Marley’s Monsters
brand rating & evaluation
overall rating:
Conscious
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice). See How We Rate
The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:
certifications:
learn more about these certifications*
overview
sustainability
non-toxic
social responsibility
7.2 out of 10
7 out of 10
7.7 out of 10
about
Marley’s Monsters is a U.S. brand producing reusable household textiles and personal care goods.
highlights
Plastic-free shipping
Zero-waste production
Woman-owned
FSC Certified
sustainability
score:
7.2 out of 10
details:
Packaging
All orders ship 100% plastic-free, using recyclable paper-based materials. They use paper tape instead of plastic tape, and product packaging is minimal: items are bundled with FSC-certified 100% recycled cardstock labels printed in acid-free ink. The brand also operates a brick-and-mortar “Eco-Shop” where customers can buy products package-free using their own containers
Material Sustainability
Marley’s Monsters primarily uses renewable fibers in its products. Our material analysis showed a strong reliance on plant-based fibers (cotton, linen, wood) and only limited use of synthetics where necessary (polyester thread in stitching, PUL for waterproofing, a small amount of polyester fleece in some dusters). Marley’s Monsters also offers organic cotton options (e.g. organic UNpaper towels and napkins), indicating a move toward sustainably grown fibers without pesticide and fertilizer impacts.
The brand states it “strives to source natural and sustainable materials for all products” and uses the best available option when a fully natural material isn’t feasible. This is evident in the bowl covers: while a plastic-based PUL liner is used for function, it is BPA-free, food-safe, and extends the product’s life tremendously.
Energy Use and Footprint
As a small business with local production, the brand inherently avoids some carbon-intensive practices common in larger companies. However, Marley’s Monsters has not publicly disclosed data on its energy sources or carbon footprint, nor announced targets like carbon neutrality.
Waste Management
In manufacturing, the brand has implemented an impressive zero-waste approach: they use fabric extremely efficiently and find creative uses for every scrap. Core products are designed with rounded corners to reduce cutting waste, and products are often sized to maximize fabric usage. Any scraps generated are either turned into new products or donated to be upcycled elsewhere. For example, Marley’s Monsters takes the small off-cuts from making UNpaper Towels and Napkins and stitches them into Washable Dusters and other items. They even earned an Arts & Business Partnership Award (2020) for their successful collaboration to reduce scrap waste via upcycling.
Business Model
Marley’s Monsters’ business model encourages slow, conscious consumption rather than fast-paced, disposable consumerism. They focus on selling a core range of evergreen reusable products that help customers waste less. Unlike fast-fashion or trend-driven companies, Marley’s Monsters does not churn out radically new product lines each month. Their main offerings (UNpaper Towels, cloth wipes, napkins, etc.) are staples that remain available year-round. Evidence of Marley’s Monsters’ focus on durability and longevity is strong.
They do run promotions and seasonal sales occasionally (e.g. a Fall collection of seasonal prints, or holiday-themed bundles), but these are limited enhancements rather than a full pivot.
non-toxic
score:
7 out of 10
details:
The materials used (cotton, linen, wood, etc.) are inherently free of many toxic substances found in synthetic products (e.g. no PVC, no formaldehyde-laden wrinkle treatments on their fabrics, no flame retardants). Likewise, their soap and personal care products (sold in their store) are labeled vegan and free of sulfates/parabens.
Marley’s Monsters does source organic cotton for some products, which reduces toxic residues, but not all their cotton is organic. The brightly colored prints on fabrics likely use fiber-reactive dyes common in the textile industry; these are generally low-toxicity when properly washed out, but without certifications we cannot be sure the dyes are free of all harmful amines or heavy metals.
social responsibility
score:
7.7 out of 10
details:
Marley’s Monsters shows a strong commitment to fair labor practices, particularly within its own operations, which are local and transparent. The company is woman-owned and locally operated with over 70 employees in Eugene, Oregon. They carefully vet third-party products/vendors to align with their values, though the specifics of labor conditions at raw material suppliers are not fully disclosed.
The entire product line is 100% plant-based (made from bamboo) with no animal-derived ingredients. This means the toilet paper is vegan by composition.
The brand has woven community support, charitable partnerships, and advocacy into its corporate fabric in a sustained way. Locally, Marley’s Monsters is deeply involved in the Eugene/Lane County community: they donate materials (fabric scraps) to local creative reuse organizations. This is not a one-off donation; it’s an ongoing program to ensure their waste becomes someone else’s resource.
Furthermore, Marley’s Monsters actively works with community-focused nonprofits. Their partnership with the Pearl Buck Center (a nonprofit assisting individuals with developmental disabilities) provided job training and employment. They have also been part of the BRING Rethink program (a community program for sustainable businesses).
