How to Have a Sustainable and Non-Toxic Laundry Routine

Sustainable, non-toxic laundry routine

Nowadays, most laundry products on the market are filled with toxic chemicals that can cause a variety of health issues in the long run. Studies have shown that the ingredients found in those products can lead to diseases such as respiratory problems, neurological issues, diabetes, endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and even cancer.

Not only that but using conventional laundry products to wash our clothes contributes to water pollution and waste.

Click here to learn more about caring for your cotton clothing.

Thankfully, we can easily avoid all those negative impacts by having a more conscious laundry routine.

Here are 7 tips you can follow to have a more sustainable and non-toxic laundry routine!

Wash your clothes less frequently.

Most of us have been brought up with the idea that clothes need to be washed very regularly, or even every day. Yet, many pieces in our wardrobes can be worn at least several times before they need laundering.

Of course, wash your underwear and socks after one use. However, if your shirt isn’t smelly or stained at the end of the day, consider wearing it again before throwing it in the hamper.

Things like bottoms, sweaters, and garments that don’t directly touch your skin can also be worn several times.

If something gets a little stain, spot-clean it and wear it again.

Washing your clothes less frequently will significantly extend their lifespan!

2. Wash full loads and prefer cold water.

Only run your washing machine when it is full. Doing so will help you save water and energy in the long run.

Try to also wash your clothes in cold water if possible to save even more energy.

3. Read fabric care labels.

Make sure you wash your clothes properly by reading their fabric care labels carefully. It is important to know how each piece needs to be washed if you want it to last.

Does it have to be dry cleaned or is it hand wash only? Can you put it in the dryer? What are the ideal washing temperatures to keep it in good condition for longer? Should you wash it in a gentle cycle?

We recommend Dropps for a low-waste, non-toxic laundry detergent!

4. Use non-toxic, eco-friendly laundry products.

Avoid laundry products that contain toxic chemicals such as synthetic fragrances, phosphates, SLS, optical brighteners, nonylphenol ethoxylates, methylisothiazolinone, and chlorine bleach.

Instead, prefer products made with biodegradable, non-toxic, and plant-based ingredients. Brands like Blueland, Meliora, and Attitude offer great options that are better for us and the planet.

They also sell their products using eco-friendly packaging like refills and plastic-free, reusable containers.

Also, consider ditching fabric softener and dryer sheets altogether. If you’re using the dryer to dry your clothes, switch to wool dryer balls.

Click here to find a list of our favorite non-toxic laundry detergents.

5. Wash your synthetics in a mesh laundry bag.

Synthetic clothes shed lots of microfibers when in the wash. A great solution to prevent all those tiny particles from entering waterways is to wash them in a mesh laundry bag, like the Guppyfriend.

You may also want to put your delicates in another mesh bag to keep them from snagging and stretching.

If you want to go even further, you can install a reusable microfiber filter on your washing machine!

You can also throw in a Cora Ball to help gather microplastics.

6. Avoid dry cleaning .

Dryer cleaners usually use perchloroethylene, a solvent that is a potential carcinogen, a reproductive toxicant, a neurotoxicant, and a persistent environmental pollutant.

So try to avoid dry cleaning and hand wash your pieces instead. Alternatively, see if you can find a company that uses non-toxic, sustainable dry-cleaning methods.

7. Air dry your clothes if possible.

If you can, air dry your clothes on a clothesline or a drying rack. Doing this will make them last longer and save a lot of energy!

If you still need to use the dryer, consider using it less often, or at least, for shorter periods.

About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle. She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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Why You Should Avoid Spray Deodorant

Deodorant is a must for anyone who wants to smell good all day, but it’s also a product that can potentially harm the environment. Aerosol deodorant, in particular, has a negative impact on our planet.

Spray deodorant was designed with convenience in mind. However, with 26 million Americans using spray deodorant, there are concerns about how it affects the planet. Understanding how these sprays contribute to climate change can help us make more eco-friendly choices in our routine.

How Spray Deodorant Impacts the Environment

While many people are concerned about aluminum in their deodorant, aerosols are another product to watch out for. They contribute to climate change and affect your air quality. Here are the ways spray deodorant can impact the environment.

