INSPIRATION AND ADVICE

4 WAYS TO SHOP MORE SUSTAINABLY

By Steven Potter, April 22, 2020

Happy Earth Day! ICYDK, today is all about supporting environmental protection. And here at ASOS, we’re on a journey towards becoming a more eco-friendly place to shop.

What have we done lately? Well, we recently made our returns process paperless – saving 320,000kg of paper! – and we're continuing to improve our plastic packaging. As well as being made from recycled materials, all our bags are recyclable – just pop them all in with your next ASOS return and we'll reuse them, or turn them into new bags! We've also been doing all we can to use more eco-friendly manufacturing processes and sustainable materials for our in-house labels. We know there's a long way to go, but it's a start. #WeAreOnIt

If you want to start making small changes too, but you're not sure where to begin, below you’ll find four ways to be a bit more sustainable – from vintage finds to upcycling old faves 😃

A picture of model wearing a printed T-shirt featuring a beach print from the ASOS Responsible edit. Available at ASOS.

Picture: ASOS

The Responsible edit

If you want to buy new threads, but would like to do it in a more responsible way, we've got the answer: our Responsible edit. It’s full of jeans, tops, dresses, swim stuff, accessories – pretty much everything you'd want for a wardrobe refresh, from lots of your favourite brands. Some products are made using recycled materials, others are created with more eco-friendly manufacturing processes that use less water, and some are made from sustainably sourced fabrics. If you want to find out what makes your favourite styles in the edit so special, take a look at the fabric info in the product descriptions for the full low-down.

Picture: ASOS Marketplace

ASOS Marketplace

Giving clothes a second chance is another sustainable way of shopping, and there’s no better place to find truly unique vintage pieces than ASOS Marketplace. Think Nike sweatshirts, Versace tops and Gucci bags, plus loads more – some of which are 20+ years old! That’s true vintage, people. Not only are you giving these styles another life, but you’ll also be supporting up-and-coming boutiques and small businesses with looks that no one else is gonna have. Perfect.

Psychic Sisters rose quartz crystal water bottle, available at ASOS

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All the small things

Some of the little things you use every day can have a big impact on the environment. And small changes, like switching to reuseable cups and bottles instead of takeaway or plastic, or remembering to bring a reusable tote bag on your weekly shop, really can make a difference.

Give your old trainers a makeover

Got some old kicks you don't wear anymore but you're not quite ready to donate them? Get creative and customise them yourself. Our ASOS Insider Jono has created this amazing video explaining how to give your old trainers a crafty update. That's one less pair heading for the tip AND you can tell all your friends you're a low-key trainer designer... kind of. Check out @asos_jono for more upcycling videos, from tie-dye to DIY denim.