Green or sustainable fashion is getting trendy these days, so greenwashing is also prevalent in the fashion industry. It is what some fashion brands do to mislead people into thinking their products are eco-friendly. It’s not easy to identify which among the current brands are actually doing the eco-conscious work and who are just riding the green trend.
Everyone knows that fashion has a huge environmental impact, from their waste and their carbon emission to the point that there has been a 750% increase in textile waste in the U.S. per year since the 1960s. Honestly, the fashion industry couldn’t just become green overnight because it takes planning, skills, and budget to pull it off, which is why consumers easily fall for the greenwashing tactics of some brands.
It’s easy to get tricked by some big brands, especially if your favorite shops are the ones that are greenbaiting you. But to save the environment and the future from becoming a catastrophe, you also have to do your part in educating yourself by filtering which green labels are doing the work to be eco-friendly and which are not.
Sustainable Brands That You Should Support
As much as possible, lessening your need to shop for items you don’t need would massively bring down the demand for unnecessary products. Taking care of your clothes and only washing them or going to the dry cleaner when necessary would also help. But there are times when you need to buy an item, and if that’s the case, you can make more responsible and informed decisions about where you’re buying from. Here are some brands where you should consider shopping from:
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Adidas
Of course, you would need proper shoes every couple of years when you’ve worn out your current pair due to your outdoor activities and workout routines. Fortunately, Adidas, one of the biggest brands in fitness, has considered using plastic waste from the ocean to create their newest clothes and shoes. It is admirable how they properly use their platform to advocate for green fashion and inspire other brands to follow suit. So, when you need to buy some new running shoes and outdoor wear, consider Adidas.
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Levi’s
Everyone needs a good pair of denim, but the production of denim is highly harmful to the environment as it generates so much waste. This part is where Levi’s comes in to change this trend. The 168-year old company has committed to using 100% sustainably sourced cotton, producing their products in factories with 100% renewable energy, and reducing their overall greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2025.
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Stella McCartney
It’s not easy to find a green shop that sells almost everything you need, which is why Stella McCartney going green is a game-changer. The brand has virtually everything you need from undergarments, sportswear, handbags, footwear, clothes, and more. They are all cruelty-free made from sustainable materials. The company is also transparent about their production process to their consumers to better help them become more eco-conscious of their actions.
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Swarovski
Although the necessity of jewelry is debatable, some people love to have them to express themselves, and some love giving them as gifts. While jewelry is not as necessary as clothes and footwear to survive in the modern world, it is worth it to know that some jewelry companies like Swarovski have decided in 2021 to commit to sustainability. According to their CEO Robert Buchbauer, their plans include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using eco-friendly materials, and empowering and educating their consumers. They would also focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion to respect everyone in their community, especially their workers.
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Patagonia
According to the brand’s product line, 64% of their current products are made with recycled materials. That’s an astounding achievement considering that some companies are still in the process of sourcing for their organic materials. Furthermore, Patagonia is committing to become more climate-positive as the years go by until they can become 100% renewable using only recycled and raw materials while also considering their workers in the process by paying them livable wages.
Be Sustainably Fashionable
This list is far from being exhaustive, as countless other brands are striving to become sustainable. But this list should be a good starting point for you to know which brands are going out of their way to bring you eco-friendly products that everyone needs right now to have a better and greener future. This list of brands can also help you make more informed choices that positively impact the environment.