Often our favorite garments are those with good stories. Maybe that special piece of clothing was a gift or worn at a memorable event. But have you ever considered the story of the garment before it became yours?

The life of a garment is not a boring life, that’s for sure. From fiber to textile production, design, and fabrication, to transport and retail sales, every article of clothing is the culmination of lots of effort and imagination.

Historically, people held onto garments for a long time, but with cheap clothing now abundantly available, many societies throughout the world think of clothing as disposable. The staggering volume of new garments manufactured each year have made this paradigm shift possible.

Clothing Production

It's estimated that 80 to 150 billion garments per year are produced in the global fashion industry.

Cotton is the most commonly used raw material for fabric in the world, with 60% of women’s garments and 75% of men’s garments containing some cotton. Once the cotton fiber is harvested, it’s spun into a fabric which can be easily cut to specific design requirements.

The fabric is sold to clothing manufacturers, who manage the actual production and fabrication of the garments. Once production is complete, garments are shipped to a distribution center, where they are stored until needed at retail locations.

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The Typical Lifecycle of a Garment

After the garment is sold, it may be used once, dozens of times, or never at all, before it ends up being thrown away, repurposed, or recycled.

So how many times are garments generally worn? The majority of fashion purchases see the outside of the wardrobe just 7-10 times. 

As a result, Americans send 11 million tons of clothing to landfills ever year, all while continuing to purchase new garments at a frenzied pace. To put this in more relatable terms, the average American now generates approximately 82 pounds of waste just from clothes they throw away every year!

Adding to the concern, more than 60 percent of fabric fibers are now oil-based synthetics, meaning if and when our clothing ends up in a landfill, they don’t decay.

Despite these large numbers, a problem at such a massive scale does in fact start with actions at the micro level. How many times you wear your garments, and how you dispose of them once it’s time to let them go, both define the life of your garment.

Simply donating your used clothing instead of throwing it away makes a significant impact on the life of your garment, and there are incredibly convenient ways to make it happen.

With Rinse, clothing donations pickup is always free during any one of your scheduled pickups, and it is a great way to extend the life of your garments by giving someone else the opportunity to enjoy them. Another way to counteract the problem of excessive clothing waste is to increase the number of times you wear your garments. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 30 uses.

To get to 30 uses, it’s important to ensure the proper care and cleaning of your clothes. When washing clothes, use cold water, as it’s not only helpful in preventing color bleeding and fading but helps to preserve the strength and integrity of the fibers.

Additionally, you can switch from high or medium heat to low heat in the dryer, which also helps to increase the longevity of your garments and reduces the risk of shrinkage and malformation of clothes over multiple cleanings. Or working with Rinse or your local cleaner can help!

So next time you slip into your favorite garment, take a moment to consider not only where it came from, but also where it’s going. And when you choose to extend the life of your garments, you’re making a choice that benefits more than just your wardrobe.

The average person spends 3+ hours a week doing laundry. When Rinse takes your least favorite chore off your hands, you get that precious time back. There are so many ways you could spend an extra three hours, but might we suggest a hike? With those bonus hours you could get some fresh air in nature, discover a new hike in your area, and spend some quality time with family, friends, your dog, or yourself.

Walking and hiking are great options for low-impact physical activity and, according to the CDC, can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve sleep, memory, and the ability to learn. So go out and explore some trails before the chill of winter traps us inside the house. You might even catch the last of the autumn leaves changing! We picked out hiking excursions in each of our locales that should take about 3 hours, all of which are rated as easy so you can bring the whole family along. So grab some water, a hat, and a walking buddy and take a break from the city (and your laundry)!

Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

New York City

Hike: Arden Point and Glenclyffe
Location: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Garrison, NY
Central Park is beautiful, but sometimes you just need to step out of the city that never sleeps and into something a bit more secluded. For our New Yorkers we recommend traveling due north to Arden Point and Glenclyffe. This 3.8 hike will lead you through some rugged sites that will transport you far from the bustle of the city. You can expect to discover an old bridge, river views, meadows, abandoned homes, and even a waterfall. We’re not going to guess how long the commute might take, but you can access Arden Point directly by taking Metro North to the Garrison stop, where you’ll find two stone pillars marked Arden Point–Hudson Highlands State Park. Via car (if you happen to have one in the city) it should only take about an hour to get there from Manhattan.

