Blog Post  Is green the new black?

On Earth Day many consumers look for ways to be greener, such using less water, shopping with reusable bags or donating to environmental organizations.

Another way that consumers have been trying to be more ecologically friendly concerns their fashion choices.  The average American throws out 80 pounds of clothes each year, so here are some tips for looking your best while doing your best for the planet!

Update your look! Change up your wardrobe by challenging yourself to wear the things you already have and reinvent your outfits with accessories. Try new style ideas, such as distressing your jean hems or mixing prints. The internet has several videos and pictures for inspiration.

Clean your closet while being environmentally conscious. If you do have to clean out your closet, consider hosting a clothing swap with your friends! This can be a fun way to refresh your closet and have a fun time trying on new threads with your friends! Of course, donating to a second-hand thrift store is also a great and convenient option. If you want to make a little cash on the side, you can sell your clothes or donate your clothes at certain stores discounts. Scour apps that allow users to sell directly to other users and look for stores will accept older styles in exchange for a few dollars off of a new item.

Shop sustainable. Many companies are trying to become more eco-friendly with “conscious” collections that are claim to be more ecologically friendly. When shopping, there are several apps that rank clothing brands based on their environmental impact and the ethics of their animal and labor practices. Do some digging on the most reputable apps and eco-certifications that align closest to your values. Some of the more well-known environmental certifications include the Better Cotton Initiative, Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard, Bluesign, and the Carbon Trust.

Some online retailers also allow consumers to rent or sample designer clothes at a fraction of the price and promote a sharing fashion economy. When buying new pieces, make an investment into the quality and longevity of what you’re buying. Think to yourself “Will I wear this 30 times or more?” Asking yourself these kinds of questions can end a culture of buying a cheap outfit and only wearing it once.

There are many resources available to make your shopping more sustainable for both your wallet and the planet.

For more information about going green this Earth Day, visit https://www.earthday.org. You can also read our blogs on post-consumer waste and tips for reducing your junk mail.