In a world full of big corporations and environmental faux-pas, socially conscious eco-lifestyle boxes like Causebox and Earthlove are here to provide you with a subscription box packed full of products that are ethically and sustainably made. Each item is made by artisans and small businesses with the main goal of helping the world become more socially conscious and eco-friendly.
These boxes don’t just stop there. Both are partnered with environmental and humanitarian non-profits and charities, so they definitely practice what they preach! If you want to make better environmental choices and help support creative artists/brands while discovering amazing and trendy products, then Causebox and Earthlove subscription boxes are great options that you should give a try.
Though both boxes have an awesome purpose behind them and are great options, you may not be able to try both. So I tested them out to help you decide which subscription box is best for you and your lifestyle.
Let’s see which box wins this Showdown!
$54.95
- Coupon: Email Sign-up Discount
- Shipping: FREE (U.S.) / $7.95 (U.S. Territories, Alaska, Hawaii, & Canada)
- Countries Shipped To: U.S. & Territories, Canada
- Frequency: Quarterly, Annually
- Referral Program: YES - $15 Credit For Every Friend Referred
- Product Type: Lifestyle
$59.95
- Coupon: $5 OFF With Code LOVETHEEARTH
- Shipping: $4.95 (U.S.), $20 (Canada,) $35 (International)
- Countries Shipped To: U.S., Canada, International
- Frequency: Quarterly, Annually
- Referral Program: YES - $5 Off Box For Every Friend Referred
- Product Type: Lifestyle
The Low-Down On This Showdown
Contender #1:
Causebox
What is Causebox?
Causebox is a lifestyle subscription box focused on building a “community of socially conscious women”. Every product in your Causebox is meant to have a powerful and meaningful story behind it. Products are also cruelty-free, “purposefully, ethically, and sustainably made” and offer vegan options in every box.
What You Get In Your Box
Each quarterly box comes with 6 – 8 seasonally curated products that are ethically made and environmentally conscious. All these items are shipped in a unique artist-designed box.
Types of Boxes
- Seasonal Box – This is the core box that Causebox offers.
- Welcome Box – If you are a new subscriber and the seasonal boxes have sold out, Causebox offers this box that is a replacement of the core box of that season. This box includes products from past boxes, items from the current seasonal box that are community and team favorites and new exclusive items from highly reviewed companies that Causebox is partnered with. You can expect the same value ($200+ worth of products) from this box, as you would from the seasonal box.
- Intro Box – This is a mini Causebox and similar to the Welcome Box. It just includes less items, so you can get this box at a discounted rate of $24.95 and a $100+ value. This box is delivered in a “vintage” Causebox design from previous boxes. This is a good option if the seasonal boxes are sold out and you want get a taste of what Causebox offers.
*Note: If seasonal boxes are sold out and you order either a Welcome Box or Intro Box, you will automatically be able to reserve the next season’s core box.
Price
- $54.95 – Quarterly subscription
- $199.80 – Annual subscription. You save $5 off each box, if going with this option. This subscription includes boxes for all four seasons. So you will receive a quarterly box for the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons.
- $24.95 – Intro Box (if quarterly subscription is sold out)
Shipping is free for the Contiguous U.S., but there is a $7.95 shipping fee for subscribers who live in Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories, or Canada.
Pre-Paid Frequency Options
- Quarterly
- Annually
Referral Program
For every friend you refer to Causebox, they get $10 and you get $15 towards your box.
Other Cool Features
- The Causebox Add-On Market. At the beginning of each season, subscribers will gain access to this exclusive program. The Add-On Market offers over 300 seasonally curated products with a discount of up to 70% off! The Add-On Market opens up for a limited time and items are said to sell out quickly. Also, keep in mind that despite it being called “Add-On Market”, items purchased are not shipped with your box.
- Causebox Custom allows annual subscribers to customize items in your upcoming boxes. As an annual subscriber, you are offered a handful of “choice products” that you can select the style, color, and types of items you would like to receive. An example from this Fall 2020 box was the choice between either a mint or charcoal bathrobe or towel set of the same color. If you are a quarterly subscriber, the Causebox team just chooses for you.
- You can get Causebox spoilers and read about all the items in your current box by going to the “Look Inside” section of your account. You can also check out Causebox’s insta to see box reveals if you can’t wait to see what’s inside your box.