Air Pollution

Aerosol propellants are some of the biggest concerns around spray deodorant. Many spray products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that easily vaporize in the atmosphere. Once they get there, they react with sunlight and other pollutants to form ground-level ozone, creating smog. VOCs are common groundwater and ozone pollutants.

Most importantly for consumers, VOCs are common indoors and can reach levels ranging from two to a thousand times higher than outdoors.

This pollution contributes to global warming. The government banned older sprays with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) because they were actively depleting the ozone layer. While CFCs are gone, many modern sprays still use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs

don’t deplete the ozone layer, they do contribute to climate change.

Packaging Waste

Along with the deodorant itself, the packaging can increase waste. Many spray products come in non-recyclable cans, increasing landfill waste. All that packaging ends up in landfills or the ocean, creating more pollution. Plastic can take 20-500 years to break down — so it’s essentially here forever. Animals can eat it, harming themselves, and as plastic waste builds up, we lose habitats and affect ecosystems.

The metal used in aerosol canisters also contributes to environmental waste. Metal containers take lots of energy to produce. More energy means more fossil fuels are consumed, increasing carbon emissions.

Physical Effects

Spray deodorants can even harm your health. Fragrances and VOCs can cause breathing difficulties, headaches andmore. Using lots of sprays in your home can bring down your indoor air quality, making breathing and living in your space difficult. Limiting your exposure to VOCs is important, especially if you’re already sensitive to chemicals.

Wild offers Refillable Deodorants to help combat waste!

Sustainable Alternatives to Spray Deodorant

Choosing sustainable deodorant alternatives is a great way to reduce your impact. Whether you’re looking for plastic-free or recyclable packaging, there are steps you can take to help the environment.

Stick Deodorants

Switching to stick or roll-on deodorants is one of the easiest alternatives. These products typically produce fewer harmful chemicals than sprays. Since they don’t have propellant, they don’t affect your air quality or produce VOCs. Want to minimize your footprint even more? Look for options with plant-based or natural ingredients.

Many of these products come in plastic packages. While plastic is not a great product for sustainability, you may have other options. Many brands now have paper, bamboo or recyclable packaging. You can easily find eco-friendly alternatives for your deodorant.

Refillable Deodorants

Refillable deodorants, which come in reusable containers, are a newer innovation that helps you reduce your single-use plastic use. When you run out, you just buy a refill instead of throwing away the entire package. The containers are designed to be long-lasting, so you can use them over and over as you refill them. We suggest Wild’s refillable deodorants.

Zero-Waste Deodorants

Zero-waste deodorants are an even more sustainable choice. They offer packaging that’s minimal or completely compostable. You’ll see these options in cardboard tubes that you can easily recycle or compost. The goal with these products is to have packaging that doesn’t stick around forever like plastic. To maximize your impact, go for the zero-waste deodorants with no plastic packaging. We suggest Attitude’s plastic-free deodorants.

DIY Deodorants

The only way to get complete control over deodorant sustainability is to make your products yourself. Use online recipes with baking soda and other materials to make a homegrown deodorant. Just remember that DIY deodorant might not be as effective as commercial products. Research carefully to ensure you’re using safe ingredients.

Crystal Deodorants

Crystal deodorants are another sustainable option. They’re made from natural mineral salts. Crystal options come in a solid form that you use, just like regular deodorant. These products are often free of synthetic chemicals, fragrances andplastic packaging. You can use them as a low-impact alternative to standard deodorant.

How You Can Make a Difference

Switching to a more sustainable deodorant is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Here’s how:

Support eco-brands: Vote with your dollar and give your money to companies that put the Earth first. Look for companies that use natural ingredients and are transparent about their processes. To reduce your impact, try to buy eco-friendly, cruelty-free and vegan products.
Watch packaging: Pick recyclable or reusable packaging. Plastic and sprays contribute to pollution and waste, harming the environment. Refillable or recyclable products keep waste out of landfills, protecting the planet.
Spread awareness: Do your part and let others know. Talk to friends, family and colleagues about spray deodorant’s environmental impact. Share information on social media and tell people about alternatives. The more people you get involved, the less waste we’ll produce!
Reduce consumption: Remember reduce, reuse, and recycle? It’s more sustainable to reduce your consumption. It’s easy to buy more than we need, creating excess demand. Using products mindfully cuts down on waste and lowers your environmental footprint.

