Sareena Srithar
Usually when we shop the most we think about is how our purchase might directly affects us. Is this too expensive? Do I even need this? WIll it benefit me? However, do you ever think about how it affects the environment, the people making the clothes, or even the economy? Probably not. It’s okay you’re not alone, however, it’s about time we start looking at the social issues surrounding the fashion industry. Many fast fashion stores (such as forever 21) don’t produce their clothes ethically. The negative impacts from the production of fast fashion clothes on the environment are huge. We tend to not think about the people who are actually making our clothes. They’re probably in a small hazardous factory in a third world country getting paid way less than they deserve. Now that we have some insight on what happens behind the scene when you but like a $15 sweater from Urban Planet, here are some stores that are actually stand on social justice issues.
TAMGA Designs Is a boho-inspired fashion brand. Their aesthetically pleasing website offers “journals” about social justice issues going on in the fashion industry, such as species that are endanged becuase of fast fashion. “ TAMGA Designs is a sustainable lifestyle movement, born out of the need for a positive example in fashion. We believe in a bright future for style, people and the planet, so we create clothing that respects all three.” They use materials such as lenzing modal which is eco-friendly, tencel which is biodegradable and eco-friendly, and organic cotton which is non-gmo, zero pesticides and ethically sourced. Tencel uses a fraction of the water, energy and emissions of conventional cotton material. Tencel is eco-friendly, renewable and healthy for you and the environment. They also use low impact dyes which uses 70% less water than conventional dyes. Conventional dyes are toxic to the planet and to people, they contain suspected carcinogens and other toxic chemicals. Packaging is also an issue when it comes to purchasing clothing, especially online because of the amount of plastic used. That is why TAMGA uses biodegradable garment bags made from cassava starch in Indonesia. You can literally see the bag dissolve when you mix it with hot water. Something else that is so cool is that you are able to see the exact amount of water and energy you are saving on each TAMGA product you purchase. It feels pretty good when you can physically see the difference and positive impacts you’re making on the environment which is why this innovative and stylish clothing brand is definitely an online store you gotta check out.
JW PEI is a handbag brand that uses ultra-microfiber, a high-tech, luxurious, non-animal leather. It is non-toxic, has a luxurious feel and It’s 50% lighter than real leather and 5 times more durable. Currently, more than 50% of their materials is made from recycled plastic. Their goal is to get to 100% in 5 years which is amazing. JW PEI work with factories that are certified by Global Recycling Standards and the Oeko-Tex standard. This ensures that all materials they used can be traced, also all their partners have been audited by the authorities. So if you’re looking for a new leather side bag, try JW PEI where you can get a stylish, durable bag that is also environmentally sustainable .
Reformation is a L.A based brand who are “committed to making clothes with a smaller environmental impact in places that treat workers well.” They invest in green building infrastructures to minimize waste, water and energy footprints. They’ve been carbon neutral since 2015 which is actually one of the easiest things to do to be sustainable. Reformation requires all their manufacturing partners to stick with their policies. So they basically require ethical operations. Also, they test all of their products against their Restricted Substance List which confirms their products do not contain any hazardous substances. Something that I have never seen from a company is bribery, yes bribery. However Reformation bribes their customers by giving $100 store credit to their customers IF you switch to wind energy. They encourage environmentally-conscious living as their website offers many tips and facts. They have a whole section on how to wash your clothing to save energy and water. They also offer facts about the environmental impacts from the fashion industry. Now this is by far my favorite brand I found from my research. Not only are the environmental friendly and sustainable, their clothes are so cute. They sell everything from bodysuits, to dresses to even bridal gowns. Unfortunately their clothes are pretty pricey (like $50 for a bodysuit) but because of their sustainable materials and ethically produced products, the price is pretty fair. I feel like shopping at brands like this which are a bit expensive helps people learn how to stop buying so much clothes. Yes, I can probably buy like 5 bodysuits for the price of one but do I really need 5 different body suits. Less shopping, cute clothes, and most importantly, saving the environment, what’s there not to love from Reformation!
So these are just a few of my favourite sustainable online stores that you guys should definitely check out. We have to start looking out for the environment and realize that fast fashion is not necessarily the cheapest option because of how much it costs the environment. Buying sustainable and durable clothes means that our clothes are going to last longer and helps reduce waste So in the long run, these brands are going to be the start to a greener future.
fashion & social change 
Great article, Sareena. Your post on environmental and animal friendly brands is well written and an illuminating read. I liked how you explained very thoroughly on each brand, giving the reader a clear idea of the brands and their goals. You went into detail on the safe and ethical techniques, strategies and practices of each company, especially on the making of their products, which is very helpful as well. I wish that you had included links to their sites or where you got your information (more hyperlinks?). You could have also added more photos of some of their popular products so readers who are interested in the brand can see more, but what you have shown here is already quite good! Thanks for sharing your findings, yay!!!!!!
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