5 Items and Tips for a Greener New Year

Many of us enjoy a white Christmas, but how about following it up with a green new year? 2020 has been a challenging year, but it has also given many of us time to think about health and wellbeing on a global scale. The fashion industry is a major polluter and many are beginning to call for a shift away from fast fashion to slow fashion. With this shift, we certainly do not have to sacrifice style for sustainability.

Let's resolve to make 2021 the year that we all consider future generations as we emerge from 2020 with a brighter point of view. Here are some tips and items to begin your new resolution!

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Use a Tote Bag for Shopping

This tote, founded by Lauren Conrad and Hannah Skvarla, is a triple threat. It eliminates the use of plastic bags which helps everyone. Every purchase benefits women by supporting fair wages, skill development, and training for artisan women in rural Bangladeshi communities. The written message on this simple tote raises awareness and brings women together. WIN, WIN, WIN!

Shopping Tote- Empower Women, $24; thelittlemarket.com

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Opt for a Reusable Water Bottle

In the same way that some masks are made fashionable enough to serve as an accessory to any stylish wardrobe, reusable water bottles have also been used as a statement piece. Reusable water bottles serve to limit your use of plastic. This Collina Strada bling beauty has graced the runway for the Fall 2020 Ready to Wear collection and proves how high fashion sustainability can be. For every purchase of this specific water bottle and sanitizer holder pairing, a percentage of sales is donated to Building Black Bedstuy. For the more price-conscious consumer, there are many other stunning options such as the Asobu Flavor U See Fruit Infuser Bottle which is one of our absolute favorites!

Crystal Mesh Water Bottle and Keychain, $225; shop.karastore.com

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Invest in Classics

Let's go from fast fashion to make-it-last fashion. Livia Firth, author at Eco-Age, recommends the 30 Wears Challenge; only buy clothes you think you will wear at least thirty times. Think about the companies you buy from in order to support sustainable brands, such as Reformation who gave us these classic trousers that won't go out of style. Many other companies also promote sustainability by selling second-hand, such as The Real Real and Vestiaire Collective. Other options include shopping vintage or creating a capsule wardrobe suited to your own taste.

Mason Pant, $178; thereformation.com

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Mend your Clothing

How about a new hobby for the new year? Mend or make your own clothing with this merry little mini sewing machine by Urban Outfitters. Not into sewing? You can go to a local tailor, or take advantage of the new wave of street tailors, such as Mikayla Wray of NYC, owner of Pedalmaw, a mobile tailoring station to fix your clothes with a stitch while you wait. Let's encourage mending clothes along with mending a fast fashion mindset.

Mini Sewing Machine, $69.95; urbanoutfitters.com

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Rent Clothing

Social Media has given many the fear of looking like an outfit repeater, leaving us wanting a new look per post for the most aesthetically pleasing Instagram feed. Fast fashion has called for disposable pieces that are only used once or twice, but what if we can achieve that perfect new look while also being sustainable? Fashion rental services such as Rent the Runway make this possible. This glamorous sequined mini is the perfect outfit for ringing in the new year without ringing up a big bill.

Sequin for Now Mini Dress, $30-45; renttherunway.com