the unwash • guide

As consumers, we have the power to make systemic changes by taking our power back from large corporations. Money makes the world go round, and if we can use ours to influence the change we want to see, then why not? 

Heading to the polls is only one piece of the puzzle regarding making a difference in our communities. It’s time to shop like you give a $$$$. 

Here is our checklist for voting with your dollar.

1. What would your mission statement be for your reason to shop consciously?

When thinking of purchasing products, maybe you want to have the intention of only supporting small businesses and putting money into your local community, or perhaps you’re on the start of a journey to go low or zero waste. Think about your overall ethos for making these choices, what that really means, and the greater impact of your actions. 

2. What are red flags you want to look out for?

Not all companies are created equal. It’s important to make boundaries around what you aren’t and are okay with and do your research to see what companies, big or small align.

the unwash • social impact

The Unwash revolves around the idea of conscious consumerism. The capitalist world isn’t going anywhere…yet. Instead of pushing against it, why not ride with it but disrupt the industry by making substantial changes in where we spend our money? No more big conglomerates or putting money into billionaires’ pockets. Consumers hold way more power than we realize, so let’s be conscious about it. 

Conscious consumerism to us is making decisions based on what we value. These values are different for everyone. Some people are entirely zero waste; for others, that’s not accessible. Some people want their house stocked with Black or Indigenous-owned brands, while others may want to focus their support on women-owned companies. Making these choices is not a one size fits all modality. Being sustainable and ethical means something different to nearly everyone you’d ask. The decisions are all up to you, but it’s about being a little more thoughtful. The easiest way to think about it is – SHOP LIKE YOU GIVE A $$$$!

the unwash • guide

We definitely have some holy grails when it comes to products. Here’s a peek into The Unwash Starter Pack – our favorite product choices that are perfect for the person beginning to explore more conscious brands. We gotta start somewhere, and that’s here.

BODY AND PERSONAL CARE

OUI the People Razor

Ditching disposable razors for a safety razor is an awesome low-waste swap. Karen Young’s OUI the People, makes shaving a luxurious but also mindful experience. With a focus on genderless products, Young has cultivated a company that meets the needs of everyone. This razor is great for even the most sensitive skin and innovates how we approach shaving.

Flamingo Estate Body Wash

This body wash makes you feel like you’re having a spa experience. Flamingo Estate body wash is vegan, cruelty-free, and palm oil-free; the brand is part of 1% for the planet. Many of the brand’s products have recently been reimagined to be more earth-friendly; now packaged in an aluminum bottle, this product is easy to recycle or repurpose.

Dieux Forever Eye Mask 

The Dieux Forever Eye Mask has become the ultimate accessory and is perfect for a selfie moment. Single-use eye masks create unnecessary waste and might not be giving you the results you desire. These reusable silicone eye masks are meant to be paired with an eye cream or serum you already own and help get ample results for hydrating your under eyes. The eye masks come with an aluminum storage container to aid in the product’s longevity.

CLOSET ESSENTIALS

Olderbrother 

Being environmentally conscious is a top priority for this gender-neutral clothing brand. Founders Bobby Bonaparte and Max Kingery sought to create a brand that isn’t adding to the environmental crisis that the fashion industry is only furthering. Fusing nature and fashion, this clothing brand is one to add to your closet. 

Attire the Studio 

Founded by influencer Xenia Adonts to create a clothing brand that is truly transparent in all processes, it marks a stark contrast from the fast fashion driven influencer industry. Adonts is using her platform for good by creating a brand committed to making the fashion industry more sustainable. Attire uses zero plastic, values radical transparency, and ensures ethical workplace environments. 

Mara Hoffman

Mara Hoffman is a brand that has been dedicated to sustainability, inclusion, and sustainability for the long run and isn’t a newbie to the industry. Mara Hoffman is committed to making mindful fashion for everyone, a truly inclusive brand with a wide range of sizes. 

FOR THE HOME

Biom All-Purpose Wipes

Inspired by the additional waste the pandemic has caused due to sanitizing wipes, single-use masks, and plastic gloves, in 2022, Biom set out to be part of the solution. The brand’s all-purpose and hand sanitizing wipes are biodegradable and come in a sleek refillable container. These are great to have around the house or for on-the-go use.

Maude Candles

These candles are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben free. Once burning, they can be doubled as an oil for the skin and are completely skin safe. Stored in a glass container after use, they can be recycled or repurposed.

