Want to know how to shop sustainably? I’ve rounded up my best tips to shop in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly way.
Shop Less
The less we shop, the less we waste and the less we pollute. Of course, this also has the lovely side effect of saving us money. Who doesn’t like that?
By reducing the number of purchases we make, we can minimize our environmental impact and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need the item and consider alternative solutions like borrowing or renting.
Question Yourself
Before adding new items to your wardrobe, ask yourself a series of questions. Do you really need that new bag, coat, or shirt? Do you have something similar already? Can you think of at least three ways to wear the piece? Do you plan to keep it for more than six months? By critically evaluating your purchases, you can avoid unnecessary consumption and make more conscious choices.
Another thing I like to do is wait 24 hours. If you’re still wanting something in your shopping cart after 24 hours, that’s a sign it may fill a need in your wardrobe.
Shop Thrift and Consignment
If you’re comfortable with thrift and consignment shopping, this is a great way to extend the life cycle of clothing and other items. Thrift stores and consignment shops offer pre-loved items at affordable prices, allowing you to give new life to gently used goods. Not only does this reduce the demand for new products, but it also helps reduce waste and conserve resources.
Wear Your Pieces Longer
Instead of parting with a garment after a season, consider wearing and using your pieces for a year or longer. Invest in timeless, high-quality items that can withstand regular wear and tear. By extending the lifespan of your belongings, you reduce the need for frequent replacements. This is also a more sustainable approach to shopping.
Buy Quality Clothing
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to buy quality products. Look for well-made items that are durable and made from sustainable materials. Opt for brands that prioritize ethical manufacturing practices and source materials responsibly. By investing in quality pieces, you can save money in the long run and reduce the environmental impact associated with fast fashion and disposable products.
Shop Sustainable Brands
Supporting sustainable brands is another way to shop more responsibly. Use resources like Good on You, an online platform that rates and reviews the ethical and sustainable practices of various fashion brands. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, organic, or recycled materials to ensure that the brands you choose align with your sustainability values. Many will tell you that sustainable brands are insanely expensive, but that’s not true. There are many mid-range brands that offer sustainable fashion at reasonable prices. Some of my personal favorite sustainable brands are below.
Best Sustainable Fashion Brands
The brands below have sustainability in mind. They use more environmentally friendly textiles, recycle their fabrics, and ensure they’re using lower-impact materials to limit waste and wastewater in their supply chains.
Veja
Veja sneakers have been a fashion favorite for a long time. In addition to offering us footwear staples, they have a great labor rating, use sustainable materials, and pay their supplier 30-100% above market rates. They also have a line of vegan footwear.
Reformation
They typically use natural or recycled materials. Ref also does a great job tracking their supply chain to ensure their suppliers are treating employees in an ethical manner. And, they also carry plus sizes and petites.
Threads 4 Thought
This brand has been doing sustainable fashion for decades. Turn to them for casual tees, loungewear, and athletic gear. You can find them at REI and Nordstrom.
Girlfriend Collective
For sustainable, sporty clothing that looks cute, turn to Girlfriend Collective. They have an overall good environmental rating for their use of recycled materials and fair labor practices.
Eileen Fisher
If you’ve never had the pleasure of wearing an Eileen Fisher piece, you’ve been missing out. They primarily use organic cotton, silk, and bamboo. Their fabrics are so soft and breathable. You’ll feel like you’re wearing pajamas, but you’ll look great.
Choose Slower, Grouped Delivery
When shopping online, instead of buying one item at a time and requesting next-day shipping, consider ordering in bulk and choosing slower shipping options. Consolidating your purchases and opting for slower delivery not only reduces packaging waste but also decreases the carbon emissions associated with transportation. By planning your online shopping more thoughtfully, you can minimize the environmental impact of online retail.
Use Online Shopping to Replace In-Store Shopping
If you’re browsing and buying both in stores and online, you’re increasing the carbon footprint of your shopping activities. Instead, use online shopping as a way to replace or replenish items that you would have otherwise purchased in-store. By reducing the number of physical shopping trips, you can minimize transportation-related emissions and make your shopping habits more sustainable.
Use Public Transportation or Carpool When Shopping In-Store
When making a trip to a physical store, consider using public transportation whenever possible. Public transportation helps reduce the number of individual cars on the road, contributing to lower emissions and less traffic congestion. If public transportation is not readily available in your area, consider carpooling with friends or family members who also have a desire to shop sustainably. Sharing rides minimizes the environmental impact of your shopping trips.
Wash Your Clothing Less
The less often you wash your clothing, the longer it will last. Less washing also helps your clothes last longer. Many items can be hung up and aired out on hangers, hooks, or outside if they aren’t dirty. Or course, if you’ve been sweating, or have a visible stain, you’ll have to wash your garments.
Skip the Dryer
If you live in a temperate climate, you may be able to air dry most of your clothing most of the year. This not only saves electricity but also extends the life of your clothing.
Hire a Personal Stylist
If you have a considerable clothing budget, but you’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to spend it on, consider hiring a personal stylist. We map out your wardrobe, discover the holes, create a list, and shop those sustainable brands for you. Many of us can and do focus on sustainable clothing. Let us do the work.
Final Thoughts on How to Shop Sustainably
Let’s remember that sustainability is not about perfection but progress. By consciously considering our shopping habits and making more sustainable choices, we can become responsible consumers.
By following these tips on how to shop sustainably, you can make a positive impact on the environment and adopt a more conscientious approach to shopping. Remember, every small step counts when it comes to building a greener future.
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