Ethical influencers to make your feed a more empowering place
From standing up for human rights, to creating less waste to dressing sustainably, there are some amazing people out there who aim to educate, empower, and inspire you to do great things.
Words: Sasha Wardrop
The world of Instagram and influencers has long been fraught with problems. From fast fashion to fad diets, the impact of this industry can be toxic on both the earth and our mental health.
However, things are changing, and more and more people are using the platform for good. From standing up for human rights, to creating less waste to dressing sustainably, there are some amazing people out there who aim to educate, empower, and inspire you to do great things.
So here is our pick of ethical influencers to make your feed a more positive force:
Leah Thomas – @greengirlleah
The women who coined the term Intersectional Environmentalism and the subsequent group of the same name. Leah studied Environmental Science & Policy, previously worked on the communications team at Patagonia, and has a sustainable-living instagram blog where she aims to communicate social and environmental issues.
Maggie Zhou – @yemagz
Maggie is a writer and slow fashion wearer, who expresses herself through her colourful clothing which is more often than not thrifted, proving to the world that you don’t have to have the newest trend to be stylish.
Summer Dean – @climatediva
Summer is a model and activist who is dedicated to redefining climate activism and making it a more inclusive space. Follow her for a plethora of resources that empower everyone to fight for people and the planet. Her instagram reels are also to die for!
Isaias Hernandez – @queerbrownvegan
As a Queer, Brown, and Vegan environmentalist, Isaias seeks to provide a safe space for other like-minded environmentalists to engage in the discourse of the current climate crisis.
Mimi Elashiry- @mimielashiry
Known for her free spirit and sun kissed hair, Mimi is a creative force to be reckoned with who has left her mark on many brands such as Adidas, Bonds and Calvin Klein. She frequently promotes sustainable brands and just launched her second account @nourishmi.
Jhánneu Roberts – @jhanneu
On top of sharing her low waste across YouTube and Instagram, Jhánneu has recently teamed up with Model turned activist, Alexis Ren, to launch Future Prosperity, a Regenerative Retailer passionate about the future, full-circle content & low-waste products.
Jenny – @wearilive
Jenny is a slow fashion influencer who uses her platform to advocate for sustainable fashion and lifestyle.
Amy Julliette Lefévre – @lefevrediary
Amy is a well known model whose portfolio is littered with glamorous brands. She doesn’t brand herself as a “sustainable influencer” as such but we are constantly inspired by her promotion of countless sustainable brands. If you are looking for some sustainable style inspo her feed is the place to head
Meg Lazaros – @megmakeslesswaste
Meg Lazaros is a creative director and designer who is passionate about creating a more equitable future where all humans can live full, happy lives in harmony with nature. Her page is filled with helpful tips and graphics to learn more about sustainable living and climate justice.
Laura Wells – @iamlaurawells
Laura is a positive role model and advocate for change. She not only holds degrees in both Biology and Law, qualifications in Environmental Management Systems and is currently studying a Diploma of Paramedical Science, but also is one of Australia’s top plus size models. Honestly, what doesn’t she do?
Jazmine Rodgers – @thatcurlytop
Jazmine is a sustainable fashion and lifestyle influencer using her platform to navigate a low impact lifestyle and advocate for change. Check out her instagram highlights for some truely awesome informative content about anything from ethical fits to book suggestions.
Stevie Van Horn – @stevieyaaaay
Stevie has been living a zero waste lifestyle for 5 years and dedicates all her actions to creating a better future. Through her instagram she strives to open up a bigger conversation about our choices affecting earth, conservation, and climate change.
Kate Nelson – @plasticfreemermaid
As her handle suggests, Kate is a mermaid at heart. She started her journey volunteering at Jean Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and when she learnt that plastic does not biodegrade, she went plastic free. 10 years later and she is still plastic free!