Happy Earth Day, Houstonians. As we celebrate our planet, it’s important to recognize how trash tarnishes our environment. Contrary to popular belief, plastic isn’t the only material that fills our landfills, so is waste from the garment industry. One way to help beat the cycle is to support companies that are focused on sustainability and changing the way we shop.
According to the local mall, livelihoodthe fashion industry is the second polluter greenhouse gases, which account for 10% of the pollution causing climate change. While some styles may have the chance to be a best-seller, those that get overlooked online and in-store go on sale or, even worse, in the trash. Even in the production stages, loads of unused fabrics and materials are wasted, polluting the environment. Thanks to the lower cost of fast fashion, people are likely to have on average five times more clothes than 20 years ago.
In Houston, eight brands, including Magpies & Peacocks and ASCH Building, are making lasting change by offering everything from clothing and accessories to eco-friendly and repurposed food and lifestyle products.
Scroll forward to support Houston’s sustainable brands for Earth Day.
ASCH building
The ASCH Building is one of Houston’s largest green stores. Having recently moved to higher ground, the ASCH building offers a fine range of sustainably sourced products from around the world, divided into three sections; The workshop, the market and the house. L’Atelier sells everything from clothes, swimwear, and shoes, to accessories like jewelry, hair ties, and luggage tags. For ethically sourced groceries, head to The Market to try a variety of brands such as Goat Milk Popsicles or Legally addictive caramel crackers. Rounding out the sustainable shops, The Home offers everything home decor and gifts, from pets to beauty, all made from recycled materials.
$114
This brightly printed playsuit will fit perfectly into your beachwear wardrobe.
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For more information, visit ASCH Workshop online or in store at 825 Studewood, Houston, 77007
BEYU
Shopping for on-trend pieces can be fun, but these are the basics that help create broader options for outfits. BÉYU elevates typical fashions with fan-favorite neutrals, elongated straps and intricate cutouts. Founded by Houston native Bobbie, the brand uses non-toxic and repurposed materials to create everyday rompers such as olive Yara Romper ($130), the mini Floral top ($75) and Oyster Linen Storm skirt ($110).
$75
The mini floral top adds style to any look with its fitted fabric and strappy details.
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For more information, visit BEYU in line.
Fox Holt
Founded by fashion forward friends Dale Volpe and Katy Rowley in Houston, Fox Holt is where luxury and sustainability meet. The online store celebrates ethical consumption with recycled materials and by supporting the rights of artisans and designers. The brand covers a wide selection of markets ranging from everyday wear and eco-friendly beauty to children’s essentials and home decor. In addition to a running roster of designers, Fox Holt also has its own collection of dresses, jackets and activewear.
$125
Who says cardigans can’t be worn in spring and summer? Wear it alone or layer it with a quarter sleeve for an instant hit of style.
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For more information, visit Fox Holt in line.
livelihood
Nestled in Railway Heights is a brand that gives back in a major way. Livelihood is a unisex organic brand that offers a variety of basics like graphic tees, hoodies, bottles and headwear. The brand prides itself on small batch production to ensure zero waste and guarantees a quality product that will never see the light of landfills. Livelihood also dedicates 25% of its profits to planting trees. To date, the brand has planted 1,668 trees in Houston and Austin.
$40
This unisex t-shirt is sustainably made from water-based ink and features a minimalist design, so you can encourage change all year round.
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For more information, visit livelihood online or in store at 8200 Washington Avenue, Houston, 77007
Magpies and peacocks
One of Houston’s best-known fashion organizations and the only 501(c)3 non-profit design house in the country is Magpies & Peacocks. Started by Sarah-Jayne Smith and Ahsia Berry, the duo are on a mission to disrupt the fashion industry through their education on reuse. Magpies & Peacocks offers Houston designers a workspace to design their own creations with its library of recycled material resources to showcase in the design house or sell them online. The brand has also collaborated with Love Beauty And Planet and Patagonia and was named Gucci Changemaker in 2021.
$225
Local designer Clarence Lee designed the Cocoon coat. Available in brown or black, this garment has been designed for on-trend fall looks.
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For more information, visit Magpies and peacocks online or their location at 908 Live Oak, Houston, 77003
House of refinement
You’ll find almost everything you’re looking for and more at Refinement House. Simplistic design meets conscious shopping in the global market. Shoppers will find beauty treatments, cleaning supplies, bags, home decor and on-the-go gifts. Refinement House’s mission is to make sustainability accessible to all is made possible through education and commitment, from affordable items to events like the upcoming Eco-Chella, which will discuss upcycled fashion.
$4
Who knew brushing your teeth could help the Earth? These bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable so they won’t pollute like plastic once you’re done.
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For more information, visit House of refinement in line.
sweet animals
With a recent launch, Soft Animal was designed for minimalists. Created by Lucie Harte, from Houston, the brand is inspired by timeless silhouettes and, of course, sustainable methods to be “mindful and dreamy”. Pieces like the Boucle Strapless Top in wool ($295) or linen Lace midi skirt ($395) come from natural fibers and recycled materials. Soft Animal also uses the small batch method to avoid excessive fabric waste. Since most pieces are basic and buildable, shoppers can add variety to their wardrobe with just one purchase.
$395
Linen maxi skirts were designed for getaway vacations. Plus, the lace detail transforms the piece from simple to chic.
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For more information, visit sweet animals in line.
Sunchild
Sunchild is a great market for loungewear lovers who still want to look a little dressy. Since 2012, founder Christina Sun has pursued her mission of supporting, engaging and bringing together independent designers with sustainable practices. The brand has significant work and getaway vibes with styles like the oversized The set 01 ($279), which is a wrap top and wide leg pants designed by Deiji Studios. The Summer May Dress ($169) is a maxi with colorful April meets October gingham prints. Sunchild also offers jewelry, shoes and a children’s collection.
$169
Whether you’re out shopping or just want to relax in your backyard, the Summer May dress is a fun, hassle-free way to get dressed.
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For more information, visit Sunchild in line.
