How Can I Help?
Check Yourself
Lots of times, we are consumed by the idea of consumption. Ask yourself some questions before making a purchase.
1. Do I need this?
Ask yourself if you really need to be purchasing this item in the first place — think about if you already have something similar in your closet.
2. Do I want this?
It’s easy to press that “order” button or swipe your credit card because something is on sale. Ask yourself if this item is something you could really see wearing, more than once.
3. Do I love this?
It’s common to try something on and buy it because you think it’s cute, even if the jeans are too long or the top is too tight. If it does not fit you in a way you absolutely love, rethink it.
What are people saying?
Do your own research. Use sites like Good On You and Remake to find sustainability reports on brands you want to buy from.
Check the Company
Lots of companies will say they’re sustainable or ethical, but really aren’t. Here are some ways to double check that.
Check Where You’re Shopping
With clothing companies dropping new styles sometimes daily, it can be tempting to see what’s being churned out of the fast fashion mill — but what’s way cooler is to shop second-hand or vintage. By second-hand shopping, you’re saving the environment and upgrading your closet at the same time. It gives you a chance to find one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style—not just what’s trending.
A mix of thrift store and Instagram, Depop is a social shopping app where users buy and sell secondhand fashion. It’s perfect for finding unique, trendy pieces and giving pre-loved clothes a second life—while supporting small sellers and circular fashion.
One of the largest online consignment and thrift stores, thredUP lets you shop (or clean out your closet) with ease. You can send in gently used clothes, and they’ll resell them for you—or shop from thousands of secondhand items from popular brands at major discounts.
You can also shop at your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Savers. It’s truly as simple as looking up “thrift stores near me” on Google.
Vinted is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can sell, buy, or swap secondhand clothing and accessories directly with other users. It’s simple, affordable, and ideal for keeping clothes in circulation instead of sending them to landfills.
“I don’t wear this anymore. What should I do with it?”
Sometimes, that top we love just doesn’t fit us the way it used to. And that’s okay — so long as you’re not just throwing it in the trash, on its way to becoming landfill.
If you can — avoid donating clothing to organizations like GoodWill. It is much better to donate clothing to your local homeless shelters. While donating to places like Goodwill can still keep clothes out of landfills, giving directly to homeless shelters or community organizations can have a bigger impact. At shelters, your clothes are given to people who truly need them—for free. This is a direct way to help people in need.