Earth Harbor
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The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
overview
about
Earth Harbor is a clean skincare brand that makes plant-based products with a heavy emphasis on sustainability. Highlights
• Carbon-neutral
• Plastic-negative
• Local ingredient sourcing
• Woman-owned
sustainability
details:
Packaging
Earth Harbor uses recycled glass containers for nearly all primary packaging. Plastic is incorporated only as lids (resin using PCR content), or secondary components like droppers or pumps. They offer plastic-free refill options with aluminum lids. All secondary and shipping packaging is compostable, and the brand claims to use “eco-friendly” inks. They've also created a plastic-free (glass) product dispenser to replace plastic droppers and pumps, which are notoriously difficult to eliminate.
Material Sustainability
Earth Harbor sources ingredients almost exclusively from low-impact crops. Many ingredients are certified organic, or carry EcoCert or Fair trade certification. The brand claims to only work with suppliers who prioritize sustainability. In our evaluation, the only ingredients flagged as carrying potential concerns were rose-water and seaweed (only if wild-harvested; unspecified sourcing). Overall, Earth Harbor's formulations are sustainable.
Energy Use and Footprint
Earth Harbor is certified Climate Neutral, meaning they measure and offset emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3, and have instituted plans to address and reduce future emissions. The brand's studio, where they produce 95% of their products, is solar powered.
Waste Management
Earth Harbor partners with TerraCycle's Zero-Waste Program to mitigate waste across their supply chain and production.
Business Model
Earth Harbor carries a relatively small inventory with limited-to-no product churn or seasonal availability. Their business model lends itself well to slow consumption principles and circularity.
non-toxic
details:
Earth Harbor's formualtions are exceedingly non-toxic. The highest level of concern ingredients carry across their selection is possible irritability from some essential oils (for especially sensitive individuals).
social responsibility
details:
Earth Harbor produces nearly all their products in house, which is based in the United States and carries low risk for fair labor violations. They have a Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality council. The brand also participates in a number of environmental initiatives and cleanups. Earth harbor is certified vegan and cruelty free by PETA and Leaping Bunny.
