Dear Readers,

If you’ve recently become disabled, or you’re trying to support someone who has, there are probably moments when you wonder why everything feels so much harder than it should. The physical challenges are real, but what often catches people off guard is the invisible work of navigating systems that were never designed to be simple. I hope sharing some of these lessons helps you feel a little less alone.

Learning Disability from the Inside

You can spend your entire life supporting loved ones with disabilities and still be surprised by what it’s like when you become the person needing help. There is a profound difference between witnessing disability and living inside a body that suddenly has different needs.

If you’re finding yourself in that transition, give yourself permission to be a beginner. Learning a new way of living takes time, and needing support doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re adapting to a reality you never asked for.

When Every System Feels Like Another Full-Time Job

Healthcare, insurance, government programs, paperwork, appointments, phone calls—it can feel like managing your health becomes a job all on its own. Instead of focusing on healing, you’re often left chasing departments, correcting others’ mistakes, and repeating your story over and over again.

Whenever possible, keep a notebook or digital document with names, dates, confirmation numbers, and notes from every conversation. It won’t eliminate the frustration, but having everything in one place can save you time and energy when you’re asked to explain your situation yet again.

Fatigue Is More Than Being Tired

Disability-related fatigue isn’t just physical exhaustion. It’s also the mental weight of appointments, paperwork, waiting lists, insurance calls, and constantly advocating for your own care.

Protect your energy whenever you can. Rest is productive, and giving yourself quiet moments between responsibilities is just as important as checking another task off your list.

Visible and Invisible Disabilities Both Deserve Compassion

Not every disability can be seen, and even visible disabilities are often misunderstood. You may encounter people who make assumptions, ask invasive questions, or overlook the ways you need support.

Try not to let those experiences define your view of humanity. Know that there are people out there who will hold the door, offer patience, ask how you’re doing, and remind you that kindness still exists. Hold onto those moments when they come.

Accepting Help Isn’t Giving Up

One of the hardest parts of becoming disabled is realizing that your body can’t always do what your mind wants it to do. Even simple tasks like preparing meals or cleaning your home can suddenly require more energy than you have available.

If home health services, caregivers, family, or friends offer support, allow yourself to receive it without guilt. Independence isn’t measured by doing everything alone... it’s measured by finding sustainable ways to care for yourself.

Insurance Shouldn’t Be So Complicated

Few things are more discouraging than discovering that a simple administrative mistake can lead to months of phone calls, unexpected bills, and unnecessary stress. When you’re already managing your health, these barriers can feel overwhelming.

Don’t be afraid to question bills, request explanations, and advocate for yourself. Sometimes a single phone call (or several persistent ones) can correct mistakes that would otherwise become expensive problems.

Ask About Financial Assistance

Medical debt can feel impossible when you’re already dealing with lost income or rising healthcare costs. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer financial assistance programs, but they aren’t always advertised.

If you’re struggling with medical bills, ask every provider whether they have financial assistance, charity care, or hardship programs. Taking a few minutes to ask could save you thousands of dollars and provide peace of mind during an already difficult season.

Community Makes the Journey Lighter

Healing isn’t something you should have to do alone. Whether you’re navigating disability, chronic illness, mental health challenges, or simply trying to survive a difficult chapter, community reminds you that your experiences matter.

I hope this space continues to be one where you feel seen, respected, and encouraged. Together, we can build something softer than the systems that often fail us: a community rooted in compassion, curiosity, and care.

Take good care of yourself,

Arden M. Wayne
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
For Conscious Consumers

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Feel all the feelings. Let them rush in
like waves, then allow yourself to
float as you process them.

Warmly,
Arden M. Wayne & the
For Conscious Consumers Team

A Slower Perspective

Bad mental health days can either be a constant, or they might sneak up on you when you least expect it. It’s best to have a toolkit ready or a rough idea of how to navigate them, especially when everything else in life doesn’t plan on slowing down. Whether you’re experiencing a bout of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or daily stressors have just built up, we hope this week’s newsletter gives you additional tools to add to your kit and helps you feel a bit more prepared. Consider reading the following story about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) if you want tips on how to ride the wave:

What’s Worth Consuming

1. Article: “How 6 Therapists Manage Bad Mental Health Days” provides thoughtful advice on how to handle “off” days from practicing therapists.

2. Music: ‘Hard Truths’ by UMI and 6lack is the song to put on when you need a reminder of what really matters. Is it capitalism, materialism, shallow or toxic connections, and a traditional life? Or is it a core sense of self, healthy relationships, evolving, and living an authentic life?

3. Soundscape: Sometimes, the remedy to a cloudy mind is a cleansing soundscape. We love this grounding beach campfire scene and these comforting rain sounds. For times when you’re really feeling heavy, this emotional detox sound meditation may help restore your center.

4. Quote: “No feeling is final.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

A Thoughtful Ritual for This Week

Try crafting in honor of this week’s topic of taking care of yourself during bad mental health days. Whether baking, crocheting, coloring, painting, or molding polymer clay, do something that will engage your senses and get out of your head.

Tiny Shifts to Consider

1. Turn your brain off: go cloud gazing.

2. Open your blinds after waking up; let the light in.

3. Update your vision board. Assess what’s changed (and why).

4. Create a ‘happy’ playlist on YouTube or Spotify to turn to when you feel your mental health starting to suffer.

A Prompt for Your Sunday Reset

As we enter this next week, we hope you feel empowered to feel things as they come. If it’s too hard a task for you, try journaling or asking yourself:

What’s triggering me? What do I need right now? How can I reorient myself? How can I ground myself in this moment? How can I be compassionate to myself? Do I need more support than what I’m currently receiving? How can I ask for more support?

Consider reading our past article if you’d like more support during turbulent days or weeks:

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Living softly is a quiet revolution that
we desperately need and deserve.

Arden M. Wayne & the
For Conscious Consumers Team

A Slower Perspective

Soft living isn’t about giving up; it’s not about aesthetics either. Living softly has always been a quiet revolution, in which the overworked and overwhelmed choose freedom from exhaustion and from an unlived life. Originating from Nigeria, the movement has always been about rest, boundaries, and birthing a cultural reset.

However, those indoctrinated into hyper-capitalist societies take offense to the movement, equating it to laziness and a fleeting example of luxury. It doesn’t help that in recent years, its purpose has become buried beneath 5:00 AM morning routines, Pilates, avocado toast, and matching gym set TikToks. But as we slow down here together, we remember. We remember that our minds, bodies, and beings deserve rest—to be free of stress and to detach our self-worth from productivity. Not just sometimes, once we hit a wall, or when we remember to, but every single day. It’s a daily practice we have to choose. It’s a showcase of silent strength, rebellion, and therapy more than anything, not a throwing in of the towel or chasing a trend. It’s us saying that as human beings (emphasis on beings), we deserve every day to be a peaceful one.

If you’re not sure how soft living can be a remedy for you, consider reading the following story:

What’s Worth Consuming

1. Article: “Soft Life vs Hustle Culture: Why Gen Z Is Choosing Peace Over Pressure” explains how and why soft living is going mainstream.

2. Music: ‘Birds Eye View’ by Alina Baraz carries the essence of soft living. Filled with affirmations, she opens her heart to the universe to ask for a life filled with all forms of love and less resistance.

3. Podcast: Affirmation Pod is a great listen for consumers who want to live more intentionally and do the inner work to reprogram their subconscious. Affirmation Pod offers an archive of affirmations for every stage of life, even providing progressive relaxation episodes to help listeners fall asleep.

4. Creator: Lavendaire shares lifestyle design, personal growth, affirmations, and meditation videos to inspire viewers to be the artist they want to be, one who creates their dream life.

5. Quote: “Soft living is self-love in action,” and “Soft living means unlearning the need to hustle for your worth.” - Obtained via The Wandering Afro

A Thoughtful Ritual for This Week

In honor of this week’s topic of soft living, try saying “no” to one activity that’ll add to your mountain of pressure. Some may forget that a soft life comes with practicing boundary setting, and boundaries are a form of self-respect. If there’s something that’ll be too much for you, give yourself permission to let that thing go.

Tiny Shifts to Consider

1. Practice saying no without overexplaining.

2. Stop treating rest like it’s something you have to earn.

3. Stop making everything a side hustle; it’s okay to have hobbies.

4. Create more white space in your calendar to do whatever you like.

5. Make everyday moments feel intentional; soft living doesn’t require luxury.

A Prompt for Your Sunday Reset

As we enter this next week, we hope you feel empowered to live a little more softly with us. If it’s too hard a task for you, try journaling or asking yourself:

How can I be softer with myself? How can I give myself grace? What’s one or two things I can take off my plate? What’s one thing I can do to make my days easier… calmer? How can I enjoy life more?

Consider reading our past article about self-care if you want to hone in on what you need during this season of life:

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Give yourself permission to log off, rest,
and have undistracted experiences.

Arden M. Wayne and the
For Conscious Consumers team

A Slower Perspective

The most refreshing trend of 2026 might not happen online at all. As our lives become increasingly shaped by algorithms and AI, choosing to log off and unplug may be one of the most meaningful acts of conscious consumption.

De-influencing, media detoxing, dating in real life—people are breaking out of digital bubbles to escape mindless scrolling. More consumers are mass-unsubscribing from streaming services, opting for vinyl and DVD collections instead. Quiet travel, phone-free events, and having unplugged experiences are also on the rise. It’s an oddly hopeful cultural shift as AI rapidly penetrates every aspect of our daily lives and jobs. The AI boom has exposed our dependence on social media and apps thus far, inspiring people to disconnect to reconnect with themselves and others.

While unplugging is currently proving that slow living can find us in unexpected ways, we may not always be able to fully separate ourselves from technology, especially as corporations and social norms try to keep us reliant on it. In these moments of attempted domination, we must remind ourselves that our humanity and person-to-person experiences are the keys to our peace and sanity.

Consider reading the following story if you don’t know how separating yourself from your phone or devices could actually be the relief you’re looking for:

What’s Worth Consuming

1. Article: “The Great Logging Off: Intentional Screen Reduction is the New Wellness Move” shares how analog experiences are challenging the technologicalized status quo.

2. Music: ‘Goddess’ by Banks is what dark feminine dreams are made of. Doubling as a manifestation song, it can inspire you to live wholly and unapologetically from your intuitive power that may have been suppressed for years.

3. Podcast: The Do We Know Them? podcast is a great option for consumers who don’t want to be on TikTok but want to know all the latest happenings. It’s hosted by two best friends who are former influencers, allowing listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how influencing actually works as well as its consequences.

4. Creator: Gemary Ermus offers a minimalist’s perspective on slow living, style, and how to indulge in life’s little luxuries.

5. Quote: “In life, when an opportunity to see how others live arrives, you should grasp it with both hands. It will broaden your horizons and make you a better person.” - Nick Spalding, Logging Off

A Thoughtful Ritual for This Week

In honor of this week’s topic of logging off, try reducing your content intake this week. When you feel the urge to turn on a podcast, scroll Instagram, or drown out the world with your favorite playlist, intentionally choose to work or sit in silence instead. Tune into the sounds of the natural world around you, which provide a different kind of soundtrack—one that’ll remind you of the vastness of the universe and your role in it.

Tiny Shifts to Consider

1. Take a walk without consuming content.

2. Take yourself on a self-love date.

3. Read a book at the park or beach.

4. Play a board game with a small group of friends.

5. Attend a local, free community swap.

A Prompt for Your Sunday Reset

As we enter this next week, we’re hoping you feel empowered to log off with us (even in the smallest of ways). If it’s too hard a task for you, try journaling or asking yourself: How do I depend on technology? How can I build healthier boundaries and habits to reduce my dependence on technology? How am I resisting unplugging and why? How can I realistically unplug for a day or throughout the week?

Consider reading our past article about meditation if you’re looking to take disconnecting a step further:

The For Conscious Consumers newsletter is a weekly pause—a gentle inbox ritual to reflect, recharge, and reconnect. Each Sunday, you’ll find curated insights on self-care, slow living, conscious media, and ethical shopping. This is a newsletter for those who want to choose with intention and live with care.

Here, we invite you to find your calm with:

📄 Thoughtful reviews and reflections

🔦 Spotlights on conscious creators & brands

🤍 Self-care rituals and slow living practices

🔍 Curated finds: books, podcasts, products, and more

This is a free ‘For Conscious Consumers’ newsletter sent to everyone. If you liked this post and want more slow living, self-care, and sustainability content, think about becoming a paid subscriber to:

🗃️ Access the full archive

💬 Connect with others in our subscribers’ only chat

💻 Get exclusive newsletter posts and stories

Are you new here?

📧 Visit the full newsletter archive to get caught up on older posts

For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. We’d love to slow down with you!

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We’re now at a point in time where convenience takes precedence. Years of ‘same-day shipping’ marketing being ingrained in consumers’ heads have made Amazon a $2.5 trillion company. Where it’s been a financial blessing for some independent sellers, Amazon’s exploitation of collective exhaustion and the need for immediate gratification has caused extreme social and environmental harm. Increasing transportation pollution to the tune of 75% from 2019-2023 alone, producing an estimated 599 million pounds of plastic packaging per year, generating 68.25 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, regularly disposing unsold and returned goods—the sensationalized global retailer continues to have mounting unfulfilled sustainability promises.

These are all side effects of Amazon and its compelling shipping options that its over 300-600 million users may not be aware of before clicking purchase. With approximately 82.5% of these users being subscribed to Amazon Prime, it’s not shocking that these negative environmental impacts increase during Amazon Prime Day. In an effort to combat that, here’s a compiled list for consumers who might be too busy or exhausted to research conscious alternatives:

1. Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods is a certified B Corporation that specializes in unique gifts created by independent artists and small businesses. Unlike the endless scroll of mass-produced products found on Amazon, the marketplace focuses on creativity, craftsmanship, and transparency. From handmade home goods to thoughtful experiences, it offers consumers an opportunity to support makers while finding gifts that feel far more personal than another last-minute Prime purchase.

