I love fashion and I probably always will. For me there’s a psychic benefit to keeping up with trends and buying new clothes. If I look good — I feel good and I bet many of you are the same. And while I am trying to be more thoughtful about what I buy, I know I have too much. Sound familiar?
As I learn more about the impact the fashion industry has on our environment I question whether my high-consumer approach to clothing is the right one. I could go on ad nauseam about all the harmful ways the clothing industry — in particular fast fashion — negatively impact our planet but it’s all kind of depressing to think about. However, I recently discovered one way that I can lessen the environmental impact of my love for new clothes, so lets focus on that today. It’s called the Blue Jeans Go Green program.
Denim is made mostly from cotton which can be broken down into its natural state. Several clothing brands nationwide are now collecting denim donations and upcycling it into insulation for homes which is distributed to groups like Habitat for Humanity for use in communities in need. If you pop into your local Levi’s or Madewell store you can divert your old denim cast-offs from landing in a landfill. And even more exciting for those of us who know our desire for new duds will not wane, Madewell will even accept your denim donations (from any brand) AND give you 20% off a new denim purchase at their store.
Bomber Jacket (similar) here and here | Cami | Denim | Bracelet
This is not a sponsored post. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Photography by Lesley Forde
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Thanks for the helpful info! I wanted to add a link to help with socially sustainable fashion choices. The U.S. Department of Labor puts out an annual list of goods produced by child labor and/or forced labor. This year’s list is posted on-line at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods?page=2 – you can search for “Textiles”
June 12 is the international labor organization’s annual world day against child labor: https://www.un.org/en/events/childlabourday/