Before You Buy: Six Questions to Ask an Eco Boutique

A good shop will be glad you asked.

Small eco boutiques are some of the best places to shop well. These six questions separate the real thing from a green coat of paint.

• Who made this? A good boutique can name the brand’s factory, studio or maker.
• What is it made of? Look for natural, organic or certified fibers.
• Is any of it vintage or deadstock? Existing fabric is the lowest-impact fabric there is.
• Do you offer repairs or take-back? Shops that care about the afterlife of clothes say yes.
• How is it shipped and packed? Plastic-free packaging is easy and telling.
• Is anything animal-derived? Ask about leather, fur, feathers and silk if they matter to you.

Write them in your phone. Ask kindly. Buy less, and buy it well.

The Cat House Foundation ■ Modeling for a Cause. Photo: Pexels.