April is Earth Month, and it’s time to reflect on our habits and consider how we can make a positive impact on the environment. One area where we can all strive to do better is in our fashion choices and how we care for our clothes. The apparel industry has a significant environmental footprint, but by making small changes, we can all work towards a more sustainable future. That's why we're launching an Earth Month Challenge to inspire you to adopt more eco-friendly habits.  

Here are 10 simple steps related to clothing and the apparel industry that you can take to minimize your impact on the environment: 

1. Repair or Upcycle Clothing: Instead of tossing out old or damaged clothes, consider repairing them or giving them new life through upcycling. Whether it's a simple sewing repair or transforming garments into something new, every little bit helps. Check out initiatives like Patchwork Initiative, Upcycled Outdoor, and Colorado Shoe School for inspiration.
2. Buy Second-Hand or Vintage: Opt for second-hand or vintage clothing whenever possible. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms like Thred Up offer a wide selection of pre-loved garments waiting to be rediscovered. You can also consider renting clothes through services like Rent the Runway for special occasions.
3. Choose Sustainable Fabrics: Look for clothing made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, Seawool, or recycled materials. These fabrics have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional materials like virgin polyester. All our products use recycled materials, including these shorts, joggers, and button down shirts are made from Seawool, an innovative fabric made from crushed oyster shell waste and recycled plastic bottles. 
4. Wash Clothes Less Frequently: Reduce your energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your clothes by washing them less frequently and using cold water when you do. A rough estimate suggests that washing clothes in cold water can save around 75-90% of the energy typically used for heating water in a hot wash cycle.
5. Air Dry Clothes: Whenever possible, opt for air drying your clothes instead of using a dryer. Not only does this save energy, but it also helps preserve the quality of your garments over time.
6. Use Eco-Friendly Detergents: Switch to eco-friendly detergents that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals such as Earth Breeze,  Molly Suds, or True Earth. This not only reduces the environmental impact of washing clothes but also ensures that your garments stay in top condition.
7. Donate, Sell or Swap Unwanted Clothing: Doubling the number of times a garment is worn reduces its associated greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent. Instead of throwing away unwanted clothing, consider donating it to those in need, like I Support the Girls or a community shelter in your area. You can also sell to a local consignment shop like Plato's Closet to make some extra cash or host a party to swap clothes with friends, keeping clothes in play and out of the landfill.
8. Support Sustainable Brands: Choose to support brands, like Tellus, that prioritize environmental and ethical practices. Resources like Good On You can help you identify sustainable clothing brands that align with your values.
9. Reduce Fast Fashion Purchases: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that one garbage truck of textiles is wasted every second globally, with the fashion industry being a significant contributor. Minimize your purchases from fast fashion brands, which often have a high environmental and social impact due to their rapid production cycles and low-quality garments. Instead, opt for quality over quantity and invest in pieces that will last.
10. Recycle Unwanted Items Beyond Repair: Organizations like Better Days accept clothing donations and ensure that they are put to good use, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. They also have a mail-in recycling program where you can ship your tattered and worn-out clothes. You can order one of their Take Back Bags through their Better Days Trashie program.

Pick Your Challenge: Choose one or more actions from our list of 10 ideas.

Show Us Your Action: Share a photo or video of yourself completing the challenge on your social media profile. Be sure to tag @TellusOutdoor and use #SustainableStyleChallenge. 

Nominate Friends: Challenge your friends and followers to join in! Tag them in your post and encourage them to take part. 

Track Your Progress: Keep us updated on your journey throughout the month. Share your successes, challenges, and any tips you have for staying sustainable. 

Win Prizes: Each week, we'll select participants at random to win exclusive Tellus merchandise and discounts. 

By participating in the Tellus Earth Month Challenge and adopting these simple habits, you can make a meaningful contribution to minimizing your impact on the environment while also supporting our mission as an outdoor apparel company. Together, let's embrace the challenge and work towards a more sustainable future for generations to come.