I recently attended a POP-UP event where my niece, Zoey, was showcasing items she will be selling in her store The Chute this fall. The store is not actually opening until September so she was doing a teaser of what will be available.
The Chute is dedicated to selling only sustainable, ethically sourced clothing and products.
H&M's Conscious brand features clothing where each item in the collection has an aspect that lessens its environmental impact, like organic cotton or recycled polyester. My paper bag shorts and top are made from Lyocell fabric which is made from sustainable wood sources. Shop my look here:
I decided to try on a pair of utility denim pants from the Chute from the brand Cornado. This brand is dedicated to using only deadstock materials from fabrics, thread, buttons, and trims. These materials are bound for the landfill. They use only these materials to repurpose and design with the environment in mind.
Not only did I love the pant and fit but knowing they are made with a "Purpose to Repurpose" which made this shopping experience all heart and soul.
Just as I tried on my pants, we got several other fashionists into the fit game!
I bought the pants and sat down to a Tequila Lemonade to celebrate. The Chute will have an on-line shopping presence so you too can get on the sustainable shopping train where ever you live! So stay tuned! And, a big thanks to @danadamewoodphotography for the fabulous snaps.
This shopping experience at The Chute and Zoey's dedication to selling only ethical products made me think about buying things with a more thoughtful purpose. Here is a little food for thought regarding the sustainable clothing industry:
Sustainable shopping is a complex issue. There isn't one brand that’s currently capable of tackling everything, but right now there are five main issues being addressed in the fashion industry:
1. Water usage: The demands for fresh water for drinking and agriculture is far surpassing what’s available. Brands like Levi's are now looking at how they can cut back on how much water they're using.
2. Hazardous chemicals: Dyes and finishes from the production processes are dangerous for the workers, plus they get into the community water sources. Brands like Alternative Apparel focuses on organic cotton which is free from dye and hazardous chemicals and recycled materials.
3. Short lifecycle: Stores are constantly launching new designs and consumers are regularly updating their wardrobes. The biggest goal in sustainable fashion is to buy less and use things longer. Shopping at resale and consignment clothing shops is one way to extend the lifecycle of clothing
4. Waste: On top of having a short lifecycle, there needs to be a way to create less trash by making products useful again once they’ve run their course. One way is to use recycled materials in apparel. Shopping brands that are dedicated to this such as H&M Conscious.
5. Agriculture: Natural fibers like cotton are often grown using pesticides and treatments that are harmful to the farmers, workers, and wildlife in the area. There are now more options for organic cotton, linen, and other fibers available. Try looking for brands that use organic fabrics like PACT.
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