Idaho summers are hot. With June just around the corner, I recently went through my closet. I put away my bulky cardigans, big coats, boots, and winter wear. During the warmer season my day to day outfits usually consist of lightweight fabrics like linen, floral prints, and a chunky sandal. Every year I make a habit of shopping the summer sale at a couple of my favorite stores.
Importantly, anytime I add to my clothing collection I make sure I’m only buying quality staples that I will keep for years and years to come. It is a personal goal of mine to avoid fast fashion splurges and trend shopping. It is important to note, the fast fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste, annually. Shockingly, fast fashion items are commonly crafted with toxic dyes, fossil fuel-based fabrics, and microfibers that pollute waterways. Not to mention, this unnecessary waste also makes its way to the landfill or is burned. These are all factors that contribute negatively to the current climate crisis.
Anyone is capable of altering their shopping habits, so I hope that this information motivates you to become a change maker! To start, consider reducing your own footprint by becoming a green consumer. You can fight against fast fashion + climate change by styling yourself with ethically made products, from clothing companies such as, Levi’s, Sézane, Patagonia, Fair Indigo, and Whimsey + Row. These are some of my favorite shops! Other more affordable, yet uber sustainable options include CHNGE, Honest Basics, Dilly Socks, Pact, and Ten Tree, to name a few.
I use the Good On You app regularly, to check the sustainability level of certain brands, get discount codes for green brands, and read about helpful initiatives within the fashion realm. I can't recommend this source enough!
Another great alternative is to use online thrifting sites such as Thread up, Nuuly Resale, or Posh-mark. Often times I use these sites to purchase clothing from some of my favorite brands that fall under the “not good enough” label. To explain, I love the bohemian vibe of Free People, the vintage + funky feel of Urban Outfitter’s, and the relaxed beach babe look that Billabong offers. However, these clothing brands have room for improvement, when it comes to sustainability. These fashion companies have made some progress by using eco-friendly + recycled materials, promoting reusable shopping bags, using LED lighting in stores, and taking some steps to reduce carbon output. Yet, they have the power to do much more.
With this in mind, it is my goal to actively buy from and promote companies that are ethical and conscious about sustainability and green manufacturing. The future of fashion can be circular, but it is critical that empowered individuals do their part. You can educate others and work towards eliminating clothing waste for good! We're in this together!
What is your favorite online thrifting site, or sustainable brand?
Best,
Mykel
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