Meet Bernardo Carreira, founder of 8000Kicks—the brand behind the world’s first waterproof hemp sneakers.

In this episode, Joy speaks with Bernardo about the personal story behind the company, how he (with the help of his grandmother) launched an innovative hemp footwear brand, and what it takes to build a business rooted in sustainability, ethics, and performance.

8000Kicks is one of Sustainable Jungle’s Top Rated brands—recognized for its use of innovative materials like hemp, strong supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and commitment to reducing its footprint.

Members-only bonus: In the extended bonus segment, we go behind the scenes to discuss the personal challenges of running a mission-led company, how Bernardo balances innovation with business realities (and a grueling workload), and some more killer advice for other sustainability focused entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA

Important Links

• See 8000Kicks' Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/8000kicks/
• Visit 8000Kicks (affiliate link): https://www.sustainablejungle.com/8000kicks-brand-rating-and-review/
• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter
• Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-76/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pODntNv5zRY
• Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/
• SJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablejungle/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe wherever you listen
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption

Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚

We’re continuing our series of conversations with the founders and leaders behind the brands we’ve rated—this time with Aram Terry, the Co-founder of MasayaCo.

MasayaCo is a regenerative furniture brand rooted in reforestation, craftsmanship, and long-term impact. Top Rated through our Brand Rating System, MasayaCo is built on a vertically integrated model that largely controls its entire supply chain—from seedlings to finished furniture—ensuring both environmental and social responsibility.

In this episode, Aram shares his journey from his Peace Corps service in Nicaragua to founding MasayaCo, and how the company grew into a full ecosystem that now includes Masaya Homes and Masaya Teak, and what it really takes to build a values-led business.

We talk about: ✔ Reforestation, regenerative design, and vertical integration ✔ The realities of supply chain control and staying mission-aligned ✔ What helped MasayaCo become a Top Rated brand ✔ Why long-term thinking and transparency are so important

🎧 Members-only bonus: Aram reflects on the challenges of leading a mission-driven business, how he manages difficult trade-offs, and what he believes needs to shift in our culture of overconsumption. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA

Important Links

• See MasayaCo's Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/masayaco/
• Visit MasayaCo (affiliate link): https://www.sustainablejungle.com/masayaco-brand-rating/
• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter
• Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-75/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DQJ1jKhnlqg
• Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/?rating%5B%5D=any
• SJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablejungle/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe wherever you listen
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption

Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚

We’re continuing our new chapter of the Sustainable Jungle Podcast—where we dive into the real stories behind the brands we’ve rated on their sustainability efforts.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Roberge, co-founder of The Kind Pet— the first online marketplace devoted exclusively to sustainable pet products—and co-owner of Boba & Vespa - a plastic-free, zero-waste pet toy brand made in the USA that was recently Top Rated by Sustainable Jungle. Jennifer shares how her passion for conscious consumerism and animal welfare led her to launch The Kind Pet. We explore her journey from founding the retail platform to acquiring Boba & Vespa.

We talk about:

• What makes a more sustainable pet brand
• Why circularity and end-of-life design matter
• How to build trust in an industry full of greenwashing
• The challenges—and rewards—of staying true to your mission

🎧 Members-only bonus: In our extended conversation, Jennifer opens up about the personal challenges of running a mission-driven business, tough trade-offs, and what it really takes to keep moving forward. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA

Important Links

• See The Kind Pet Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/the-kind-pet/
• Visit The Kind Pet: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/the-kind-pet-brand-rating-review/
• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter
• Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-74/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hwFIi3V_Jtg

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe wherever you listen
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption

Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