Is Year & Day ethical?

Overview

Year & Day is a California-based home goods brand that designs minimalist, durable dinnerware and kitchen essentials. Founded by husband-and-wife team Adam and Jessie, the brand aims to bridge the gap between luxury design and everyday utility while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Their signature Essential Dinnerware Set is made from high-fired porcelain, known for its chip resistance and longevity, reducing waste over time. The company operates with a direct-to-consumer model, allowing for greater control over production and supply chain ethics. Year & Day has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable homeware, with a clear mission to minimize carbon footprint and promote conscious consumption.

Certifications

Year & Day holds two key certifications that underscore its ethical claims. Climate Neutral Certified means the brand measures, offsets, and reduces all greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain. Additionally, its packaging materials are FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council), ensuring that paper and cardboard come from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity and local communities. These certifications are third-party verified, adding credibility to their sustainability efforts. The brand displays these badges transparently on product pages and shipping materials.

Animal Testing & Vegan Range

Year & Day has confirmed that neither the brand nor its manufacturers conduct animal testing for any products. All dinnerware and home goods are inherently vegan, as they contain no animal-derived materials. The porcelain, glazes, and packaging are free of animal byproducts, making the entire product range suitable for vegan consumers. The brand does not specifically label a 'vegan range' because the entire catalog qualifies.

Sustainability Pledges

Year & Day has made several public commitments to environmental stewardship. They pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2025, going beyond offsetting to actively reduce energy usage in manufacturing and shipping. The brand uses 100% recycled or FSC-certified cardboard for all packaging and has eliminated single-use plastics from their supply chain. They also offer a 'renew' program where customers can return worn or damaged dinnerware for recycling into new products, closing the loop on material lifecycles. Additionally, Year & Day partners with carbon removal initiatives to offset unavoidable emissions.

Sourcing & Labor

The brand sources its porcelain from a family-owned factory in China that adheres to strict environmental and labor standards. Year & Day claims the factory follows Fair Trade practices, provides safe working conditions, and pays above-minimum wages. However, unlike some competitors, they do not hold a formal Fair Trade certification, relying instead on self-reported audits and on-site visits. The factory also uses closed-loop water systems and solar energy to reduce environmental impact. While transparency is good, the lack of independent labor certification is a minor gap in their ethical profile.

Controversies Context

There are no major controversies or public scandals associated with Year & Day. The brand has not faced accusations of greenwashing, labor violations, or product safety issues. Customer feedback is predominantly positive, with occasional complaints about shipping delays but no systemic ethical problems. This clean record contributes to their high ethical score and makes them a reliable choice for conscious consumers.

Bottom Line

Year & Day earns a strong ethical score of 82/100, primarily due to its Climate Neutral and FSC certifications, vegan-friendly product line, and robust sustainability pledges. The absence of formal Fair Trade certification for labor is a notable area for improvement, but overall the brand demonstrates genuine commitment to reducing environmental impact. For shoppers seeking durable, beautifully designed dinnerware with a clear eco-conscious ethos, Year & Day is an excellent option.