What is Organic Cotton?

Cotton is a plant-based, biodegradable material. It could be assumed then, that it must always be sustainable. Unfortunately though, depending on how cotton is farmed, the environmental impact of the material can be significant. Producing cotton organically can be a good way to reduce cotton farming's impact.

What’s Wrong with Conventional Cotton?

Before we get into what all the fuss about organic cotton is, we need to understand some of the issues with ‘conventional cotton’. It’s important to note that cotton -- whether organic or not -- is produced differently across farms and countries, but when we talk about ‘conventional cotton’, we’re talking about the most common, average way that the fluffy plant is grown.

According to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Material Sustainability Index, the environmental impact of conventional cotton production from cradle to gate (so basically, not considering cotton as a garment and its post-consumer ‘after-life’) is so significant that it’s the fifth most impactful material of all. After silk, alpaca wool, cow and goat leather, conventional cotton has the greatest eco-impact when considering global warming, eutrophication (which can lead to dead-zones), water scarcity, fossil fuels, and chemistry.

The majority of this eco-impact comes down to how thirsty conventional cotton is. You might have heard, for example, that a single conventional cotton t-shirt can require about 2,494 liters of water to make -- enough water for a person to drink 2 liters daily, over nearly three and a half years. This is a big deal, given that freshwater is essential to life on Earth and something which 1.1 billion people around the world lack proper access to, including in top cotton production countries like India.

What’s worse though, is that water isn’t just used to grow conventional cotton, but is polluted in conventional cotton production. Because of the heavy and often careless use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, waterways surrounding cotton farms can become polluted with these substances, harming the health of the ecosystem and all those living in it -- humans included, when this contaminated water is drunk.

Carelessly used pesticides and herbicides in conventional cotton production can not only harm the environment, including soil health, but cotton farmers, too. In 2017, at least 50 farmers were killed in part of India, likely due to pesticide poisoning.

How is Organic Cotton Different?

Understandably, you may be looking at cotton a little differently now if you weren’t aware of this darker side of the industry. Fortunately, though, there are solutions and better ways.

Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Organic cotton crops can be sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) natural proteins to protect them from insect infestation and crop destruction, but not with the cocktail of toxic chemicals often sprayed over conventional cotton crops.

This not only helps to protect farmers, but the environment, too. Eutrophication occurs when water is overly enriched with nutrients, often due to fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, which can result in dead-zones in water, where life struggles to persist. The same Sustainable Apparel Coalition data referenced earlier shows that eutrophication is reduced in organic cotton as compared to conventional cotton production.

While organic cotton, by definition, is about the use of synthetic chemicals, organic cotton often is significantly less water-intensive than conventional. Most organic cotton is just rain-fed, meaning that no additional irrigation water is added to the crops. When organic cotton isn’t rain fed, the irrigated water consumption for it is reported by Textile Exchange to be 182 liters per kg of lint (basically harvested fluff), compared to conventional cotton’s enormous 2,120 liters per kg of lint. With water scarcity being the greatest impact associated with this soft, white fiber, this is a great change.

Is All Organic Cotton the Same?

Not all organic cotton is grown equal. If we look at something like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton, we get a material that must meet ecological and social health criteria. These include wastewater treatment to prevent contamination, even by natural fertilizers, and the assurance that farmers and farmworkers are paid living wages. This is wonderful, and a great reason to look out for GOTS-certified organic cotton clothing, but the GOTS standard exists because this is not the norm in cotton production, even within organic cotton production.

Are There Any Issues with Organic Cotton?

Not even organic cotton is not free of issues. Unless organic cotton is grown within a standard like GOTS, or the Fair Trade scheme, cotton being organic does not ensure it is an ethical or wholly sustainable crop.

Organic cotton can be more land-intensive, producing less cotton per hectare than genetically modified cotton. Cotton that is genetically modified to have the Bt natural protein inside of it, rather than sprayed over it, cannot be considered organic even if no additional pesticides or herbicides are used on the crop. This Bt cotton is often more land efficient, meaning more land which can be kept natural, full of trees and life.