DedCool Laundry Detergent 

DedCool is a brand focused on genderless scents and vegan ingredients and is committed to sustainability. Utilizing biodegradable materials to ensure this product will not create microplastics in water systems, you can use this for hand washing or in the machine. The detergent comes in an aluminum canister allowing for easy recyclability. To add another reason we love this – you can match your detergent to your favorite perfume.

the unwash • guide

It’s time to cut through all the noise around buzzwords often used as marketing gimmicks to convince us a product or brand is more sustainable or ethical than what meets the eye. We’re constantly playing a constant game of ‘is it sustainable or greenwashing’ because of marketing tactics. As consumers, these are important to have in our vocabulary to make informed purchasing decisions – BS marketing aside. So, let’s break down commonly used terms and what they mean so that you can put them to good use. 

Biodegradable – Biodegradable material is able to completely decompose on its own.

Carbon Footprint – This refers to the overall amount of greenhouse gasses, not just carbon dioxide, that are released based on our actions, whether a person, business, place, or even a product. 

Carbon Neutral – Achieving a carbon neutral status or reaching net-zero carbon emissions is when the carbon footprint is offset, equalling the number of carbon emissions through carbon absorption. Simply put – the amount of carbon dioxide going out into the atmosphere is equally absorbed. 

Circularity – Often referred to within a circular economy, circularity is when a product is made with all phases of its life in mind – especially the end of life for the product. A product can be regenerated in a circular economy instead of sitting in the trash.

Compostable – Materials that are able to break down naturally via an at-home composter or a composting site. Always remember that biodegradable and compostable are not synonymous – a biodegradable product is not always compostable.

the unwash • sustainability

Copenhagen Fashion Week’s (CPHFW) commitment to sustainability isn’t anything new. With the resurgence of in-person shows, we’re reminded that CPHFW is leading the way in pushing sustainability and ethical standards to the forefront of the industry. 

CPHFW has made its sustainability commitment a non-negotiable for designers, a statement in which we hope other fashion weeks worldwide follow suit. Since implementing its firm sustainability framework in 2020, Copenhagen is setting the stage for creating much-needed change. 

These are not just changes dedicated to fighting the climate crisis but rather the big picture with issues the fashion industry faces. The standards CPHFW has implemented include:

•Ensuring ethical working conditions for employees.

•50% of fabrics are recycled or made of other sustainable materials.

•Meeting human rights standards.

•Having a no-tolerance policy on discrimination.

the unwash • guide

The core values behind The Unwash are believing in a world of conscious consumerism and utilizing our purchasing power for positive change. The Unwash is all about giving a $$$$ and supporting brands that do the same. We look at the big picture and are helping you to do the same. Here are Our Top 5 Picks on How to Unwash.

Shop Like You Give a $$$$

Now, this means a lot of things. The three big pillars are choosing brands that care about the consumer, employees, and the planet. Say no to companies with unethical labor practices that aren’t accessible for everyone or lack transparency. We choose brands that are for everyone. We want clothing lines that have sizing for everyone, makeup with a shade for every skin tone, and brands that use marketing with people from all walks of life. When we choose to support brands that align with our values, we have the power to shake up the market to reflect what consumers really want.

Get Involved

Find ways to get involved with other people or groups committed to progress. Maybe that’s participating in online seminars, mobilizing voters in your community, volunteering, or joining a local advocacy group. Finding new opportunities to be engaged in making change is not only a great way to take your commitment further but is a chance to make friends, network, and find community.

the unwash • guide

So many products and brands on the market love to make us think it’s a better buy than it actually is. Consumers have proven that they want the products they buy to reflect their values, but brands can take advantage of this through greenwashing. Greenwashing is when marketing for a product, company, or service is exaggerated to make it seem that being conscious of the environment is at the forefront, often for economic gain. As consumers, we must regulate this to ensure that we buy products truly worth our money. Here are our top greenwashing red flags to keep an eye out for:

Misleading Symbols or ‘Certifications’

Awareness of standard certifications such as Leaping Bunny, 1% for the Planet, B-Corp, or Climate Neutral Certified can help consumers point out misleading credentials. Brands often use ambiguous terminology or imagery to make it seem that a specific certification has been achieved.

Use of Buzzwords 

Relying heavily on buzzwords can indicate that there isn’t a whole lot to back up a brand’s claims. Check out our buzzword breakdown to better understand what some of these terms really mean.

Deceptive Packaging 

When you see brandings that look seemingly earth-friendly, such as brown packaging, heavy use of natural aspects, or greenery, it is a common cue that it’s time to find something else.