By Carly Slager

In the age of fast fashion and rabid overconsumption, it’s harder than ever to balance a love for fashion with sustainability and social consciousness. Fashion isn’t frivolous. It’s a profoundly powerful tool for self-expression and self-construction, and it’s unlikely to go away any time soon. But we as consumers have a responsibility to minimize our environmental impact, and that means confronting just how harmful fashion can be to our planet, and making an effort to shop with environmentally conscious brands and companies. Here are three ways to shop sustainably – and three companies at the forefront of sustainability in fashion!

1. Focus on sustainable brands

One company that tracks environmental impact is Infinite Goods, a company that spotlights sustainable brands. Some highlights from their website include Salvage Lifestyle, a brand that upcycles vintage clothes into handmade, unique pieces (with guaranteed free repairs for life!) and Maison Atia, an outerwear brand that creates fabulous faux fur garments out of bio-based and upcycled materials. Check out these brands (and more) at their website, https://infinitegoods.us/. 

2. Participate in a circular economy

If designer vintage pieces are more your speed, consider checking out No Standing NYC, either online or at one of their in-person pop-up locations. No Standing offers an impeccably curated collection of designer pieces, from brands such as Issey Miyake, John Paul Gaultier, Max Mara, and many, many more. Buying vintage is more sustainable (not to mention more affordable) than buying new, and extends the life of beautiful clothes. Take a look at their offerings at https://nostandingnyc.com/.

3. Consider renting, not buying

Founded in 2021, the innovative app and digital marketplace Pickle provides an alternative route for the fashion-conscious. Pickle connects its users to other fashion users within its community, allowing them to discover and rent items of clothing. if you’re somebody who gets bored with your closet fast, Pickle provides an affordable way to experiment with trends and styles without committing. You can also use their platform to rent out your own clothes, instead of letting them go to waste in the back of your closet. Consider downloading their app, or check out their website at https://www.shoponpickle.com/