Let's Talk About Sustainability

Now more than ever, it is important to understand how different actions we take can help ourselves and future generations. The fashion industry is enormous. When you really break it down, it encompasses everything from thrift and secondhand all the way up the chain into designer clothing and fashion houses. Whether you are a thrifty shopper or throw racks at new leather bags, those choices do contribute to the larger fashion industry ecosystem. Each fashion choice made is a nuanced decision. Whether you recognize it or not, you are making ten different choices for yourself and the environment when you choose one specific summer dress over another.  

When discussing sustainability, it is easy to feel overwhelmed - and that is okay. But for this conversation, it is important to remember that you can't create all the change needed in the world by yourself. If each person were to change just a couple of their own actions, those actions would all accumulate into a major change for the Earth. The choice can be as simple as swapping out your disposable makeup wipes for a reusable microfiber cloth.

Sustainability doesn't mean you have to wear leaves as loin clothes. There is a misconception that if people are not buying 100% natural fabrics, then you are failing. The truth is, practicing sustainability cannot be treated as an all or nothing practice. First, there is not natural fibers that can fully replace the needs of some of our synthetic fabrics. Second, people will not be motivated to try more sustainable practices if it does not feel easily digestible and obtainable.

When you think of sustainability, you probably think of "Eco-friendly" things. While this is a large component of sustainability, it can mean other things, too. Whenever we keep pieces of clothing for a long time, we are practicing sustainability. Whenever we spend a little more on a higher quality piece of clothing that lasts for many more wears, we are practicing sustainability. Whenever we select capsule pieces that can be styled into fifteen different outfits, we are practicing sustainability. Whenever we pick a clothing item that can be used transitionally from season to season or worn year-round, we are practicing sustainability. Whenever we repurpose our favorite old jeans into our new favorite shorts, we are practicing sustainability. Whenever we choose one pair of 18K gold hoops instead of a pack of ten from Amazon that will turn green on the first wear (and make your earring holes itch so they go in the trash), we are practicing sustainability.    

To practice sustainability though, you cannot participate in fast fashion. All fashion is not made the same, in the same way, with the same practices, or with the same regard to the environment. At Pink Poplar Boutique, we only source clothes that have been made ethically, and by companies who do not sell to these large, exploitative corporations. Corporations have definitely been caught lying about their sustainability practices, but it always comes out in the end. Then, we can choose whether that brand supports our values and whether we want to support them or not. That’s the beauty of choice in this vast marketplace.  

In almost every case, spending just 25% more will allow you to wear the items you purchase so many more times and allow you to practice sustainability for the planet. Items that are higher quality are also going to fit better and be more flattering because they have better construction. When you feel great in your clothes, you will have less days of looking in a closet full of clothes just to think, "I have nothing to wear!" When you have nicer options, capsule pieces, and flattering clothes you can re-wear over and over, you generate less waste to the landfills.

Some sustainability practices everyone can begin right now is to say NO to fast fashion. A 10-dollar top isn't worth having when you have to buy 5 of them. You could have just gotten one 50-dollar top, worn it way more, looked better in it, contributed less to landfills, and decreased your carbon footprint.

You are not getting "deals" on discount sites like Amazon, Temu, or Shein. You are a victim of over-consumerism that is decreasing overall sustainability. If the top was worth having, quality wise, it wouldn’t be that cheap. If it is good quality, the people making it for you have been seriously exploited.  

When looking to buy new clothing items, opt for things that are a little nicer that will last.

The Earth thanks you.