An unfortunate consequence of today’s mass consumerism lifestyle is that the average consumer has very little knowledge of the true impact of our buying decisions.
It’s a pity but most of us don’t know what goes into the product we buy and use; we can only guess at what toll was exacted upon the environment just so we could have those cute slippers with the faux fur trim. And then there’s all that plastic and packaging waste that’s choking our planet to death with every passing second.
But we don’t have to stand idly by. Buying from manufacturers whose practices and beliefs align with ecological, ethical practices is an effective and satisfying way to make sure we are truly doing all we can for our precious planet.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the brands that you can shop and support for this Earth Day.
A staggering 20 billion menstrual products end up in landfills each year, and Swedish lifestyle brand INTIMINA wants to change that. Covering two essential areas of intimate care—The Pelvic Floor Strengthening line and The Menstrual Care line—products are developed for every age and stage of life, and designed with longevity in mind. The brand ensures that materials and components used are of the highest quality and tested to be non-toxic and phthalate-free, with manufacturing processes refined to reduce the usage of materials, energy, water and CO2 output.
According to a recent survey conducted by INTIMINA, 67% of respondents were unaware of the average number of disposable menstrual products (estimated to be about 12,000) women use in their lifetime. To help everyone understand their menstrual waste production and its impact on the environment, the Greentimina Menstrual Waste Calculator shows “how your period habits and solutions affect the world around you.”
For more info, click here.
Combining Spanish heritage with Southeast Asian culture, Whispers & Anarchy is the brainchild of Sara Ortiz and an up-and-coming slow fashion label from Singapore that offers a lineup of versatile, comfortable, and flattering garments for all shapes and sizes. Consciously made with naturally-sourced fabrics and ethically manufactured in partnership with a family-run craft workshop based in Bali, you can be assured that everything you buy is sustainable and will last for years to come.
For more info, click here.
Founded by former visual merchandiser Yvonne Chia, WoonHung offers modern, handmade jewellery that utilises “only abundantly found and natural materials.” The label also has a commitment to “no-waste” with its material-first approach, and works closely with skilled craftsmen to sustain the traditional skills of cottage industries in Cebu, Philippines.
For more info, click here.
Fast fashion today encourages a ‘disposable’ mindset among fashion consumers, leading to issues such as wastage. Local fashion label Esse wants to change it all, with timeless pieces highlighting clean silhouettes in neutrals and classic shades, made out of sustainable and environmentally materials such as tencel, bamboo and 100 per cent organic cotton.
Get this: All pieces on offer are handmade, lovingly created from scratch in Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai, where the label has forged a strong and respectful partnership with its seamstresses.
For more info, click here.
Brazil-crafted Veja sneakers not only look good, they will make you feel good too.
That’s because the brand uses only sustainable materials when making its sneakers, choosing natural Amazonian rubber over petroleum-based options. Vegetable-tanned leather and ecological cotton complete the holy trifecta that makes Veja the first ethically sourced and manufactured mass market sneakers.
Buy a matching pair for your man too and make twice the impact. And ooooh, they have bags too.
Available at Small Boutique, #03-08, Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
For more info, click here.
Natural fibres are great for both the environment and your skin. Mix up your wardrobe with bamboo and flax-made linen from Zhai Eco, and you’ll be helping to stave off global warming, while keeping your cool in Singapore’s tropical humidity. How exactly? Natural fibres are a renewable resource that breaks down naturally, helping prevent the clearing of land for cultivation and doesn’t choke up the environment when disposed.
Moisture-wicking and air permeability are key, and you’ll find plenty of both across a full fashion range. We’re talking dresses, cardigans, slit skirts, culottes — even hoodies for your sporting needs. Get your man in on the act with Zhai’s range of classic short- and long-sleeved tops.
Available at United Square, Tanglin Mall, Scotts, Westgate and The Green Collective SG
For more info, click here.
While being green is not exactly what comes to mind when we think of Swiss luxury watch and jeweller Cartier, sustainability has actually been at the brand’s core since 2005. In fact, it was one of 14 founding members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), which promotes responsible business practices in the supply chain of the fine jewellery industry.
Under the council, Cartier makes sure that its gems and metals are from legal sources and are produced via safe and environmentally-friendly methods, and is regularly audited to ensure just that.
Other members of the RJC include Chaumet, Tiffany & Co. and Harry Winston.
Available at ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands.
For more info, click here.
The pioneer of zero-waste stores in Singapore, Unpackt does away with trash by selling by the gram. Simply bring your own containers, fill up on what you want, and pay only for the portion you take. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save this way.
The shop stocks a collection of sundries, food staples and groceries, from organic nuts and seeds to pasta, honey, dried chilli, organic dried figs, organic breakfast cereal and organic rock salt, along with cleaning agents and household and lifestyle items — all ecologically sourced of course.
Address: 6 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577724, tel: 8518 0372
For more info, click here.
For those who love adventure and getting lost in the wild, outdoor wear company Patagonia would not be a stranger to you. With a mission statement “We’re in business to save our home planet,” Patagonia has various measures that reflect its environmental beliefs — from using recycled materials and tencel (lyocell and modal fibres that are produced by environmentally responsible processes from sustainably sourced natural raw material wood) to donating one per cent of sales to non-profit One Percent For The Planet, which fights for land preservation and sustainable energy production.
In addition, Patagonia has an initiative called Worn Wear that allows people to trade in worn Patagonia pieces which the company will then repair and resell to help extend the lifespan of each article of clothing.
For more info, click here.
Reformation prides itself on creating modern, wearable pieces that flatter the female figure, whether you’re a bride, a bridesmaid or just looking for your next outfit.
Beyond that, Reformation takes its environmental impact very seriously. As much as possible, Reformation uses deadstock fabrics, recycled and greener fibres such as tencel. Each item also comes with a display on how sustainable it is, based on the amount of carbon dioxide, water and waste savings it has garnered. The company has also listed its sustainable practices such as sourcing electricity made from wind power on its website.
For more info, click here.
Related article: Singaporean Designer Gin Lee Makes Her Mark With Clever Pleats And A Passion To Make Fashion Sustainable
Founded by Aloysius Sng who discovered that his wife doesn’t wear most of her outfits (oh snap!), the homegrown secondhand fashion label connects people who are looking to unload their closets and earn some cash in exchange.
With brands such as Love, Bonito, Topshop and The Tinsel Rack across categories of clothes, watches and bags, Refash is a marketplace where you can buy and sell your clothing simultaneously. Some of the pieces are pretty on-trend and in good condition too, not to mention very affordable. Say good bye to throwing old clothes.
For more info, click here.
Behind clothing and fashion needs, our beddings probably come a close second when it comes to consumption of fabrics and the impact it has to the environment. Thanks to local brand Sojao (which means “go to sleep” in Hindi), you can opt for choices that are healthier for both the planet and yourself.
Featuring 100 per cent all-organic cotton at 300 thread count, Sojao’s range of sustainable bedding gives higher thread count rivals a run for their money. The secret lies in its use of single-ply yarn spun from long-staple cotton fibres. (Shorter staple fibres produce rougher textiles.)
Considering we spend one-third (or more!) of our lives rolling around in bed, it’s reassuring to know that Sojao’s products are treated with low-impact dyes that are not only safer for the environment, but also better for us, being free from toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde resins. It also supports ethical fair-trade and sustainable cotton farming.
For more info, click here.
This article originally appeared on Her World.
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