2. EarthHero

EarthHero is often described as a more sustainable version of Amazon, offering thousands of products across categories like home goods, personal care, cleaning supplies, and outdoor gear. The platform vets brands against environmental and social criteria, making it easier for consumers to discover products that align with their values without spending hours researching every purchase. While no retailer is completely impact-free, EarthHero removes much of the guesswork that can make conscious shopping feel overwhelming for consumers new to the ethical shopping movement.

3. Plastics Free

Plastics Free is a UK-based marketplace dedicated to helping consumers reduce single-use plastic waste in their everyday lives. The shop carries a curated selection of refillable, reusable, and low-waste alternatives for the kitchen, bathroom, and beyond. Rather than encouraging consumers to buy more than they need, the platform focuses on replacing disposable items with products designed to last, making it a practical option for those looking to lower their overall household waste.

4. Etsy

Etsy connects consumers directly with independent artists, makers, and vintage sellers around the world. While the platform isn't without its challenges, including concerns about mass-produced products appearing alongside handmade goods, it remains one of the easiest ways to support small businesses online. Taking a few extra moments to review seller information and product details can help consumers discover truly unique items while keeping more money in the hands of independent entrepreneurs.

5. Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org was created to help independent bookstores compete in an increasingly Amazon-dominated market. Every purchase contributes 10% of profits to local bookstores, either through direct selection or a shared earnings pool that supports participating shops. For readers who want the convenience of online ordering and e-book options without contributing to Amazon's growing control over the book industry, Bookshop.org offers a simple and meaningful alternative. *Disclosure: We are an affiliate of Bookshop.org, where your purchases support local bookstores. We will earn a commission if you click through our store and make a purchase.

6. Credo Beauty

Credo Beauty is one of the largest clean beauty retailers in North America, carrying skincare, makeup, and personal care products that must meet the company's ingredient standards. Beyond product selection, Credo has pushed for greater transparency around beauty formulations and packaging. While consumers should always do their own research and avoid assuming that "clean" automatically means sustainable, Credo provides a more curated shopping experience than traditional beauty marketplaces, especially with their Dirty List.

7. ThredUp

ThredUp is one of the world's largest online resale platforms, making secondhand shopping more accessible to consumers who may not have local thrift stores nearby. The platform allows shoppers to extend the life of clothing that already exists rather than fueling demand for newly manufactured products. While secondhand shopping isn't a cure-all for overconsumption, purchasing pre-owned items is often one of the lower-impact ways to refresh your wardrobe.

8. Sweetwater

Sweetwater is a music retailer that has built a loyal following among musicians, producers, and audio professionals through customer service and specialized expertise. Unlike Amazon's one-size-fits-all approach, Sweetwater employs sales engineers who can help customers find the right equipment for their needs. For consumers shopping for instruments, recording gear, or professional audio equipment, that level of support can be far more valuable than fast shipping alone.

9. Find a Local Business

This option may take a little bit more time, but that’s exactly what we promote here: slowing down to consume consciously. Whether it’s electronics, medical supplies, or a niche antique, consumers may just find coveted items out in their community. Amazon may have convinced consumers to value one-stop shopping over shopping local, so much so that it’s like most consumers are on autopilot and automatically default to hunting down products on Amazon; it’s like modern consumers have almost forgotten there are small businesses with particular specializations that provide locals-only discounts right outside their front door. Even if it’s become second nature for consumers to log into their account to take advantage of 2-day or same-day shipping, try searching for ‘[item] near me’ instead. Consumers may find that experiencing a mini adventure in their neighborhood and learning about a town shop owner is far more rewarding.

10. Shop a Swap

Free swaps are gaining traction as communities look for ways to reduce waste, save money, and build stronger local connections. Whether organized through neighborhood groups, libraries, community centers, nonprofits, or social media, swaps allow people to exchange items they no longer need for something they will actually use. Clothing, books, household goods, toys, and hobby supplies are especially common finds. Harkening back to the olden days of bargaining, not only do swaps keep usable products out of landfills, but they also challenge the idea that every need requires a new purchase. Sometimes the most sustainable item is the one that's already in someone else's closet, garage, or bookshelf. Try searching Eventbrite for a free swap in your area to participate in one. We promise, swaps provide an even better dopamine rush than regular thrifting.

While influencers and ads prey on our brain’s pleasure responses to making purchases and desires to shop sustainably, especially during Amazon Prime Day, it’s important to remember that the power is still in our hands as consumers. We aren’t slaves to a wasteful, shameless monopoly; on the contrary. We can choose to make kinder, more ethical buying decisions by shifting our minds to slow down long enough to consider better alternatives.

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Slowing down is a habit worth building.

Arden M. Wayne and the
For Conscious Consumers team

A Slower Perspective

This week’s topic is about living slowly to cultivate deeper joy. In a world that tells us to go-go-go with little to no reward, we can take our power back by slowing down. Although it’s not ingrained in us, we can honor our humanity and our need for rest in subtle ways that become long-term habits. We hope you find this week’s curated newsletter to be supportive, wherever you find yourself on your journey.

What’s Worth Consuming

1. Article: “How Dancing in the Morning Can Transform Your Day” shares how and why a solo dance party is good for not only your soul, but your mind and body.

2. Music: ‘Soft Girl Era’ by Ari Lennox is lyrically perfect for manifestation and a visual homage to 00’s pop/r&b legends. It’s been on repeat for us, and we’re sure it’ll give you the earworm, too.

3. Podcast: Let Me Fix It is a podcast for those who like upbeat, scholarly commentary on a mixture of political, pop culture, and news-related topics, hosted by two besties.

4. Creator: Shelbizlee is a content creator who dives deep into how to combat overconsumption with thoughtful tips, rants, anti-hauls, and no-buy experiments. Her archive of videos helps viewers practice conscious consumption and sustainable living without the pressure of having to be perfect. We highly recommend watching her latest video on walkability in the United States.

5. Store: Out of the Closet is a queer-friendly thrift store with all-gender clothing, shoes, bags, and home goods on a mission to offer free HIV advocacy, services, prevention, and treatment locally and globally through the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. They accept donations and sell donated items at lower prices than their competitors, often hosting deep discounts on weekends.

6. Quote: “Be a curator of your life. Slowly cut things out until you’re left only with what you love, with what’s necessary, with what makes you happy.” - Leo Babauta

A Thoughtful Ritual for This Week

In honor of this week’s topic of slowing down, try giving yourself enough time in the morning to have a full-blown dance party. Starting your day with music and dancing like no one’s watching you can help shed negative thoughts and energy that’s built up in your body. This is a ritual we’ve done for years (see the linked article above), and we can attest to the fact that it lifts your spirits and transmutes anxieties. Instead of enjoying a coffee or tea uninterrupted first thing in the morning, this is just another way of having a slow morning, so we hope you give it a try.

Tiny Shifts to Consider

1. Buy fewer, but more meaningful groceries.

2. Light a candle before opening your laptop.

3. Take a walk every day at golden hour.

4. Write down every good thing that happens to you every week.

A Prompt for Your Sunday Reset

As we enter this next week, we’re hoping you feel empowered to slow down with us. If it’s too hard a task for you, try journaling or asking yourself: What does living slowly mean to you? What does that look like for you? What’s stopping you from slowing down, and how can you implement it into your life in little ways?

Consider reading our past article about slow living if you struggle with making small changes to live a more stress-free and softer life:

The For Conscious Consumers newsletter is a weekly pause—a gentle inbox ritual to reflect, recharge, and reconnect. Each Sunday, you’ll find curated insights on self-care, slow living, conscious media, and ethical shopping. This is a newsletter for those who want to choose with intention and live with care.

Here, we invite you to find your calm with:

📄 Thoughtful reviews and reflections

🔦 Spotlights on conscious creators & brands

🤍 Self-care rituals and slow living practices

🔍 Curated finds: books, podcasts, products, and more

This is a free ‘For Conscious Consumers’ newsletter sent to everyone. If you liked this post and want more slow living, self-care, and sustainability content, think about becoming a paid subscriber to:

🗃️ Access the full archive

💬 Connect with others in our subscribers’ only chat

💻 Get exclusive newsletter posts and stories

Are you new here?

📧 Visit the full newsletter archive to get caught up on older posts

For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. We’d love to slow down with you!

Upgrade to paid

Follow on Instagram

Subscribe on YouTube

Over the last few months, two major stories have sent shockwaves through the sustainable fashion community. First, Allbirds announced the closure of its U.S. retail stores earlier this year. Then, Everlane (one of the original “ethical fashion” brands) was acquired by SHEIN. On their own, these might seem like isolated business decisions. But together, they raise a much bigger question: Is sustainable fashion in crisis or facing a turning point?

Let’s talk about why these stories matter, what they reveal about the state of the industry, and what conscious consumers should be paying attention to next:

The Allbirds Shutdown

Allbirds became one of the most recognizable sustainable footwear brands in the world. They had a clear identity, strong brand recognition, and successfully introduced many consumers to the idea that sustainability and mainstream fashion could coexist.

So when we hear about store closures, it catches our attention. But what’s interesting is that this isn’t happening in isolation. For years, smaller sustainable brands have quietly struggled. Some have downsized. Some have moved to online-only operations. Others have closed entirely. The difference is that many of those stories never received the same level of media attention.

Now we’re seeing the same challenges of higher manufacturing and material costs affecting brands that were once considered success stories. And that should make us pause.

The Everlane Sellout

And then, there’s Everlane. If you’ve been around sustainable fashion for a while, you know Everlane was one of the brands that helped introduce ethical fashion to mainstream consumers. They built their reputation around the idea of “radical transparency.”

Their marketing focused on showing customers how much products cost to make, how much they were marked up, and why they believed their pricing was fair. Over time, Everlane became a gateway brand for many people who were trying to move away from fast fashion. For years, they were especially known for basics, denim, and capsule wardrobe staples. But if you’ve followed the brand closely, you’ve probably noticed that consumers have been questioning product quality in recent years, including us.

If you read our in-depth review of Everlane’s Perform Activewear Collection, that’s one reason why this acquisition didn’t completely surprise us. When a company gets acquired, consumers naturally wonder:

1. Will the quality change?

2. Will the mission change?

3. Will the values that built the brand survive?

These are the same questions people ask whenever a beloved niche brand is purchased by a much larger corporation. The concern isn’t necessarily the acquisition itself. The concern is what happens afterward.

The Bigger Problem

Both stories point to a larger issue: Consumer needs have changed. Five or ten years ago, many consumers were primarily motivated by a brand’s mission. People wanted to know where products were made, who made them, how workers were treated, and whether brands aligned with their values.

Those questions still matter, but today, consumers are facing a very different economic reality. Many households are dealing with higher costs, tighter budgets, and more financial uncertainty. As a result, value matters more than ever, and that’s where many sustainable brands are struggling. Even consumers who care about ethics often have to make practical purchasing decisions.

A brand’s mission may inspire someone, but inspiration alone doesn’t always justify paying two or three times more for a product… at least, not in today’s economic climate.

What Sustainable Brands Need to Do Next

This isn’t the downfall of sustainable fashion; far from it! We’re entering a period of adaptation. This may open the door to other brands and retailers thinking they can pull a fast one on us all, but they’re going to be in for a rude awakening. Consumers still care about sustainability, but they want more than a good story and webpage rambling off conscious buzzwords: they want value, transparency, and increasingly, they want proof.

If Shein starts to claim it’s ethical after this acquisition, consumers and monitoring organizations will want receipts. If brands like Shein start bailing out sustainable retailers to claim they’re sustainable, consumers and monitoring organizations will want evidence. If questionable brands claim they’re improving worker conditions, consumers and monitoring organizations will want reporting and accountability. The era of making broad claims without backing them up is coming to an end. And honestly, that’s a good thing. The brands that survive will likely be the ones that combine sustainability with affordability, transparency, quality, and convenience.

The Everlane acquisition and the Allbirds store closures may look like separate news stories, but they’re more connected than some may think. Both reveal how difficult it has become for sustainable brands to grow, compete, and remain financially viable in today’s economy. The movement itself isn’t disappearing, but the business model needs to evolve.

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Dear Readers,

You know that SpongeBob meme where all the little SpongeBobs are running around in his brain trying to figure out what his name is? And they're frantically searching all the file cabinets for his name? That's what social anxiety can be and feel like. For some, social anxiety feels like the elephant in the room. It can be hard to push past the lump in your throat or the chaos in your brain to take practical steps to work through it as best as you can.

The Rollercoaster of Anxiety

The roller coaster of anxiety typically leads to depression—the spiraling, the crash—it may be a sudden onset or a consistent baseline for you. Whenever the terrible two arrive, they can manifest in different ways and require responses that best fit the trigger. Because they can’t be seen and aren’t expressed the same way across the board, some people may not believe you struggle with anxiety and depression, especially if you’ve established strong coping skills. This is the stigma that comes with invisible illnesses.

Invisible illnesses open the door to an array of perceptions, shaping what others think you are or aren’t capable of. For example, people close to you may think you can handle way more than you can, that you have it all together, or that you know all the answers because your anxiety takes over to plan for the worst. Depending on how anxiety presents or is masked, this may lead others to assume you don’t need help if they don’t take the time to get to know more about invisible illnesses.