Contender #2:
Earthlove
What is Earthlove?
Earthlove is a holistic eco-lifestyle box that sources products that are “ethically and environmentally responsible, including zero waste packaging, natural ingredients, cruelty-free, organic and non-GMO, gluten-free, beegan/vegan, and fair-trade”.
What You Get In Your Box
Every Earthlove box comes with 6 – 8 full size eco-friendly products, a book, and a guide of tips to lead a sustainable life. The types of products you can receive may be wildcrafting, teas, snacks, wellness, aromatherapy, beauty, home decor, apparel, accessories, etc.
Types Of Boxes
- Beegan Box: This is the core Earthlove box. “Beegan” just means that every product is vegan except for “bee and insect products sourced from ethical farmers” including Earthlove’s own farm.
- Vegan Box: This is the vegan product only box. There isn’t much difference, you just wouldn’t receive the “beegan” products.
Price
- $59.95 + $4.95 / Shipping – Quarterly subscription
- $239.80 – Annual subscription. You save $4.95 off each box by getting free shipping on each box renewal. This subscription includes boxes for all four seasons. So you will receive a quarterly box for the winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Shipping is free with an annual subscription. Also, Canadian and International subscribers may be subject to GST taxes and custom fees on your boxes.
Pre-Paid Frequency Options
- Quarterly
- Annually
Referral Program
Get $5 for every friend that you refer to Earthlove.
Other Cool Features
- If you’d like more control over items that you want in your box, Earthlove offers a “Build Your Own Box” option where you can choose all items to build the Earthlove box you want. There are special discounts off retail price the more items you add. More details here.
- Offers carbon neutral shipping through Cloverly for a $1 extra on the shipping cost.
- Offers a one time gift option of the current seasonal box for $65.00.
ROUND 1
Sign-Up & Cancelling
In this first round, I’m going to compare the sign-up and canceling process for both Causebox and Earthlove. Although I didn’t have any major issues in this round, one of the box’s shipping time was where things got iffy.
CAUSEBOX
Signing up with Causebox was the easy part. No problems there. But as time went by and I had already received my box from Earthlove, I was becoming concerned that I hadn’t got my Causebox yet. I ordered my Causebox on August 22 and didn’t actually end up receiving it until October 15th.
At the beginning, I didn’t quite understand how the shipping works with boxes like Causebox. It’s like a reservation or pre-order system. You sign up and pay for the next upcoming season’s box and they start sending out everyone’s boxes on a rolling basis when that season starts.
They state in their shipping timeline FAQ that each season’s boxes start shipping the 1st of the corresponding seasonal months (March, June, September, and December). Except, I still didn’t get my box until October when I pre-ordered way before the season’s cut off time.
The other annoying thing is that you don’t get an actual concrete status update on your box until it’s ready to ship, so I was essentially in limbo until right before my box shipped. So going into this, please be aware of how long it may take to get your Causebox.
As far as the canceling/returning process, you can choose to pause or cancel your Causebox. Pausing will skip one box. If you have an annual subscription, you can pause the next season’s box and that will extend your annual subscription so you still get your 4 boxes for the year.
When canceling, make sure to do so before your renewal date. Even though there is no cancellation fee, if your subscription gets renewed and you cancel after, you will still receive that box and that’s non-refundable.
This also goes for the annual subscription. If you decide to cancel after 2 boxes, you will still be sent your last 2 boxes and won’t be refunded the annual price paid. Canceling just prevents your subscription from being renewed after that.
If you cancel to take a break from Causebox, you can always reactivate your account when you’re ready to come back.
Causebox doesn’t offer returns or exchanges on boxes or Market purchases, but if you receive a damaged product you can always email customer service.
EARTHLOVE
The sign-up was easy for Earthlove as well. As far as shipping, even though Earthlove is a seasonal box like Causebox, I ordered on August 22nd and received it on September 19th. A whole month before my Causebox. I honestly don’t know why Earthlove’s shipping is so different, but I ain’t complaining!
Moving on to the canceling/returning process, if wanting to cancel make sure to cancel before the renewal date, as purchases are nonrefundable. They do offer a 3-day grace period when your subscription renews if you forget to cancel. Also, if you have an annual subscription, canceling doesn’t cancel your remaining boxes and you aren’t refunded what’s left of your annual subscription cost. If you receive a damaged or missing product, you can contact customer service.
