Selling your clothes on vinted is a great way to clear out your closet, prevent clothes from being sent to landfill, and make extra cash!

What’s great is, it’s super easy to do! Join me, as I walk you through the process of how to sell clothes on Vinted, based on my experiences using the platform so far. 

We’ll cover getting started, tips on making your items stand out, and explain what all the Vinted jargon means.

So, all that’s left to do is make an account on Vinted, arm yourself with a cup of your favourite beverage and dive into the depths of your wardrobe.

The first step to selling clothes on Vinted is deciding what you want to sell.

The best place to start is by unearthing those fashionable finds that haven’t seen the daylight in months (or, let’s be honest, years!). 

As Mary Kondo would put it, “If it doesn’t spark joy, or if you’ve been holding onto it for that “just in case” moment that never came, it’s ready for a new adventure.

Personally, I looked for any clothes that were still in good condition and that I still liked, but found myself rarely wearing them.

If you’re not ready to sell something, that’s fine—but consider going back and doing an audit of your wardrobe in six months, and if you still haven’t worn that item, it might be time to put it in the Vinted pile. 

Once you’ve set a pile of clothing and accessories aside you want to sell, the real Vinted fun begins!

Vinted also lets you list other items such as accessories, homeware, and beauty products too, so you’re not limited to only selling clothes.

Now that you’ve found the pieces you want to sell, it’s time for the photoshoot.

Pictures are the first thing your potential buyers see when scrolling through the Vinted feed, so it’s important to get this part right.

Find a spot with good lighting – natural light is best, and find a spot with a plain tidy background.

You don’t need to be a pro photographer or have a perfect backdrop to make this work.

I find that hanging items on a clothes hanger, hooked onto the top of a door allows me to get the whole garment in the shot and provides a clean, simple background.

Get a couple of pictures from different angles, making sure to capture any unique details or slight defects in close ups. If there are defects, it’s in your interest to make these known to potential buyers, as you don’t want to risk receiving a bad review for misleading someone.

Remember, honesty is your best policy when it comes to listing your items.

Some tips I’ve found works well when taking pictures:

• Ensure you get the whole item in the picture
• Show in natural light – as colours can show differently under different lighting.
• Snap a close up of the tag, brand, and size.
• Capture any details or blemishes.
• Make sure your photo is high quality. Most modern phone cameras are good enough for this!

Next, it’s time to describe your items.

When listing your item, the first thing you need to do is provide clarity into what it is that you’re selling.

Do this by giving it a clear but catchy title that mentions the brand name, colour, style, and size.

You can take advantage of the longer description section to share more details on things like: 

• Size
• How it fits
• Condition
• Materials

Ensure you select the relevant category for your item, for example, if you’re selling a women’s t-shirt, make sure it’s listed under the “Women’s T-shirts” category.

If you’re selling a particular branded item, you can select the brand.

Selecting the condition is an important step to listing your item as well. If your item is in perfect condition without any defects, selecting “very good” will show the buyer your item is almost perfect.

If your item has a few minor imperfections and is showing signs of light wear, select “Good”.

If, for example, any of your items have stains or holes, select “satisfactory”. Ensure to include any pictures of imperfections, and be sure to list these in the description.

Setting the price can feel like walking a tightrope. 

You need to aim for that sweet spot where you’re happy, and the buyer feels like they’ve struck gold. 

It’s also worth considering that buyers can submit offers to you that will be under your asking price, so you could build that into your pricing strategy.

A pro tip? Check out what similar items are going for on Vinted. Remember, you can always adjust the price later if you’re attracting more window shoppers than serious buyers.

With your items now live on Vinted, it’s time to make patience your best friend. 

People can now see your items, favourite them, submit offers, and even message you with questions.

This might not happen immediately, but considering the popularity of Vinted, if your item is in demand, you’ll quickly see people engaging with it.

Be open to messaging potential buyers who reach out if they look serious, answer their questions, and maybe even do some friendly negotiation if they make you an offer.

Vinted buyers can make an offer lower than your asking price – you can choose to accept this price, reject, or go back with a counter offer.

There’s no pressure to accept offers, but they are a good way to speed up the sale process.

If your item has been favourited but you haven’t had any offers, you can even send an offer to potential buyers notifying them that your item has dropped in price. It’s a good way to bring more attention back to your item and remind people that they favourited it.

Congratulations, you’ve made a sale! Now, it’s time to send your item off to its new home.

You have up to five working days to ship the item. Because of this, I’d recommend pre-purchasing some shipping bags (recycled paper bags are a great option to keep the process as eco-friendly as possible) so when you make your first sale, you don’t have to scramble to a shop to find suitable shipping bags.

Package it securely, but also consider adding a personal touch. A quick thank you note or a cute sticker can turn a simple purchase into a memorable experience for your buyer and encourage them to leave a great review that’ll show up on your seller profile.

The Vinted buyer will also purchase the shipping for the item. All that you need to do is download the shipping label and follow the shipping instructions, which usually involves taking it to a local drop off point.

With your package neatly tucked away with the shipping service, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. 

Once the buyer receives their new items, they’ll likely leave you a review. Be sure to return the favour. This circle of positive feedback is the lifeblood of the Vinted community.

The more you sell, the more reviews you’ll get, and the more trustworthy your profile will be to future buyers.

If people don’t take the time to leave a review, as long as you posted your item on time and they don’t raise a complaint, you’ll automatically receive a five star review.

Now you’re an expert on how to sell on Vinted, it’s time to take action! If you follow the steps in this guide, the process will come naturally.

Let us know how you get on in the comments below!

The post How To Sell On Vinted – Turn Old Clothes Into Cash! appeared first on Ecothes.

	Allbirds	Vessi
Brand
What They Make	Sustainable sneakers and shoes for Men, women and kids	Waterproof sneakers for Men and Women and kids
Price Range	from $98	from $135
Key Features	•Natural, eco-friendly materials used •Carbon Neutral Certified.	•Waterproof Sneakers •100% Vegan
Negatives	•Not every Allbirds style is completely waterproof	•Lack of Transparency, limited information •Lack of color choice
Certified B Corp?	✔	❌
Eco Friendly Materials?	✔	❌
Vegan?	❌	✔
Kid’s styles available?	✔	✔

About Allbirds

San Fransisco-based sustainable sneaker brand Allbirds launched in 2014 and so far have transformed the sustainable sneaker marketplace as we know it. Allbirds, founded by a New Zealand-native Tim Brown and San Francisco-based Joey Zwillinger, currently have their headquarters and flagship store in San Fransisco.

Until Allbirds, many eco-friendly sneakers were un-stylish or lacked the main features you want from a great pair of sneakers, including comfortable sole, breathable fabric.

However, when Allbirds launched their ever-popular Wool Runner, made from New Zealand superfine merino wool, it set the bar for other sustainable sneaker brands to follow.

About Vessi

Canadian brand Vessi launched in 2018 with the purpose to create a breathable but waterproof shoe that can be worn all day, in any weather, rain, snow, and shine.

Vessi is the brainchild of three Vancouver-based entrepreneurs Andy, Tony, Mikaella, who were tired of putting up with wet socks in the Vancouver rain.

Since 2018, the band has released six different waterproof models and two children’s styles. The brand is also completely vegan, creating its shoes from animal-free materials.

Is Allbirds Sustainable?

Since launching in 2014, Allbirds have been committed to being as sustainable as possible. They were awarded B Corporation status in 2016, which means they consider the impact of their business decisions on their employees, customers, community, supplies, and the environment.

Allbirds meet high ethical and environmental production standards to reduce environmental impact and ensure workers are paid a living wage and work in safe environments.

Allbirds are currently a carbon-neutral company; they offset all of the CO2 produced in their supply chain.

Is Vessi Sustainable?

On the Vessi website, they publish that by creating their shoes with vegan materials, the energy consumption is less than using animal-based materials.

Vessi’s packaging is 100% recyclable with zero use of plastic.

Vessi state they work only with trusted and certified manufacturing partners who align with their core values and sustainability goals. However, there is no information on Vessis’s website about its core values or sustainability goals, so this is just an empty statement.

Compared to Allbirds who publish their suppliers and factories, Vessi is not transparent about its partners, factories, or environmental impact.

Furthermore, Vessi hasn’t achieved B Corporation status, and due to the lack of transparency on their website, from a sustainability point of view, Allbirds have the upper hand.

What materials do Allbirds use?

Allbirds use eco-friendly materials and sustainable technology to produce their sneakers.

They source natural fibers that follow ethical and responsible standards, including the FSC certified Eucalyptus fibers, turned into their famous Tree Runners. In addition, Allbirds source only certified Merino wool for use in their wool runners; this wool is certified by groups monitoring animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Even Allbird’s laces are eco-friendly; they’re made from 100% recycled plastic material to reduce the use of virgin plastic.

What materials does Vessi use?

Vessi uses 100% vegan, animal-free materials. The waterproof uppers in Vessi sneakers are created from Dyma-tex, a patented polyurethane PU material, which is 100% waterproof and breathable. This layer keeps your feet warm and dry.

Vessi uses water-based glues for their animal-free shoes compared to other glues often found in sneakers.

However, there is no further mention of other materials or whether Dyma-tex is made from recycled content.

How do Allbirds fit?

Allbirds fit true to size. We’ve personally tried both the Allbirds Tree Dashers and Allbirds Tree Pipers and agree that the fit is perfect.

However, they only come in full sizes, so if you’re in between sizes, Allbirds recommend sizing up.

Bethany, our Ecothes Editor, is in between sizes, and sized up on her pair of Tree Dashers are a perfect fit.

How do Vessi’s fit?

According to the reviews on Vessi’s website, the sneakers fit true to size however are on the slightly bigger side of the scale.

Overall though, Vessi sneakers fit well and are comfortable walking around all day.

If you’re a half size, Vessi recommends sizing down.

Are Allbirds sneakers good quality?

From personal experience, we can say that Allbirds are high-quality and long-lasting. We’ve had our pair of Tree Dashers for over a year, worn them almost every day, and they are still looking brand new. The sole is still bouncy and comfortable, and the upper part of the sneaker has held its shape well.

Allbirds are also machine washable, and can be cleaned easily to keep them looking clean and fresh.

Don’t just take out word for it; however, look at some of the Allbirds reviews, and you will see people raving about how comfortable they are.

Are Vessi sneakers good quality?

We haven’t personally tested Vessi sneakers; however, they get rave reviews on their website, with the everyday sneaker model receiving over three thousand five-star reviews.

Many reviews tout how comfortable Vessi sneakers are and that people love how waterproof the sneakers are.

Are Allbirds sneakers waterproof?

No, this is one of the only drawbacks of Allbirds sneakers; most of their sneakers are not water-resistant or waterproof. The Wool Runner Mizzles and Wool Dasher Mizzles styles are the best models to buy if you’re looking for water-resistant sneakers.

The Wool Dasher Mizzles have a bio-based shield water repellent coating, making them water-resistant, although wearing in heavy rain or puddles may get your feet wet.