Because of the discrepancies in organic cotton production, certified organic cotton is a safer bet. Unless obliged to follow criteria like those in the Global Organic Textile Standard, without transparency, we can’t know that an organic cotton farm isn’t irrigating their crop with significant amounts of water or harvesting their cotton in a way that harms soil health. In this way, organic cotton can still have water scarcity and soil health impacts associated with it.

When we consider ethics, we must remember that cotton production has historically been linked to the Atlantic slave trade. Today, one in five cotton products are tied to the unjust treatment of ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang, China, where more than half a million people are forced to pick cotton. After India, China is the second-largest producer of organic cotton. This isn’t to say that cotton grown in China can never be ethical, but with little transparency in the industry, it is nearly impossible to know if non-certified organic cotton is tied to forced labor, or modern slavery.

Are There Other Types of More Sustainable Cotton?

As well as the ethical and far more sustainable organic cotton certified by GOTS or other legitimate groups, there is other more sustainably sourced cotton, too.

Australian grown cotton, for example, has reduced its use of synthetic insecticides by 97% since 1992, and the vast majority of Australian cotton growers are a part of the voluntary my Best Practice Management (myBMP) program. This program demands over 300 criteria for the more sustainable and ethical production of cotton. Such criteria include the use of rotational crops that release soil-beneficial nitrogen into the soil, like chickpeas, and criteria around water management. Australian cotton is more water-efficient than that of many other countries.

Also from Australia comes Good Earth Cotton, which is reportedly carbon positive and completely traceable from ‘seed to shelf’, thanks to FibreTrace technology. This is a fantastic step towards total ethics fashion.

Another great option is recycled cotton, which has a reduced impact compared to both conventional and organic cotton since no land is needed for agriculture, so it can be kept natural and biodiverse. It’s always good to use what we already have.

What to Buy?

If you’re looking for organic cotton, certified is the best option, especially since more supposedly ‘organic cotton’ is sold than actual organic cotton is grown, with false organic claims being made by some brands.

As always, it’s important to ask questions before you buy. Ask brands if their organic cotton is certified and with what standard. Ask where their cotton is grown, what the environmental and social impacts of their cotton production is, and how much they even know about the cotton in their garments.

Cotton is a wonderful, plant-based and biodegradable material, but we need to remember that it’s a little more complicated than that, too. Mindful purchases are always better purchases, and certifications can really help with this.

Want to Shop Organic Cotton Brands?

Here is a list of all our favorite sustainable cotton brands for the entire family!

About the Contributor

Emma Håkansson is the founder and director of Collective Fashion Justice which seeks to create a total ethics fashion system that prioritizes the life and wellbeing of non-human & human animals, as well as the planet, before profit & production. She has written countless articles on ethics, sustainability, and fashion, and has two books due out over the next two years.

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Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Certifications for Clothing

The phrases “green” and “eco-friendly” do little to uncover the extent of a clothing brand's environmental efforts. Though they imply ethical and sustainable practices, greenwashing tactics often use these buzzwords because of their vague nature. As the sustainable fashion industry grows, the need for transparency is more important than ever. Where the typical terms fall short on specifics, clothing certifications supply shoppers with the reassurance they need to invest in the right products. These voluntary certifications can represent any and all aspects of the manufacturing process, and help shoppers determine which standards and criteria brands are meeting. Whether searching for verified organic materials or confirmation of ethical working conditions, these certifications extend to nearly every part of our concerns as conscious shoppers. Now it’s time to understand what these labels actually mean, and where we can find them!

1) Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

What is GOTS-Certified?

GOTS is recognized worldwide as the leading textile process standard for organic fibers, verifying that the supply chain meets its criteria for the coveted “Made With Organic” stamp. With a clear set of environmental and ethical requirements, this certification identifies brands committed to sourcing organic materials. GOTS-certified products ensure that all textiles are made from at least 70% organic natural fibers and that any chemical input (such as dyes) is evaluated for toxicity and biodegradability. Social criteria must also be met by upholding the labor standards set forth by the International Labor Organization.

Where Can You Find GOTS-Certified?

Brook There proudly promotes that their everyday undergarments are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. This minimalist lingerie brand designs for longevity by pairing durable material with timeless styles and colors.

