Our Origins

Grow and Make was founded in 2008 in Portland Oregon (a hub of sustainable living) by Will Johnston and Clay Anderson , who were seeking more practical and informed ways to live sustainably. 100 Years ago people would grow and make most of their required needs for day to day living. In our modern world we have moved away from growing and making, and instead consume rather blindly without thought as to how products are manufactured, arrive in our homes or the longevity and reusability of a product.

The founders of Grow and Make set out based on the premise that for greater adoption of sustainable living practices to take place, consumers need insight into what makes a product truly sustainable. From the manufacturing process and delivery to your door step, to the expected life-span and recyclability we help consumers to make decisions which are of greater value and more environmentally sound . We also set out to make living sustainably a more practical, convenient and accessible prospect for the average individual, family or business.

With this in mind, Grow and Make searches the world for products, resources and information to help individuals, businesses and communities to make more sustainable choices. We find products which we believe in and then share our belief, ideas and insights with you regarding these products. We also work to foster a community for learning and growth around sustainability topics.

Our Mission

To find sustainable products and solutions that we believe in and share with the world our passion for these products and insights for their use. We are focused on gaining a deep understanding of the products and solutions which can have the greatest impact on an individual level or on a global level and telling our visitors about them. We don't intend to carry every sustainable product, but only the ones which we believe in and can endorse. We always seek out the greenest sourcing and fulfillment options, to ensure that receiving any product you order has a minimal environmental impact.

Our Criteria

We use a five criteria rating system to determine if a product is appropriate for us to sell. These criteria are 1. Value (has value in terms of ROI), 2. Efficiency (creates some measureable improved efficiency of significance), 3. Quality (won't end up in a land-fill in the next six months), 4. Green Source ready (ships directly), 5. Manufactured in a sustainable manner.

Our Team

We have in-house product experts for a range of categories, who answer your questions, write articles, rank and review products as well as search for new and promising sustainable solutions. We are committed to creating the best customer experience possible for those who learn from or purchase products at Grow and Make.

Our Advisory Board

Denis Concordel - Entrepreneur and Silicon Valley Insider
Patrick Garry - Sustainable Living Guru

Our belief in our mission provides passion for everything we do at Grow and Make.

We stand behind everything you read or purchase on our site and we look forward to hearing your feedback and ideas.

Thank You!

The Grow and Make Team