Ditch Spray Deodorant and Protect the Planet

Choosing to move away from spray deodorants is a simple but effective way to improve sustainability. Whether you decide to use reusable deodorant or you start small with stick options, every little bit helps. Make more conscious choices and encourage others to get the ball rolling. Together, we can reduce pollution, plastic waste and aerosol products. Every effort matters to protect our planet for the future.

About the Author

Mia Barnes is a health and beauty writer with a passion for sustainable living and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine, an online publication that covers healthy and eco-friendly living. Follow Mia and Body+Mind on Twitter and LinkedIn!

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ARE UGGS SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL?

UGG has taken different steps over the years to reduce its environmental footprint. For instance, it has introduced sustainable materials in its collections such as upcycled wool, Tencel lyocell, or recycled polyester.

However, there is a lot of room for improvement. Its shoes are still made with sheepskin and leather, which are some of the most unsustainable materials. The leather is artificially dyed and treated, so it may contain many harmful chemicals we should not be in contact with.

Most UGG boots are also made in Asia, primarily in China and Vietnam, where there is little to no environmental regulation.

Moreover, the company’s supply chain is not certified by any labor standards. So there is no evidence that workers are paid a fair living wage and that they are treated well and working in safe, healthy conditions.

While UGG may not be the least eco-friendly and ethical footwear brand, it still has a long way to go to be considered sustainable.

Thankfully, there are different brands we can shop from that are doing a lot better in terms of ethics and sustainability!

WHAT MAKES A PAIR OF SHOES SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL?

A sustainable pair of shoes is made with eco-friendly materials and built to last for many years. It should be designed to withstand constant wear without wearing out in a few seasons. If possible, try to buy shoes that can be resoled and repaired, though these can be tricky to find.

The brand producing them should also utilize sustainable manufacturing practices and implement different zero-waste initiatives such as energy- or water-saving techniques. It should also minimize its use of toxic chemicals and material waste.

A sustainable footwear brand also makes its shoes with its workers’ well-being in mind. All the workers in the supply chain should be paid fair wages allowing them to live decently, and work in safe, humane conditions.

The company should also be transparent about how its products are made and where. Ideally, it has received different third-party certifications such as B Corporation or OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Finally, make sure to stay away from fast fashion brands and cheap styles you can find on websites like Amazon. These brands provide very little information about how their products are produced, and their shoes are usually poorly made and not built to last.

WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Most sustainable alternatives to UGGs are made with high-quality synthetic materials or sustainably sourced sheepskin. While these materials are not ideal in terms of sustainability, they are usually long-lasting, meaning that you will be able to wear the shoes for many years.

However, different brands also make their boots with more eco-friendly materials such as corn “leather”, or recycled materials such as recycled PU, recycled wool, or recycled polyester. One company even crafts them using recycled mattresses! Finally, many of them also make their soles from natural rubber.

We evaluate brands using a 3-leaf rating system & only feature those we genuinely support. You can read more about our process here. This post also includes affiliate links, which help fund our work. Thank you for supporting sustainable brands - and us!

  = Exceptional

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OUR TOP PICKS FOR COMFY, SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO UGGS:

1. EMU Australia

Materials: Sheepskin, Merino Wool, Rubber, EVA

Price range: $88-200

EMU Australia creates quality UGG-like boots for each member of the family, including children and babies. It focuses on sustainable production using natural materials. It sells different styles of boots, from ankle boots to tall models, which are all either water-resistant or fully waterproof. You will be able to choose from different colors such as brown, black, gray, and even glossy gold. If you have children, they will love all the fun styles, patterns, and colors available. Our favorites are in the Little Creatures collection, which features incredibly cute animal-inspired UGG-style boots lined with Australian merino wool!

EMU Australia makes all its boots with double-face sheepskin to keep your feet warm and snug. We particularly recommend those from the Platinum Collection, since they are all handcrafted locally in Australia. The Platinum boots are made from Woolmark-accredited, Australian sheepskin and feature a removable sheepskin-lined insole, a dual-layered EVA midsole, a flexible outsole, and a reinforced heel cup. And if you are looking for a comfy, yet more feminine model, you should check out the Platinum Hi Lace boots. They are classic UGG-like tall boots with a cool side lace detail, allowing for a flexible fit and adding a fashionable touch.

