As Earth Month comes to a close in just 1 day, I’ve been increasingly reflective of my own sustainability practices (and in many cases, my notable areas of opportunity on this topic) over the past 30 days. I have spent the vast majority of my career in the apparel, footwear, and consumer brands spaces, and more recently have been quite fortunate to work with a few companies in the space that have an outsized focus on sustainability through my consulting efforts. I’ve learned so much in the process and my work with these organizations has made me increasingly curious as I uncover more facts and figures.
On Earth Day, one of my friends from high school posted to Linkedin some commitments she was focused on making to decrease her carbon footprint. Her post was simple, but I found it especially inspiring because it was like a “new year’s resolution” of sorts - and one that benefits our broader world.
Today, the US does very little to incentivize businesses and consumers to manufacture and purchase more sustainable products. This reality exists in stark contrast to current and newly-emerging regulations across the EU that require clear sustainability reporting, and an outsized focus on circularity, supply chain sustainability, decarbonization, and the elimination of greenwashing.
As consumers, we encounter greenwashed marketing campaigns and likely don’t even realize it. Terms like clean, sustainable, eco-friendly, and natural can legally be used without requiring an ounce of proof. The push the EU is making will regulate marketing terms and require substantiation.
In an effort to encourage myself to take more sustainable actions, and to become better informed in the process, I wanted to share with you some of my learnings. Here are some ways that we can be more earth friendly in 2024 and beyond.
Shop from businesses that go the extra mile with responsibility and 3rd party verification
For beauty, I love supporting Credo and The Detox Market given their respective missions to raise standards within the beauty industry, which is one that is quite under-regulated.
For fashion, I am often looking through Net-a-Porter’s NET SUSTAIN brands and products, which are evaluated on 9 different attributes, including location, ingredients, and waste, in order to receive the label.
Certified B Corps are “for profit companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.” Companies with this stamp are mission driven. You can find a list of B Corps here and see if some of your favorite brands have been certified.
In honor of earth day, many digital publications wrote articles highlighting more earth-friendly brands - see more from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Oprah Daily.
Avoid purchasing single use plastics, where possible
To be completely honest, I find this one particularly challenging given the sheer number of products that utilize single-use plastics. Even when we purchase clothing from online retailers, when we open the box, the clothing is often folded into one-time use polyethylene bags. So many great personal care and beauty products are also sold in plastic containers. For this recommendation, it’s very much an invitation to be conscious of the choices we’re making. I personally was “influenced” by a hot consumer brand a few months ago and purchased a product that came exclusively in plastic packaging. For context, if one were to purchase other versions of this product in everyday life, it would be sold in glass or aluminum packaging (both significantly more earth friendly). And every single time I use this product now, I think about the fact that I could have easily purchased something of equivalent or even better quality for the same price without plastics. I feel a disappointment in myself, but I also value the lesson and reminder.
According to the UN, only 9% of all global plastic waste is recycled; 79% ends up in landfills and 12% is incinerated. Contamination, chemical waste from recycling, and the lack of profitability are considered the 3 main drivers as to why more recycling doesn’t actually occur. I was definitely surprised when I learned these statistics, especially after being raised by my parents to go out of our way to recycle specific products from a young age.
For plastic beauty containers, Credo co-founded Pact in 2021 with MOB Beauty, which allows customers to return their used packaging in exchange for points. Pact then works to prepare the waste to be properly recycled, diverting it away from landfills.
Choose products that are refillable or reusable
The good news is that you often save money this way too! Some of my favorite brands offer refillable options. For example, Tata Harper’s Waterlock Moisturizer, Necessaire’s Body Wash Refills, and this Harper’s Bazaar article has additional recommendations.
Cadence capsules have transformed my travel habits. I’ve used this product religiously for 3+ years and it has eliminated my need and desire to purchase travel-sized skincare. Before purchasing Cadence, I had opted for other types of refillable bottles, but found that the shape made it difficult to refill and switch out products, in addition to never being dishwasher safe.
One of my girlfriends is the gold standard when it comes to always having a BAGGU reusable bag on her. I strive to be more like her on this front everyday.
Buy less, and opt instead for high-quality, slow fashion items
re/make is a 501(c)3 focused on fighting for human rights and sustainability within fashion. Each year, they publish a report that dives into brand accountability, assessing companies across 6 major categories and providing a score. It’s important to note that scores are dictated by what information is actually available to researchers and evaluators both publicly and privately. I would say it’s safe to assume, however, that if a brand isn’t talking about sustainability efforts in their practices at all, it’s unlikely efforts are taking place.
Fashion Revolution is an organization that characterizes itself as “the world’s largest fashion activism movement, mobilizing citizens, brands and policymakers through research, education and advocacy.” Each year, they publish a Transparency Index that shows what the world’s largest fashion brands are sharing about their supply chain practices and impact. The key learnings can be discovered here.
Sell your unwanted clothing that is still in great condition
I was once one of those individuals who assumed that all of the clothing I donated to Goodwill over the years made it onto the shop floor and into a new home. The reality, however, is that most organizations that take clothing donations don’t have the resources to sift through everything. “Goodwill receives billions of pounds of donations each year.” Yes, that’s billion, with a B.
Less than 30% of all clothing donations end up hitting a sales floor for reselling. The vast majority are sold to commercial partners that often export it to various places across the globe. Often, the clothing ends up in landfills or is incinerated.
Over the last decade, I have personally had good luck selling my used clothing and accessories via eBay. In full transparency, I’ve tried other platforms as well, but have found my experience to be most positive on eBay. As I’ve sold pieces over the years, I’ve noticed some trends with respect to the dollar value I’m able to recoup after my initial purchase. Looking at pieces I’ve sold that are in great condition, I’ve observed that higher-end, quality pieces typically retain 50-80%+ of their value, whereas products from lower-quality brands typically sell for only up to 30% of their initial value.
Buy secondhand
Shopping at places like The RealReal, Vestaire Collective, Depop, Poshmark, and eBay can yield some great finds. And a growing number of brands have started creating secondhand platforms within their sites - including Rachel Comey, Lululemon, and Ulla Johnson.
Do you have some favorite sustainable brands and products? Please share!
x jz
Images | 1 - 3 | b.g.mckay | 4 | re/make | 5 | b.g.mckay
This post contains some affiliate links. Please note that all recommendations and opinions are my own.
_________________________
Looking for a gift? Check out these female-founded options across capsule wardrobe fashion, luxe style, beauty, home decor, and food
Read more about my morning with stylist Allison Bornstein IRL - part 1 and part 2
Packing tips for your upcoming trip can be discovered here and if you’re headed to the beach, here
And if you’re a modern classics lover like me and seeking timeless pieces, you’ll love this analysis of Camille’s style from Emily in Paris, plus this and this. And if you’re a fan of denim on denim, look no further