The fashion industry contributes largely to the planet’s carbon footprint and is second to oil in terms of pollution. The rise of fast fashion is partly to blame, as the public turned to cheaper brands such as Forever 21 and H&M to stay current on the latest fashion trends. Retailers rely on the quick turnover of designs for profit, which result in negative environmental impact, water pollution, the increased use of toxic chemicals and the increasing levels of textile waste. Be an environmentally-conscious shopper on your next shipping trip and check out these four eco-friendly clothing brands!
thredUP
$
thredUP is a California-based fashion resale website, and it is the largest online consignment and thrift store that sells clothes at a fraction of a cost. Thrifting is a great alternative to shopping since it reduces waste, pollution, and prevents clothes from ending up in landfill. If you’re feeling a bit uneasy about second-hand shopping, thredUP ensures that the items they sell are clean and freshly washed, from a name brand, on trend and free of tears, stains or rips. If you’re ever looking to rid your closet of barely-used clothes, order a “Clean-Out” Kit and receive cash or credit in exchange for those items that linger at the back of your closet!
Alternative Apparel
$$
Alternative Apparel promotes three things for their brand: soft, simple and sustainable. An Atlanta-based brand, Alternative Apparel uses sustainable and eco-friendly practices and offers everyday basics that would never cease to go out of style. The brand also ensures safe and fair working conditions for their factories all over the world, so if you’re on a hunt for a nice tee, make sure to check them out!
People Tree
$$$
If you’re on a hunt for durable, eco-friendly clothes, People Tree has you covered! A London-based brand, People Tree focuses on clothing made ethically and sustainably, making it a great alternative to fast fashion brands. People Tree now offers free shipping to the United States on orders that are $150 and more!
Amour Vert
$$$$
A California-based brand, Amour Vert focuses on curating styles that highlight current fashion trends while minimizing the negative environmental impact of clothing production. Their goal is clear and simple: “to do better than anyone before [them] to leave the world a better place than [they] found it, and to make beautiful clothes that women love to wear.”
If you purchase an Amour Vert tee, the brand will plant a tree in support of reforestation!