As anxiety can come in handy for resolving others’ conflicts, it can go unnoticed that you, too, need support. If you’re also an introvert, it's not unusual that others will take anxiety or social anxiety personally. They may assume you don't want to talk to them because you think you’re better than them. When internally, the truth is that your mind is hyperactive, busy spiraling, catastrophizing, overanalyzing, and self-criticizing. It can be exhausting to explain to those who don’t believe mental health struggles are real, much less visualize or contextualize them, that what you experience is social anxiety. Oftentimes, social anxiety stems from being judged early in life, which leads to fear of saying the “wrong” thing and feeling immense shame, judgment, or embarrassment as a result. “Wrong” could be as simple as saying something that could be misunderstood, unintentionally hurtful, or perceived as unintelligent. Simply put, social anxiety is a trauma response.

Words of Encouragement

For anyone dealing with the rollercoaster of anxiety, social anxiety, and depression, just know that, however it shows up for you, your experience is valid. If you are part of a community or family system, family structure, or even a work environment that doesn't get it, know that you deserve genuine support. You are so strong and brave for being your own advocate in these types of environments. Continue showing up for yourself, doing the work, and loving yourself through it. Consult with professionals and build a strong support system so you receive the support you deserve. As you do that, here are some tips for working through anxiety and social anxiety at a reasonable pace:

1. Find Your Motivation

Social anxiety can present some major blockages to your growth. You may feel like you’re stuck or burdened with a lifelong challenge. Before you start pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, it’s important to identify your motivation for doing so. Ask yourself:

• Do you want to be more open in conversation with others?

• Do you feel like social anxiety has become a crutch?

• Do you want to stop feeling powerless or fearful?

• Do you want to make friends?

• Do you want to relate to others more?

• Do you want to form healthy relationships?

• Do you want to have more engaging experiences?

• Do you want to build a strong support system?

If you don’t challenge yourself, social anxiety can take over your life in subtle ways. You could find yourself living in regret and isolation, which can feel debilitating and dysfunctional. It’s not something you, “get over,” after all because it’s an invisible illness, and it doesn’t work that way. You can’t just wake up one day and say, “I have no anxiety, no depression, no social anxiety.” However, figuring out why you want to connect with others and find resources to lead an empowering, functional life doesn't hurt.

2. Know Your Options

Social anxiety can be triggered in a number of ways, so you may find that meeting with professionals results in various homework assignments, such as going on a coffee date with someone you want to be friends with. You may explore different options like medication, light therapy, and lavender supplements. Or, you may find ways to practice having light-hearted conversations in a way that makes sense to you—almost like exposure therapy. Knowing your options can make working through social anxiety more like exercising a muscle. Once you know what tools are available, you can lean on your strengths to confidently build that muscle and flex it more.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure it feels realistic, manageable, and not at all overwhelming. Just like you can’t wake up one day and “get over” social anxiety, it won’t be healed or become less taxing overnight either. Take your time. Work through it slowly, but steadily.

3. Do Practice Runs

Start out by creating scripts for yourself or brainstorming go-to phrases and questions, adapting them to the situations you find yourself in. For example, if you want to start livestreaming, script out your content and practice with private livestreams so you get comfortable with the idea of being on camera and speaking directly to an audience. As you gain confidence, you can shift from scripting to jotting down bullet points and speaking more off-the-cuff without being hyper-fixated on what you might say next or worrying about stumbling over your words. If you work in communications, marketing, or writing and struggle with social anxiety, do private practice sessions of pitches, presentations, and workshops first. There’s no guarantee your brain won’t freak out when you’re actually in presenter mode, but at least you have some sort of “muscle memory” to rely on in the moment.

4. Start Small

As you work your way up the ladder, challenge yourself to say one thing to someone new. It can be so debilitating just to think about saying “hi” to somebody as a chronic worrier. You might bury yourself in your phone or not want to speak to anyone because the symptoms that come with social anxiety are real: sweaty palms, racing heart, lump in your throat, sometimes watery eyes, or even pressure in your shoulders or chest. A lot can be happening physically, so it can help to break down the big, scary giant that is social anxiety into digestible action steps. For example, if you get a coffee every morning at your local coffee shop, challenge yourself to complement the quick bites they offer or ask the barista about their favorite menu item.

Even something light, like asking someone how their day is going, can be helpful to get out of your head. Once you get through that initial hurdle, you can move on to challenging yourself to carry the conversation.

5. Flow with the Conversation

People love talking about themselves, so asking questions about the other person can relieve some of those physical panic symptoms as the other person takes center stage. As someone who has used this to spark conversation, it’s a hack that actually works! This is where you’ll want to build on the previous tip of starting small. Once you feel comfortable doing more, challenge yourself to keep the conversation going by asking questions or finding commonalities to relate to the other person. Don’t let the conversation trail off or die, essentially.

Flowing with the conversation is an exercise of self-trust; in the end, you’ll be able to trust that you can navigate interactions and ask questions while remaining engaged and emotionally regulated. Being curious, open, and authentic during conversation can help you cope with social anxiety long enough to experience rewarding breakthroughs.

6. Dare to Be Seen

Social anxiety can also come with the fear of being seen, so you’ll want to (gently) throw yourself into situations that force you to confront your social fears. For example, try taking on gigs that require you to talk to multiple people every day, embody more leadership responsibility, or be the only subject matter expert. This is especially important if you prefer support roles where you can be more behind-the-scenes and not too forward-facing. Seek opportunities to break out of that comfort zone and any imposter syndrome that may accompany your fears. Doing so builds confidence and adds to your overall “muscle memory.” You’ll either master whatever you throw yourself into, be able to point people in the right direction, or secure a new talking point for future conversations.

7. Get Outside

If you are more introverted, you may have to force yourself to be more extroverted to survive in this big, capitalist world. You may prefer a comfy night in over exploring the town with friends, and it may be too anxiety-inducing to go out on your own. However, solo adventures have a lot to offer, especially if you treat them like self-care dates.

For example, make plans to test out that new restaurant in your neighborhood by yourself. When you do, you may notice that going out on your own forces you to confidently introduce yourself, speak up for yourself, and be more assertive when needed. It presents chances to mingle and practice what you’ve been learning (or unlearning) without having a “safe” person to buffer or speak for you. Where you may have been forced to flex as an introverted extrovert, it'll become more authentic without that forced speaking voice—you know, the one we all have when ordering through a drive-through. You can start dropping your mask, even if certain things are unexpected or can feel a little challenging. You’ll also get more comfortable being in public spaces to continue working through social anxiety.

8. Make Your Hobbies Social

Put your social skills to the text by trying them out in spaces you already like or feel comfortable with like museums, art shows, zoos, or painting classes. If finances are tight, take advantage of free virtual and in-person events in your area. Although another baby step, this will help you break down the walls you might’ve built up in your mind around socializing and being a “social” person. Because you’ll be socializing in settings that interest you, you can feel more at ease speaking without the intimidation of being in an unfamiliar environment. You’ll feel safe enough to go with the flow and connect with others in the moment. You can even invite your friends to join you as you become more confident, adding another element to flexing your social “muscle memory.”

9. Keep Exercising Your Social Muscles

Don’t stop at the first eight tips. Continue learning how to expand your social toolkit. Shed those unkind, critical thoughts of:

• "I don’t want to mess this up."

• "I want everything to be perfect."

• “Where do I fit in this conversation?"

• "What’s a good time for me to interject?"

When in doubt, practice deep breathing to break these thought patterns. Sometimes, it helps to tell the other person you experience anxiety and ask them to be patient with you. People respect that kind of honesty, and they even might be able to relate to you or share the same vulnerability. As long as you keep throwing yourself into situations that force you to confront the blockages you may experience, you’ll be able to form stronger relationships.

10. Say Affirmations

Working through social anxiety is rewarding, even though it’s not for the faint of heart. If you struggle with it, affirmations can round out your toolkit in addition to establishing a good care team. When it feels appropriate to do so, dig deeper to understand the root cause of the social fears you experience. Affirm that you’re working through, conquering, and releasing them. If you feel panicky as you’re connecting, breathe and validate yourself. Say affirmations like:

• I am receptive in social spaces

• I remain flexible in social settings

• I am honest and trusting when connecting with others

• I release negative thought patterns

• I release unhealthy ways of communicating

• I express myself in healthy, self-assuring ways

Ask the universe to remove the blocks or barriers to socializing with others so you can enjoy life to the fullest. Work through these blockages consciously and responsibly while saving and holding space for yourself. You’ll feel raw, exposed, and question yourself at times. When that happens, lean into your muscle memory, affirmations, and your inner circle. It won’t be easy to buck the narratives in your mind about socializing or letting others in, but getting to the other side of taking your power back and feeling fulfilled is worth it.

If you don’t know where to start, here are some affirmations to try:

The Affirmed Healer

Reprogram Negative Self-Talk | GSA 7: Affirmations to Manage Self-Talk & Social Anxiety

Discouraging mental chatter at an all-time high? Calm your anxiety and reset the nature of your own self-talk with these intentional affirmations. Let's clock out and tune into all there is…

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5 years ago · The Affirmed Healer

As you continue to work through social anxiety, know that you’ll find your people. You’ll find your voice, support system, and the process that works best for you. So, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself or tear down walls to have fulfilling breakthroughs. Years later, you’ll be so proud of yourself and amazed by your courage when you see how far you’ve come. You might still have moments where you feel like that SpongeBob anxiety meme creeps in, but it won’t be as often, and you’ll know exactly what to do.

Don’t be afraid to get social,

Arden M. Wayne
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
For Conscious Conscious Consumers

Dear Readers,

Finding supportive friends at any age is hard to come by. Friendships are like long-lost treasures and may be the only sense of home or source of unconditional support for some. Especially for disenfranchised folks, sometimes friends are our chosen family. It can be challenging for people with different perspectives and walks of life to truly understand how bias and social constructs can alter the foundation of a friendship. Couple that with people’s past traumas, inherited toxic traits, or bad habits they picked up along the way into adulthood—for some of us, there comes a time when re-evaluating friendships is a must. If you’re feeling like the odd one out, here are some warning signs you might be outgrowing your squad or in need of minimizing your presence in the group chat:

When You’re Tokenized

With the world's makeup becoming more diverse, it’s not all that unpopular for some people to be hyper-focused on optics regarding their friend groups. Some people may view closeness with marginalized folks as proof in the pudding that they aren’t biased or prejudiced. They may think being around other cultural groups will boost their social capital by virtue signaling or gaining access to experiences and figures they wouldn’t have otherwise come across. They are excited to introduce you to their core group, speaking for and over you during the introductions. They’re almost all too excited to exploit your cultural trauma to seem like a great person for being there for you, parade you around to seem “open-minded” and “educated” on social issues, or mimic your accent to appear more relatable. They may declare to be an ally; however, when things get real, they either fail or don’t know how to show up as one at all.

People who behave this way see otherized people as pawns and props, not as humans; it’s about what you can do for them and how their closeness to you can improve their social perception. By reducing you down to a story of adversity or stereotype, they essentially strip you of your humanity. Their actions say they aren’t concerned with what you need out of life, a friendship, or how uncomfortable they make you feel; your exchanges are purely transactional to them. Their behavior signals how much they minimize your existence and experiences, limiting your fullness, significance, and expression. These are the people to run—not walk—away from as soon as you see the warning signs because odds are, they’ll have very little regard for your boundaries and emotions.

When Your Needs or Concerns Don’t Matter

Some people are emotionally attuned to their friends and, at the very least, can validate their friends’ feelings or experiences. These folks are likely open to personal growth and value emotional safety and security in relationships. Unfortunately, some people haven’t experienced or seen this behavior modeled before and don’t know how to exhibit emotional intelligence. You may find that they frequently belittle and bulldoze over your boundaries as if they’re optional. Or, they may say you’re overreacting about something that’s happened and are “making a big deal” when you point out how you’ve been mistreated in some way. This may especially happen when you point out how you face discrepancies due to being otherized; suddenly, the conversation becomes an oppression Olympics, and nothing you’ve been through could ever be that bad compared to what they (or others) have been through. Because they have never walked the world in your body, you may find that they dismiss your concerns if they’re related to possible misconduct or injustice resulting from activities they deem harmless.

People who behave like this lack empathy and awareness. Your friend(s) may be quick to invalidate your pain, blame you for what you’re experiencing, and use the phrase “you’re too sensitive” as a band-aid or a means to escape accountability for what they’ve said or done. These kinds of toxic friends are emotionally immature, unsympathetic, self-focused, and relate to the world only through their own lens. They don’t know how to put themselves in other people’s shoes and expect everyone around them to adopt their beliefs or viewpoints on life. They may even try to dictate how you should respond to issues, but shame your approach if and when you share it with them. They are incredibly unaware of how social structures may limit your ability to overcome obstacles or even have the space to be vulnerable enough to process those obstacles. You may want to try distancing yourself from these so-called friends, as their harshness and hollowness will cause you to doubt yourself, your reality, and what you ask for from a platonic relationship. If your friend(s) haven’t learned how to simply listen without judgment or extend the slightest bit of sympathy to others by their twenties, there’s a slim chance that will change without significant life challenges that encourage their self-reflection and self-work.

When Your Support Isn’t Reciprocated

A continual theme in life and partnership, friendships also ebb and flow. There will be moments when you need more support at a certain point, and vice versa for the other party. No one should be tracking or counting when these trade-offs happen; however, friendship should be a reciprocal relationship. Friends who flake, are full of excuses, or can’t make the effort to support you as best they can may not see you as an equal. They may be used to you being the one who is reliable, responsible, answers every call, or shows up for them. They may be used to you being the giver or even an over-giver in the connection, but they don’t know how to give others what they’re used to receiving. These “friends” are draining, also known as energy vampires, whether they are intentionally or unconsciously siphoning your energy.

