A Modern Filipina’s Guide to Redefining Sustainable Fashion

Written by Jennifer Redondo

I don’t care what anyone says: Filipina moms and aunties are the most eco-friendly and resourceful people in the world. For as long as I could remember and even way before Earth Day was a thing, my grandmas, mom, and aunties were repurposing anything and everything. I didn’t even know what the term “recycling” meant, but that’s exactly what they were doing – saving plastic bags from the store, using plastic butter and Cool Whip containers as Tupperware, and the iconic blue Danish Butter Cookie tin turned sewing kit. Jo Koy’s jokes are based on real life stories. There’s no way we can make this up, but isn’t it a trip that all our moms and aunties do this? Being green and avoiding waste is the way of Filipino life. Growing up with a strong foundation and understanding that nothing goes to waste, set me up to be a responsible steward of the planet.

With global warming and climate change discussions on the rise, it’s no surprise that many individuals and companies are putting extra thought and effort into doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2015, I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.  She really changed my life. There are three Netflix features that challenged my outlook on life: 1. Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, 2. The True Cost, and 3. Minimalism. After consuming this content, I started to think of ways to implement these strategies into my own life. I took Marie Kondo’s advice, and I emptied out all my closets and drawers. I formed a large, tall mound that consisted of just my clothes alone! I was so disgusted with how much stuff I had from just one closet! This made me sick to my stomach — I had a major problem with overconsumption!

Over the last few years, I’ve made a more conscious effort to practice sustainability (as best as I could, though still far from perfect) by implementing the following: 

1. Continuing to recycle and reuse 

2. Limiting my consumption of fast fashion

3. Stretching out the lifespan of pieces that I already own 

4. Renting clothes through a subscription service 

5. Shopping second hand at thrift stores 

6. Donating clothes to charities and small local organizations

7. Buying and selling to consignment stores or online platforms 

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1. Continuing to Recycle and Reuse

Habits formed early on are hard to shake. My grandma and aunties taught me what recycling was at a very young age. They encouraged me to save soda cans so that I could exchange them for money if I turned them in. I was money motivated at a young age. Of course, I was saving cans because I needed money for my piggy bank and the ice cream truck. Until this day, I still recycle (but not for money). Like my aunts, I reuse store plastic bags (if I don’t have reusable bags), and I try to repurpose things as much as possible. However, instead of using plastic containers, I use glass Tupperware (the actual Tupperware brand). I also use scrap paper for notes or shred it to fill gift bags or baskets.   

2. Limiting my Consumption of Fast Fashion

After watching The True Cost documentary in 2015, I started limiting my consumption of fast fashion companies. Plus, at my age, I have no business shopping at Forever 21. By no means have I completely cut off fast fashion, but I am more self-aware. It is not realistic for everyone to quit fast fashion. That would kill our economy, and many people would lose their jobs. For most people, it comes down to affordability, which is why they partake in fast fashion. For the fast fashion items that I do own, I make sure to wear them until it’s worn out or no longer fits. 

3. Stretching Out the Lifespan of Items I Already Own

When it comes time to buy something new (or new to you), I highly suggest buying high quality, made to last pieces that will stand the test of time. I’ve started investing in a few key classic pieces that I have managed to wear over 7 years and counting. Growing up, shops like Forever 21 or H&M didn’t exist. Because I went to private school, I wore a uniform. Since I didn’t need much clothing, my mom always bought us high quality clothes, some of which my sister and I still fit and wear until now! Now, I only buy what I will wear often – which means it has to be comfortable and versatile enough to be styled in many ways.  

4. Renting Clothes Through a Subscription Service

I used to shop for new outfits for events and parties, which I only ended up wearing one time (especially if I was photographed in it! Because God forbid I get caught repeating an outfit, right?). Thank goodness for Rent the Runway, which is a premier subscription fashion service that powers people to rent, subscribe, or buy used designer apparel and accessories. They have different memberships, with no time commitments. You can take a break or cancel whenever you want. All rentals arrive ready-to-wear, and you don’t have to send it to the dry cleaners before returning. Shipping and dry cleaning are included in your membership fees. For less than the price of a new outfit, you can rent multiple designer styles that you can use for work, lounging on the weekends, or special black tie events. I have an 8 item monthly plan, which equates to $18 an item. It gives me enough options for work, going out, or lounging around throughout the month. If you’d like to try Rent the Runway, you can get 40% off your first month of membership. Use the code RTRBBF298C99F at checkout. 

5. Shopping Second Hand 

Lucky for my sister and I, our mom invested in quality clothing and bags. We often shopped in my mom’s closet and at thrift stores, mainly because we couldn’t afford designer goods. Basically, I was (and still am) a baller on a budget. Another reason I got into thrifting is because I preferred the vintage, classic look versus what’s trending. Rarely have I ever been attracted to what’s in style. I’ve always been about comfort or whatever floats my boat.   

6. Donating Clothes to Charities and In Need Organizations

In order to avoid overconsumption and hoarding, I often clear out my closet and do inventory of what I can donate or sell. I try my best to donate to small local organizations that can benefit most. Donations are also good because you can obtain receipts that can be used for tax purposes. Why not get a tax break in exchange for your donations? 

7. Buying and Selling to Consignment Stores or Online Programs

Growing up in LA, my sister and I had the luxury of being surrounded by many thrift stores like Wasteland, Crossroads, and Buffalo Exchange. We discovered that we could buy and sell clothes. If we used the money at the same shop, we could use the credit to purchase clothes, which was more than the amount we would have received if we cashed out. Today there are several online apps and platforms that we both use to buy and sell such as Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, OfferUp, Nextdoor, and Facebook Marketplace. Every once in a while, I will take my stuff to Plato’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads, or the Goodwill. 

You’ve heard the saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Don’t disregard buying something “used” or “pre-loved”. You can find a lot of good deals, save a lot of money, and potentially make money. If you have a good eye for spotting gems, you could re-sell at outdoor flea markets like the Rose Bowl, Los Feliz, Alameda, TreasureFest, and San Jose. There are people who’ve founded and operate businesses based on this model. It’s all about being resourceful! These days people are more inclined to support businesses that do good and make them feel good. You’re also doing your part to make this earth a better place. 

Like the stereotypical Berkeley alum hippie, I encourage you all to reduce, reuse, and recycle! 

Love, peace, and happiness! 

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Written by Jennifer Redondo

Co-Founder and Co-Author of In Her Purpose

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