Published

10 months ago

January 24, 2025

Alice Rush

Whether for financial reasons, environmental concerns, or simply being overwhelmed by your closet, there are a lot of cases for a low-buy year, season, or month.

When I asked the Slow Fashion Saturday community about their slow fashion intentions, the most common response was that they wanted to do a low-buy or no-buy year.

I have a similar goal this year — I want to prioritize only adding intentional, high-quality pieces to my closet without breaking my clothing budget. This will mean being selective in the number of items I add to my closet.

Everyone’s low-buy will look a little bit different. But these tips will help you create your framework and stick to it for a successful low-buy year.

1) Set a Clear Intention

Define your goal, your why, and understand where you’re at now. Here are some prompts to help you set your intentions!

Determine what qualifies as a no-buy or low-buy year for you

Perhaps you’re taking Tiffanie Darke’s “Rule of 5” challenge and adding only 5 things to your wardrobe. Perhaps you’re committing to only buy 1 piece per month. Perhaps you don’t want to buy any new fashion item this year. Maybe you’re going to take a complete pause for a few months, even including secondhand items.

It’s about what makes sense for your life. And perhaps you’ll get some more clarity after reflecting on your why in the next question…

Get clear on why you are taking this challenge

There might be several reasons here — perhaps you want to save money and you want to feel more in control of your closet.

And then go a level deeper:

Why do you want to reduce your overconsumption? (To feel more confident about your personal style? To align your fashion choices more closely with your environmental concerns or passions?)

Why do you want to save money? (To pay off debt, to save for a home down payment, to create an emergency fund?)

Think about how you want to feel at the end of this year. Do you want to feel calmer when you go into your closet? Proud of yourself for being a more conscious consumer? Confident because you’re more in control of your finances?

Decide how you will track your progress

If you’re taking this challenge for financial reasons, add up what you spent on fashion last year. Use this as a benchmark to compare what you spend this year.

If you’re taking the challenge because you’re overwhelmed by your closet, count the number of items currently in your wardrobe. If your goal to reduce the total number of items, take a tally at the end of each season to see how you’re doing. (My free closet tracker is an easy way to do this!)

Or if you’re taking the challenge primarily for sustainability reasons, perhaps you want to also track the type of items you purchase. For example, maybe you want to only buy secondhand or only support sustainably-minded small brands.

Lean into the slow fashion habits you already have

This was something that sustainability creator Immy Lucas included in her low-buy planning YouTube video: “what good habits do I already have?” I loved that idea of starting the challenge with a positive mindset acknowledging what we’re already doing right.

Maybe you always shop secondhand first, perhaps you don’t buy fast fashion, maybe you mend your clothes, or you already wear what you have a long time. Keep doing more of that and go from there!

2) Do a Closet Audit

Take stock of what is already in your closet, counting how many pieces you have in each category. You’ll then also have a total of how many pieces are in your closet. This process might take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on how many clothes you have and if some are in storage or not.

If you’re not sure about everything in your closet, take a moment to do a mini closet audit first, with three categories.

Keep in closet: pieces you enjoy wearing or are excited to wear
Separate out: pieces that haven’t been worn lately (or at all) but have potential — challenge yourself to restyle those pieces to see if they could work!
Take out to re-home: pieces that don’t suit your personal style, lifestyle, or don’t fit (and aren’t alterable)

If you want an easy way to keep track of your garment categories, my free closet tracker template is here to help!

Closet tracker to help support a low-buy year for fashion purchases

If you did the mini closet-audit, only count the items in the first two categories. For the third category, you

Once you know how many pieces are in your wardrobe (and how many you have in each category), you can reflect on the following:

In what categories do I already have enough or too much?

This becomes your “do not buy” list.

Are there any categories I have a gap in that needs to be filled?

This becomes your “ok to buy” list or your wishlist.

Given your responses, you might have to go back to your intention in step one and update your goals.

For example, if you experienced body and size fluctuations, a major lifestyle change, evolution in your personal style, or moved to a different climate, a full no-buy or super restrictive low-buy might not be realistic for you this year.

Or perhaps it’s the other way around — maybe after counting the pieces in your closet, you want to create tighter parameters around a low-buy.

3) Set Up Systems for Success

As the James Clear quote goes from Atomic Habits, “you do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Plan your purchases

Whether you want to utilize the “To Buy?” tab in my Closet Tracker template or just keep track of your most-wanted/needed pieces in your Notes app, this can be a powerful practice.

Or perhaps you want to plan when you will buy.

Tiffanie Darke suggests planning your “Rule of 5” challenge pieces evenly throughout the seasons.

And one Slow Fashion Saturday subscriber had a great idea to plan these purchases around upcoming experiences and travel! Tying an item to an experience can add a sentimental value to them, making those garments all the more special.

If you plan your purchases around certain times, you can still enjoy that element of discovery. This is a way to engage in a low-buy without a prescriptive shopping list. (Though I think a loose list is still helpful, as you’ll still want to make those limited number of purchases count!)

