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When looking for ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle, fashion is sometimes an overlooked ethical choice we can make. Our everyday purchases can have an impact not only on the environment but also on the people and communities who make the garments we wear.
Fortunately, fast fashion isn’t the only way to stay on trend for cheap. These companies all provide ethical, sustainable options that are still fashion-forward and won’t break the bank.
1. Levi’s
Known primarily for its classic line of denim, Levi’s has been making positive strides toward minimizing its environmental impact by using less water and better cotton. Working with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) in 2005 to reduce the environmental impact of global cotton production, Levi’s strives to use 100 percent sustainable and recycled cotton in its products.
Levi’s also works with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise awareness and find solutions to reduce water impact of its apparel factories in high-risk areas facing water pollution, scarcity and ecosystem damage.
Levi’s donates 4 percent to the WWF and many other nonprofits if you use Levi’s coupons from Goodshop.
2. Patagonia
Whether preparing people for cold weather or an outdoor adventure, Patagonia has been supplying customers with eco-friendly and sustainable gear since its beginning. Using organic cotton for over 20 years, the company also expanded its commitment to labor ethics by working with Fair Trade Certified factories around the world to provide safe, fair and legal working conditions.
In addition to creating recyclable products and supporting grassroots activists, the company makes information regarding its own environmental and social impacts, from their carbon footprint to working to improve wages, public on its website.
With a company mission statement of “build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm,” Patagonia donates up to 4 percent through Goodshop coupons to nonprofits working toward the same goals.
3. Matt & Nat
Inspired by the connection between material and nature, Matt & Nat are committed to not using leather or any animal-based materials in their goods and accessories, which range from backpacks to wallets. Many of their products are made from 100 percent recycled water bottles, rubber and other sustainable materials. Since 2007, they have been committed to using linings made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles.
On top of using sustainable vegan materials, the company makes sure factories are providing quality work conditions under the Social Accountability International standard.
Matt & Nat donate 2 percent of profits when you use their Goodshop coupons to organizations that provide fair working conditions and use eco-friendly materials.
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