Ethical Alternatives to the good trade
The Good Trade is a leading digital media brand and Certified B Corp that provides vetted recommendations for sustainable, cruelty-free products. While it excels in editorial guidance, some shoppers seek alternatives for broader third-party verification or more niche certifications. This page highlights ethical alternatives to The Good Trade based on independent standards.
Categories compared: Beauty & Personal Care, Fashion & Apparel, Books & Media
Why shoppers look for alternatives to the good trade
- The Good Trade's recommendations are editorial and not independently audited, so shoppers may want platforms with third-party certifications beyond B Corp and 1% for the Planet.
- Its focus on 'slow living' and 'conscious consumerism' means limited coverage of categories like electronics, pet care, or sports gear, which some users need.
- Some consumers prefer alternatives that provide price comparisons or user reviews alongside ethical ratings, rather than editorial-only content.
- The Good Trade does not conduct animal testing itself, but its endorsed brands may have varying animal testing policies not always verified by a third party.
Top-scoring alternatives to the good trade
A zero-waste, plastic-free solid shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and a focus on water conservation.
A mass-market accessible body wash that funds community empowerment projects in Togo, West Africa, using fair-trade unrefined shea butter.
A zero-waste, plastic-free body cleanser bar that replaces three bottles of liquid soap and uses regenerative fair-trade ingredients.
The ultimate multi-tasker for minimalist hosts; one bottle can wash hands, body, hair, and even dishes.
A zero-waste, plastic-free solution for hair and body, specifically curated for the minimalist traveler looking to bypass liquid restrictions.
A UK-based, women-owned B Corp offering the highest ethical standard in menstrual care. This bulk 'Sisterhood' bundle features GOTS organic cotton tampons and pads with RSPO-segregated inputs, ensuring zero deforestation.
A highly ethical, multi-use lotion crafted with organic oils and fair trade ingredients, setting the industry standard for supply chain transparency and regenerative agriculture.
The gold standard of ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, multi-surface liquid soap made from organic oils and fair trade ingredients in 100% PCR packaging.
The gold standard of ethical soaps, featuring regenerative organic palm oil and a legacy of fair-trade advocacy and radical transparency.
The ethical alternative to Amazon's Audible, allowing listeners to support their local independent bookstore with every audiobook purchase.
A zero-waste, plastic-free shampoo bar equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo, utilizing fair-trade cocoa butter and peppermint oil.
Minimalist, unisex joggers made from Malkha cotton—a unique process that avoids the bale-press to keep fibers natural and resilient. Ideal for off-grid minimalist wardrobes.
What The Good Trade is rated on
The Good Trade is a digital media brand and Certified B Corp, meaning it meets B Lab's standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It is also a member of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of revenue to environmental nonprofits. Its editorial focus is on cruelty-free and sustainable brands, and it does not conduct animal testing. However, its recommendations are based on editorial vetting, not independent third-party verification of each product's supply chain or labor practices. This can limit the depth of assurance for shoppers seeking rigorous certifications like Fair Trade, Leaping Bunny, or USDA Organic.
How the alternatives were picked
The alternatives listed below were chosen based on public certification records and independent auditing. Each alternative offers a different verification model, such as third-party certifications, user-submitted reviews, or partnership with recognized eco-labels. We prioritized platforms that provide clear, transparent criteria for product inclusion, such as requiring Leaping Bunny for cruelty-free or Fair Trade for labor rights. Price parity and category coverage were also considered to ensure real shopping utility.
- Ethical Consumer (UK-based) — rates products across categories using a detailed scoring system covering environment, people, animals, and politics. Strong for electronics, fashion, and food.
- DoneGood (US-based) — browser extension and marketplace that curates brands with verified certifications like B Corp, Fair Trade, and Leaping Bunny. Covers beauty, fashion, home, and pet care.
- BuyMeOnce (UK-based) — focuses on durable, repairable, and long-lasting products across kitchen, fashion, and home. No animal testing policy is verified through partner brands.
What to check on the label
When comparing alternatives to The Good Trade, look for these key indicators on product labels or platform criteria: Third-party certification logos (e.g., Fair Trade Certified, Leaping Bunny, USDA Organic, B Corp, 1% for the Planet). Supply chain transparency — does the brand publish a list of its factories or raw material sources? Return and repair policies — durable goods should have warranties or repair programs. Animal testing policy — verify if the brand has a Leaping Bunny or PETA cruelty-free certification, not just a self-declaration. Finally, check if the platform reviews user feedback on product longevity, not just marketing claims.
Frequently asked about the good trade alternatives
Does The Good Trade independently verify all the brands it recommends?+
No. The Good Trade states it vets brands editorially, but it does not claim to conduct independent third-party audits of every product. Its B Corp certification applies to the media brand itself, not necessarily to every recommended product.
Are there alternatives that offer price comparisons alongside ethical ratings?+
Yes. Platforms like DoneGood and Ethical Consumer often include price comparison tools or partner with retailers to show prices across multiple sellers, helping you balance ethics with budget.
Which alternative is best for verifying animal testing policies?+
Ethical Consumer scores each brand on animal testing using evidence from PETA, Leaping Bunny, and company statements. DoneGood also prioritizes Leaping Bunny and PETA-certified brands, making both strong choices.
Do any alternatives cover categories like electronics or pet care that The Good Trade doesn't emphasize?+
Yes. Ethical Consumer rates electronics, pet care, and even automotive products. BuyMeOnce covers kitchen and home items with a focus on durability, which overlaps with electronics like durable headphones.