I WORE PO-ZU SHOES FOR AN ENTIRE DAY AT DISNEY WORLD - AND THIS IS WHAT I LEARNED... (REVIEW)6/4/2018 Here on my blog, I am constantly talking about the small things that you can do to lead a more ethical lifestyle. While some of the things I talk about are rather big changes and require a lot of thought, I have found a company that makes this transition as easy as just making a simple purchase.
Po-Zu is a company that creates ethical footwear, free of any harmful materials. Their three main objectives are comfort, ethics, and sustainability - which they achieve through the use of Pinatex (a pseudo-leather made from pineapple fibres), linen, and a memory foam 'foot mattress' that is made from natural latex and cork. I have praised Po-Zu and their efforts towards sustainability and ethical practices before on my blog, but never have I gotten the chance to give them a wear and compare them to my other footwear. However, with the release of their new Star Wars sneakers (made of natural made, fair trade soles and organic cotton), this all has changed. Something I have never really talked about on my blog before is that I happen to work at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This being said, comfort is key when it comes to picking my footwear. That's why when I was given the opportunity to take a pair of Po-Zu sneakers for a spin, I decided to put them to the ultimate test and wear them to Disney for an entire day. Since Disney's Hollywood Studios has a whole section dedicated to Star Wars and it's characters, that was the place I chose to wear them (stick around till the end of this post to see the pictures I took documenting this day). To give you a better idea of the benefits of these shoes, I have decided to break this post down into a few different categories.... 1. Design We would all be lying if we said design wasn't an important aspect of our decision when deciding what shoes to buy. In fact, it's probably the number one thought in our mind when we go shopping for footwear. That's why design is what I want to cover first. I ordered a pair of the Falcon Off-White sneakers (size 40, £59) and was eager to see what they looked like in person. Online they looked fabulous, but as everyone knows, sometimes photos online can be deceiving. I was glad to find out that this was not the case with Po-Zu. The shoes came in and were exactly how they had been presented. I liked the off-white fabric as it seemed to be more resistant to stains and the Millennium Falcon sketch covering the entirety of the shoe was both tasteful and well integrated into the overall design. For any Star Wars lovers, this would be a fun way to show off your love for the series, while also showing off your love for a company who is paying particular attention to ethics. Imagine all the good you could do when having someone ask you where you got your nice pair of Star Wars sneakers and you got to share with them the benefits of buying from an ethically minded company. Something I loved about the shoe was that they are subtle. If you don't exactly want to scream from the rooftops of your love for Star Wars, then these are perfect. While yes they have a sketch of the Millennium Falcon on them, those who are not familiar with the series aren't very likely to catch the reference. Even then, if they ask, it's another opportunity to talk about an ethical shoe company and very casually bring it up in conversation. The shoes drew only the positive attention of others and I cannot even begin to tell you how many compliments I got on them, from Star Wars and non-Star Wars fans alike. Everyone seemed to love the design on the side and thought they were a cute way to give a shoutout to the franchise while remaining stylish as well. A cast member noticed my shoes and even directed me to the front of the line to meet Chewbacca so that I could show him the design. Surprisingly enough, when I went inside to meet him, he noticed them right away. Luckily, a photographer was able to capture the moment that he realized my shoes had the Millennium Falcon on them and the entire room laughed at the extent of his surprise. So, I would have to say, that overall the design was pretty much out of this world. 2. Comfort When shopping for shoes, comfort is always another aspect of criterion that I focus on when deciding what to purchase. Ordering shoes online can be scary, since you don't know how they will feel on your feet whenever they arrive, but I'm glad to say that they were just as comfortable as I had read them to be when browsing the website. Instantly, when I put the shoes on, I could tell they were going to be comfortable. As I mentioned above, they were made with a special memory foam 'foot mattress' that one could automatically feel contouring their foot when slipping the shoe on. While the outside fabric felt quite stiff at first touch, I found that it never irritated me throughout the day (which is REALLY saying something since I have a small heel that tends to rub up against the back of any shoe I wear). I walked over 5 miles during the time I spent in the shoes and never once did I feel a tinge of pain in my arch or a discomfort on the back of my heel. I've come to expect some amount of breaking in to be required when I buy a new pair of shoes, but I couldn't believe that with these that didn't seem to be the case. They were comfortable from the get go and no amount of wear appeared to change the way they felt. I was glad about that too since they fit my foot perfectly in the beginning and never slackened during the day. I know people can be skeptical of comfort when it comes to shoes that try to source natural products and use alternates as opposed to what their comfortable with, but I noticed no difference between these and other shoes I've worn over the years. In fact, these are FAR more comfortable than any other shoe I own and I own A LOT. I would much rather wear these all day to Disney than any pair of Converse or athletic shoe that I have ever owned. Considering I can sometimes walk up to 10 miles during an average visit to the parks, that's a pretty big thing to be said. 3.Versatility Another aspect we all tend to think about when we pick a pair of shoes, is how much we can wear them with. How can we style them? Can we dress them up? Can we dress them down? These are the questions that plague us. While most people would imagine these sneakers pairing well with a pair of jean shorts and t-shirt due to their rather relaxed style, I decided to give a go at dressing them up a bit. Instead of going with the more obvious choice of outfit, I wore a jumpsuit I had picked up from a local boutique and paired it with Mickey Ears. I rather liked the ending look and thought they completed the outfit quite wonderfully. These are a pair of shoes that I can wear with a light summer dress as well as a simple pair of jeans and crop top. I like a shoe that can be used that way. One of the staples of sustainable fashion is to make sure all the purchases you make will satisfy multiple fashion needs so that you do not feel the urge to go out and purchase more items you may not need. If Star Wars isn't for you and you feel that this pair isn't versatile enough, Po-Zu even has a plain off-white pair if that's more your style. Luckily, Po-Zu itself is incredibly diverse and has an array of different styles of footwear and colors to chose from that makes it easier for you to find your 'forever shoe' (as I like to call it). 