Tatum Hunter

Jaclyn Peiser

Elena Lacey

Garland Potts

Should I buy this? A guide to sustainable online shopping

It’s summer shopping season, and the sales are coming in hot. Amazon, Walmart, Target and Shein are enticing us with markdowns. But when you’re constantly confronted with deals, targeted ads and fast-moving clothing trends, it’s easy to forget that your decisions have an impact on our planet.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 11.3 million tons of closet castoffs and other textile waste ended up in landfills in 2018, the latest data available. And fashion trails only the food and construction industries in greenhouse gas emissions, according to watchdog organization Remake.

When deciding whether to make a purchase, ask yourself these questions to make your deliberations easier and help you become a sustainable fashionista. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

Do you have anything similar in your closet? [first]

Do you have anything similar in your closet?

Illustration by Elena Lacey/The Washington Post

The Washington Post

Filling gaps in our wardrobes can make for easier styling. But be careful if you’re chasing seasonal fashions that will quickly fall out of favor.

Learning to mend is a great way to make your wardrobe more eco-friendly.

Yes, but I want another version [borrowit]

Investing in pieces you love can make for a more sustainable wardrobe. But be careful not to needlessly duplicate items in your closet.

In that case, let’s look at some sustainable options.

Could you borrow something similar from a friend? [borrowit]

Could you borrow something similar from a friend?

Ask away! Before you buy something for an event, check around to see if your besties have something that would feel new to you. Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups are another good way to make use of people’s stylish castoffs.

No, but I could use a rental service [end-borrow]

That’s a bummer. You may not have the same taste or wear the same size as your friends. Let’s see what else you can do to shop responsibly.

Could you buy something similar second hand? [secondhand]

Could you buy something similar second hand?

Yes, there is a thrift store near me [end-thriftit]

The secondhand clothing marketplace allows you to not only extend the life cycle of clothes but also save money.

Yes, I could buy it second hand online [end-thriftit]

Secondhand clothing marketplaces can connect you with cool pieces — including designer and good-as-new garments — in seconds. Check out Poshmark, GoodwillFinds or eBay.

If you plan to use a garment until it’s worn out, buying new might make sense. Otherwise, look for secondhand options.

Are you browsing any sustainability-focused brands? [sustainable]

Are you browsing any sustainability-focused brands?

Yes, a company that uses sustainable materials [usage]

Great. But we caution that not all sustainability brands are the real deal. Some are overstating their sustainability practices, which is a major problem in the fashion industry, according to watchdog groups. Before you buy, check their grade on trusted sustainability scorecards, like<a href="https://stand.earth/fashion/brand-scores/" target=_blank> this one</a> from environmental advocacy organization Stand.earth.

No worries — let’s make things easier.

It’s helpful to do some research into the companies you’re buying from. Stand.earth has sustainability <a href="https://stand.earth/fashion/brand-scores/" target=_blank>scorecards</a> for most brands.

Are you browsing any fast-fashion brands? [fastfashion]

Are you browsing any fast-fashion brands?

We know the low prices and fast shipping are tempting. But fast-fashion retailers are big sources of fashion waste, according to <a href="https://remake.world/2022-remake-fashion-accountability-report/" target=_blank>research from Remake</a>.

It’s good practice to avoid fast fashion brands, especially if you only plan to wear an item a few times. These retailers are some of the biggest contributors to fashion waste, according to <a href="https://remake.world/2022-remake-fashion-accountability-report/" target=_blank>researchers such as Remake</a>.

Fast fashion brands are known for quickly churning out new products — mostly using synthetic materials — to keep up with the latest trends.

How often do you plan to wear the garment? [usage]

How often do you plan to wear the garment?

Garments you reserve for special occasions take up space in your closet. Consider borrowing from a friend or using a rental service.

Garments you wear occasionally probably aren’t worth the cost — to your wallet or the environment. Synthetic clothes, for example, release fewer microplastics each time you wash them, so frequent wears reduce your impact.

