If you’ve been on social media, watched the news, or scrolled through new fashion companies on the internet, you’ve probably noticed that sustainability is in!
Things like eco-friendly packaging, reducing waste, high-quality fashion, and sustainable makeup make up some of the most popular trends of 2021, and for good reason!
If you’re new to sustainability and want to learn more about how you can do your part in taking care of the planet and buying items from quality brands, this guide is for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about what sustainability is, what the benefits of shopping sustainably are, and a few brands you will love.
What is Sustainability?
Many discussions today surround the topic of sustainability.
But, what exactly is sustainability? In simple terms, sustainability involves practices that help balance the environment, equity, and economic situation to support the health of the planet, animals, and the environment.
What makes a brand sustainable? Brands are sustainable when they take active measures to reduce harm to the environment and planet while doing business.
You’ll notice actions like reducing pollution and getting rid of excess waste, using cleaner energy, conserving water, planting trees, and even sustainable business and travel policies.
If a brand negatively impacts society, the planet, or the community, they may not be as sustainable as they seem.
While many companies use branding and marketing that look green-conscious and sustainable, this isn’t always the case, so it’s important to know what to look for.
Sustainability is complex in nature. It involves many different moving parts and doesn’t always look the same.
However, as we learn more about the planet we live on and how to take care of it for future generations, it becomes increasingly important to shop sustainable. Let’s list some of the reasons below!
Why Shop Sustainable?
- Shopping with sustainability in mind has a lot of benefits. By shopping sustainable, you can help reduce waste and focus on quality over quantity. This is also better for the planet and can help minimize pollution.
- Brands that aren’t sustainable like fast fashion brands often use child labor or low paying jobs to overwork people in developing countries. By shopping sustainably, you can avoid supporting these organizations and help prevent child labor and underpaid workers.
- Sustainable packaging when ordering products online helps reduce excess waste and gives you less bulk to worry about recycling and throwing away.
Best Sustainable Brands to Look For
Here are some of the best sustainable brands to check out!
Mallary by Matthew
One of the most common types of unsustainable brands is fast fashion.
Many companies use tactics, business methods, and labor that isn’t sustainable and negatively impacts the environment and communities nearby.
With the prevalence of fast fashion brands, it can be difficult to find companies that actively seek to make the world a better place.
That is, until Mallary by Matthew! Founded in New York, this sustainable brand offers a wide selection of clothing.
This includes underwear for men and women, snow gear, beanies, mittens, snow pants, jackets, tights, and even microfiber kids’ sheets.
This brand caters to all of your clothing needs without damaging the planet.
Lillie Ruben
One easy way to shop sustainably is to look at second hand stores, thrift shops, and garage sales for used clothing items!
You can repurpose new clothing, recycle them, and reduce waste if they’re thrown away. You can also save money by shopping second hand and help take care of the planet.
There are many places to shop second hand online without breaking the bank, like Lillie Ruben. With the best vintage, thrifted items, they will ship directly to your boutique or home!
Plus, you can find trendy, stylish options for all your fashion needs.
If you need a blazer, dress, sweater, or vintage leather jacket, you can find it here.
Vina
Sustainable shopping goes beyond fashion. For instance, did you know you could make even your grocery shopping sustainable and eco-friendly?
Shop Vina’s prebiotic soda to help reduce waste and support an eco-friendly company.
Plus, it’s a delicious way to supplement your gut health and give you the prebiotics you need!
Hope Health
Taking supplements is one of the best ways to support your health and wellbeing, especially if you have trouble getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals you need from food alone.
If you’re looking for a sustainable brand that offers supplements, look no further than Hope Health!
Whether you want to boost your immune system, support skin and hair growth, or soothe your mind and promote mental health, these evidence-based formulas not only take care of your health, but they take care of the planet’s health as well.
Explore which supplements may be right for you and start building a better version of yourself today!
Tips for Living Sustainably
Entering the world of sustainability for the first time can be intimidating. There’s a lot to learn and it can seem daunting to make so many changes to your shopping routines.
However, it is well worth it. Here are some tips that will make living sustainably easier!
Start by using eco-friendly cleaning supplies like these.
Many popular brands use chemicals and other harmful ingredients in their cleaning supplies which can damage health and the environment. So, if you’re looking for an easy but effective way to shop sustainably, start here.
Sustainable hygiene products are another great way to integrate sustainability to your everyday routine and shopping habits.
Not only does this help keep your home happy and healthy as they don’t contain some of the plastics or harmful chemicals that can have negative effects, but it can also help reduce the overall plastic in the world.
Ditch your harmful suds and look for organic cleaning supplies free of foaming agents, detergents, and synthetic preservatives!
From bar soap, dish soap, hand sanitizer, coconut oil, toothpaste, lotions, balms, shaving creams, and so much more, there’s a product for everyone.
Another tip for shopping sustainably is to look for brands with sustainable packaging.
This kind of packaging reduces unnecessary components like plastics and prioritizes recycling, reusing plastics, and using sustainable forms of energy like solar energy.
Things like single-use plastic packaging can damage the planet, so look for brands that fight against this.
If you’re a parent, you care deeply about what you give your baby.
So, another way you can shop sustainably while still giving your little one the nutrients and calories they need to grow and thrive is to use organic baby food delivery.
Not only does this come in sustainable packaging with reusable ice packs and coolers, but it uses sustainable sourcing and farming methods to help keep your little one happy and healthy while they grow. Nutrition is important, so why not do it sustainably!
Start Shopping Sustainably Today
When looking at the state of the environment, it’s easy to feel useless. Is there really anything you can do to make a difference?
Absolutely! Choosing sustainable products, packaging, and companies to support makes a huge difference in the state of the environment, economy, and the world!
You can help the planet and people all over the world when you decide to shop sustainably.