Hey there, conscious consumer! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for ways to make your shopping habits more sustainable without sacrificing style or convenience. That‘s why I was thrilled to discover Cerqular, an online marketplace that curates eco-friendly and ethically-made products from over 180 vetted brands.
Over the past few months, I‘ve placed several orders on Cerqular and have been blown away by the quality and variety of products available. From organic cotton tees to zero-waste beauty essentials to artisan-made home goods, Cerqular has become my go-to destination for all my sustainable shopping needs.
But Cerqular is more than just a place to score cool sustainable finds. The company was founded on the belief that shopping sustainably should be accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few. By partnering with brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility, Cerqular is helping to drive positive change and make it easier for consumers to align their purchases with their values.
So, why should you consider shopping on Cerqular? Here are just a few reasons:
🌿 Carefully curated selection of sustainable products from vetted brands
🛍️ One-stop-shop convenience with a wide range of categories
🌟 High-quality, unique products you won‘t find anywhere else
😊 Exceptional customer service and easy returns
🌎 Commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact
Ready to learn more about my Cerqular shopping experience and see if it‘s the right fit for you? Keep reading for my in-depth review, top product picks, and insider tips for making the most of your Cerqular shopping experience.
The Sustainable Shopping Movement
Before we dive into the specifics of Cerqular, let‘s zoom out and talk about the bigger picture: the sustainable shopping movement. In recent years, there‘s been a major shift in consumer behavior as more and more people become aware of the environmental and social impact of their purchases.
According to a recent report by Nielsen, 73% of global consumers say they would definitely or probably change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact. In the US alone, the market for sustainable goods is projected to reach $150 billion by 2025, up from $107.3 billion in 2019.
The fashion industry, in particular, has come under scrutiny for its significant environmental footprint and unethical labor practices. The textile industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of industrial water pollution, while 60% of garment workers worldwide are not paid a living wage.
As a result, many consumers are seeking out alternative options that prioritize sustainability, transparency, and ethical production. Enter Cerqular, which aims to make it easier for shoppers to find and purchase products that align with their values.
What Makes Cerqular Different
So, what sets Cerqular apart from other online marketplaces? Here are a few key differentiators:
Curated Selection of Sustainable Brands
Cerqular doesn‘t just sell any brand that claims to be sustainable. The company has a rigorous vetting process to ensure that every brand they partner with meets strict criteria for environmental and social responsibility.
To be approved to sell on Cerqular, brands must provide detailed information on their sourcing and production practices, as well as any certifications or third-party audits. Cerqular looks for brands that use sustainable materials, practice ethical manufacturing, and prioritize transparency.
Some of the sustainability certifications you might see on Cerqular include:
- B Corporation
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- Bluesign
- Fair Trade Certified
- Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free)
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
By doing the hard work of vetting brands, Cerqular takes the guesswork out of sustainable shopping and helps consumers feel confident that they‘re supporting companies that share their values.
Wide Range of Product Categories
One of the things I love most about Cerqular is the sheer variety of products available. No matter what you‘re looking for, chances are you can find a sustainable version on Cerqular. The marketplace currently offers products in the following categories:
- Women‘s clothing
- Men‘s clothing
- Kids‘ clothing
- Shoes & accessories
- Beauty & personal care
- Home & kitchen
- Stationery & office
- Food & drink
- Pets
Within each category, you‘ll find a mix of established sustainable brands like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher alongside smaller, indie brands that you might not have discovered otherwise. Cerqular is constantly adding new brands and products, so there‘s always something new to discover.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of everything Cerqular does, from the brands they partner with to their own operations. In addition to the brand vetting process described above, Cerqular also takes steps to reduce its own environmental impact.
For example, Cerqular:
- Offsets the carbon emissions from every shipment through a partnership with 3Degrees, a leading carbon offset provider
- Uses recycled and recyclable packaging materials whenever possible
- Donates a portion of profits to environmental organizations like 1% for the Planet and Rainforest Alliance
- Encourages customers to recycle or donate unwanted items through its "Second Life" program
- Partners with The Renewal Workshop to sell upcycled and repaired products from top brands
By prioritizing sustainability in its own operations and supporting eco-conscious initiatives, Cerqular is walking the walk and setting an example for other businesses.
Exceptional Customer Service
Another area where Cerqular really shines is customer service. The company has a dedicated team of "Sustainability Concierges" who are available to answer questions, provide product recommendations, and assist with orders.
Whenever I‘ve contacted Cerqular‘s customer service, I‘ve been impressed by their responsiveness, friendliness, and knowledge. They truly go above and beyond to ensure that customers have a positive experience.
Cerqular also offers free shipping and returns on all orders, with no minimum purchase required. If you‘re not completely satisfied with a product, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked. This makes it easy to try out new sustainable brands and products without worrying about getting stuck with something you don‘t love.