People who behave like this take others for granted. Your friendship may be one-sided, where your bestie(s) frequently trauma dump with the expectation that you’ll always be free to support them through their issues and offer endless emotional labor; however, when the roles are reversed, their lack of interest in you and your well-being is glaringly apparent. They may exhibit annoyance or shoot off short quips when you start opening up to them, and they may even try changing the subject when you attempt to. These types of people may also be alright with sharing what’s going on in their lives, but they are uncomfortable with others doing the same. If this pattern continues after speaking to them about it, you may have to dissolve the friendship slowly. They may be aloof, emotionally unavailable, or a little bit of both. Either way, you don’t have to settle for unrequited relationships of any kind.

When Your Friends Can’t Be Happy for You

Sharing milestones with loved ones is how we create some of our fondest memories, and you never forget those who leap at the chance to celebrate your success. Some of those in your inner circle may be there to support you for all your “down bad” days, but you may find the same enthusiasm isn’t applied when you’re gushing about your new promotion, personal health goal, romance, financial accomplishment, or travel plans. Your friendship may all be good when your friend’s life is on the up and up. In these times, you encourage and congratulate them, no questions asked. However, they seem to find something wrong with anything and everything when life’s going well for you. They may frequently refer to happenings as too good to be true, point out flaws, speak down on your opportunities, and diminish accomplishments; they might even mention your past struggles to highlight your fears and insecurities.

People who behave like this are in a constant state of comparison and competition. These sorts of people are threatened by others expanding their lives beyond them, as well as what they’ve been able to achieve. They may seek the same “moment,” or you find them trying to “one-up” yours. This is because they may secretly think they’re more deserving of the happiness you’re experiencing—yes, as in they think they deserve it more than you do. Or, it could be that your buddies may have difficulty facing their shortcomings, stagnation, and where they find themselves in life. Whichever way the cookie crumbles, rid these people from your circle immediately. Their child-like envy will slowly become a cancer in your relationship, poisoning your mind against the goodness occurring in your life and hindering your ability to bask in joy or share your wins.

It’s not often that people talk about how anxiety-provoking it can be to make friends or lose friends as an adult. If you’ve been conditioned as a childhood survivor of trauma, disenfranchised identity, or an oppressed/ethnic group, sometimes you can find yourself surrounded by friends who are eerily similar to people who liked to make you feel small or worthless early on in life. If you miss the warning signs, you might find yourself repeating relational patterns that once kept you safe as a child.

Like any other type of relationship, friendships should be built on reciprocity, respect, and trust. All parties should have equal space and opportunity to evolve and lean on the other in times of need. There shouldn’t be conditions; all parties should be able to freely share joys, pitfalls, and concerns without fear of weaponization. Competition should be non-existent; all parties should make a reasonable effort to understand each other’s feelings, needs, and hardships. Differences in thought, perspective, and problem-solving should be explored; at no point should any party feel less than, manipulated, indebted to, or dependent on the other. All parties should be free to discover their whole selves within and outside the parameters of the friendship with a healthy sense of attachment and detachment. Otherwise—if no one’s told you yet—any friendship that’s not mutual or rooted in true allyship isn’t a friendship worth having, saving, or settling for at all.

Don’t let anyone play in your face,

Arden M. Wayne
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
For Conscious Conscious Consumers

Dear Readers,

Is the creator economy that much better than Corporate America? With skyrocketing grocery prices and the rise of TikTok, more and more people are looking to find their passion and make it their full-time gig. However, creators of color should be forewarned because all that glitters isn’t gold. Where you can be your own boss and fulfill all of your creative desires, you may still face similar office-politics obstacles in the digital creator space. Here are three things to keep in mind when you want to throw in the towel:

Your Presence Matters

One thing I learned during my restorative time offline was how much one person of color can create a ripple effect in the industry. On days when you feel like giving up, be reminded that you are making an impact by showing up. Your presence matters, and your voice matters. You have a special way of relating to and connecting with people. Your perspective, your essence, your style of connecting—it all matters. Your energy resonates with folks and is making an impact, even if you don’t see it.

Sometimes, delayed gratification and racialized hate comments can eat away at you. Then, there’s witnessing others prosper from aspects of your culture or vernacular while algorithms block you from doing or saying the same things. Let’s also not forget how you may be treated differently from your peers, especially in group settings. It may feel like you’re showing up daily with nothing to show for your progress. Despite all the work you’re putting in, it can feel like the universe is trying to tell you to hang it up. It can be hard to assess the healthiest response in these moments. You may want to take a step back to protect your peace or push through the ugly truth that biases are shaping your experience. Maybe you’re burning the candle at both ends, and you could give a little less to preserve your mental health. With some people wanting to limit the social progress of melanated folks, do what feels best to reset and uphold the mindset that your absence won’t be for the long term.

You Are Building Beautiful Communities

Remember that the community you're building reflects you when you’re looking for reasons to keep showing up. Your community shows up to support you, other folks in your audience, and the shared causes your community cares about. The value of your essence extends beyond you, whether you are one of the only creators who look like your audience or one of many.

Even if talent management agencies aren’t approaching you, you’re inspiring others just by showing up in your space. Representation is powerful, and your consistent presence might be carving out a path for other BIPOC creatives or those in your community. So, if you feel like a small fish in a gigantic pond, remember you were called to your lane for a reason. Maybe there wasn’t someone who looked like you doing what you do. Perhaps you offer a much more unique perspective or expertise that others find incredibly relatable and helpful. No matter what kind of art or content you make, that kind of impact and engagement is priceless. So, never let industry folk sell you or your community short.

You Are Worthy of It All

Rest, recognition, support, equal pay… You are worthy of it all. Most of us melanated folk struggle with imposter syndrome as we exist in a world that tries to convince us every day that we don’t belong and aren’t enough; that is the greatest lie ever told.

You are capable, competent, and absolutely worthy of asking for more. Defining what “more” means to you and committing to your standards may be beneficial. Brands may try to convince you to settle and backtrack on your rates. Stay strong, don’t waver, and don’t settle for crumbs. Like corporate America, social media brands are banking on the fact that people of color will be happy with being allowed in their space or acknowledged as talent. Some of them may try to pay you in “exposure,” but remind them that your bills and livelihood as a human matter just as much as theirs and the next creator. You may have to vet managers or train those you trust to be in positions to advocate for and protect you. Those around you should be vying for you to receive the same opportunities as your peers with similar agreements. Your team should help make your journey more freeing, equitable, and accessible… Not one hyper-fixated on numbers, greed, or sacrificing your integrity to make a deal or promotion work. You deserve a team that serves as your rock and backbone because you are worthy of unconditional support. You are worthy of the same love and support you give.

Take care of yourself every step of the way, no matter how you chase creative freedom. Putting yourself out there as a marginalized identity isn’t for the faint of heart. Burnout, exhaustion, and comparison are all very real and tend to hit hard. If you’re experiencing a block or looking for reasons to stay in the game, remember you are magic. You deserve a career that fulfills you. You deserve to be surrounded by good people, things, and experiences. You deserve to take breaks when the days get overwhelming, and your artistry and humanity should always be respected; never compromised.

Happy creating,

Arden M. Wayne
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
For Conscious Conscious Consumers

Dear Readers,

How do you navigate toxic work environments? In 2017, I was hazed at a new job and had a traumatic first-time experience with Human Resources. Finally, leaving that job a couple of years later felt so empowering. However, it showed me that America’s workplaces have a real problem with power, bias, and accountability.

A few years later, I joined a team that prided itself on ethics and inclusivity. Unfortunately, I realized as the only black womxn on the team that those were just pretty words with no action or intention behind them. After my supervisor posted something racist and I gave the company feedback they requested about the situation, I found myself without a job just in time for the holidays. It was a gut punch I wasn’t prepared for, and it was the final straw that got me to leave corporate America altogether.

Even in work environments that may be predominantly minorities, I’ve still had my fair share of emotionally and culturally insensitive coworkers, egomaniacs for bosses, and toxic workplace cultures that leave me wanting to quit all traditional labor alternatives to become a full-time, serial entrepreneur. The rise of conversations about workers’ rights, strikes, and toxic workplace lawsuits begs the question: How can marginalized identities survive these environments? How can we navigate them while keeping our peace intact and at the top of our minds?

1. Uphold Your Own Boundaries

One thing that’s important to remember: You’re a person first, not a work mule. Although it’s very tempting, don’t do unnecessary emotional labor or education. People of color, especially Black people, have been conditioned for centuries to understand, anticipate, and serve the needs of everyone around us. This leads to us abandoning our own needs, overworking with limited opportunities for advancement, and being severely underpaid. Society also has a knack for normalizing the magical negro trope whenever possible, but people of color are not adult babysitters or emotional support dogs. It’s exhausting to consistently think steps ahead, navigating and assessing your safety in various settings while coaching socially inept people. So protect your peace now, and make a commitment to yourself that you’ll stick to your scope of work only. Doing favors and putting in extra time can quickly become taken for granted.

Limit code-switching as much as you can as well, and don’t apologize for being your authentic self. It may be like second nature to make everyone else around you comfortable with your presence, but challenge yourself to refrain from shrinking yourself. Break free from the boxes and mental categories people tend to put you in. Buck the norm of what a “fill-in-the-blank” person is supposed to look, sound, act, and perform like. This can start unraveling the threads of the status quo at your workplace and highlight how exploitation, intolerance, and power imbalances show up.

As you uphold these social boundaries, understand your rights. For example, others’ curiosity about curly locks leads some people to put their hands in other folks’ hair. If you didn’t consent, that is assault and unwanted touching. Yes, I’m a firm believer in using appropriate words for people to understand the severity of their actions. No matter how playful the dig or offense, you have the right to seek recompense for offenses. It may be helpful to brush up on policies regarding conflict and conflict resolution at your organization. Some workplaces require arbitration, so you’ll want to know what your options and obligations are if you feel actions have escalated to the point of making a report.

2. Don’t Count on DEI and Solidarity

Understanding the lingo is crucial. DEI has slowly transitioned over the years to mean a workplace inclusive of women, specifically white women. Although we’ve made some strides as a society, people of color still have to jump through hoops to get through the door. You may notice that you’re asked to prove your expertise with more reference checks and work samples than others. Then, coworkers and authority figures may question and undermine your experience when you’re acting as a subject matter expert in the position. You may not know how to describe this initially, but know that this is rooted in bias and white supremacy. It means your workplace still has a lot of ways to go to truly practice inclusivity and respect other identities in authority positions, especially those who have more knowledge than what some are comfortable with.

Certain work environments have their own lingo as well. For example, a workplace that describes itself as “scrappy” means you will more than likely have little support in making unrealistic expectations happen on strict timelines and with little input, no matter how much the organization claims to be team-driven and values your voice. With marginalized folks typically getting the short end of the stick when asking for support, it’s best to crack the code of a workplace. Google key phrases used on company career pages and meet with newbies to decipher what the work environment will really be like. If you can nail down a couple of informational interviews or coffee chats with other diverse people at the company, you can put your feelers out for what you might experience.

Solidarity—specifically POC solidarity—amongst the working class would be nice to have. It’s not always a realistic expectation, however, and shouldn’t be considered a given. Since capitalism has us all in a chokehold, know that some people view work as strictly business and not at all about community — aka, they’re only there for their paycheck, growth, and advancement. Some POC and disenfranchised identities may be in denial about how accepted they are as well. They may deny that racism, colorism, sexism, ableism, ageism, etc., affect them and their work. They may believe all employees are judged based on their merit and productivity alone. In other words, these folks are drinking the Kool-Aid. These are not the people to confide in or seek camaraderie. You’ll want to establish other allies in your workplace instead.

3. Establish External Allies

The phrase “it’s who you know” has its advantages for those who may not have as much social currency as others. Making friends in toxic workplaces with those adjacent to you can offer perspective. Perhaps what you’re experiencing is an organizational-wide phenomenon, and you can find allies in those holding similar positions. Have honest conversations with the circle you curate—questions like:

• Do supervisors share the same temperament when employees set boundaries?

• Do you feel you’re able to do your job well in the current environment?

• Are you getting paid the same for executing similar tasks?

• How would you want the work culture to change?

• What would help you do your job more effectively?

They may share the same background, concerns, and needs, which would be better brought to the forefront together as a united front. You’ll also be able to support each other through the chaotic field of microaggressions, mistreatment, fear, and ego trips. If available at your workplace, you might want to put in the time to befriend a couple of Human Resources employees. With more intimate knowledge of your work and perspective, they may be able to offer unique guidance or advocate for departmental transitions that may be a better culture and leadership fit for you. If all else fails, or in addition to creating a chosen family of friends, try identifying allies within the external collaborators you work with. You should have at least one person from partnering teams you trust enough to share your experience with if you don’t feel comfortable with anyone else at your organization.

4. Reconsider Human Resources

Depending on how genuine the workplace is about creating a healthy and inclusive environment, it may be worth it to get Human Resources (HR) involved. Smaller companies may hire out and retain a Human Resources consultant to resolve issues if they have a designated party or department at all. Remember that Human Resources is there to protect the workplace, company, or organization. That means you’ll want to:

• Document and save everything related to the toxicity

• How toxicity is showing up

• Who is ruffling feathers

• Specific incidents with “receipts”

• How you’ve tried to resolve the situation

• What you would like to see by coming forward with your experience

HR may not always be able to enact change, as you may be the first brave soul to come forward, but they typically don’t take kindly to retaliation of any sort by superiors. It may take a while to see actual progress, as they do have to follow protocol, so maintaining a record of what’s happening at the moment is highly recommended to safeguard your sanity in the meantime. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a different contact if you feel the specialist you’re speaking to is exhibiting prejudice of any kind.