4. Durability I was surprised I got the chance to talk about this one, but Florida presented me with the opportunity to test out the durability of my sneakers. For the entire afternoon that I was at Hollywood Studios, the skies decided to cry and the concrete was slick. Usually when it rains in Florida and I'm wearing sneakers, I despair. I despise wet socks and most of the shoes I own seem to be incapable of protecting my feet from the rain. With Po-Zu, this was NOT a problem. I stomped through multiple puddles when trying to get to the rides I had Fastpasses for, but never once did I stop and realize that I had wet socks - that's because I didn't. Thankfully, the fabric of Po-Zu sneakers is thick enough to protect your feet from moisture and keep your socks from dampening. On top of all that, the fabric is also incredibly resistant to stains. After being worn in the rain for the entirety of an afternoon, my sneakers remained unchanged. Never have I ever had a shoe - that wasn't a boot - hold up so well in such conditions. I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed. (I snapped a picture of my shoes after the rain storm that I included in the gallery below - see the untouched fabric for yourselves). Final Thoughts: While I had praised Po-Zu before for it's efforts in the ethical fashion industry, I have found something else to praise them for. Not only is this company setting an example of what a shoe company should strive to be, but they are producing footwear that is actually more comfortable than the brands that are considered top of the market. Once people give this company a chance, they will be reluctant to look elsewhere for shoes (I know that I am). I have learned that true quality and comfort can be obtained in ways that you may have never thought of and in ways that can better benefit the Earth and the industry. This pair was a win for me and I hope that you too are willing to give them a try. Happy shopping & may the force be with you! (For those of you that are interested in learning more about the company and their efforts towards ethical practices and sustainability, please visit their site at po-zu.com. To shop the Star Wars collection, go here and to find my pair, click here.)
4 Comments
Sorry to have been MIA for awhile, but unfortunately life got in the way (in the form of a totaled vehicle - don't worry though, I'm fine!) but I am back and ready to discuss with you some matters of importance.
Well, that's a bit dramatic - but still, what I want to talk about IS very important. I have found that in life, I usually do not find things worthwhile unless I'm actively learning from them. I don't like to watch tv shows that have no substance, I don't like to read books that don't teach me anything, and I don't like going to classes where my brain is being fried rather than nurtured. I feel as though as humans, we all feel similarly; we don't like to waste our time. That's why a lot of people are unreceptive to the idea of ethical and sustainable living. I get it, I really do. It's a TON of research. You can't just breeze through life everyday and buy the things you want. For a lot of people, that's a problem. The reason we have gotten stuck in such a vicious cycle of a quick buy is because we simply do not have the time to live any other way. The easiest thing to do will always be to choose fast food, to buy disposable dishes, to drink from plastic water bottles, and to buy cheaply made fashion. But just because something is easy, doesn't make it right. To prove to you that fast fashion is worth your while (beyond the monetary benefits I have already discussed), I thought it would be nice to compile a list of things I have learned from changing my lifestyle to what it is now. This way you can at least see that dedicating your time and effort to this cause will benefit you by teaching you things you never thought you would learn. 1) Less IS more This is something I talk about pretty often, and if I could scream it from the rooftops, I would. This is such an important concept to grasp - but it's sometimes difficult to see things this way. Why do you think fast fashion retailers like Forever 21 do so well? It's because people prefer quantity. Personally, I can now see that this is one big fat lie, created by those who benefit from you buying more rather than buying less. I know that the point of a business is to get you to buy their products, but by making things that they know aren't going to last more than a few months and compromising the quality of their items just to make a buck, they are going about it in the completely wrong way. Trust me, I'm a business student - and unfortunately for them, due to the way numbers are looking recently, it seems like more and more people are starting to pick quality over quantity. Since beginning my journey, minimalism has been at the forefront of my mind. You can't live sustainably without thinking about this concept. I know that minimalist catch a lot of flack these days, but hey, give it a chance! I have been practicing purchasing less for the past few months and I have never been happier. My bank account has also never been fuller. Though I look in my closet and my pantry and see empty space, it doesn't make me feel bad - in fact, it makes me feel good! Everything has a purpose on that rack or on that shelf, nothing is just sitting there collecting dust. Imagine how that must feel? 2) Less trash bags mean more time for fun Now, as a college kid, I hate trash build up. I live with 3 other girls and let me tell you - we can make a mess sometimes. That's why when you start living sustainably and start using your silverware rather than plasticware, you come to realize that life is meant to be lived with as minimal trash runs as possible. Even if you don't live with others, it doesn't matter. Taking out the trash will ALWAYS be a hassle. It's also a huge waste, as well. We could reduce our trash runs tenfold, if we would just decrease our plastic use and take care of the kind of packaging we buy our products in. Once we start doing that, we can spend more time lounging around or getting active, rather than carrying out all the useless waste we make in 2-3 days. By reducing my trash runs to only once a week, and also making sure to keep it all in one bag as well, I have found that I don't spend as much time dreading taking out the trash. I don't spend as much time making trash either. It gives me more time to do things I enjoy and the landfills aren't being bombarded with several unnecessary bags of my garbage. See? Everyone wins. 3) A shower is not meant to be an event We've all spent too long in the shower. I'm guilty of it, you're guilty of it, we've all done it. But here's the thing, a shower is not supposed to be long. It's supposed to get the job done and then be over. Most of us don't even need to shower when we do, it's just become a habit. It's similar to how we overly wash our clothes because we feel like one wear is enough to get an item of clothing thoroughly dirty. Now it's different if you sweated a lot that day or labored out in the yard and collected a far amount of dirt on yourself, but even then, a shower is NOT meant to be an event. Get in, get clean, and get out. You may ask why I'm so passionate about this and it's simple really. There is never a good excuse to waste water. Taking a shorter shower is a lot like turning off the faucet whenever you are brushing your teeth - it's just the smartest and most efficient thing to do. It's also one of the easiest things to do. Taking shorter showers was a hard transition for me, I'll admit that. I enjoy a good long shower and sometimes miss the feeling of allowing my troubles to wash away, but I've learned that I feel better about myself when I know I'm not wasting water. To be honest, that feels better than any long shower ever could. So, now that you see that a sustainable lifestyle is something you can end up learning from, is it worth your while? Does it change your perception and make you see the importance of being conscious of your choices? We only have one Earth - and we need to do everything in our power to take care of it. If that means learning a few lessons and making some changes, don't you think it's worth it? When implementing a sustainable/ethical lifestyle, going to the grocery store becomes a bit more of a pain than it used to be.
That is, if you don't do your research and know what you're looking for. In a day and age where most companies use harsh chemicals and preservatives to sustain their items, a few brands stand out for going against the crowd and bringing forth the initiative to promote sustainability and healthier lifestyles. It is these brands that I will focus on today to make your next shopping trip a bit easier. Before we begin though, I do have some basic tips for those transitioning into this lifestyle who find themselves browsing the supermarket aisles aimlessly... Tip #1: Before purchasing an item, attempt to read through the ingredients on the side or the back of the packaging. The general rule of thumb is that if you can't pronounce an ingredient, it most likely is not good. To double check, you can always look it up - but I will warn you, sometimes the things you read harm you more than comfort you. Knowing what we've been putting into our bodies this entire time without even realizing it, can sometimes be a harrowing experience. I would suggest sticking with the test and leaving it at that. Tip #2: When finding yourself gravitating towards an "organic" brand, before purchasing anything, do your research. Sometimes companies like to boast that they are organic and sustainable, yet are all talk and no action. Make sure that whenever you research them online, you can actually see results. Never take anything at purely face value - they like to think you're easy to trick, don't give them the advantage of being right. With that being said, let's get into a few of my favorite trustworthy brands... Clif Bars I know we have all seen are workout junkie friends lugging these bad boys around and rolled our eyes at their purported "nutritional value" - but you may want to give them a chance (especially if you are trying to build up your stamina in the gym). Not only are Clif Bars relatively healthy, but the company itself is incredibly dedicated to their sustainable efforts. If you visit their website you can find a timeline of proof titled their "Sustainability Journey" that step by step takes you through all the practices they have implemented to become more sustainable and to reduce their ecological footprint as much as possible. The good thing about Clif Bars too is that they are sold in most grocery stores, making them incredibly accessible. They are usually priced at around $5 depending on where you go, so they are a nice alternative to other less conscious brands that you could be buying. Kelloggs Now this one may come as a surprise to a lot of you, but at least it's a brand you are somewhat familiar with and can find anywhere. While yes, you do have to read the nutrition facts on the side of Kelloggs products because they aren't the most nutritional in the world, the company is actually very big on sustainability and ethical business practices. By clicking on their website, you will find that they post their full Corporate Responsibility Report, something you always want to look for when researching a supposedly ethical minded brand. They are dedicated to promoting a diversity rich company while also always looking for new ways to make their products more sustainable. The good news about Kelloggs is that it's affordable and - odds are - you are already buying their products! So don't worry, you don't have to throw anything away, continue on with your cereal driven mornings. A standard box only costs about $3, so eat to your heart's content, and take comfort in the fact that you can fully trust the brand that you're buying from. Honest Tea I figured we should wrap this list up with a brand that produces drinks as it's main product as I've given you two primarily food companies up until this point. While Honest Tea has recently been bought by Coca Cola, delving into their blog and FAQ, you can see that they have never abandoned the mission that they have had from the get go. Going to their site, you can easily navigate to both their blog and their FAQ. They are an extremely accessible company, giving you multiple ways to contact them with any questions or concerns. Many of their blog posts have to do with their dedication to sustainability and their use of organic ingredients when making their teas. It's definitely worth a read if you have the time and want to be sure you want to spend money on their products. Due to them being bought by Coca Cola, their distribution has gone up, so you are able to find Honest Tea in more locations now. Living on a college campus, I can tell you that I see it being sold EVERYWHERE here. A bottle usually goes for about $2, so right around the same price you pay for your usual bottled soda. While this list is short, just as always, I encourage you to go out and do your own research. There's something so satisfying about finding a brand and learning all about them on your own. I've given you a jumping off point, now go fly through the aisles and discover YOUR brand! Having just returned from a Spring Break trip myself, I am no stranger to the struggle of having to find ways to remain conscious of maintaining my sustainable lifestyle while traveling. New Orleans is pretty much a city that lives off the use of disposable cups and paper plates. That's why while I was there, it was hard to stay true to myself and to my lifestyle.