Are Vessi sneakers Waterproof?

Yes. All Vessi sneaker models are waterproof, thanks to their patented Dyma-tex breathable layer. This layer has micro pored, which lets moisture out but stops water from getting in; this keeps your feet dry and breathable all day long.

What styles of shoe does Allbirds make?

Since the original Wool Runner, Allbirds now produce a whole range of sustainable sneakers. We’ve showcased their most popular styles and key features below.

	Wool Runners	Wool Runner Mizzles	Tree Runners	Tree Dashers
Style
Material	Merino Wool	Merino Wool	Natural Eucalyptus Tree Fibers	Renewable, durable and breathable Tree material
Water Resistant	❌	✔	❌	❌
Price	$98	$98	$115	$125
Where To Buy	Shop Wool Runners	Shop Wool Runner Mizzles	Shop Tree Runners	Shop Tree Dashers

What styles of shoe does Vessi make?

As mentioned, Vessi produce six different men’s and women’s shoe styles. We discuss the key points of Vessi’s best sellers below.

	Everyday Sneaker	Everyday Move	Cityscape Sneaker	Weekend Sneaker
Style
Material	Vegan, waterproof materials	Vegan, waterproof breathable knit sneakers	Vegan, breathable knit sneakers	Vegan, waterpoof materials
Waterproof	✔	✔	✔	✔
Price	$135	$140	$135	$145
Where To Buy?	Shop Everyday Sneaker	Shop Everyday Move Sneaker	Shop Cityscape Sneaker	Shop Weekend Sneaker

Overall, it’s clear that there are pros and cons to each brand and choosing a winner between Vessi vs Allbirds was tough.

But, If you’re looking for a pair of sustainable sneakers, Allbirds are definitely the best option, as the lack of transparency around Vessi sneakers means we can’t really say if they’re truly as eco-friendly as they claim.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for vegan completely waterproof sneakers, Vessi have this covered. As Allbirds aren’t a vegan brand.

In our opinion, we would personally go for the Allbirds, as we know first hand the quality and comfort.

The post Vessi vs Allbirds: Which Shoe is Right For You? appeared first on Ecothes.

A large amount of waste happens at both the production stage, as our clothes are made, and the consumer stage, as we throw away or overly wash our clothes.

Dive into this sustainable fashion stats list to learn more about how and why eco-friendly fashion is so important.

• The fashion industry (including apparel and footwear) accounts for 8.1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

• As much as 20% to 35% of all primary source microplastics in the marine environment are from synthetic clothing, according to academic estimates.

• The value of the ethical clothing market increased by 19.9% in 2018, according to Ethical Consumer magazine.

• By 2030, it’s expected that there will be 148 million tons of fashion waste.

• 60% of millennials say they want to shop more sustainably

• 93% of Fashion Checker’s surveyed brands aren’t paying living wages to garment workers

• 26% of business owners surveyed by the Global Fashion Agenda say that “low consumer willingness to pay a premium for sustainable products” is a barrier to them focusing on sustainability

• Around 7,000 liters of water are used in the making of a pair of jeans.

• Under 1% of the material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing at the end of its life.

• 12.5% of global fashion companies have pledged to make changes to their process in favor of adopting more sustainable practices by 2020.

• 59 major textile, apparel, and retailers – including Adidas, Dibella, Eileen Fisher, Gap Inc., H&M, Lindex, MetaWear, Target, and Timberland— aim to increase their use of Recycled Polyester (rPET) by at least 25% by 2020.

• Of 71 leading clothing retailers in the UK, 77% believed there was a likelihood of modern slavery occurring at some stage in their supply chains.

• A polyester shirt has more than double the carbon footprint of a cotton shirt (5.5 kg CO2e vs. 2.1 kg CO2e).

• 1.27 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents will be produced by the manufacturing and sales of apparel in 2030 if there aren’t major changes

• One kilogram of cotton – equivalent to the weight of a shirt and pair of jeans – can take as much as 10,000–20,000 liters of water to produce.

• The fashion industry is projected to use 35% more land for fibre production by 2030—an extra 115 million hectares that could be left for biodiversity or used to grow crops to feed an expanding population.

• Textile production is a major contributor to climate change. It produces an estimated 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per year – more than international flights and maritime shipping combined.

• Cotton farming is responsible for 24 per cent of insecticides and 11 per cent of pesticides despite using only 3 per cent of the world’s arable land (source).

• Worldwide clothing utilization has dropped by 36% compared to how much we used our clothes 15 years ago.

• Only 15% of people recycle their old or used clothing.

• An increase of 10% in second-hand clothing sales could deliver environmental benefits, cutting carbon emissions per tonne of clothing by 3% and water use by 4%. Check out our guide to the Best Online Thrift Stores here.

• Extending the life of clothing by an extra nine months could reduce carbon, waste and water footprints by around 20–30% each.

• Approximately 1,130,000 tonnes of clothing were purchased in the UK in 2016, an increase of almost 200,000 tonnes since 2012.

• In the UK alone, around three hundred thousand tonnes of clothing still ends up in household bins every year with around 20% of this going to landfill and 80% incinerated.

• 3 out of 5 new items of clothing are thrown away and incinerated within one year of purchase.

• Sales share of sustainable clothing is rising and the market share is set to reach over six percent by 2026

At both the production and consumer stage, there are huge improvements that can be made that will help create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

I hope these eco-fashion facts help show you some of the things you can change, and reasons to advocate for and purchase from sustainable fashion brands. If you’re looking to for brands to avoid, instead discover the best affordable sustainable clothing brands here.

We also collected a complete list of the best TED Talks on Sustainable Fashion currently out there, which is a great resource to learn more.

If you have any interesting facts that we should include here, leave a comment below.

The post 26 Sustainable Fashion Facts & Statistics [2024] appeared first on Ecothes.

Shopping in a more sustainable way starts with a deep understanding of what the problem is, how we got here, and how we can get out of it.

These books are all a great way to start your sustainable fashion journey.

Whether you’re looking for factual, information-based reads or stories of brands’ journeys towards sustainability, we’re sure you’ll enjoy all of these books. Once you’re finished, you’ll be able to shop in a more conscious and more eco-friendly way.

We have linked to independent Amazon-alternative book stores in this post.

Here are the recommendations:

1. Slave To Fashion by Minney Safia

At a glance: Exposing people’s exploitation, how the demand for fast, cheap fashion is enabling and fuelling modern-day slavery. 

Style: Factual, informative, ethics in the fashion industry.

Price: From $20

A disturbing but insightful look into fashion’s role in modern-day slavery.

A powerful read that author Minney Safia shares her knowledge and experience to educate us on how humans are being exploited to fuel the fashion industry.

Slave to Fashion discusses initiatives that are driving change to support people impacted by modern-day slavery and educate us on how we can change our own actions in everyday life to support and drive the end to modern-day slavery. 

Buy Slave To Fashion

2. Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard

At a glance: A background behind the beginnings of the brand Patagonia, challenges faced, and the push to ensure they recognize their environmental impact to drive change in the industry. 

Style: Autobiography, Business, outdoor wear. 

Price: From $17.52

Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard gives a fantastic account of the activewear brand Patagonia’s beginnings in his book ‘Let My People Go Surfing.’

He discusses business challenges starting out as a company, and the journey from a rock climbing equipment business into a clothing business.

He also shares his philosophies to ensure sustainability was at Patagonia’s heart. An excellent book that’s easy to read, full of stunning pictures.

Buy Let My People Go Surfing on Patagonia

3. How To Break Up With Fast Fashion by Lauren Bravo

At a glance: Witty and readable. It is a book for anyone who wants to learn more about the environmental impact of fast fashion and how to change their mindset.

Style: Factual, Informative, Witty.

Price: $8.99

A good starter book for learning about the harmful side of the fast fashion industry.

Author Lauren Bravo delivers a fantastic, witty read, which does not guilt trip you, but instead promotes you to change your buying habits for the better. 

Buy How To Break Up With Fast Fashion

4. Slow Fashion by Safia Minney 

At a glance: Motivation for changing our mindset to fashion. An in-depth look at how creatives are changing the fashion industry for the better. 

Style: Factual, Informative.

Price: $20

Another fantastic, factual, fashion book by author Safia Minney, providing an in-depth look at how initiatives driven by pioneers in the slow fashion industry are changing the way we shop fashion for the better.

The book investigates the harmful side of the fashion industry, both ethically and environmentally, and shows us how to support and make conscious changes to our lifestyle. 

Shop Slow Fashion

5. To Die For by Lucy Siegle

At a glance: A deep dive into the ethical and environmental consequences the fast fashion industry is having on the planet.

Style: factual, informative.

Price: $10

Lucy Siegle, an ethical living columnist for the Observer, examines the ugly, inhumane, and environmentally disastrous side of the fast fashion industry we as consumers continue to fuel. The writer spent years researching the book and presents facts on the ethical consequences and the damaging environmental impact the fashion industry is having on the planet.

Well written and informative, this book allows us to take a long, hard look at the shocking and damaging industry we continue to support – a real eye-opener.

Buy To Die For

6. Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes by Dana Thomas

At a glance: Fashionopolis addresses the problems surrounding sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry and also presents solutions on how we can change our shopping habits.

Style: Factual, informative.

Price: $21.17

100 billion garments are produced each year, with the average garment worn only 7 times.

Fashionopolis is a well researched book which is great for anyone wanting to educate themselves further the impact of the fashion industry, both ethically and sustainably. The author also educates us on the varied methods of producing textiles in a sustainable way and gives examples of brands making a difference for the better.

Buy Fashionopolis

The post 6 Must-Read Sustainable Fashion Books in 2024 appeared first on Ecothes.

Are you looking for Hemp facts?

Then you’re in the right place because we’ve got a whole bunch of facts about hemp material, how hemp’s grown, and how to make hemp fabric. Plus, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hemp and what hemp is used for.

Hemp, often known as Industrial Hemp, is part of the Cannabis family and belongs to the species Cannabis sativa. However, unlike the closely related Cannabis species Marijuana, hemp contains very low levels (<0.3%) of THC compound and therefore does not have the same psychedelic effects.

Hemp is used as a food, as the hemp seeds are edible, for hemp paper production, and as a fiber for hemp cloth and linen.

Hemp plants are grown from hemp seed and, like bamboo, are one of the fastest-growing plant species on earth. The hemp plant grows in plantations and grows tall, up to 5 meters, with distinct leaves.

The largest cultivator of hemp worldwide is China, which cultivates around 50% of the world’s hemp. It is estimated that China has approximately 66,700 hectares of land growing hemp (2019). China is followed by France, which is the second-largest producer worldwide, with around 18,000 hectares, followed by Chile.

Evidence shows that hemp has been used as a fiber for cloth for over 3,000 years, with reports of hemp cultivation in China in 2800 bc.

Check out the handy infographic below, which describes how hemp fabric is created.

