Recommend Websites & YouTube Channels to Become a Better Shopper:
Lab Muffin Beauty Science - a blog, YouTube channel and occasional podcaster. I love how scientific this reviewer’s feedback is, I’ve truly learned so much about how to shop for beauty products in a smarter way without getting caught up in greenwashing or “clean” beauty lingo.
StyleWise Blog - Leah Wise of the Style Wise blog writes about sustainable fashion. She also works, goes to school and lives on a budget, just like many of us, so she can give real advice for real people.
Our Changing Climate - this YouTube channel digs deep into how you can do more for the planet. It’s thoughtful and informative!
Good On You - this website researches and rates brands based their eco & ethical efforts. As many brands use “sustainable” as a way to sell more product, this website can help you sift through who really means it.
Justine Leconte - this Youtuber is a fashion designer based in Berlin. She does videos about how to identify quality in your garments, how to shop more ethically and more! I love her thoughtful, educational videos all about the business of fashion.
“Sustainable” Shopping:
*Please note, the most sustainable thing to buy is not to buy anything at all. But, sometimes you need things. Here are some places I like to shop for their eco friendly and/or ethical practices.
Plastic Free Packaging & Refillable:
Dropps: I started subscribing to Dropps to eliminate plastic from my laundry. Dropps come in cardboard boxes with minimal packaging and no plastic! I love the lavender scent. To buy, go to their website by clicking here.
Sustainable Period Products: If you haven’t made the switch to reusable period products, now is the time! My fav places to shop are Thinx and Aisle. More on this soon.
Besame Cosmetics: Besame sells beautifully packaged, cruelty free beauty products that are mostly zero waste and refillable! Shop Besame Cosmetics here: https://besamecosmetics.com/
Makeup Erasers: making the switch to reusable makeup remover wipes is a no-brainer! I have found that these super soft, microfiber wipes also help reduce irritation and acne over using a wash cloth or disposable wipe —> win win! I use micellular water with my makeup eraser for the best results. Shop here: https://makeuperaser.com/
Package Free Shop: trying to reduce disposable and plastic containing products is a great way to start your journey to a zero-waste life. the Package Free website features lots of products you can switch to that are glass, metal or wooden and refillable.
Charlotte Tilbury: Beautiful packaging, high quality products and refillable! https://www.charlottetilbury.com/us/products/refillable-makeup-skincare
Emma Lewisham: Refillable packaging, product that is designed around being refillable and reusable without sacrificing quality.
BareMinerals: Now offer free recycling, you can request a recycling mailer with any purchase. Click Here to learn more.
Shop Second Hand
Goodfair: sells super fun second hand items. If you need a 1990s oversized sweatshirt that says “Nutcracker 1996 Dancer” (and who doesn’t?) this will be your spot. Click here to go to the website.
Poshmark: Not only is second hand shopping better for the environment, it’s also better for your wallet! Woo woo! Poshmark is my default for all things second hand. There are many sites out there for second hand shopping (eBay, Mercari), but I just love how easy it is to both buy and sell on Poshmark. I have had generally great experiences both buying and selling through their platform and if you do have an issue, Poshmark will step in. If you have extra items in your closet you want to get rid of, try selling them first! Goodwill shops have more than they can sell. Save them the trouble and find your item a happy home. You can shop my closet here: https://poshmark.com/closet/thingswewear
Shop American Made
Support your local economy. Clothes are made by a human (not robots!). Should we really be living in a world where we are paying a person thousands of miles away just pennies for a shirt that took them hours to make? Participate in the economy you live in. While certainly not all US workplaces are good ones, the US does have more stringent laws about workplace treatment, health and pollution output than in other parts of the world where our clothing comes from. If you shop US made & US materials, you’re supporting the laws that keep us all safe, healthy and our streams mostly clean.
This it not to say that things made abroad are less ethical or eco friendly. Just try to do your research on the brands you shop from before you buy.
Here are some of my favorite American made apparel brands: