Layer Responsibly
Many retail shoppers recognize Gap as a leading icon for casual American style, but there’s a greater environmental mission behind these popular wardrobe options. This lightweight puffer jacket is made with 100% recycled nylon, reducing waste while still achieving the same comfortable quality buyers have come to expect. The stitches also tell a story of empowerment; the jacket is produced in a factory where women learn life and career skills as part of the company’s P.A.C.E. (Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement) program. Gap makes it easy for shoppers to spot their sustainable products – look for the globe logo at the bottom of the picture and rest assured that your selected piece is responsibly made. You can stay warm this fall and feel a little fuzzy on the inside, too—$98 at www.gap.com.
Head for Cleaner Oceans
Patagonia is using its apparel to fight ocean plastic. Their classic mid-crown trucker hat features a brim made with NetPlus®, a material created from 100% recycled fishing nets collected from fishing communities in South America. Reusing discarded fishing nets keeps a dangerous pollutant out of the ocean and protects the marine life it could otherwise trap or harm. The material used on the front of that hat is organic cotton, supporting healthy ecosystems by reducing water usage, pesticides and carbon emissions in its growth and production. The hat is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. Patagonia promises their ironclad guarantee on everything they make, which means they encourage customers to return their unsatisfactory products for repair, replacement or refund to prevent unnecessary fashion waste. Better yet, they will give used products a second life through their Worn Wear shop, where customers can shop resale. Sport this hat proudly on your next outdoor adventure and know you’re a friend to the environment—$ 35 at www.patagonia.com.
See the Impact
Ready to shop local? Redemption Market is an ethical boutique out of Phoenix, AZ, where they strive for every purchase to make a difference. By partnering with change-making businesses, they can spotlight great products that make both positive social and environmental impacts. Blue Planet Eco Eye-Wear makes these polarized sunglasses, constructed from 60-75% recycled & reprocessed materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans. The brand also donates a pair of corrective glasses for every pair sold to a person in need. Redemption Market takes pride in selecting brands like these that support a medley of criteria to ensure the product is beneficial to our world and the environment. Find them at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, The Mercantile of Scottsdale, or various pop-up events throughout the year. Try these sunglasses on and see how you can shop for a cause—$45 at www.redemptionmarket.com.
Walk Naturally
The dedicated people behind Saola Shoes recognize that producing textiles is one of the most polluting industries in the world. When it comes to making shoes, they’re determined to rewrite the story. These Men’s Cannon Vegan Sneakers are making an impact by utilizing natural and recycled materials while maintaining pristine style and comfort. The upper portion of the sole is made up of 3 recycled plastic bottles and tied with 100% organic cotton laces, while the insole contains 100% natural cork, harvested algae foam and EVA. Through their production and choice of materials, 11 gallons of clean water return to the environment per pair of shoes created. Named after beloved Cannon Beach in Oregon, Saola Shoes wants to remind us of the natural beauty all around us that needs our help to preserve it for generations to come. These shoes bring new meaning to taking a step in the right direction!—$89.95 at www.saolashoes.com.
Do Good in Denim
Universal Thread Co., a brand under the Target umbrella, is committed to creating products that align with people and the planet. These skinny high-rise jeans incorporate recycled plastic bottles in the pockets and meet the standards for being Fair Trade Certified. This designation proves that producing the product, in turn, promotes community development, environmental protection and healthy working conditions. The brand is also using more sustainably sourced cotton and recycled polyester across its versatile line of products, committing to sourcing enough sustainable materials this year to equal seven million pairs of jeans and almost seven million t-shirts. Slide into these jeans and make sustainability part of your everyday style.— $24.99 at www.target.com.
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