Chloe Zhang
Urban Outfitters is a popular lifestyle brand that has been catering to young, trend-loving shoppers since the '70s. However, the company has been criticised for its impact on the environment, people, and animals. In 2020, the company faced backlash for selling a book about reducing plastic waste that was packaged in plastic. Despite this, Urban Outfitters has been trying to promote sustainable swaps for everyday life, such as reusable water bottles, natural toothpaste, and organic, reusable cotton pads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic-free products | Reusable water bottles, travel mugs, natural wheat or grass straws, stainless-steel bento boxes, recycled and reusable lunch bags, bamboo cutlery, organic and reusable cotton pads, natural toothpaste |
| Environmental impact | Urban Outfitters is considered "Not Good Enough" for the environment, with only 10% of its direct-sourced raw materials responsibly sourced. The brand has launched initiatives like Urban Renewal to focus on repurposed and vintage goods, but it follows an unsustainable fast-fashion model. |
| Animal welfare | Urban Outfitters does not use fur, down, angora, or exotic animal skin/hair but does use leather, wool, and shearling. There is no evidence of an animal welfare policy or product tracing, which raises concerns about animal welfare. |
| Labour rights | The company was involved in a labour rights scandal in 2015, where employees were asked to work for free. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Urban Outfitters' sustainability efforts
Urban Outfitters has outlined its commitment to sustainability and eco-responsibility, with a focus on responsible sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and community partnerships. In its URBN Impact Report, the company highlights its plans to address environmental and social responsibility challenges in the industry.
The company has set ambitious goals for responsible sourcing, aiming to increase the proportion of responsibly sourced raw materials to 60% by 2027, with 10% currently being responsibly sourced. Urban Outfitters has also joined the US Cotton Trust Protocol and the Better Cotton Initiative to further its commitment to responsible cotton sourcing. In addition, their Urban Renewal initiative has recirculated over 6 million garments, including over 1 million pairs of denim, keeping these items out of landfills.
Urban Outfitters has also made strides in eco-friendly packaging, with 100% of mailer bags and boxes made from recycled and recyclable materials. They have partnered with FabScrap to find end-of-life solutions for waste generated during product creation. Additionally, their KOTO collection, launched in March 2022, features sustainability and inclusivity as core elements, utilizing recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and responsibly sourced US cotton.
However, despite these efforts, Urban Outfitters has been criticized for its overall impact on the environment, labour rights, and animal welfare. The company follows an unsustainable fast-fashion model with quickly changing trends and frequent new styles. There is also a lack of evidence of meaningful action to reduce hazardous chemicals or carbon, protect biodiversity, or implement an animal welfare policy.
While Urban Outfitters has made some progress in sustainability, there are still areas where improvements can be made to align with their commitments and meet the expectations of consumers seeking more sustainable and ethical options.
Designing and Printing Plastic Products: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic-free alternatives
Urban Outfitters has been criticised for its lack of transparency and negative impact on the environment, people, and animals. The company has been involved in labour rights scandals and has been criticised for its unsustainable fast-fashion model. However, the company has taken some steps towards sustainability, such as launching its Urban Renewal initiative, which focuses on repurposing and upcycling vintage goods.
Apparel
- Afends: A brand from Byron Bay, Australia, that creates sustainable clothing through innovation, action, and positive change. They are hemp advocates and grow their own hemp crops.
- UncommonGoods: A brand that handpicks creative and purposeful products with impeccable designs, from fun jewellery and cool accessories to creative home décor and kitchen items.
- Lisa Says Gah: A brand with a focus on independent designers, offering eccentric, colourful, and one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories.
- Known Supply: A fashion brand that works closely with makers to ensure fair and safe labour practices, offering fashion-forward, GOTS-certified cotton garments, including jumpsuits, tees, and sweats.
- Big Bud: A brand with ethical production in LA, focusing on unisex and size-inclusive offerings in fun, on-trend styles.
- LOTI: A brand that creates dresses, blouses, and bucket hats with upcycled men's shirting.
- Kindom: A brand offering fair trade and artisan goods, with special PRIDE, gender-free, and indigenous collections.
Home Goods
- UncommonGoods: The brand offers creative and purposeful products, including glasses, vases, trays, throw blankets, and more.
- B Corp: A certified brand that offers goods made from 100% recycled or repurposed materials, giving back 1% to the planet.
These alternative shops offer thoughtfully made, ethically created essentials, and by shopping at these brands, you can support businesses that are working to make the world a better place.
Lindsey Pelas' Plastic Surgery: What's the Truth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic-free skincare and beauty
You can start by looking for products with sustainable packaging, such as biodegradable materials, refillable containers, and reusable packaging. Certifications like 'Zero Waste' or 'Plastic-Free' are a good indicator, as is reading the ingredients list to avoid plastic-based ingredients like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Opting for brands with a strong sustainability commitment is also a good strategy.