Wearing the same garments often reduces your environmental impact. Synthetic clothes, for example, release fewer microplastics each time you wash them, so frequent wears reduce your impact.

Will you need to dry clean the garment? [dry-clean]

Dry cleaning emits chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Unlike microplastics in clothes, these emissions don’t level off the more the item is dry cleaned.

Great! Dry cleaning emits chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

An animal product, such as leather or fur [pickup]

An item’s environmental impact depends, in part, on what it’s made from. While animal products don’t release the kinds of microplastics that come from synthetic materials, they require more energy to produce. There are also price tag and ethical considerations here.

A plastic product, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic or spandex [quality]

An item’s environmental impact depends, in part, on what it’s made from. Clothes made of synthetic materials tend to be cheaper and, unsurprisingly, release the most microplastics.

A natural product, such as cotton, linen or wool [pickup]

Clothes made of natural materials are the most sustainable and are often higher quality, meaning they will last longer. Of course, how often you wear the product is a factor in its sustainability score.

In that case, take a moment to check. The care instructions on the garment’s inner label should describe what it’s made from.

Do you expect this item to fall apart quickly? [quality]

Do you expect this item to fall apart quickly?

Buying lower quality, less durable clothes tends to increase your waste over time.

Great. Buying higher quality, more durable clothes helps reduce your waste over time.

No sweat. Start by finding what material the garment is made of. Then ask a search engine whether that material is durable.

Can you choose slower shipping? [shipping]

Shopping online can be better for the environment than driving to a store, but rush shipping tends to negate that effect. Choose <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/25/black-friday-sustainable-shopping/" target=_blank>slower shipping </a>at checkout — it’ll feel sweeter after the wait.

We understand that sometimes you’re in a pinch. Shopping online can be better for the environment than driving to a store, but rush shipping tends to negate that effect. Next time, try to plan ahead and choose <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/25/black-friday-sustainable-shopping/" target=_blank>slower shipping at checkout</a> — it’ll feel sweeter after the wait.

Can you buy the item in person or order it for pickup? [pickup]

Can you buy the item in person or order it for pickup?

Yes, I can walk or take public transportation to the store [need]

Great. This option has the lowest carbon footprint of the bunch.

In-person shopping tends to have a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2022/12/13/store-online-shop-emissions/" target=_blank>larger carbon footprint than online shopping</a>, experts say. That’s because the supply chain to get an online order to someone’s door requires less transportation than at a bricks-and-mortar operation. Plus, the delivery driver dropping off the package is probably already making multiple stops in your neighborhood. If you can’t walk or take public transportation, it’s best to just order it online.

That’s okay. Ordering online has less of a carbon footprint than driving for a single trip because delivery drivers often make multiple stops in a neighborhood.

Do you plan on buying multiple items to try on and return? [tryon]

Do you plan on buying multiple items to try on and return?

Never mind that retailers are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/09/free-returns-holiday-shopping/" target=_blank>cracking down</a> on the “wear and return” crowd — this method requires more shipping and more energy. Returns often become waste and end up in landfills. Try on items in store when you can, and we encourage you to avoid unnecessary “hauls.”

This is the best practice. Returns often become waste and end up in landfills.

Clothes can be fun, expressive and meaningful. But we all face cultural pressure to keep up with trends or signal our identities with our clothes. What would happen if you opted out of this purchase? It’s always worth asking.

The most sustainable shopping decision will always be to opt out.

Most of the time, ethical clothes shopping means saying no to additional purchases.

It can be hard to pass on something you want. But if you’re concerned about the planet and garment workers worldwide, this is a great moment to practice what you preach. Maybe there’s a way to reward yourself or feel fancy without buying something — like painting your nails or styling an old outfit in a new way.

