Welcome to a Whole New World of Fashion – We're Glad You're Here!
So, you’re new to sustainable and non-toxic fashion? It can feel overwhelming at first—everyone claims to be “green,” "eco-friendly", "natural" but what do any of those terms REALLY mean and how do you know who to trust? The truth is, the fashion industry is full of marketing spin, and some of the biggest fast fashion offenders (cough Zara, Shein, H&M cough) have been caught in major sustainability scandals.
The good news? You’re not alone in feeling lost, and making the switch doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear set of criteria and a step-by-step approach, you can start to shop with some confidence, knowing that your choices better align with your values. This guide will help you get started on your journey toward a non-toxic, sustainable wardrobe. Make sure you share this one with those around you who are also looking to make a similar change!
Step 1: Define Your Sustainability Criteria
Sustainability is a broad term, that no one can ever fully and truly meet, and no brand or individual can tick every ethical box. The key is to figure out what matters most to you and try to be consistent in aligning to it. Here are some common criteria to consider:
- Health & Safety: Are you concerned about harmful chemicals in clothing?
- Vegan-Friendly: Do you want to avoid animal-derived materials?
- Environmental Impact: Are you focused on reducing your carbon footprint?
- Ethical Labor: Do you want to support brands that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions?
- Allergy-Friendly: Do you need to avoid specific fabrics due to allergies?
- Support for Small & Local Businesses: Are you looking to invest in women-owned, minority-owned, or artisan brands?
💡 Tip: If you're shopping for adult as well as kids clothing check out The Green Kid, where products are tagged with key sustainability markers like organic, woman-owned, and vegan. This allows you to shop according to your priorities without the guesswork.
Step 2: Audit Your Closet Before Buying New
Before you rush out to replace your wardrobe, take a moment to evaluate what you already own. Sustainable fashion is about making the most of what you have.
How to Conduct a Closet Audit:
- Sort Your Clothes: Create three piles: Keep, Repair, Donate/Sell.
- Assess Usage: Keep what you love and wear regularly. If an item doesn’t meet your sustainability criteria but is still wearable, hold onto it—throwing clothes away creates waste.
- Repair What You Can: A missing button or loose seam shouldn’t send a garment to the trash.
- Resell or Donate: Pass along items in good condition to secondhand shops, online marketplaces, or charity organizations.
❌ What Not to Do: Avoid trashing your entire closet in an attempt to start fresh. Textile waste is a major environmental issue, so phasing out clothing responsibly is the best approach.
Step 3: Thrift, Swap & Buy Secondhand
When you need something new, secondhand shopping is your most sustainable option. It keeps clothing out of landfills and reduces demand for new production.
- BST Groups: Buy, Sell, and Trade groups on social media (including ours!) are great for finding quality secondhand pieces.
- Thrift Stores: Local shops and online resale platforms like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop offer sustainable options at a fraction of retail prices.
- Clothing Swaps: Organize a swap event with friends or join community clothing swaps.
🌎 Why It Matters: Every time you buy secondhand, you help reduce textile waste and lower demand for new production, which requires massive amounts of water and energy.
Step 4: If You Buy New, Buy Better
Sometimes, you’ll need to buy new. When you do, focus on high-quality, ethically made pieces that will last. Here’s what to look for:
Fabric Matters: Choose Natural & Certified Materials
- Organic Cotton: Avoids pesticides and excessive water use.
- Linen: A durable, low-impact fiber made from flax.
- Silk: Naturally biodegradable and durable.
- Wool: Renewable and great for colder climates.
- Hemp: One of the most sustainable fabrics due to its minimal resource use.
🔎 Look for Certifications:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures organic fiber content and responsible manufacturing.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances.
- Fair Trade Certified: Guarantees ethical production.
- BLUESIGN: Ensures safe, sustainable textile production.
👗 Where to Shop: At Treehouse, we design and manufacture sustainable, organic, and ethical clothing for littles. If you're looking for adult pieces check out our big sister brand - The Green Kid for a variety of small ethical brand options.
Step 5: Join the Community & Keep Learning
Sustainable fashion is a journey, not a destination. The more you learn, the more empowered you become to make ethical choices.
Topics We Cover in Our Community:
- Clothing Care: Tips for extending the life of your garments.
- Repair Hacks: Simple ways to mend and restore clothes.
- Eco-Friendly Laundry Practices: Reduce microplastic pollution with better laundry habits.
- Capsule Wardrobes: Learn how to maximize your closet with fewer, better pieces.
🌟 Stay Inspired: Follow us on Instagram at @shoptreehousekids for sustainable fashion tips, expert insights, and real-life advice on dressing non-toxically.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
Switching to non-toxic, sustainable fashion doesn’t mean a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight. It’s about making informed, mindful choices—one step at a time.
Quick Recap of Your Action Plan:
✔ Define your sustainability priorities
✔ Audit your closet before buying new
✔ Choose secondhand first
✔ When buying new, opt for sustainable fabrics & brands
✔ Stay informed and connected to a like-minded community
By making these small, intentional shifts, you’re not just upgrading your wardrobe—you’re contributing to a fashion industry that values people, the planet, and your health. And that’s a powerful choice.