• Breathable material
• Strong and durable fibers
• Hemp is naturally antimicrobial
• Hemp fabric is naturally UV resistant
• Hemp is an eco-friendly fabric that absorbs CO2, fertilizes the soil, and requires little irrigation.
• Biodegradable as it is a natural fiber.
• Replenishes soil

• Material can wrinkle easily.
• Negative consumer perspective on hemp.
• Hemp clothes can be more expensive than cotton or cheap polyester clothing.

Yes! Hemp is a sustainable material. Hemp requires half as much water as other natural materials, including cotton, plus hemp is naturally pest-resistant, so it doesn’t rely on large quantities of pesticides.

In addition, hemp requires less land usage, and unlike cotton, hemp replenishes the soil it’s grown in.

• Hemp needs approximately half as much land and half as much water as cotton does to produce.
• Hemp does not require harmful pesticides or fertilizers.
• Hemp replenishes the soil, whereas conventional cotton farming damages the soil.
• Hemp is a faster-growing crop.
• Hemp fabric is up to 3x stronger than cotton.

Hemp material has many uses, including:

• Hemp clothing
• Hemp bags
• Hemp Bedding
• Hemp Underwear
• Hemp shoes

As Hemp fabric is making a comeback and entering mainstream materials, we are seeing hemp being used by brands as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton and synthetic fibers such as polyester.

We’ve rounded up a list of brands producing great Hemp products!

1. WAMA Underwear

Materials: 100% hemp, Green America Certified, and PETA-approved materials

Best for: hemp underwear for men and women

Ships to: the US & International

Hemp Underwear

2. Buffy Bedding

Materials: 100% hemp, safe dyes

Best for: Natural hemp bedding made with nontoxic dyes, shipped in recyclable packaging.

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Buffy

3. 8000Kicks

Materials: Hemp uppers, algae bloom soles

Best for: Waterproof hemp shoes

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop 8000Kicks

4. Valani

Materials: Hemp linen and Tencel blend of eco-friendly fabrics

Best for: Women’s hemp clothing

Ships to: the US & International

Shop Valani

We hope you’ve learned some interesting new facts about hemp. Hemp is a great sustainable material and is an eco-friendly alternative to cotton.

We have loads more resources if you’d like to learn about other eco-friendly materials including the difference between organic cotton vs cotton, jute, and linen.

If you have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comments below.

The post Best Hemp Clothing Brands + Hemp Facts [2024] appeared first on Ecothes.

Still trying to figure out what to do with old underwear and bras when they reach the end of their lifecycle? Don’t fret! Our all-encompassing guide on how to get rid of your old underwear will answer all your questions.

You’ve worn your briefs, laciest thongs, softest boy shorts, and favorite lingerie to death – and we applaud you for that! But, regardless of the quality of your favorite organic underwear, eventually, they will show signs of wear and tear.

Unfortunately, around 5 million kilograms of underwear every day ends up in landfill sites across the US. Used garments and other discarded textiles that are not organic can take up to hundreds of years to decompose. Plus, open-air dumps release toxic greenhouse gasses that pollute the air, water, and land in local communities. So, understanding how to sustainably dispose of old underwear helps lower the world’s overall clothing waste footprint.

Here’s how to get rid of your old underwear that has seen better days.

Instead of tossing your worn undies to the bean and calling it a day, why not donate or recycle them? Granted, heavily used underwear isn’t something a charity shop will thank you for. There are, however, many places that will gladly do all the dirty work for you.

If you have used undergarments in good condition, here’s how to sustainably get rid of your old underwear. P.S. all you have to do is wash them and send them their married way.

Buy Nothing group: There are several “hyper-local” online communities, such as the Buy Nothing group, where individuals can give and receive all kinds of stuff for free, including clothing, children’s toys, carpets, furniture, and even gently-used underwear and socks. If peer-to-peer transactions are your thing, check them out. Why not attempt it then?

Freecycle.org, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace are all fantastic choices to donate your used undies if you can’t locate a Buy Nothing Group in your neighborhood.

The Bra Recyclers: What to do with old underwear, specifically bras? The Bra Recyclers has supplied more than 4 million bras to women in need while working with more than 100 nonprofit organizations worldwide. In addition, they accept new pants and bras of all kinds.

Planet Aid: The goal of Planet Aid is to divert used underpants from landfills and give them a second chance through donations. You may drop off up to 70 pounds of clean socks, clothing, and shoes at one of their numerous donation bins, or you can send them directly.

Thread Up: The online consignment shop Thread Up will help you get rid of your underwear sustainably, all while making some money. All you have to do is fill pre-labeled “Clean Out” bags with your used clothing and undies, and voila! Alternatively, you can send your money straight to the organizations that ThredUp supports.

Free the Girls: This group supports women with bra-selling businesses to provide jobs for people who were once involved in sex trafficking. “I didn’t know what was next. But then I started my business and started selling bras,” mentioned one of the women who successfully started their small business through this program.

I Support the Girls: The nonprofit group I Support the Girls gathers undergarments, bras, and extra menstruation supplies to give to homeless women. They believe that women should sacrifice their health and cleanliness to provide for their families —and we are 100% behind that!

Our favorite sustainable fashion brands not only offer fantastic eco-friendly collections but have also adopted practices of circularity. This includes informing us on how to get rid of your old underwear sustainably through their programs.

Subset

For all of your ready-to-retire intimates, including brands, socks, and tights, the eco-friendly underwear company Subset (formerly Knickey) offers an industry-leading recycling program. You may get a free pair of organic cotton underwear in exchange for converting them into insulation.

Discover Subset

Bra Recycling Agency: Here’s another idea of what to do with old underwear that is still in good condition. The Bra Recycling Agency is prepared to transform the underwires of your used bras into magnets and carpet padding. The postal cost is about $5, but it’s great that 100% of the money goes to financing breast cancer research.

Parade

Parade and TerraCycle have partnered to offer free underwear recycling, allowing you to dispose of all your bottoms environmentally and without incurring additional charges.

Discover Parade

Clothes The Loop program: The North Face’s “Clothes The Loop program” allows you to recycle your old clothes, shoes, and undergarments while reducing the amount of textile waste in landfills. Simply take your intimates to a North Face shop or outlet and dispose of them there. Additionally, you’ll receive 10% off your subsequent purchase.

Pact

Pact offers a stellar Give Back program. Send any gently worn clothing to a charity organization through the Wear Forward program. They don’t go into detail, but we anticipate that bras in good condition will also be accepted.

Discover Pact

Hanky Panky: Customers may send back any brand of bras and underwear to be recycled using Hanky Panky’s LingeriecycleTM. The fabric is torn into carpet padding, while the metal fasteners are recycled separately.

Soma: In order to donate or properly recycle new or gently used bras, Soma collaborates with the I Support the Girls and The Bra Recyclers (described above). As a thank you for participating, you receive $10.

Sometimes, selling, donating, and repurposing old undies is simply not possible. That’s where the organizations below really shine. Here’s what to do with old underwear that are basically useless.

Terracycle: Terracycle is a company that specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle materials, including clothing and textiles. You can easily order a Zero Waste Box from Terracycle to package all your used undies. Then, you can ship it to TerraCycle using the prepaid shipping label provided by the company.

Alternatively, you can drop off your clothing at a Terracycle collection point.

Council for Textile Recycling: Founded in 1992, the mission of the Council for Textile Recycling is to promote the recycling of textiles and increase public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of textile recycling. On their website, you can locate a recycling/donation facility closest to you. They have plenty of options in the United States, Canada, and some International locations.

What to do with old underwear that you aren’t ready to kiss goodbye yet? Repair, repair, repair! If there is a small hole or something easily fixable, why not try? You don’t have to be a super-skilled seamstress.

This video shows us How to repair underwear holes without stitching.

This slightly more advanced video is all about replacing worn elastic on underwear.

Lastly, here’s a tutorial on how to fix an underwire bra in seconds.

If you don’t know what to do with old underwear that is in great condition, we’ve got you! Most big resale platforms also accept clean bras and undies. So that’s your sign to make some extra cash –and keep our planet happy.

Make accounts on Poshmark, Depop, Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, Chairish, and Resee. Snap some photos and kickstart the selling process ASAP.

Unlike chemical-laden fabrics, organic undies can easily be composted. In fact, everything from organic cotton, hemp fabric, ethical wool, and linen, to ethical cashmere will turn into nutrient-rich compost within just a few weeks. Just make sure that your undergarments are 100% natural or the content of synthetics is less than 5%. You’ll also want to make sure to shred the fabric finely in order to speed up the process and remove non-compostable elements like elastic bands.

Luckily, many ethical brands offer 100% organic cotton compostable underwear. This way, you’ll never have to worry about what to do with old underwear ever again!

Kent

Kent’s GOTS-certified underwear is designed to be fully compostable. This means that it can break down into natural materials without leaving behind any harmful toxins or chemicals.

Shop Kent

Subset

Subset created breathable and incredibly soft GOTS-certified organic cotton undies that are biodegradable. The fabric comes straight from Indian farms and is produced in a Fairtrade factory locally in India.

Shop Subset

Warp + Weft

Warp + Weft makes size-inclusive, biodegradable underwear made from organic cotton and Tencel from the USA and quality European dyes. Plus, the collection is really affordable!

Shop Warp + Weft

Made Trade

The fair trade retail Made Trade offers compostable and biodegradable lingerie, underwear, and intimates made from organic fabrics. All pieces are created ethically by small artisans. Featured image Thunderpants USA.

Shop Made Trade

Despite our affinity for recycling and donating, it’s crucial to get the most use out of your underwear before you decide to rehome them. The key to sustainability is longevity, and that goes for your intimates as well. So, if you want to extend the lifespan of your underwear, the following tips might assist.

1. Follow the care instructions

Read the care label on your underwear to determine the recommended washing and drying instructions. Some underwear may require hand washing or a gentle cycle, while others can be washed in the machine on a regular cycle. Avoid using hot water and high heat in the dryer, as this can cause shrinkage and damage the elastic.

2. Use a pillowcase during laundry

Bra straps might occasionally turn into a tangled mess. Our washing machines are not particularly strap-friendly, which is primarily to blame. All you have to do to maintain your bras in great condition is place them in a delicates bag or pillowcase.

3. Air dry your underwear

Aside from saving energy, Air drying leaves them smooth and crinkle-free.

4. Avoid fabric softeners

Fabric softeners can break down the fibers in your underwear and reduce their lifespan. Instead, opt for a mild detergent that is gentle on the fabric.

5. Use a mild detergent

Eco-friendly laundry detergents include the mildest chemicals, but you may also search for the terms “gentle” or “delicate” in the description.

We hope you enjoyed the article and have found many ways to get rid of your old underwear sustainably. If you’re looking for the best sustainable bras and bralettes, ethical lingerie, or period underwear, check out our guides.

The post What To Do With Old Underwear? Ultimate Eco Guide [2024] appeared first on Ecothes.

We’ve rounded up some footwear industry facts which might make you think twice about supporting the mass footwear industry.