*Remember to get your $5 credit with code LOVETHEEARTH if you’d like to try out Earthlove!
Winner: Earthlove
I just wasn’t feeling the shipping time of my first box with Causebox. I’m sure this is normal for most new subscribers, but was an annoying issue for an anxious person like me.
ROUND 2
Value & Quality
I got the Fall 2020 box for both Causebox and Earthlove. Neither one of the boxes screamed “autumn” to me, but I still enjoyed many items that I received in each box. There was one box though that had more useful products for me.
CAUSEBOX
Here’s what was inside my Fall 2020 Causebox:
With Causebox, annual members can choose which products they want within each grouping. I didn’t sign up as an annual member, so my choices were made for me at random and those items are in bold.
- Causebox Fall 2020 Magazine
This magazine comes in every box and is complete with an editor’s note, what’s inside your box and background on each item, interviews with women in the Causebox community, and the backstory of the artist who designs the art for the current season’s box. - Core Bamboo Serve Set (retail $35)
This set came in every box. It’s nice to add some more kitchen accessories, but not sure how often I’d use this set. - Way of Will Brightening Face Serum (retail $37.50)
This serum came in every box as well and is rich in vitamins A and C and is meant to hydrate your skin. I loved this serum so much that I use it in my daily skincare routine now. I enjoy the smell of it and the moisture it gives to my skin. - Bathen Waffle Robe or Waffle Towel Set in either Mint or Charcoal color (retail $90)
I got the robe in the charcoal color. I believe this robe is supposed to be “one size fits all”, but as a plus-size gal this robe didn’t fit right. My goodies were on full display, so not entirely functional for me. This was an example of why it would’ve been better to be an annual member so I could’ve chosen the towel set instead. - Artisan Direct Milky Way Lantern or Tease Tea Glass 3-in-1 Tea & Fruit Tumbler (retail $40 or $39)
This lantern was too cute! I added a small candle and it lit up the wall and dresser in little stars. It didn’t get hot to the touch either. - Tribe Alive Rose Gold Criss Cross Cuff, Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel, or Volim Love Scrub (retail $42, $39, or $56)
This bracelet cuff was one size fits all that can be adjusted to your wrist size. I love rose gold, so I really liked the style of this bracelet and i’m sure this will go into my daily jewelry rotation. - The Green Co. Set of 10 Reusable Facial Rounds or *Buzzy Seeds Basil Grow Kit (retail $10)
These facial rounds are meant to be washed and reused. I tested these by simply wetting with water to remove my makeup. I then used one of my disposable makeup remover wipes to see if it missed anything. Much to my surprise there was nothing left. So these did a great job taking my makeup off!
Total Retail Value= $254.50
Apart from the robe not fitting, which was a bit expected *sad shrug*, I had no other quality issues. And here’s that awesome lantern in all its magical glory.
EARTHLOVE
Here’s what was inside my Fall 2020 Earthlove box:
- Earthlove Autumn 2020 Magazine
This magazine came with a note from Serina (Earthlove’s founder), background info on every item in the box, as well as an in-depth interview with some of the makers of the products in the box. It also includes a “Featured Cause” and “Seasonal Eco Challenge” to take part of. - “In The Moment”. Book of the Season (retail $16)
This season’s book theme was voted on by the Earthlove community. It contains 365 unique prompts to “encourage self-reflection, creative engagement, and appreciation for ordinary moments”. It also doubles as a journal to fill in writing prompts, space to draw, and suggested activities to take part in. - SKRP Reclaimed Serving Board (retail $85)
This serving board is handcrafted by the founder of SKRP in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It’s made of 100% reclaimed skateboard decks and sustainably sourced Canadian maple. - Spirit Wild Farm Wildcrafted Bath Salts (retail $24)
This is also a community item pick. This bath soak was handcrafted on the Earthlove farm and is filled with a handful of wildflowers, salts, and essential oils. Can also be used as a foot or hand soak instead for the “shower-ers” out there! This bath soak smelled AMAZING! - SOULMUCH Upcycled Vegan Birthday Cookie (retail $2.50)
This cookie was made special for Earthlove’s 2nd birthday. SOULMUCH gathers leftover rice and quinoa from local businesses and uses it in their flour blend to create this upcycled cookie. The cookie also comes packaged in a biodegradable cellophane called cellulose, that can easily breakdown in the compost. Although I loved the company’s mission, the cookie was but a bit dense and a little too dry for me. - Green Goo Pain Relief (retail $8)