My Cerqular Shopping Experience
Now that you have a general understanding of what Cerqular is all about, let me share some specifics about my own shopping experience. Over the past few months, I‘ve placed several orders on Cerqular and have tried out products from a range of categories.
Here are some of my favorite Cerqular finds:
Veja V-10 Sneakers
I had been eyeing a pair of Veja sneakers for a while, but was hesitant to take the plunge due to the price tag. When I saw that Cerqular carried a selection of Veja styles, I decided to go for it – and I‘m so glad I did!
The V-10 sneakers are made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wild rubber sourced from the Amazon rainforest. The leather is tanned using vegetables rather than harmful chemicals, and the sneakers are made in a fair trade certified factory in Brazil.
Not only do I feel good about supporting Veja‘s sustainable and ethical practices, but the sneakers themselves are incredibly comfortable and stylish. I‘ve gotten so many compliments on them and have worn them for everything from running errands to traveling. They‘ve held up great so far and I can tell they‘re going to last me a long time.
Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings
As someone who practically lives in leggings, I‘m always on the lookout for pairs that are both comfortable and sustainable. Girlfriend Collective has been one of my favorite athleisure brands for a while now, so I was thrilled to see them on Cerqular.
The Compressive High-Rise Leggings are made from recycled plastic bottles (25 per pair, to be exact) and are produced in a fair trade certified factory in Vietnam. They have a super flattering high waist and just the right amount of compression without feeling too tight.
I love that Girlfriend Collective offers a range of sizes from XXS to 6XL and shows their leggings on models with diverse body types. As a curvy gal, it‘s refreshing to see a brand that celebrates body positivity and inclusivity.
Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation
When it comes to beauty products, I‘m always seeking out clean, non-toxic formulas that actually work. Kjaer Weis has been on my radar for a while, but I hadn‘t gotten around to trying their products until I spotted them on Cerqular.
The Cream Foundation is a game-changer. It‘s made with organic and natural ingredients like sweet almond seed oil, coconut oil, and jojoba seed oil, and comes in a sleek, refillable compact. The formula is incredibly creamy and blendable, and provides buildable coverage without looking cakey.
I love that Kjaer Weis is a certified B Corporation and uses sustainable packaging for all of its products. The Cream Foundation compact can be refilled again and again, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.
These are just a few of the amazing sustainable products I‘ve discovered through Cerqular. I also picked up a pair of Organic Basics socks (made from organic cotton and packaged in recyclable materials), a set of Stasher reusable silicone bags (perfect for packing snacks on the go), and a bottle of Dr. Bronner‘s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (a versatile and eco-friendly cleaner that can be used for everything from washing your face to mopping your floors).
Tips for Shopping on Cerqular
If you‘re new to Cerqular or sustainable shopping in general, the process can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips I‘ve learned through my own trial and error:
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Use the filters. Cerqular offers a range of filters to help you narrow down your search, including price, size, color, material, and sustainability certifications. Take advantage of these to find products that meet your specific criteria.
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Read product descriptions and reviews. Cerqular provides detailed descriptions of each product, including information on materials, certifications, and brand values. Be sure to read these carefully to ensure a product aligns with your priorities. Customer reviews can also provide valuable insights into quality, fit, and overall satisfaction.
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Start small. If you‘re new to sustainable shopping, it can be tempting to want to overhaul your entire wardrobe or home at once. However, this can quickly become overwhelming (and expensive). Instead, start with a few key pieces or essentials and gradually build from there. Cerqular‘s "Shop by Values" feature can help you find products that align with your top priorities, whether that‘s organic materials, fair trade production, or vegan-friendly options.
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Take advantage of deals and promotions. Cerqular regularly offers sales and promotions to help make sustainable shopping more affordable. Be sure to sign up for the company‘s newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming deals. Cerqular also offers a refer-a-friend program, where you can earn $20 in credit for each friend who makes a purchase through your unique referral link.
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Don‘t be afraid to ask questions. As mentioned, Cerqular has a team of knowledgeable and friendly Sustainability Concierges who are there to help. If you have any questions about a product, brand, or your order, don‘t hesitate to reach out. Cerqular‘s customer service team is available via email, live chat, and phone.
The Bottom Line
Overall, my experience shopping on Cerqular has been overwhelmingly positive. The company makes it easy to discover and purchase high-quality, sustainable products from a variety of brands and categories. The curation and vetting process gives me peace of mind that I‘m supporting companies that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. And with free shipping and returns, I feel like I can shop with confidence.
Of course, sustainable shopping is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to living an eco-conscious lifestyle. But I believe that every small action counts, and supporting sustainable brands is an important way to vote with your dollars and drive positive change.
If you‘re looking to make more sustainable and ethical shopping choices, I highly recommend checking out Cerqular. With its carefully curated selection of products, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional customer service, Cerqular is the perfect place to start your sustainable shopping journey.
Happy shopping, eco-warriors!
