{"id":301,"date":"2024-01-25T08:55:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T09:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cannonclan.org\/?p=301"},"modified":"2024-05-31T19:52:05","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:52:05","slug":"four-ways-to-lighten-your-fashion-footprint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cannonclan.org\/index.php\/2024\/01\/25\/four-ways-to-lighten-your-fashion-footprint\/","title":{"rendered":"Four Ways to Lighten your Fashion Footprint"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

When buying a piece of jewelry, clothing, or handbag, investing in something well-made from quality raw materials means that the item in question should last longer than something constructed poorly from cheap materials. It may feel tempting to buy a piece of jewelry that is gold-plated or gold-filled (meaning a small percentage of gold is bonded to base metal), but it’s less likely to become a piece of jewelry that you will pass down to future generations, re-purpose, or resell at a good value. The same goes when it comes to buying a sweater, for example. Sure, the fast-fashion acrylic sweater might seem like a bargain, but will it still be wearable in a year or two, or will it be misshapen and pilling? Investing in one made with natural fibers (cotton or wool) and taking great care of it ensures that it will be a wardrobe staple for many years.<\/p>\n

In a world where we\u2019re encouraged to buy more and always have the newest new thing constantly, it\u2019s hard to tune out that noise. But, when we think about sustainable fashion and accessories, we keep returning to the idea of buying less and better. <\/em><\/p>\n

Here are four ways to lighten your fashion footprint by thinking long-term, getting personal, and shopping smart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

1.  Buy Authentic Jewelry That Will Last Forever<\/h3>\n

It’s so tempting to cut corners to feel like you’re getting a bargain. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in jewelry sales; things that are gold-filled or gold vermeil look like their solid-gold counterparts at a fraction of the price. <\/p>\n

But what’s under the surface? Literally, under that thin layer of gold is a base metal, and with regular wear and tear, the gold will likely come off in a few years.<\/p>\n

You know the old Girl Scout song, “Make New Friends, but Keep the Old.”  There’s a reason that the following line is “One is silver; the other is gold,” and not “One is pewter, and the other is nickel or brass.” Not to knock metal alloys and more abundant elements, but silver and gold are, well, the gold standard for a reason. They are durable, precious, and traditional.<\/p>\n

The environmental and waste impacts of faux jewelry are important to consider: what happens to all the costume jewelry and no-longer-gold-filled stuff that people are finished with? It can’t be melted down and recycled into new jewelry the way solid gold, silver, or platinum pieces can, and it won\u2019t be a family heirloom.<\/p>\n

Buying less jewelry that is of higher quality is the best way to protect both your own investment and the health of the planet!<\/p>\n

As a bonus, we also look for recycled gold and gems, brands with minimal carbon footprint, and companies that make intentional, impact-informed business decisions. Catbird, one of our favorite jewelry companies, is a great example of how a jewelry brand can be transparent and sustainable, with an extensive section <\/a>on its website detailing its values<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And, if you like supporting indie, women-led brands, here are a few you should know about and shop from!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Carrie Hoffman Jewelry:<\/span><\/h5>\n

Fine jewelry handcrafted in Los Angeles made from responsibly resourced materials that have a modern edge while being classic. carriehoffman.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
Polly Wales Fine Jewelry:<\/span><\/h5>\n

Polly Wales is a design house whose cast-not-set fine jewelry defies the status quo without restraint. \u201cIt’s quite simple, really. We believe the objects we make should be worn and enjoyed.\u201d pollywales.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Bario Neal Jewelry: <\/span><\/h5>\n

An ethical custom jewelry designer that creates handmade rings with conflict-free diamonds and other gemstones who \u201cMake[s] jewelry for everyone and any occasion, marriage and beyond. We don\u2019t prescribe to the heteronormative ideals predominant in the jewelry industry \u2014 the right to love who you choose is one of our founding beliefs. Our design ethos is gender-neutral and size-inclusive, and we love working with customers to create pieces that celebrate and reflect their identity and experience.\u201d bario-neal.com<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
Erin Tracy Bridal and Fine Jewelry:<\/span><\/h5>\n

Employing the industry’s best craftspeople, lead designer Erin Tracy<\/strong> has created unique and special pieces at the Toronto-based studio since 2003. “We are committed to conducting all operations in the most socially responsible manner possible\u2014from our recycled metals to our ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. We believe in fair labor, by manufacturing in Toronto, and by supporting ethical suppliers.” erintracy.ca<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

2. Refresh Your Handbag Instead of Buying a New One <\/h3>\n

Every season, there\u2019s a new \u201cit\u201d bag or a new shape, style, or size of last year\u2019s bag, but do you really need a whole new bag? If your current handbag still fits your stuff and your needs, and you\u2019re just feeling bored with it or itching for something new and special, we recommend thinking outside the bag: enter the Salt Strap<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

These sustainable, fair-trade, women-designed straps connect to your old purse or designer bag to make it a whole new piece! This strap encourages refreshing the things you already own instead of buying more leather goods or fast-fashion handbags. A Salt Strap is a way to personalize, dress up, and give new life to an old bag you might not be using or wearing. This is sustainable because it keeps us from buying a whole new bag for the sake of wanting something new. Now, we can enjoy that feeling of new, support traditional Colombian artisans, and buy beautiful hand-woven art, all while saving the world from more landfill waste of discarded bags.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

On the other hand, if your bag is scratched or dirty, if the zipper is broken, or if the lining has stains, plenty of places will repair it, giving you that brand-new bag feeling without sending your old one to a landfill. Here are a few tips:<\/p>\n