Spotlight on Sustainable Brands
source: emotive brand
Second to the oil industry, the fashion and clothing industry creates the most harm to our environment. The issue of fast fashion that is created using immoral and deadly work practices and tactics that do immense harm to our planet goes far beyond any one person or consumer and is an issue that ties into social media, racism, and many other societal issues that our world is facing. However, just because the pressure to fix and change these awful practices is on big companies (*cough* Jeff Bezos*cough*) that doesn’t mean that consumers should be complacent in the places that they chose to shop. Shopping secondhand and from brands that use sustainable practices is a way of voting with your dollar (which is kind of a classist statement, but that's a topic for another day) and making a personal effort to better this earth.
Before I get into talking about these phenomenal brands I want to give a short disclaimer and reminder that the culture of sustainability, specifically in fashion, but in all facets is racist, sexist, and classist. The pressure to do good deeds for our planet is disproportionately on women, Best Dressed discussed this in a video once, but women are expected to boil silicone cups that once held their period blood to be good samaritans to the planet but men are hardly ever held to those same sustainability standards. This issue also relates to fashion as there is a far larger number of sustainable stores that are marketed towards women than men (not that clothing has a gender, but from a conventional point of view.) Further, sustainable brands often have wildly high pricing, along with many other sustainable options people are told to choose, like living plant-based, zero waste, etc. I wrote a whole op-ed on this issue, so you can read that here.
I want to first shout out to The Good Trade, I found pretty much every single one of the brands I’m talking about today on their fabulous website.
Second, I want to shout out to ThredUp. If you know me you know I love ThredUp, and before I would ever go to one of these wonderful brands' websites to look for a clothing item, I would ALWAYS look on Thred Up first, the price range is amazing and the clothes are often good as new. However, if you are looking for something super specific, or a little more luxury, all of the websites listed below'll be your best bet.
1. Intimates: Swedish Eco: https://www.swedisheco.com
I know, Intimates is kinda a scary word, but hey at least it's not panties. It’s so easy to pick up underwear in bulk from the store, but usually, those products aren't good for your body, OR the environment. Swedish Eco sells great basics at a fair price made out of organic cotton.
2. Denim: Levis: https://www.secondhand.levi.com
The tried and true denim brand sells the most versatile and flattering jean cuts that last forever. They have pledged to make an effort to work towards environmentally conscious practices and have instructions on the inside of their products about how to make your jeans last the longest and how to care for denim in the most environmentally sensible way. Decreasing consumerism is a huge step one can take towards sustainability. They also have a Levis secondhand branch, with basically brand new jeans, at a reduced price.
3. Dresses: Reformation: https://www.thereformation.com
I didn't want to talk about Reformation, I mean everybody knows them, almost to the point of obnoxiousness. But their dresses are just SO CUTE, and I mean, they make you feel like a high-class fairy who cares about the planet, what's not to love.
4. Outerwear: Patagonia: https://www.patagonia.com/home/
I mean bougie outdoor gear, if you are a fashion and planet-loving person Patagonia is kind of a dream come true. They sell used gear and are on a path to becoming zero waste. Their items are also super high quality. Further, they have a self-imposed 1% earth tax, where they give 1% of their income to environmental nonprofits. Overall, an incredible brand to support.
5. Workout clothes: Pact: https://wearpact.com
Who doesn't love a cute workout set, even if you're not planning on working out there really is nothing better than feeling cute and comfy, which is where Pact comes in. With 100% cotton products made with fair trade practices and carbon offset shipping Pact works for the planet every step of the way.
6. Jewelry: Ten Thousand Villages: https://www.tenthousandvillages.com
Handmade jewelry, at a fair price, with something on their site for everybodys taste, Ten Thousand Villages is a brand you can feel great supporting and even better wearing.
7. Shoes: Able: https://www.livefashionable.com/collections/sneakers
With a mission of empowering women and paying fair wages, Able recycles, handmakes their items, and eliminates items and practices that are poor for the environment. Supporting Able’s cause makes you feel good about spending your money. Their shoes are minimal, functional, and gorgeous, with a bit of a high price point, but for good reason.
This earth month and every month is a chance to shop sustainably and make active choices to help our environment. I have hope in our generation to do good for our planet, but we all need to be willing to make a change and put in the work every day to make the best decisions we can for our environment. As with everything in life, environmentalism isn't about being perfect, it's about trying.