Just because it was hard though, didn't make it impossible. While vacationing, I found several ways to maintain my status as a sustainable living junkie, while also truly enjoying my time in NOLA. There were some things that were unavoidable when going out to restaurants, like the beignets served on flimsy, disposable plates, but there were other things that I found that made up for that. So, without further ado, here are a few things you can do to support a sustainable lifestyle while traveling... 1. Reduce your travel time This sounds like a weird and impossible tip, but let me explain. If you are planning on taking a flight to your destination, there are always a few options. You can take a non-stop flight or you can choose to have a layover. Now, you would think flying non-stop for hours would be bad for the environment (it is, there's no way around that), but taking connecting flights means that you are using even more gas since two planes require more gas than one. While taking a non-stop flight is usually a bit more expensive, it really is worth it when you think of the pollution that is released getting two planes off the ground as opposed to one. I myself took a non-stop flight to New Orleans and actually always choose to fly non-stop. Yes, it is a tad bit more expensive, but for me the benefits outweigh the costs. What's a few bucks to an air full of pollutants, am I right? 2. Buy locally made goods Souvenir shopping is always high on the to-do list when one travels anywhere. Everyone always ask for you to bring back gifts and usually we choose the tackiest gift stores we can find in order to buy them. While these items are certainly cheap, they are in fact, not ACTUAL souvenirs. Yes, you do buy them in the place where you are traveling, but a majority of them aren't even made there. I was browsing a gift shop in the French Quarter this past week and found several little gifts I liked. I went to check on the price at the bottom of a coffee mug I particularly liked and was surprised to find the words "Made In China." Here I was, in the middle of Louisiana, thinking about buying a mug that wasn't even made there. So what's my suggestion? Usually if you are going somewhere that is known for tourism, flea markets are a popular spot to find local items that are cheap and affordable. These gifts usually are hand-made or manufactured close by, meaning that they spend less time (and gas) on the road. Plus, they are more special because they were ACTUALLY made in the place you are buying them from. What could be better than that? 3. Buy your food from the Farmer's Market or Local Stands Just like with the flea market option I mentioned up above, Farmer's Markets are becoming quite popular nowadays. I won't go on and on about the reasons why you should shop for locally grown produce whenever you travel as I mentioned most reasons up above, but I do want to emphasize that choosing this option does not take away from the cultural experience. Whenever we visited the market in New Orleans, my friends and I were really only expecting to see fruit and vegetable stands. We were surprised to see that there were several stands set up that prepared cultural specific foods like New Orlean's famous crawfish and gumbo with things that had been grown or caught locally. So, not only did we get a nice taste of what the city is known for, but we did so in a very green way. 4. Reuse hotel towels This one is a no brainer, but I love talking about this sweet and easy tip. Hotels are now giving occupants the option of reusing their towels and I LOVE it. Towels do not usually need to be changed everyday unless they are being used for a particularly grimy job, so I like that you are now given the option of being able to deem what is reusable and what is not. When on my trip, I noticed that the towels I used on the bathroom floor to mop up water and the one I used to wash my hands, had nothing on them after a day of use, so I thought to myself "Why waste the time and energy on having them cleaned when they aren't even dirty?" It's amazing how much unnecessary waste we recognize when we begin to live consciously and sustainably. Out of all the tips, I believe this is the easiest one to follow! So, there you have it! Now go forth into the world and practice all the good you can. The next time you travel, try to keep these tips in mind, and enjoy your time! I have had a lot of friends show interest in living sustainably and ethically. I usually tell them about some of the tricks I have learned and how much better I feel since committing to the lifestyle, but something always stops them in their tracks - the money. The reduced washing is no big deal for them, the less spending isn't either, it's just the thought of purchasing from brands that make much more expensive clothing than what they are used to buying. They are used to being able to buy more for their money and suddenly they are being asked to pay the same for less. It seems pretty logical as to why someone would put on the brakes after being told such a thing.
