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Writer's pictureCarley Ives

Sustainable Shopping

Updated: Aug 27, 2019

I'm back and better than ever.


I updated this website a lil bit because I want to turn this into a place where I can educate others on why/where to shop sustainably. Maybe someday it'll become a site where other reliable sources can join me and post on this page as well, sharing what they know about sustainable living... idk. But for now, I hope you will be able to join me for this new chapter and try to reduce your own carbon footprint!


Okay so after my last post I had a few people reach out to me asking where they can shop and what brands have sustainable practices. Well look no further, this is the post where I give you some sustainable options that won't break the bank. Fast fashion is often chosen over companies with ethical practices, but some of these options cater to all price ranges. (I also plan to update this when I find new stores so check back teehee)


Some things to keep in mind when seeing if your favorite store is ethical:

  1. Does their website list the factories their clothing is made in? If not.. chances are they are hiding it for a reason. They are most likely located in third world countries where the workers are not getting paid fairly and are constructing these clothes in horrendous conditions.

  2. What material are these clothes made out of? Stay away from synthetics!!! Cellulose fibers are more often than not, some of the best options if you are shopping at not the most sustainable of companies. These fibers come from plants, bark, wood and leaves so they aren't using harsh chemicals like synthetic fabrics do. Cotton, Linen, Ramie, Hemp and Lyocell are some of the best fabrics for our environment that you should keep an eye out for when shopping. But other cellulose fibers consist of Rayon, Acetate, Flax and Triacetate. Bottom line is, READ THE LABELS ON YOUR CLOTHING!

  3. Is this company transparent? Are they public about audits that they have, the fibers they use, the method in which they make these clothes? These are all things to consider and research before shopping somewhere.

  4. Do they use harsh dyes and chemicals? These are not only bad for the environment but for our skin as well. Do they use pesticides, preservatives or chemical dyes? Stay clear of those who do.

  5. What do they do with their waste? Does this company have recycling programs? Are they open about where the unsold product goes? Hopefully the answer is yes and you aren't shopping anywhere where everything get tossed in a landfill.


1. Second-hand/thrift stores

  • One of the best ways to give back to the earth is by buying what is already on it. Thrift stores are the best way to make somebody else's trash your own treasure! While Goodwill is always a good option if you have the time, I suggest going to more curated consignment stores so you can find some truly unique finds (Plus it saves you hours digging through the racks). Although if you don't live in an area where other thrift stores are available, here are some of my favorite online ones.

  1. Depop.com - A trendy app to buy and SELL tons of unique garments.

  2. Poshmark.com - This site has a little bit of everything, from home decor to evening gowns this is a one stop shop for any age range.

  3. TheRealReal.com - Luxury consignment store with hand curated, designer pieces for half the cost!

  4. ThreadUP.com - SUPER affordable clothing from all of your favorite retailers.

 

2. Vetta Capsule

  • I came across this website when I was searching for a very specific grey blazer dress for my birthday and it has honestly been a blessing ever since. They basically create mini capsules including 5 different versatile designs that can all be worn together and in different ways. Each capsule supplies you with a month full of different outfits everyday. It is not the cheapest option but I really wanted to share what this company is doing!

  • Now what I find most interesting about this company is that some pieces have zippers at the sleeves, detachable turtlenecks, and a basic tee that can be worn front or back as a v-neck or scoop-neck, etc. to create an endless amount of looks. For example, the grey blazer dress that I purchased has DETACHABLE SLEEVES! I was so blown away by this concept and think it is an amazing way to get more use out of each garment.

  • Not to mention all of their fabric is sustainable, made in responsible factories. Their factories get about 70% of their energy through solar power! Also, the dress I purchased was made from dead-stock fabric. That is basically excess fabric from another company that was about to get thrown away, so it is in limited quantities, but an amazing ethical option. Use what this earth already gives us!!!

  • Shop it here: VettaCapsule !!



 

3. Everlane

This store is great if you're someone who loves dressing up basics. The best way to do that is have a few staple, well made, clothes that you can pair hundreds of different ways for years to come. Again, not the cheapest option. But Everlane is one of the best examples of radical transparency that I have ever seen. They list every factory and the workers in them. You get the percentages of fibers in each garment and there is no bullsh*t.

The more you notice the companies who are giving out all of this information, the more you should wonder why other companies are hiding it.
  • They also did a plastic campaign and made about 8 different kinds of winter wear out of recycled plastic. Everlane is dedicated to not having any virgin plastic in their company worldwide by 2020. #nonewplastic

 

4. PAct

  • This company is very affordable. They sell everything from womens workout gear, to mens dress shirts, to clothes for your newborn.

  • Everything that this company makes is made from 100% organic cotton. No toxic dyes or chemicals that are harsh on your skin. (A reason why its one of the best companies for baby clothing) (As well as adult clothing don't get me wrong here).

  • They are also fair trade certified! Meaning they put their workers first and protect the people that make their clothes.




Keep an eye out for this logo! This means the company believes in workers compensation and that everyone should be treated equal.








5. ASOS


Now this one might surprise anyone who's browsed their site and saw the $8 100% Polyester tube tops. BUT I was checking a few sites to do some online shopping and I saw that this website added a "Responsible Edit" tab and filter for when you're scrolling through garments!


  • Responsible Edit: This is a place that curates everything sustainable on their website and puts it into one place! For the loving convenience of those who think shopping ethically is too much work. They have recycled pieces and vintage pieces as well as educating their shoppers on sustainable fabrics. Most fabrics in this section use less water and exert much less waste in doing so.

I am not sure if more companies have this but if anyone sees any that do SEND THEM MY WAY! I am learning more everyday until I die.

6. Uncle Studios


Theres this blogger/youtuber, Allegra Shaw and honestly I owe my life to her. She got me interested in sustainable fashion, so much that I decided to also start a blog.

Anyways, she is a badass and has this clothing line that makes super simple yet trendy pieces AND I just felt like I needed to include it.

A big thing I've noticed about Uncle is that they use DEADSTOCK fabric! A lot of companies do, so make sure to keep an eye out for it. This is great for the environment because although it might not be the most responsibly sourced material, it was already made and we can do our best by using what they were about to THROW AWAY.

Deadstock Fabric: rolls of textiles and fabric leftover after a mass production run.








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