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Climate change continues to impact the planet at an alarming rate, which often leaves us feeling helpless. But if you ask the founders of these eight Latino-owned organizations committed to sustainability, there are approaches—at both a company and personal level—to help restore our ecosystem.
Read on to learn about how these Hispanic-led companies are addressing environmental challenges, fostering cultural and economic empowerment, and leading the charge for a greener, more equitable future.
1. FARM Rio
Cofounders: Kátia Barros and Marcello Bastos
Headquarters: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
FARM Rio is a clothing brand that celebrates Brazil’s rich culture with vibrant designs and bold prints. Its sustainable initiatives include planting a tree for every purchase made, incorporating responsible materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, and partnering with organizations dedicated to the conservation of wild animals in South America.
2. Chosen Foods
Parent Company Founder: Señor José Luis González Iñigo
Headquarters: San Diego, California
Chosen Foods is a B Corp-certified company that makes oils, cooking sprays, and condiments derived from pure avocados. It uses avocados that would otherwise go to waste, converts extraction byproducts into useful materials, and delivers its products in eco-friendly packaging. To maintain its sustainable promises, Chose Foods pays visits to its suppliers to verify their practices align with the company’s standards.
3. Hispanic Access Foundation
CEO: Maite Arce
Headquarters: Washington, DC
Hispanic Access Foundation is a nonprofit organization that improves the lives of Latinos financial literacy, workforce development, and empowering resources. Its conservation program amplifies Latino voices in environmental advocacy to enhance community health and environmental preservation.
4. Re-Earth Initiative
Cofounders: Xiye Bastida and Joseph Wilkanowski
Headquarters: Long Island, New York
Re-Earth Initiative is a youth-led organization that focuses on making the climate movement accessible to all, promoting climate justice through funding, movement building, and storytelling-driven advocacy. Its recent grant program gave out $250,000 to support ecosystem restoration efforts, climate resilience, and DEI initiatives.
5. Santos by Monica
Founder: Mónica Santos Gil
Headquarters: New York City
Santos by Monica is a clothing brand that seeks to challenge perceptions of fashion and bring awareness to the industry’s harm on garment workers and the environment. It produces sustainable, handmade pieces made from cactus-based biomaterials that are durable and partially biodegradable. In defiance of fast fashion, pieces are locally made-to-order in limited quantities.
6. NaturaLawn of America
Founder: Phil Catron
Headquarters: Frederick, Maryland
NaturaLawn of America is a family-run business that provides environmentally friendly, organic-based lawn care solutions. It reduces the use of traditional chemical pesticides, instead producing biorational products (derived from natural sources such as flower extracts and fatty acids) designed with the safety of nature, families, and pets in mind.
Read Hispanic Executive’s exclusive interview with Phil Catron.
7. Progeny Coffee
Cofounders: Maria Palacio and John Trabelsi
Headquarters: Oakland, California
Progeny Coffee takes an ethical approach to its business by partnering with farmers who are paid up to 250 percent more than average fair-trade prices. The company also provides educational support to improve farming practices, such as soil health and water reduction techniques, and uses compostable packaging.
8. GreenLatinos
Founder: Mark Magaña
Headquarters: Washington, DC
GreenLatinos is a nonprofit that unites Latino leaders to address environmental and conservation issues. It advocates for sustainable practices, economic equity, and climate justice through programs like the Sustainable Cities Urban Greening Initiative, the Tree Equity Alliance, and others to protect public lands and improve living conditions in vulnerable areas.
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This article was written with the assistance of AI.
