How to Stop Buying More Clothes Than You Need

Purchasing new clothes can be fun, but it isn’t always necessary. Your closet might have everything you need to look great without overspending. Check out why it’s better to stick with what you own and learn how to stop buying more clothes than you need. It might feel more fulfilling while aligning with your eco-friendly lifestyle.

Reasons Why Buying Fewer Clothes Is Good

Keeping up with fashion trends doesn’t have to be another pressure in your life. These are a few reasons why you might feel better after you stop buying more clothes than you need.

It Saves You Money

Companies are constantly producing new clothing. It’s why the apparel industry was worth $312 billion in 2022. People buy the latest styles to keep up with popular trends, but you can save money by wearing what you already enjoy. Instead, put your extra cash toward your life goals or dreams. You’ll invest in yourself and less in temporary fads.

Consider how much money you’ve spent on shopping throughout your life. It could have funded community classes or membership fees with local clubs. You can invest in yourself beyond clothing and get more joy from life. Remember what you want to do in the coming months when you think you want to shop for clothes you don’t need.

It Helps the Planet

Your old clothes might go in the garbage when you buy new clothing. Even if you donate them, the natural resources used to mass-produce fast fashion lines hurt the environment. You’ll live a more eco-friendly lifestyle by only buying clothes when it’s essential. Your money won’t fund companies that create pollution and you’ll get to stick with your sustainable values.

It Defines Your Style

Jumping between fashion trends is one way to explore your interests, but it doesn’t solidify your style. You might not find what authentically represents your personality if you’re always trying new clothes, colors and patterns.

You already like to wear what you own. That’s why you bought your current wardrobe. Have fun making new outfits with what’s in your closet to define your self-expression. You’ll get more in touch with your personality and stop spending money you don’t want to part with.

How to Stop Buying More Clothes Than You Need

If you’re one of the many people who make impulse purchases with clothing brands or just enjoy the experience of loading up a shopping cart, use these tips to stop buying what you don’t need. You’ll gain new perspectives that make your current wardrobe appealing.

Set a Timer

When you find something you love, set a timer. It could start 24 hours from now and give you space to consider your potential purchase. You can even save the link to the clothing. Bookmark the page or save the clothes to a list on your account. You might find it helpful to create an event in your virtual calendar with a reminder to reconsider that specific purchase.

Give yourself time to evaluate the potential new addition to your wardrobe and determine if it’s worth it. You’ll save yourself from impulsive purchases and keep more money in your pocket. Eventually, you won’t need a timer or calendar event to stall your shopping habits. You’ll intuitively know what’s worth your money and when it’s the right time to shop.

2. Test Your Home’s Water

People rarely think about their water quality when it’s time to do laundry. Why does it matter if the washing machine still cleans your clothes? The reality is that your water can affect your wardrobe’s life span.

A pH test could reveal that you have hard water. Hard water has a high mineral content that harms fabrics and dulls dyes. It’s easy to fix with a water treatment solution or assistance from your local municipality. Restoring the pH balance will keep your clothes from eroding with each trip through the washing machine.

3. Keep a Closet Inventory

You might think you need a new sweatshirt, only to discover five buried in the back of your closet after returning from the mall. It’s a problem most people encounter, but you can easily fix it by tracking your wardrobe with an inventory list.

Create a spreadsheet or open a notebook and record how many clothes you have. Note the exact number of each piece of clothing and how worn each item is. You’ll quickly realize if you have tons matching your green values or need newer skirts without frayed edges..

It’s also a resource you can refer to before making all future clothing purchases. Don’t forget to keep up with it as your clothes change with time. You’ll always have an accurate log to check before buying something you already have.

4. Donate With Each Shopping Trip

When you want to get something new, ensure that one of your older pieces of clothing goes to a donation center. It might make you think twice if your old clothes don’t need replacing. You might also avoid getting something new when the well-worn shirt or jacket is sentimental.

5. Learn How to Tailor Clothes

Watching videos to learn simple tailoring techniques can significantly extend the life of your clothes. You won’t have to replace anything that becomes too big, too small or develops holes. Investing in a sewing machine and watching free tailoring videos will teach you how to care for your wardrobe so you can spend years creating new looks with whatever you already own.

You might even get so invested in making your wardrobe that you stop shopping altogether. It’s the ultimate way to craft a sustainable closet since you’ll get to choose eco-friendly clothing and tailor each item to your measurements.

6. Find Better Stain Removers

People often buy new clothes when they find stains on older garments. Although some can ruin the fabric and require a shopping trip, others are easy to remove. Try new stain removers from your local grocery store to see what works best. You can also use baking soda to make a biodegradable remover that lifts multiple types of stains.

7. Keep Everything in One Place

You might feel tempted to get more clothes when your closet looks bare, but do you have more seasonal items in storage? Move everything into your closet so you don’t worry about your wardrobe looking sparse.

This is especially helpful if you have a capsule wardrobe for each season since they depend on minimalist styles that leave shelves emptier. You won’t get anxious about not having the clothes you need because everything is right in front of you.

8. Find Other Self-Expression Outlets

Shopping is a form of self-expression. You’re merging your personality with your external style, but there are other ways to do that. You might stop buying more clothes than you need if you start creative hobbies.

Express yourself with a hobby like painting. You could follow an artist by pressing play on a free video or attending a class at a community college. Consider learning how to sketch to express what matters to you.

Other art forms can represent your style and double as home decor. Read a book that explains embroidery stitches or follow the instructions in a kit. You could sew clothes from patterns or knit accessories when you need something new.

It’s possible to feel fulfilled without adding more clothes to your wardrobe. All you need is a hobby that captures your interest. Think about what you’d like to do or what pastimes might align with your life goals. As you build your self-confidence, you’ll also learn how you enjoy putting your personality into the world.

9. Unfollow Fashion Brands

If you follow many clothing or accessory brands on social media, consider unfollowing them. The reason for your constant shopping could relate to seeing new products on your feeds every time your apps refresh.

They could also post ads for time-limited sales that passively pressure you to buy something impulsively. Not having that content on your mind all the time makes it easier to avoid shopping. Consider following other accounts that help you achieve your goals, like self-care or inspirational quote accounts.

10. Start Clothing Swaps

Call your friends and ask if they have any clothes they don’t wear anymore. You could start a recurring clothing swap event that includes all your loved ones.

Your friends and family members could meet at someone’s house with the clothes they want to donate. You’ll get to swap sizes and try on different styles without purchasing new items. Ultimately, you might go home with free additions to your wardrobe while keeping your older garments out of landfills.

You could also volunteer to take the unwanted clothes from your swap event to the nearest donation center. Everyone will help those in need, prevent trash from cluttering landfills and avoid spending money you’d rather save.

Rethink Your Shopping Habits

Learning to stop buying more clothes than you need doesn’t have to feel complicated. Use these tips to get started toward a greener wardrobe. You’ll revolutionize your shopping habits, save money and help the planet.

About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn!

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How to Remove Stains more Naturally

Stains are an unavoidable part of life. You can treat them if you take care of them immediately, but you may need to make some substitutions in your regular products. How many stain removers do you use with ingredients that could affect your health and the environment? These all-natural methods will help you eliminate stains in their tracks without the same detrimental side effects you're used to.

How to Remove Grease Stains

Grease stains are tricky to avoid, and they appear no matter where you are. Luckily, they're easy to remove by natural methods as long as you handle them quickly. Remember to remove any excess grease with a cloth so you don't have to deal with as large of a stain. If you tackle the oil fast enough, you may have a smaller stain than you imagined.

Baking Soda Method

Baking soda is nontoxic, so it's often used in various homemade cleaners that are better for your health and the environment. First, thoroughly cover the area in baking soda and let sit overnight. Baking soda is alkaline, so it'll help soak up the grease and oil on your clothes. If that doesn't remove the stain, use a vinegar and water solution. You should let the fabric soak before running it through the washing machine.

Corn Starch Method

Alternatively, you can use cornstarch to draw out the grease. It's an absorbent substitute that, when scrubbed, can act abrasive and help remove the stain. Just let it sit for an hour or two after scrubbing. Once you do, you may notice the stain has been lifted, and you can wash the garment as usual.

How to Remove Sauce Stains

Tomato sauce leaves some of the worst stains, but it can also be difficult to avoid if you've got kids who love spaghetti. Tomatoes are the most produced vegetable worldwide, making them a common household staple that can lead to stain issues. Luckily, there are a few ways to get sauce out of your clothes so you don't have to deal with an eyesore.

Dish Detergent Method

This method will require you to have a few things on hand. Put dish detergent directly on the stain. You should choose a detergent that promotes sustainability goals by selecting a brand that has performed self-assessments about its methods or by using ingredients that won't harm the planet. Once you've saturated the stain with your dish liquid of choice, it's time to pull out the ice.

Rub an ice cube on the fabric to help remove the stain. You should smear the detergent around and fade the stain slowly. If it isn't completely gone by then, you can dab some vinegar onto the fabric and run it through the laundry.

Salt and Baking Soda Method

Salt and baking soda are readily available in the home, making them a great option for tackling any tricky stains that emerge when enjoying dinner. Combine equal parts of baking soda and salt with water to create a paste. You can apply this paste to the stain and let it sink into the clothing. Then, run it through the laundry like you normally do.

How to Remove Blood Stains

You may be tempted to toss blood-stained clothes. However, you should attempt to save your clothes and treat stains rather than throw them out. The fashion industry pollutes water with the chemicals it uses when making textiles, so making what you have last a long time can make a difference.

One of the most important things to remember about treating blood stains is that you shouldn't dry your laundry before dealing with them. Otherwise, it will be there forever. Unfortunately, blood stains can be tricky to get out of fabric. Treat your clothes as soon as possible for the best results.

Vinegar Method

Use white vinegar for the best results when dealing with blood stains. All you need to do is pour it onto the stain and let it sit, dabbing it with a damp cloth as necessary. Over time, the stain should lift, and you can launder your clothing as usual.

Salt Method

Though not as well-known, the salt method might be an effective way of lifting stains from your favorite garments. Salt is a great dehydrator, so it can dry water and blood well. A paste of salt and water rubbed directly onto the stain should yield the desired results. Scrape it off once it's dry, and use cold water to wash off the rest.

How to Remove Sweat Stains

Nearly everyone has experienced sweat stains before. Whether you work out regularly or live in a warm climate, you've encountered sweat and know how tricky it can be to remove from a shirt. Fortunately, these stains can be conquered. However, you may have to apply a different method depending on the color of the garment you're treating.

White Shirt Method

The white shirt method is a bit complicated. You'll need baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water to lift the stain from your white or light-colored shirt. Mix equal parts of all three ingredients, then rub into the stain with a slightly abrasive brush or sponge. Let the solution sit on the clothes before tossing them into the washing machine.

Dark Shirt Method

This method is a bit simpler. To make your darker shirts look new, you only need a mixture of water and white vinegar. Use a brush to apply the solution to the stains if you want to pretreat them. Otherwise, you'll submerge the affected clothing in a tub full of equal parts water and white vinegar. After about 30 minutes, you can run the clothes through the laundry as usual.

If you need something with odor-fighting properties, use a bit of baking soda on the garment after you've taken care of the stain. You can use it on anything from clothes to carpets to help treat odors. Letting it sit overnight might be the best option, but sometimes, baking soda can remove smells in just half an hour.

How to Remove Wine and Coffee Stains

Many people turn to coffee to wake up before a long workday. Similarly, around 60% of adults consume alcoholic beverages regularly. While these stains might be different, they originate the same way — typically by spilling something on yourself. The quicker you deal with these stains, the better your clothes will look.

Wine Removal Method

Wine stains can leave a deep, dark red blotch on your clothing, so it's best to tackle it as soon as possible. First, pour vinegar directly onto the stain. Then, make a paste of vinegar and baking soda and rub it into the spot aggressively.

Add a small bit of vinegar to a container of cold water, dunk your clothes in and let them soak overnight. There may be some remnant of a stain in the morning, but it won't be as pronounced as before. Alternatively, you can use salt to take the red wine out overnight, then continue repeating the steps as necessary.

Coffee Removal Method

Since people often experience coffee spills in the workplace on business clothes, you may want to test this removal method on an unseen part of your garment to ensure it doesn't harm the fabric. Mix a lot of warm water with 1 tablespoon each of dish detergent and white vinegar. Then, dab at the stain with a clean cloth. With enough blotting, the stain should disappear.

How to Remove Grass Stains

You may want to roll around in the grass when the weather warms up. Spending time in nature promotes vitamin D production, which could lower depression and anxiety levels. However, you may end up with grass stains on your clothing. Luckily, there's an easy way to take care of them, too.

White Vinegar Method

This method is the best option for treating grass stains, regardless of the fabric. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar with water. Coat the stain and let it stand for about an hour or so, or dab and scrub. Afterward, rinse it off in cold water.

If that method doesn't remove the stain, you can also use a mild detergent on your fabric. Scrub it with the detergent, then rinse it off. Before long, you should notice the stain is completely gone.

Rubbing Alcohol Method

This method might be a bit harsher than the one before it, but you can still remove the stain with something you likely have in your household. Wet the affected area with rubbing alcohol. Once it's fully dry, rinse it off with cold water. You can also follow up with detergent and cool water. Repeating this method a few times should get rid of grass stains completely. This method works exceptionally well on jeans.

Become a Stain-Fighting Professional — Naturally

Dealing with stains in clothing can be difficult, especially when you don't know the natural swaps you can make to tackle tough ones. Keep your cupboards stocked with substitutes that won't put chemicals into the water or harm your health to tackle stains without worry.

This will also give you a natural way to help your clothing last longer, potentially keeping it out of landfills and preventing you from buying more. Some items can't be saved, especially if you've waited a while to treat a stain, but you can always just wear it at home to make the most of it.

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A Simple Guide to Greenwashing

When you see a product advertised as sustainable, natural, non-toxic, or organic, you instantly feel good about buying it, right? Advertising companies know from research, the majority of people want to support eco-friendly products and brands. However, what happens when marketing teams prey on this sustainability mindset for profit? Greenwashing happens.

What is greenwashing? Let’s talk about it!

an example of greenwashing in fashion where t-shirts are being labeled as good for the planet when the rights & health of workers are being ignored. see why a t-shirt should never be $5.

What is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing is a marketing strategy that falsely represents a company's or product's sustainable efforts. Greenwashing creates the illusion that a company does what is best for the planet and people; however, most don't follow through with their claims. According to a report by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, 95% of green-labeled products are actually greenwashed.

Greenwashing occurs in various ways, so how do you tell if the claims are legitimate or empty promises? Here are some red flags to watch out for!

1) Environmental Imagery

Companies are often found to simplify their packaging and feature natural-looking textures, materials, leaf-themed motifs, and green-toned elements. This attracts the shopper’s eye because it appears to have a more natural appearance, but it tricks the consumer into thinking the product is automatically eco-conscious.

2) Vague Catchphrases

Advertisers commonly pair environmental imagery with phrases like “100% natural” and “non-toxic” and other vague phrasing. Be aware these phrases are not strictly regulated by any authority or organization, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and typically have no bearing on what’s in the product.

3) Bait and Switch

Companies will claim a product is made of sustainable materials, which might be true, but the rest of their business is not. Often companies will use low-cost manufacturers with illegal labor wages and allow poor working conditions to increase profit margins associated with sustainably sourced products. They bait the consumer into buying their product with sustainable claims but don’t apply the sustainability business model through their entire company.

4) Irrelevant Claim

When a company advertises that products are free of specific toxins or chemicals, but those same ingredients are already illegal, this is an irrelevant claim. They shouldn’t be using these substances, to begin with, so they shouldn’t need to be advertised. This tactic further confuses customers into buying products that are only doing the bare minimum.

5) Forced Fallacy

When given two options, people usually choose the option most beneficial to them, right? Companies are guilty of tricking customers into believing they are making a better choice with a greenwashed product when in reality, both choices are equally unhealthy. For example, with organic cigarettes vs. conventional cigarettes, both are harmful to someone’s health.

Examples of Greenwashing

There are many documented cases of greenwashing, but some examples are commonly referenced and formally addressed by authoritative organizations.

The Malaysia Palm Oil Council advertised itself as eco-friendly in a 2008 tv commercial. They stated their plantations “give life” and “help the planet breathe.” However, critics cited palm oil plantations are a cause of mass rainforest destruction and ecosystem disruption. The U.K. Advertising Standards Authority determined it was in violation of advertising standards.

Similarly, the Royal Dutch Shell company led the public to believe their oil sands development was “sustainable” despite no evidence. Due to the inability to show any sustainable practices with facts, the U.K Advertising Standards Authority also agreed this was false information and was greenwashing the public to favor their destructive construction.

In 2006, American Spirit lost a lawsuit that forced the company to remove the organic labeling from their cigarettes. Researchers found these claims were misleading customers, and all tobacco companies have since been banned from using any related terminology due to their products’ unhealthy nature.

Why Does Greenwashing Matter?

Even though greenwashing makes sustainability more visibly mainstream, it damages genuine environmentally-friendly companies and products. Greenwashing allows customers to believe they are making ethical and sustainable decisions while contributing to the harm they want to avoid. Greenwashing creates an illusion of sustainability and is highly counterproductive to the sustainability movement. Household cleaners, cosmetics, and children’s products are the most commonly greenwashed items. This is alarming because those are also the most frequently purchased products. In addition, 8 out of 10 consumers stated they care about sustainability and would pay more for sustainably-made products. While this is excellent news for our planet and future generations, it also makes conscious consumers an easy target for greenwashing.

How to Avoid Greenwashing?

Now that we know how to identify greenwashing, how do we prevent being fooled? Thankfully in more recent years, the FTC is starting to be more strict with green initiative marketing and providing marketers guidelines. They most recently updated their Green Guides in 2012, which provide information specifically for companies regarding their environmental advertising.

As a consumer, there are some easy ways to tell what companies and products are actually sustainable and following through on their claims.

1) Be Skeptical

Read labels with skepticism and know that you can’t trust fancy marketing and product design.

2) Know Certifications

Get familiar with global certifications and national certifications in your area. Some commonly recognized logos are Certified B Corp, the Leaping Bunny Program logo, Green Seal, and Rainforest Alliance. The Ecolabel Guide app is also an excellent resource for looking up what a certification label stands for and if it’s legitimate. Read more about certifications here.

3) Avoid Generalizations

“Chemical-free,” “organic,” and “natural ingredients” are very broad terms and can be applied to anything. Look for companies providing more specifics on their products. “Certified fair trade, USDA organic, GOTS certified,” etc.

4) Look for Facts

Before purchasing products, do a quick google search on the company. Check for news articles about potential controversial claims or press releases on sustainability efforts. This information is usually able to be confirmed with reputable sources.

5) Visit the Company Website

Any company that claims sustainability and is doing the real work will have this information proudly displayed. They will be able to explain their processes in detail, why it matters to their company, and be able to provide specifics on how their initiatives are benefitting the planet.

Don’t forget your voice matters. Let companies know you find their greenwashing practices problematic. You can get involved by sending a company an email to a company you see using greenwashing. You can even use this easy copy-and-paste email template.

Greenwashing is everywhere, so don’t worry if you accidentally fell victim to false claims at one point. Just by knowing greenwashing exists is half the battle. By reading this article, you are now already more informed and less likely to be manipulated by “green” advertising in the future.

Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Karmen shares all about plant-based, sustainable, intentional living on her blog, Karmen Collective. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. You can connect with Karmen on Instagram @karmencollective and at www.karmencollective.com

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a guide to eco-friendly, sustainable wedding gowns

Ah, the wedding dress. It’s an outfit a lot of people think about for years and years, a piece of clothing meant to be sentimental and spectacular, a heap of fabric made for your big day. As someone recently engaged, let me tell you that the wedding dress thoughts have only become more pressing than ever before. I’m not just fantasizing as a little girl or pinning cute photos anymore; I’m on the hunt for my *actual* wedding dress! And it’s a lot more complicated than I thought it would be.

My original plan was to alter my mom’s wedding dress. I’ve always loved her wedding photos, and she was totally on board with me taking the fabric and creating something totally new. Plus, it would’ve taken care of my “something old!” But when we pulled it out of the fancy, sealed box it had been resting in for 25 years, those dreams came crashing down. The dress looks like my mom got in a spaghetti fight at her wedding - and they didn’t even serve spaghetti! Tiny old stains tend to become much more obvious when they have a quarter of a century to set in. Her defense? “It was a party, I had a good time!”

Ok, mom. Valid. But now, my quest for the wedding dress of my dream begins anew. But the laundry list seems a bit daunting: ethical production, sustainable material, custom alterations, potentially locally made to try it on, something I might only wear once, the list goes on. And to me, it’s an important list. It has me rethinking the “traditional” expectations for a wedding dress and even wondering where those traditions come from.

A Brief History of the Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses are actually a pretty modern tradition in the scope of human existence. They’ve been around for less time than wedding rings, actual wedding ceremonies, and way less time than the concept of marriage. And the traditional white dress that comes to mind for a lot of us is actually a Western practice. Many Eastern brides wear significant colors, like red, on their wedding day.

And here’s a kicker: it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century that wedding dresses became a “wear once” garment. Even the wealthiest of brides would repurpose her dress, dyeing or altering it to use as her new Sunday best outfit. In fact, “even Queen Victoria repurposed her own wedding dress and veil for subsequent use.” Yes, Queen. It was also Queen Victoria’s 1840 wedding that turns the tide toward white wedding dresses in Western culture, with the dispersal of images and photographs influencing the trend.

After those famous nuptials, the reign of the white wedding dress began.

If you want to dive deeper, I found this JSTOR Daily article fascinating.

Thanks for the history lesson, but what about dresses in the present?

Learning the history of wedding dresses really opened me up to get creative with my options. Plus, sustainability is predicted as a 2022 wedding trend. Women have worn dresses and garments with significant colors or meaning, they’ve repurposed gowns and veils to be worn again, and they’ve used what’s on hand to make something grand. They’ve done all of these things, so why can’t I?

Here Are a Few Ideas for Getting Creative With Your Wedding Dress

Find something that won’t sit in an airtight box for the rest of its life. Think of something that could work if you hemmed it short. Depending on the material and style, you could even dye it.
You can take an “untraditional” route and nix the white. The Pantone color of 2022 is Very Peri, a vibrant periwinkle color, or you could go for a white dress still, but one dappled with florals. It’s really whatever your heart desires.
Think about a “transitional dress,” or something that will be versatile on your wedding day and beyond. If you have a two-piece dress, you can swap the formal skirt out for pants to dance the night away. Later, you could wear the top out for your 1-year anniversary, or whenever. The key part of this idea is finding pieces you’ll use more than once.
Accessorize. Invest in a simple gown that can be worn other ways, but spice it up and make it special for the big day. Add a cape or dramatic gloves or a layer of fabric worn over the dress. Go big on the jewelry or the flowers or the shoes. You can get creative with it!
If you’re big on customizable items, do the research and find a local seamstress that can bring your vision to life. That way, you can prioritize your materials, like “Peace Silk” for a cruelty-free option or organic cotton, Fairtrade certified silk, linen, cashmere, cotton, bamboo - the list goes on! This site provides a crazy amount of info on materials and their impacts.

Love it! But Where Do I Start?

The actual finding and purchasing of the dress can get stressful. I’ve already been there, done that, and I don’t recommend it! Try to reframe the search in your mind as something positive. A creative project, a treasure hunt, or simply a way to find something truly special to you. Take these suggestions for a spin:

If your mom’s dress isn’t an option, maybe reach out to an aunt, grandmother, or your future mother-in-law! Ask your family members and friends to see who would part with their dress.
Go thrifting! The classic, long, white dress isn’t for everybody, but you can probably find some of those in your hunt too. Colored dresses, jumpsuits, full suits, you name it - your wedding “dress” is whatever *you* want it to be.
“But what if my daughter wants to wear my wedding gown?” Totally! Make sure you invest in the material now - get something high-quality and durable so you’re not let down in the future when it doesn’t look up to par. And take a lesson from my mom and try not to spill if the goal is preservation - ha!
If you’re planning to shop at local bridal boutiques, keep an eye out for the terms “made to order” and “micro-batch”. And if you’re a sample size, take advantage of your local shops. Plus, you may even be able to get a discount for buying “off the rack.” No harm in asking.
If you’re a two-birds-one-stone kind of person, consider renting your dress. That way, you don’t have to worry about splurging on something that’s only worn once, and you check off your “something borrowed”!
If secondhand shopping is your Thing, try these shops:

Stillwhite

You can shop from a huge collection of gently-used wedding dresses on Stillwhite, and they make it easy to filter according to size, price, designer, silhouette shape, and more. And then, when you’re finished, you can resell the dress on the site so it can find another home. (Or, if you get a dress from another shop, you can still resell it on Stillwhite to make some of your money back!) So, not only is Stillwhite on a mission to increase the circularity of wedding dresses, but they also donate 1% of revenue to environmental non-profits. Plus, all the dresses purchased through Stillwhite have saved $20 million!

Shop Stillwhite

Etsy

While slightly overwhelming in quantity, Etsy is a carbon-neutral company that supports artists around the world!

Shop secondhand/vintage, or even find a custom-made dress.

Sift through for shops that have great customer communication so you can really get detailed in the chat.

Shop Etsy

Rent the Runway

A perk of renting a dress is that you can go all out with a style you would never wear again because someone else will be able to wear it after you! Rent the Runway offers monthly memberships and one-time rentals. If you go for a monthly subscription, you could also rent your bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner outfits, too! For the one-time renting option, you choose a 4- or 8-day span of time to rent the item. If you’re worried about trying styles on, you could always do a one-time rent months earlier for ease of mind, then rent again - it would still probably be cheaper than most bridal boutiques!

Shop Rent the Runway

Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses

This company has been in the business of secondhand wedding gowns since 2004.

Similar to secondhand shopping apps like Poshmark or Depop, you can scroll through both sites to find your dream gown!

Also, if you end up finding a local seller, you can get in touch with them about potentially trying the dress on!

Shop Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses

Borrowing Magnolia

It’s all about options when you’re looking for “the one” (the dress version)!

Borrowing Magnolia has been connecting buyers and sellers since 2014.

Their site even features a “Dress Estimate Calculator” for brides looking to sell their dresses and figure out what the listing price should be.

Shop Borrowing Magnolia

Nearly Newlywed

Nearly Newlywed is a secondhand dress brand founded on transparency: the first office space for this company was the founder, Jackie’s, living room! After finding her wedding dress secondhand, then having another bride buy it from her, and then *another* bride after that, Jackie realized that there were women out there who needed a platform to connect and put their gowns to good use. This site also provides risk-free returns for 5 business days after you get the dress, which helps a bit with peace of mind.

Shop Nearly Newlywed

KYHA Studios

With a mission of slowing down the fashion cycle, KYHA Studios’ utilizes a made-to-order model to reduce waste and prevent deadstock. Fostering craftsmanship with ethical labor practices employing highly-skilled artisans, the brand’s signature beaded designs are crafted in-house over a 12-18 month period. Celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity, KYHA Studios caters to sizes 00-18 and offers an invisible tulle color range to suit different skin tones. Their new sustainable initiative, Renew, further encourages circularity by offering a space for eco and budget-conscious customers to shop statement gowns for less.

Shop KYHA Studios

P.S. A great personal option for these secondhand sites is off-setting your shipping costs (unless it’s Etsy, which does so automatically). I use this site a lot.

Or Get a New Dress from a Sustainable Brand

If you’re set on a designer gown, but want to keep sustainability in mind, check out these brands:

Reformation

Reformation is one of the more well-known sustainable fashion brands on this list because they offer a plethora of styles, not just bridal.

They are a certified carbon neutral company and are working to be climate positive by 2025.

RefRecylcing gives customers the options of circularity and RefScale is their transparent calculator that shows the company’s impact compared to others. Huge perk: most of their options are less than $500!

Shop Reformation

Christy Dawn

We are just in awe of Christy Dawn’s new Bridal Collection! It is absolutely stunning and made with regenerative silk. From $2500-3000, their prices are very reasonable for bridal wear, and you are getting a truly sustainable and ethical gown. Christy Dawn is a very transparent brand that takes pride in creating clothing that is both good to the planet and people!

Shop Christy Dawn

Fite Fashion

Fite Fashion is incredibly transparent, which is always a good sign. They openly discuss their circularity, working conditions, packaging, waste management, and more on their website - and bonus, it’s actually easy to find! This company was founded in 2018 and is located in the Northeastern U.S. and only uses deadstock, fair-trade, certified, organic, and low-impact dyed fabrics to create its pieces. They are big on creating “transitional” pieces that can be re-worn in multiple ways.