At the end of the day, your peace matters. You deserve to feel safe in every aspect of the word. Whether that’s at home, at work, in conversation, or in partnership. Build a strong support system of good-natured, compassionate people. They are out there, and they can make navigating harmful work environments a little bit more bearable. We may not all love our jobs because debt slavery is a real thing in capitalistic states, but protecting your peace as a person of color in a toxic workplace should never come at the cost of your health, mental health, or livelihood.

Trust your instincts,

Arden M. Wayne
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
For Conscious Conscious Consumers

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Being a changemaker is more than just advocating for social issues, justice, or equality. It’s also about calling for change in the small, ordinary, everyday facets of life. As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season picks up, here are some ways to stay true to the activist in you.

Shop Small

Challenge yourself to find small-business alternatives to big-box suppliers. The Amazon's of the world are extremely enticing because of their convenience and monopoly, but there are plenty of small businesses that can meet your material needs and feel-good service expectations.

Shop BIPOC

With the recent spike in interest in investing in BIPOC creatives and brands, supporting Black, AAPI, Latinx, and Indigenous shops is a classic showcase of crowd power. Doing so signals to investors the importance of amplifying diverse missions, as well as showing artists and brand owners themselves that their craft (or storefront) is appreciated and can stand tall on its own.

Shop Green

Tackle intersectional issues when you shop for green and forest restoration projects. When scrolling for the perfect gift, check to see if the brands and service providers you frequent are partnering with farmer coalitions, replanting organizations, eco-friendly packaging initiatives, community gardens, and conservation organizations. Wherever it applies, also try to buy refurbished, upcycled, or used. Even the smallest contribution towards sustainability makes a huge difference.

Shop Local

Reduce shipping stress by shopping at your local bookstore, e-boutique, or home goods store. This goes hand-in-hand with shopping small most times, but shopping local also tells the market that supporting your next-door neighbor is more in demand. Skip the stress, scour your map app, and take a stroll to see what love-infused gifts and products you find.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Making conscious decisions is how consumers can shift the market and tip the scales towards a more balanced society. Relax, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. The more you put these small steps towards unified progress, the easier it becomes — and more of a normalized ritual.

From “ethical” branding to performative activism, conscious consumers are being marketed to harder than ever. Here’s how to recognize when a brand’s values might not match its reality:

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a brand’s website wondering, “Wait… is this actually ethical, or just really good marketing?” you’re not alone.

As conscious consumerism becomes more mainstream, more brands are learning how to look ethical. They know the language and aesthetics, and they know consumers care about sustainability, fair labor, inclusion, and social impact. And unfortunately, some companies are using that awareness as a marketing strategy rather than a genuine commitment.

We’ve heard a lot about greenwashing over the years, when companies exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental efforts. But now we’re seeing another layer emerge: fairwashing.

Fairwashing happens when companies present themselves as equitable, ethical, or socially conscious while their actual practices don’t fully reflect those claims. Sometimes it’s blatant. Other times it’s subtle, hidden behind vague wording, emotional storytelling, or glossy impact reports that say a lot without actually saying much.

For consumers trying to make thoughtful purchasing decisions, it can feel exhausting to navigate. It’s important to remember that being a conscious consumer isn’t about becoming a “perfect” shopper. It’s about learning how to pause, ask questions, and recognize when marketing is pulling on your emotions more than offering transparency. Here are three major signs of fairwashing to look out for:

1. Emotional Marketing That Pressures You to “Do Good”

One of the biggest red flags in fairwashing is when brands lean heavily into emotional storytelling to encourage purchases. You’ve probably seen it before:

• “Your purchase helps save women and children.”

• “Shop with purpose.”

• “Shop your values.”

• “Be part of the change.”

• “Lift communities out of poverty.”

On the surface, those messages sound compassionate, and sometimes, they genuinely are. But it’s important to pay attention to how brands are telling these stories.

Are marginalized communities being centered as full human beings with agency and dignity? Or are they being positioned as props in a “savior” narrative designed to make consumers feel heroic for buying a product?

This is especially common during the holidays, when brands amplify “giving back” campaigns and emotionally charged messaging. Consumers are encouraged to shop not just for themselves, but to feel morally good about spending money.

The issue isn’t necessarily that companies donate or create economic opportunities. Ethical initiatives can create meaningful impact. The problem arises when brands use vulnerable communities primarily as branding tools, especially while centering themselves as the heroes of the story. So, here’s a good rule of thumb:

• Look closely at the language

• Look at the imagery

• Notice who gets centered in the narrative

• Ask yourself who benefits most from the storytelling: the community, or the company’s image?

Sometimes what’s presented as empowerment is actually just polished virtue signaling.

2. Diversity Statements Without Real Representation

Another major sign of fairwashing is performative diversity. Many companies today have polished DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) pages filled with carefully crafted language about belonging, empowerment, and social responsibility. But when you look deeper, the reality may tell a different story. A company can publicly support equality while still lacking diverse leadership, creating unsafe environments for marginalized employees, underpaying workers, or upholding discriminatory workplace practices internally.

And often, the people most affected don’t feel safe enough to speak up. This is why representation matters beyond marketing campaigns. If a company claims to support marginalized communities, it’s worth asking:

• Who actually works there?

• Who holds leadership positions?

• Who gets visibility?

• Who makes decisions?

At the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, the “Pull Up or Shut Up” campaign challenged brands to publicly disclose the racial makeup of their corporate teams. The movement highlighted how many companies were outwardly supportive online while lacking meaningful diversity behind the scenes.

And diversity goes beyond race alone. It can include: gender identity, disability, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, age, and socioeconomic background. A company’s values should be reflected not only in its marketing, but in its internal culture and hiring practices, too. Because ultimately, inclusion isn’t just a statement on a webpage. It’s something people experience (or don’t) within an organization.

3. “Transparency” That’s Actually Confusing

Transparency has become one of the biggest buzzwords in ethical branding, but not all transparency is truly transparent. Some brands release lengthy sustainability or ethics reports packed with corporate jargon, vague metrics, and overwhelming amounts of information that are difficult for the average consumer to understand. Ironically, too much confusing information can function as its own form of deception. If you need a corporate law degree to understand a company’s impact report, that’s a problem. Real transparency should make it easier, not harder, for consumers to understand where products are made, who makes them, how workers are treated, what materials are used, and what measurable impact the company is actually having.

When reading ethical claims, look for clarity over complexity. Can the brand clearly answer:

• What exactly are they doing?

• What goals have they met?

• Where are they still falling short?

• Are they providing evidence or just broad statements?

If everything feels intentionally vague, overloaded with jargon, or emotionally distracting, trust your instincts and dig deeper.

Tools That Can Help Conscious Consumers

Trying to research brands on your own can feel overwhelming, especially when every company claims to be “ethical,” “sustainable,” or “purpose-driven.” Thankfully, there are a few resources that make the process easier:

• DoneGood — A marketplace that vets ethical brands and explains the standards companies must meet before being featured.

• Good On You — An app and directory that rates fashion brands across categories like labor practices, environmental impact, animal welfare, and transparency.

• Certified B Corporations — A type of for-profit business that meets the environmental, social, and transparency standards and certifications set by B Lab, a global nonprofit looking to balance the current economic system of putting profits before people and the planet.

These tools aren’t perfect, but they can offer a helpful starting point when you’re trying to shop more intentionally without getting buried in corporate marketing language.

Conscious Consumerism Isn’t About Perfection

At the end of the day, being a conscious consumer isn’t about getting every purchase “right.” It’s about paying attention; it’s about recognizing when brands are using social justice, sustainability, or compassion as aesthetics rather than commitments. It’s about understanding that ethical marketing can still be manipulative marketing.

And it’s also about leaving room for nuance. Not every ethical brand is a scam or is practicing deceptive marketing. There are companies genuinely trying to do better. There are companies investing in fair wages, safer production practices, sustainability initiatives, and equitable workplaces. Those efforts matter.

The goal isn’t cynicism—the goal is discernment. Because if brands are going to profit from the language of ethics and justice, consumers deserve honesty in return. And maybe the most powerful thing we can do as consumers is to continue asking questions, sharing resources, and holding companies accountable while remembering that progress, not perfection, is what moves industries forward.

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It was rather difficult curating this season’s sustainable style recommendations according to its trends. Partially because of limited brand-provided sustainability reports and environmental impact, as recycled plastics are still plastics. Partially because of and/or their unethical scandals. Primarily because ethical and eco-friendly garment prices are slowly inching their way towards those of atelier-ready-to-wear lines.

If you were to Google this occurrence, there are several articles detailing why sustainable fashion prices are so expensive. Anyone who participates in the fair fashion movement understands that ethically produced clothes come with an expensive price tag. However, the hefty prices associated with these garments are just getting more exorbitant and astronomical. Post-pandemic inflation may be playing a role, yes, but it’s hard not to see that there’s been a rise in sustainable brands shutting their doors.

In theory, label shutdowns could be due to industry prices increasing from an average of $100-$180 per piece to $250-$500 per piece, depending on the brand, cut, production process, factory practices, wage agreements, and materials. The average working-class American consumer takes home between $34,248 and $51,480, with the “middle” class earning an average of $53,413 and $106,827, according to PolicyAdvice. There’s a stark difference between these income estimates, which don’t take into account racial, gender, age, disability, and immigration-based disparities, or worldwide averages; although this data was gathered in 2018-2021, these median salaries show the continuation of the class divide.

Long story short: Salaries aren’t mirroring skyrocketing prices. It’s becoming harder to find ethically made or sourced clothes/products that most folks can afford, even if they want or need to participate in the movement for health reasons or to reduce their toxin intake. After years of folks asking why sustainable fashion is so expensive, brands are starting to host their own “recycled” and “pre-loved” marketplaces. These in-house resale programs encourage consumers to send back their used pieces to receive discounts or store credit, giving brands the chance to compete with thrifting outlets. Some brands are using these programs as a ploy to “introduce” fair fashion to consumers seeking affordability. However, forty-dollar discounts and credits certainly won’t be enough to make a dent in $180-$500 garments.

The truth remains: The majority of people who reside in the working class cannot afford garments advocating for the fair wages of others—oh, the irony! If those in the majority class can’t afford the pieces that demand corporate responsibility and the best of the fashion industry, then how does the product move? How are the fair treatment, pay, and working conditions for garment workers being supported? How can everyday folks “vote with their dollars” and demand a production cycle that’s kind to the earth?

It begs the question: Are social good and impact brands skimming some off the top, essentially engaging in their own perceived moral version of price gouging and fairwashing to stay alive? Or are they deliberately trying to appeal to higher-income individuals?

As an ethical fashion stylist and long-time supporter of the cause, it makes me wonder if the sustainable fashion movement is getting hijacked to become a status symbol for the few; it’s getting to the point where we must ask ourselves if it’s becoming an exclusionary, classist, postural movement and expression preserved only for the middle-to-upper classes. We must ask ourselves if the movement, too, is becoming more about putting profits before people and the planet in a softly veiled way.

2022 has welcomed another fall season with record-breaking weather to solidify the severity of climate change. For those looking to be responsible with their transitional and cold-weather wardrobe, let’s discuss sustainable alternatives for fall’s most notable trends, as noted by Vogue’s forecast.

The Art of Texture

Fall/Winter collections are reflecting the 18-month Taurus North Node transit. This means texture play and mixing price points will serve your transitional wardrobe well with Taurus ruling the earth, senses, throat, shoulders, sensuality, worth, and material wealth.

Texture play could be as simple as finding the balance between the Divine Masculine and Feminine as their energies relate to fashion. Integrating pieces like Nicole Benefield’s Ying Yang Muse Block Jacket into your trans-seasonal wardrobe is one way to express this theme of putting on a sensory experience with lavish, movement-inspired, and yet reasonably-priced pieces.

Another way to highlight texture this season is with layering. Now, layering is nothing new when it comes to sweater weather. However, it’s how you layer that takes a casual look up a notch. For example, blanketing a longline coat atop a Filipa K asymmetrical top or dress is one surefire way to make a statement at seasonal outings this year. Even experimenting with this season’s most-celebrated callback, the corset can add a feminine flair to harsh lines, masculine textures, and enchanting hues. Reformation’s Cove, Sorrento, and Veda Montrose tops can appease the senses all on their own; layered atop a long-sleeve turtleneck, mock neck dress, or washed pant can elevate your autumn essentials quicker than you can make a pumpkin cold brew. Just remember, as you sip your cold brew, that you’ll want to engage the five senses this season with your third pieces, accents, and main attractions.

The Classics, Upgraded

The sustainable fashion movement made ‘back to basics’ trendy, but it’s about time the basics got an upgrade. With the North Node in Taurus until July of 2023, it’s not surprising that simple yet luxuriously understated designs are packing a punch.

Coats, jackets, sweaters, and cardigans are to be expected when days shift from a cute summer breeze to those filled with cozy, chilly, and overcast weather. Take the cue to swap out your standard leather jacket for corduroy jackets like ABLE’s Joan Shacket and matte leather blazers. Deji Studios and Faithful the Brand are labels taking ‘updated classics’ to a whole-nother-level with quilted and bold, retro-inspired prints and stripes.

Instead of reaching for bland, static comfort pieces, you could make the switch to autumn easily with subtle tweaks to classic styles, such as opting for color-blocked knits like Ninety Percent’s India True Knit Bold Stripe Sweater. Even nighties got an upgrade thanks to the modern-day pajama factory Sleeper. Their multifunctional take on sleepwear makes ethically-crafted sleep sets and dreamy dresses the go-to for playdates, family activities, wine and cheese festivals, drinks with a friend, or a night in with take-out. Thankfully, putting sloped-sleeved undergarments and lingerie on full display won’t be frowned upon this season.

