CF Cadillac Fairview

Earth Day 2025 is almost here, making now the perfect time to show the planet some love through some sustainable shopping choices! Sustainable fashion isn’t about sacrificing your style — it’s about making small, eco-friendly changes that fit your lifestyle. Whether it's choosing durable fabrics, skipping express shipping, or shopping in person, sustainable fashion is about progress, not perfection. And the best part? Dressing with the planet in mind doesn’t mean giving up your personal style. Quite the opposite — eco-conscious wardrobes are often the most curated, intentional, and chic of them all. So, whether you’re seeking out sustainable fashion brands or looking for ways to pare down your wardrobe (without contributing to landfill!), this is your guide to shopping smarter and adopting greener habits. Keep reading for our best tips on how to shop sustainably!

We’ve all been there: scrolling late at night, hypnotized by a seductive new aesthetic (mob wife, tomato girl, coastal cowgirl — we listen and we don’t judge). Suddenly, you’re checking out with five things that start looking outdated before they arrive at your door. According to statistics, Canadians now toss over 1 million pounds of clothing every year, and about 85% of that ends up in landfills. That’s a whole lot of faux fur and cowboy boots. The stylish solution? Buy less, but better. Start by shopping for quality over quantity. Think about your favourite fabrics and silhouettes. Invest in well-made pieces that flatter you, fit you, and feel good to wear again, and again, and again. When you’re browsing, take a closer look: are the seams straight? Is the zipper sturdy? Is the fabric breathable, comfortable, and likely to survive laundry day? Prioritize natural fibres like cotton, silk, bamboo, linen, or wool. You’ll be rewarded with durable clothing that looks great, and outlasts everything in your closet! Want to take your sustainable fashion game up a notch? Channel your inner minimalist with a capsule wardrobe: a curated collection of just-right essentials that play well together and never go out of style. A capsule wardrobe isn’t about having less — it’s about having the right mix of pieces you love. Invest in staples you can mix and match to create countless outfits from season to season. Think a perfect pair of jeans, a couple of versatile coats, a comfy tee, and a little black dress you can transition from day to night with a great pair of boots and a sleek leather jacket.

Waiting is not the vibe when you’ve got a girls’ night on Friday and your cart is full of outfits you haven’t met yet. But next-day delivery comes at a cost: more trucks, more emissions, and more packaging. An easy solution is to choose the “standard” option when you check out online. Better yet, plan ahead and bundle your orders into one shipment. It’s like carpooling but for your cute new clothes. If you really want to lower your carbon footprint and keep your returns to a minimum, hit your local shopping centre. Shopping IRL means no wasteful packaging, no sizing guesswork, and a much lower chance of ending up with six nearly-identical versions of the same top in your “return pile” (surely that’s not just us…right?)

Shopping sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing your style — it just means being a little more intentional with your selections. Many sustainable clothing stores and labels are upping their eco-game with fabrics made from natural fibres, repurposed textiles, or low-impact dyes. It’s fashion with a conscience (and yes, it still slays.) Keep an eye out for sustainability certifications while you shop — they’re like little green stamps of approval for eco-friendly brands in Canada that can help you spot which pieces are genuinely planet-friendly. Pick out a reusable tote bag you love for a zero-waste shopping moment that’s fun and functional! And if you want even more sustainable shopping tips beyond clothing items, we’ve got you covered.

The average Canadian throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year. That’s like taking an entire suitcase of clothes, wheeling it to the curb, and saying “bye forever” every. Single. Year. But here’s the thing: most of those pieces still have plenty of life left in them. Gently worn pieces can get a second life when you donate them to local shelters or thrift stores. Who knows, they might just become someone else’s new favourite find. Plus, you’ll keep clothes out of the landfill while making room in your own closet for things you actually want to wear. Win, win, win! Want to make your clothes last even longer? Shop from brands that offer repair programs for their garments. A growing number of fashion labels will re-stitch, patch, or re-zip your favourite pieces — because sometimes all your beloved coat or sweater needs is a little TLC, not a landfill. If you’re feeling really ambitious, why not try to learn a few basic mending skills? Sewing on a button, hemming a pant leg, or patching a hole yourself can save you money — and with artistic techniques like visible mending, your repairs can make your clothes even more unique.

Greener choices, better outfits, and a closet you actually love? That’s the kind of energy we’re bringing into Earth Day 2025 and beyond. It’s not about doing it all — it’s about doing what you can! About to Google, “where to shop sustainably near me?” Save the shipping and swing by your local CF shopping centre — sustainable finds and planet-friendly pieces are waiting for you to find them. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you!