4 Eco-Friendly Choices for the Conscious Consumer
Many customers want to do their part to make the world a better place by adopting eco-friendly habits, but that doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice quality or style. Eco-conscious fashion is gaining traction in the athleisure market, with options ranging from joggers to sneakers. There are even options for kids, making it easy to get them started early on learning how different types of fashion and corresponding production practices can impact the planet. Learning more about eco-friendly attire and how to shop and care for it can help you stock your closet with pieces you love while respecting the environment.
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Why Sustainable Athleisure Matters
Fast fashion contributes to pollution and excessive waste, both of which have a significant impact on the environment. Quick production cycles and constant turnover push current trends as fast as possible, and excessive textile waste usually ends up in landfills. Creating fashion with options like recycled or eco-friendly fabrics provides a fantastic alternative. These actions can decrease the amount of waste ending up in landfills and even reduce the amount of energy and water used to create them.
Major fashion brands want to do their part in creating change but have also noticed the increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly practices. Brands have always worked to improve product style, performance and technology, but some are making a strong effort to evolve their lines by keeping the environment in mind. For instance, you can shop for women’s running shoes by HOKA, ASICS and New Balance that are made of recycled materials. Nike also makes men’s joggers from eco-friendly fabrics.
1. Sneakers With Purpose
You’ll find many Nike sneakers that are part of the company’s “Move to Zero” campaign. Many websites that sell shoes make it easy to identify when sneakers and other products were made with sustainable methods by detailing the efforts in the features section of the respective product descriptions.
Some Nike Air Max 270s feature recycled materials, and there are certain Nike Air Max 1 sneakers that are made of at least 20% sustainable material. Using more sustainable materials can be a major selling point to consumers – especially those who specifically seek out ways to shop more consciously.
Source: Nike.com
2. Eco-Friendly Apparel Staples
Look for eco-friendly apparel staples to help you build a strong, sustainable capsule wardrobe. Men’s joggers, for example, have increased in popularity as an apparel staple in recent years. They come in a variety of materials, including cotton, fleece and even eco-friendly options like ones composed of recycled polyester fibers. They’re ideal wardrobe essentials as they’re excellent for a variety of casual activities, from lounging at home to attacking a challenging workout. Choose the right size and style, and you can stay comfortable while wearing them throughout the day.
Women also have plenty of stylish basics they can add to their wardrobe that also contribute to more eco-friendly action. For example, the Nike Court Vision Low Next Nature women’s shoes feature a classic style but are also made from sustainable materials. Sport them during a workout, while running errands, to meet up with friends, or in any other casual activity where comfort and support are a must but you don’t want to sacrifice style.
3. Tips for Making Sustainable Fashion Last
Taking steps to care for your clothes properly can significantly extend their life span and help keep them in great shape so they can stay out of the landfill. One of the most important things you can do is to read the care labels on each piece of clothing. This will tell you all you need to know about the best way to wash and dry them. For example, washing your clothes in cold water and hanging them up to dry rather than throwing them in the dryer helps save energy, reduces your utility costs, and can also extend the life span of your clothes.
4. What to Look for When Shopping Sustainably
When you want to shop more sustainably, it’s important to focus on the materials and manufacturing methods. Look for labels that mention fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or other sustainable materials. Prioritize supporting brands that are committed to making positive changes.
Rather than shopping for fast fashion, invest in high-quality staples that will maintain their integrity in the long term and are versatile enough to be worn in many types of outfits. Choose clothing and footwear designed to last instead of ones that will fall apart after a few uses or washes. Additionally, consider how brands package and ship their products, as both can affect the environmental impact of your purchases.
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You can shop for gifts with the same mindset. For instance, instead of buying a friend a “fast fashion” shirt, choose one they can wear for years to come with many other pieces in their closet.
Embrace Sustainability in Your Wardrobe
Being mindful of your shopping choices doesn’t mean you have to give up your preferred style. There are plenty of sustainable options that can actually improve your wardrobe. Numerous clothing and footwear options are well-crafted, durable, and versatile enough to incorporate into a wide range of outfits. Choosing eco-friendly alternatives helps support the environment while also updating your wardrobe, making a positive impact and reducing your carbon footprint in the process.