Komodo, self-proclaimed as “The Original Ethical Brand Since 1988,” declares that looking good while protecting the environment goes hand-in-hand. These sleek silhouettes with pops of color for both men and women are GOTS certified and a member of the soil association.

Read more about GOTS-Certified Here

2) Fair Trade Certified

What is Fair Trade Certified?

A Fair Trade Certified seal confirms that a brand pays fair wages to workers in developing countries and ensures that all employees work in safe conditions. In addition, brands with this certification emphasize garment laborers' rights in their supply chain and environmental protection. Fair Trade prioritizes the treatment of people to build sustainable livelihoods and uplift communities through an internationally agreed set of social, economic, and ecological standards. There are a few types of Fair Trade certifications, each with personalized distinctions.

Once the same entity, Fair Trade USA and Fair Trade International separated to allow Fair Trade USA to grant certifications to large and small farms. While their labor standards are nearly identical, Fair Trade International also includes an environmental standard prohibiting GMOs and toxic chemicals. As a result, shoppers can be sure that a Fair Trade certified product uses methods of production that protect not only the environment but also the people who made them.

Fair Trade Federation (FTF) and World Fair Trade Organization (WTFO) differ from Fair Trade USA and International because they are granted to a company or enterprise instead of a product or material. FTF, which relies upon self-reporting, is a network that grants companies membership based on ethical standards like safe working conditions, living wages, and environmental stewardship. WTFO is a community of enterprises dedicated to fair trade and demonstrating their commitment to serving marginalized communities and solutions to broad issues such as the overuse of natural resources, women's empowerment, refugee livelihoods, human rights, inequality, and sustainable farming. Through peer reviews and independent audits, WFTO verifies members are mission-led and implementing the 10 Principles of Fair Trade across their business and supply chains.

Where Can You Find Fair Trade Certified?

Kowtow is a women’s workwear brand you can feel proud to keep in rotation. Based in New Zealand, their boldness extends past picking patterns and into their commitment to the environment. With 100% Fair Trade certified cotton, Kowtow embodies what it means to be mindful of the communities where they work.

Outerknown is certified by Fair Trade USA and is also dedicated to working with recycled material to combat the issues of textile waste. For the adventurous type, Outerknown makes clothes for those who get out into nature just as much as they talk about it.

3) Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX

What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100?

OEKO-TEX is a popular label with several certifications on chemical usage in garments. Standard 100 is the most common certification testing for substances that are harmful to humans. If an article of clothing carries this certification, it’s a guarantee that every component has been tested for toxic chemicals and given a clean bill of health. The test is conducted based on an extensive criteria catalog, updated at least once a year to expand with new knowledge and requirements. As a result, OEKO-TEX experts have consumers’ backs when protecting their health from potentially harmful chemicals in their clothing. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but OEKO-TEX keeps the chemicals away.

Where Can You Find OEKO-TEX Standard 100?

Outland Denim was founded as a training and employment opportunity for women who have experienced sex trafficking. Today, these women craft premium denim from the finest OEKO-TEX Certified materials worldwide.

4) Certified B Corporations

What are Certified B Corporations?

B Corp certifications measure the full scope of a company’s social and environmental performance. This includes anything from materials to supply chain and employee treatment. The non-profit B Lab awards its stamp of approval and takes into consideration a brand’s approach to people, products, and profit. B Corp Certified businesses are expected to meet their rigorous social and environmental standards, focusing on transparency and accountability. This certification is about establishing a brand as a force for good and as leaders in the larger global movement for better practices. These companies balance profit with an emphasis on purpose.

Where Can You Find Certified B Corps?

KOTN fulfills its responsibilities as a B Corp by directly working to benefit the lives of its cotton farmers. Their mission is to set the standard for conscious creation and consumption with underwear and loungewear for men and women.

5) Cradle to Cradle (C2C)

What is Cradle to Cradle Certification?

C2C Certified products focus on circularity. To receive certification, products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories: material health, material reuse, water stewardship, social fairness, and renewable energy and carbon management. A product is assigned an achievement level (Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for each category. In addition, cradle to Cradle works to identify brands that not only have ethical materials sourcing on the front end but also consider the end-of-life impact of their product.

Where Can You Find Cradle to Cradle Certification?

