We hear about fast fashion and the importance of sustainability all the time, but why is sustainable clothing from small businesses important? Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword! Sustainability blends together the necessity of co-existing with nature in order to create the most ecologically balanced society. It asks the question, how can we accomplish our goals as humans while not harming nature, depleting natural resources, or destroying the planet for future generations?
With this in mind, it is important to understand how fashion and sustainability are intertwined. And better yet, why sustainable clothing from small businesses is important to the planet. To understand why sustainable clothing from small businesses is important! Although I’ve been on my eco-conscious journey for about 10 years now, I’m just not making progress to address sustainable fashion. For a long time, sustainable fashion seemed unattainable. I was so preoccupied with trends, never repeating an outfit, and having as many clothes for as little money as possible, shopping for higher-end, more eco-conscious clothing was not on my radar.
About 4 years ago, I made a purchase of some biker shorts from Forever 21. It was summer, I was postpartum, and I really needed some clothing that would be easy to wear and breathable in the summer heat. When I placed my foot in the first pair of shorts and pulled them over my thighs, they ripped. Now, before you ask yourself “Were they the right size”? Yes. They indeed were the right size. The problem, of course, was the quality of the clothing. At Under $5, per pair, however, there are several questions I should have asked myself before purchasing to help determine if this clothing item was worth the purchase. It was at this exact moment, I vowed to make a conscious effort to shop for quantity over quality.
In this blog post, we’re talking about why sustainable clothing from small businesses is important and doing a review on the women-owned sustainable clothing and jewelry company, Blue Urbane.
Blue Urbane has given me a discount code for each of my readers to use to shop their site for a percentage off! If you’re interested in trying Blue Urbane, use the code TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off.
What does sustainable clothing mean?
Sustainable clothing refers to not only the way that the clothing is made but also the fabric used, the ethical treatment of the workers who created the clothing, the amount/number of clothing items generated, the originality of designs, and even the way the clothing is packaged for customers.
Today, I’m featuring a small sustainable business – Blue Urbane. Here is how this small business ensures the products in their boutique are sustainable and ethical, and supports female designers/artists.
- Garments are produced ethically and in small batches to minimize waste
- Use recycled packaging materials
- Produce clothing from deadstock and upcycled fabrics, and other eco-friendly fabrics such as linen, organic cotton, Lyocell Tencel, and others
- Pay garment workers fair wages and provide other benefits like meals and education
- Commit to fair trade
- Create jewelry in small batches and handmade
- Cruelty-free and vegan production of handbags and accessories
- Use sustainable and upcycled materials for jewelry
- Use environmentally friendly dyes and avoid toxic chemicals
Sourced from blueurbane.com.
Why is buying from sustainable clothing brands important?
Fashion can be pollutive. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the total greenhouse gas emissions related to textiles production are more than those of all international flights and maritime shipping trips combined (source).
Being a truly sustainable brand isn’t an easy feat. It not only takes thoughtful consideration, but it also takes research and typically more cost for better quality and better wages for those who make the clothes.
Here are a few criteria used to consider how sustainable a clothing brand is:
- Transparency about how and where the clothing is made
- Ethical and fair practices for garment workers
- Types of fabrics used
- Ways to address the environmental impact
- Animal welfare regarding the brand
About Blue Urbane
Blue Urbane was founded by Emily Blumen. Her goal to created a trusted and sustainable online boutique. Each item in the shop is handpicked, unique, high quality, and sustainable.
Blue Urbane focuses on 4 major core values:
- Carrying sustainable, eco-friendly clothing and accessories
- Supporting women
- Donating proceeds to solar energy initiatives
- And eco-friendly packaging
Using these core values as the blueprint, Blue Urbane ensures each designer and artisan carried in the shop is in alignment with the mission. You can even select to shop based on their core values!
One of the coolest sustainability initiatives I love about Blue Urbane aside from their high-quality fabrics, support for female designers, and the fair treatment of garment workers, is their commitment to helping fight climate change!
1% of the proceeds from this small business is used to promote solar energy opportunities through the Honnold Foundation. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can be used as an alternative to burning fossil fuels for energy. The burning of fossil fuels is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the world, making it a direct driver of the speed of global warming and the climate crisis.
I love that I have found a way to purchase sustainable clothing online from slow fashion brands! If you’re interested in more affordable non fast fashion brands, check out the sales page on Blue Urbane! To learn more about Blue Urbane, check them out here!
Here’s what I ordered from Blue Urbane
Deadstock Maroon Ribbed Leggings
These leggings were not only comfortable and soft, but they’re so incredibly flattering! The ribbed texture of the leggings makes them easy to dress up or dress down.
In this photo, I am wearing the leggings in a more casual and relaxed style, but it would be perfect with an oversized chunky sweater for the fall as well!
I purchased these leggings in a size M.
What Makes It Sustainable:
- This item is made from deadstock cotton and spandex. Deadstock is the leftovers or surplus fabric from fashion brands.
- Female-designed and ethically made in small batches in the Philippines.
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Vintage – Charm Necklace
Most of the clothing in my minimal wardrobe is neutral colors. I wear lots of brown, black, tan, grey, white, and olive. This necklace is the perfect compliment to my neutral style. It gives a pop of color and adds to the outfit without being too dramatic. It adds a soft touch and a bit of elevation to a casual outfit.
The necklace is about 22 inches in length and has a vintage look and feel.
What Makes It Sustainable:
- This necklace is a vintage piece!
- The maker is currently unknown.
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Deadstock Gray Activewear Leggings
Hello, stretchy! High waisted and VERY flattering. These leggings are exactly what you need for your next workout! They’re officially my favorite leggings for Pilates workouts. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, they’re flattering on your body and so easy to move in.
I’m wearing a size M.
What Makes It Sustainable:
- This item is made from deadstock cotton and spandex. Deadstock is the leftovers or surplus fabric from fashion brands.
- Female-designed and ethically made in small batches in the Philippines.
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Be An Activist Tote Bag
I cannot say enough great things about this tote bag! This is not your average reusable bag because the quality is far superior to what you may be used to with an average tote bag.
This tote bag is custom-made with a message for the masses! The bag features a leather strap which, if you’re used to carrying a bag you know is incredibly important! Having a sturdy strap and a high-quality bag is important to continue to use the bag over and over again.
What Makes It Sustainable:
- The faux leather strap
- The custom design by Blue Urbane owner, Emily Blumen and graphic designer Iris Dai.
- Made in the United States
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Fall Favorites I have my eye on:
Plant These Save The Bees Sweatshirt
You will see me in this one this fall/winter! This sweater is unisex and printed with eco-friendly ink! This sweater will go perfectly with these Deadstock grey leggings!
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Central Park Sweatpants
These female-designed pants are ethically made in Cambodia. The pants are made from cotton jersey remnants and other plant-based fibers. The process is completely zero waste!
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Graphic T’s you’ll love:
Once Is Not Enough Recycled Tee
This t-shirt is 100% recycled and ethically made in India. It was made from cotton jersey straps from factory floors and used water bottles!
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
Beach Please Recycled Tee
A perfect beach shirt because of the large armholes. It would look perfect over a bathing suit top hanging on the beach during vacation. This t-shirt is 100% recycled and ethically made in India. It was made from cotton jersey straps from factory floors and used water bottles!
Don’t forget to use TEACHGOGREEN15 for 15% off!
I hope you enjoyed this blog post all about sustainable clothing from small businesses!
Be sure to check out the amazing clothing and accessories from Blue Urbane and support small businesses that are committed to sustainability!
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