Feature Image by @baggu
We don’t always associate shopping with the environment, but fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world.
Unfortunately, the garment industry fuels the global climate crisis in every stage of production. The textile business uses thousands of gallons of water during the manufacturing process, and after it’s used and polluted, the water is put back into our oceans. The production process involved in making our favorite dresses emits CO2 and greenhouse gasses, and then the transportation process of getting the clothes from point A to point B also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
After we’ve outgrown the trends of the season, most of our old clothes end up in landfills, taking decades to degrade. Luckily, plenty of major players in the fashion industry are hiking up efforts to be more eco-friendly. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites so you can shop responsibly!
Reformation
Reformation’s slogan is: “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re #2.” The brand is dedicated to making cute effortless silhouettes for women using eco-friendly fabrics and recycled materials. Reformation works with wet-processing facilities to ensure responsible use of chemicals, water, and energy and has signed on to the 2020 Circular Fashion System Commitment with the goal of recirculating 500,000 garments in the next five years.
Catbird Jewelry
If you haven’t spotted Catbird on Instagram yet, you’ll now notice the pieces are seemingly ubiquitous. The jewelry company, based in New York, is known for their delicate stacking rings and charms. All jewelry is handmade in their Brooklyn studio and ethically sourced from recycled materials and vendors who are equally committed to minimizing the environmental impact of their products.
H&M Conscious
H&M’s conscious collection is all about lessening its environmental impact by using organic cotton or recycled polyester. Plus, the store offers shoppers a discount when they bring in unwanted clothing to be recycled.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher has been a leader when it comes to eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. The label’s green approach to clothing fibers, dyes and finishes, and the ethics throughout the production process saves water while supporting organic farming.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is an activewear company whose motto is: “Don’t make waste, wear it.” All the clothes are made out of recycled materials, including these extra high and four-way stretch leggings. Their signature compressive leggings use fabric made from recycled water bottles.
Baserange
Baserange is a sustainable line of modern women’s basics with clean, easy and timeless silhouettes. The brand uses organic fabrics and sustainable practices to make clothing that will last a lifetime. Not only are their clothes minimalist, but so is their environmental impact!
Cuyana
Cuyana is a clothing and accessory company operating under the philosophy that less is more. Designed for the conscious consumer, sustainability is deeply ingrained in the company’s core values and their products are made from recycled and upcycled materials.
Baggu
Baggu’s mantra says it all: “Bags for people and the planet.” By making cute and affordable bags, the company hopes to reduce our dependence on single-use plastic ones and opt for reusable every time. Their classic totes resemble grocery bags, but instead of being made from plastic or paper, these are 40% recycled nylon sourced from pre-consumer waste.
Levi’s
Levi’s is a household name and a pioneering denim company. The denim industry uses thousands of gallons of water to make the jeans we love, but the designers at Levi’s are committed to cutting back by reusing water during production and creating new finishes that require less water than traditional processes. The brand says that they’ve saved more than 3 billion liters and recycled more than 2 billion liters of water.
People Tree
People Tree is a UK based brand and a pioneer in sustainable Fair Trade fashion. Their collections are affordable and eco-friendly, featuring materials such as Tencel Lyocell, and responsible wool, and organic cotton that’s grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