Boston

Hike: Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Natick, MA
Roughly 40 minutes southwest of downtown Boston is Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is nestled along the Indian Brook and Charles River with plenty of trails. The longest hiking trail here is only about 1 mile, so you’ll get to pick and choose which of the 10 trails you’d like to stack to get your steps in. Or you can cover the larger loop by starting at Glacial Hill Trail and taking it to Blueberry Swamp Loop to Old Orchard Trail to Charles River Trail to Boundary Trail to March Trail to Indian Brook Trail back to Glacial Hill Trail. Don’t forget to grab a map from the nature center! Please note this is the only hike on our list that is not dog friendly, so you'll have to leave your pup at home for this one.

Paw Paw Tunnel along the C&O Canal Towpath

Washington D.C.

Hike: C&O Canal Towpath
Location: Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
There’s no shortage of walking trails all around the D.C. area. If you want a break from Rock Creek Park or Theodore Roosevelt Island, you could head just out of the city to Mount Vernon Trail for views of the D.C. skyline. However, if you want to escape the city limits of Washington D.C. let us suggest Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The National Park entrance is a bit farther out, taking a little over an hour to commute to via car from central D.C., but is well worth the drive. You’ll find fabulous scenery of the Potomac River Valley as well as historical features of the once booming transportation system. If you don’t want to make the drive, there is a trailhead right in the heart of Georgetown (just plug 3051 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 into your GPS)! The C&O Canal Towpath rambles on for 184 miles so you can hike as far as time allows. 

Chicago

Hike: Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Location: Lemont, IL
If you live in Chicago, you know it’s a very flat landscape. It may seem like there’s not many hiking options in or around the city, but there are lots of nature preserves and forests scattered across the suburbs. Our recommendation is Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, just southwest of the city. Only about a 30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, Waterfall Glen Forest offers rolling terrain (you heard that right, a little elevation!), overlooks, and of course the waterfall it is named after. The main trail is about 9.5 miles, which is a pretty ambitious goal for 3 hours. Instead, you could hike the Tear Thumb Trail and then drive over to explore the waterfall on foot. Hurry, before the Windy City gets too cold to enjoy the outdoors!

Los Angeles

Hike: Escondido Falls
Location: Malibu, CA
Angelenos, we’re sending you to Malibu. Escondido Falls Trail in Escondido Canyon Park, to be exact. This 4-mile hike should take you a little under two hours to complete, and if it has rained recently you might even see a pretty awesome 150-foot waterfall. The hike begins in a residential area but leads into a shaded woodload of oak and sage. Once you reach the waterfall, don’t continue to the Upper Falls unless you’re an experienced hiker! Lucky for you, this hike is best visited in the winter months - so if you’re tired of Runyon and the Griffith Observatory hike, give this one a try.

Tennessee Valley Trail in Marin Headlands

San Francisco

Hike: Tennessee Valley Trail
Location: Mill Valley, CA
San Francisco (and the broader Bay Area) is a prime destination for hiking. You don’t have to go far for a good hike with breathtaking views of the ocean. We recommend heading across the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands for your outdoor adventure. Located at the southern peninsula of the broader Golden Gate National Recreation area, you can find beaches, lighthouses, and lots of fog at Marin Headlands. For an easy-rated hike that’s long enough to get your heart rate up, take the 3.4 mile out-and-back Tennessee Valley Trail. You could even pack a picnic lunch to eat on the sandy shore of Tennessee Beach. The trails of Marin County are vouched for by Ellie Baer - read about all the reasons she loves San Francisco here!

When you get home from your hike, don’t forget to hang dry your activewear! Or just let Rinse take care of your laundry for you and save 3+ hours a week to spend on more important things. Like hiking and quality time with family and friends!

Ready to trade laundry day for a hike? Check here to see if Rinse picks up and delivers laundry and dry cleaning in your zipcode!

Introduction

People are often reluctant to dry clean their clothing because it is more expensive than traditional laundry, but a professional cleaning service can be a great investment for your lifestyle and closet that saves you money in the long run.

Below we will explore the cost-effective conveniences that paying for a dry cleaning service yields for your garments, while also going over how much you should expect to pay.

How Much Does Dry Cleaning Usually Cost?

Several factors will determine how much your local dry cleaner will charge to clean your clothes, such as where you live, the type of garment, the fabric, and the size of your items. Often, there are additional services available, such as stain removal, hemming / alternations, and repairs.