Shop EMU Australia Boots

2. Zette Shoes

Materials: Microfiber PU, Corn Leather, Faux Shearling, EVA

Price range: $122

Zette Shoes is the in-house brand of the Australian vegan footwear boutique Vegan Style. This ethical, cruelty-free shoe line is consciously crafted in limited quantities with sustainable materials and combines timeless elegance with playful styles. With its Willow collection, it offers vegan UGG-style slipper boots that will keep your feet comfortable, warm, and cozy. Three of them, sold in the colors black, beige, and silver, are handmade from suede-like microfiber PU produced in a CO2-free manufacturing environment. The microfiber PU is water-resistant, durable, and breathable, and molds to the shape of your feet over time. It is also Ecolabel and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning that harmful chemicals are not released into the environment during the production process and that the boots are 100% non-toxic and healthy to wear.

The company also has a fourth model whose upper is made from corn leather. This supple yet sturdy material is made in part from corn husks and vegetable oils. How cool?! Zette Shoes’ UGG-style boots also feature a faux shearling lining and a lightweight EVA outsole, and they are produced ethically in Brazil. To top it all off, the brand ships everything using recycled packaging and its team has fostered and helped rehome 100+ rescue cats!

Shop Zette Vegan Boots

3. Bearpaw

Materials: Rubber, Faux Suede, Faux Fur

Price range: $60-85

Bearpaw is a brand renowned for offering a wide array of footwear options that prioritize both comfort and style. Their collection includes UGG-style boots, clogs, and slippers, catering to women, men, kids, and toddlers alike. For those who adhere to a vegan lifestyle, Bearpaw proudly presents a diverse range of vegan boots. These boots are crafted with high-quality faux suede uppers and feature a plush faux fur lining along with footbeds that provide exceptional comfort.

In addition to their vegan options, Bearpaw’s traditional offerings include boots, clogs, and slippers that are made from premium soft suede. Many of these styles are lined with a luxurious wool blend, ensuring warmth and comfort even in colder weather. A notable feature of their footwear is the sheepskin footbed, which not only adds to the plush feel but also helps to regulate temperature, keeping your feet comfortable all day long.

To further enhance the durability and functionality of their products, Bearpaw applies a non-toxic, PFOA-free rain and stain repellent to their footwear.

Shop Bearpaw Vegan Boots

4. Be Lenka

Materials: Leather, Sheepskin, Wool, Recycled PU, Rubber

Price range: $129

Be Lenka is a sustainable Slovak brand that produces minimalist barefoot shoes and ergonomic baby carriers. Its Polaris collection for women consists of beautiful pairs of boots that are quite similar to UGGs. They are sold in the colors gray, and black, and they feature a timeless, classy design. Very versatile, you can wear them with practically anything, from a pair of jeans to athleisure wear! These boots are made from nubuck leather with sheepskin lining that has fantastic warmth-retaining and moisture-wicking properties. The insoles are produced from wool & recycled PU, & the boots have anti-slip, abrasion-resistant rubber soles designed to provide excellent grip.

Just like other barefoot shoes, they respect the natural anatomy of the foot and perfectly mimic walking barefoot. They feature a wide foot-shaped toe box and ultra-flexible, lightweight soles allowing the feet and nerve endings to be stimulated by the surface they walk on. They are also flat from heel to toe, which helps improve body posture and weight distribution. Be Lenka handcrafts its Polaris boots in Portugal using locally sourced materials and focuses on sustainable, high-quality craftsmanship. The brand also regularly supports different charities through the Be Lenka Foundation.

Shop Be Lenka Boots

5. Celtic & Co

Materials: Sheepskin, Rubber

Price range: $129-435

Celtic & Co. is a British family-owned clothing and footwear brand committed to slow fashion. It creates contemporary pieces using sustainable, natural materials and has been making quality sheepskin slippers and boots in Cornwall for over 30 years. It has a huge selection of UGG-style shoes for women, men, kids, and even babies! From classic shearling boots to water-resistant or knee-high models, they are available in many styles and colors.

The boots are made to stand the test of time and crafted by hand using British shearling. The shearling is sourced as a by-product of the food industry, meaning that it is a waste product that would have otherwise been incinerated.

