A Guide to Shopping Responsibly

As the pandemic continues, consumerism has had an unprecedented spike in online shopping purchases. And while it may not be physically possible to go out to the nearest shop and browse, here is a guide to help you make smart shopping decisions.

The first thing to take into consideration if what you need is absolutely necessary. Do you actually need it or are you distracting yourself into a bit of retail therapy? While it might be tempting, regroup for a bit and come back after you've taken all pros and cons into consideration. Will it be useful to me in the months/season ahead? Will I get more than one use out of it? Can I think of at least three things I can wear it with? Is it a timeless staple or something I'll be selling/donating after the season is over? Will it sit unworn in my closet?

When shopping online it is also important to note that you cannot try these items on before purchasing. Stay clear of trousers and bottoms for now and take into consideration rather or not it will be worth the trouble to ship back.Research is a great way to examine a brand's durability as well as the opinions of others. What does the fabric feel like? Are the garments true to size? Can the bag fit my phone?

Before purchasing brand new, consider shopping on mediums such as Depop, Etsy, Thredup, and even Ebay. Some consignment shops are even digitalizing their stock so keep an eye out on what stores are still open and operating. You can find some of the best unique, one of a kind vintage gems. Etsy offsets 100% of the carbon emissions Choosing eco-friendly, organic, dead-stock fabric, and natural materials over toxic, synthetic materials are not only better for the environment but feel much better on the skin.

Shop Local - (when possible). Locally produced goods have a significantly lower carbon footprint and strengthen the local economy. Choose quality - Buy well-made items that are built to last over cheap items that are produced for disposability. While it may be a bit of a stretch, the investment will save you money in the long run.

Say no to packaging - Some sellers like to wrap their products in wrapping paper or tissue paper which is unnecessary. Make a note to the online seller asking to please not include excess wrapping. Wash less. Much of a garments environmental impact occurs after it is brought.

The website goodonyou.eco features a brand directory that ranks a brand's ethical practices. It does so by judging its environmental impact, Labour Conditions, and animal welfare. This is an extremely helpful shopping tool that can really change shopping habits.

thredup's Fashion Footprint calculator helps you determine just exactly how dirty your closet is by seeing how your shopping habits impact the environment.