Let's get into some approximate price ranges for the most common garments:

Men's Dress Shirts

Average Price: $2.50 - $5.00 per shirt

These are the most common garments cleaned at a dry cleaner. As a result, the pricing quoted for these tends to be a good indicator of how expensive the locale is. Note that women's dress shirts should have a similar price, but blouses will be more expensive.

Women's Blouses

Average Price: $5.00 - $10.00 per blouse

Blouses have a higher average cost to dry clean because they tend to be made of more delicate fabrics, such as silk or chiffon. These materials require additional care and attention to dry clean.

Suits (Two-Piece)

Average Price: $10.00 - $20.00 per suit

Most dry cleaners treat suits as separate pieces – jacket plus pants. (If you have a three-piece suit, then the vest is separate too.) However, you should not be paying more than $20 to have your favorite suit washed, whether your suit is linen, cotton, or polyester.

Dresses

Average Price: $10.00 - $20.00 per dress

The dry cleaning cost for dresses varies according to their material. Again, delicate fabrics such as silk and satin increase the difficulty of removing stains. More complex dresses (beading, sequins) add to the cost. Note wedding dresses will also be more expensive due to their size and weight.

Pants / Slacks

Average Price: $5.00 - $10.00 per pair

While the cost to wash your pants will also depend on the material, special requests can also influence pricing (think pressing or cuffs). Some dry cleaners also have separate pricing for women's pants.

Coats / Outerwear

Average Price: $15.00 - $30.00 per coat

Materials like leather and suede will be more expensive to dry clean. In addition, the size of the coat or jacket will also influence the quote you receive. Larger garments require more time and solvent to clean, increasing the dry cleaning cost.

5 Ways Dry Cleaning Can Save You Money

It Helps Your Polished Pieces Last Longer

While there are items that you can take care of at home, certain upscale pieces such as your silk dress or structured wool blazer are best left in the care of a professional dry cleaner. Pieces that aren’t properly cleaned before being put away can carry undetectable odors that attract insects and moths. These pests can eat certain fabrics, including wool, cashmere, silk, and cotton, gradually ruining your favorite items. Sensitive fabrics may also fade in color or stretch in shape in a washing machine or dryer. By using a professional cleaning service, your pieces will last much longer so you won't have to replace them as often, ultimately saving you money.

Care tip: Familiarize yourself with different fabrics and the appropriate treatment for each material. For instance, cashmere can often be hand-washed with a gentle laundry soap. Before doing so, it's always good to double-check the clothing label to see if hand washing is appropriate. Other fabrics like silk require professional dry cleaning.  Our guide on which pieces can be dry-cleaned provides an in-depth breakdown.

It Can Treat Stubborn Stains

Besides helping your pieces maintain their color and shape, dry cleaning can help treat stubborn stains like grass, which you might not be able to remove using traditional laundry means. A professional service might be able to salvage your favorite sweater or slacks so you don't waste money on different detergents, home dry cleaning kits, or DIY treatments just to end up with a slightly faded but still visible mark. Furthermore, if you don't pre-treat stains or if you use the wrong cleaning agent, you might cause further damage to your clothing. Either way, you can be left having to replace these pieces altogether and wasting money on your wardrobe.

Care tip: Food stains can affect fabrics differently than sweat residue. In some cases, you might be able to apply a DIY treatment. Know when to treat the stain yourself and when to visit a dry cleaner with our summer stains guide.

It Adds Professionalism to Your Workplace Attire

First impressions are extremely important. Being smartly dressed will help you make your mark at a job interview or client meeting – which can lead to financial gain down the road. An inexpensive way to elevate your office style is to ensure that your pieces are always freshly pressed. You don't need to spend a lot to create a chic ensemble: well-tailored and maintained pieces create a professional look that will help you get ahead in the workplace. To keep your business attire looking top-notch, leave your suit or dress shirt with the dry cleaners. Even if you work in a creative or casual environment, a creased shirt can make you look sloppy. Unsightly wrinkles, stains, or smells on worn clothing detract from your professionalism. A trusted service will help you take care of these smaller details so you can focus on the big picture and impress your boss or client.

Care tip: Besides taking care of your basic clothing maintenance needs, most modern dry cleaners provide additional options such as alterations or repairs. Take advantage of their services to ensure your office outfit is always as impressive as your portfolio.

Get Discounts for Multiple Pieces

You tend to get deals at Costco or warehouse retailers because you buy larger quantities in bulk. This concept can also be applied to dry cleaning. Some shops will have specials such as "5 shirts cleaned for the price of 4". If they don't or if your order is particularly large, they may be open to quoting below sticker price – no harm in asking!

