As consumers, we have so many options for how to spend our money. So why not shop in a way that gives back? In this post, I’m sharing some amazing companies (with cool and innovative products) that help save the ocean. It’s never been easier to make a positive impact on the ocean and marine life!
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that the world’s oceans are in trouble. The sad truth is that plastic pollution can now be found on every beach in the world. Crazy, right?
Luckily, there are practical things we can do to reverse some of the damage (and help clean up what’s already there). Of course, the old adage “reduce reuse recycle” still stands true. But if you do need to buy something new or get a gift for someone, the companies and products listed below are a great place to start.
Want a sneak peek? Here’s just a small sampling of the cool products that help clean up our oceans and protect marine life:
- shoes hand-made from recycled materials
- reusable water bottles (+10% back to charity)
- a creative use for old fishing nets
- trash transformed into a stylish backpack
- shopping = removing a pound of plastic from the ocean
Disclosure: Any tips or products shared are things I truly believe in. If you take action (ie make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some money which helps me continue creating travel content for you. Compassandcoastline.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Each of your purchases through our Amazon affiliate links supports our cause at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Companies Helping Save The Ocean
You might be wondering how companies help save the ocean (or if shopping really helps). All the companies below play a role, whether it’s using recycled materials, donating a portion of their profits, helping with ocean cleanup, or volunteering. Sometimes its a combination of more than one thing! Keep reading to find out more…
1. Outerknown
Outerknown is a company that sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Created by professional surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is on a mission to create sustainable fashion, and 90% of the fabrics they use are organic, recycled, or regenerated! They even turn fishing nets into fabric and use ocean plastic to create their own buttons.
2. Rothy’s
Have you heard of Rothy’s, the company known as the “sustainable shoe brand”? The knit fabric they’re known for (it’s incredibly comfortable) is made with 100% recycled materials, which includes marine plastic gathered from coastlines. What’s even better? All their shoes and bags are machine washable.
3. Sea 2 See
If you like the idea of turning ocean trash into treasure, you’ll love Sea 2 See. This eyewear company partners with fishermen and other waste collectors to gather ocean plastic. After it’s sorted (they use 90% of what they collect), it’s up-cycled and used to create stylish glasses. Sea 2 See also has a “Cradle To Cradle” certification, which is a globally-recognized measure of safe and sustainable products.
4. United By Blue
If you’re looking for a way to give back and want some variety, United by Blue is a great option. A certified B Corporation, they remove a pound of trash from oceans for each item purchased! Their site has a great shop where you can find clothing, pet accessories, candles and tons of items for sustainable living.
5. 4 Ocean
4 Ocean was founded by two friends who saw a need to clean up ocean pollution. What they’re most known for is their bracelets made from 100% recycled plastic and glass, although you can also buy beach cleanup kits on their site too. Each purchase means you’re helping “pull a pound” of debris from the ocean. Besides using recycled material, 4 Ocean also has a team of captains and crews that clean coastlines 7 days a week. And the company invests in technology and innovation to find solutions for minimizing waste in the first place.
6. Pela
Removing plastic from the ocean is great, but what if we could minimize plastic use in the first place? That’s the inspiration behind Pela, a company that makes eco-friendly phone cases. They created a 100% compostable phone case, meaning it will naturally break down to a point that it can help plants grow. Awesome, right? Their cases have 70% less waste production than conventional plastic smartphone cases and are really cute and stylish, too! They also have free worldwide shipping on orders over $20.
7. Girlfriend Collective
Some companies really pay attention to the little things, and Girlfriend Collective is a true testament to that. A women’s activewear company, they use recycled fabrics made from bottles, fishing nets, and other waste. To take things a step further, all their packaging is made from recycled materials and can be recycled. Whew! They also have extensive information on their site about the fabric they use, factory conditions, and the eco-friendly dying process.
8. Solgaard
If you love to travel and also want to save the ocean, look no further than Solgaard, a company that creates eco-friendly luggage. They basically use ocean waste to create luggage (and remove 5 pounds of plastic from the ocean for every purchase made). Their Carry-On Closet 2.0 suitcase is genius in its design and the lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Just need a backpack? Solgaard also sells an “ocean plastics” daypack made from ocean waste.
9. Bureo
Makers of skateboards and other cool products, Bureo is a company that takes a practical approach to save the ocean. Instead of a focus on plastic, they work with fisheries and local communities to collect, clean, sort, and recycle fishing nets. The nets are made into a unique material that they use to create skateboards and more. A true example of recycling!
Other Ways To Help Save The Ocean
Can you believe all the innovative companies working to clean up our oceans? It’s amazing to know that you can buy great products that are simultaneously making a difference. I hope you feel inspired to try one (or more) of them out.
Looking for other ways to help? Check out my post Easy Ways To Save Our Beaches for some quick tips.
Did I miss any good companies that help save the ocean? I would love nothing more than to expand this list, so comment below and let me know!