Footwear Industry Facts

1.In 2020, the global footwear market was valued at $365.5 billion and is estimated to reach $530.3 billion by 2027. [alliedmarketresearch]

2. The worldwide consumption of footwear is estimated to be more than 20 billion pairs of shoes per year, with less than 5% of shoes being recycled, with most being disposed of in landfills. [Lee and Rahimifard 2012]

3. The leather uppers and outsole used in many popular footwear brands are Chrome-Tanned Leather. Leather is tanned with Chromium, a toxic chemical used for tanning leather’s cheap, fast method. Chromium poses a severe health risk for workers in tanneries, as Chromium is a carcinogen known to cause damage to gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive systems. [bettershoes.org]

4. The United States has the highest per capita shoe consumption, with each inhabitant purchasing an average of 6.9 pairs of shoes every year. [T. STAIKOS* and S. RAHIMIFARD]

5. The footwear industry is classified as the fifth-worst industry to impact the environment negatively [Spahio 2020].

6. Around 9 out of every 10 pairs of shoes are manufactured in Asia. [Zavodna, 2020] Where, unfortunately, poverty wages are a huge problem, with approximately only 2% of the price of a pair of shoes paid to the workers who made them. [Labour behind the label]

7. China is the largest producer of footwear globally. [Statistica]

8. Footwear brands can use over 40 different materials to manufacture one single shoe. [Zavodna, 2020]

9. EVA foam soles are a common material used in the production of athletic shoes worldwide. However, EVA is produced from petroleum, and therefore the EVA used to manufacture shoe soles results in severe environmental pollution of groundwater and rivers when disposed into landfills. [Wiki]

10. When disposed of in landfills, athletic footwear can take up to thousands of years to naturally degrade. [Wiki]

11. Nike’s “Reuse-A-Shoe” program is one of the only product take-back and recycling schemes established by a large-scale shoe manufacturer. So far, the scheme has recycled 16 million pairs since 1993. [Staikos]

12. Since 2013, there have been 131 worker deaths caused by fires in footwear manufacturing factories worldwide. [bettershoes] This is unfortunately due to a lack of heath and safety in the workplace, and poor working conditions.

Conclusion

Think twice about throwing away your old shoes, look for a recycling scheme instead, think about the impact every pair you buy has on people and the planet.

When choosing footwear, look for brands using sustainable materials and ethical production to create sustainable footwear.

The market is growing in the use of sustainable products including natural biodegradable fibers, and EVA soles from natural materials. Check out our guides on sustainable sneakers, running shoes, and sandals to discover brands changing the footwear industry.

Looking to repair your old shoes? Check out our guide on repairable shoes here!

The post 10+ Footwear Industry Facts: Stark Facts about Shoe Production appeared first on Ecothes.

Happy Earth Day! The theme for this year’s earth day is Invest In Our Planet, an important message we can take and influence our decisions towards a more sustainable future.

Over 8% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the fashion industry, which exceeds air travel and maritime travel emissions combined. In addition to the carbon emissions, the fashion industry is estimated to create over 92 million tonnes of waste every year, most of which end up in landfills, including waste plastics and polyester, which won’t biodegrade for hundreds of years.

Here at Ecothes we believe that making small changes in our consumer habits, buying fewer clothes, wearing your clothes more, and supporting sustainable and ethical brands when you shop helps contribute to the movement towards a more sustainable future.

We have some great resources if you’re looking to learn more about the fast fashion industry’s damaging effects on the planet. Our guides are written to help you discover new sustainable brands promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and ethical production.

Below we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite brands for you to discover this earth day!

10 Stylish Women’s Sustainable Fashion Brands

If you’re looking to discover women’s sustainable fashion brands, we have loads of great recommendations to tailor your wardrobe to include eco-friendly essentials, including Sustainable Size Inclusive brands, workwear brands, blazers, dresses, and swimwear.

Alternatively, check out a few of our favorite and most loved brands below.

1. Reformation

Sustainability: Stylish ethical clothing made with sustainable materials and deadstock materials.

Best for: Dreamy Dresses, blouses, and jeans

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Reformation

2. Vetta

Sustainability: Capsule wardrobe collection made ethically from eco-friendly materials

Best for: Capsule Wardrobe clothes

Ships to: The US

Shop Vetta

3. Valani

Sustainability: Clothing made locally in the USA from plant-based materials

Best for: Dresses, vegan clothing

Ships to: the US

Shop Valani

4. Graceful District

Sustainability: Made in USA clothing from natural materials, including organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes

Best for: Sweatshirts, organic cotton t-shirts

Ships to: the US

Shop Graceful District

5. Organic Basics

Sustainability: High-quality GOTS certified organic cotton basics made ethically using sustainable production practices

Best for: Sweatshirts, t-shirts, organic cotton underwear

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Organic Basics

6. Colorful Standard

Sustainability: Biodegradable sunglasses and colorful basics made with GOTS certified organic cotton in an ethical factory in Portugal

Best for: Sweaters, sweatshirts, shorts, sunglasses

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Colorful Standard

7. Thought

Sustainability: UK-based Ethical clothing brand creating clothing from responsibly sourced materials, including organic cotton and hemp

Best for: Casual clothing, including dresses, underwear, tops, and shirts

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Thought

8. Sézane

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation creates stylish French-inspired clothing ethically from sustainable materials

Best for: Parisian inspired looks, summer dresses, clothing, and accessories

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Sézane

9. Birdsong

Sustainability: UK clothing creating handmade clothes in London from sustainable materials. Birdsong supports marginalized women in London, providing them with jobs, support, and living wages.

Best for: Skirts, dresses, organic cotton T-shirts

Ships to: the UK & International

Shop Birdsong

10. KOTN

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation creates premium basics from responsibly sourced Egyptian cotton. Kotn has a fully traceable supply chain and ensures fair wages and treatment of workers throughout their supply chain.

Best for: Tshirts, shirts, pants

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Kotn

9 Sustainable Menswear brands

Check out our favorite sustainable men’s clothing brands below. If you want to discover more great eco-freindly brands, take a look at our articles on men’s sustainable fashion and mens swimwear.

1. United By Blue

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation. Sustainable clothing brand removing trash from oceans for every product sold. UBB uses sustainable materials and ethical production to create its clothing.

Best for: Casual men’s clothing

Ships to: the US

Discover United By blue

2. Outerknown

Sustainability: Fair labor, sustainable and natural materials, including organic cotton.

Best for: Sustainable men’s clothing, men’s swimwear

Ships to: the US & International

Discover Outerknown

3. Patagonia

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation and 1% for the planet member. Patagonia creates high-quality, durable outdoor clothing and casual clothing in fair trade certified factories using recycled and natural materials.

Best for: Outdoor clothing, swimwear, casual clothing, workwear

Ships to: Worldwide

Discover Patagonia

4. Colorful Standard

Sustainability: Ethical production, sustainable materials, including GOTS certified organic cotton, recycled materials, and biodegradable sunglasses

Best for: Shirts, sweaters, hoodies, sunglasses

Ships to: Worldwide

Discover Colorful Standard

5. Frank and Oak

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation. Canadian sustainable clothing brand creating ethical and eco-friendly clothing from recycled materials and natural fibers.

Best for: Jackets, clothing, accessories

Ships to: Canada & the US

Discover Frank and Oak

6. Tentree

Sustainability: Ten tree plants ten trees for every item purchased. Clothing is created with sustainable and natural materials.

Best for: Casual clothing, outdoor wear

Ships to: the US & International

Discover Tentree

7. KOTN

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation, creating basics from natural fibers using ethical production

Best for: Premium cotton basics

Ships to: Worldwide

Discover KOTN

8. The Phoenix Brand

Sustainability: The Phoenix Brand creates fashion-forward garments that are plant-based, upcycled, and toxin-free.

Best for: Men’s clothing, t-shirts

Ships to: the US & Canada

Discover The Phoenix Brand

9. Organic Basics

Sustainability: Certified B Corp and 1% for the planet company, creating premium organic cotton clothing made ethically.

Best for: Premium organic cotton basics including shirts, t-shirts, sweaters

Ships to: Worldwide

Discover Organic Basics

11 Sustainable Shoe Brands To Discover

Around 20 billion pairs of shoes are sold every year, with less than 5% of shoes being recycled. Most footwear is being disposed of in landfills. Shoes can take thousands of years to degrade due to materials, including plastics and metals.

By switching to shoes made with sustainable materials such as natural fibers and recycled materials, we can help to reduce our carbon footprint and tread lighter.

Check out our favorite shoe brands below, or discover more great brands by taking a look at our popular footwear recommendations, including running shoes, sneakers, and shoes made from recycled plastic.

1. Allbirds

Sustainability: Certified B corporation creating sustainable shoes from recycled and natural materials, including a carbon-negative EVA Sole created from sugarcane.

Best for: Running shoes, sneakers, slip-on

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Allbirds

2. Tropicfeel

Sustainability: Eco-friendly travel shoes created from recycled materials

Best for: Travel shoes, sneakers

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Tropicfeel

3. Cariuma

Sustainability: Certified B Corporation. Every pair = 2 Trees planted. Ethical shoes created with recycled and responsibly sourced sustainable materials, including organic cotton.

Best for: Sustainable alternative to low profile shoes like Vans

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Cariuma

4. Baabuk

Sustainability: Sustainable footwear brand using responsibly sourced wool to create its ethical shoes.

Best for: Wool shoes and slippers

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Baabuk

5. Native Shoes

Sustainability: Recyclable shoes which are turned into children’s playgrounds

Best for: Kids shoes, sandals

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Native Shoes

6. On Running

Sustainability: Sustainable running shoes created from recycled materials

Best for: Running shoes, hiking boots

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop On Running

7. SUAVS

Sustainability: Travel shoes and sneakers created using recycled plastic bottles

Best for: Sneakers, slip-on

Ships to: the US

Shop SUAVS

8. Rothy’s

Sustainability: Men’s and Women’s shoes made from recycled plastic bottles

Best for: Ballerina flats, sneakers, loafers

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Rothy’s

9. Etiko

Sustainability: Vegan sneakers and hi-tops are made from natural and eco-friendly materials, including hemp and organic cotton.

Best for: Shoes like Converse and Vans

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Etiko

10. Beflamboyant

Sustainability: Vegan sneakers made ethically from natural materials, including bamboo fibers

Best for: Vegan shoes

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Beflamboyant

11. Earth Shoes

Sustainability: Sustainable shoes and sandals made from eco-friendly materials, including hemp and organic cotton, and responsibly sourced leather

Best for: Sandals, pumps, sneakers

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Earth Shoes

5 Sustainable Underwear Brands

Below we’ve picked out our favorite top five sustainable underwear brands that create high-quality underwear from earth-friendly fabrics.

There are lots of other great eco-friendly brands out there. Discover them in our guides on organic cotton underwear, sustainable lingerie, and sustainable bras.