Eileen Fisher is a C2C Certified brand committed to making circularity the new standard for the sustainable fashion industry. For over a decade, they have collected gently worn EF garments to clean and resell, finding innovative ways to keep clothes out of landfill.

Loomstate is a sustainable brand based in New York City that has also reached C2C Certified status. Through its unique sourcing and design, Loomstate is changing how we see professional uniforms in sustainable fashion. As if that wasn’t enough, they are also Fair Trade and OEKO-TEX certified.

6) Leather Working Group (LWG)

What is LWG Certified?

The LWG certifies tanneries and leather traders based on their adherence to environmental protection guidelines. LWG ratings (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) are based on how companies' production processes affect the environment. Audits are done by several third parties using the same standards, considering waste management, energy consumption, and water usage. This certification aims to reward brands sourcing leather from environmentally responsible suppliers.

Where Can You Find LWG Certified?

Nisolo is not only a certified B Corp; most of their leather comes from LWG Certified tanners in León, Mexico. This 100% carbon-neutral footwear brand pushes the industry toward a more sustainable and ethical direction.

Everlane has established itself by designing comfortable basics with what they call "radical transparency" in its manufacturing processes. In addition, Everlane continues its commitment to sustainable staple items with a Gold certification from the LWG.

Although better than conventional leather, LWG has its criticisms. Read them here.

7) Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

What is FSC Certified?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization with standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial way. An FSC certification is considered the "gold standard" designation for wood harvested from forests. Though we usually think of wood usage in terms of furniture, construction material, and paper, it's also expanding into the textile world. Forest-based fabrics, such as rayon, Tencel, viscose, modal, or lyocell, are becoming increasingly more popular in the fashion industry and can be more environmentally friendly than synthetic textiles or cotton if the cellulose fibers come from well-managed forests. There are three types of labels that the FSC distributes: FSC 100 Percent for products from FSC-certified forests, FSC Recycled for products made from reclaimed material, and FSC Mixed for when a product is made from at least 70 percent FSC-certified or recycled materials.

Where Can You Find FSC Certified?

Sézane is a French ready-to-wear brand that has been bestowed an FSC certification for its commitment to a more sustainable world. Their collection includes a detailed breakdown of each component showcasing 68% FSC-certified mixed viscose. These pieces may be vintage-inspired, but they are made from sustainable fashion's most innovative materials.

Nau is an outerwear and loungewear brand that has earned its sustainable stripes by producing durable products made from certified natural materials. Their breathable, moisture-wicking activewear consists of FSC-certified eucalyptus Tencel and promises to be your favorite pick for warm weather days.

A Few More Certifications…

Bluesign: A standard awarded to textile manufacturers who provide safe working conditions for their employees and work to minimize their environmental impact. For example, Toad&Co

Better Cotton Initiative: A non-profit organization that supports a more sustainable way to source cotton through a defined set of standards. For example, Kathmandu

Climate Beneficial: A verification awarded to farmers by the non-profit Fibershed ensures that the materials (typically wool) are created by farming that sequesters more carbon than it emits. For example, Coyuchi

& One Last Note…

PETA labels are not typically considered a sustainable certification since they don’t consider workers’ rights or environmental impact. However, their standards for animal treatment and plant-based products are still worth noting since they’re seen so frequently. In addition, both of these labels are based on self-reporting without using a third-party auditor to verify.

Approved-Vegan: This label signifies that the brand or product has signed PETA’s statement of assurance verifying that their product is vegan.

Cruelty-Free: This bunny logo is most commonly used for personal care and beauty products to signify that the company did not conduct or commission any animal tests during product research.

Julia Grinberg is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. She is a blog contributor for the vegan shoe brand Sylven New York, and the upcycled leather accessories brand Hyer Goods. When she is not writing on the topic of sustainable fashion, she is crafting short stories for various outlets and is currently working on a collection of creative nonfiction essays.

Fabrics & Certifications2Julia GrinbergApril 11, 2023 Comment

7 Tips on How to Avoid Microplastics When Washing Your Clothes

How To Lessen Your Microplastics In the Wash

They say there are more microplastics in the ocean than stars in our sky. Today, over 51 trillion microplastic particles are polluting our waterways.

