SUSTAINABLE STYLE
by CINDY WEBER-CLEARY
When you hear the words “eco-friendly fashion,” do visions of crunchy, shapeless garments made of hemp dance in your head? Time for a reality check!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The advent of “fast fashion,” which allows mass brands such as Zara, H&M, ASOS and Forever 21 to offer their customers on-trend styles at very low prices, bolstered the illusion that fashion is a disposable commodity. Instead of the seasonal model of manufacturing, these companies produce an almost-constant stream of new items. The short inventory cycle and cheap price tags entice shoppers to return to these stores and websites every few weeks to view incoming designs and to make new “guilt-free” — in terms of cost — purchases. Social media compounded the problem. When users of sites such as Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook embraced the “selfie,” few wanted to be seen wearing the same outfit more than once or twice.
In a recent interview with journalist Bridget Foley of Women’s Wear Daily, fashion designer Stella McCartney said, “We literally wear fast fashion a maximum of three times before it becomes landfill or is burned. That’s … a truckload of fast fashion every second being incinerated into our Earth” (wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/bridget-foleys-diary-stella-on-sustainability-1203114682).
Some fast-fashion brands have taken steps to mitigate their environmental footprint. In 2010, H&M launched its first Conscious Collection, using organic cotton and recycled materials, and earlier this year announced the new line will be available worldwide. In 2013, the company introduced a garment collection program that encourages shoppers to turn in used clothing in return for store vouchers. Other companies, such as Patagonia, The North Face and American Eagle Outfitters, followed suit (saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/01/ready-waste-americas-clothing-crisis).
HOW AND WHERE TO SHOP
It’s hard to say whether it’s better to drive to a store to shop versus shopping online. Overall, consumer shopping trips may be more detrimental to the environment depending on several variables including the distance driven. Shopping locally is always a good option. Designer Eileen Fisher (eileenfisher.com) has been at the forefront of the sustainability movement for decades. According to her company’s website, “by 2050, the global economy is projected to consume three planets’ worth of resources annually. To change that trajectory, we’re committing to less. Leaving less fabric waste on the cutting room floor. Using less water; emitting less carbon. And we’re investing in renewable energy and cutting our reliance on air shipping.” Misha Nonoo, a relatively new designer (mishanonoo.com), offers another environmentally friendly business model: made-to-order, or “on demand,” goods. Instead of producing large batches of clothing, her eponymous company produces garments after they have been ordered, thus reducing waste and harm to the environment.
As Brian Bolke, founder of The Conservatory, a concept store that combines on and offline shopping at New York’s Hudson Yards development (theconservatorynyc.com), sees it, “It’s fine to buy stuff online that you know you are going to use, such as paper towels or dog food. Your time is worth money, after all. But when it comes to fashion, free shipping and free returns are terrible. People order things in multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit. I say, touch it and try it before you buy it.” The Conservatory partners with sustainable brands and offers a highly curated selection of clothing, home goods and beauty products for both men and women. Customers can visit the store, touch and try on the clothing goods (for many items, The Conservatory is the only opportunity to do this before purchasing), and place an order to be delivered to them directly, thus eliminating the environmentally damaging effects of online returns. Some in-store items are stocked and can be carried home.
Clothing-rental sites, such as Rent the Runway (renttherunway.com), and consignment and resale sites, such as The RealReal (therealreal.com) and thredUP (thredup.com), also help to extend the life of a garment, as do clothing swap events and vintage stores. It’s part of what’s called “the circular economy” and “collaborative consumption.”
The bottom line is not to stop shopping altogether, but to be more mindful about your purchases: Try to buy fewer, better-made garments that you truly love and that you will wear for a long time as opposed to this season’s “must-have” items. Buy more than one item at a time when possible. When ordering online, plan ahead so you aren’t opting for same-day or next-day shipping. Do some research about the manufacturer’s sustainability practices and whether they use eco-friendly packaging. And remember to donate your unwanted clothing — if the items are in decent condition — to organizations such as Goodwill or Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA.org). Garments that are torn or stained can often be recycled too at specific locations. Check your local recycling center or clothing bank.
ECO-FRIENDLY
FASHION FINDS
STELLA MCCARTNEY - Keep calm and carry on … the fight for sustainable practices! Made of faux leather and lined with recycled polyester, this iconic tote bag from British designer Stella McCartney signals your commitment to the environment. Ruby Red Falabella Shaggy Deer Tote $695.00 SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM
ALBERTA FERRETTI - Get your message across, loud and clear! This heartwarming sweater is made with recycled cashmere and certified recycled yarn. It's part of the brand's, Love Me eco-capsule collection, which expresses a love for the Earth. “It's a Wonderful World” Sweater $595.00 THECONSERVATORYNYC.COM
ALLBIRDS
A soft, wool men’s runner with laces made of recycled polyester, this shoe has super powers! It’s washable, breathable, wicks moisture and minimizes odor. Men’s Wool Runner (Color: Natural Grey) $95.00 ALLBIRDS.COM
SOKO
Make a bold statement with a chainlink necklace of recycled brass and ethically sourced horn and wood. Malindi Charm Collar Necklace $115.00 SHOPSOKO.COM
EILEEN FISHER
Effortlessly chic and as comfy as a bathrobe, this charcoal wool topper meets The Responsible Wool Standard, ensuring that the land on which the sheep live is protected. Brushed Wool Doubleface Shawl Collar Coat $598.00 EILEENFISHER.COM
BAUME
Keep up with the times by sporting a timepiece made from upcycled multiple materials, including skateboard and ocean plastics. Baume Moonphase Watch $630.00 THECONSERVATORYNYC.COM
RILEY STUDIO
Pay it forward with kindness. Crafted of recycled cotton fibers that come from waste, including yarn discards and fabric scraps, this unisex t-shirt celebrates equality. "Human Kind" Classic T-shirt (Color: Forest) $52.00 RILEY.STUDIO
PATAGONIA
Calling all outdoorsmen! Stay cozy and dry in an ultra-light, recycled nylon puffer with a water-repellent finish. M’s Micro Puff Hoody (Color: Balkan Blue) $349.00 PATAGONIA.COM
EVERLANE
Get ready for the weekend in this feel-good fleece pullover made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. ReNew Sherpa Fleece (Color: Dark Navy) $60.00 EVERLANE.COM
ACE & JIG - Give yourself a color boost! This puffy-sleeved blouse is to jeans what peanut butter is to jelly: the perfect complement. Woven and custom yarn-dyed in India by the brand’s ethical manufacturer partners, it’s 99% cotton with gold flecks of metallic yarn. Goldie Blouse (Fabric: Rhumba) $235.00 ACEANDJIG.COM
In the spirit of holiday shopping, we hope you will shop at Boon Supply. It is a terrific site that donates 40% of every purchase back to MCF! There is a terrific array of clever, sustainable items for everyone on your list - all at very modest price points. Simply click here and please be sure to share with friends and family.
The other link we LOVE is Mab & Stoke who will plant a tree for each person who joins their waitlist. www.mabandstoke.com - don’t forget to forward and share!