Care tip: Test out the dry cleaner before sending a large order their way. You want to make sure they do quality work before putting your entire closet in their care.

It Avoids the Usual Damages Caused by Washing Machines

Delicate clothes are called delicate for a reason – they are easy to ruin when washing. Recall that materials like silk, suede, leather, and wool do not do well in washers or dryers. Save yourself from the heartbreak of ruining your favorite pieces and take them to the dry cleaner.

Other large items, such as comforters, may simply not fit in your washer (king-size comforters definitely will not), leaving you with few alternative wash options.

Care tip: Always make sure your washing machine is filled to an appropriate level. Overloading it will result in a poor wash and will likely require another cycle.

Dry Cleaning with Rinse

While you save on short-term costs doing laundry at home, your finest attire requires professional care to keep them looking as fresh as the day you bought them. And that's a worthwhile investment. If you want to make a good investment in your clothing care, you should strongly consider dry cleaning.

One last tip we'd like to share is to use a dry cleaning or laundry service for your convenience. For instance, Rinse has years of experience dry cleaning all types of garments, using efficient techniques, and with transparent pricing. Did we mention we pick up and deliver your laundry and dry cleaning from and to your doorstep?

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

What would make you happier: spending fifty dollars to buy yourself a couple hours of free time, or spending the same amount on a material good? According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and reported on by the New York Times, people who spend money to save time experience a boost in happiness that doesn’t occur by simply buying more stuff. So how can you save time and maximize happiness? Stop doing the chores you hate!

Five Chores to Outsource Right Now

1. Meal planning and preparation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American woman spends 37 minutes per day on meal and drink preparation, while men average 17 minutes. The first takeaway is that men need to help more in the kitchen! The second is that both groups could benefit from ordering in. 

Unless cooking is genuinely enjoyable for you, consider spending a bit more money to buy yourself some time. Those same minutes that you spend in the kitchen could be spent exercising, pursuing a hobby, or playing with your kids. I would much rather watch my three-year-old ride his bike in circles on the driveway than stand at the counter chopping onions. While delivery from restaurants will save you the most time, it’s also the most expensive (and possibly least healthy) option.

Meal kits from companies like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh are a nice compromise—cheaper than take out, but more expensive than doing it on your own. These kits save you valuable planning, shopping, and prep time while still allowing you to serve up a home-cooked meal.

2. Laundry

Laundry is another top contender for most-time-consuming chore, costing the average American woman about two hours a week. Men spend, on average, about one fourth the amount of time, which leads me to believe that either women are doing their laundry or they are wearing dirty clothes. Assuming you are doing your own laundry and don’t particularly enjoy it, consider reclaiming that time.

In addition to the time you spend sorting, loading, folding, and (in my case) scrounging around for quarters, you may also find yourself waiting for the machines to finish or interrupting other activities to move the clothes along.

How nice would it be to forget all that and have your clean clothes delivered to your door? The cheapest way to live this dream is through a subscription laundry service like Rinse Repeat. Rinse Repeat lets you stuff your dirty clothes, towels, sheets, etc, into a bag that’s picked up and delivered to your door. While most laundry services cost upwards of $2 per pound, a Rinse Repeat subscription can cut that price in half.

3. Cleaning

How much time do you spend cleaning your home? Now, how much time do you spend thinking about cleaning your home or, perhaps, feeling guilty about the grime on the top of your microwave? Hiring a cleaning professional to clean your place once or twice a month is a worthwhile investment. 

First of all, you’re probably not that skilled at cleaning the grout in your shower, so why not outsource to somebody with specialized knowledge? Also, when you know that your place is in for a thorough cleaning, you can stop worrying about the dust on your bookshelves and enjoy the moment instead. 

4. Yard work and landscaping

I know a handful of people who get joy from tending their gardens and maintaining their yard—they are usually eager to tell me about their most recent blooms and overflowing crop of arugula. Are you one of these people? If not, it might make sense to hand your yard work over to a professional.

A weekly visit from a gardener will save you about two hours a week of yard work, and their expertise could leave your yard looking even better. With weeding and trimming out of your mind, you can enjoy your outdoor space rather than seeing it as a chore.

5. Furniture and other assembly

Maybe you grew up crushing lego kits in record time, but if you’re like me, and you break out in a cold sweat every time you see instructions written in 17 different languages, you need to hire a professional.