While we can't completely avoid contributing to this number, I have a few tricks I use when washing my synthetic clothing at home.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. Clothing has become a massive culprit in contributing to the problem of microplastics because of the popularity of synthetics. Of course, microplastics can come from all different sources, like cosmetics, car tires, large sheets of plastic debris... the list goes on.

Popular Synthetic Fabrics Your Clothes May Be Made Out Of

Much of your clothing is made up of synthetic fibers. These fibers are essentially made of plastic, and when washed, they can break down to form tiny microfibers which make their way back into the water (& in turn, into the stomachs of animals and even our drinking water). In your clothing tags, you may find these four popular synthetic fabrics: Nylon, Polyester, Spandex, and Acrylic. Since most of us will find these fibers in our closets, we figured this post could be helpful!

Our Top Tips for Reducing Microplastics

Wash on Cold

Heat is not suitable for most fabrics. It can easily damage the threads, which then split and release microfibers.

Fill It Up

Less friction occurs when the entire wash machine is full, so fewer fibers are likely to break off.

Use a Cora Ball or Guppy Bag

This little contraption is just the coolest ever. I got this from EarthHero & I suggest you try one out for yourself. Made from 100% recycled plastic (also recyclable), the Cora Ball traps and secures threads in its "spindles" that can be easily cleaned as microfibers collect. They start to look like lent after several washes. Pull them off and throw them in the trash.

Use Liquid Detergent

Powder detergents act as scrubs and can scrub off fibers.

Hang Dry or Dry on Low

Of course, hang drying would be the best option, but if you live in a small space, that can be difficult to do with every load. Also, the low setting helps lessen the friction between clothes.

Wash Less

This is a no-brainer and maybe too obvious to mention. However, I can quickly throw something in the hamper, which could probably be worn a few more times.

Buy Natural Fibers

Clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, and wool isn't going to shed microplastics into the wash. So check the content on the tag before purchasing. Your skin prefers these natural guys better, anyway!

You may already do a few of these anyway to prolong your clothing, but I hope you may have learned a couple more tricks!

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Sustainable & Eco Hotels in Europe You Will Love to Visit

With its Ancient Roman buildings, Medieval castles, Baroque churches, and pristine beaches surrounded by a turquoise sea, Europe has plenty of beautiful sights, locations, and charm to offer its many international guests. No wonder it's such a popular travel destination: several European countries rank among the top tourist destinations in the world.

Are you too planning a trip to Europe and would like to make your travels as sustainable as possible? Choosing an eco-accommodation for your stay is an excellent way for travelers to experience their destination more sustainably. From cozy to luxurious, minimalistic to excentric, there is something for everyone!

We have selected various amazing eco-accommodations in some of Europe's most popular cities among tourists. With so many options, you can easily find the perfect destination and sustainable accommodation for your next European vacation. Happy planning!

1) Conscious Hotel Westerpark - Amsterdam, Netherlands

With its world-famous museums like the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum, vibrant nightlife, and the picturesque charm of its canals and buildings, the capital city of the Netherlands is a fantastic destination for your next European trip.

For a more sustainable stay, you can enjoy all the city offers while staying at the Conscious Hotel Westerpark.

Part of the local Conscious Hotel chain, this hotel is housed in a magnificent 19th-century building in the district of Westerpark in the northwest part of Amsterdam city center.

Immersed in the homonymous public park, the Conscious Hotel Westerpark is fully electric, and the power comes from a windmill located in the Amsterdam harbor. This hotel is also cooled and heated up by its Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system, and it's certified Green Key Gold.

2) Hostal Grau - Barcelona, Spain

The Hostal Grau is a fantastic option for a greener stay in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Filled with Mediterranean charm with its white walls, large windows, and minimal yet cozy wooden furniture, this accommodation is located in the neighborhood of El Raval, but it's also quite close to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This family-owned business is housed in an 1862 building that was renovated following the LEED certification parameters, which allowed it to get a LEED Gold Certification for Interior Design.

