I decided to switch to all-organic baby clothing with my youngest child a few years back for many reasons. Just like how I’m cautious about where I source our food, it made sense to pay attention to the clothes my family wears too. Let’s dive into some top sustainable clothing brands and explore why you might want to ditch conventional clothing for these healthier options.
When shopping for regular clothes, there are both health and ethical issues to think about. Just like food, clothing comes from plants and animals, and the way these are produced affects both our health and the environment. Chemicals used in farming, ranching, and textile processing can end up in our food and water, and might even cause inflammation and health problems.
If we go out of our way to buy pasture-raised meats and organic produce, why settle for clothes made conventionally? Many folks already prefer natural fibers over synthetic ones, thinking it’s an eco-friendly choice. Cotton and wool are indeed natural, but it’s crucial to consider how they are produced and processed.
Take cotton, for example. It’s often touted as the “fabric of our lives,” but conventionally grown cotton relies heavily on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which infiltrate our water and food supply. In the U.S., cotton is the third most sprayed crop, with runoff from pesticides such as glyphosate, ethephon, and dicamba posing serious health risks, including cancer and other health problems.
After harvesting, more chemicals are added as textiles go through manufacturing processes involving various agents and dyes. This contributes further to environmental pollution.
The fabrics in our clothes also matter. Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics are derived from petrochemicals. When washed, they shed microplastics that end up in our oceans.
Fast fashion is another issue, defined by the cycle of producing and selling cheap trendy clothing and encouraging frequent wardrobe turnover. This cycle has doubled our annual clothing purchases since the 1980s, leading to vast amounts of textile waste in landfills.
Working conditions in textile factories are a concern too. It’s important to consider whether companies follow ethical standards, including fair wages and proper working conditions.
If you’re double-checking a brand’s sustainability, look for certain certifications to ensure they’re truly eco-friendly. Be aware of misleading claims as well.
Some USA and Canadian brands worth exploring include Pact, which offers comfortable, fair trade organic clothing; Outerknown, focusing on denim and zero-waste initiatives; and Reformation, known for climate-neutral certification and stylish, eco-friendly clothes.
Quince believes sustainable luxury should be affordable for everyone, and Tentree plants ten trees for every item sold, reflecting their dedication to the environment. Vetta offers a capsule wardrobe concept with their sustainable clothing, encouraging minimalism and versatility.
You can also shop secondhand to save money and reduce your environmental footprint. Checking out local thrift stores or platforms like Etsy and ThredUp could lead you to great finds.
Beyond shopping sustainably, consider organizing a clothing swap with friends or upcycling old clothes to refresh your wardrobe. A minimalist approach can also simplify your life; capsule wardrobes make dressing simpler while maintaining style with fewer, quality pieces.
Although some sustainable brands still use recycled plastics, it’s worth seeking out new or secondhand organic natural fibers. By keeping my wardrobe minimal and focused on high-quality, natural materials, I’ve found a balance that’s beneficial for both my family and the environment.
Have you thought about switching to organic or sustainable clothing? Do you shop secondhand? It’s worth considering for both the planet and your wardrobe.
