Sustainability and social justice are inextricably linked to one another. We cannot build a sustainable future and mitigate the consequences of climate change without addressing the racial injustices that exist in our current systems.
With the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other innocent black civilians, it is critical that non-POC individuals both listen to and amplify black and POC voices.
This list of black and POC creators, influencers, and entrepreneurs is by no means an exhaustive list, but is intended to encourage non-POCs (me included) to listen and learn from POC voices on sustainability topics.
Instagram: @greengirlleah
Focus areas: intersectional environmentalism, sustainable living
Leah is a California-based environmental activist and eco-communicator. She writes about sustainability on her blog, Green Girl Leah and is a contributing writer for The Good Trade. You can find one of her most recent writings on intersectional environmentalism here.
Instagram: @wastefreemarie
Focus areas: low waste living, climate & racial justice
Marie is passionate about social and environmental justice and making sustainability accessible to everyone. On her page, you’ll find positive vibes and tips on leading a more sustainable life.
Instagram: @tiffanyalex_, @almu.store
Focus areas: pre-loved clothing, sustainable living, wellness, self love
Tiffany is a sustainability blogger, entrepreneur, and founder of the pre-loved clothing shop, Almu. She curates beautiful, timeless vintage pieces that will make it easy for you to look great while also keeping clothes out of landfills. You can visit her store and sign up for her newsletter in her bio!
Instagram: @your.grama
Focus areas: social justice, sustainable living
Ayana shares guidance on social justice and eco-friendly living. On her feed you’ll find helpful infographics on systemic racism, recommendations for sustainable products, and lots of cute pictures of her dog Luna!
Samata Pattinson
Instagram: @iam_samata
Focus areas: sustainable and ethical fashion, women empowerment
Samata is the CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry. She is also the founder of The Tribe, an empowerment journal for women (and anyone else interested)!
Dominique is a badass leader in sustainable fashion, beauty, and well-being. She is the founder of Melanin & Sustainable Style and Sustainable Brooklyn.
Instagram: @dominiquedrakeford, @melaninass, @sustainablebk
Focus areas: ethical fashion, well-being, sustainability consulting
Instagram: @ajabarber
Focus areas: sustainable fashion, ethics, intersectional feminism, racial justice
Aja is a London-based sustainability writer, personal stylist and consultant. You can find some of her works on the blog, Eco-Age in addition to her Instagram page.
Instagram: @thatcurlytop
Focus areas: sustainable fashion and lifestyle
Jazmine uses her platform to share sustainable and slow fashion inspiration and guidance on how to support BLM. Her feed is just as informative as it is beautiful!
Addie Fisher
Instagram: @oldworldnew, @addiethewriter
Focus areas: sustainable living, thrifting, DIYs
Addie’s blog, Old World New, is an abundance of useful resources on how to live more sustainably and ethically. Her latest posts even highlight black-owned tea and cloth diaper brands! She also has a YouTube channel that features how-to guides for thrifting, sustainable DIYs, and conversations about accessibility.
Instagram: @kathleenelie, @consciousnchic
Focus areas: sustainable and ethical fashion, green beauty, sustainable living tips, vegan recipes
Kathleen’s blog, Conscious & Chic, has everything you’re looking for to look and feel your best without sacrificing sustainability and social responsibility. You’ll find style inspiration, gift guides, vegan recipes, and more. Kathleen also has a Youtube Channel covering the same topics you won’t want to miss out on.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of black and POC sustainable and ethical creators. Please share other leaders you look up to in the comments to keep the list going!