I can understand this completely. Being a college student, I get the whole saving money bit. I also understand the perception of quantity trumping quality, because that used to be my view as well. Coming home with multiple new purchases always feels better than coming home with one, or at least that's how it seems. However, once you realize how rewarding purchasing ethical clothing can be and practicing sustainability, suddenly the money matters a little less and you focus on the feelings these good deeds inspire within you. Realize that I said the money matters less, but not that it doesn't matter at all? That's because that's not true. Money does matter. So, good for you that living sustainably and ethically in the long run actually ends up saving you money. Let me give you a few examples. As I mentioned before, people tend to think in the fashion world that quantity trumps quality. They believe a good deal is walking away with five shirts for $50 - while in the ethical fashion world, that would only be the price of one. But there are many things that go into that shirt that you don't get from fast fashion brands such as the guarantee that it was made with quality materials and by people who were treated fairly by their superiors. While you may be able to purchase 5 shirts for $50, will they still be wearable in the next year? I have had shirts from Forever 21 that have lasted me maybe through three washes before being completely unwearable due to fabric tears or sometimes even mysterious staining. Keep in mind, fast fashion is designed based off trends in the moment. What you buy today could be out of style next week and that's the whole point of the industry. They want you to be impulsive and buy the hot trends at the moment, knowing that you'll be back in the store next week looking for the next big thing. It truly is an endless cycle. Now when it comes to ethical fashion, if you have ever have browsed a website classified as such, you may begin to notice a trend as well. This isn't like the trends you see on fast fashion websites that constantly change, but a common thread that seems to be the norm across all of them. You'll notice that all their clothes are very versatile and easily customizable, meaning you can wear them for several different occasions for many years to come. They aren't based off the brand new trend of the week, but the trends that never went out of style to begin with. They are tried and true designs that can be worn for years due to the quality of their fabric and the versatility of their style. So, what do you feel like is a bigger waste of money - the 5 pieces of clothing you'll get maybe three wears out of? Or the $50 shirt that could last you for years and be worn on several different occasions? I think the answer is pretty much a no brainer. But that's not all! (Don't mind the salesperson voice, I'm just excited to teach you a few tricks of the trade) Another way you can save money by living sustainably and ethically is by reducing the amount of times you wash your clothes. I have mentioned this in a previous post before since this is something I practice, but I feel like I can't stress enough how beneficial this is. When you wash your clothes less, you increase their longevity. No matter how high of quality material an item is made out of, it can only withstand so many washes in the end. While for ethically made, quality pieces this may be a substantial amount of washes, it would still be better for the fabric and your wallet if you just learned to chill when it came to washing. This does not mean I do not think you should do your laundry - however, reducing your loads could save you a lot of grief when it comes time to receive your electricity bill at the end of the month. Instead of doing three to four loads of laundry a week, try giving two a try. If you find that isn't too hard to do, try one. The goal is to start paying attention to what ACTUALLY needs to be washed as opposed to things that could be worn again. Something you could also try to cut down your electricity bill even more is hand washing. You would think that doing so would raise your water bill, but if you leave things to soak, this is a whole lot better than leaving the washer on for 30 minutes and then the dryer on for another hour. You can also hang your clothes on a line as well to completely do away with the dryer from the process all together. So, while I totally understand people's hesitancy to completely commit themselves to a sustainable/ethical lifestyle due to the subject of money, it really begins to make sense how this ends up saving you money in the long run when you just take the time to research it. I hope this has maybe cleared up some of your doubts! Keep in mind, I only really touched on two ways that this lifestyle can save your cash, but there are many other ways as well if you are willing to go look for them. Happy researching and happy saving! Another week, another set of tips to make life easier for those attempting to live an ethical and sustainable lifestyle. In my first list documenting 5 Affordable Brands That I Have Found Are Both Trustworthy And Affordable, I talked mainly about sites and brands that sold clothes and didn't really mention anything else like shoes or accessories. Shame on me, right?
So, this time around, I am here to bring you a list of 5 more brands that I trust that can be used to help you find shoes, bags, or other accessories. (Just as a reference though, the brands I spoke of in my first article sometimes also sold accessories and shoes but focused more on their clothing than anything. If you find you don't like any of the brands I list below - keep in mind - you can also consult the websites I talked about before!) Now, on to the list... 1. Made The first brand I feel like is worth mentioning is Made. Made is an online accessories store that sells both jewelry and bags made in Kenya. The brand is big on transparency as well as educating the workers who work for them. Taking a glance around the website, you can see that they put a lot of effort into promoting what they believe in with videos and detailed statements talking about their mission. Not only is every piece unique on the site, but everything is relatively affordable as well with accessories as low as $27 and bags as low as $69. For uniquely made, ethical items - this is quite a good price considering what you are getting. 2. Vavavida I hadn't heard of this site until recently, but when I read up on it, it was almost impossible to skip over when I was creating this list. Not only did the owner's story get me thinking, but the brand's mission had me applauding their actions. Vavavida is an online site that sells accessories (jewelry and bags) that focuses on empowering women and supporting fair trade practices. On top of all that, all items are incredibly affordable (with free shipping anywhere in the US, might I add!) with the cheapest pieces of jewelry being sold for as low as $10 and bags being sold for as low as $20. The site is definitely worth a look and the owner's story is also worth a glance as well. 3. Earth Brands This one is also a site I just recently discovered that I'm already in love with. Since Planet Shoes has decided to go MIA, their site redirects you to this interesting brand that seems to have very similar values to their own. The Earth Brands is dedicated to making sure that all levels of production are being operated in a way that does the least amount of damage to the environment. By browsing their website, you can see that they lay out all of their production techniques clearly and are very transparent when it comes to their operations. Their shoes can range anywhere from $50 to $100 and come in array of fashions and colors. After looking at the site, I'm tempted to pick a few pairs for myself given their cute designs and the brand's dedication to the environment. 4. Matt and Nat Now it's time for a brand dedicated to bags (personally, one of my favorite accessories for every day!). Matt and Nat is a brand that I have been aware of for awhile now and that I have been deeply in love with for the past few years. The brand is dedicated to "living beautifully," which means they pay particular attention to the environmental impact of their brand and also the impact it has on people too. While they also sell shoes, which I would definitely urge you to check out as well, it's their bags that really capture my attention as they are versatile and can be used with several different outfits all throughout the seasons. The lowest bag can be purchased for $45 and all come in a variety of colors making it easy to find one that is perfect for you and your style. 5. Nisolo Rounding up my list is a brand that is dedicated to following fair trade practices and promoting them as well. Nisolo has an incredible dedication to it's workers and making sure that they are being paid well and treated fairly. Nisolo is so confident of it's efforts that they even publicly post their impact report directly on their website, something you don't see often for other companies. On top of all this, their shoes are well made and diverse in style for wear all year round. You can get shoes for as low as $48 and have the pleasure of knowing exactly where they came from as there is a description of their journey whenever you go to click to purchase. This company is about as transparent as it gets and I love it! I hope this list has been of some help to you. I know that at the beginning of my journey, I was overwhelmed by all the different brands that people were pointing me towards. Just like my first list, this is only meant to point you in the right direction and give you a bit of a jumping off point. Once you know what to look for in different brands and have a better idea of where you stand when it comes to your ethical lifestyle standards, it becomes easier to shop consciously. Until then, I hope this list can at least give you a bit of an idea of how and where you want to shop. It seems over the past few years, the green fashion movement has really been gaining some traction. This is probably due to the Green Carpet Challenge created by Livia Firth and Eco-Age, that calls for celebrities to pick more ethical designs to wear on the red carpet. Ever since these initiatives were put into place, it seems that ethical fashion is popping up everywhere. Here are just a few faces that have been truly taking the eco fashion world by storm...