3) Lulu Guldsmeden - Berlin, Germany

Are you planning a trip to the German capital and looking for a more sustainably-minded accommodation? The Berlin location of the Copenhagen, Denmark-headquartered hotel chain Guldsmeden Hotels, which operates sustainable boutique hotels all around the globe, is the Lulu Guldsmeden, a superb choice for a greener stay in Berlin. You can find this Hygge-infused hotel between the Berlinese neighborhoods of Tiergarten and Schöneberg in West Berlin.

With its green courtyard in bustling Potsdamer Straße, warm woods, brick accents, characteristic dark lobby, and swings, the Lulu Guldsmeden is an excellent pick for those looking for a cozy stay in busy Berlin.

In terms of sustainability, this 4-star hotel has plenty of certifications to back up its green claims. It is certified by the British Green Globe and the German GreenSign Hotel certification, both recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

4) Wren Urban Nest - Dublin, Ireland

We all know that Dubin city center is packed with stunning sights and history, but did you know you can also find an accommodation perfect for green travelers there? The Wren Urban Nest in St. Andrew's Lane in the Temple Bar district in Dublin 2 is a cozy hotel housed in a gorgeous modern brick building near College Green and Trinity College. It features a colorful bio-diverse rooftop garden and Scandinavian design-led rooms in earthy, relaxing colors.

The Wren Urban Nest was built with sustainability in mind: at the 2022 SEAI Energy Awards, the hotel won in the Energy in Buildings category. The Wren Urban Nest is powered by 100% renewable electricity and has a smart HVAC system.

This Dublinese company is one of the few BER A-rated accommodation providers in Ireland, and the Wren Urban Nest is also a net carbon accommodation. They offer free filtered water on each floor, serve local organic produce, and feature local craft products.

5) room2 Chiswick - London, United Kingdom

In 2021, the capital city of the United Kingdom saw 7.8 million visitors. If you too are visiting London anytime soon, consider the eco-hotel room2 Chiswick located in the homonymous district of West London for your stay.

With its bright, colorful, modern rooms, the Arts & Crafts movement-inspired aesthetic, and works of local artists and craftspeople, the room2 Chiswick has a unique, artsy atmosphere.

Aside from celebrating local artistic production, at room2 Chiswick, they are also committed to sustainability. The building only relies on electricity from renewable sources, and it's heated and cooled by heat pumps located underneath the hotel.

The bathrooms feature ultra-low flow showers, and the roof features solar panels, a "green roof" that promotes biodiversity, and a "blue roof" that catches rainwater.

Thanks to its many sustainable policies and features, room2 Chiswick was awarded a Gold rating by the awards certification program Green Tourism.

6) Six Senses Rome - Rome, Italy

Italy's capital is a popular tourist destination, and it's easy to see why. In Rome, visitors can witness the city's almost three thousand years of history with their very eyes thanks to the beauty of the city's historical center, which is part of UNESCO's World Heritage List, and of monuments such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Mausoleum of Augustus. Opened in early 2023, the Six Senses Rome in the central Piazza di San Marcello is an excellent choice for those looking for an eco-friendly and highly luxurious hotel in the Eternal City.

Housed in the gorgeous historical 18th-century Roman residence Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini close to the Pantheon, this high-end hotel is powered by 100% renewable energy, was renovated to achieve energy and water efficiency, and it's working towards having its efforts certified by the LEED Gold certification for sustainable design and construction.

The hotel has also been sponsoring the restoration of the nearby Baroque building, the beautiful San Marcello Al Corso Church.

7) Hotel Hoy - Paris, France

Located in the 9th arrondissement part of Rue des Martyrs in Paris, the Hotel Hoy is characterized by its minimalistic yet cozy spaces. Named after the Spanish word for "today," this Parisian hotel has several sustainable initiatives and features. They recycle food waste through a partner and offer their guests the opportunity to purify tap water with Japanese Binchōtan charcoal. They have also installed aerators on their taps, still and sparkling water fountains, and motion sensor lights in hotel corridors, toilets, and private areas to save energy.

The Hotel Hoy is also mindfully decorated. Their bed sheets are Oekotex 100, ISO 14001, and ISO 26000 certified, while the bath linen is Oekotex 100, ISO 9001 certified. The hotel also features and sells floral arrangements made by florist Chiaki Kokami with local, seasonal flowers. These flowers get dried to create bouquets and other floral decorations if they end up unsold.

