Eco Voyage

what exactly does it mean to shop consciously + live mindfully? to build an ethical wardrobe you're looking for a design-led piece {of course you have to love the way it looks + feels} but you're also seeking transparency in the supply chain, so as a consumer you're asking important questions. here, the folks at trunk collective, a unique online boutique offering eco wares for you + your home, break it down for us:

there are many hands that touch our clothes before they reach the racks we peruse, finally choosing an item based on style, color, fit, fabric + price. the frock or handbag you decide upon first starts as a fiber grown by a farmer {synthetics are sourced differently, stay tuned for a post on eco textiles that i've been working away on; i promise to make the world of sustainable fabrics less snoozy and more shopper friendly}; these fibers are then spun, treated with finishes, processed, embellished, printed, dyed, cut + sewn.

the questions we need to ask as consumers + citizens are less about whether a top is the right shade of blue or the best budget price, but more about whether it is made with respect to worker rights, animal rights + environmental practices. workers in the fashion industry often face abuses such as poverty wages, gender-based violence + reprisals for speaking up to improve substandard conditions.

while the triangle shirtwaist factory of 1911 in new york inspired labor law reforms in the united states, the majority of clothes today are manufactured in developing countries in workplaces lacking adequate safety oversight for workers or regulations to protect the environment.

the solution? use your voice to be heard. ask questions.

from our friends at trunk collective:

trunk collective was created on the simple belief that we can do better.

in traveling to places that have literally taken our breath away, opening our eyes to the beauty of the environment also meant seeing just how much waste and environmental damage has been created by fast-fashion and every-day products. we began to ask ourselves some very important questions:

who :: who is making our products?

where :: where do they come from?

how :: how are materials sourced?

beyond asking questions, we are intent on challenging our own purchasing decisions, community contribution and moral compass.

we are all agents of change through the brands and companies we support. by choosing fair trade, sustainably sourced and ethical brands, we are changing the world of tomorrow.

we invite you to our collective space where we feature brands we not only love, but believe in, while sharing tips and insights on leading a more sustainable, conscious lifestyle everyday.

every quarter, trunk collective will be choosing a new charity partner focused on environmental and wildlife conservation and 7% of all sales will be donated.

don't be shy about asking the managers or sales staff at your favorite retailers, "who made my clothes?" this simple question helps shed light on the growing movement of citizens who are actively seeking out information + making buying decisions based on this information, or lack of. the smart + stylish set, that's you, believe compassion + fashion go hand in hand.

head on over for some serious transparency, timeless, minimalist pieces + some beauties for your home.

until next time, stay green, dear hearts!

{pippin's picks: above fold over clutch by urban grey whale + bottom clockwise: yvonne long bar earrings by starfish project // repurposed industrial plastic billy cross body clutch by medusa // nontoxic + cruelty-free nail polish by gloss // handmade scarf by sasa designs by the deaf // images via trunk collective}