1. Heist

Sustainability: Eco-friendly underwear made from deadstock and recycled fabrics

Best for: Lace underwear

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Heist

2. Pact

Sustainability: Organic cotton underwear made ethically

Best for: Affordable organic cotton underwear

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Pact

3. Parade

Sustainability: Sustainable underwear created from eco-friendly fabrics and recycled materials

Best for: Soft bras, affordable underwear

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Parade

4. Boody

Sustainability: Organic underwear created from renewable, organic bamboo

Best for: Ultra-soft and breathable bras and panties

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Boody

5. Woron

Sustainability: A female-founded brand creates soft, sustainable underwear designed with eco-friendly fabrics, including organic cotton and Tencel, always made without toxic chemicals or toxic dyes.

Best for: Soft cup bras and pants

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Woron

5 Sustainable Activewear Brands To Discover

Below we’ve chosen five sustainable activewear brands that create workout clothes from sustainable materials.
If you want to discover more activewear brands, look at our tailored guides on running shoes, running clothes, and yoga clothes.

1. Wolven

Sustainability: Female-founded brand creating soft and lightweight, eco-friendly activewear made from recycled plastic bottles

Best for: Yoga leggings, colorful and vibrant workout clothes

Ships to: Worldwide

Discover Wolven

2. Girlfriend collective

Sustainability: Sustainable workout clothes made from recycled plastic

Best for: Compression leggings, sports bras, size-inclusive activewear

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Girlfriend Collective

3. Summersalt

Sustainability: Use of recycled fabrics and ethical production to create vibrant activewear sets

Best for: Vibrant activewear sets

Ships to: Worldwide

Shop Summersalt

4. DAY/WON

Sustainability: Made in the USA using recycled fabrics

Best for: size-inclusive activewear

Ships to: the US

Shop DAY/WON

Wrapping Up: Earth Day Brands To Support

We hope you’ve discovered a bunch of new sustainable brands to support this Earth Day.

Remember, buying less and wearing your existing clothes is the best thing you can do to prevent overconsumption. However, when you shop for new clothes, make sure you’re supporting brands using ethical production and sustainable materials that don’t damage the earth’s resources.

The post 40 Sustainable Fashion Brands for Earth Day 2024 appeared first on Ecothes.

The growing popularity of alternative sustainable fabrics such as modal has left consumers wondering what modal fabric is and how it is different from cotton.

That’s why we’ve compared both modal vs cotton, explaining how both materials are made, the pros and cons of each fabric, and whether modal is an eco-friendly alternative to cotton.

Cotton is a natural fiber grown from the cotton plant, Gossypium spp. Once harvested, the cotton fibers are spun or woven into fabric.

Approximately 26 million tonnes of cotton is produced for the fashion industry globally, meaning around 60% of global cotton fiber production is destined for fashion and textile products.

Thanks to its range of properties, cotton has been used for thousands of years as a textile. Today cotton is widely used in clothing, bed linen, upholstery, towels, and shoes.

The most common properties of cotton include:

Modal, a type of Rayon fabric, is a bio-based semi-synthetic fiber derived from the natural fibers derived from beech trees.

Modal isn’t a new fabric, as it’s been around for 70 years, but only recently made its way into the mainstream fashion markets. Nevertheless, modal is gaining in popularity, especially with sustainable fashion brands, because it uses less water and energy in production compared to other fibers like cotton or polyester.

Even though modal is made from tree fibers, modal is not a natural fiber but a semi-synthetic fiber.

It’s important to note that while modal can be made from natural fibers, the two fabrics are not the same. Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made through a series of chemical treatments, while cotton is a natural fiber.

Modal has an effortlessly draping texture that resembles silk, making it a great vegan alternative to silk.

Modal also has excellent moisture-absorbing properties, making it a popular choice for underwear and activewear.

Along with its moisture-wicking properties, modal has properties that include:

Modal has grown in popularity within the sustainable fabric sector because the Beech trees from which the cellulose is obtained can grow with ten times less water than is needed for cotton growth.

Cotton plants require vast amounts of water to grow, using around 44 trillion liters of water every year.

Cotton is also responsible for the highest pesticide use for any fiber crop, using around $2 billion worth of pesticides every year. These pesticides can include harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, Ammonia, and Chlorine, which can have adverse health effects on weavers and garment workers and pollute soil and waterways.

If you are looking for cotton, we recommend organic cotton over cotton, as it’s grown with less water and without harmful chemicals; discover more about organic cotton here.

However, even though cotton requires a large amount of water and pesticides to grow, we should not automatically assume that all Modal types are more eco-friendly than cotton.

Modal can also be unsustainable if manufacturers source and produce their modal fabrics from unregulated and unsustainable sources.

For example, there is a risk of growing deforestation if the harvesting of beech trees isn’t closely regulated for modal production. In addition, some producers may only use the cellulose from the beech tree, wasting the other tree material.

Deforestation also leads to the loss of ecosystem habitats and reduces the biodiversity within our forests.

In addition to the deforestation risk, modal production requires a large usage of chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. If these chemicals are not disposed of or used correctly, they also present a risk to humans and ecosystems.

Although, fear not, as there is hope for modal as an eco-friendly alternative to cotton. For example, modal producers can obtain their trees from FSC certified and PEFC certified sources, which ensures responsible sourcing of beech trees. Moreover, manufacturers like Lenzing Modal use sustainable production practices to produce their modal rayon fabric.

Some modal manufacturers also ensure tight regulations around chemical use, ensuring no chemicals enter waterways or come in contact with humans or ecosystems.

Overall, modal has better moisture-absorbing properties than cotton. As a result, modal is used commonly for activewear because it is 50% more hygroscopic per unit than cotton.

The semi-synthetic properties of modal make it a stronger and more durable material than cotton. While cotton may pile and wear over time, modal is an anti-pilling fabric that retains its shape and structure after washing.

Yes, modal is more expensive than cotton.

It is clear that both modal and cotton have similar but very different properties.

In terms of sustainability, it’s clear that both cotton and modal have significant environmental drawbacks.

If you’re looking for genuinely sustainable fabric, we recommend opting for organic cotton, as it is grown without pesticides or harmful chemicals and requires 10x less water to grow than cotton.

If you enjoyed this materials guide and want to discover the properties of other sustainable materials, check out our series on jute, Tencel, linen, and hemp.

The post Modal Fabric vs Cotton: Whats The Difference? appeared first on Ecothes.

Pollution, waste, and poor worker treatment are all, unfortunately, all too common.

In this article, we’ve collected some of the most eye-opening and shocking fast fashion statistics to help you understand the impact this industry is having on the planet and people.

We’ve broken it up into three sections, with sources to the individual studies linked for further reading.

Here are the facts:

1. The average number of times a garment is worn before it ceases to be used has decreased by 36% compared to 15 years ago (Ellen Macarthur Foundation)

2. Two-thirds of consumers in Germany and the UK consider a brand’s actions on sustainability to be an important buying factor, but only one-third of Germans and 16% of Britons are trading up their purchases to more sustainable brands. (McKinsey)

3. One in six people worldwide work in the fashion industry (UNECE)

4. The apparel industry’s global emissions output is predicted to increase by 49% by 2030 if nothing changes (Quantis)

5. The fashion and apparel industry is responsible for approximately one third of all microplastics found in the ocean. (Plastic Soup Foundation)

1. This fashion industry is the second highest user of water worldwide, producing 20% of total global water waste. (UNECE)

2. As much as 12% of fibers are still discarded on factory floors, 25% of fast fashion garments remain unsold, and less than 1% of products are recycled into new garments. (Ellen Macarthur Foundation)

3. Clothing production produces more emissions than international plane travel and shipping combined (House of Commons Environmental Audit)

4. Garment production volumes are growing by 2.7% annually and less than 1% of products are recycled into new garments (Business of Fashion)

5. It takes 2,700 liters of water to produce the amount of cotton needed for a single t-shirt. (WWF)

1. 93% of brands don’t pay garment workers a living wage (Fashion Checker)

2. The Inditex Group (parent company of Zara, Mango, and more) is responsible for producing 508,012 metric tons of CO2e in 2019 (Statista)

3. Only 4% of consumers in the UK say they “only buy from sustainable clothing brands” (Statista)

4. 80% of garment workers are women and they are routinely paid less than their male coworkers (Fashion Checker)

5. 35% of surveyed garment workers in Bangladesh have experienced violence from workplace supervisors (Fashion Checker)

The post 15 Eye-Opening Fast Fashion Statistics [2024] appeared first on Ecothes.

We were asked to try a pair of 8000Kicks in exchange for an honest review.

We were gifted a pair of 8000Kicks, but this review isn’t sponsored, and we weren’t asked to say anything in particular (positive or negative), all views in this review are our own.

Overall, I rate 8000Kicks a 4/5 rating. I liked the waterproof hemp material, and the comfort of the bloom foam soles, it was also great that the insoles are easily removable. 8000Kicks look good on your feet; they’re lightweight and comfortable.

The main drawbacks are the limited color choice, and the sizing being on the slightly smaller side.

Check Out 8000Kicks

Our pair of 8000kicks came in a recyclable cardboard shoebox, wrapped in biodegradable protective UPS wrap, made from corn.

The box kept the shoes secure and intact, and there was no plastic packaging in the shoe box.

Inside the box, the shoes come with cardboard inserts to keep the shoe held in position.

The packaging is playful, featuring hemp leaves and a cool cardboard card featuring information about your new hemp sneakers.

✔ We will be able to recycle all of the packaging easily, so that’s a definite positive.

On first impressions, the sneakers feel lightweight and high quality.

Unfortunately, at first 8000 Kicks accidentally sent me the all-black pair instead of the navy blue pair – I let the 8000kicks team know, and they were very helpful and apologetic – the navy blue pair were on the way the same day; they even threw in a pair of super comfy hemp socks (which I wear now all the time).

✔ Overall excellent customer service from the 8000 kicks team.

The sneakers are very comfortable and supportive on your feet.

The sole gives good cushioning, and good flexibility. The shoe moves with you as you walk, and the shoes don’t feel rigid on your feet.

The hemp is naturally antimicrobial, so this means no foot odor, especially if you’re walking a lot in hot climates or on your feet all day.

The fit is slightly on the smaller side. However, this is partially my fault, as the 8000kicks website gives clear instructions on how to choose the size accordingly, they recommend if you’re in doubt to size up, and I agree with this.

I thought the soles would be a little slippery on first impressions, but they have a good grip, and they’re not slippery when walking on wet ground.

I haven’t had chance to test in snow and icy conditions, but we will update when we’ve had chance to test.

✔ Yes, the insoles are super easy to remove, great if you require specialty insoles with more foot arch support (something I need, so this was a bonus).

❌ The insoles in 8000kicks don’t have a built-up foot arch support and are relatively neutral insoles, so if you require more support, the option is there to add your insoles.

✔ The insoles in 8000kicks are made from hemp, which is antibacterial and breathable; this prevents your foot from getting too hot and sweaty.

8000Kicks are made from hemp fibers which are pesticide and herbicide-free. Hemp is a great natural fiber and an eco-friendly alternative to cotton as it requires five times less water than cotton to grow and purifies the soil as it grows.

Hemp is also a great alternative to conventional cotton as it requires half as much land usage to grow, and absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere.

