Spot the Sustainable Swap

This weeks most voted for swap

The basic tee

WHICH ONE WAS THE SWAP?

Only 38% of you spotted the sustainable swap!

The TreeBlend Classic T-shirt from Tentree. These t-shirts are made from organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, and tencel (a wood pulp fiber). What’s in the name “Tentree?” For each item of clothing purchased, they plant 10 trees. Tentree has partnered with Greenstep and created an “eco-log” to track the environmental impact data on each item of clothing produced to not only be transparent with its consumers, but to also improve its supply chain. Tentree is a certified B Corp and climate neutral certified. These tees sell for $35 USD.

So…which one was less sustainable?

62% of you voted for this one… *cue drum roll please… The Women’s Crew Neck Tee from Uniqlo.

WHY IS UNIQLO LESS SUSTAINABLE?

Uniqlo is not transparent about its labor practice or environmental impacts. They have made large statements with “targets” to reduce their environmental impact. However, they do not disclose how they are implementing and planning to meet these goals. There is also no evidence that Uniqlo is paying its workers in the supply chain a living wage, and they are currently involved in an ongoing worker’s rights case. Uniqlo has launched a “repair and reuse program” and is beginning to incorporate a few “eco-friendly” materials into its products, but they have a long way to go. These tees sell for $14 USD.

What can we do?

If you are looking for classic fashion items that will be in style for many years to come and will last, try searching on the Tentree website first. I know the sticker shock is hard to get over at first, but it will probably last you twice as long if not longer than a typical fast fashion tee which would be the same cost when all is said and done, so try to think of it from a new perspective!

You can purchase them easily online, it’s a great value, and you can feel good about adding them into your wardrobe, knowing that you’re supporting a company with ethical and environmental values that still wants you to feel confident and fashionable!

Previous Spot the Swap Features

Home decor: Faux Greenery

WHICH ONE WAS THE SWAP?

52% of you spotted the sustainable swap!

The ECOFAUX ARBEQUINA OLIVE SPRAY from Bloomist. These greens are made from upcycled fabrics and recycled PET plastic bottles. Bloomist is changing the way they make their faux botanicals. Want to learn more about their mission to break free from the petrochemical cycle that’s involved in making faux greenery? You can read their blog post all about it here. These greens sell for $22 USD.

So…which one was less sustainable?

48% of you voted for this one… *cue drum roll please… The Faux Olive Branch from Pottery Barn.

WHY IS POTTERY BARN LESS SUSTAINABLE?

Faux greenery is often made with styrofoam and petroleum-based plastics that do not biodegrade. Although I can not state this with 100% confidence, Pottery Barn seems to make claims on their website that they are making many changes in their company to become more sustainable and ethical. They do sell some items that are “sustainably sourced” or “fair trade”, and they have large initiatives on their website like tree planting, and starting a “Pottery Barn Renewed line” to keep imperfect items out of landfills. However, this does not apply to a vast majority of the items that they sell on their website, so if you choose to shop there, just do a bit of research about the items first. These greens sell for $39.50 USD.

What can we do?

If you are looking to spruce up your home with some faux greens that will last you a long time, try searching on the Bloomist website first. You can purchase them easily online, it’s a great value, and you can feel good about adding them into your home, knowing that you’re supporting a company with ethical and environmental values that still wants you to create a cozy environment!

Back to school edition: lunch boxes

WHICH ONE WAS THE SWAP?

58% of you spotted the sustainable swap!

The reusable paper lunch bag from Out of the Woods. This lunch bag is made from “Supernatural Paper” that is durable and washable. The material is tree cellulose from forests where trees are responsibly harvested and re-planted. This lunch bag sells for $18 USD.

So…which one was less sustainable?

42% of you voted for this one… *cue drum roll please… The canvas reusable lunch bag is from Fit & Fresh available on Amazon and Walmart.

WHY IS FIT & FRESH LESS SUSTAINABLE?

Their products are reusable, however, there is no available information about the company’s environmental or social initiatives. They also do not make any comments about future plans to alter their business model towards becoming more environmentally friendly. Their products are widely available through large retail box stores which cannot validate safe working conditions or a fair wage for factory workers. This bag sells for $25 USD.

What can we do?

If you are looking for a new lunch bag, give the Out of the Woods collection a try (great options for kids and adults). You can purchase it easily online, it’s more inexpensive, and you can feel good using it for years to come, knowing that you’re supporting a company with ethical and environmental values that still wants you to get your snack on!