This salve is a natural and organic balm that contains the herb arnica, ginger and peppermint oils, to help soothe sore muscles or aches and pains. - Gemstone Organic Gem Juice Hydrosol (retail $24)
This aromatic water spray was handmade by the creator of Gemstone Organic and infused with essential oils and leaves and trimmings from sacred trees. There’s also an amethyst stone and clear crystal point stone in the bottle. It is made to heal the skin, clean the air, and purify energy. It smelled of a calming walk in the forest. - Earthlove Pot Scrubber (retail $10)
This pot scrubber is made of organic bamboo and natural sisal fibre. Just dip in vinegar to disinfect if you’d like. Also, when it’s time to toss, the whole scrubber can be composted! - Big Heart Tea Co Organic Herbal Tea (retail $9)
This loose leaf tea is a mix of herbal turmeric, peppercorn, and ginger. This tea is a great anti-inflammatory and great for strengthening the immune system. Better yet, the box the tea comes in is completely recyclable and the tea bag is compostable. - True Moringa Lip Whip (retail $16)
This hydrating lip balm is 100% all-natural and vegan. It is made from cold-pressed moringa, cocoa butter, and peppermint oil. This gave my dry lips a nice, light moisturizing sheer.
Total Retail Value = $194.50
If I would’ve opted for the vegan box instead of the “beegan” box, I would’ve received a massage oil roller instead of the Green Goo Pain Relief Salve.
There were no quality issues with this Earthlove box and the value was pretty good.
Overall, it seemed like this box was big on self care and soothing aches and pains. I think there was a good mix of items that are easy to use in my everyday life, and things that were new and interesting to me that i’d never heard of.
I probably couldn’t see myself buying these items separately if I wouldn’t have received them in the box, so it was nice to try these items. That’s why I love subscription boxes like these so much.
Winner: Causebox
This was a very difficult round. Earthlove stood out for quality and also came with more items, but I didn’t use as many products in this box as I did with Causebox. Therefore, Causebox has the better value for me personally, but this will depend on the types of products that YOU would use. Causebox was also cheaper.
ROUND 3
Overall Experience
Overall, I enjoyed both boxes. I got some interesting and unique products, some of which became favorites of mine. There were things I really liked, and other things that weren’t so great.
CAUSEBOX
Things I Liked:
- The magazine added a personal connection to the box by providing the background on every item in the box.
- Free shipping.
- More items I would personally use.
- Discovered new products that became some personal favorites.
- Trendy items that are easy to add into lifestyle.
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Shipping was too long from when I purchased. It’s sort of like a “reservation” system. You purchase at the beginning of the season and boxes ship out on a rolling basis once the season starts.
- Only annual members can choose between items.
EARTHLOVE
Things I Liked:
- The magazine gave detailed info on every item in the box, which was great for eco-newbies like me.
- The magazine also offered interviews with the actual creators of the products I would be using. This gave a nice personal connection to the box and made it feel curated with a purpose.
- Offers both “beegan” and vegan options.
- Items seemed more unique and niche.
- Shipping was fast once the season’s boxes were shipped.
Things I Didn’t Like:
- Was the more expensive box out of the two.
- Had to pay for shipping.
- A lot of items weren’t as useful for my lifestyle.
Winner: Causebox
Overall, I enjoyed my Causebox just a bit more and can see myself continuing this subscription.
VERDICT
Worth It?
So, after trying both Causebox and Earthlove, which box would I recommend?
CAUSEBOX
Would I try again: Yes
Bottom Line: This box had trendy items that were great for those who are new to the socially conscious lifestyle.
EARTHLOVE
Would I try again: No
Bottom Line: This box seems to be more for those who are well into their eco-lifestyle already.
Overall Winner: Causebox
Let me know which socially and eco-conscious lifestyle subscription you would go with in the comments! And as always, please follow me on my social media channels. I’d love to connect with you!
Have you checked out the ultimate list of 10 Best Escape Room & Mystery Puzzle subscription boxes?
*Disclaimer: My opinion of these products are always 100% truthful! The views/opinions expressed on this post are that of my own, derived from my own personal research and in no way is meant to be a negative or defamatory reflection on any company mentioned herein. Also, my experience may differ from yours.