Shop Fite Fashion

Nordeen Bridal

The pieces from this brand are made to order and are hand-sewn in NYC or LA. They have a list of each company they work with within these cities, the materials that are used, and their company’s certifications (GOTS for all materials and production, Seri.Co for silk, and RWS for wool). Nordeen places importance on the ability to have interchangeable pieces that you can reuse and re-wear for many years to come, not just the night of your wedding. They offer gowns, attachments, layers, and separates.

Shop Nordeen Bridal

Wear Your Love

All Wear Your Love dresses are made by hand with comfort-focused materials in Northern California. It is also a direct-to-consumer company and makes each dress to the custom order.

They have a made-to-measure model on their website so that the gown you order is fitted solely for you.

You can order swatches of the material to make sure they fit your vision, and all of their dresses can be made vegan.

Shop Wear Your Love

Leanne Marshall

All production of Leanne Marshall gowns happens in NYC where they are hand-sewn one by one in order to create less waste. The fabric waste they do create is recycled through the program FABSCARP. Each gown on their site has a detailed materials list, and most of their gowns are made with silk and natural materials.

One perk of this more well-known bridal brand is that, depending on where you’re located, you may be able to go try some of these gowns on!

Shop Leanne Marshall

Lastly, here are some brides that have inspired me lately!

@JessMarlo took scissors to her dress and danced the night away in the new-length gown!
@TheBlendedBeauty rented her gown and all her accessories! If you’re in Georgia, look into Laine London.
@ReLauren used her mother-in-law’s dress and worked with a local tailor to bring her vision to life.
@OatMilkLottie provided this great post on how she found an inclusive brand for her dress.
@SustainablyChic used her mother’s wedding dress to make a reception dress.

About the Author:

Paige Annelayne is a freelance writer and digital media specialist currently based in Alabama, who loves to cook, learn about intersectional sustainability, and read a lot of books. Her cat, Gnocchi, her plants, and a good cup of matcha bring her joy. You can connect with Paige on Instagram @vitality.blog and at www.vtltyblog.com

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Shop the Sustainable Brand Directory

how to have a zero waste period

The ability to wear white pants with mindless ease, complete control over emotional fluctuations, and unbridled physical comfort are just a few of the sacrifices women are prepared to make a week out of each month. Our commitment to sustainability is not one of them.

In conventional period care the option to be eco-conscious has not always been available, so it’s no wonder that most of us end up just going with the flow. Unfortunately, from manufacturing to end of life, traditional pads and tampons come at too great of an environmental cost to ignore.

Thanks to the brilliant brands behind the market’s most eco-friendly period products,

maintaining a zero-waste lifestyle even on our periods is no longer out of reach. With modern design and innovative materials, we find a future that sheds us of our dependency on daily disposables. These products also promote an approach to period care that emphasizes wellness and livability.

To say it simply, this is not your mother’s period.

WHAT’S SO WRONG WITH TRADITIONAL PERIOD PRODUCTS?

Typically made with non-organic cotton and single-use plastic, the manufacturing of these products require an energy and water intensive process. A single pad can be made of up to 90% plastic and tampon applicators are made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The most harmful part of traditional period care comes after use. Designed to be disposable, a staggering amount of pads and tampons are discarded each year, and either sit for centuries in a landfill expelling chemicals or find their way into our sewer systems, contributing to the rising problem of plastics in our oceans. On top of that, pads and tampons come individually wrapped adding to the overuse of plastic packaging.

HOW CAN PERIOD CARE BE MORE SUSTAINABLE?

It’s time to stop the cycle and welcome the era of a zero-waste period! Limiting our dependency on conventional cotton and single-use plastics are always going to be a win when it comes to caring for the environment in our purchases. Finding a product that lasts and doesn’t cause overcrowding in our landfills or harm to our oceans takes our efforts to the next level. Menstrual cups, reusable pads, and reusable period underwear are all accessible sustainable swaps that eliminate the need to constantly throw away and rebuy. These products are not only designed to fit your body comfortably, but also your lifestyle, with no-leak protection no matter how you move throughout the day and without having to have harsh chemicals near your most sensitive parts.

Better for your budget, body, and planet. PERIOD.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR A ZERO WASTE PERIOD:

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Blog | Zero Waste Period Products | EarthHero Menstrual Cups.jpg

1) The EarthHero Collection

The eco-friendly online marketplace earns their name as planetary protectors with a variety of sustainable menstrual products. A standout on the site are the Saalt Silicone Menstrual Cups. Made from 100% medical-grade silicon, these menstrual cups are completely chemical-free and not only offer 12 hours of protection, but an easy-to-use alternative to single use pads and tampons that will last you years. A follow-up favorite from EarthHero are the Smarliners Organic Reusable Pads and Liners . These GOTS certified products are made from organic cotton without the use of any plastic or toxic adhesives commonly found in their disposable counterparts. Just use, launder, and reuse!

