3 Asian American-Owned Sustainable Brands You Should Know About
And why they need your support now more than ever
An 84-year-old man from Thailand died in late January after being attacked on his morning walk in San Francisco. Days later, a 91-year-old Asian man was violently shoved to the ground in Oakland’s Chinatown. A few weeks pass, and a 64-year-old woman was robbed outside a Vietnamese market in San Jose. Shortly after, a 61-year-old Filipino man was slashed in the face on a New York City subway.
Recent attacks on the Asian American community have highlighted the dangerous and racist rhetoric surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. These recent attacks are not the only hate crimes Asian Americans have been victims of since the start of the pandemic. Stop AAPI Hate, which includes a self-reporting tool for harassment, discrimination, and violent attacks, recorded 2,808 incidents of anti-Asian discrimination across the U.S. from March 19 to Dec. 31, 2020.
The Asian American community needs our support now more than ever. If the theme of the year is to “come together,” we need to make a conscious effort in taking steps toward that goal. We are still a racist country. We single out ethnicities that make us feel uncomfortable because of lies, untold history, privilege, and untrue stereotypes.
If you come away from this blog with nothing else, I hope that you take the time to reflect on what is going on in the world right now. It can’t be ignored any longer. We need to stand up for all equitably and inclusively and stand against those that work so hard to keep things “the way they’ve always been.”
In light of all the hate that is going on right now, I wanted to provide a few Asian American-owned sustainable brands that are doing some really great work right now. I hope that you will consider supporting them either through your business or through a deeper understanding of the amazing talent, creativity, and culture that the community provides.
Okay, let’s dive into the list.
1. Blueland
We all know the importance of recycling, but you know what’s more vital? Reusing. Recycling involves utilizing materials (like plastic) that are typically single-use. Plastic was meant to last forever, but so much of it is being thrown in the trash. The US had a dismal 32.1% recycling rate in 2018. So let’s start reusing!
With Blueland, reusing is made easy. Sarah Paiji Yoo, the co-founder of Blueland, started the company with the belief that we shouldn’t have to sacrifice a clean home for a clean planet.
The brand sells you “forever bottles” for your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. These bottles are filled with warm water, and a cleaning or soap tablet is dropped in. Wait a few minutes, and your mixture is ready to clean! Once you have the bottles, all you have to buy is refill tablets.
The process is so simple.
I got two forever soap bottles for Valentine’s Day, and I can’t wait to use them!
2. Cocokind
Cocokind is a clean and conscious skincare brand that creates accessible, sustainable, organic, cruelty-free and vegan (except items with beeswax) products.
Founder and CEO Priscilla Tsai founded Cocokind in 2014 after years of battling with her own skin insecurities. She wants the brand to actively promote skin positivity breakouts and all. I think this is a true gamechanger for people because who hasn’t battled skin issues at some point in their life?
Although you can order their products online, you can find Cocokind in stores throughout the country.
You even get 10% off your first purchase!
3. Meow Meow Tweet
Have you ever come across colorful soap bars and came *this close* to pulling the trigger and finally giving them a try? Well, now’s your chance to finally pull that trigger and support Asian American business while you’re at it.
Meow Meow Tweet is a personal care brand that prides itself on products that are vegan, ethical, low-waste, handmade, and cruelty-free. As the owners put it, “the only animals you’ll find in our products are the drawings on our packaging.”
Meow Meow Tweet was founded in 2009 by Tara Pelletier and Jeff Kurosaki, paying homage to their two cats and one bird.
In addition to soaps, the company offers deodorant in compostable tubes, facial products, shampoo and conditioner bars, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
In addition to their incredible business model, Tara and Jeff choose a different organization to give back to every month. They prioritize small BIPOC and queer-led organizations that align with their values.
Don’t want to order online? Meow Meow Tweet carries its products in brick-and-mortar shops throughout the country. Check out their store locater here.
Hopefully, this list offers you a little hope and inspiration. Sustainability should not feel overwhelming. Even making small changes to your daily routines can have a huge impact. So, choose whichever tips work for you and start there!
See you next time.
Check out my last story below!
I am a graduate student at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media pursuing my Master’s in Media and Communication, focusing on Strategic Communication. I want to help this planet through sustainability and advocacy communications. Let’s connect!