Fortunately, Amazon, IKEA, and others give customers the option to purchase assembly right in the checkout.  Alternatively, you can hire a tasker via Taskrabbit to complete the task.  Spend the time you saved doing something fun or just enjoying your magnificent new nightstand.

Pick you favorite (or rather, your least favorite) chores from the list above and outsource. Give yourself more time for the things you actually want to do!

Readers also liked:

1.) Your Complete Guide To Caring For Cashmere

2.) What Is Green Dry Cleaning?

3.) The 4 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Silk

Introduction

The environmental movement aiming to protect and preserve the planet has much to say when it comes to clothing and fashion. Known as sustainable fashion or eco-fashion, the goal is to minimize the negative effects the fashion industry has on the environment and society. It encompasses clothing design, production, retail, and disposal of garments.

The trend towards green and sustainability has only increased in recent years as the effects of climate change become more apparent – younger generations frequently cite the need to protect the Earth as a top priority. As such, consumers need to be wary of certain clothing brands that have taken the opportunity of "greenwashing" their offerings – a marketing practice that tries to position products as more environmentally friendly than they truly are. 

While the ultimate way to be sustainable with your wardrobe is to stop acquiring new clothes, this may not always be an option. Thrift stores, rentals, or obtaining garments from friends and family for sure reduce our carbon footprint, but it may be hard to find specific apparel. If this is the case, the next step is to be selective with the brands you shop at and support.

We will first explain what to look out for in a sustainable brand before listing some of our top picks!

What Makes a Brand Sustainable?

Several factors determine whether and how sustainable a brand truly is. In a nutshell, the better (or less harmful) the brand is for the planet, the more points it gets. Here are five considerations to analyze:

1. Environmental Responsibility: A brand cannot be sustainable if it is not focused and proud to minimize waste and use of resources like electricity and water, reduce the production of pollution and carbon emissions, utilize renewable packaging, and dispose of waste and chemicals properly. In addition, the impact on fauna should be zero, ideally eliminating the use of animal materials like leather, wool, and feathers.

2. Ethical and Fair Trade Practices: A sustainable brand must ensure that its workers are treated and compensated fairly. This means they receive a living wage for their labor, health and safety regulations are strictly monitored and enforced, neither child nor forced labor is present, and workers have access to ethically-compliant management. Fair trade practices also include sourcing raw materials from ethically-verified supply chains and paying the market price, often resulting in fair trade certifications.

3. Transparency and Accountability: Open communication with all stakeholders is required for transparency. This means a brand's supply chain, business partners and practices, and environmental impact is publicly available information. 

4. Product Quality and Longevity: It is here where we distinguish truly sustainable brands from fast fashion ones. The latter has a business model in which products are less expensive but of lower quality. This results in more sales over time. The issue with this is that it also means that these clothes or accessories wear out and need to be discarded sooner, filling up landfills in the process. Sustainable clothing, on the other hand, is designed to last for a long time. It is also far more likely that you will find these clothes sustainably recycled in the form of hand-me-downs or donated than thrown away.

5. Local and Artisanal Production: Several sustainable brands seek to promote and employ local talent to produce their goods. This has the added benefit of reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and logistics, as operations are more locally concentrated.

Now that we know what we want from a brand, let's go through some that distinguish themselves in these departments.

Top 8 Sustainable Brands in the US

Reformation

This LA-based fashion brand is known for being environmentally conscious while producing stylish designs for its expansive line of clothes – from jeans to underwear to wedding dresses. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Eco-friendly materials: Reformation uses sustainable materials such as Tencel (also known as lyocell – a high-end material made from wood pulp), organic cotton, and recycled or deadstock fabrics. 

• Transparent supply chain: Reformation is very clear with the source of its materials, commitments to the communities it operates in, and is conscious of its products' life cycle.

• Commitment to reducing its environmental impact: Reformation is certified carbon neutral, produces a fulsome sustainability report and roadmap, and monitors its impact on the environment by monitoring its RefScale. It is also aiming to be climate-positive by 2025.

Proclaim

Based in LA, Proclaim is known for its inclusive nude lingerie line. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Ethical manufacturing processes: Proclaim's pieces are made in Los Angeles, in an apparel factory that is both family-owned and BIPOC-owned. It also ensures workers are paid hourly and well above minimum wage.

• Inclusive product range: Proclaim strives to make its offerings available to everyone, featuring a size range from S to 3XL.

