Is it really possible to save the world? This noble crusader will try, because the world isn’t completely lost. Not just yet. We can’t all reach Greta Thunberg levels of sustainable piety — I mean, she travels by boat — but we can too scream at the plastic bag-touting dissenters with a passion, because HOW DARE YOU.
You see, climate change is real, and global warming is ever-looming; you don’t need Al Gore to tell you that. Reusable straws, cups and bags are so necessary, but also pretty common by now, just, you know, don’t get 10 metal straws because what’s the point then? Here, we’re celebrating a more well-rounded approach to sustainability, where finally, fashion has caught on. From recycled plastic and vegan leather, to less wasteful production processes, even cultural preservation, these are things a modern eco-warrior can appreciate. And yes, it’s okay if you’re tempted to get something for yourself too.
1. QUALY POLAR ICE BUCKET, $59.90
Available at mrphy.sg.
Happily host a Christmas dinner, while also reminding guests of the grim reality of global warming — just a gentle nudge though! This ingenious design allows melted ice to drip to the bottom of the bucket, which suggests rising water levels and a disappearing habitat for the poor polar bear below. Before it gets too upsetting, just know that there are practical upsides to the drainage system on this ice bucket: it ensures that the remaining ice melts slower, and that the ice above gets easily picked up.
2. W&P PORTABLE CERAMIC PORTER MUG, $34.24
Available at amazon.sg.
So long to disposable cups! This minimalistic mug is all anyone needs. Fitted with a silicone sleeve, your friend can bring their daily caffeine fix with them on the go. It just takes a little step to start reducing your eco-impact, and this is just it.
3. MITCHMATCHH TINGKAT, FROM $25
Available at Robinsons The Heeren, JEM and Naiise outlets.
If you’re going down the environmentally-friendly route then might as well take it up a notch and get these colourful tingkats! It does its job of reducing waste, but is also pleasing to the eye, and could be the talk of the lunch table so, why not?
4. KEEP LEAF SNACK BAG – LARGE (GEO), $13.50
Available at Naiise.
Whether it’s your daily PB&J sandwich your mom still makes for you, apples and bananas, or a chocolate waffle from your friendly neighbourhood bakery, you don’t have to reach for a plastic bag that you’ll promptly throw away after. These reusable baggies are made of a 100% cotton exterior — with cute designs to boot — while also lined with a waterproof material that’s lead, phthalate and BPA free. No more unnecessary litter!
5. M LIFE BEGINNERS YOGA MAT, £19.95
Available at mlifelondon.com.
Um, which eco-warrior doesn’t also like the calming zen of yoga? You tell us. If you know an aspiring yogini, this will keep them grounded. An eco-friendly yoga mat that’s versatile for all styles of yoga. The sage green and lotus print is lovely and all, but its key draw has to be the lack of ozone-depleting materials that goes into its production, so it’s completely latex and phthalates-free. Namaste, indeed.
6. BAGGU NET BAG, $79 [GIVEAWAY]
Available at Actually.
Plastic bags have fallen out of style faster than uh, that e-scooter ban taking effect. In a crowd of 20-somethings, you’ll be judged, downright shamed! So if you know someone with a similar experience, help them out with this Baggu piece, made from chunky net fabric. It’s a roomy design that fits essentials, and then some, and sturdy enough for groceries too. Best part? The funky colours. Who said environmentalists are boring!
7. KOI FOOTWEAR NAMI SQUARE TOE ANKLE BOOT, £35
Available at koifootwear.com.
Black boots are a closet staple, and these do just the trick. Not only are they made out of 100% vegan leather, but even the packaging they come in have been sourced from recycled cardboard, paper bags and stuffing. Continuously on the hunt for more sustainable methods, Koi is also currently working with their packaging partners on having their parcel bags made from PET plastic waste, and to make them recyclable.
8. CHPO MAVERICKS SUNGLASSES, $59 [GIVEAWAY]
Available at Actually.
Nothing shady about CHPO’s range of sunglasses. Each unisex piece is trendy and made of 100% recycled plastic — so really, doubly trendy! According to the brand’s mission statement, the reasonable price and great quality of their goods (UV400 protection!) are part of their stand for an equal society without racism, homophobia, and hatred against women, where they also offer collaborations where 100% of the profits go towards those causes. This makes for a brand we can stand by too.
