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Did you know, fashion is the third most polluting industry in the world after big oil and the second largest consumer and polluter of water?!
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I know many of us are on the healthy/conscious eating train, shopping at our local health food stores and farmers markets, eating organic food, and cruelty-free meat products, so let’s take it one step further.
Eighty billion garments are produced each year, using 1 trillion gallons of water, 33 trillion gallons of oil, and 20 billion pounds of chemicals annually, leaving an enormous carbon footprint in its wake.
I personally went to downtown LA to the sprawling fabric district and much to my dismay I couldn’t find one place that sold organic, sustainable, vintage, or fair trade fabrics.
Needless to say, it’s gnarly out there!
In the age of man-made climate change and rising sea levels, why not do what we can and make responsible decisions as consumers and as creators?
One of the easiest things we can do as conscious consumers is to buy LESS, especially if you want to buy new sustainable clothing because it tends to have a bigger price tag than the conventional stuff. Then, recycle or donate old clothes so they don’t end up in the landfills.
Next, is to explore buying vintage or second hand from places like Buffalo Exchange or Wasteland. My favorite local Venice Beach vintage stores are Gotta Have It and Animal House.
And finally, there are some extremely inspirational companies that are stepping up and really contributing to our future here on this beautiful planet.
Check out my semi-extensive list below:
My number one favorite brand right now is Reformation, not only are their clothes stunning, but they are one of the most environmentally conscious companies I have ever seen! They not only use vintage, deadstock, and environmentally friendly fabrics, but they create all of their clothing in LA and their warehouse is incredibly dialed, complete with eco office supplies, packaging, and clean energy!
Junim is another LA based clothing company with adorable boho chic designs. They hand dye all of their pieces and use 90% reclaimed fabric!
For yoga apparel I love Teeki. They not only have fun and stylish designs, but they make their clothing out of recycled water bottles!
My favorite eco activewear companies are prAna and Patagonia, both companies are extremely dedicated to sustainability
Raven + Lily works to support local artisans all over the world with sustainability in mind.
Asos is not known for being an eco brand, but they have a line of reclaimed vintage clothes at an affordable price.
For more affordable eco-wear check out H&M Conscious Collection
For everyday basics that won’t break the budget check out Alternative Apparel and American Apparel
Alabama Chanin, though on the much higher end is a lifestyle company with a really cool story that I first heard on The Moth. They are based in Florence, Alabama and use 100% Organic cotton, recycled, and reclaimed fabrics.
Sustainable running shoes?! Oh yeah… All Birds
Synergy Clothing for organic womens clothing and yoga apparel.
Peace Treaty for scarves, jewelry, kaftans, and capes you can feel good about!
Osei Duro is all about supporting the local apparel industry in Ghana and the use of traditional artisan work like hand dyeing and weaving.
For daily wear underwear and lingerie check out Brook There and Araks and Pact
Amour Vert meaning Green Love in french is an LA based company that is aware of the negative environmental impact of the fashion industry and is making their mark in style!
Doen is an LA based company, or collective of women whose mission it is to decrease the gender gap by supporting women in the workplace all over the world.
I know, lots of options! If I missed any amazing eco brands that you love, please let me know!
Check out Goodwell World if you feel as passionately as I do about taking active steps to better the world around us.
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