Reducing Your Fashion Footprint

Reducing Your Fashion Footprint

While we might all love fast fashion, it is putting the future of our planet at risk. Clothes that are made cheaply to meet demands for the newest hot style are harmful to our planet. 

Did you know that the second-biggest consumer of water is the fashion industry? The fashion industry also releases half a million tons of synthetic microfibers into the ocean annually. 

So, as professional women, we should try to take responsibility for our daily fashion choices. The clothes you wear matter! Figuring out how to accurately shop sustainably can be tricky, but were here to help. Whether youre looking for comfortable clothes, durable pieces or dressing for function, there are sustainable pieces that fit your lifestyle. 

Here are some questions to consider next time youre out shopping. 

Is the brand using ethical materials? Materials are important! You should try to choose brands that use natural or recycled materials. For example, bamboo fabrics are known for their strength and minimal impact on the environment. This is because bamboo is naturally sustainable since it grows at rapid rates without need for fertilization. Cork is another recommended eco-friendly material popular among eco designers. Similar to bamboo, it grows rapidly in the wild, making it a sustainable selection for designing accessories and such. Soybean fabric, felt, clay, organic cotton, linen and hemp are other green materials customarily used for the design of clothing and accessories. 

While these examples are common and widely considered the greenest picks for designers, many forget that recycled leather is also an eco-friendly material that can be used for manufacturing clothes or accessories. This is because these reclaimedleather scraps would otherwise end up in landfills if they weren't recycled, reused and upcycled. Another reason why recycled leather is a fantastic choice for eco-friendly fashion design has to do with its durability. Leather goods don't often need to be replaced or repaired. Think about it. A real leather bag is bound to last longer than one made out of flimsy synthetic materials. The longer an item can be used, the less likely it is to end up polluting landfills. 

Is it a made-in-the-USA brand? Due to lower labor costs, its easier for brands to outsource their production to countries overseas. That is why a majority of top clothing brands are not made in the U.S. But buying American made clothing helps reduce your carbon footprint. While American made brands typically have higher price tags, higher price tags can mean higher quality and long-lasting products. Basically, you get more bang for your buck and also help preserve the environment for future generations to enjoy. It's a win-win situation. 

All Emily Jones handbags are all proudly made in New York City by local manufacturers with a long standing reputation in the community. 

Is there a closed loop system? Closed loop refers to using natural resources to their full potential before they are discarded. Put simply, it's the practice of getting as much use out of a material as possible before throwing it away. We, like many other brands, strive to achieve this system. Our handbags are made from leather waste and our lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Take a look at our lining made from recycled plastic bottles below.