Inside the shoes is a soft cushion around the ankle, which meant I didn’t get blisters when wearing the shoes.

The hemp also keeps my feet dry and stops them from getting sweaty due to the natural breathability of hemp.

8000Kicks partnered with Bloom Foam to create its super light insoles. The feeling is almost squishy, but without being too soft, they offer good cushioning.

If you want to read more about how they make soles from algae, check out the Bloom Foam site here.

✔ YES – Even though the shoe initially doesn’t look waterproof, they withstand heavy rain and puddles keeping my feet dry.

8000 Kicks have coated their sneakers with a waterproof coating which forms a water-tight barrier around the shoes.

❌ NO – 8000 kicks don’t recommend washing the sneakers in a washing machine, because it may damage the waterproof layer. Instead, they recommend cleaning lightly with a damp cloth.

I wouldn’t recommend 8000 kicks for running in; they are a casual sneaker, perfect for city strolls, commuting, working, and general wear.

If you’re looking specifically for eco-friendly running shoes, we recommend Allbirds Tree Dashers, which we’ve also reviewed and rate highly, alternatively you can view our full list of running shoe recommendations here.

8000Kicks measure their carbon footprint and are working to reduce this. The average emissions for a pair of running shoes are 14Kg of CO2, compared to 8000 kicks, which reduces to 4.1 Kg of CO2.

Hemp is a renewable, natural fiber, which in turn absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere. In addition, this eco-friendly fiber is durable, meaning your sneakers will last for years, which is essential to reduce the need to replace your sneakers every couple of months!

We’ve tested other sustainable sneakers at Ecothes. I prefer this pair to other sustainable sneakers on the market for the same price range (Giessweins, for example).

The sneaker retails for $135.00, which is on the pricey side but worth it as the sneakers should last for a long time. You can currently only purchase through the 8000 kicks website, 8000kicks.com. If you’re not sold and still want a pair of hemp shoes, you can also check out our guide here.

The post 8000Kicks Review: The Worlds First Hemp Sneakers appeared first on Ecothes.

The following article will review how it differs from conventional cotton, and why we must turn towards more sustainably sourced cotton.

What is BCI Cotton?

BCI cotton is cotton that’s grown under the standards of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). The Better Cotton Initiative is a non-profit organization that helps farmers, growers, and brands worldwide to grow and source cotton sustainably. BCI does this by raising the standards of cotton farming, demanding stricter regulations around environmental and social standards, including chemical and water usage, and improving working environments.

Conventional cotton is an unsustainable farming process detrimental to the environment and communities. With the largest pesticide usage of any fiber crop worldwide, Conventional cotton growing results in soil erosion and pollution of the soil and waterways. In addition, conventional cotton requires large amounts of water for irrigation, taking around 1% of global water usage.

On the other hand, BCI cotton is grown to more sustainable standards, which helps farmers reduce pollution and water usage and protect both the soil and surrounding communities. This makes BCI cotton more sustainable cotton compared to conventional cotton.

BCI cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability program; in 2020, it accounted for 22% of all cotton produced globally.

Let’s look at some of the Better Cotton standard principles BCI growing focuses on.

What does the BCI focus on?

The BCI has seven principles for better cotton production. Before a BCI farmer is awarded a BCI license, they must adhere to the standards included in each principle. We’ll take a look at these principles in detail:

Crop Protection Practices

As we’ve discussed, the conventional cotton industry requires large amounts of pesticides, which are hazardous to human health, biodiversity, and the environment. The BCI works with farmers to educate them on how to stop using the most dangerous pesticides.

The BCI promotes using natural pesticide techniques, such as Integrated Pest Management, as a tool to stop or reduce pesticide usage entirely.

Unlike organic cotton, which is grown entirely chemical-free, BCI-certified cotton does permit the use of some chemical pesticides.

Soil Health

Soil degradation is a global problem. Research shows that soil degradation has already left 52% of agricultural land as “moderately or severely affected” due to erosion, salinization, acidity, pollution, or compaction.

Without healthy soil, crops cannot grow, leading to overuse and reliance on harmful chemical fertilizers.

The BCI encourages farmers to protect soil health by improving soil nutrients, reducing soil tilling, and using cover crops, grown during the off-season to improve soil quality and protect the soil until the next cotton planting. BCI also promotes using natural fertilizers instead of synthetic chemical fertilizers.

Reduction in Water Usage

Conventional cotton farming uses large amounts of water, a drain on the already scarce natural resource. The BCI farmers are instead trained on water stewardship, including how to reduce water usage by correctly managing soil moisture, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable water usage.

Protect Biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity is a core principle within the BCI framework. The initiative encourages farmers to protect and expand the biodiversity of their farms to help reduce their impact on the planet. Along with reducing hazardous pesticides and fertilizers to protect biodiversity, to receive a BCI license, cotton farmers must adopt a biodiversity management plan that focuses on protecting the land, wildlife, and insects on their farms and surrounding areas.

Improved Fiber Quality

The BCI trains farmers on best practices for the harvesting, storing, and moving of their cotton without any man-made waste contamination to ensure they receive the best price.

Ensure Decent Working Conditions

The conventional cotton growing business has serious problems with child labor, forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and below minimum wages.

The better cotton initiative works with farmers to improve the working conditions of growers and harvesters. To achieve a BCI license, farmers must offer fair pay, security, and equal opportunities for learning and progression.

Management Systems

BCI works with farmers to implement the framework needed to accurately record and monitor the BCI principles through a robust management system.

BCI Cotton Clothing Examples:

As consumers, we are demanding more from brands in terms of sustainable materials, which has led to an increase in clothing brands using more sustainable fabrics and materials like BCI cotton.

Below are a couple of large corporate brands that have switched from conventional cotton to using BCI cotton to create their products.

• Levis
• IKEA
• Nike
• Adidias

While these brands use a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton, they aren’t what we would consider fully sustainable.

Is BCI cotton eco-friendly?

BCI cotton is more eco-friendly than conventional cotton, thanks to the principles farmers must follow to achieve a license. These include protecting biodiversity, reducing water usage, and eliminating hazardous pesticides and chemicals.

However, there are other more sustainable alternatives to BCI cotton, including organic cotton, Global Organic Textile Standard GOTS certified cotton, regenerative cotton, and recycled cotton.

Its been reported that the increase in BCI cotton adopted by these large brands is actually driving down sustainability standards and leading to a reduction in the number of organic cotton farms, with organic farmers’ option to grow BCI cotton due to demand and less stringent standards. Organic cotton is a more sustainable alternative to BCI as it uses 91% less water than conventional cotton and has no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This has led to insufficient organic cotton to meet the growing demand within the sustainable fashion industry.

Summary: BCI Cotton

Overall BCI cotton is a step in the right direction for cotton production thanks to the initiatives to reduce water usage, protect workers, and protect biodiversity. BCI cotton is a more sustainable alternative to conventional cotton; however, there are more sustainable alternatives to BCI cotton-like organic cotton, which are favored in terms of sustainability.

Make sure you check out our other materials guides including Tencel, Bamboo Viscose, Cupro, Modal, and Hemp.

The post What Is BCI Cotton? Is It Really Eco-Friendly? appeared first on Ecothes.

Regenerative Organic Agriculture is a dynamic progression that is reviving the indigenous ways of living. Every aspect of our existence is ornately linked in the regenerative perspective— how we treat our environment, what we eat, or what we wear. 

While we’re busy getting drenched in the wonders of market-ready products, we lose sight of the reality that almost all the raw components used for making the products come from nature, i.e. soil. Industries, unfortunately, rely on natural resources just a little too much to churn out commercial items.

Unsustainable farming practices over the years have caused a catastrophic drop in biodiversity fertility, which has resulted in toxic consequences, including massive soil quality loss. Soil degradation has accelerated in recent decades owing to intensive farming methods such as deforestation, overgrazing, intensive cultivation, forest fires, and construction activities. 

Conventional agricultural practices are dangerously depleting our soils, causing sharp drops in the productivity of croplands and rangelands around the world.

Annually, soil erosion costs the world’s agricultural systems upwards of 36 billion tonnes of productive soil, and the economy about $400 billion. Research estimates that soil degradation has already left 52% of agricultural land as “moderately or severely affected”, and 33% of soils are currently “moderately to highly degraded” as a result of erosion, salinization, acidity, pollution, or compaction.

According to UNEP’s State of Finance for Nature report analysis, investments in nature-based solutions must total $8.1 trillion by 2050 to effectively address the triple interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. And alongside this, a yearly investment increase from the current $133 billion (2020) to $400 billion by 2030 and $536 billion by 2050. 

Healthy soil is not only necessary for the production of nutritious food and raw materials, but it is also an essential weapon in the struggle against climate change.

Healthy soil is not only necessary for the production of nutritious food and raw materials, but it is also an essential weapon in the struggle against climate change. Plants absorb CO2 and transport it to their roots, then store them in the soil. However, damaged soil only spills carbon into the atmosphere, which adds to the terrible global warming levels we’re already facing.

In a nutshell, soils are a priceless non-renewable resource vital for the survival of every kind of species. It is responsible for almost everything mankind depends on to exist, not forgetting the 98.8% (approx) of the daily calories we consume. 

The need to place regeneration as the new frontier and commit to farming activities that support healing and sustainability is crucial more than ever, bringing us to regenerative organic agriculture. 

What is Regenerative Organic Agriculture? 

The name itself gives the meaning away— regenerative organic agriculture refers to a method of farming that replenishes soil by using techniques like cover crops, crop rotation, composting, and no-till farming.

Cover crop plantation nourishes the soil between harvests, crop rotation helps increase soil nutrients, and no-till or till-less farming protects seedbeds and prevents soil erosion. It also takes livestock into account by practicing rotational grazing— grazing for brief intervals before the animals are moved to other pasture lands. 

Regenerative Organic Vs Conventional Agriculture 

There are many different agricultural methods used worldwide, but to adapt to the explosive increase of population without endangering the ecological system, a transnational shift towards sustainable farming is imperative.

With the global total reaching almost eight billion people and growing, it is crucial to find the most efficient and cost-effective means of feeding everyone on the planet. 

Regenerative organic farming, unlike conventional farming, leans towards biological processes tailored to nourish the local environment without using intensive means of agriculture or inputs with negative impacts. Food production through regenerative farming methods is a natural process that offers several advantages for the environment, economy, and society.

Regenerative organic farming blends science, creativity, and traditions to foster equitable relationships and contribute to sustainable development as a whole. In simple terms, regenerative organic farming agriculture takes on a more holistic approach to farming as compared to conventional agriculture. 

Conventional agriculture is designed to boost farming productivity, but it does so at a high environmental cost. The main objective is to maximize potential crop production. There is an abusive usage of synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and a variety of other toxic commercial items.

Meanwhile, conventional agriculture is designed to boost farming productivity, but it does so at a high environmental cost. The main objective is to maximize potential crop production. There is an abusive usage of synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and a variety of other toxic commercial items. The maintenance of traditional farming degrades soil nutrients, ecological functions, and biodiversity. 