The Silhouette of Upper Strength

Keeping in line with bodices and silhouettes inspired by the Taurus north node, Ninety Percent’s Amelia True Knit Open Button Top, Wallflower Tencel™ Slash Dress, and their Jonguil Organic Cotton Poplin Woven Diagonal Strap Dress all satisfy this fall’s love of strong and flirty shoulders. Ninety Percent is a responsible, ready-to-wear brand that donates 90% of its profits to charity. Their Lupin Troficolor Fine Twill Round Sleeve Dress takes a laidback approach to bringing all the drama and getting your money’s worth. Its multipurpose design makes the price tag a tad bit more worth it. Along with the Crane Dress by Two Days Off, poplin balloon sleeves may put silky slip dresses to shame. If you get stuck or confused about what to wear, puffed and angled statement sleeves won’t fail you.

The Nude Label is a slow fashion brand based in Valencia, Spain, that produces organic underwear, swimwear, and care products. With sustainable fashion not being as fashion-forward, The Nude Label is one of the original organic underwear brands to modernize what sustainable intimate wear looks like. Their designs include bras, briefs, trunks, thongs, socks, candles, and soap. With more consumers caring about fabrics and how they’re treated, The Nude Label is known for its use of organic cotton and toxic-free, low-impact dyes that are kind on the skin and to the Earth. Here’s what to consider before you splurge:

The Basics

Before purchasing from any brand, it’s always worth it to look up their Good on You rating to get a snapshot of their brand’s commitment to sustainability. Being that Nude Label was one of the first cotton-only underwear brands that caught our eye during the height of the sustainable fashion movement, we weren’t surprised to see they received a ‘Good’ brand rating from Good on You, which isn’t an easy rating to come by.

Their use of environmentally-conscious materials, local manufacturing, and supply chain audits landed them a 5/5 for animals and 4/5 for people and the planet.

Generally known for being reasonably priced for an ethical brand, their undergarments are also hypoallergenic, which is a strong selling point for those with sensitive skin and allergies. If you read our last review about Everlane’s Invisible Bra, you’d know why we are in favor of organic cotton undergarments sans the chemicals.

Here are some key notes about their brand signature:

1. They use organic cotton, farmed naturally without the use of pesticides or agrochemicals.

2. They use non-toxic dyes with playful colorways.

3. Their garments are curvy-friendly.

4. Their wide-strap bras are bust-friendly.

5. Their less is more, natural approach.

They also use recycled polyamide in the form of Q-Nova for some of their swimwear and modern underwear styles. The recycled polyamide is produced by Fulgar using pre-consumption waste. Depending on how committed you are to reducing your plastic intake, you might want to reconsider their recycled polyamide pieces. All in all, The Nude Lables uses no-nonsense materials to produce well-made and simple intimate wear, giving them a leg-up in marketing with consumers knowing exactly what to expect.

The Brand

Pros

Their Approach: The Nude Label takes a laid-back approach to underwear. They embody the idea that consumers can ask more of their underwear and make sure it’s worthy of being on their bodies. Especially for sensitive skin folks who have to take extra care and precautions, underwear has to be both functional and gentle. Sometimes, “sustainable” brands take the easy road out, opting for intimate lines that feature cotton-poly blends or recycled nylons. For stretch, we typically see elastane in undergarments, so that isn’t as concerning. However, having a product that’s primarily derived from plastic (recycled or not) can lead to bodily reactions.

Their Options: Eco brands tend to drop the ball in the inclusivity department. Most of them adopt an “organic” look with cookie-cutter styles and colorways that are typically demonstrated only on white, olive, and generally lighter-complected thin people. They rarely show how their pieces look on deeper skin tones and real bodies, alienating marginalized consumers as they can’t determine how styles and colors will look on them. Most of the offered color options wash out rich complexions, and size options are limited. With that in mind, we appreciate how The Nude Label’s colors are suitable for a variety of skin tones and shapes. Shown on models of color and curvy body types—specifically Mauve, Lilac, Sunflower, Midnight Blue, Chocolate, Pumpkin, and Pearl Gray—consumers can see how kind their hues and patterns are to olive and rich skin tones, and how flattering their cuts and current sizes are.

The only note we had was regarding their Chocolate colorway, which we would love to see on a darker-complected model. It’s a pet peeve of ours not to see these colors displayed on brown skin, especially since brown-skin folks may gravitate toward them in search of their “perfect” nude.

We rarely see melanated-friendly underwear in fashion in general, and the industry refuses to acknowledge that “nude” is not nude for everyone. Some colors appear lackluster and ashy on certain skin tones. For consumers to feel their best, we need more brands like The Nude Label that appeal to a variety of customers. Their colorways serve those who like vibrant colors with a minimalistic aesthetic, as well as those who take a more simple, neutral-toned approach.

So, this is a note to all sustainable brands: Offer a reference point for the consumers who tend to be forgotten and overshadowed in the marketing of it all. Otherwise, you’ll end up pushing them away.

Their Packaging: Unlike Everlane, every aspect of The Nude Label’s packaging is biodegradable. The parcel and plastic bags each product is shipped in are derived from plants and are biodegradable.

Cons

Their Prices: They are prices are steep for everyday consumers earning minimum wage or a tad bit more. They average $33 for bottoms, $38 for trunks, $65 for bras, and $72 for bodysuits. Their swimwear prices average $72-$80 for tops, $39-$46 for bottoms, and $124 for one-pieces. They’re definitely a brand you want to use a promo code on, shop final sale, or wait for a sale if you’re on a budget.

Ideally, we’d like to see them offer bundles at a discounted rate or extend their 3-pair discount to apply to carts purchasing 5, 7, or 9 bottoms at a time. They could make it easier for people to buy multiples in a way that doesn’t break the bank. Right now, their 3-pack discount sits at $4.95 off of $99. It’s not really enough to make a dent for average consumers, although we understand they’re probably trying to ensure they still make enough of a profit with the cost of materials, inflation, etc.

Their Size Range: It’s worth noting that we would like to see a more inclusive size range for ethical brands across the board, so this critique isn’t specific to The Nude Label. For reference, their bras serve FR/ES/PT sizes 100-105B and 105-110C and USA/UK sizes 38-40B and 38-40C. Their XL bottoms serve USA sizes 12-14, FR sizes 42-44, UK/AUS sizes 14-16. We would like to see their size range expanded to include larger bra sizes, 2XL and 3XL bottoms, and so on.

Their Transparency: As with all fair fashion brands, we would like to see a full breakdown of their product impact. Give us a sustainability report for each product—i.e., how much water is saved, rainforests or trees saved, offset carbon emissions, etc. People like to know the impact they’re making with their purchase, and it gives more of a window into the production process. As consumers become more conscious, brands will have to do more to prove they’re not greenwashing.

Their Return Process: Returns can be more of a slow and pricy process for international customers. Store credit would be the best option for overseas consumers rather than a refund. The restock fee is waived for returns receiving store credit, and the money will be ready to use once the return is processed. You can think of your panty funds almost as being on “reserve.”

Nude Label Bras

The Quality: Reviews boast their Basic Bras and Triangle Bras as being comfortable, durable, and extremely well-made. They’re hailed as being sturdy at the seams, offering a good balance between fabric and elastane. Sometimes, elastane can pull at softer fabrics and cause the seams to unravel, but the seams are stitched very well.

The Colors: Their Basic Bra looks better in darker colors since some of the lighter colors, like Mauve, show the seams a bit more. Their more playful pigments can also be more noticeable under lighter tops.

The Fit: The Basic Bra’s cups, band, and straps are all incredibly comfortable to wear. The straps are easy to adjust and non-constricting; they’re not overbearing or extremely noticeable. The best word to describe this bra is: compact. Without giving it much thought, everything is in place and secure.

Their Triangle Bra is a sexier option for smaller chests, giving the illusion of fuller cleavage. The straps are much thinner than the Basic Bra’s but provide the same comfort and adjustable fit. It doesn’t offer as much support as the Basic Bra, however, due to the thin straps.

The Cups: The cups are supportive and give a nice lift, although they’re made of cotton. They provide an overall flattering shape.

The Clasp: The clasp slides in and out, so there’s no fumbling and special maneuvers to get the bra on. It’s easy and no-fuss—exactly how all clasps should be.

The Fabric: Being 100% organic cotton, the fabric is breathable and doesn’t elicit sweat. However, cotton is thicker than we typically see used for undergarments. Because of that, the Basic Bra may be more noticeable when worn with certain shirts and tops due to its thickness.

Overall: The support, comfort, breathability, and quality are there. We would love to see their bra line expand in the future to include a padded or push-up option, but that may require more recycled plastic than consumers may like.

Nude Label Underwear

Their Culotte bottoms are one of the more modern underwear styles they offer. Their Triangle brief is more of a hybrid between modern swimwear and traditional bikini bottom, whereas their Hipster style is more of a cheeky bikini bottom.

The Quality: The Culottes have a thicker seam on the backside, making them a bit more comfortable to wear with more coverage.

The Triangle brief has a sturdy elastic band that fits perfectly around the waist and gives a more sinched-in illusion, allowing hips to shine through like a ’90s bikini. The stitching around the thick band is a bit more delicate, therefore, you may notice the threads unravel more with this style than the others.

The Hipster has a no-fuss, tried-and-true construction with clean seams and neat stitching.

The Colors: As noted with the TNL bras, the darker colors look best. You might want to opt for black, as lighter colors may fade or become duller over time due to natural coloring techniques.

The Fit: For fuller-bottomed and pear-shaped folks, TNL’s Culottes might ride up like boy shorts, so it’s best to size up. The Triangle brief can quickly take on the fit of a thong since it’s a higher cut overall. Out of the three styles, the Hipster acts as mid-rise underwear. They’re a little flirty and provide decent coverage. We would love to see them expand their sizes to accommodate curvier consumers.

The Fabric: All underwear styles are breathable with only 5% elastane and 95% organic cotton. Finding this small a percentage of elastane in underwear is pretty rare. Larger brands tend to use more plastic-derived fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, rayon, elastane, and spandex for stretch and to reduce costs. However, some folks may experience irritation and might be sensitive to these materials, especially when they’re in close proximity to reproductive organs. While TNL offers some relief from these concerns, their styles also run on the smaller side since they don’t offer much stretch or variation for body shapes that measure the same size.

Overall: TNL bottoms are just as well-made as their bras, with the Hipster being our top recommendation for its versatility.

Going Forward

It would be incredible to see TNL branch out to include lingerie. With their level of quality, their fun yet simple aesthetic can go very far in the sustainable lingerie space! They do have a sheer bra for the adventurous, but a push-up bra could shake up sustainable intimate wear. A strapless bra option—whether a convertible style with removable straps or a more traditional take on that style—could also provide consumers more functional flexibility. Even a halter bra option could reset the game and shock those who doubt just how modern ethical and eco-friendly styles can be. Long boxers, briefs, etc., could make things exciting, too!

As far as colorways and fabrics go, there’s always room for more colors, prints, and textures! For example, TNL could dip their toe into neutral-toned ribbed designs. Palm, pebble, sand, grain-inspired, or simple graphic prints could be interesting for limited edition, seasonal collections. Even an emerald or forest green could spice things up a bit! Their pumpkin color is especially flattering for melanated folks, but it’s usually sold out or exclusive to certain styles. So, a '50 Shades of Nude’, SKIMS-like collection with a fair-wage and responsible production slant could offer a lot of appeal for the world’s endless spectrum of skintones.

For sustainable underwear as a whole, conscious consumers could benefit from more breadth! Gender nuetral shapewear, loungewear, pajamas, leggings, tank tops, camis, robes, sleep sets, and thermalwear sets would patch up a unique hole in the market. Think: Luyna, but uber natural and organic, and potentially starting out with small-batch production first.

The Nude Label is a special brand that could position itself as the Thinking MU of underwear and undergarments, unafraid to incorporate color and print and unconventional neutrals while keeping the basics for the simplistic, minimal folks. For example, they could even build out their “Care” line to include clothes pins, dryer balls, laundry bags for delicates, incense, sleep masks, a chic meditation pouf, or a Tencel yoga mat. They could even do a light unisex activewear line similar to Indigo Luna, but only featuring Hemp, Tencel, and breathable cottons. They could also venture out into the clot pad department. The point is: We need more products (and brands) like theirs! With their value and aesthetic, they could really become a staple for progressive shoppers.

Is The Nude Label Worth It?

If you have sensitive skin, prioritize natural fibers, and want underwear that actually cares about you (and the planet), then we recommend purchasing from The Nude Label. $23 is pretty steep for one pair of underwear bottoms, so think about utilizing The Nude Label’s three-pair deal to receive a slight discount before clicking ‘Purchase’. Otherwise, we recommend splurging during a sale. Their brand is a nice blend of eco-luxury and a rare gem—there aren’t that many brands that can compare. So far, we’ve found that Organic Basics and Proclaim are about as close as it gets.

Organic Basics provides more styles, sizes, colors, and collections for tops and bottoms, and they also include each product’s traceability, CO2, and environmental impact information under the ‘Sustainability Impact’ tab. Some pieces contain a higher percentage of elastane than TNL, so be sure to check the ‘Fabric + Care’ section of each piece if you’re conscious about fabrics and materials.

Proclaim goes into grave detail about the materials they use and provides inclusive nude shades on top of a healthy size range. It’d actually be really helpful to consumers if more ethical and sustainable brands presented sizes as Proclaim does, indicating cup size and so on.

However, as with most environmentally-focused brands, we would love to see The Nude Label keep pushing toward more inclusivity and creativity because we, the people, are ready for that.

Update

The Nude Label announced in an Instagram post on September 16, 2022, that it would be shutting down after nine years, and we’re so sad to see them go! Let’s hope their small business receives an outpouring of support so it can keep its doors open or return in the future.

