Posted on January 29, 2017

Green Is The New Black

Hello! Below, is an article my friend Hannah Darrow and I worked on for our class blog about sustainable fashion! Check out our class fashion blog here!

In 2017, we are excited to many sustainable companies take off. As we become more aware of the impact that our everyday lives have on this planet, we should consider the effect of clothes we wear and buy. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we created a list of ways you can confidently shop.

Some tips on having a more sustainable wardrobe:

1. Buy from sustainable brands

Yes, they may be a bit pricier than Forever 21 or Target, but the quality will last you many more years, and you will be supporting quality businesses that value protecting our planet.

a) People Tree

People Tree says, “For over 20 years, we have collaborated with Fairtrade craftsmen and farmers in developing countries to create our collection of ethical and sustainable fashion. The ‘Fair Trade’ principle is designed to develop new solutions for the economy and to provide access to global markets and equal opportunities for people in developing countries.”

b) Patagonia

Patagonia’s motto is “Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” They focus on creating lasting clothes that will survive a lifetime. They have the largest repair facility in North America. The list goes on and on about how Patagonia is a sustainable company. Check out the book “Let My People Go Surfing” which is about the company and the founder, Yvon Chouinard to learn more about Patagonia.

c) Everlane

Everlane is a company that focuses on reliable and safe factories, as well as being honest about the cost of their clothing. Everlane says, “We spend months finding the best factories around the world. We visit them often, and build strong personal relationships with the owners. This hands-on approach is the most effective way to ensure a factory’s integrity. As an added assurance we also require stringent workplace compliancy paperwork.”

 d) Ecoalf

Ecoalf uses plastic water bottles, Regenerated Cotton Fabrics, Tissues from Recycled Fishing Nets, Recycled Used Tire Outsole, Recycled Coffee Pots Fabrics, and Recycled Wool Fabrics to make their clothes. They have “embarked on what is today its most ambitious project: UPCYCLING THE OCEANS. An unprecedented adventure globally to help clean the oceans of trash through the fishermen. A unique, complex and pioneering project whose ultimate goal is to transform the plastic of the Mediterranean into thread to make fabrics.”

e) Reformation

Reformation is a more upscale brand. If you can afford the expensive taste, Reformation is a great place to shop. They do not hide the amount of water, carbon or waste that the company uses. They don’t claim to be 100% sustainable yet, but they are working towards it each day. Reformation says, “In exchange for the emissions and water used by our clothes, we help plant forests to naturally capture CO2 from the air, invest in clean water solutions, and purchase landfill gas offsets.” Check out their website because along with all of these brands, they are walking toward a better future.

Thank you for reading!
Leave a comment of any other sustainable brands you know of!

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