One of my personal goals for this year is to educate myself more about ways to protect the environment and help contribute to a more sustainable future. I was inspired by my trip to Costa Rica last summer, where I learned about the country’s impressive environmental conservation efforts. It became clear to me that small, everyday actions are what make a big difference over time. From saving energy and recycling, to eating locally and supporting sustainable brands, these choices collectively help reduce our impact on the planet.
Traditional clothing production uses up a significant amount of precious resources. Cotton farming, for example, requires intensive irrigation and pesticides, while chemical dyes pollute waterways and harm ecosystems. Moreover, synthetic fabrics often contain chemicals that can irritate the skin or pose long-term health risks. The fashion industry is also responsible for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by its reliance on fossil fuels, energy, and long transportation routes.
To put things into perspective, the average American spends about $1,800 yearly on clothing. Over a lifetime (of let’s say 77 years), that amounts to approximately $138,600. Imagine if all of this were spent on sustainable fashion. Our collective impact could seriously improve the planet’s health.
Fortunately, many brands are adopting eco-friendly practices. These include using organic materials, non-toxic dyes, recycled fabrics like polyester, and carbon-neutral textiles. Additionally, many sustainable companies prioritize renewable energy and even implement higher shipping fees to offset carbon emissions. By focusing on quality over quantity, sustainable fashion promotes reusing and repurposing garments, reducing textile waste, and keeping clothes out of landfills.
Over time, I‘ve visited various thrift and second-hand stores, like Crossroads, to help reduce my environmental impact. However, I often struggle to find good-quality items that I actually like. So as an alternative, (and as part of my New Year goal) I have done research to find three cute sustainable clothing brands. While there are thousands of them out there, I have listed below a few companies that I will be considering buying from as I look to update my wardrobe as well as take care of the environment.
- Lucy and Yak (https://lucyandyak.com/en-us)
Their clothes are so unique and colorful, I love them! A lot of the items remind me of Urban Outfitters. I loved that each year they have published an “impact report” on their website to hold them accountable for their environmental impact. They also have partnered with several ”green” companies that supply them with sustainable fabrics. Additionally, they have a “preloved” program, encouraging customers to return their old clothes to one of the many “ReYaking” locations, where they are then upcycled and resold, rather than thrown out.
Lucy and Yak – Malone Borg Fleece in Yosemite Print
- Organic Basics (https://us.organicbasics.com)
This brand has very simple, basic, staple clothing (hence the name) that anyone would wear, no matter your typical style. Everything on their website is so transparent, and I love how you can even see information about each of the factories where the clothes are produced. They also have a yearly environmental impact report posted on their website!
Organic Basics – Every day scoop neck long sleeve tee
- Frankie Collective (https://frankiecollective.com/pages/sustainable-practices)
If you’re looking for sports merchandise, college gear, or unique upcycled pieces, Frankie Collective is perfect for you. Instead of producing new items, they salvage vintage garments that would otherwise end up in landfills. These are reworked into stylish pieces, and leftover fabric scraps are sent to Fabcycle for recycling. Shopping here feels like thrifting but online.
Frankie Collective – Unisex Rework Penn State Patchwork Sweatpants
In the end, sustainable fashion often does come with higher costs, but its emphasis on quality may help you save money in the long run. Sustainable brands allow us to rethink how we consume and value what we wear. By buying from these companies, we can ensure that fashion is about respecting the planet, empowering people, and creating a more sustainable future.