Let’s look closely at Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Regenerative organic agriculture coexists harmoniously with the environment and benefits everyone directly or indirectly impacted by it. Regenerative ways of farming imply sustainable agricultural methods that prioritize both financial gains and environmental safety. Because the concentration is on generating yields without harming the environment and its resources, it highlights the emphasis on sustainability. 

Regenerative Organic Farming Methods 

Regenerative organic farming concentrates on the efficiency and quality of the soil. Given that any kind of crop plantation can both withdraw and add soil nutrients, farmers use techniques that enhance the health and sustainability of their land. Among the more prominent regenerative organic farming methods include:

• All year-round cover crops: Prevents bare soils and thus minimizes erosion by not leaving the land empty post-primary commercial crop harvests. It also provides chickens feed and grazing lands for cattle.
• Biodiversity enhancement: Enhances the range of nutrients the soil receives from roots and natural decomposition. This also attracts insects that are natural pest predators, eliminating the need for using harmful pest-control pesticides. 
• Crop rotation: Ensures soil profile balance by putting back in the soil for what is taken out.
• No-tilling techniques: Drastically cuts down soil disturbance by using minimal digging and plowing, thereby preventing soil erosion and lowering carbon dioxide emissions. 
• Integrating livestock: Creates an environment that incorporates both animals and crops. 
• Reducing chemical inputs: Prevents toxic runoff from polluting rivers which has negative impacts on biodiversity.

The Benefits of Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Regenerative organic agriculture practices are designed to mimic natural ecosystems. It has ample advantages— it decreases waste, reduces CO2 emissions, and, most importantly, organically boosts soil fertility. 

Sustainable farming methods like no-tilling, crop rotation, cover crops, compost, and animal manures renew the soil and provide it with necessary nutrients without using hazardous agrochemicals.

No-tilling, in particular, has shown effective results, and studies show evidence. The till-less technique saves Macauley Farms $72 per acre in labor and equipment expenditures by eliminating 99% sediment losses. It has also helped the farm’s yearly net income grow by almost $25,000, representing a 135 percent return on investment using sustainable practices.

According to the latest studies across UK farms, planting seeds directly into the ground without disturbing the soil has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production by roughly one-third and enhance the capacity of the soil to store carbon.

According to the latest studies across UK farms, planting seeds directly into the ground without disturbing the soil has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production by roughly one-third and enhance the capacity of the soil to store carbon. Further, we see numerous instances of farmers who have benefited from no-till farming in the case studies by the American Farmland Trust.

Taking measures to prevent soil deterioration and giving it enough time to recover allows it to produce more organic matter and sequester more CO2 than it would with rigorous plowing or other disturbances. Additionally, regulating the grazing habits of the livestock living on the farms ensures their healthy diet, and dung composting contributes to improving soil fertility naturally. All of these enhance carbon deposits while drastically reducing waste.

Conventional agriculture is a major cause of global warming and is largely to blame for the long-term danger that climate change poses to the environment. IPCC’s assessment of climate change reveals that “agricultural, forestry, and other types of land use” are directly responsible for 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, can help mitigate the risks by boosting soil organic matter. Higher soil organic matter reflects healthy soil and greater carbon storage capacity, all of which contributes to reducing climate change. Studies also show that healthy agricultural soils can absorb 250 million metric tonnes of GHGs yearly, comparable to 64 coal-fired power units. 

Scientific findings are clear that improved agricultural land management by implementing well-established techniques has the potential to both lower net greenhouse gas emissions and serve as a direct CO2 sink. While there is room for more research to prove causation, in the meantime, we can adopt the best strategies for a more sustainable future by continuing to learn from farms worldwide that are utilizing regenerative organic farming practices. By making important changes in the agriculture sector, we could eventually be able to prevent the inevitable turmoil heading our way. 

How Can Regenerative Organic Farming Be Used Within the Fiber Industry? 

The textile industry contributes significantly to pollution, which is attributable to the methods used in material extraction. Among the primary challenges is the discharge of toxic waste owing to the heavy use of hazardous chemicals. And this, according to Patagonia, can result in a one-fifth spike in the annual global gas emissions. Further, there are issues with packaging, solid waste production, toxic fumes from the dyeing, bleaching, & printing activities, wastewater treatment plant, noise pollution, etc. 

Regenerative agricultural methods aim to repair the damages through improved soil health, less habitat destruction, less exploitation, freedom from hazardous chemicals, and fewer industrial farming consequences. By switching to natural fibers like regenerative organic cotton, we can significantly reduce the use of hazardous substances, resource consumption, and waste generation.

Regenerative agricultural methods aim to repair the damages through improved soil health, less habitat destruction, less exploitation, freedom from hazardous chemicals.

The supply chain operations will help in minimizing the industry’s casualties instead of worsening the existing problems. As a result, contributing to the growth of slow fashion, alongside boosting soil health, animal protection, and social and economic standing of the farmers & workers through social fairness measures.

Examples of Products Made from Regenerative Organic Cotton

Regenerative agriculture is where the idea of regenerative fashion emerges. This method focuses on taking an alternative approach to combat climate change. Cotton grown on regenerative organic farms has a reduced carbon content, reducing the overall environmental footprint of agricultural operations. 

Over the years, several visionary companies have introduced regenerative fibers to the market.

Contributing to building a regenerative fashion industry, some examples of regenerative organic cotton products include Tees by Patagonia and soon-to-be-launched Regenerative Organic Certified Backpacks by Terra Thread. 

Certification for Regenerative Organic Cotton Products:

Regenerative Organic Certified™ (ROC™), led by Regenerative Organic Alliance, seals any voids in organic certifications. It holds the highest agricultural standards and practices. To obtain the certification, applicants must already have a USDA organic certification or a comparable renowned organic certification. Some of the first brands and farms to have the label include Patagonia Provisions, Apricot Lane Farms, Nature’s Path, Dr. Bronner’s, Lotus Foods, and Sol Simple. 

The more recent names include Gallant International, a B Corp based in California that offers private label organic and fairtrade cotton products with a fully traceable + transparent supply chain with credible and measurable impact data. In February 2022, over 3500 acres of land were successfully transitioned to Regenerative Organic Certified™, making it one of the largest ROC projects in cotton globally. Currently, Gallant is offering custom organic cotton t-shirts and sustainable merch that are Regenerative Organic Certified™. 

Why The Fashion Industry Must Invest in Regenerative Organic Cotton 

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions

One of the main triggers of global warming is human-caused greenhouse gasses, and modern agri-food systems produce about 31% of these emissions. Regenerative agriculture methods help in mitigating GHGs emissions by using holistic farming practices targeted to reverse the situation.

• Fight climate change 

Regenerative organic farming techniques combine increased soil carbon sequestration and reduction in GHG emissions to fight climate change. 

• Better yield outcome

Regenerative organic agriculture goes beyond organic farming. They are treated and cared for to be more resistant to extreme weather conditions. This results in a better crop output even under bad weather circumstances as compared to conventional farms. 

• Combat droughts 

Regenerative organic agriculture focuses on rebuilding soil organic matter, which supports maximum soil moisture, water infiltration, and retention—as a result, increasing soil biodiversity and mitigating agricultural output losses from droughts. 

• Revitalize grasslands

Grasslands make up 26% of the world’s land area and 70% of agricultural land. Unfortunately, most of them are in poor condition and unusable owing to degradation. Effective regenerative organic farming methods like holistically managed livestock grazing allow pasture recovery periods, thereby helping repair the grasslands. 

• Promote biodiversity

Regenerative organic agriculture encourages versatile species which are advantageous for the farming industry and environmental sustainability. 

• Increase nutritious value

The variety of farmed crops in regenerative organic farming produces more wholesome nutrition levels.

• Strengthen local community 

Regenerative agriculture promotes local farming, which contributes to the growth of local communities & economies.

Wrapping Up: What is Regenerative Organic Agriculture?

While the regenerative method of textile production may still be fairly young, it’s expanding swiftly. International organizations and institutions around the world are working hard to make regenerative fiber mainstream. 

The ground-breaking work of the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA) is leading the way, shining a light on why regeneration is imperative in the fashion industry. Further, organizations like Fibershed’s producer directory are helping consumers find regenerative organic goods, from textiles to finished apparel. There are also elective courses emerging that teach about regenerative sourcing. The fashion industry as a whole needs rebuilding, and regenerative organic farming is just the beginning

More information on Regenerative Organic Farming can be found at Rodale and ROA.

The post What is Regenerative Organic Agriculture? How Can it Help The Fashion Industry appeared first on Ecothes.

Bamboo has taken off as an eco-friendly material of choice in recent years thanks to its fast growing and carbon dioxide removing properties.

The raw material, once only widely used for building houses, has grown to have a range of universal uses like bamboo toothbrushes, furniture, home textiles, and even bamboo clothing.

The bamboo fabric market has seen dramatic growth in recent years from 2017 to 2022. When we refer to bamboo fabric, we’re specifically talking about bamboo viscose, which is also sometimes referred to as bamboo rayon or regenerated bamboo.

Let’s jump in.

What is Bamboo Viscose?

Bamboo viscose is a bio-based semi-synthetic material created from the cellulose fibers from bamboo. Cellulose is an organic compound found in plants and trees.

Similar to other semi-synthetic fabrics like Cupro, Modal, and Tencel, bamboo viscose is not considered an entirely natural fiber as it must be chemically treated to form the desired material.

How is Bamboo Viscose Made?

As we’ve mentioned, bamboo viscose is created from the cellulose fibers from the bamboo plant.

The most common method to create bamboo fabric is the viscose process.

Firstly, the bamboo stalks must be harvested to extract these cellulose fibers. Then, the stalks are cut down, with the farmer leaving a clean cut to encourage new stalks to grow.

Secondly, the cut stalks must be cut into smaller pieces known as bamboo chips. The bamboo chips are then soaked in sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda)to extract the cellulose from the bamboo. What’s left after this stage is a cellulose pulp that’s dried into bamboo sheets.

The sheets are then ground up and put through a spinneret – which creates the bamboo yarn. In the same process as creating modal fabric, the cellulose strands are then soaked in sulphuric acid to form a yarn. Once washed, bleached, and dried, the bamboo yarn is ready to be loaded onto spools for fabric production.

As you can see, there are steps in the materials production that require harmful chemicals. Discharging these chemicals can cause the pollution of waterways and the destruction of ecosystems. The chemicals used are also detrimental to human health and can cause burns if not handled correctly.

What is Bamboo Lyocell?

You may have heard brands using a material known as Bamboo lyocell. If you’re wondering if bamboo viscose fabric and bamboo lyocell are the same, the difference lies in their production technique.

In recent years, a closed-loop process has been introduced, also known as the lyocell process to turn cellulose fibres into textiles.

The big difference between the lyocell process and the viscose process is that the chemicals used aren’t dumped in the lyocell process. Instead, solvents are used, which are recycled, regenerated, and used again in the process. The closed-loop process is preferred in terms of the environment, as it doesn’t lead to waste chemicals.