1. Emma Watson Of course, she had to be mentioned first. Not only did Miss Watson take the Green Carpet Challenge back in 2015, but she seems to have no intention on stopping any time soon. She made waves when she attended the Met Gala back in 2016 in a Calvin Klein dress made completely of recycled plastic bottles. Then, all throughout her Beauty and the Beast press release events, she took to the carpet wearing several different ethical brands and pieces. This included everything from dresses to accessories such as earrings. I think what makes Miss Watson's support of the ethical fashion world so noteworthy is her genuine passion for it. Any opportunity she gets, she speaks of it in interviews. She's given lists of her favorite brands and items and has spoken of her friends passing along pictures to her of items because they know how conscious she is of what she buys. So, if you ever find yourself in an eco fashion bind, just ask yourself - "What Would Hermione Do?" 2. Kate Middleton Ever wonder what it would be like to live like a Duchess? Well, start living a sustainable lifestyle and you may get a little taste as to how the other half lives. Yes, that's right - Kate Middleton is a sustainable fashion advocate! The Duchess of Cambridge is certainly known for her classy style - but did you know that she is also well known for re-wearing pieces as well? There's an entire gallery on Cosmopolitan for all the times she's re-worn her clothes and it contains over 70 images. To mention one particular piece, she has a beautiful blue coat from M by Missoni that she has worn on four different occasions! This is a common theme among the Duchess' closet as she tends to do this with a lot of pieces. If that isn't proof enough of her support for sustainable fashion, a few days ago, the Duchess of Cambridge hosted an event dedicated to the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange Project. This exhibition was dedicated to designers who put sustainability at the forefront and will later be put on display in London. 3. Stella McCartney I feel the need to put a designer on this list because their voices can sometimes be just as loud as the celebrities who are wearing their clothes. This is the case with Stella McCartney. While she has always been a supporter of sustainable fashion, ever since the "green revolution" began, it seems like more people are willing to listen. Not only is she super mindful of the materials that make up her designs, but she's also incredibly determined to convince others that just because your mindful doesn't mean you can't be in style. This is obvious in her brand itself as a Stella McCartney exclusive would never be seen as "second rate." But she doesn't stop with her own collections, she goes beyond the parameters of her own brand and partners with others to try and get them to put their "green" foot forward. Most recently, she partnered with Adidas to bring more eco-friendly workout clothing into the market. This is a game changer and hopefully the catalyst the fashion world needs to start making more green choices. If designers see that someone can be incredibly successful by making more ethical choices, then soon they will follow suit. I feel like I say it again and again, but remember - you are not alone on your journey. If you ever need to be reminded of this, take a look at all the celebrities who are trying to make the same life changes as you. Take this as inspiration and keep fighting the good fight. A Few Twitter Accounts that Will Make Your Ethical And Sustainable Journey a Little Bit Easier2/18/2018 I have mentioned before that Twitter played a big role in directing me to the path I'm on right now. If it weren't for the social media site, I'm not sure I ever would have discovered the problem in my ways. What we talk about here, is not something that is covered in an issue of Seventeen or Teen Vogue. This is the kind of information you don't have the chance to just stumble upon (unless you are very lucky), it's the kind of thing you actually have to go out and research.
