Sustainable shopping is becoming more and more of a hot topic as we’re beginning to realize the impact that clothing production has on the environment. Did you know that fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world besides oil? Yikes!
It can be tricky to shop sustainably. It’s more work and can often cost more than shopping off-the-rack. But not only does making the decision to shop sustainably help the environment, it also means that you purchase higher-quality, long-lasting clothes that you love.
Keep reading to find out some of my favorite ways to shop sustainably!
1. Shop Vintage
Buying vintage clothes is one of the easiest ways to shop sustainably. You skip the entire fabric making, sampling, and production process of creating new clothes and find something truly unique. Vintage pieces can be more affordable than new ones and, since fashion is cyclical, 80s and 90s styles are very in right now! Plus, the quality of vintage clothing cannot be beat.
One of my favorite parts of shopping for vintage clothing is the thrill of finding that perfect piece that fits well, is a steal, and tells an incredible story. So where can you find great vintage clothes?
- Etsy. They have an excellent collection of vintage clothing and you can support a small business owner at the same time!
- ThredUp. ThredUp is a combination thrift and consignment store that allow you to search for both vintage pieces and new styles sustainably.
- The RealReal. This is one of my favorite places to find clothes! It’s an online luxury consignment shop where you can find amazing deals on designer clothing. While I wouldn’t necessarily call it the best vintage clothing source, it’s a great way to shop sustainably and still find your favorite luxury brands.
- Your local Thrift store. Yes, you have to hunt a little harder, but that’s all part of the fun!
- Estate sales. These are great places to get amazing deals, too!
2. Buy Your Clothes Online
It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but shopping online is actually a great, simple way to make more sustainable purchases. 22% of a garment’s climate impact comes from the process of a consumer driving to multiple stores to try items on and bringing the final item back home.
Delivery trucks from USPS, FedEx and UPS are able to ship large amounts of items in a more energy-efficient way and getting items straight from the distribution center saves energy, too.
3. Purchase Clothes Made of Eco-Friendly Fabric
The type of fabric a piece of clothing is made from plays a big role in its sustainability. Eco-friendly fabrics have less of an impact on the environment and take into consideration the production process. What are some of the best eco-friendly fabrics?
- Organic cotton: Made from natural fibers and without pesticides or chemicals.
- Lyocell: Made from sustainably-harvested raw wood materials and requires less water than cotton.
- Linen: Made from natural fibers and is biodegradable.
- Hemp: Requires no chemical processing and uses less water than cotton.
- Silk: Made of natural fibers and is biodegradable.
4. Find American-Made Clothes
What does this have to do with sustainability? Well, the United States has strict regulations when it comes to how workers are treated (minimum wages, minimum ages, overtime, safety) and how resources are used (waste processing, recycling, chemical usage). This doesn’t necessarily mean that anything bought overseas is less sustainable, but you can generally feel good about purchasing clothes made in America. Plus, what’s better than supporting local businesses?
5. Buy Clothes You’ll Wear Over and Over Again
Invest in fewer, high-quality pieces rather than filling your closet with clothes you never wear. Start with the 3o-wears test, which involves asking yourself whether or not you’d wear a piece of clothing at least 30 times. You’ll love having a closet full of pieces that are 100% you!
I also encourage you to determine the cost per wear of your clothes. This is a great way to figure out whether the investment that you’re making on designer clothing is worth it.
Finally, buy clothes that will transition well into other seasons. Denim jackets, dusters, and cardigans can be worn year round. Layering pieces like tights can help you wear dresses and skirts in cold weather. Be creative!
6. Shop Brands that Commit to Eco-Friendly Practices
Try shopping from brands that are transparent about their practices and are passionate about being eco-friendly! Eco-friendly brands commit to practices like low-impact dyes, recycling, using natural materials, reducing pollution and waste, and making a positive impact on the environment. Here are some great ones:
7. Donate Your Worn Clothes
Of course, if you’re cleaning out your closet, don’t just throw your old clothing away. Instead, donate them to your local charity or thrift store. Not only does this help the environment, it also will provide clothing for people in need. And what’s better than that?
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What are your favorite ways to shop sustainably? Do you have any favorite eco-friendly brands? Let me know in the comments!
Ritu Sharma says
You are looking gorgeous in this pictures. I really loved your boots.
Hello Whitney says
Aww, thank so much Ritu!
Taty Barone says
It’s so important to take care of our enviroment! perhaps I did 2 big bags of worn clothes that I’m going to donate 🙂
Hello Whitney says
Absolutely! Good for you and thanks so much for reading!
Dalene Ekirapa says
It’s all about sustainability! Well, shopping quality clothes ensures they are as durable as possible. And also, I’m seriously thrifting this time round.
Hello Whitney says
Absolutely. Sustainable clothes often mean that they’re higher quality and more well-made.
fashion and style police says
I wear my clothes over and over again. I ALSO DONATE MY OLD CLOTHES TO CHARITIES. WE NEED TO CARE FOR OUR environment.
Hello Whitney says
Great! We definitely need to pay more attention to the environment <3
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Thank you for listing the brands that practice ways to reduce their negative impact on the earth and all its resources. I will share this information with my nieces who love to shop for clothes.
Hello Whitney says
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and sharing!
Helen Neale says
So many great tips. Love those list of an eco-friendly shop. So important that we encourage others to try this.
Hello Whitney says
I absolutely agree! I think it’s important that we get the word out because I’m not sure everyone realizes how important it is. Thanks for reading!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
It’s shocking how much pollution the fashion industry creates. i REWEAR ALL MY CLOTHES ANDMOST ARE MADE WITH NATURAL FIBRES.
Hello Whitney says
Absolutely – it’s shocking! Thanks for what you’re doing 🙂
Clarice says
I love this idea! In fact, we’re trying to promote this in our local community. I am not so sure about online shopping since they use a lot of plastic for their packages but choosing clothes in eco-friendly fabric is a wonderful way to start.
We’re actually using bamboo fibre undies and they’re really comfy.
Hello Whitney says
That sounds amazing! What a cool contribution to make to your community. I completely understand what you’re saying about online shopping – I think it depends a lot on the companies you use. Many great online stores use sustainable and recycled materials for their packaging.
David Elliott says
I really wish I were better at the buying vintage. I was never really great at the clothes shopping as it was. But I really do love some of the vintage looks. They are so cool. I wish I were better at upcycling.
Hello Whitney says
It can be tricky sometimes and hard to know where to start! There are a ton of great vintage looks out there, though. Thanks for reading!
Jennifer says
I adore those denim boots! ANd i always enjoy shopping thrift, vintage, and goodwill, too. It’s great to be conscious!
Hello Whitney says
Thank you! I think it’s so much fun to shop vintage, too 🙂