Head to Toe Guide to Sustainbility
I have never been someone that follows fashion trends and so I never been bothered by things that are “so last season”. I could never really pin point why I just did not care about the latest and the greatest but it was probably about 7 or 8 years back that I read an article about the suicide rates of Indian cotton farmers. This article gives you a bit of insight but this is not the article I read, I can’t find it. The take away message that I received from the article that I read was that the pesticides used on the cotton crops are so toxic combined with operator negligence of not providing basic masks, gloves, or shoes while essentially paying cotton pickers a dollar a day salary led to high suicide rates because flesh would just melt off their fingers and instead of being a burden on their families, farmers would commit suicide for a payout to their family of less than US$1000. I do not want blood on my hands and so I stopped buying clothes irresponsibly. And with this insight, I realised why I didn’t like the act of buying new things for the sake of buying the next shiniest thing. I traded clothes with friends, I bought second hand and then about 5 years ago, in this age of growing goodwill, there has been a rise in companies who are forging their way and working directly with forgotten communities all around the world to ensure fair wages, safe work environments, and in most cases, economic growth, making it easier and easier for us first world consumers to shop responsibly. The first brand that I came across nearly a decade ago was Krochet Kids who were only making beanies and scarfs back then. And if you know me, when I get into something, I get obsessed with it. I thought to myself, if there is one company doing good, there must be more! And lucky newcomers to this responsible shopping mindset, in the last 2 years, have access to an unbelievable growth in the amount of people doing good around the world for shopping, for personal hygiene, for household cleanliness. It is really heartwarming and encouraging for me to know there are so many others “using their business as a force for good” (B Corp). If you are more of a visual learner, check out At What Cost, a documentary about where your clothes really come from.
You know the best part of responsible and sustainable shopping. It is mostly guilt free. And actually, the more you buy, the better; as long as you do end up using everything, the most responsible option is always what you already have. You are actively supporting the brands who are doing good, keeping them in business, and protecting the environment. And in the grand scheme of things, you are giving reason to others with the same mindset to create more and start more brands! This is the power of purchase! And it does not just apply to clothes.
“Every dollar you spend is a vote for the future you want” - Anne Lappe.
When you are shopping, here are things to look out for:
Fair Trade, for the people - this means that the people assembling your clothes are being taken care of properly
Organic, for the planet - this means that no pesticides are used. Did you know that “Conventional cotton accounts for 25% of the world’s pesticide use. We choose organic because it keeps chemicals out of nature and requires 90% less water to grow.” (Outerknown)
Natural Fiber, for the planet - this means that there is no plastic in your clothes because it is made from animal hairs like wool or plant fibers like hemp, cotton, or coconut.
Certified B Corp, for the people and the planet - “Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. This is a community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using business as a force for good.” (B Corp)
Life time warranty, for the planet - yes, there are producers out there that believe in the functionality of their product so much that they put a lifetime warranty on it.
My guide isn’t for everyone. My guide to shopping is practical: for the essentials; and for those who are able to differentiate the difference between need and want [hyperlink in squarespace]. This has been years in the making, days possibly weeks added up of research, buying and trying for quality checks and so on. But for those who enjoy fancy things, don’t you worry, there are so many brands out there like Reformation and People Tree. At the end of the day, every single person does need the essentials and here are things that I think about before I purchase anything:
Do I reallyneedthis?
And if turns out that it is really just a want (versus a need), will I wear/use this everyday if I had to? Will it go "out of style"? If it goes out of style, do I even care?
I consider function over fashion - I am looking for something that is all purpose and all weather and all occasion. Is this something that I can use forever, every day?
Will it go on sale soon? I never impulse buy, I know what I have, I know what I need, and I always keep an eye out for sales. It’s the Chinese in me, why spend money if you don’t have to.
Lastly, I will check my closet before buying anything, because if I look hard enough, most of the time, I find what I am looking for.
Full disclosure - If you do know me, I wear the same clothes or generally have the same style everyday, all day - long pants, t shirt, long sleeve shirt or flannel, beanie/hat. My aim is to keep things simple and to blend in. We have a limited power to make decisions a day, I am not about to waste it deciding what I am going to wear [hyperink Jay Shetty podcast about decision fatigue]. People have joked that I have a “uniform” for travel, which nowadays I find leaks into my every day life because it is so comfy. The “uniform” pants that I wear are not responsible...but I wear one pair almost every day for close to 18 months and I have been looking for a responsible replacement for years. I have gone through 3 pairs since 2015; currently one in rotation now; and 2 more for future use because they were on sale! I am set for the next 5 years.
Here goes: my toe to head guide, just because I am weird I am starting with my feet. If you know me, you’ve heard me say this: "protect your feet, protect your skin, and question everything"...we can get into this later...
IndoSole makes your casual beach footwear; think the responsible, better version Havaianas with different styles. They take used car tires for the soles of their shoes.
If you need a real shoe, look at BANGS. These ladies take 20% of their net profits and micro-finance projects worldwide through Kiva.org.
If you’re looking for something for the gym, you’re looking at AllBirds made from responsibly sourced and natural ingredients. Best part, you don’t need to wear socks because its made from Merino which is odor resistant.
Ladies, check out Rothy’s for flats made from marine plastic.
But if you do need some socks, check out Conscious Step, these guys have the best designs and each pair brings awareness to the problems around the world and support those problems.