• Sustainable practices in the lingerie industry: Proclaim designs its products with earth-friendly properties and fabrics in mind. Some of these include cupro (regenerated cellulose fabric made from recycled cotton linter), organic cotton, Tencel, and polyester made from recycled plastic. It also strives to reduce textile waste and deadstock from the piece design process.

Svala

Based in LA, Svala is a luxury designer of vegan handbags. Its product line includes handbags, purses, and tote bags. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Cruelty-free: Being vegan ensures Svala does not harm any animals. In addition, the brand donates 10% of its profits to various charities, including Wild Aid.

• Eco-friendly materials: Svala features many collections, each made with eco-friendly materials. For instance, the MIRUM line is made from a combination of virgin natural materials such as natural rubber, plant oils, and cork. It also requires no water during manufacturing and dyeing. After its lifecycle is complete, the purses can be recycled or safely returned to the earth. 

• Craftsmanship: All products are manufactured in a local factory located in downtown LA. Workers are paid a fair wage and enjoy comfortable working conditions. In addition, each bag is handcrafted by artisans.

People Tree

Founded in London as a Fair Trade apparel company, People Tree blends contemporary, versatile designs while maintaining the highest ethical and environmental standards. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Ethical sourcing: People Tree was the first fashion company to be awarded the World Fair Trade Organization product label. As such, they comply with principles of fair wages, good working conditions, transparency, and gender equality.

• Partnerships with artisan communities: People Tree supports its local partners and looks to foster economic independence for its artisans. In addition, the company provides continuous teaching of traditional hand skills like embroidery, weaving, printing, dyeing, knitting, and stitching to new generations.

• Sustainable fabric choices: People Tree partners with the Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS) in Nepal for its fabrics. KTS's textiles are entirely made from wool, cotton, and other natural fibers, such as banana and "allo" fibers.

Girlfriend Collective

An excellent option for sustainable clothes including activewear, outerwear, and intimates, this Seattle-based company is known for its commitment to ethical and green practices. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Eco-friendly materials: Girlfriend Collective's packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable. Similarly, its clothes are made from recycled materials like post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets retrieved from the seas, fabric scraps, and other waste.

• Transparent supply chain: Girlfriend Collective's textiles are made in various facilities across the globe. Its primary recycling partner is in Taiwan and its core sewing partner is in Vietnam. The company only works with verified factories that have fair practice certifications such as SA8000 and WRAP.

• Recycling initiatives: The brand's recycled fabric is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, the world’s leader in testing fabrics to regulate harmful substances. They make sure every fabric’s origin and contents are upfront, so customers know exactly what they're purchasing and wearing. 

Outerknown

This sustainable clothing brand was launched by surf champion Kelly Slater and designer John Moore in 2015. Its mission is to produce quality and stylish essentials for your wardrobe, such as sustainable swimwear, shirts, loungewear, shorts, and denim. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Ethical sourcing: Outerknown works with two B Corp Certified suppliers and has eight facilities running on renewable energy. The company recently diversified its production country of origin and moved 67% of its supply chain to ensure that every supplier prioritizes and respects human rights.

• Inclusive product range: Outerknown strives to make its offerings available to everyone, featuring a size range from XS to 2XL.

• Circularity: The brand encourages customers to keep Outerknown clothing out of landfills and enroll them in Outerworn – a reselling platform for previously loved garments.

Eileen Fisher

Based out of Irvington, NY, this American clothing brand is known for its quality and timeless designs. Its product line is wide, encompassing sweaters to sleepwear to denim. Some of its sustainability practices include:

• Ethical sourcing: Eileen Fisher utilizes recycled and ethically-sourced fabrics, such as cashmere sourced from Italy, organic cotton and hemp, and a linen blend featuring Tencel lyocell.

• Commitment to reducing its environmental impact: The brand is proud to choose fibers that are regenerative, renewable, and recyclable. It also seeks to minimize the use of water and energy and is transparent when it comes to its supply chain partners.

• Circularity: Eileen Fisher follows three steps during its product creation – Sustainable Design, which includes manufacturing most sustainably; Renew, which is the company's take back and resale program; and Waste No More, which is an art program repurposing damaged clothes into one-of-a-kind artworks.

Patagonia

This California-based outdoor apparel and gear brand is famous for its dedication to sustainability and environmental activism. It staunchly opposes fast fashion and greenwashing trends. Some of its sustainable practices include:

• Environmental stewardship: Patagonia believes that the climate crisis poses an existential threat. As such, it goes beyond just being carbon neutral and set ambitious GHG emission reduction goals, both near-term (FY2030) and long-term (FY2040). It also seeks to get oil out of its clothes and make products based on environmental profit and loss.