Remove shopping temptations

No matter how strong our willpower is, at one point it does run out — so why not make it easier on ourselves?

Unsubscribe from newsletters, cancel subscriptions (like to Prime), unfollow or mute accounts that push constant consumption, delete shopping apps, log-out of shopping accounts, and remove “saved card” details from payment processors or other shopping sites you frequent.

Determine what to replace shopping with

When you want to change any habit, the first step is building an awareness of why we have that habit in the first place. What need is it satisfying? What purpose is it serving in our lives? (E.g., Does that habit help us feel better when we’re down? Does that habit make us feel less lonely?)

And then we can start to find healthier alternatives to meeting that need or desire.

I know shopping and buying new things can add a sense of excitement to my day. But perhaps instead I can be more proactive about planning fun activities with friends that I can look forward to.

Putting on a new garment can make me feel confident. But also maybe I could spend some time shopping my closet and creating fresh outfits in proportions that flatter to satisfy that purpose.

This one is quite personal, so it might take some time to get clarity on it.

How can you support yourself with community and accountability?

Will you track your clothing spending and come back to it each month?

Will you share your goal with a partner, friend, or loved one? Or even better, can you have someone join the challenge with you?

There are many subscribers of the Slow Fashion Saturday newsletter that are doing a low-buy year so that’s been something we’ve been talking about lately!

Cultivate a positive mindset

A low-buy or no-buy challenge doesn’t have to be viewed as scarcity or as a punishment. It can be an opportunity to have renewed gratitude for the abundance in our closets, or a moment to pause and reflect.

It also can be a chance to start noticing what you do like already about your clothes, your outfits, or your closet. What did you get right? Which purchases were a good investment? What pieces do you wear all of the time?

Another subscriber shared that she found it helpful to track her outfits and note down what she liked about each outfit. As she said, “I can’t tell you how helpful [noting down what I liked about each outfit] has been. It’s much more motivating to develop a plan incorporating positive realizations than negative perceptions. Such a great reminder that gratitude is where it’s at!”

I’m a big fan of cultivating gratitude with our closets because it helps us get off of the “never enough” consumption treadmill. I find gratitude to be foundational to a slow fashion mindset — it helps us appreciate the abundance of what we have and inspires us to care more for what we own.

Are you taking a low-buy or no-buy challenge this year? Stay inspired on the journey by joining the Slow Fashion Saturday newsletter…

The post How to Have a “Low-Buy” Fashion Year appeared first on .

How to Have a “Low-Buy” Fashion Year

Green Living

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Published

4 days ago

November 25, 2025

Alice Rush

This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.

US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.

Focusing on what matters most

“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.

Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going

Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co

Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility

Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”

The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.

Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.

Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors

Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.

In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.

Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.

We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing

Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co

One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.

Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection

Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.

Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.

person wearing white knitted alpineglo jumper from toad&co

Alpineglo Sweater

This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.

printed floral chaka trousers from Toad&co

Chaka Wide-Leg Trousers

Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.

people wearing reversible nomader jacket from toad&co

Nomader Reversible Jacket

This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.

person wearing printed padded manzana jacket from toad&co

Manzana Quilted Jacket

Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.

Balsam Cutoff Trousers

These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Kennicott Shirt Jacket

Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.

Airsmyth Shirt

This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.

Balsam 5-Pocket Trousers

Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.

Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.

The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Green Living

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Published

1 week ago

November 21, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on November 21, 2025

If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!

I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.

If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.

I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).

what are good homemade Christmas gifts?

Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.

If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).

It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).

And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!

Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!

how can I make a last minute gift?

You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!

For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.

One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!

Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.

Bath salts
DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
Bath bombs
Lip scrub
Lip balm
Face mask
Body lotion
Natural perfume
Dry shampoo
Shampoo bar
Body soap
Deodorant
Rose water toner
Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
Simmer pot in a jar
Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
Handmade seasoning blends
Vanilla extract
Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
Herb or citrus infused olive oil
Peanut butter + jam
Beeswax wraps
Apple or pumpkin butter
Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
Finished embroidery hoops
Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
Sewn cotton rounds
Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
Hand warmers
Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
Hand painted or drawn artwork
Air dry clay paint palette
DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
Carving wooden bowls by hand
Natural branch coasters
Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
Seed balls using native seeds
Handwoven baskets or bowls
Macrame produce bag
Macrame plant hanger
Fabric paper mache bowls
Upcycled paper earring jewelry
Clay earrings
Handmade plush toys
Felt ‘food’ toys
Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
Knit or crocheted baby clothes

What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!

The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make

Green Living

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home

Published

3 weeks ago

November 6, 2025

Alice Rush

Last Updated on November 6, 2025

Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.

And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.

8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.

On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.

It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.

what is the least toxic rug?

The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.

Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:

Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool
Low-waste packaging + delivery
Natural, non-synthetic dyes
Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs
Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs

do all rugs have PFAS?

According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.

However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.

what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?

The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).

I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below).

what brand of rugs are non-toxic?

The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.