How Every Essance Purchase Gives Back (+ Ways to Volunteer in Portland)

At Essance, sustainability isn't a buzzword. It's a promise we make to the earth every single day — through the ingredients we choose, the packaging we ship in, and the organizations we put our money behind.

Which is why we give 2% of every purchase to Friends of Trees.

Because beauty that's good for your skin should also be good for the ground beneath your feet.

 

What Is Friends of Trees?

Friends of Trees is a Portland-based nonprofit doing something beautifully simple: bringing people together to plant trees. That's it. That's the mission.

Since 1989, thousands of volunteers have come together every year to plant trees at Friends of Trees events — and together, they've planted more than 1 million trees and native plants. This season alone, Friends of Trees and their volunteers will plant 30,000+ trees and native plants across the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Trees that cool neighborhoods. Trees that clean air and water. Trees that fight climate change one root at a time.

We believe in that mission. And we want every bottle of Essance you buy to be part of it.

 

Why Trees? Why Now?

Think about what a tree actually does.

It shades the street so your neighborhood stays cooler in August. It absorbs the carbon your commute puts into the air. It filters the rainwater before it reaches the river. It gives the birds somewhere to land, the kids somewhere to climb, and all of us somewhere to breathe.

The same earth that gives us the aloe, roses, and botanical oils in our products needs trees to stay healthy. When we protect the forest, we protect everything that grows in it — including the ingredients we depend on.

Giving 2% to Friends of Trees isn't just charity. It's closing the loop.

 

Get Out There: Volunteer Opportunities Near Portland 💚

Sustainability isn't only about what we buy — it's about how we show up for our communities. Whether you love animals, want to feed your neighbors, mentor a kid, or just show up and do something good, Portland has a place for you.

Here's a starting point:

 

🌲 Trees & Green Spaces

Friends of Trees — The easiest way to put roots in the ground. This spring, Friends of Trees needs help in April mulching newly-planted trees and shrubs — and Crew Leader trainings for the next planting season are coming up in Fall 2026. No experience needed. 👉 friendsoftrees.org/volunteer 

Portland Urban Forestry — Talk trees at cultural events and festivals, help with Yard Tree Giveaway events, or put on some work gloves and plant trees in parks. No prior experience is needed at any Urban Forestry events. 👉 portland.gov/trees/volunteering 

Portland Heritage Tree Program — Love Portland history? Volunteer applications are open for 2026, with training on May 16th. Volunteers help nominate, monitor, and protect the city's most significant trees. 👉 Email Parks.Heritagetree@portlandoregon.gov

 

🍽️ Food & Hunger

Oregon Food Bank — One of Portland's most beloved volunteer institutions. Opportunities include packing food at central locations, distributing meals in the community, or advocating for policy change from home — almost every day of the week👉 oregonfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer

Blanchet House — Compassionate volunteers aged 14 and older can serve meals and drinks in the café or sort clothing and prep produce Monday through Saturday at this beloved Old Town institution. 👉 blanchethouse.org/volunteer-in-portland

Meals on Wheels People — Deliver meals to homebound seniors, help alleviate social isolation, make wellness check calls, or help with home projects. A few hours a week makes a world of difference to someone who rarely sees a friendly face. 👉 mowp.org

Feed the Mass — Volunteer to pack and distribute meals to shelters and camps across the city, bringing direct support to Portland's most vulnerable neighbors. 👉 feedthemass.org/volunteer

 

🏠 Housing & Homelessness

Habitat for Humanity Portland Region — Volunteers can participate in construction projects, provide administrative support, or assist in Habitat ReStores to help build affordable homes for families in need. Great for anyone who likes working with their hands. 👉 habitatportlandregion.org

Rose Haven — Assist with direct service (prepping and serving food, assisting guests with monthly shopping visits, cleaning showers, and helping front desk staff) or organizational support (sorting donations, admin tasks, and event planning)  at this day shelter serving women and gender non-conforming folks experiencing homelessness. 👉 rosehaven.org

Family Promise of Metro East — There are volunteer opportunities for every skill set, from writing newsletters to entering data into computer programs — all you need is a passion for helping families and children experiencing homelessness. 👉 familypromise.org

 

📚 Education & Mentorship

SMART Reading (Start Making A Reader Today) — SMART connects volunteers with young students to help improve literacy skills through one-on-one reading sessions. Perfect if you love books and want to share that love with a kid. 👉 smartreading.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest — Mentor a child one-on-one out in the community or encourage your employer to become a workspace partner where kids visit twice a month. 👉 bbbsnw.org

Minds Matter Portland — Support accomplished high school students from low-income communities through SAT/ACT test prep, critical thinking, and math tutoring, or make a three-year commitment to mentoring a sophomore through graduation.  👉 mindsmatter.org/portland

Refugee Care Collective — The mentorship program provides long-term support over the course of one year to families and youth. Adult volunteers in the Portland metro area walk alongside new neighbors as role models and advocates, spending 2–3 hours per week with a junior high or high school student.  👉 refugeecare.org

 

🐾 Animals

Oregon Humane Society — Join a volunteer force of more than 2,000 people who help keep the shelter operating by fostering animals, supporting youth education programs, taking dogs for runs, and more. 👉 oregonhumane.org/volunteer

The Pixie Project — Walk dogs, play with cats, help with cleaning, talk to the public at community events, or transport animals and donations at this beloved local rescue. 👉 pixieproject.org

Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) Team — PAW Team provides veterinary care and essential services to pets of those experiencing homelessness and economic hardship. Volunteers help with veterinary clinics, fundraising, and administrative support. Portlandreloguide 

 

🤝 Community & Catch-All

Hands On Greater Portland — Not sure where to start? Hands On Greater Portland connects volunteers with a wide range of causes, making it easy to find projects that align with your interests, from community cleanups to tutoring children. Browse everything in one place 👉 handsonportland.org  

The Standard Volunteer Expo — Want to meet dozens of nonprofits in person? The 2026 Volunteer Expo takes place Thursday, September 10, from 11am–2pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square. It's Oregon's largest gathering of nonprofits, volunteers, and donors — and it's free.👉 standard.com/volunteer-expo 

Every Purchase Plants a Seed

When you buy Essance, 2% goes directly to Friends of Trees. You don't have to do anything extra. No forms, no opt-ins. It happens automatically with every order.

But we hope you'll go further. Volunteer at a planting. Deliver a meal. Read with a kid. Show up for a neighbor. The world gets better when more of us decide to be part of it.

Because sustainable beauty isn't just about what's on your shelf. It's about the world outside your window.

Together, we grow something that lasts. 🌿

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Want to learn more about Friends of Trees? Visit friendsoftrees.org or follow them on Instagram @friendsoftrees.

 

Thanks for being part of the Essance community,
The Essance Team