In addition, the lyocell process doesn’t chemically change the bamboo fibres, which leads to the material being considered a more ‘natural’ alternative. Still, however, bamboo lyocell is a semi-synthetic textile.

What is a Bamboo Rayon?

You may have heard the name bamboo rayon and bamboo viscose used interchangeably. The reason is that they’re referring to the exact same material. Bamboo rayon = bamboo viscose.

Properties of Bamboo Viscose

Bamboo viscose fabric is often used in home textiles such as bedding and clothing such as activewear. This is because it has high moisture-wicking ability, which will wick away sweat, keeping you cool.

Along with moisture-wicking properties, the material has the following properties:

• Soft to touch
• Breathable
• Stretchy
• Durable

Is Bamboo Viscose Sustainable?

While bamboo viscose has grown in popularity as a ‘sustainable textile’, is bamboo viscose actually sustainable?

Environmental Pros

• Fast growing requires less land clearing compared to a tree or eucalyptus fibers.
• It requires very little water to grow and can be grown without irrigation – this makes it a good alternative to cotton, which requires large quantities of water.
• Grown without the use of pesticides, which is better for the environment as pesticides pollute the soil and waterways

Environmental Cons

While bamboo itself is a relatively environmentally friendly material, unfortunately, the viscose method of materials production is now.

• The viscose process causes negative environmental problems due to the waste products from the process, i.e. the sodium hydroxide and acid, being discharged into the environment. This causes damage to ecosystems and aquatic life.

• There is also concern about the source of the bamboo. Bamboo sourced from noncertified sources can lead to deforestation and the destruction of habitats and ecosystems.

Is Bamboo Viscose Biodegradable?

We’re currently faced with the global waste textile problem. Many garments are made from un-biodegradable fabrics like polyester, which means they will take thousands of years to degrade.

Bamboo viscose, on the other hand, is biodegradable and offers a biodegradable alternative to conventional polyester.

What is Bamboo Viscose Used For?

Bamboo viscose is commonly used to produce a range of textiles, including:

• Clothing
• Underwear
• Bedding including bamboo sheets and duvets
• Home Furnishings

Wrapping Up: Is Bamboo Viscose Eco-Friendly?

Overall, while bamboo is a fast-growing eco-friendly crop, the process of creating bamboo viscose has many environmental disadvantages. Therefore bamboo viscose cannot be as eco-friendly as many claim.

On the other hand, a more eco-friendly alternative to bamboo viscose is bamboo lyocell, a fabric that shares similar properties but is created in a closed loop process.

If you’re looking for sustainable clothing or home textiles, check that the bamboo material is produced from the closed loop process, rather than the viscose process.

If you want to discover other fabric guides like this one, check out our guides on organic cotton vs. cotton, or look at our linen and hemp guides.

The post What is Bamboo Viscose? Is It Really Eco-Friendly? appeared first on Ecothes.

BIPOC-owned brands are drastically underrepresented, especially within the sustainable and eco-living sector and on websites like ours.

We realize this, which got us thinking, “what can we do to help highlight amazing sustainable founders making a difference.” That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite brands to create this ever-growing list of BIPOC-owned brands creating sustainable products.

We strive to ensure a diverse range of brands is included across our recommendations, not just on this list. Still, this article is a great place for anyone wanting to discover BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) owned businesses creating sustainable products.

We’ve included fashion, beauty, and homeware brands, so there is something for everyone.

1. BLK + GRN

Best for: Natural beauty and skincare

BLK + GRN is an online marketplace showcasing black artisans creating sustainable and eco-friendly products.

The platform allows customers to browse from hundreds of black eco friendly brands. Their selection includes natural skincare brands such as Black Girl Sunscreen, and make-up brands such as LUV + Co.

All of the products BLK + GRN showcase are non-toxic, natural, and cruelty-free.

Shop BLK + GRN – Use Ecothes10 – for 10% Off

2. GOODEE

Best for: The latest innovative sustainable homewares

GOODEE is a black-owned online platform offering its customers the best on-trend innovations in the sustainable homeware market.

As a certified B corp, the brand prioritises people and the planet above profits. GOODEE helps to support marginalised communities, and works to reduce poverty by ensuring its artisans are paid a fair price for their products.

Shop GOODEE

3. Wolven

Best for: Sustainable activewear

Sustainable activewear brand Wolven is a female-founded BIPOC brand creating sustainable activewear with a sexy twist. Wolven uses recycled plastic bottles and turns them into its pieces.

In addition, Wolven collects 1 pound of ocean-bound plastic for every order through its partnership with One Earth – One Ocean.

Shop Wolven

4. House of AAMA

Best for: Slow luxury fashion

House of AAMA is a slow fashion brand which takes its inspiration from African cultures. The fashion house was founded by mother and daughter duo, Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka.

House of AAMA collections are bespoke, offering a refreshing take on luxury designs. House of AAMA designs are available to pre-order, a system which helps to reduce textile waste.

Shop House of AAMA

5. Two Days Off

Best for: Sustainable fashion / Eco-friendly linen clothing

Women-led eco-conscious brand Two Days Off creates dreamy linen clothing ethically and sustainably.

The brand is certified carbon neutral, and takes care to ensure people and the planet aren’t harmed to creates its clothing. All of the brands unique pieces are ethically cut and sewn in Los Angeles, California.

Shop Two Days Off

6. Back Beat Co.

Best for: Sustainable fashion and organic essentials

Back Beat Co. is a WOC-owned clothing brand focused on ethically made organic essentials. The brand prioritises low impact fabrics like recycled or organic natural fibers instead of environment polluting virgin polyester and cotton.

Expect to find colorful t-shirts, shorts, and other organic basics that you won’t be able to live without.

Shop Back Beat Co.

7. The Tiny Closet

Best for: Made in the USA women’s sustainable clothing

Handmade in Los Angeles, The Tiny Closet is a black owned business creating a collection of effortless statement clothing.

The brand is women owned and creates its clothing on small batches to reduce waste, and each piece is produced from deadstock fabric that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Shop The Tiny Closet

8. SOKO

Best for: Ethical jewelry

SOKO is a women-led marketplace connecting jewelry making artisans in Kenya with the world.

The global online platform offers people the chance to support jewelry makers in Kenya, who create ethical jewelry from sustainable materials such as recycled brass, reclaimed materials, and beads. SOKO is a registered B corp, meaning it takes car of people and the planet in its supply chain.

Shop SOKO

9. VAVVOUNE

Best for: Luxury leather bags

Founded by self taught designer Valerie Blaise, VAVVOUNE is a brand creating luxury and bespoke leather goods, in the heart of New York City.

Each bag is designed and handcrafted in small batches in NYC using recycled deadstock Italian leathers left over by luxury brands.

Shop Vavvoune

10. The Good Tee

Best for: GOTS organic cotton T-shirts

If you’re looking for an organic cotton t-shirt, The Good Tee should be your go-to brand. The women founded company ensures ethical production of its t-shirts by partnering with Fair Trade.

GOTS organic cotton is a more sustainable alternative to cotton as its grown with less water usage and without pesticides.

Shop The Good Tee

11. AAKS

Best for: Bespoke woven bags

Founded in 2014 by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi AAKS celebrates and raises awareness of the bespoke weaving techniques of women in Ghana.

The brand does this by showcasing beautifully crafted baskets and bags, woven by artisans in Ghana.

Shop AAKS

12. Naked Clay Ceramics

Best for: Homewares

Naked Clay Ceramics is a UK-based ceramics brand, founded by Carla Sealey. Carla creates her designs in small batches 3-4 times per year.

If you’re looking for minimal style ceramic tableware, you should check out her brand.

Shop Naked Clay Ceramics

13. Aliya Wanek

Best for: Sustainable fashion, ethical clothing

Another great sustainable black owned clothing brand is Aliya Wanek, who creates refreshing vibrant styles in using sustainable fabrics including resp sourced linen and other natural fabrics.

Aliya creates pieces in her collection herself, and works with other small local production businesses in the San Francisco Bay area.

Shop Aliya Wanek

14. Cheekbone Beauty

Best for: Natural cosmetics

Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-owned clean beauty brand innovating sustainable cosmetics for eco-conscious consumers.

Founded by Jen Harper in 2016, Cheekbone stays true to Anishinaabe roots ands ensures the planet isn’t hurt to produce its cosmetics.

Cheekbone is a certified B corp, and its products are cruelty-free.

Shop Cheekbone Beauty

15. Reel Paper

Best for: Eco-friendly toilet paper

Reel Paper is a sustainable BIPOC-owned business that creates eco-friendly toilet paper from bamboo.

Reel ensures its paper is biodegradable and made without harmful inks or dyes. Plus, Reel paper is made with 100% tree-free fibers making it one of the most sustainable toilet papers in the world.

Shop Reel

16. MAW Supply

Best for: Vintage clothing

MAW Supply which stands for Man and Woman, is a Texas based vintage clothing and accessories brand founded in 2012 by husband and wife, Norman and Rachelle Clark.

Norman and Rachelle take their passion for vintage and pre-loved clothing to carefully curate their online marketplace. Selecting stylish second-hand pieces that both rival and reflect the style of modern day trends.

You can find their unique handpicked pieces on etsy, or through their website MAWsupply.com.

Shop MAW Supply

17. Retro Rhapsody

Best for: Vintage clothing

If you’re looking for vintage clothing, check out Retro Rhapsody, who sells unique vintage finds through her Etsy store.

Based in Florida, Retro Rhapsody has helped over four thousand customers find vintage treasures.

Shop Retro Rhapsody

18. NaturAll Club

Best for: Natural haircare

NaturAll Club is the leading brand in natural frozen hair care. the haircare brand creating shampoos, styling creams, and frozen hair care from natural plant-based ingredients.

NaturAll club is cruelty-free and ethically-sources all of its ingredients.

Shop NaturAll Club

19. Proclaim

Best for: Sustainable underwear

Proclaim is a dreamy sustainable lingerie brand that ethically creates its comfortable and supportive designs in its Los Angeles studio.

Proclaim is a female-founded brand redefining nude underwear to include and compliment every skin tone.

Expect to find styles including bralettes, triangle bras, and bodysuits in size-inclusive sizes up to 3x.

Shop Proclaim

20. Eco Vibe Style

Best for: Plants, plant pots, eco-friendly homewares

Whether you’re looking for chic plant pots to home your abundance of greenery, or you’re looking for natural eco-friendly homewares, check out Eco Vibe.

What started as a shop based in Portland Oregon in 2010, has grown into an eco online business, selling on-trend natural, eco-friendly homewares.

Eco-vibe style is run by husband and wife duo Len and Dre with a passion for the environment. The business is part of 1% for the planet, which donates 1% of all profits to environmental non-profit organizations.

Shop EcoVibe

Wrapping Up: Sustainable BIPOC Owned Brands

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of BIPOC-owned brands. We want to keep expanding this list, so if you know about a great sustainable brand that you think should be featured here, let us know in the comments below or drop us an email.

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