There are many new brands emerging with sustainable business practices, but one that you may already know is H&M. H&M has a line called “Conscious” that uses organic or recycled cotton and hemp to create the clothing items. By choosing to buy some “Conscious” items over the regular items, you’re making a positive impact on the environment without having to sacrifice affordability or convenience.
Another way to shop in an environmentally aware way is to buy second hand. According to the EPA, over 11,000 tons of textiles were sent to landfills in 2017. This number is a stark contrast to the mere 2,500 tons that were recycled. By making use of thrift stores and other second hand shopping options, you both opt out of an industry that is actively harming the environment and provide others with the ability to use what you don’t want anymore. Second-hand shopping provides a cyclic ecosystem, allowing people to hand down their goods continually until an item reaches the end of its lifespan. This keeps the demand for new manufacturing down and helps lower the intake of environmentally toxic landfills.
Next time you’re out shopping, take a moment to think of the impact your purchase is making on the planet.
By: Gaëlle Alcindor