• Involvement in local communities' activism: Patagonia has supported grassroots movements to protect the environment and demand progressive regulations from governments. It has donated over $14 million in the past five years to slow climate change. It is also supporting its Patagonia Action Works platform to link activists with communities.

• Circularity: Patagonia offers an extensive repair program to encourage customers to avoid tossing worn products. It also has a Worn Wear initiative to recycle and resell its goods. Lastly, the brand is famous for being closed on major retail dates, such as Black Friday, to minimize consumerism. In 2016, it donated all online Black Friday sales to environmental charities.

Why You Should Shop Sustainable

Now that we've seen what makes a brand sustainable and some of the options to choose from, the next question is why should we support them? While it is true that they may be more expensive, going sustainable can positively impact the environment, your social footprint, and even your well-being via:

• Reduced environmental impact: Producing clothes utilizes a considerable amount of resources. Supporting brands that care deeply about this and seek to minimize their impact on the earth will go a long way in fighting the effects of climate change.

• Ethical production: You can rest easy when your clothes are produced in verified and ethical supply chains, ensuring workers receive a fair wage, safe working conditions, and are free from forced labor.

• Higher-quality products: Reduce your carbon footprint knowing your garments' lifecycle will be much longer. You will be doing your part in keeping the planet's landfills from filling faster than they need to.

Taking Care of Clothes and the Environment

The last piece we cover offers tips on how to take care of your clothes while minimizing the impact on the environment:

• Wash your clothes as little as possible: Some natural fibers, such as alpaca wool, are antimicrobial. This means they don't need to be washed as frequently. Some brands infuse technology into their fabrics to also possess this quality. Save water, energy, time, and wear on your clothes!

• Steam instead of ironing: While not always possible to get all wrinkles out, try to steam instead of ironing – it's much more gentle on your clothes.

• Catch microplastics in your washer: Clothes made of recycled plastic will leak microplastics when washed. Place them in a washing bag (such as GUPPYFRIEND) to catch and discard them properly.

• Use sustainable detergents: Some detergents are better for the environment than others. Use sustainable or natural ones where possible.

• Outsource your laundry and dry cleaning to an eco-friendly provider: Let a professional service like Rinse take care of your cleaning. We care deeply about the environment and our operations reflect that. Whether it be by using highly efficient washers or practicing green dry cleaning, we have you and the environment covered.

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

7 Subscription Services That Are Worth Every Penny

In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. Thankfully, subscription services are here to help us reclaim some of that time by simplifying our daily lives. These services range from entertainment and fitness to shopping and even laundry. If you’ve ever wondered which subscription services are truly worth every penny, this guide will walk you through the best options that can help you save time, money, and mental energy.

What Is a Subscription Service?

A subscription service is a model where consumers pay a recurring fee to access products or services regularly. These services are designed to provide convenience, save time, and offer a personalized experience. Whether it’s receiving a curated box of goods each month, streaming endless entertainment, or having your laundry taken care of, subscription services aim to make life a little easier. The beauty of subscription services lies in their ability to anticipate your needs, delivering value directly to your doorstep or digital device without the hassle of repeated purchases.

3 Types Of Subscription Services

There are various types of subscription services available, each catering to different needs and lifestyles. Here are some popular types:

Streaming Services

Streaming services have revolutionized how we consume media. From movies and TV shows to music and podcasts, streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ offer endless entertainment at your fingertips. These services typically charge a monthly fee, providing unlimited access to a vast library of content that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Streaming services are perfect for those who want on-demand access to their favorite entertainment without the clutter of physical media.

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are all about surprise and delight. These monthly boxes deliver curated selections of products based on your interests, whether it’s beauty, fashion, food, or hobbies. Some of the best subscription boxes include the IPSY Glam Bag for beauty lovers, Stitch Fix for fashion enthusiasts, Kidpik for parents, Rocksbox for jewelry lovers, and Universal Yums for those who love to explore global snacks. Subscription boxes offer a personalized experience, often introducing you to new products you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.

Membership Subscriptions

Membership subscriptions offer ongoing access to a specific service or group of services. Amazon Prime is a prime example (pun intended), offering members benefits like free shipping, access to Prime Video, and exclusive deals for a monthly or annual fee. Other membership subscriptions include Costco, which provides access to discounted bulk goods, and Headspace, offering guided meditation sessions for mental wellness. Memberships provide continuous value and often include perks that make the investment worthwhile.