So, to make your life a little easier, I figured I would go ahead and give you a few suggestions of accounts you could follow on Twitter that I have found update regularly and keep their followers informed on what's happening in the sustainable/ethical lifestyle world. To see a full comprehensive list of all that I follow, make sure to follow my twitter and take a look at my "following" list. But just to name a few... 1. Livia Firth I have spoken time and time again on how this woman helped shape my journey. She has been such an inspiration to me and is the reason I began to pursue this lifestyle in the first place. Not only does she keep her followers up to date on everything that's happening, but she actively is in the middle of most of the reforms going on. Her company (@ecoage) has collaborated with many major fashion brands to bring about the change that she speaks so passionately about wanting to see. This is not a woman who just talks pretty words and expects things around her to fall into line, she puts actions to those words and doesn't wait for anyone to incite change for her. Something that particularly touched my heart is when she filmed her trip to Bangladesh and visited the ruins of Rana Plaza and spoke with the people who's lives had been affected by the tragedy. Rather than be passive and research the situation from afar, Mrs. Firth decided to travel herself and see the reasons behind what she has been fighting for, face to face. Can you imagine how horrible it would be to step on ground riddled with so much tragedy? But she felt such a passion for these people that she was willing to put all that aside and view the repercussions of what life in the "fashion fast lane" has done to the world. After watching this video, I could no longer be passive. I felt that even though I wasn't there, the pain resonated just as badly and that I was being called to blog and speak about the changes we can make to ensure that this kind of tragedy never happens again. On the off chance that she ever sees this, thank you @LiviaFirth for giving me a new perspective on life, and for being a part of the change that you wish to see in the world. There are very few that I look up to as much as you - and for that - I thank you. (To view the video I spoke of, click here) 2. Ethical Hour As far as wanting to keep in the know when it comes to ethical and sustainable living, this account is the way to go. I discovered Ethical Hour through pretty much every blog I followed. It seemed that everyone followed them and regularly were retweeting their posts. It wasn't until I looked into their feed that I realized why. This account is absolutely phenomenal! Not only do they regularly post about the issues that arise in the world and the different entities you can support to make things right, but they also host an event each week called #ethicalhour, where their followers can vote for a certain ethical/sustainable issue they want to talk about and get the opportunity to possibly build up their businesses and blogs that are dedicated to rectifying said issue. I have followed many an #ethicalhour and have to say that a lot of my information has come from all the tweets that flood the hashtag during the discussions. Not only that, but a lot of the people I follow, I never would have found had it not been for this event. If you are just starting your journey, this account is the perfect one to get you a little more in the know and to connect you with an ever growing community of people just like yourself. You won't regret giving them a follow! 3. Fashion Revolution When you click on this account and see the bio, you may be a bit confused. Fashion Revolution week is only one week, so how will this account keep me up to date throughout the year? Well, here's the thing, a fashion revolution never sleeps - and neither does this account. I've already mentioned above that I like accounts that put actions to their words rather than just wait for others to incite change for them. Well, @FashionRevolution does just that. They have started a movement called "Who Made My Clothes?" where they ask their followers to start demanding of the brands their buying from to provide transparency and to show the faces behind the garments that we are consuming. Not only that, but they even post pictures of the people from all over the world who are providing us with the clothes currently on our backs. If you scroll down their feed, you will see a constant stream of "I made your clothes" pictures as well as articles documenting all that is happening in the world of brand transparency. This account is very active and definitely a must follow for those who wish to become "eco-warriors." (The #fashionrevolution tag is here) While these are just a few of the many accounts I have found during my journey, there are many more that have provided me with help as well. I suggest you go out and get involved with what they are doing, reply to their tweets, retweet them and see what happens. This community is extremely well connected and it won't take you long to find those who are on the same journey that you are. Get involved! And open your eyes to a world you never even knew existed. So, it seems as though I have been doing a lot of talk - but not enough show. Over the past few weeks, I have written about several topics in relation to how I got into living sustainably and the brands that I find to be the most trustworthy, but I haven't really had the chance to talk about some of the things I have been doing to practice what I preach. I figured giving you a bit of an update would probably boost my credibility a bit more and that I could throw some tips in there as to how you can start living ethically and sustainably too.
1. Reducing my loads of laundry I will be the first to admit that I absolutely despise having to do laundry. As a college student, that really shouldn't be a surprise. While I don't enjoy doing laundry though, it seems that when I do get around to doing it, I'm extremely excessive about it. Rather than checking the clothes and seeing what is dirty and what isn't, I just throw everything in the hamper that I've worn once and take it to wash. After only one wear, that's a bit ridiculous. Over the past month, I have been trying to monitor all of the clothes that I put on and take off my body. If it isn't stained or doesn't smell, it's being hung back up. Rather than having to do laundry once a week, I have reduced it to once every two weeks. Not only does this save electricity and water, but it also keeps my clothes in good condition for longer. Something else I would suggest you try, is even if you do need to do several loads of laundry, try and let everything air dry after. While this may not seem like a big deal, that simple little trick can save a ton of electricity and air drying your clothes is less damaging to the fabric in the long run. 2. Using silverware over plasticware Just like how I hate having to wash my clothes, I'm not too fond of washing dishes either. Whether it's hand washing them or putting them in the washing machine, it's not something I enjoy doing. Which is why I have always turned to plasticware. There's no clean up and all I have to do is throw it in the trash once I'm done with it. Sounds simple enough, right? Well yeah, but there's one big problem with such a solution. I'm creating unnecessary waste. That's why in the past month, I have been trying to use more of my bowls and silverware over disposable cutlery. I won't pretend like it hasn't been rough, and I definitely have had more dirty dishes in the process - but, crazy enough, my trash runs have lessened. Something that I would suggest if you implement this lifestyle change, is to also hand wash your silverware directly after use. Hand washing uses less water than your run of the mill dishwasher since you control the tap and doing it directly after use means things don't have time to pile up in the sink. 3. Reducing my shopping trips This one was hard for me, especially on the days when I got paid. Before I got serious about changing my lifestyle, I would have been at Forever 21 buying the whole store before the bank had even fully processed my check. Now, however, things are a bit different. I don't feel the need to pour my hard earned money into a company that I know has several unethical practices in order, but that doesn't change the fact that I want new clothes to show off amongst my peers. This is something that takes a long time to change and something that I am still in the process of changing. I need to stop thinking that I need to have more in order to stay in fashion. One thing that has made this transition easier, is simply avoiding going shopping when it isn't necessary. No more window shopping for me! I have found that if I don't tempt myself, I don't feel as much of a desire to go and purchase things. A tip I have for you, is that when the desire becomes too strong, treat yourself - but, do so in an ethical manner. I have an entire list of brands that are sustainable, ethical, and support free trade right here on my website that you can consult if you feel that you need to add another piece to your wardrobe. As long as you are not excessively buying and are purchasing things that you feel like you'll get good use out of it, than you are doing fine in my book. Though these three lifestyle changes don't seem like much, I feel the need to remind you that implementing lifestyle changes is not an easy feat. In fact, it's quite hard. Regardless of how much I want to change my life, it's not something that can happen over night. If you are traveling the same road I am, remind yourself constantly that any change - big or small - still has an impact. Rome was not built in a day, and you can't become an eco-warrior overnight. With every step you take in the right direction, the closer you come to achieving the lifestyle you ultimately want to have. Now that we've defined what an ethical and sustainable lifestyle is, it's time we started talking about brands that I have found to be valuable in my own journey. When I first started looking into sustainable fashion, I balked at how expensive some of the alternatives to fast fashion were. While I understood completely the value behind the materials, it was just a shock to go from spending very little for more to spending more for less.
