There are so many options when it comes to buying fashion, but with climate change increasingly being recognised as a crisis situation, it’s important to remember that sustainability is critical when it comes to shopping in 2019.

Fashion is ranked second, after oil, as the largest environmental pollutant. Therefore, it goes to show that we should opt for more sustainable brands and clothing so that we can reduce our carbon footprint. Lower quality, less sustainable brands are often dumped after a short period of use, which only serves to increase pollution levels. Here is a list of ways to shop sustainably this year.

1. Vintage

Shopping at vintage or thrift shops is one of the best ways to buy sustainably in 2019. There are a variety of options to choose from; for instance, you can purchase high-end fashion from shops like Crossroads Trading Company and Plato’s Closet. Shopping at thrift shops is good for the environment as it prevents used clothes from being dumped into landfill. It’s also economical, as used fashion is cheaper than buying new clothes. You could also benefit from selling your old clothes to these stores, although most of them prefer donations.

2. Made Trade

Shopping at Made Trade is another way to shop sustainably. The company ensures that it manufactures its products from recycled, upcycled or environmentally friendly materials. They put a lot of effort into making sure that they produce ethical goods. They also ensure that their artisans and designers get fair pay for their work. They value cultural heritage and artistic work from all over the world.

3. Debenhams

Debenhams is a good example of a major brand that is dedicated to responsible fashion. They attempt to minimise their environmental impact, ensure their trading standards are ethical, and make sure that human rights are upheld throughout the production process. Debenhams possesses a £1 million annual fundraising target and contributes to various charities. They value diversity and promote body positivity; using Help for Heroes rehabilitated troops, a Paralympic athlete, women up to the age of 70 and plus-size models to showcase their products. Debenhams also cares for the environment; in 2018, they diverted about 97% of their waste products away from landfill, which included 6.3 tonnes of products donated to Salvation Army. They have been able to decrease their carbon footprint by 21% and, for added ethical points, they don’t support animal testing and have a no-fur policy.

4. Tribe Alive

Using Tribe Alive is another way to ensure sustainability when you shop. As well as their sustainability, the best thing about this company is that they focus on female empowerment: all their clothes are made and designed by women. They work with women from Haiti, India, Texas, Honduras and Guatemala to provide them with jobs and help eradicate poverty.

5. Reformation

Reformation is another sustainable brand. It has high standards for the fibres used in their production, ensuring they are plant-based, renewable, natural and recycled as far as possible. An excellent example of a fibre they use is Tencel, which is manufactured from renewable wood products. To minimise environmental pollution they have also invested in green building projects. The company holds itself accountable and provides a full report about their methods of production.