Celtic & Co’s boots are finished with an Italian rubber sole, and they feature double-stitched seams for extra resilience and a reinforced heel back to help preserve the shape of the shoe. Not to mention that almost all of them are machine washable!

The brand works with suppliers that are members of the Leather Working Group or Sedex, and it makes sure to avoid overproduction. It even offers a resole and repair service and regularly makes donations to nonprofits.

Plus, it received many awards, including the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2023, which is the highest official award for British businesses!

Shop Celtic & Co. Boots

6. PAWJ California

Materials: High-quality Synthetic Suede, Faux Fur, EVA

Price range: $130-170

PAWJ California is a family-run footwear brand based in California selling 100% vegan, cruelty-free boots, shoes, and slippers.

It offers a wide range of UGG-style boots for women, from mini ankle boots to classic ones to tall models. Men can choose between a black pair of short boots and brown mini boots.

If you like platform shoes, you will be happy to learn that the brand has a few models in that style. PAWJ California also has a pair of clogs that are incredibly similar to UGG’s Tasman slippers!

The boots are very soft and available in several neutral colors such as black, gray, and different shades of brown and beige.

PAWJ California produces all its boots using high-quality synthetic suede and faux fur, making them entirely vegan and free of animal-based materials. Not to mention it is a PETA-approved brand.

The boots feature an EVA sole and are designed with exceptional craftsmanship, comfort, and style in mind. With their reinforced heels and double nylon stitched seams, they are truly made to be long-lasting.

Shop PAWJ Vegan Boots

7. Call It Spring

Materials: Recycled Mattresses, PVC-Free Materials, Faux Fur

Price range: $110

Call It Spring is a Canadian brand selling all kinds of shoes and bags for women and men. It offers a cute pair of chunky Jamielee booties that look like UGG boots.It is available in brown, black, and black covered with glittering sequins if you are looking for a more unique, fun look.

These stylish boots are incredibly cozy and feature a round toe box, lug soles, and faux fur lining. They are also waterproof thanks to their sealed seams that help prevent your feet from getting wet.

As a PETA-approved brand, Call It Spring makes sure this style is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. It is made from PVC-free materials and has an insole produced from 30% post-consumer waste using recycled mattresses and cushions. The insole is designed to be comfortable, breathable, and durable, and does not compress over time.

The brand also ships its products using FSC-certified packaging printed with vegetable-based inks. Plus, it has partnered with the Give Back Box to provide you with a free shipping label so you can easily send your unwanted clothes and shoes to different charities.

Shop Call it Spring Vegan Boots

About the Author

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Vegan Probiotics & Where You Can Find Them

Probiotics are the hot new(ish) player in the wellness world. Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote a healthy balance of gut flora when consumed. These gut-friendly microbes are generally bacteria but can also include yeasts.

There has been an explosion of interest in the role probiotics play in human health - and for good reason. There’s an increasing body of research pointing to the link between gut health (in particular, a healthy balance of gut-microbiome),and overall health and disease.

The Benefits of Probiotics

Probiotics help balance the “good’ bacteria in your digestive system. Gut imbalances mean there’s too much “bad” and not enough “good” bacteria - this can happen due to an illness, strong meds, poor diet, etc.

Other benefits of probiotics are not as well researched. For example, consuming probiotics may help lower LDL aka“bad” cholesterol and improve heart health. Some studies also show that probiotics may improve the immune system, but more research is needed in this field.

Probiotics can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. If you’re considering supplements, we recommend speaking with your doctor before starting something new. When it comes to consuming probiotics through food, the most well-known source is yogurt (and other fermented dairy products). But if you are looking for plant-based sources, fear not!

We’ve compiled a list of 6 vegan probiotic rich sources for you:

1. Kimchi

This one deserves its spot at the top of the list. Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish of fermented and salted veggies, typically napa cabbage or radish, but there are a ton of variations using different vegetables. It’s super flavorful - tangy, umami, and definitely has a kick to it. Add a couple of pieces to your rice bowls or justenjoy as a snack!

2. Vegan Yogurt

While regular yogurt definitely contains naturally occurring probiotics, there are plenty of vegan options that have added probiotics - such as this coconut yogurt from Harmless Harvest. Enjoy with some honey and berries for a refreshing breakfast, or browse their website for a ton of delicious recipes.

