6 Things you need to know
Let’s face it, most of us love to shop, whether it’s online, IRL, or both. Following are six conscious shopping practices to help us all be more informed and mindful.
1. Understand Your Brands Sustainability Practices
At a minimum, take the time to understand the company’s sustainability practices. Most companies will have their sustainability story listed on their website. Check out Maaji’s here.
2. Use a Checklist to Compare Brand Sustainability Practices
Each brand is most likely going to be at a different place in its sustainability journey. Here’s a starter checklist to identify the sustainability efforts that brands should be addressing.
· Are eco-friendly fibers and practices being followed (e.g., recycling, upcycling, and reuse)?
· Are the garments made from quality materials that are meant to last?
· What are the working conditions of those making the garments? Do they have medical benefits, are they being paid a living wage, do they have regular shifts, are they working in a clean and safe environment? are they concerned about and taking action to ensure the support of Human Rights?
· Is the brand putting into practice production processes that consume less water?
· Is the brand generating lower Co2 emissions?
· Are waste reduction and productivity practices part of the production process?
3. Know What Happens to Returned Products
From a convenience and environmental perspective, online shopping is generally a good alternative to shopping IRL, but there is one caveat. Buying and returning lots of garments can be self-defeating, especially if the e-tailers do not put the returned garments back in stock to be re-sold.
At Maaji, we quality check all returned products before making them available for sale. In addition, we manufacture in small batches to minimize potential excess inventory. Any excess inventory that may accumulate is offered for sale first to partners. If there is any inventory remaining, we hold private sales for friends and family. If you’re interested in gaining access to such events, please sign-up here for our newsletter.
In addition to following a small batch production strategy, Maaji has a no-destroy inventory policy. Any inventory not sold through our existing channels is donated to a network of Colombian charities.
4. Look for Innovation
Find brands that support sustainability efforts through new technologies, production techniques, and materials and brands investigating upcycling and other leading sustainability efforts.
In addition to Maaji’s eco-friendly swim and activewear launches, our latest innovation is a limited edition upcycling collaboration with Miami artist and native Colombian Claudia Gontovnik. These must-have one-of-a-kind hand-made art pieces are a fusion of Claudia’s vision and local artisans living in Medellin, Colombia. Check out these fun and sustainable pieces here.
5. Choose Quality Over Quantity
Look for quality garments made to last. Choose versatile pieces such as reversible pieces or have multiple ways to wear that give you endless looks! When choosing quality over quantity, your clothes will last longer and save you money in the long run. Check out Maaji’s reversible swimwear here or our 4-way pieces here.
6. Care for Your Clothes
Take care of what you have; you spent a lot of time finding those must-have pieces, so make the most of them. Keep your closets organized so you see what you have and can easily keep track of what you like and no longer wear. If you find you aren’t wearing items anymore, donate them to a local woman’s shelter or resell them. Last but not least, read and follow the care instructions on your garments; this will help you keep your clothes in better shape longer and looking new.
In our journey to be more sustainable, we continue to explore new and creative ways to bring awareness, understanding, and commitment to being more sustainable and eco-friendly. If you’d like to be part of our journey, please let us know; sign-up here:
