ECO-FRIENDLY FALL

By Iona Clark

We all think of thrifting as the way to go in terms of sustainable fashion, but there are many more ways to reduce your ecological footprint while also keeping your style fresh. If sorting through racks of clothes at a thrift store for hours isn’t your thing, sustainability is possible at your local mall or online shops.

Levi’s, Patagonia, Reformation, and Pact are the most sustainable brands in 2023, according to Forbes. Consider these brands when trying to stay sustainable while also avoiding the overwhelming feeling that often comes with sorting through hundreds of clothing articles at a thrift store.

While thrifting may be the best one-way stop to reducing your ecological footprint, shopping for ecologically friendly mainstream brands is also a good route to take. Opting for Levi’s jeans instead of a less sustainable brand can minimize resources and energy used to create the denim.

There is also the option to opt for sustainable clothing materials in general, like organic hemp,recycled linen, or organic linen. These materials leave the smallest “dent” on the planet and do not use extremely large amounts of resources to produce.

When shopping at a clothing store, check the tag on the inside of the piece. It shows you the percentage of materials used and is a good guide for shopping sustainably. Organic hemp, linen, and cotton are all materials that are generally considered sustainable. You can also check brands’ sustainability ratings with the app “Good On You.”

Another fun way to shop while also being ecologically-conscious is to do a clothing swap with friends. Gather a group, bring some clothes you don’t wear often, and trade them! This is a great way to swap out pieces in your wardrobe while also limiting the amount of resources used on creating a new article of clothing. You’ll end up with fresh new outfits while also knowing your old favorite pieces are in good hands. Clothing swaps promote sustainability and can encourage others to engage in sustainable shopping practices.

One last option for sustainable shopping is layering instead of buying something new. Buying a brand-new winter coat from the mall uses a lot of resources and materials to create. Instead, start with an old long sleeve t-shirt as a base, add on a thick comfy hoodie, and finally put an old jacket on over top. This way, the jacket does not have to be brand new or extra warm, and old clothing is put to use. This greatly reduces ecological footprint, and layering is cute too!