3. Miso

Miso is a fermented soybean paste that is a staple in Japanese cooking. You can make a simple miso soup (add silken tofu and seaweed to make it a complete meal), or use the miso in a dressing or marinade. It has a rich, umami flavor and is super savory and salty, but also has a slight tangy understone to it. Nothing can beat a warm bowl of miso soup of a chilly fall day!

4. Sauerkraut

Another fermented cabbage dish, sauerkraut is more tangy and less spicy than kimchi. It’s made by lactic acid fermentation and is characterized by its sharp sourness complemented by its crisp, crunchy texture. Like kimchi, enjoy a little bit of sauerkraut with any dish - for a nice boost of probiotics as well as brinysharpness!

5. Tempeh

Introducing tofu’s fermented cousin. Tempeh is another fermented soybean product that originated in Indonesia. Its texture is firmer and denser than tofu, and it has a nutty, earthy flavor. Along with its probiotic content, tempeh is a great source of plant-based protein - one serving (3 ounces) contains roughly 15-20 grams of protein.

6. Kombucha

The only drink on this list, kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that is made fermenting sweetened tea with SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). It’s super tangy and has a slight fizz. When choosing your bottle of kombucha at the grocery store, make sure you read the ingredients carefully - many brands will add in a ton of added sugar which you want to try and steer clear of.

Finally, a short note on prebiotics, which are often forgotten but are equally important. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers found in certain foods that feed the “good” gut bacteria and promote probiotic growth. Some good sources of prebiotics are asparagus, garlic, onion, banana, and tomatoes.

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The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024

Behind all the glamor, the fashion industry has a (let’s be honest, pretty well-known) dirty secret. The industry accounts for roughly 10% of global emissions - and is more than the aviation and shipping industries combined, which is crazy! Plus, its environmental footprint doesn’t stop there - it fares no better when it comes to waste generation and ranks among the top contributors.

Well, what’s to blame? The meteoric rise of fast fashion and short-lived fashion cycles encourage high-volume consumption of cheap, low-quality clothes that are only worn a handful of times before they are tossed.

The Problem with Fashion Today

Think about it - how many pieces of clothing have you bought in your lifetime? You may try to donate or resell some, but do you know where they eventually end up? Even if you buy from sustainable brands (which we love to see!), the question remains - where do these clothes ultimately go? You guessed right.

A staggering 85% of clothes and textiles eventually end up in incinerators or landfills - where they not only release methane as they decompose, but also most contain synthetic chemicals and dyes which leach into the soil and water.And while 95% of materials used in clothes are recyclable, only 15% actually get reused or recycled.

How Can We Help Fix The Problem of Textile Waste?

But all is not doom and gloom in the fashion world. A groundbreaking new California bill, the first of its kind, attempts to tackle this ever-growing problem of fashion and textile waste (and trust us, it’s piling up). And better yet, it places the burden on the fashion industry, not individual consumers. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program that it establishes will require producers of clothing, bedding, towels, and upholstery to set up and fund a California-wide program for reusing, repairing, and recycling their products.

California Democratic State Senator Josh Newman sponsored the bill, which was met with widespread support and was passed by state legislators in August. The bill had endorsements from environmental organizations and retailers alike, including Ikea, Everlane, and Goodwill. Proponents of the bill are optimistic that the EPR program is the starting point for transitioning the industry to a more sustainable and circular economy, which is no small feat. Led by the state’s recycling department, the bill will do this by providing incentives to producers to adopt greener practices and work on more eco-friendly designs. It’ll also make the manufacturers responsible for their products from start to finish, ensuring less waste along the way.

While this sounds promising, there has been some concern that the cost will ultimately fall on consumers in the form of increased prices. It may also affect smaller and mid-sized brands more than big name brands, who can easily swallow the cost with minimal effect. However, Newman confirmed that consumers shouldn’t see any increased costs due to this program, and estimated that total cost to producers shouldn’t exceed 10 cents per garment.

Smaller sustainable brands also seem to be on board. Yotam Soloman, founder of LA-based gender-inclusive brand Virtue, supports the new bill. “I think [California’s new law] is something that should have been done a long time ago,” he said. “Unfortunately, this industry that allowed this to happen.”

The earliest the program will be operational is 2028. While the fashion industry still has a long, long way to go, moves like this are definitely a step in the right direction!