10 Ways to Save Green in Style

Dressing eco-fashionably has become much easier since green became the new black, but finding affordable, sustainable and labor-friendly attire can still be challenging. While EDUN's organic cotton separates and Natalie Portman's vegan shoes are helping to revolutionize the fashion industry, these lines can still stretch the credit limits of many an ecoista. So, what's a style- and Earth-conscience girl to do? After all, the more people who can afford to wear environmentally friendly clothing, the better it is for fostering awareness and supporting sustainable markets. And staying current while doing your part to influence current events — whether lowering pesticide use, increasing wages, or stabilizing emerging economies — is one way to participate in the world around you, and look good doing it. To do so, Sprig suggests the following 10 tips to help accouter yourself and your wallet with green.

1. These Boots Were Made for Caulking

Extend the mileage of your shoes by taking them to your local cobbler. Or let someone else walk in your shoes by donating them and receive a 20 percent discount on a pair of Chaco sandals made from recycled tires.

2. You Get What You Pay For

With careful attention to detail at each step of a product's life — design, materials, craftsmanship, durability — socially conscious items tend to be better made than those mass-manufactured for as cheaply as possible. So spending more on fewer essentials can pay for itself in terms of quality and originality of style — without those pesky hidden costs of labor injustices and environmental havoc.  

3. Throw a Hand-Me-Down Showdown

Green your wardrobe and your friends in one night. Exchange outfits and ideas in a clothing swap by detailing the net savings of each traded item.

Ex., Julia in a new pair of Rag & Bone Jeans.
Monetary savings? $257.
Planetary Savings? Pesticides, agricultural runoff, shipping miles.
Looking better in them than Georgia ever did? Priceless.

*Donate the leftovers to charities, like Dress for Success, which attires disadvantaged women for work.