It's Easier (And Cheaper) To Shop Ethically Than You Think

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Fast fashion is inexpensive but polarizing for its effects on the planet, and now more people than ever are demanding to know where their clothing comes from.

However, at first glance, many consumers might not think shopping ethically is feasible for their budget. As with fair trade goods of any kind, clothing and accessories seem dauntingly pricey and out of reach. 

Upon second glance however, it appears that there do exist some items that are, in fact, affordable. Accompany, a hub for artisanal, fair trade, philanthropic goods, boasts a slew of items for both your closet and home, many of which are comparable in price to your favorite fast fashion brands. 

Featuring fair trade items by artisan designers around the globe, the site aims to provide consumers with the knowledge and access to help you make more ethical choices. As its CEO Jason Keehn told The Huffington Post, "There's a real opportunity for change by driving more social impact and economic prosperity to marginalized communities. If we're able to compete on price with the mass-produced factory standard, then if we tell our story and educate consumers, I really think they'll continue to choose ethical alternatives over commercial commodities."

Still not convinced? We've rounded up a bunch of fast fashion pieces and paired them with similar options available for purchase on Accompany. Many are just slightly more expensive than the fast fashion options, some even more affordable. 

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Accompany / Target

Left: Ashoka Aztec Organic Cotton Tote from Accompany, $35;  Right: Target Women's Tribal Print Tote Handbag, $14.98

 
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Accompany / Urban Outfitters

Left: Proud Mary Cobalt Crocheted Raffia Loafer from Accompany, $68; Right: Jeffrey Campbell Vionnet Flat, $100; 

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Accompany / Free People

Left:  Ketzali Taqal Poncho from Accompany, $92Right: Free People Desert Dream Cowl Poncho, $68

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Accompany / Zara

Left: Wax and Cruz Navy XO Caftan from Accompany, $90Right: Zara Printed Tunic, $49.90

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Accompany / Banana Republic

 

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Accompany / American Eagle Outfitters

Left: Raven and Lily Chanda Harem Pant from Accompany, $66; Right: American Eagle Lounge Pant, now $22.47

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Accompany / Zara

Also on HuffPost:

Tips For Ethical Shopping
Support Companies That Give Back (01 of10)
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Do your research and make purchases with companies that share your high moral standards. Find your socially responsible match with the help of corporate rankings like Goodness 500. The consumer education site ranks the top 500 businesses by how much money they give to charity, the percent of their total profit donated, the diversity of their executive staff, and their non-discrimination and environmental policies. (credit:Peter Dazeley via Getty Images)
Shop Fair Trade And Sweatshop-Free(02 of10)
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Shop more responsibly by withdrawing support from companies who exploit cheap labor and force their employees to work under unhealthy conditions. When in doubt, seek out fair trade certified labels on your items of interest. This not only ensures your new duds were made in a sustainable work environment, but it also certifies that whoever manufactured them was paid a living wage. (credit:Britt Erlanson via Getty Images)
Buy Secondhand(03 of10)
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Thrifting is an ethical style maven’s best-kept secret. Whether you’re looking for a chic overcoat or vintage handbag, thrift and consignment shops have a seemingly limitless inventory of stylish duds. While there’s no way to guarantee your recycled finds were made under ethical labor conditions, relish in the fact that you’re keeping unwanted clothes from ending up in a local landfill. (credit:jennifer m. ramos via Getty Images)
Choose Faux Fur Over Real Fur(04 of10)
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You don’t have to forgo your love for animals in the name of fashion. Keep up with the coveted fur trend without skinning an animal and go faux. (credit:Baerbel Schmidt via Getty Images)
Embrace Sustainable Fashion (05 of10)
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Support sustainable fashion by cherry-picking eco-friendly designers like Ryan Jude Novelline who embrace the environmental and social impact of their work. Research suggests that some of the leading clothing brands continue to use hormone-disrupting toxic chemicals to manufacture their textiles. Steer clear of clothing made from synthetic materials and opt for natural or recycled fabrics. (credit:Lyn Holly Coorg via Getty Images)
Upcycle When You Can (06 of10)
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Revamp your wardrobe without breaking the bank by adding a crafty touch to some of your more outdated pieces. Try carving up a pair of old denim to make cutoff shorts or adding studs to an old jacket for a rocker edge. (credit:Alonso Valdivia via Getty Images)
Donate, Donate, Donate(07 of10)
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Before you toss them in the trash, donate or (if you’re pressed for cash) sell your undamaged clothes and accessories to secondhand stores or local charities. To make the most of your gift, seek out organizations specifically in need of clothing to donate your unwanted goods. (credit:Jamie Grill via Getty Images)
Shop Locally(08 of10)
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If you’re pressed for time and want to avoid the complicated process of decoding labels, try shopping at small local boutiques. Although their prices might be a little steep, at an independent shop, you’ll likely have better access to a shopowner who can give you details on how and under what conditions their pieces were made. (credit:Andres Rodriguez via Getty Images)
Don't Buy It Unless You Need It (09 of10)
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Reduce your fashion carbon footprint by resisting the urge to buy on impulse. Avoid retail therapy at all cost, but if you absolutely must make a purchase, be sure to choose quality over quantity. Opt for a minimalist approach and build your wardrobe around timeless statement pieces that last. (credit:Paper Boat Creative via Getty Images)
Avoid Cosmetics With Unnecessary Additives(10 of10)
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Look for beauty products without unnecessary additives. When shopping for cosmetics, read labels carefully and seek out other alternatives. The Suave Professionals® Natural Infusion collection has formulas that are free of parabens and dyes, making it a perfect fit! (credit:Ivan Mateev via Getty Images)

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