
As it becomes increasingly important to shop sustainably, we're very proud of these West Michigan businesses for leading the way!
Former Chicagoan turned Michigander, Brittany Grosser is a small business owner with a background in supply chain management, sales, and social enterprise. She lives on a small farm in Gowen, Michigan, where she's currently preparing her garden and getting ready to raise chickens and alpacas. She loves shopping small, exploring the natural beauties of Michigan, and learning about ways she can add more sustainable habits into her life.
Photos courtesy of 10 acre farm and Brittany Grosser-Basile.
