DITCH FAST FASHION AND START VALUING HUMAN LIVES OVER CHEAP CLOTHES.

Sustainable fashion is not just a trend. It's a necessity. Did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world's carbon emissions and is the second-largest polluter of water?

And get this, fast fashion companies produce over 92 million tons of waste each year! That's enough to fill the Empire State Building twice over! With these alarming statistics, it's clear that we need to take action and start making more sustainable fashion choices.

It's time to stop supporting fast fashion brands that prioritize profit over ethical and environmental responsibility. Sustainable fashion brands offer alternatives just as stylish (if not more so) than fast fashion brands, and their moral and ecological practices make them even more appealing.

First things first, let's get our definitions straight. Sustainable fashion is all about reducing the negative impact of the fashion industry on the environment and the people who work in it. That means using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and pollution, and treating workers fairly. It's like being the Captain Planet of fashion.

Would you rather eat a Big Mac sitting under a heat lamp for three days? It might look delicious (if you're into that sort of thing), but it's probably not the best thing for you. Sustainable fashion is like a fresh, organic salad from the garden. It's good for you, it's good for the planet, and it's good for the people who made it.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION: SAVE MONEY IN THE LONG RUN

I know what you're thinking: "But sustainable fashion is so expensive! I can't afford it!" It might seem that way at first, but hear me out.

When you buy a cheap, fast fashion piece, you're saying, "I don't care about the environment or the people who made this. I just want something cheap and cute for a night out." But when you invest in a sustainable piece, you're saying, "I care about the environment, I care about the people who made this, and I want to make a difference."

Plus, sustainable fashion pieces are often made to last, so you'll end up saving money in the long run. It's like buying a high-quality mattress instead of a cheap one that will break after a year. It might cost more upfront, but it'll save you money (and back pain) in the long run.

CHOOSE PEOPLE OVER PROFIT: END THE EXPLOITATION OF GARMENT WORKERS.

Did you know that behind every cheap fast fashion item, there's a heartbreaking story of exploitation and abuse? Imagine a young child forced to work long hours in a dingy sweatshop with no access to education or fundamental human rights so that you can buy a $5 crop top from Shein.

According to the International Labor Organization, there are an estimated 170 million child laborers worldwide, with many working in the fashion industry.

Sustainable fashion brands have strict ethical guidelines for their production processes and pay their workers fair wages. When we choose sustainable fashion, we are supporting a better future for those who create our clothes.

But it's not just about the workers. The fashion industry is also a significant contributor to environmental destruction. The production of fast fashion involves the use of harmful chemicals, vast amounts of water and energy, and massive amounts of waste.

A pair of jeans can take up to 2,000 gallons of water to produce, and the fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global wastewater. And let's not forget the environmental disasters caused by the industry, like the 2019 train derailment in Ohio that spilled toxic chemicals into the water supply for over 400,000 residents.

Fast fashion over sustainable fashion is like driving a gas-guzzling SUV instead of a fuel-efficient electric car. Sure, the SUV might seem more robust and flashy, but it's also contributing to climate change and pollution.

On the other hand, the electric car might be more expensive upfront, but it's also better for the environment and can save you money in the long run. In the same way, choosing sustainable fashion requires more investment upfront, but it's a better choice for both people and the planet in the long run.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING MADE EASY: WHERE TO FIND ECO-FRIENDLY AND SIZE-INCLUSIVE CLOTHES

One common misconception about sustainable fashion is that it's all beige and boring. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

Sustainable fashion pieces are often made to last, so you'll be able to wear them for years to come. It's like buying a classic leather jacket that will never go out of style versus a trendy faux leather jacket that you'll only wear for one season.

And let's be honest, isn't it more satisfying to wear something that you know was made with care and love rather than something churned out in a factory by underpaid workers?

It's like eating a homemade cupcake baked with love versus a store-bought cupcake that was mass-produced in a factory. Sure, they might look similar at first, but one of them has a little extra something special.

There are plenty of options if you're looking for sustainable fashion brands with inclusive sizing.

Letter Shoppe, our own brand, creates home goods, accessories, and customizable graphic tees in sizes XS-5XL, with the added benefit of no waste in our production process because everything is made after you order.

If you're interested in even more options, each of these brands has its own unique style and mission, but they all share a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Lucy and Yak (sizes XS-6X)
Mara Hoffman (sizes 0-16)
Reformation (sizes 0-24)
Christy Dawn (sizes XS-3XL)
Warp + Weft (sizes 00-24)
Girlfriend Collective (sizes XXS-6XL)
Eileen Fisher (sizes XXS-3X)
Hackwith Design House (sizes XS-4X)
Universal Standard (sizes 00-40)
Kotn (sizes XS-XXL)
Amour Vert (sizes XXS-3X)
ABLE (sizes XS-3X)
Sotela (sizes 0-30)
Big Bud Press (sizes XS-5XL)
Aliya Wanek (sizes XS-4X)
Letter Shoppe (XS-5X)
Hackwith x Kammok (sizes XS-2X)
Selva Negra (sizes XS-3X)
Bethany Williams (sizes XS-XL)

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be mindful of your fashion choices. Do your research, and think about your clothes' impact on the world around you.