Yay for Earth

Packaging

All products come in fully recyclable or compostable containers, with no single-use plastic. The main face lotion is sold in reusable glass jars (2oz, 4oz) or a metal aluminum tin (1oz travel size). Lip balms are packaged in paper-based, biodegradable tubes (no plastic tubes), and even the product labels are completely compostable.

Yay for Earth uses paper tape, recycled or reused cardboard boxes, and compostable packing paper for shipping, achieving 100% plastic-free delivery.

Ingredient Sustainability

A typical product formulation contains only a few simple ingredients, all of which are biodegradable and plant-derived (with the exception of ethically-harvested beeswax). For example, the Sensitive Skin Face Lotion contains just organic olive oil, organic shea butter, organic pomegranate seed oil, and local beeswax. All botanical ingredients are organically grown (the brand states that its entire line is sourced from organic or regenerative farmers).

They prioritize renewable plant resources over petrochemicals (no petroleum-derived ingredients are used at all), and avoid any unsustainable palm oils. Notably, the shea butter is procured through an impact initiative in Ghana that uses ancient handcraft techniques and a closed-loop process (waste from shea processing is repurposed into fuel), supporting healthy ecosystems.

Beeswax is obtained locally from a beekeeper who practices sustainable, bee-friendly harvesting (only excess “capping” wax is used, with no harm to the bees and support for local pollination).

Energy Use and Footprint

All products are handmade in-house by the founder's team in the USA, which allows close control over resource use and minimizes the need for energy-intensive mass production. The company actively reduces its carbon and transport footprint by sourcing locally when possible.

However, Yay for Earth has not yet disclosed quantified data on energy use or implemented a formal carbon-neutral certification for its own operations.

Waste Management

Upstream, they buy ingredients in bulk quantities to eliminate excess packaging waste at the source. In their studio, the products are made in small batches, which means they likely produce only what is needed and avoid overstock or product waste.

Business Model

The brand maintains a very limited product lineup: just a handful of multi-purpose skincare products rather than constant new launches. By creating versatile, long-lasting products, Yay for Earth discourages overconsumption. One jar of the all-purpose lotion can replace several specialized products.

The company's marketing and education reinforce anti-overconsumption values: they often share tips on low-waste living and emphasize using every last bit of product

The brand uses no synthetic additives whatsoever: no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, ethanolamines, formaldehyde-releasers, synthetic dyes or fragrances are present in any of the formulations. Instead, the ingredient lists consist of familiar, food-grade natural substances (plant oils, waxes, botanical hydrosols, and essential oils) that have long histories of safe use.

In addition, no synthetic fragrance oils are used; any scent comes from a touch of organic essential oils or the natural smell of the ingredients (the unscented versions contain zero added fragrance).

Being a small, women-owned business founded by a climate activist, the company ethos naturally extends to treating people involved in production with respect and transparency. All of the brand's sourcing is done through trusted small farms and cooperatives, and they are open about who produces their ingredients. Notably, their shea butter comes from a women-led cooperative in northern Ghana that is Community Certified Fair Trade.

On the manufacturing side, all Yay for Earth products are handmade by the founder Stevie and her team in the U.S., where labor standards are high; as a tiny business, there are no factories or complex supply chains to monitor.

Yay for Earth is a cruelty-free brand that takes animal welfare seriously, though not all products are completely vegan.

One of the most prominent examples of community engagement is the brand's philanthropic collaboration with Olive Odyssey, a collective of organic olive farmers in Palestine. In this special edition product, Yay for Earth made small batches of lotion using olive oil from three Palestinian farmers and committed to donating $10 from each jar sold to an organization aiding Palestinian communities in need. The brand also demonstrates community engagement by how it supports its ingredient producers: by sourcing from the Ghana women's shea cooperative, for instance, Yay for Earth is directly infusing money into rural communities and helping preserve cultural practices.