For many people, an integral part of growing up is learning what beliefs you’re truly passionate about. In these politically charged times, more and more people are informing themselves about the problems in our society, and college students are at the forefront of this change. Students around the country are advocating for LGBTQ rights, ecological awareness, and female empowerment. With the newfound independence we’re allowed as college students, it’s important to take a closer look at what companies our money is supporting. “Ethical shopping” is the practice of researching the history and labor practices of companies you buy from as well as choosing fair trade, locally made, and cruelty free products over their competitors. Ethical shopping ranges from rejecting brands that use child labor to supporting local businesses owned by women. Decorating your dorm is a unique experience because it’s the first time you will be creating a space for yourself that’s completely curated by you. This is a great opportunity to use items that are not only aesthetically pleasing but align with your values. Navigating the world of ethical shopping may seem difficult (as it’s almost impossible to completely eliminate questionable companies from your life), this guide is here to help you find some key items for your dorm:
If you like Anthropologie candles and modern designs:
Raven+Lily
Raven+Lily strives to solve the problem of skilled women being paid below living wages around the world. The brand employs women from 10 different countries and allows them to set their price for the goods they create. Through microloans and employing at risk women, the company empowers women in a way that improves their quality of life. Raven+Lily is transparent about their business practices and disclose who they employ, what materials they use, and the wages they pay. Their products are fair trade apparel and home items that combine modern designs with elements from the countries of the women who create them. Echo Park Candle. $24.00
If you love funky colors and Bohemian style:
Jungalow
Jungalow is a home and apparel brand created by artist/designer/author Justina Blakeney. The brand is ran and based in Los Angeles by Blakeney and a small team of women. The inspiration for the brand came from Justina’s own blog and social media platform, where she publicly shared her own designs and print. She describes the brand as bohemian and free spirited, incorporating bright fuchsias and golds with jungle motifs to create homeware that will transport you to a tropical bungalow. If you love plants and wish to bring a pop of color to your dorm, then this is the brand for you!
Avisa Quilt Set by Justina Blakeney $90.00 (Twin Set)
If you’re looking for a one stop shop for home goods:
The Little Market
The Little Market is the world bazaar you could only dream up. Created by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla, it’s a non-profit organization that sells handmade artisanal products from around the world. By practicing fair trade principles, they are able to pay artisans fair wages for their products, as well as facilitate business training and literacy programs in these communities. The Little Market has home items from around the globe, and you can find anything from hammocks to Mexican Serape Blankets on their site.
Mexican Serape Blankets $58.00 Blue Diamond Woven Vase $38.00
If you’re looking to buy a one of a kind piece of art:
Society6.com Another form of ethical shopping is supporting individual creators rather than buying mass produced items. If you’re looking for a print to add a personal touch to your dorm, look no further then artist Anna D. Williams. Williams is a Brooklyn based artist who combines art historical imagery with millennial humor. Check out Society6.com and Etsy.com to find one of a kind prints and support young artists. You Looked Better Online Better Online x Judgment Deck By Anna D. Williams $29.99
With the help of these brands I hope you’ll feel inspired to try out ethical shopping. These are just some of the ways you can easily shop ethically, but there are far more options that are not discussed in this guide. Thrift stores and DIY are a great way to reuse old items, while visiting a local craft market allows you to support your community. Shopping ethically doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult, and though it may still be far from the ease of walking into a department store, the extra effort is worth the positive impact it makes. So instead of buying a mass-produced print from Urban Outfitters or a tapestry from Target, try seeking out alternative routes of purchase.