Why does this matter
Making clothing is easier (read: cheaper) if a company doesn't care about the environment
Cheaper practices are considered normal, even though they include:
SO MUCH PLASTIC in the packaging and in the products themselves
Investing less into workers in terms of low pay and poor working conditions
Damaging surrounding environment with waste products and CO2 emissions
We, employed consumers, can keep an eye on where we spend our money and there's power in that!
What to look for
Homepage content
Specific part of the website dedicated to transparency
Under the menu, or at the bottom of the website
There will usually be a section entitled "Sustainability", or something along the lines of stewardship and giving back to the community
Clear highlights on product pages
Reviews on (other ;) ) sustainability-focused blogs such as Ecocult and Good Trade
Boxes to Check
Materials used, such as:
Organic
Recycled/Repurposed
Non-plastic
Where the materials came from
How the product was made
Shipping specifications
Secondary actions to benefit the environment
1% for the Planet → Companies commit to donating 1% of gross sales to major environmental nonprofit
Carbon Offsets → Taking action that takes away the CO2 produced by manufacturing the product (ex. Planting trees)
Other nonprofit partnerships
What if a company checks some of the boxes, but not all
Some companies have 1 specific focus rather than many across the board, which is very understandable and arguably normal business practice! But be cautious of greenwashing
"Greenwashing" is defined as giving a false representation of being environmentally conscious
Usually, this is when companies use buzzwords like “reusable energy” or “... by 2030” but don’t necessarily go into depth about the specifics (what reusable energy do they use? How are they going to accomplish their goals by said year?)
Look out for the red flag of hypocritical practices
Sure, they have reusable energy, but are they conscious of their packaging?
If they donate to a nonprofit, do they make conscious choices about how their products are produced and how they treat their workers?
When in doubt, second hand!*
Second hand stores and hand-me-downs are always a safe bet when it comes to sustainability, no matter what the brand is!
This saves clothing from a landfill -- and how a product is disposed is just as important as how the product is made
*or make your own!
Some of my personal faves
Patagonia >> The OG champions of sustainable clothing
Everlane >> Higher-end clothing, but still for a good price
Pact >> Little bit of everything
Tentree >> Little more of everything
Outerknown >> Loungewear by pro surfer Kelly Slater
Waterlust >> Athletic wear to support ocean conservation
Girlfriend Collective >> Well-rounded athletic wear
Nisolo >> Shoes should be sustainable too!
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