If you’re still itching for novelty, see if there’s a way to borrow, buy second hand or rent. Your friends and neighbors have their own closets full of clothes, and sharing helps everyone get more use from their wardrobes. In general, the longer you keep garments and the more you wear them, the more sustainable your fashion.

And if you absolutely must buy new, try to sidestep harmful habits like “try-on hauls” and short-lived seasonal styles. With a little practice, you can remake your relationship with the fashion treadmill and build a wardrobe that’s uniquely you.

This one’s tricky — and deserves some extra thought.

Most of the time, ethical clothes shopping means saying no to additional purchases. What would happen if you skipped this one? Is there a way to borrow, rent or buy second hand instead?

Consider giving yourself a holding period: If you still want the item in a month, you’ll know it wasn’t a passing itch.

If you decide to buy, minimize your environmental impact. Look for sustainable materials such as cotton, linen or wool. Avoid fast fashion brands when possible. And choose slower shipping at checkout.

Once your item arrives, your commitment to sustainability begins anew. How long you keep the item and how many times you wear it is what ultimately makes the difference between an impulsive purchase and a sound investment.

You’ve thoroughly considered the best way to get this garment, and it seems like a good move. Enjoy your fashion moment!

Most of the time, sustainable shopping means saying “no” to additional purchases. When it makes sense to buy, think hard about how the item will fit into your wardrobe and how much use it will get going forward. You can minimize your impact by wearing natural materials, avoiding fast fashion brands and choosing slower shipping at checkout.

Borrowing or renting clothes is a great way to avoid overconsumption.

Start with your friends. If you’re looking for a specific item or garment for a special occasion, try doing a call-out in your group chats. We’re aware, however, that you may not have the same taste or wear the same size as your friends.

A solid alternative is a clothing rental service. Here are some options: Nuuly, Rent the Runway, Armoire, Gwynnie Bee and FashionPass. We also suggest shopping at thrift stores and online secondhand marketplaces. But we caution that rental services have their own issues. For instance, some sites do a huge amount of dry cleaning. Also, plenty of items available for rent are made of plastic. Before you place the order, do some research on the brands available on the site and check their grade on trusted sustainability scorecards like this one from environmental advocacy organization <a href="http://stand.earth/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template" target="_blank">Stand.earth</a>.

And for those clothes that no longer fit, consider donating or selling them on online marketplaces such as on eBay or Poshmark.

Thrifting is an affordable and sustainable way to shop. And there are so many ways to do it — online, with friends, at outdoor markets and bricks-and-mortar stores.

Here are some places to check out: Poshmark, GoodwillFinds, OfferUp, ThredUp, The RealReal, AptDeco, Mercari, eBay, Craigslist, Depop, Rebag, Tradesy, Chairish and Letgo.

Farmers markets and seasonal flea markets often feature local resellers. Many communities or neighborhoods organize “clothing swaps” at local parks. Bring the items you don’t wear and exchange with friends. Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups are another good way to make use of your neighbors’ stylish castoffs.

There’s also the traditional thrift store route. If you want a store that’s clean and well organized, do some online research first.

There’s a reason you’ve got that sewing kit sitting in your junk drawer — let’s bring that bad boy out. A missing button or rip at a seam isn’t reason to discard a piece of clothing. And don’t worry if you don’t have a sewing machine or have never used a thread and needle. Browse YouTube for tutorials or follow a TikTok creator like @second.life.studio. Alternatively, you can send clothes to be mended at a local tailor or dry cleaner or use a service such as Suay.

When we buy less or opt for more sustainable products, we help nudge the fashion industry toward more ethical practices, said Seema Joshi, director of fashion campaigns at environmental advocacy organization <a href="http://stand.earth/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template" target="_blank">Stand.earth</a>.

Bookmark this quiz and come back to it the next time you’re deliberating. You can also download our flowchart to have on hand.

Editing by Junne Alcantara, Yun-Hee Kim, Robbie Olivas DiMesio, Karly Domb Sadof and Matt Callahan.

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