This month, I collaborated with thredUP, in partnership with Olivia Wilde and Conscious Commerce, on their “Choose Used” capsule collection. This collection, referred to as #chooseused on social media, features fun, thrift-related slogans on secondhand T-shirts. My Instagram collaboration was sponsored, but I felt compelled to also dedicate a blog post to the importance of ethical fashion—it is something I am passionate about.
If everyone in the US bought just one item used instead of new in 2019, it would save nearly 6 billion lbs of carbon emissions. That’s the equivalent of taking over half a million cars off the road for an entire year. Source
This is one example of how buying secondhand can have an impact. I am a big advocate for shopping secondhand and love looking for clothes at my local consignment shops and online at thredUP. You can find so many unique and like-new items.
Most thrift shops have a designer section or recognizable brand area, curated for the fashionista! There, you can often find cashmere, amazing jackets, sweaters, shoes, handbags, and other items that are budget friendly.
There are many benefits to shopping secondhand, including finding unique pieces, supporting the environment, helping create jobs, and saving money! How’s that for a win-win? I invite you to check out Why You Should Care About Sustainable Fashion for additional ideas.
This mission is not just for Earth Day, but can be carried out year-round. It’s important we take a stand and do our part, however that may be. If anything, I think it’s best practice to stay informed of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, particularly fast fashion. Here are other ways you can help:
Celebrate Earth Day Year Round with These Ethical Fashion Tips
Stay informed about the fashion industry through documentaries and the news. Here are films to check out:
- Minimalism
- RiverBlue
- The True Cost
Shop from eco-friendly brands:
- Everlane
- H&Ms “Conscious” Collection
- Reformation
- Rothy’s
- Amour Vert
- Shopping local
Donate used items to Goodwill and Value Village, and keep your items out of our landfills. Goodwill offers a complimentary recycling program. If you donate clothing, shoes, or other household products that can’t be re-sold, Goodwill can recycle these items and turn your clothing into dish towels, etc.
Sell your gently used clothes to consignment shops:
Shop secondhand and vintage from:
- thredUP
- The RealReal
- Poshmark
- Value Village
- Goodwill
- Buffalo Exchange
- Crossroads Trading Co
Rent clothes from:
- Rent the Runway
- Amoire
- The Ms. Collection
- Le Tote
- Gywnnie Bee (rental service for size 10-32)
Support, create, and buy upcycled pieces.
- If you’re a creative, upcycle your clothing and accessories (or support others in your community who do this).
Lastly, check out thredUP and the Oliva Wilde collection and purchase one of their secondhand items; spread the word about the importance of sustainable fashion, and do your part throughout the year.
As much as I’m passionate about sustainable fashion, I will still continue to shop new but make a conscious effort to do both.
The T-shirt I’m wearing is from the thredUP, Olivia Wilde, and Conscious Commerce collection. I’m not usually a T-shirt person, so I wanted to style it in a way that was true to my personal style. I added this pale pink cardigan from Madewell and jeans from my favorite denim brand, AG. For footwear, I opted for my most comfortable tennis shoes from J.Jill. I need them in another color!
Will you #chooseused and make a conscious effort to shop responsibly? Please share in the comments.
Like this post? Here are a few others you might like.
Shop the post:
Cardigan: Madewell (sold out) | T-shirt: thredUP c/o | Jeans: AG Denim (similar) | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Shoes: J.Jill c/o | Tote: Cuyana c/o |
Photography by Hello Rigby
Robin says
April 25, 2019 at 6:27 amThread Up has amazing items! I love their mission behind their company.
-Robin
Runwayteacher.com