Everlane is a San Francisco-based fashion brand that has built its reputation on transparent pricing, accessible basics, and a commitment to more responsible production practices. Within the sustainable fashion space, it has become one of the most recognizable mainstream brands, so much so that it could be considered the “GAP of ethical fashion.” So it’s not surprising that conscious consumers in need of new activewear may turn to Everlane for several reasons.

The Basics

Everlane hails a “Good” Good On You rating, which is hard to come by. Thanks to their dedication to using low-impact materials, upholding strict people and animal policies, and providing more supply chain transparency than most, they’ve become a trusted source for ethical consumers.

For shoppers looking to build a more responsible activewear wardrobe, Everlane’s Perform Collection offers leggings, bras, camis, shorts, and tops made with recycled nylon and elastane.

The collection checks several boxes that conscious consumers often look for:

• Relatively affordable pricing

• Inclusive sizing for curvier body types

• Sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing virgin plastic use

• A streamlined, minimalist aesthetic

The Collection

Among the collection’s offerings, the Perform Bike Short ($48) and Invisible Bra ($38) stand out as popular basics designed for everyday movement.

The Perform Bike Short promises lightweight comfort and flexibility, while the Invisible Bra is marketed as a seamless, barely-there undergarment designed to disappear beneath clothing. Together, they create the kind of matching set many shoppers gravitate toward when building an activewear wardrobe that can transition from workouts to everyday wear.

But do these pieces actually deliver on comfort, performance, and sustainability? Here’s what consumers should know before adding them to their cart:

The Brand

As responsible packaging becomes increasingly common throughout the industry, and at the time of this review, Everlane’s reliance on poly bags feels somewhat behind the curve. While the packaging is recyclable, many consumers may expect a company with Everlane’s resources and sustainability positioning to be pushing further toward biodegradable or plastic-free alternatives.

Where Everlane truly shines is in customer service. Returns are straightforward and convenient, whether processed through an Everlane store or a participating drop-off location. Consumers can choose between refunds, exchanges, or store credit, making the process relatively hassle-free.

The brand’s customer support also deserves recognition. Features like “Text Us” allow shoppers to quickly confirm store inventory, reserve items, and receive assistance before making a trip to a physical location. These kinds of services can be especially valuable for consumers who struggle to find the right fit and want reassurance before heading to a store.

Reviewer Disclosure

This review is written from the perspective of a petite, curvy shopper with highly sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, rashes, bruising, and scarring. This review also considers factors such as functionality, utility, durability, fabric composition, and long-term sustainability. Consumers with similar body types or skin sensitivities may find these observations particularly relevant before making a purchase.

The Invisible Bra

Pros

• Fit: When purchased according to Everlane’s size guide, the fit is accurate and comfortable. The band sits securely without feeling restrictive, while the flexible, non-molded cups adapt naturally to the body. Because the cups aren’t heavily structured, they can accommodate minor weight fluctuations better than many traditional bras.

• Utility: Everlane delivers on its promise of a seamless bra. The fabric is smooth, soft, and virtually undetectable under clothing, making it an easy everyday option. The moisture-wicking material also helps keep things cool and comfortable throughout the day. The flattering V-cut provides a subtle, natural lift without relying on heavy padding or push-up construction.

• Comfort: The lightweight fabric creates a barely-there feel that makes this bra easy to wear for extended periods. Once adjusted, it doesn’t feel like wearing a bra at all, which, for many consumers, is exactly the goal.

Cons

• The straps: Consumers with longer torsos may find the straps uncomfortable. While wearing the bra, the straps may consistently dig into your shoulders despite multiple adjustments, making it difficult to achieve a comfortable fit.
  

• The chemical smell: Consumers sensitive to smell might want to skip this bra. It’s very strong, off-putting, reminiscent of fast fashion pieces. It’s enough to raise some flags: Why would a sustainable brand make a product that smells like a chemical factory?

• The potential for contact dermatitis: Consumers with sensitive skin, beware that you may develop a rash where the ring of the bra rests on your skin. While wearing the bra, irritation and scarring developed where the front hardware rested against the skin, raising our concerns about long-term comfort for consumers prone to reactions.

Improvements

One improvement that would make this bra truly live up to its “invisible” marketing is removing the ring hardware located on the front of the straps. Based on our experience, the hardware doesn’t appear to serve a meaningful purpose and arguably makes the bra less invisible. A cleaner design with seamless straps across the front and adjustable fasteners only at the back would create a more streamlined look while potentially improving comfort.

From a sustainability standpoint, there’s also room for innovation. With growing concerns about synthetic fibers and the release of microplastics into waterways, it would be exciting to see brands develop a truly seamless or “invisible” bra that relies less on plastic-based materials altogether.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a product that we can recommend, particularly for consumers with sensitive skin. While wearing it, the bra caused irritation and scarring that persisted long after wear. While everyone’s skin reacts differently, shoppers who are prone to rashes, allergic reactions, or skin sensitivities may want to proceed with caution.

Our try-on experience also raises broader questions about the use of recycled nylon- and elastane-heavy fabrics in intimate apparel. Consumers seeking gentler alternatives may find themselves gravitating toward natural fibers such as organic cotton or linen, which are often viewed as kinder to both the skin and the environment.

The Perform Bike Shorts

Pros

• Fit: The fit is where these shorts shine: They hug the body beautifully and provide a flattering, sculpted silhouette without feeling restrictive. For consumers who enjoy activewear that accentuates their natural shape, these shorts know exactly what they’re doing. They snatch in all the right places while still allowing for comfortable movement throughout the day.
  

• Construction: The built-in device pocket hidden inside the front waistband is another thoughtful detail. While it’s not large enough to replace a traditional side pocket, it’s a convenient spot for storing small essentials when heading out for a walk, workout, or quick errand.
  

• Fabric: The fabric also moves exceptionally well with the body. Whether stretching, lounging, walking, or flowing through yoga poses, the shorts flex easily without creating a stiff or constricting feeling. There’s a noticeable freedom of movement that makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
  

• Wear: And then there’s the weight, or rather, the lack of it. These shorts are incredibly lightweight. In fact, they almost feel like wearing nothing at all. For consumers who dislike bulky activewear fabrics or live in warmer climates, that barely-there feeling may be exactly what you’re looking for.

That said, whether the lightweight construction is a pro or a con will ultimately depend on personal preference. Shoppers seeking breathable comfort and unrestricted movement may love it. Those looking for the support and coverage typically associated with traditional bike shorts may find themselves wanting a little more substance.

Cons

• The construction: The biggest strength of these shorts is also their biggest weakness… they feel like wearing almost nothing. Consumers expecting the structure and support of a traditional bike short may be surprised by how lightweight the fabric feels. There isn’t much compression through the thighs, and the overall construction leans closer to shapewear than performance activewear. To put it another way: homegirl did NOT understand the assignment.

  
  For shoppers with curvier body types, particularly pear-shaped figures, the minimal coverage may feel a little too revealing for everyday wear. Rather than offering the confidence and support many people look for in a bike short, the fabric tends to highlight every contour. For some, that’s a feature. For others, it’s a dealbreaker.
  

• The performance: The moisture-wicking claims also leave something to be desired. While the fabric may technically offer moisture-management properties, the performance wasn’t particularly noticeable while wearing them.

As a result of these cons, these shorts may be better suited for at-home yoga sessions, lounging, or staying cool on hot days than for running errands, outdoor workouts, or everyday wear.

Improvements

The biggest opportunity for improvement is functionality. A thicker, more substantial performance fabric would better align with what many consumers expect from a bike short, providing greater support, durability, and versatility for everyday wear.

Improving the moisture-wicking capabilities would also help the shorts perform more effectively during workouts and other high-movement activities.

As it stands, the design prioritizes a barely-there feel. With a few adjustments, it could evolve into a piece that delivers both comfort and utility.

Responsible Alternatives

If given a do-over, these shorts probably would have been returned in exchange for either Pact’s Go-To Pocket Bike Short or Girlfriend Collective’s High-Rise Pocket Bike Short and Black Triangle Bralet.

For starters, Pact’s bike shorts are more affordable (about $13 cheaper, to be exact). They’re also made primarily from organic cotton, which many conscious consumers prefer over synthetic materials. The shorts still contain elastane for the stretch and durability activewear requires, but the overall fabric composition feels like a step in the right direction.

Girlfriend Collective’s Bike Shorts and Triangle Bra are probably the closest comparison to Everlane’s Perform Bike Short and Invisible Bra, since they also utilize recycled materials. The difference is that Girlfriend Collective provides a detailed breakdown of each product’s benefits, making it easier for consumers to understand its impact. In many ways, Girlfriend Collective’s shorts feel like what Everlane was going for, but missed.

Going Forward

For a brand known for radical transparency and elevated basics, the Perform Collection doesn’t fully deliver on its promise. While the customer experience remains a standout, the product quality, packaging choices, and functionality leave room for improvement. Simply put: these pieces aren’t quite giving what they’re supposed to give. That’s what makes this review so surprising!

Is Everlane’s Perform Collection Worth It?

Everlane built its reputation on “radical transparency,” yet consumers aren’t given much information about the environmental impact or performance of the Perform collection beyond where it’s made.

And honestly? We have questions. The quality, utility, and packaging simply didn’t meet the expectations that come with Everlane’s reputation. With so many ethical brands out here doin’ the damn thing, consumers should expect more, not less, from one of the biggest names in conscious fashion. So, no, we wouldn’t say this collection is worth buying in its current state; maybe give them some time to take in consumer feedback and rework the collection.

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Dear Readers,

You can do everything “right” and still be depressed. That’s because seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can occur during annual weather and time changes. Other times, it could be brought on by emotionally charged times of the year, like the holidays. For example, I find the holidays to be a time riddled with judgment, judgment of the self brought on by the self, others, and the illusion of linear living. When seasonal depression takes over, it can be defeating, overwhelming, and all-consuming.

With 1 in 5 adults struggling with mental illness, it’s not shocking to discover that SAD occurs more in folks who experience and live with other disorders. The rise of mental illness may explain why mindfulness therapies have been on the rise in recent years. Folks are opting to manage stress, anxiety, and depression with yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, light and nature therapy over medication. But no one talks about when your mindfulness routine doesn’t work due to a false sense of control, which can lead to aspects of spiritual bypassing. Here are some tips to add to your toolkit before the next season of “winter blues” hits:

Shift with the Season

Don’t let your routine keep you from facing or processing your emotions. A mindfulness routine can feel redundant or hinder true healing when SAD starts to set in. It may feel like the things that help you on a typical day don’t hit the same way. It may help to deviate from your routine if it doesn't seem fulfilling anymore. For example, you may want to shift to nature walks or more rigorous exercise if you’re usually a yoga fanatic.

Take some time to check in and tune into yourself to find out what you need to thrive during the current season. Think about what triggered this temporary sadness and what you need to hear to experience moments of compassion with yourself. Do you need to change your diet to feel better or more nourished? Do you need to change your spiritual or mindfulness routine?

If a ten or fifteen-minute meditation sounds like too much of a commitment, try a light breathwork exercise first thing when you wake up in the morning, repeating affirmations that push back on your inner critic and current headspace, affirmations like:

• I am evolving.

• I am doing the best I can.

• I am not responsible for other people’s feelings.

• I show up for myself in the capacity I need to today.

• I will love myself through this.

If you find this exercise too challenging, try tuning into Affirmation Pod by Josie Ong. Episodes like Spinning My Wheels And Not Getting Anywhere, I am Living in my Brilliance (Ep. 410), and Coming Out of a Slump (Ep. 413) were made for transitional periods that seem to last forever. Listen to our affirmations for overcoming SAD as well.

Venture Out into the Growth Zone

Isolating yourself and repeating self-limiting stories can be very tempting during any bout of depression, and it’s easy to get stuck there. Pay attention to the stories that show up. Challenge yourself to venture out into the growth zone as soon as you notice when your false self is trying to convince you to stay in your comfort zone.

If being alone seems more hurtful than helpful, the growth zone may look like challenging yourself to get out in nature more, check in with a friend, or schedule an in-person visit with a trusted family member. It could also look like challenging yourself to take practical, actionable steps towards your goals, especially for procrastinators or those who feel like their goals are just passing them by.

One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to follow the linear timeline. For example, a lot of my seasonal depression stems from comparing my life trajectory to the socially accepted path of those in my age group. That could look like beating myself up for not being on the road to having kids, becoming a homeowner, or achieving my fitness and health goals. Take small steps. Sign up for that gym membership, research first-time home buyer resources, create a realistic budget, put yourself out there, or re-evaluate what you want out of a relationship. Do something (even if it’s small) to address and push your goals forward. That way, you feel reassured, curious enough to keep going, and confident about moving on and moving forward into the unknown.

Rest to Reinspire

Yes, this made the list as cliché as it is! Some seasons in life are busier than others. Depending on where you fall on the introversion-extroversion scale, pulling back from exerting your energy may be the answer. It may be well-advised for you to take a break from creating or stripping back your obligations. You may find taking a hiatus from your to-do list reinspires you.

Temper your input versus output. Going back to basics may help you fall back in love with your day job or passion projects because rest allows you to take the pressure off. It allows you to review your processes and audit efficiencies. Maybe it will let you re-evaluate what you value. For example, it may inspire you to shift your focus to spending more time offline doing in-person, interactive hobbies. So then you can spend more time with those you love or have more time to do more of what you love, which creates an entirely new cycle of rest, gratitude, fulfillment, and self-trust.

Pay Attention to Your Cycles

In addition to getting professional help, paying attention to your own cycles can help you turn things around. Remember when (and why) you start to feel overwhelmed with depression, comparison, and judgment. Do certain months out of the year bring up hard feelings, stuckness, and stagnancy? Do certain dynamics make it hard to open up? If so, set yourself up for success by jotting down these dates and what helped you manage these feelings of despair. And as you continue to love and learn about yourself, don’t forget to let things be what they are. Let your feelings be what they are. Feel what you feel. Come to terms with where you find yourself so you can be honest about how you need to show up, even during your off-seasons.