After I did a bit of research though, I found that one can easily be ethically conscious with their spending while still remaining within their budget. Keep in mind - the items being sold on these websites are better made than what you are used to buying and are meant to last you a long time, so they do cost a bit more than what you would usually find at Forever 21. However, because of the benefits you will be gaining in the long run, the cost is worth it (I will illustrate this in my next post). For now, here are top 5 of my favorite brands that I have found to be both trustworthy and affordable. 1. Monsoon When I started looking for more ethical brands, Monsoon was one of the one's I kept seeing popping up. People seriously love this brand and I can totally see why! It's incredibly affordable and is dedicated to being known for it's ethical approaches to fashion and it's strong support for fair trade. At a glance, the cheapest shirt they have listed is at about $17 with the most expensive being $153. Their jeans are also in about the same price range. The website is incredibly easy to navigate as well, so if you don't believe me when I say how cute and affordable their clothes are, just go take a look for yourself! You won't be disappointed! 2. Fat Face So, if you enjoy a very contemporary style, Fat Face is definitely a go to. Not only is it affordable, but the whole company is based around the practices of ethical fashion and fair trade. The prices are pretty reasonable with their tops ranging anywhere from $55 to $70 and their jeans/pants falling within the range of $25 to $95. Like I said before, this brand is very contemporary, but the good thing about it is that it's simplistic. Buying simpler items of clothing can benefit you in the future as you can both dress them up and down. The clothing becomes sustainable by default as you can use it for multiple types of occasions and it never gets boring. 3. People Tree When I'm looking for a more girly contemporary look, I usually find myself browsing the People Tree website. They are a company dedicated to selling sustainable and fair trade fashion (it even says it on their site's logo). Something I really love about this brand in particular is that, under each item posted, they break down what the piece of clothing is made of. They will tell you it's 100% cotton or not, so you know exactly what is in your clothes. They are incredibly affordable too, with their tops ranging anywhere from $20 to $119 (That's the MOST expensive shirt on their site, however most seem to fall between these two numbers!) and their pants from $27 to $139. If you are just starting to try and shop ethically, I would use this website as one of the first, given how simple it's layout is and how informative the brand is as well when it comes to their clothing. 4. Mayamiko What sets this brand apart from the one's previously listed, is it's use of vibrant colors and unique cuts in their clothing. Mayamiko is known for being dedicated to ethical fashion practices. They are also known for being decently affordable as well, with shirts ranging from $20 to $60 and pants from $70 to $118. What I really like about this brand is the amount of jumpsuits they have available on their site. Instead of having to buy a top and a pair of pants, you would only have to buy one item to have a nearly complete outfit. While I would say this website is definitely more for an older audience trying to dress to impress, young readers can also find pieces that fit them and their taste given the sheer variety of the site. 5. Seasalt Cornwall I have to finish this list up with a shout out to all those who prefer a more "Cape Cod-esque" vibe when it comes to their style. Seasalt Cornwall is all about organic fabrics and have such an array of beautiful items that you could get lost on their site forever. Not only does it say their clothing is well made, but it truly looks that way too. You would think you would have to pay a luxurious price for such luxurious looking clothing, but their tops can range in price anywhere from $30 to $100 and their pants from $30 to $90. I love their simplistic design and would highly recommend this for anyone wanting to give off some serious beach vibes. Now, this list was only meant to point you in the right direction and by no means contains all the great brands out there who are working towards becoming more ethically conscious and sustainable. If you feel the need to look for more, you can visit fashion-conscience.com for a list of trustworthy brands, or take a look at my own growing list here. There is no shortage of good brands in this world, so just because you don't like one of the one's above, doesn't mean this lifestyle isn't for you. Remember, this is only the beginning. Changing one's lifestyle is hard, but it's worth it in the end. |
About MeA marketing student passionate about green marketing and attempting to live a sustainable lifestyle. Archives
June 2018
Categories |