For more cushioning for trekking, get yourself a pair of Darn Tough socks, which has a lifetime warranty and is family run.
I hate reading too, sign up here, for a one page PDF guide.
You can’t walk out of the house without pants on! These are some brands that are versatile, responsible, and ageless. These brands can be your one-stop shop for your shoulder to ankle coverage, if you like their respective styles.
Grana hails from Hong Kong, sourcing the best materials from around the world and since its inception has just about everything that any man, woman, or neither needs. Everything is clean cut, basic, and essential.
Dish Denim*, MUD Jeans*, Toad & Co.*, Roark Revival, Patagonia, United by Blue and Prana* and are brands you can source your full outfits from.
Which brings us to tights (athleisure wear), I have been buying Pact. They are organic and fair trade and while we are talking about them, they are also a great solution for undies and children clothes, and your basic essential tees and hoodies.
Speaking of undies, You Underwear* is organic and uses the buy-one-give-one model.
Full Disclosure: Because I essentially wear the same thing every day, I have not personally bought or worn * brands, but I keep an eye out for my “wants” and looking at these brands for my “needs” when jeans, undies, tees need replacing.
These other brands that I live in all of which are practical, have a moral centre, and I personally find them to be trendy.
Outerknown has a fully transparent line; I have their jumpsuit and I will add their Blanket Shirt and jeans to my wardrobe once I need to replace them.
Krochet Kids and Known Supply are also my go to. Between the two of these companies (their websites sell each others’ products), you can get geared up for the warmth and add some stylish basics to your wardrobe as well. I am just going to bang on about Krochet Kids’ beanies for a second because I love headwear and this for me is the brand that sparked it all. If you are in Singapore (yes, its the tropics and averages 30°C daily), and you see someone walking around the CBD or at a cafe in Joo Chiat, wearing a beanie...that’s me. I like my head warm okay?!?! and it keeps hair out of my eyeballs. KK created jobs in Uganda and Peru by getting women to crochet winter-wear and when they could, they sourced their own llama wool for their World’s Greatest Beanie! If there was a way to sift through all of the internet and find out which brand first started created products with the planet and people in mind, I am willing to bet that Krochet Kids would one of the first dozen brands.
Always shop small businesses. Here are some favourites:
Love Stories Market from Bali
Dazey LA from Los Angeles for graphic tees
Ma Te Sai from Laos for some unique clothes made with traditional textiles
Barefoot from Sri Lanka
Circle (infinity) sarongs from the local markets in Tangalle Sri Lanka, Bali and Lombok.
Also I haemorrhage money when I am in Tokyo for their quirky, locally designed clothes for everyday and for adventure.
And now for accessories like backpacks and bags and jewelry.
I am obsessed with Ethnotek, the second brand I learned about fighting the good fight. And I stalked founders Jake and Cori until I realised they work out of Bali and then met them as soon as I could! These guys source textiles from around the world, from communities who would otherwise be losing their arts, crafts, and traditions. They pair these beautiful handloomed and hand dyed fabrics with brilliantly designed gear in the form of day bags, wallets, and slings. If I could I would buy the full set of each of the patterns that I like! It's not just a backpack, you are keeping tradition, culture, and authenticity alive!
Another brand of “city bag” for those who are looking for something more clean cut, check out Matt and Nat, bags in all shapes and size made with the vegan leather or recycled material. M&N has also added a clothing line since I initially bought their laptop bag. For larger bags and proper adventure gear, check out Cotopaxi and Patagonia. For you surfies and yogies, check out Suga recycled yoga mats made from wetsuits.
If you are looking for a little sparkle in your life, accessorise with Mata Traders, Nisolo, Soko, 31 Bits, and Starfish Project. All of these are ethical and sustainable. Article 22 is my favourite, they take UXOs from the Secret War in Laos and turn them into simple meaningful jewelry; they also have a men’s section. In addition, I wear a necklace from Energy Muse and Pound Jewelry daily, because crystals are pretty and majestical.
Here are some other noteworthy items, that I think are important and bonus for us and planet, they have a lifetime warranty.
Headphones/earphones, look no further than Koss, these guys will repair, replace or refund any product covered by the lifetime warranty.
AWAY luggages which I have been using to protect my back; comes with built-in battery for charging on the go.
Tilley’s hats which are perfect for adventure, albeit a bit “outbacky”.
Davek umbrellas because it rains an average of 167 days a year in Singapore.
Zippo Windproof Lighters refillable lighters because everyone needs fire and cheap plastic lighters end up in the ocean or landfill.
Speaking of small pieces of plastic, consider switching over to a fountain pen (something I am going to do when I lose my favourite pen), Cross has lifetime warranty.
And for a good yoga mat, look no further than Manduka PRO; who for those looking to trash their old yoga mat, you can send it back to them for proper recycling.
Lastly, if you are looking for an everyday bottle, invest in a Hydro Flask for its design and guarantee. This is why it is important to always carry your own drink vessel..
SUBSCRIBE FOR....head to toe guide.. and bonus my very specific adventure gear that I have curated. Chickenfeet Travels blog. Pack like a Pro as well.
B Corp mentality is always keeping the triple bottom line; for the people, for the planet, and for profit (because to do more good, you still need to profit). And there is no reason why
