Stop or Shop Sustainable

By: Noe Lee, Audrey McGuff, and Roya Yaghmai

Through the media and influx of new information about sustainability in the fashion industry, some brands have altered their original practices to improve their environmental “footprint.” In addition to the new awareness in popular brands, more shoppers have begun to shop more consciously. Whether it is thrifting, reselling clothes, or supporting companies that have better environmental ethics, the audience for sustainable shopping has skyrocketed.

The production of clothing can be extremely harmful to the environment. For example, the production of one pair of jeans uses 1,800 gallons of water. The popular company, Levi Strauss and Co. Denim has since limited their water intake with the use of cottonized hemp. This newfound cotton substitute has also led to cleaner and more efficient soil for plant production later on. Levi’s Denim has not only dramatically cut back on their water use, but they have also found a way to recycle by implementing old plastics and clothes into their puffer vests and jackets. A common theme throughout sustainable companies is their overall clothing quality. The durability of their clothing pieces keeps the products in your closet and out of the landfills for a longer period of time, helping the environment and the consumer. Although certain sustainable pieces may seem pricey, they can be seen as an investment that can eventually be sold or donated to a second-hand store.

Another standout brand for environmental consciousness is Patagonia. Patagonia uses recycled material to make durable products. They recycle petroleum-based products such as synthetic fibers and plastic bottles to create products like their puffer jackets. The brand annually donates one percent of its revenue as an “Earth tax.” In addition, Patagonia is taking responsibility for the effect the manufacturing of its products has on the environment by donating over one hundred million dollars to environmental sustainability organizations.

While both of the brands stated above are doing an amazing job decreasing their impact on our ecosystem, for many people, those brands just are not their cup of tea. Even though these brands may have great intentions and morals, their style and overall aesthetic might not match certain customers. For cleaner shopping, thrifting and second-hand sellers are a great option. Shopping at thrift stores works to repurpose and recycle old pieces of clothing and stop the constant cycle of production that fast-fashion companies undergo to stay with trends. Goodwill, Value Village (Savers), and Salvation Army are the largest thrift store companies on the market right now. Researching the stores in a specific area can be really helpful if there are small thrift businesses near you. Shoppers who prefer to shop from the comfort of their own homes might enjoy second-hand online shopping. Apps and corporations like Depop, Poshmark, and TheRealReal give consumers an ability to sustainably search for clothing pieces they want without leaving their house! Thrifting and shopping second-hand has come a long way in the fashion industry, and it is an experience everyone should try at least once. Whether you are a soft, bubbly pink-lover or someone is drawn to black and edgier pieces, there will be something for you to give a new purpose to in your wardrobe.