Shopping ethically (and sustainably!) can be a little overwhelming. We’ve all been guilty of giving up at times if the information of where and how a product is made isn’t readily available for us.
We’ve taken the liberty to search far and wide throughout Sydney to find and compile a list of 10 ethical retailers to make some feel-good purchases from. From fashion, furniture, art, food and florals, there is something for everyone.
Happy shopping!
Swop Clothing Exchange
112 Enmore Rd, Newtown 2042
Swop Clothing Exchange is a haven for secondhand and vintage clothing. Sydneysiders are welcome to bring their unwanted clothes to Swop in exchange for store credit or cash. Wanting to simply shop secondhand? You can find everything from 70s mini dresses, 80s leather jackets, to early 2000s flares and tube tops at competitive prices.
Shop 4/22-26 Albert St, Freshwater 2096
Not just your average flower shop. Sisters Sarah and Sophie Kelman have created Wild Forager into an ethically-sourced store with a wide selection of carefully chosen homewares as well. The flowers and plants are sourced from local growers and the team only partners with brands that share their passion for beauty and sustainability.
90 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe 2037
A one-stop-shop for all things vegan. Selling everything from food, health, fashion, beauty and household items, The Cruelty Free Shop went from an online store to a fully-fledged supermarket in Glebe. The shop puts on an annual Vegan Day Out, hosts frequent book launches and supports animal rights organisations through fundraising.
Spunky Bruiser
84 Oxford St, Darlinghurst 2010
The unique brand makes one-off men’s, women’s and children’s clothing by hand. The garments are carefully crafted from recycled materials and environmental impacts are considered at every stage of production. The end result is some seriously cool 90s inspired fashion.
Good Day Girl
31 Norfolk St, Paddington 2021
From competitors to cofounders, Alexia and Sophie created a brand that turned the fast fashion production model on its head. Good Day Girl is not about mass production, instead they create two collections a year that are made to order. Their mantra? You get your size and they leave no waste for mother earth to wear.
The Social Outfit
188 King St, Newtown 2042
Part fashion label and part social enterprise with a difference. The Social Outfit creates and manufactures clothing and accessories for women while employing and training people in the fashion industry from refugee and new migrant communities. The organisation teaches ethical clothing production skills while creating fun threads that fund the cause.
Studio A
Level 4/2 Ernest Pl, Crows Nest 2065
Studio A provides artists living with intellectual disabilities a working studio space equipped with specialist materials and support-staff. The enterprise exhibits artwork and products made by artists and sells a selection online. You can shop a range of artwork, face masks, jewellery, ceramics, graphic novels and more, ensuring that the sales of these products directly benefit the artist.
Milk & Thistle
592 King St, Newtown 2042
Milk & Thistle is owned by designer Danielle Atkinson and celebrates the marriage of design, print, ceramics and homewares across all ranges. All garments, which are well constructed and easy-fit, are entirely designed, printed and made in Australia. Atkinson works closely with local artists and each collection is made in extremely small quantities.
Reverse Garbage
8/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville 2204
A treasured-filled warehouse making a difference in the world by reducing waste and creating change in the way they look at resources. You’ll find pretty much everything you could possibly think of here, from Mardi Gras decorations, to homewares to plastic CD cases. If you’re creative, you can fill a recyclable bag with materials like ribbons, fabric offcuts and other arts and crafts for $5, or fill a large hessian sack for $20.
Citizen Wolf
Suite 5/01 75 Mary St, St Peters 2044
The Sydney-based brand is transforming the custom-fit clothing industry with its tailor made casual wear. Offering made-to-measure tees for males and females through their seamless customisation portal, the team only makes what they sell and carbon offset every tee saving the forest of Tasmania in the process.