8) Mosaic House - Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and the biggest town in Bohemia. The city has a vibrant history, and with its distinctive mix of different architectural styles represented by its plethora of gorgeous historical buildings, it's clear how fitting its nickname, "The Golden City," is.

If you are planning a trip to Praha and are looking for a more sustainable accommodation, you should check out Mosaic House.

Located in a 1935 Functionalist building in Odborů Street in Prague's quarter of New Town (Nové Město), this hotel is close to the bank of the Vltava River and the National Museum and even closer to the famous Dancing House.

Aside from its excellent location, the Mosaic House can boast several sustainable initiatives. They have a gray-water system that allows them to reuse wastewater and a waste heat recovery system that turns the waste heat from the wastewater into power. They are also CO2-neutral, compost, and make their soil.

9) Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in Vienna - Vienna, Austria

While it might not be the first European city to come to mind, Vienna is still a popular tourist destination.

History-rich, walkable and cozy, the Austrian capital ranked the world's most liveable city in the EIU's 2022 Global Liveability Index.

To truly enjoy its quiet yet lively essence in a greener way, the Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is an excellent choice.

Located in Vienna's city center, the hotel is famous for its fragrant lavender roof, interior courtyard, and ivy-covered facade, which allow it to offer its guests a plant-filled, relaxing stay in the middle of the Austrian capital city.

This Viennese hotel is housed in a restored, turn-of-the-century building that does way more than being just pretty. The Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is, in fact, located in a zero-energy balance building, meaning it generates as much energy as it communes. This feat is achieved thanks to their use of groundwater heat pumps and solar PV.

To encourage their guests to make their travels even more sustainable, they offer a Green Bonus, a 10% discount on their accommodation, to the people who travel to Vienna via train or bicycle.

About the Author

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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10 Tips for Shopping More Sustainably for Your Closet

Have you ever found yourself minutes away from having to leave your house for school, work, or a social occasion, staring at your closet and thinking, "I have nothing to wear!"?

Although many of us currently have a number of clothes that our ancestors properly haven't owned in a lifetime, feeling like a closet's worth of clothes is not enough to create a satisfying outfit is far from an unusual experience.

It's easy to see why. Like many other incumbencies of adult life, we were not taught how to shop for clothes. But if your wardrobe and purchasing choices keep leaving you unsatisfied, taking a step back and learning how to shop smarter and more sustainably can be the best way to make your experience with fashion more enjoyable and align it with our values.

Here we have listed some tips to help you choose only items you will like and wear for years to come, quit shopping habits that don't serve you, and build a sustainable closet you love over time.

Start by organizing your closet

An ideal first step to starting to shop smarter is knowing exactly how much and what you already own. That can be a bit harder if your closet isn't organized, as the saying "out of sight, out of mind" can apply to your clothes and accessories.

Organizing your closet can help you make a more accurate mental inventory of what you own, which can help you make more mindful purchases in the future and even help you create new, fun daily outfits. Plus, finding a piece you had completely forgotten in the back of your closet is so satisfying that it makes the organization session worth it.

Depending on the size of your closet and the number and type of clothes you own, different types of sorting systems will work better for you, but as a rule of thumb, you can try to arrange it in a way that makes it easy for you to see as many of your clothes as possible when you open it to get ready in the morning. The more you see them, the less likely you are to forget them.

2. Pick a color scheme

Picking a color scheme can help you create new outfit ideas with the clothes you already own and also help you regulate your shopping if you are struggling to quit retail therapy. Suppose something you have eyed doesn't come in one of the colors in your color scheme; that can be a great dissuader.

In addition, shopping with a color scheme in mind can make your closet more cohesive and easier to work with in the long run, saving you time and decision fatigue. Win-win!

You can choose a color scheme based on your favorite colors or the most recurring ones in your closet. Bonus tip: some basic knowledge of color theory can make a massive difference when assembling color schemes and outfits that look eye-pleasing, so take some time to geek out if you can!

3. Figure out what your basics are

We have probably all heard at some point that the so-called "basics" we have to invest in are something like a white t-shirt, a pair of jeans, a button-up shirt, and a trench coat, possibly in neutral colors.