7 Best Subscription Services

Now that we’ve covered the different types of subscription services, let’s dive into some of the best ones out there that are truly worth your investment.

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is the quintessential subscription service for modern living. For a monthly fee of $14.99 or an annual fee of $139, Prime members get access to a multitude of benefits. These include free two-day shipping on millions of items, same-day delivery in select areas, access to the expansive Prime Video library, free monthly Kindle downloads, and more. The convenience of having nearly any item delivered to your doorstep in a matter of days cannot be overstated. Plus, the added value of entertainment options and exclusive deals makes Amazon Prime a no-brainer for many households.

Stitch Fix / Trunk Club

Keeping your wardrobe updated can be a time-consuming task, but Stitch Fix and Trunk Club make it effortless. These clothing subscription services deliver personalized style selections to your door based on your fashion preferences and size. Simply fill out a style profile, and a personal stylist will curate a box of clothing and accessories for you to try on at home. You only pay for what you keep, and returns are hassle-free. This service is perfect for those who want to stay stylish without the hassle of shopping, and it’s also a great way to discover new brands and styles.

Rinse Repeat

Rinse Repeat takes the chore out of laundry with its convenient and cost-effective service. For a flat monthly fee, Rinse will pick up your dirty laundry, wash it, fold it, and deliver it back to you within 24 hours. The service is all-inclusive, covering everything from delicates to everyday wear to specialty items. The Rinse Repeat bag holds up to 40 pounds of laundry, allowing you to skip the time-consuming tasks of sorting, washing, and folding. With the time you save, you can focus on more important activities, like spending time with family or pursuing hobbies. Plus, Rinse also offers dry cleaning, hang dry, and even repair services, making it a comprehensive solution for all your clothing care needs.

Exercise Subscriptions

Fitness is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, and exercise subscriptions make it easier to stay active without the hassle of going to a gym. Services like Peloton, Daily Burn, and Strava offer on-demand workout classes, live sessions, and tracking tools to keep you motivated. Whether you prefer cycling, running, yoga, or strength training, there’s an exercise subscription to match your interests. These services are not only convenient but also offer flexibility, allowing you to work out whenever and wherever you want. For those who prefer home workouts, Peloton’s cycling and running memberships provide access to world-class instructors and a supportive community, while Daily Burn offers a variety of workout routines that can be streamed on any device.

Book of the Month

If you’re an avid reader or want to read more, Book of the Month is the perfect subscription for you. Each month, subscribers choose from a selection of new and noteworthy books handpicked by experts. You receive a hardcover book delivered to your door, giving you a chance to discover new authors and genres. The service is affordable, with plans starting at just $14.99 per month. Book of the Month is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a great book on hand, and it makes for a thoughtful gift for fellow book lovers.

HelloFresh

Meal planning and grocery shopping can be daunting, especially with a busy schedule. HelloFresh simplifies the process by delivering pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to your door. Each week, you can choose from a variety of meal options, including vegetarian and family-friendly dishes. The meals are designed to be cooked in 30 minutes or less, making it easy to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the hassle. HelloFresh takes the guesswork out of meal prep, helping you eat healthier and save time. Plus, the service is flexible, allowing you to skip weeks or adjust your delivery schedule as needed.

Headspace

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health and mindfulness are more important than ever. Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app that offers guided sessions to help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. With a library of meditations for everything from anxiety to sleep, Headspace makes it easy to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. The app also offers sleep sounds, focus music, and even workouts designed to help you move with mindfulness. With a monthly or annual subscription, Headspace is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their mental health and find a sense of calm in their daily life.

Keep Your Life Simplified With These Subscription Services

If you’re ready to streamline your life and enjoy more free time, explore these subscription services and see how they can benefit you. Whether it’s the convenience of Amazon Prime, the sartorial help from Stitch Fix, or the stress relief from Headspace, these services offer a return on investment that goes beyond the financial. They give you the most precious resource of all: time. So why not make the most of it?

At Rinse, we understand the importance of time-saving services, which is why our Rinse Repeat laundry service is designed to take the hassle out of your laundry routine. By subscribing to Rinse Repeat, you can ensure that your clothes are professionally cleaned and delivered back to you, leaving you with more time to enjoy the things that matter most. If you’re a commercial partner, check out the many ways Rinse can help you simplify your cleaning processes.

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

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