9. ONITSUKA TIGER ‘ECOBEMBER PACK’ GSM SNEAKER, $149
Available at Onitsuka Tiger Takashimaya S.C., Jewel, and Suntec City.
More and more sneakers are going down the eco-friendly route, which means, finally, options! Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger has opted for a sustainable line featuring the GSM™, TIGER CORSAIR™ and MEXICO 66™ in clean, classic white, and we couldn’t be happier. Their approach sees uppers made using re-formed cow leather fibres that are usually thrown away, while the bulk of the shoes uses recycled leather — even the laces come in recycled polyester.
10. POMELO PURPOSE IV X OYSTER PETAL MULES, $74
Available at Pomelo.
Newly converted environmentalist? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re giving it as a gift for that friend of yours who’s hard pressed on saving the Earth, or even for yourself, consider building a sustainable capsule wardrobe with pieces like these timeless mules by Pomelo. They’re fashionable, functional and freakin’ earth-friendly!
11. EVERLANE THE MODERN LEATHER JACKET, $417
Available at everlane.com.
Everlane prides itself on being completely transparent on where their products are sourced and manufactured, all down to exactly what is costs to create something. Here, leather is sourced from three sheep farms in New Zealand, all of which are guaranteed the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. Working together with a single tannery in Chennai, India, energy and CO2 emissions are saved through the processes of this particular tannery, in addition to working with a water treatment facility that recycles 70% of used water. The classic leather jacket with a modern silhouette — and made with an ethical process? We’re sold.
12. MAJE ‘FIRST STONE’ DENIM JACKET, $625
Available at the Maje MBS boutique.
Maje already nails the cool-girl Parisian aesthetic, but this time, they’re also thinking ahead with their first sustainable collection, First Stone. Here, eco-friendly means reevaluating the denim production process — said to be one of the most wasteful processes in fashion — by way of a stone-wash technique that reduces water up to 95%, chemicals by 50%, and energy by 79%; after all, sustainability starts from making small wins.
13. OUTFYT ECO LUXE TULA CROP TOP + CORA BICYCLE SHORTS, $78 & $72 [GIVEAWAY]
Available at shopoutfyt.com.
When you’re on the eco-chic bandwagon and actively seeking quality fashion pieces that makes going sustainable a breeze, finding your ride or die seems a tall order. But with Outfyt, their range of sportswear items from their Eco Luxe collection is made with eco friendly fabric and nylon waste, such as fishing nets from the oceans and fabric scraps from mills. A+ for effort.
14. QLOTHE KEITHIA BATEAU NECK RUFFLE DRESS, $83
Available at hey.qlothe.com.
Besides using recycled cotton, hemp and lyocell fibres, Qlothe places sustainability at the core of everything they do, offering jumpsuits, dresses to accessories. They even ensure the welfare of the people they work with, opting for 100% plastic-free packaging and advocating for transparency with their garments.
15. MATTER THE CLASSIC WIDELEG + INDUS ARROW NOIR, USD149
Available at shop.matterprints.com.
This homegrown label takes on an all-rounded approach to sustainability — first, preserving heritage by establishing close relationships with artisan communities that respect their craft and tradition; then, striving for minimal waste design in pattern-cutting while also finding a use for leftover fabrics; and finally, only looking at season-less styles that you’ll want to wear even years from now, which is why buttons, wraps and fabric belts are used to adjust as your body changes and grows. It definitely helps that their prints and designs are so darn beautiful, both rustic yet modern — they’ve definitely earned our respect, and now, yours too.
16. REFORMATION COSTA BIKINI TOP, $115
Available at Reformation.
It’s getting hot in here — and we’re not just talking about the Earth. Metaphorically speaking, this top screams ‘Global Warming’ and for good reason. Made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon AKA 100% nylon waste rescued from oceans and landfills like fishing nets, carpet fluff and fabric scraps, Reformation’s line of bikini gives new meaning to all your hours spent by the beach.
For items with the ‘GIVEAWAY’ labels, we’re giving them away in our massive holiday gift guide contests — head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages daily to take part.
More of NYLON’s Holiday Gift Guides, coming soon — stay tuned! Click here to see our full list of gift guides.
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