But here is the thing: fashion isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of thing (no pun intended), and someone else's must-haves won't necessarily work for you. That's because we all need and like different things because of where we live, what we do for a living, and what we enjoy wearing and doing in our free time.

Knowing what your lifestyle and taste require can help you identify what kind of clothes are your personal must-haves. This way, you can mindfully fill in eventual gaps in your wardrobe and make it more functional.

4. Pay attention to the materials used in clothing you'd like to purchase

Choosing clothes made of sustainable, high-quality fibers is an excellent call for your style and the Planet, but remember that each eco-friendly fabric is different. Each fabric and fiber blend has its specific look, texture, and weight; depending on those, it will look and feel differently on your body.

The characteristics of fibers might not be something people keep in mind when purchasing new clothes, but they can be the main factor influencing whether or not you will enjoy wearing a specific piece of clothing.

So take some time to go through the clothes you already have and identify which fabrics you prefer the look and feel of on you. This tip can be especially beneficial if you shop mostly online, as you cannot try on the pieces before clicking on the "buy" button.

Make sure to check out our Fabric posts to learn more about sustainable fibers, as well.

5. Don't rush into trends

A new trend comes or returns every season, and suddenly everybody seems to be sporting it.

Trends aren't necessarily something that people cannot enjoy sustainably or integrate into their personal style and can be a fun way to spice things up fashion-wise, but if you haven't figured out your personal style and built a wardrobe that truly works for you, just yet, you might end up overlying on trends for fun and novelty.

So whether it's a specific piece, cut, or style that everyone seems to have on lately on social media or in real life, try asking yourself this before trying it: "Do I genuinely like this, or am I just bored with my wardrobe?" This little tip can save you some impulse purchases that might not work for you in the long run.

6. Create a rewarding "getting ready" ritual

At first glance, this tip doesn't have much to do with learning how to shop smarter and more sustainably, but ensuring your experience with fashion and styling is rewarding and joyful can make a difference in your shopping habits. After all, the more satisfied we are with what we have, the less likely we are to indulge in impulse purchases to make up for it.

So try to make getting ready in the morning a fun, uplifting experience if you're not doing that already. Even something as simple as playing your favorite upbeat playlist or lighting a scented candle can turn the chore of picking your day's outfit into a lovely ritual you look forward to.

7. Try to do your research online before shopping

If you want to shop more mindfully and support more ethical and sustainable fashion companies, doing some online research before you purchase new clothing can be a great habit to develop.

Through the internet, you can find out how committed a specific fashion company is to implementing ethical and sustainable business practices via its website or third-party sources like the rating app Good on You. If you're not doing that already, you can also look for customer reviews.

These can help you avoid getting clothes that don't work for you in terms of style, fit, or quality and that you might have to return.

8. Know that your comfort is always important

There is nothing wrong with experimenting when it comes to fashion: as we change and evolve, so can our taste in fashion.

But remember that what we wear is supposed to make us feel good and like ourselves. It might seem like a given, but societal pressure can make us feel like our fashion choices are anybody else's business.

So rather than buying what you think you should wear, try instead to purchase what makes you feel happy and aligns with your moral compass.

9. Try to make a list and stick to it

If you are trying to shop smarter and more sustainably, making fewer and more strategic fashion purchases instead of buying more often and more hastily is the way to go if you aren't being quite frugal already due to budget or sustainability-related reasons.

There could be some items you must buy right now, like new office-dress-code-appropriate clothes for your new job, or you may have been eyeing a new fun piece or two.

Either way, make a list of the clothes you want or need to buy, and try to avoid window shopping if you have a habit of indulging in impulse purchases.

10. Waitlist your buys

Once you are done listing what you'd like or have to purchase, you will have a brand-new fashion wish list.

Some items on this wish list might be things you need to buy as soon as possible because of life circumstances, but to avoid non-thought-through purchases, you might want to waitlist the rest.

In the same vein as making a wish list, wait listing your purchases can help you make more intentional investments as it gives you the time to see if what's on your list is something you genuinely like and want.

You can give yourself a few days or weeks: write down what you want and then just go about your life, and see if you still like those pieces once the time is up. If the answer is still yes, then it's a match!