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Downtown Boulder’s Sustainable Shopping Scene

Category: Boulder Blog

Post Date: May 31, 2022

Inside Apocalypse

Hey Downtown!

One of the many things I love about Boulder is the focus this town has on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The fashion industry in particular can create large environmental and labor issues with fast-fashion production. Thankfully, from local shops to large brands such as Patagonia and prAna, endless options to shop sustainably can be found around downtown Boulder.

Apocalypse, located on the East End of Pearl Street, supports the community, as well as the environment, through their buy-sell-trade model. This system promotes slow fashion and sustainability through the act of recycling clothes and purchasing second hand items (read more here for their story!). Trading old clothing for new is an incredible way to reduce your textile footprint. Not to mention all the colorfully quirky and expressive items you are sure to find while shopping at Apocalypse! 

Artisan Items at GLENN+GLENN

Following the trend of sustainable fashion, GLENN+GLENN is working to, “create a ready-to-wear fashion brand that promotes slow-fashion, small batch production and awareness for curating one's wardrobe.” Their intentionality to foster a sustainable business is seen through careful attention to using responsibly sourced textile products, as well as an emphasis on encouraging production from women-owned sew houses in New York and local Colorado seamstresses. Needless to say, sisters (and founders of GLENN+GLENN) Hillary Glenn Riley and Jillian Glenn Altman are killing it in the sustainable fashion industry with their local-to-Boulder brand.

Sherpani is yet another great example of eco-friendly fashion promotion. Designed for bold adventures, these sustainable bags are made with non-toxic materials and labor friendly practices. By supporting organizations such as Trash the Runway and The Blue Verve Project, Sherpani is doing their part  to encourage sustainability and fair labor practices. Learn more about their story here!

Multiple sustainable shopping options exist downtown for items other than apparel. Fairly traded, handmade products can be found at Fair Trade Winds, who work with numerous artisan organizations in 57 countries. Or head on over to Jones and CO, a contemporary lifestyle brand with a great story, selling unique and handcrafted products (in addition to clothing options!) from local artists, designers and brands. Mindful Works is another great option, offering handmade items and supporting mental health recovery - you can even donate fabric scraps to their cause! Supporting small businesses AND shopping consciously? Sign me up!

Sustainable shopping is made easy when strolling around Downtown Boulder! Next time you are out shopping or looking for new businesses to support, check out these environmentally friendly options as well as many other businesses that promote sustainable shopping right in our backyard of downtown Boulder.

See you around!

Alexandra


Mentioned in this Post: Apocalypse, Fair Trade Winds, GLENN+GLENN, JONES + CO, Mindful Works, Patagonia, prAna

Tagged:   Shopping

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