Not ready to go reusable, but still want to make a change? Check out their Tampon Tribe Organic Cotton Tampons, Pads, and Liners. EarthHero understands that when it comes to period care, it’s not always a one product fits all formula, and while these are disposable they make great strides in reducing their carbon footprint by using only organic cotton free from harmful chemicals. Tampon Tribe, a female-owned business, is also dedicated to giving back with their initiative that donates a pack to those in need for every pack sold.

Shop EarthHero

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Blog | Zero Waste Period | Cora Disk.jpg

2) The Cora Disk by Cora

Achieving high marks in both their environmental and social actions, CORA is a certified B-Corp company that spotted the need for women around the world to feel empowered by having a safe and sustainable period. The Cora Disc is equipped for your heavy or light days and can hold the equivalent of 5-7 regular tampons. Made to fit most bodies with their easy insertion/removal design, this reusable menstrual disc is meant to last up to 10 years.

Emphasizing convenience and care, the ultra-soft silicon disc also self-empties when you use the bathroom without you having to remove the product.

The “barely there” feeling allows you to wear your disc comfortably during sex, exercising, swimming, or however you move throughout your day.

Shop Cora

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Blog | Zero Waste Period | Intimina Lily Menstrual Cup.jpg

3) The Lily Cup by Intimina

As one of the smallest reusable menstrual cups on the market, the Lily Cup is said to be the perfect starter for those who are new to the reusable cup game or have a higher cervix. Intimina, a Swedish brand who provide a range of feminine hygiene products, created the Lily Cup to roll as thin as a tampon for simple insertion. With up to 8 hours of protection, this sustainable period solution provides all day comfortable coverage with a no spill rim and easy to remove stem.

The Lily Cup is made from 100% medical grade silicone and comes in two sizes dependent on your flow and pelvic floor strength.

Shop Intimina

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4) Organic Cotton Reusable Pads by Rael

Reusable and washable period pads are the perfect replacement for your daily disposables. Have a waste-free period with a product that is not only plastic-free and made from organic cotton, but can also be used up to 120 times. With reliable leak protection provided by their 5 layers of absorbent organic cotton, users experience the breathable comfort of a chemical free period product. The Rael reusable pads come in petite, regular, large, and overnight sizes to fit your needs, and their wrap wings with fastened snaps secure the pad in place for additional security.

Shop Rael

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5) Period Underwear from Thinx

Although they already top nearly every “best of” list (including our own!) The benefits of THINX period underwear still bears repeating. Available in a variety of styles and absorbency levels, THINX products provide a zero-waste alternative to pads and tampons with their multiple absorbent layers of fabric that can be washed and reused. OEKO-TEX certified materials make up a pair of THINX underwear that are comfortable, absorbent, and washable. Initial fears about the feeling of wearing period underwear have been dispelled by a plethora of positive reviews from satisfied pad and tampon converts.

Shop Thinx

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Blog | How to Have a Zero Waste Period | Reusable Tampon Applicator from Dame.png

6) Reusable Tampon Applicator from Dame

For lifelong tampon users, the switch to something else may seem like a daunting feat. Dame is here to support your sustainable journey whenever you are in it, and provide the best options along the way. The reusable tampon applicator allows you to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a tampon applicator without the plastic waste. Built for every size tampon and with self-sanitizing technology, this reusable alternative can be used up to 12,000 times, saving that many single-use applicators from potentially ending up in our oceans. A safe swap that you need only rinse, dry, and go.

Consider pairing with Dame’s Organic Cotton Tampons for the complete eco-option.

Shop Dame

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Blog | How to Have a Zero Waste Period | Lena Cup from EcoRoots.png

7) Lena Cup

Made in the USA, the Lena Cup is another reusable silicone menstrual cup on the market receiving high praise. With the traditional bell shape, this cup is designed to sit comfortably to collect your flow. The product comes in two sizes - small or large - and also has an option for those with sensitive anatomies.

Trusted as a quality cup for first time users, 90% of Lena customers never go back to pad or tampons. Intended for the active, wear your Luna Cup all day and even overnight with stress-free leak protection up to 12 hours. Each Lena Cup also comes with its own cotton storage bag for secure and easy transport.

Shop Lena Cup

Sustainably Chic | Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Blog | How to have a Zero Waste Period | Disposable Bags from FabLittleBag.jpg

8) Disposable Bags from FabLittleBag

Big changes don’t happen overnight, and we recognize that habits are hard to break especially when it’s something as personal as period care. Even if reusable products aren’t right for you, there are still movements to be made in protecting the planet against the problems caused by pads and tampons. FabLittleBag exists to protect rivers, oceans and beaches from the pollution caused by flushed period products by providing sustainably sourced sanitary disposal bags. Instead of flushing your pads or tampons, discard your used products in a safe and discreet way.

FabLittleBags are made of plants, recycled plastics, and vegan glue, and remind us that even the little efforts make a big difference!

Shop FabLittleBags

About the Author

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.