Shampoo bars, for example, are a plastic-free alternative to traditional shampoo bottles. You can also make your own products, like toothpaste, with baking soda, or hair conditioner with apple cider vinegar.
There are also plastic-free skincare lines, such as The Earthling Co., which offers soaps, body lotions, face serums, and more, all wrapped in 100% compostable and recyclable packaging. Their products are also free of harmful ingredients like perfume oils and are instead made with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, clays, and essential oils.
By choosing plastic-free beauty products, you're not only helping the environment but also improving your personal health and reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Stitching Plastic Canvas: The Cross Stitch Way
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic-free food and drink
Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Single-use plastic items, such as straws, shopping bags, and food packaging, contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Opt for reusable alternatives instead. Bring your own cloth bags when grocery shopping, and refuse plastic bags. Avoid pre-packaged foods in plastic containers, and choose loose produce instead.
Shop at Zero-Waste Stores: Support businesses dedicated to plastic-free and zero-waste practices. Stores like Plastic Free Pursuit offer a wide range of natural, sustainable, and plastic-free products. You can find everything from razor blades in paper packaging to eco-friendly home essentials, helping you make more sustainable choices.
Compost and Recycle: Composting and recycling are crucial steps in reducing waste. Learn how to recycle or compost packaging and shipping materials. Some stores, like Plastic Free Pursuit, provide guidance on how to properly dispose of their packaging sustainably. By composting and recycling, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.
Choose Bulk and Refill Options: Buying food and household items in bulk or using refill options can reduce plastic waste. Look for stores that offer refill stations for items like grains, nuts, cleaning products, and personal care products. By refilling your own containers, you eliminate the need for single-use packaging.
Prepare Food at Home: Cooking from scratch allows you to avoid processed foods that often come in plastic packaging. Make your own snacks and meals whenever possible, and opt for whole foods. For example, instead of buying prewashed salads in plastic tubs, purchase loose vegetables and prepare them at home. You can also make your own condiments, such as mayonnaise or mustard, to further reduce plastic waste.
Adopting a plastic-free lifestyle in your kitchen may take some adjustments, but it is a worthwhile pursuit. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate the progress you make towards reducing your plastic footprint.
Plastic Military Canteens: Are They BPA-Free?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic-free fashion
Making the switch to plastic-free clothing is better for the environment and supports local farmers producing natural materials. It also helps ensure labourers earn a living wage. However, it can be challenging to find durable clothing that is 100% plastic-free. Even well-known sustainable brands like Patagonia still use virgin polyester.
Some smaller brands are leading the way in creating clothing that is entirely plastic-free. Water From Mars, for example, uses natural textiles like hemp and sources elastic made from organic cotton and natural rubber. They also use wooden buttons and organic cotton zippers. Their packaging is also 100% recyclable and biodegradable. AYA Sustainable Fashion is another brand that uses 100% organic Pima cotton and alpaca wool, with zero plastics and zero toxic chemicals.
When making the switch to plastic-free clothing, it's important to consider your existing wardrobe. You don't need to replace everything at once. Keep your current clothes and enjoy them for as long as you can. When you do buy new items, choose garments that complement your fashion and lifestyle, so you're more likely to stick with the change. You can find plastic-free alternatives for casual wear, athleisure, and activewear. Bamboo, for instance, is a soft and breathable fabric that is also 100% chemical and plastic-free.
Plastic Planters: Safe Soil or Chemical Contamination?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Urban Outfitters has been catering to young, trend-loving shoppers since the '70s, but it has been rated \"Not Good Enough\" for its impact on the environment. The brand has made some efforts towards sustainability, such as launching Urban Renewal in 1983, an initiative focused on repurposing and remaking vintage goods. However, it continues to follow an unsustainable fast-fashion model.
Urban Outfitters has faced criticism for selling a book about limiting plastic waste that was packaged in plastic. In response, the company stated that it is working to \"remove the use of unnecessary plastic\" in its shipping and distribution processes.
Urban Outfitters offers a range of sustainable alternatives, including reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and lunch boxes made from materials like glass, silicone, bamboo, and stainless steel. They also offer organic, reusable cotton pads and natural toothpaste in recyclable packaging.
Urban Outfitters offers free standard shipping for orders over $50, with faster options available for an additional cost. To reduce plastic waste, they provide the option of free store pickup for eligible items, and they are working towards removing unnecessary plastic from their shipping processes.
Urban Outfitters has been rated \"Not Good Enough\" for animal welfare due to a lack of transparency and animal welfare policies. While it does not use certain materials like fur and angora, it uses leather, wool, and shearling without tracing animal products to the first stage of production. This raises concerns about the brand's impact on animal welfare and the environment.
