For decades, Black Friday sales have offered humans the biggest ways to save (or the biggest justifications to spend more). But upon recent news that climate change will be irreversible in just seven years, it’s not only our money that needs saving, but our planet, too. It’s time that we reevaluate our overconsumption, especially during the days following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas. Our money has power, and where we put it matters. This holiday season, I urge you not to give into the temptations of Black Friday sales, especially for fast fashion brands, which are the second greatest contributor behind agriculture to the climate crisis. If you must shop, I’ve compiled a list of conscious clothing brands that might just help you save the planet.
Note: The majority of the information stated about the following brands comes from the website goodonyou.eco, an amazing resource for anyone interested in consuming consciously!
- Whimsy + Row
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This brand uses eco-friendly materials and recycled fabrics and packaging. They have a good range of basic and somewhat trendy pieces as well as accessories and other goodies!
- MATE The Label
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This brand uses eco-friendly materials including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton. It manufactures locally and uses low impact non-toxic dyes in all products. It has a great range of basics and loungewear in both classic and current colorways.
- Armedangels
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This brand also uses eco-friendly materials including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton. It also uses renewable energy in direct operations. It sells classic pieces, as well as some unique styles in fun patterns and colors.
- Christy Dawn
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This brand uses eco-friendly materials and recycled fabrics to produce long-lasting products. It manufactures locally. It sells a beautiful, edited selection of dresses and some loungewear.
- Girlfriend Collective
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This brand uses some eco-friendly materials and recycled fabrics, as well as reuses offcuts to minimize waste. It also ensures that wastewater used in its supply chain is treated and discharged properly. Its ethically made activewear is a great alternative to brands like Lululemon or Aerie.
- People Tree
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This brand uses eco-friendly materials including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton. It also uses low impact non-toxic dyes in all products. It has a wide variety of both classic and trendy styles, as well as unique patterns. Graphic tees, sleepwear and accessoires are also available.
- Rothy’s
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This brand uses eco-friendly materials and recycled fabrics and packaging. It’s best known for its wide selection of footwear made from recycled plastic bottles!
- Organic Basics
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This brand uses eco-friendly materials including organic cotton. It also uses renewable energy in the supply chain to reduce climate impact. As the name suggests, this brand has a great range of basic clothing, activewear and undergarments in timeless styles and colors.
- thredUP
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This is an online consignment and thrift store that sells thousands of items from hundreds of well-known brands. Thrifting is the second most sustainable option besides wearing the clothes you already own, and thredUP is an amazing way to find pieces from all of your favorite brands in the comfort of your home.
Honorable Mentions
Lastly, I’ve decided to include a few brands that you may be familiar with and are on their way to being more conscious and sustainable options. First, Patagonia uses eco-friendly and recycled materials, conducts research on the impacts of microplastics, and implements greenhouse gas emissions reduction activities in its supply chain.
Athleta, owned by Gap, Inc. has started using some eco-friendly and recycled materials, has a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and has received an ‘A’ in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) water security questionnaire.
Lastly, a brand that may be a surprising close to this list is H&M, a well known fast-fashion brand that, despite its rocky past, is making an effort to implement some eco-friendly and recycled materials, has a policy approved by CanopyStyle to prevent deforestation, and has set a science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I hope this list of conscious brands was an informative and inspiring resource. If you’re reading this, I challenge you to NOT participate in fast fashion Black Friday sales this November. Just remember, it’s fun to save money (theoretically) during the numerous sales, but it’s more fun to be alive in 10 years! Happy Thanksgiving!