Honor the season you’re in,

Arden M. Wayne
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
For Conscious Conscious Consumers

Although it may all still feel like a blur, 2020 was a year filled with a plethora of quarantine love stories. Folks all over the globe had their own 90-day fiancé experiences, some sheltering in place with their recent dates or hookups. After hearing these success stories, people flocked to the online dating scene with quirky taglines in tow. Some folks made the most of their algorithm-induced matches and virtual dates, while others continued to swipe left. Where swiping through people like a speed dating session has become the norm, conscious dating apps are attempting to make modern dating more meaningful, but are they safe and inclusive? If you’re looking for answers while navigating the mindful dating movement, here are some resources and tips to get the most out of your experience:

Defining the Movement

The mindful dating movement is one free of judgment. It requires participants to be honest with what they need and want in a partnership, with every stage of dating being intentional. Participants focus on remaining self-attuned and authentic while seeking a secure, evolutionary partnership that honors each partner’s wholeness, experiences, needs, and sense of self. Transparency, reciprocation, healthy boundaries, conscious communication, and combined growth anchor the relationship.

Before Putting Yourself Out There

A level of healing and introspection is required before conscious romantics slide into the DM’s. For example, diving into your attachment style, love language, childhood traumas, and family dynamics can give you insight into your dating history. For example, do your previous partners resemble your parents’ behavioral patterns? Do you have an avoidant attachment style? Are you afraid of commitment or intimacy? Do you hold limiting beliefs, have mental health struggles, or exhibit toxic traits when your inherited beliefs are challenged? Has racial or religious trauma impacted your relationships or your ability to remain open and curious about them? Are you afraid of the stigmas or stereotypes attached to your sexuality, or do you internalize those judgments? Are there mindsets and patterns of behavior you have to unlearn?

Before you put yourself out there, make all the effort to heal your “stuff.” This inner work is part of the mindfulness equation because merging your life with another’s takes radical self-acceptance and awareness to be honest enough to build trust. You don’t want your “stuff” to hinder your chances of having a healthy, respectful relationship from the start. You also want your foundation of self to be solid, and healing your “stuff” will help you better understand your truth, triggers, and traumas enough to communicate them.

As with traditional dating, the conscious adaptation is only going to be as open as you are or want to be. Know going in that folks have different motivations, wants, preferences, and visions for their life. Reserving judgment of your differences can help manage expectations and respect one’s rejection without internalizing it. One of the most endearing parts of mindful dating is upholding the belief that you and all its participants are worthy and enough, so remember to love yourself through the process.

Finding the Right App

The conscious dating experience could hinge on the app used. Understanding what you want or looking for in a partnership first will put you on the path to the right app for you. Make the discovery a mindfulness practice, perhaps journaling the relationship dynamics you witnessed as a child versus those you would like to call in or experience as an adult. You may want to consider how you might be at the intersection of several social issues, too, as your identifiers should be included on the app you select, as it could shape your experience. Before selecting an app, it’s best to know as many potential obstacles and limitations as possible.

Don’t let the horror stories of online dating stop you before you start; focus on being informed. Do your due diligence, research, and ask about the apps other successful modern-day couples use. Hinge, Bumble, and MeetMindful are some of the top conscious dating apps based on user success rates and testimonials. Users credit their success to these apps’ interactive prompts and preference selections, which are essential when trying to spark a genuine connection. If all else fails, our trusty Bible for all things sustainable and mindful living, The Good Trade, compiled a list of conscious dating apps for those looking to start their starry-eyed love and platonic soulmate journey.

Creating a Profile

Authenticity is key when creating your profile. Don’t shy away from putting yourself or your culture on full display. Showcase various photos that give insight into your personality, traditions, outlook on life, and how mindfulness plays into all of that. You want your profile to spark questions and healthy conversations about cultural differences, likenesses, world views, and how your lived experiences have shaped you.

The same goes for your past and previous partnerships. You don’t have to dive too deep into them, but you should know how they impacted you and what you’re looking for in a relationship—enough to convey that on your profile or when filling out your preferences and deal breakers. Don’t be shy to set firm boundaries and stick to them, either. Be clear about your needs in a relationship—e.g., if you are open or closed off to third-party situations, polyamory, drugs/alcohol use, divorcees, children, political minds, etc. Indicate which of these are absolutely off-limits for you or if you’d still be open to connecting with someone who dabbles with opposing desires or habits.

You can even flat-out state that you’re only looking for an ally, especially if you identify as someone who is marginalized, racialized, or with limited privilege. Doing so will set you up for success. It may help you find better matches and offer more transparency than most. It’s important to remember to be as open as your heart allows or as safety permits.

Meeting a Match

This phase of the process requires honesty and a healthy ego from both parties, as rejection may follow suit. Take a second to think things through when that mutual heart pops up in your notifications. Feel things out for a bit during your initial conversations on the app, following your internal guidance system every step of the way. This would be the time to enforce or reinforce those boundaries and deal breakers you drafted for yourself before hopping on your chosen app. Give others grace, sure, but follow your intuitive nudges when they ping you. Oh, and be on the lookout for scammers and solicitors inviting you to connect outside the app immediately.

Now, one thing conscious dating apps are good for is encouraging authenticity and non-judgment. As a member, lean into that, and you’ll find others do the same. The first message you receive may be a match warning you about how they engage with some of your deal-breakers, giving you the chance to choose for yourself if you’d like to move forward with a formal conversation. Practice fairness and reciprocity by altering the match of your personal preferences, identifiers, or your engagements with their deal breakers (if they’re not already visible on your profile). That way, you’re starting a connection without any secrets and being firmly planted in your truth. It may not be easy—share all of this, knowing rejection may come, but it won’t kill you.

If rejected, be kind to yourself and the other person. Understanding that you may not be in alignment with someone is an intentional act that implements differentiation. Refrain from giving someone a “pass” because of your attraction to them, and refrain from morphing your beliefs, actions, or desires to match theirs. Stand firm and true to who you are, feeling all the feels for however long you need to. Then, get back on the horse.

If you identify as a marginalized person, beware of folks who pretend to understand your experience or use macro/microaggressions as a way to presume reliability. It’s unfortunate, but some folks see QTBIPOC folks only as novelty props. Listen closely to the rhetoric used and how they respond to your needs or requests for all forms of safety. Their response will either indicate their compassion, respect, and maturity or reveal their mask (if it doesn’t completely fall).

It’s typically advised by couples who’ve met on dating apps to get off the app as soon as possible. Once you feel safe, heard, and seen in your early chats, think about how you’d like to continue your conversations. Giving out personal information too soon can open the door to potential safety risks. Take a page out of the “rich and famous” playbook—acquire an alternate phone number specifically to safeguard your privacy while dating online. And for the love of all that’s important to you, don’t forget to verify who you’re speaking with!

Meeting Virtually

You definitely don’t want to be getting catfished out here, so request a digital hangout before an IRL date. Consult with Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or other conference-friendly services to set up your e-meet.

Not only will you be able to verify your match is real with lower risks involved, but you’ll also be able to get a better feel for compatibility. This is the time to observe how your match shows up, for themselves and for you.

For example, are they often late, or do they respect the time you both agree to see each other? Are they who they portray themselves to be online? Do they cut you off or barely let you get a word in? Are they social, and you’re more of a private person? Do you vibe well together, or is the energy between you completely off? Are you both okay seeing other people while getting to know each other, or do you want to continue talking exclusively to one other?

This stage is an excellent time to have impactful and light-hearted conversations. You know, all the basics you’d usually talk about on a first date? You’ll both be grateful for this risk-free way of getting to know each other, not wasting much time or incurring extra expenses too soon. Set aside time to evaluate how you both feel about moving forward to meeting in real life on one of your e-dates. After a couple of dates exchanging vulnerability, you should have a pretty good idea of whether your connection is one you’d like to continue investing in.

Meeting in Real Life

Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for—meeting in person! The great thing about this phase is that you both “know” each other to some extent. Your e-dates laid the foundation for you, and you can focus on being present with each other with less awkwardness. Be natural and embrace the organic flow of your relationship.

Keeping safety in mind, discuss how you’ll be traveling and pick a public meet-up spot. Notify your trusted inner circle where you’ll be, especially if your IRL date includes transit for multiple locations. You can even tell your match that you have another excursion to get to after your date (preferably with a real-life person). Never lose sight of safety or your right to privacy as you allow yourself to date and explore life with another.

Make sure you’re on the same page with your matches and reaffirm your boundaries as time progresses. Give yourself and the other person grace; incorporating a new person into your life is a steep learning curve. Remember that mindful dating is as open as you are or want to be. Stay curious, communicative, and transparent in all you do on and off the apps. After all, the whole point of conscious dating is to break the cycles of toxic pairings we’ve all come to know all too well, thanks to either our personal experiences or the media. Let the process crack you open and create connections that challenge you to evolve.

Most people don’t find fashion to be of importance, so much so that fashion degrees are assumed to be a waste of tuition. However, with fashion being one of the major contributors to global pollution, your closet and buying decisions do make a difference. An industry driven primarily by tradition, consumers can affect change by forcibly changing production lines and becoming more informed consumers with future-focused buying habits. The pioneers of 2017 ran so that today’s eco-ethical brands could walk into 2022 with new and improved practices; therefore, bringing all of us modern, low-impact pieces.

There are three notable trends we predict to see paraded throughout this summer. Here are some sustainable alternatives for them, so you don’t have to compromise style for sustainability:

The Mini Skirt

Loungewear lines skyrocketed during the pandemic as folks were thrust into remote work. Life sure is a lot easier when you can roll out of bed and only have to get dressed from the top up. This summer, markets are responding to COVID fatigue as the masses are slated to seek outdoor activities now more than ever. Collectively, it seems the people are demanding wares to show the legs that have been hidden underneath thermal wear and chunky knits.

Instead of turning to fast-fashion figureheads like ASOS, ZARA, and Fashion Nova, you can get your mini skirt fix at Reformation. A brand known for cutting down the waste of garment design from start to finish, their Margot, Veranda, Benson, Robbie, and Flounce skirts will fulfill all of your 90s call-back needs. Offered in retro-inspired prints, each design details sustainability stats, such as gallons of water saved, diverted waste, and the offset of carbon dioxide emissions. Get curated recommendations and find the right fit with thigh-high slits available in sizes 12 to 24. For unisex options, A.BCH and Tonlé provide animated prints that harken back to Alexander McQueen’s angst, with the latter being the most affordable option. If you really don’t want to break the bank, go against the grain by adding a Thinking Mu composition to your wardrobe.

The Moto Look

The defiance continues with simplified and reimagined moto jackets. Will’s Vegan Store and Deadwood make third pieces out of bio-based materials and give water bottles a new life. Both e-boutiques are doing their part to source and produce premium, toxic-free, plastic-free plant leather goods by repurposing deadstock and common grocery products. Mushroom, cactus, and pineapple leathers are the better, smarter option for conscious shoppers, as they’re typically compostable and free of the toxic chemicals synthetic leathers bring.

Use this spring and summer as an opportunity to layer cruelty-free leather jackets on top of slouchy, super-wide denim. Or, bring back the portion-play of the ‘90s by pairing Deadwood’s Wren, Frankie, or Joan jackets with a classic slip dress, cami, and board shorts combo, or laid-back overalls. Rest assured knowing that reaching for a throwback look won’t add to the global climate change crisis with carbon-neutral pieces designed to keep the circular lifecycle going.

The Well-Tailored

The longlines and impeccably shaped shoulders and bodices of the not-so-distant Y2K era have reappeared. You may have become used to wearing hoodies and tracksuits while moseying around your apartment, but throwing a well-tailored blazer atop monochromatic ‘chill-only’ attire has become fully acceptable again.

Minimalists everywhere have probably heard of Vetta Capsule at one point in their downsizing and decluttering. For those who don’t know, the functionality-first brand is known for helping consumers build sleek capsule wardrobes. Ready-to-wear capsules can be purchased together, or items can be handpicked at random. The City Capsule features the wide-leg trousers and crisp button-downs a 2000s babe could ever dream of, but these notable staples are made using less water thanks to the use of biodegradable Tencel. If you really wanted to take advantage of the fashion cycle to re-live all of your nostalgic days, Vetta’s Edgy Capsule brings drama and versatility to traditional, clean-cut silhouettes.

Find sleek pants and blazers at the GAP of sustainable fashion, Everlane. Celebrate loose, tailored fits hallmarked by the ‘80s (and early ‘90s) with releases named after the decade. With transparent pricing and ethical factory partnerships, don’t let the summer get away from you before you get the chance to tuck an oversized graphic tee into a sharp-looking drape pant, a look to be adorned with a square-toe heel, fisherman sandals, or platform sneaker.

It’s not too late to stock up on your wardrobe. Instead of turning to the ZARAs, TopShops, and Urban Outfitters types, don’t be afraid to give ethical fashion brands a try. Consult The Good Trade, The Quarterrican (now known as Sustainable Queer), and Sustainably Chic for consistent style guides. Visit FashionRevolution.org to learn more and stay up-to-date on industry happenings and initiatives.

Most folks assume sustainable fashion consists of frumpy styles or linen-only pieces. However, sustainable fashion is not just trendy, but it’s also responsible. Becoming part of the movement is more about knowing where to shop, how to filter your search, what brands to follow, and the keywords to spot. You don’t have to break the bank either. Eco-focused brands also have seasonal sales and promotions, and thrifting is a great way to build a more mindful wardrobe on a budget while still giving clothes new life.